Author: Alice Hoffman
Series: Practical Magic #4
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 396
Obtained: publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Magical Realism
Rating: 5/5
Bottom Line: A perfect conclusion to a wonderful series
Grab, Just get it at the library, or Remove from your TBR list? Grab
Summary: The Owens family has been cursed in matters of love for over three-hundred years but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work. A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love. The Book of Magic is a breathtaking conclusion that celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love. ~amazon.com
Review: The Book of Magic is the sequel to Practical Magic but also the spectacular conclusion to the Owens' story. This story is full of history that goes back hundreds of years and spans different family lines. The Owens have always gone out of their way to protect themselves and their loved ones from their family curse but when Sally decides to keep her daughters, Antonia & Kylie, in the dark about their curse, things quickly spiral out of control. Kylie takes off for England to try to break the curse to save her boyfriend, Gideon. What Kylie doesn't realize is that this will set off a series of events that will forever change the trajectory of their family.
What Alice Hoffman does so well is create atmosphere, setting and connections with her characters. It is their journey that we find ourselves engrossed in and the places they visit that cement the story in our head. For this one we go to Paris, London and back to Massachusetts. This trip will change their lives forever. It brings one of them back into the fold and allows one of them to open up and let go of herself and her worries.
I am truly sad to see these wonderful women go because this is the final book in the Owens' women saga. I can't recommend these books enough but I will say you at least need to read Practical Magic before reading this one or you just won't understand it. Then you can go back and read The Rules of Magic and Magic Lessons.
I can't wait to see what Ms. Hoffman has in store for us with her next novel.
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