"A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford

 

"A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford is one of the sweetest cozy fantasies I’ve read recently—and I read a lot! Told from the heroine’s first-person perspective, it blends cozy fantasy with a heartfelt exploration of what it means to align with one’s true self.

Seventeen-year-old Willow Stokes is drowning in grief and debt after the death of her father, a man the townspeople of Ardmuir dismissed as a charlatan. His magical curiosity shoppe hasn’t sold anything magical in years and now teeters on bankruptcy. Lonely and struggling, Willow is determined to keep it going. The arrival of the outlander Brianna Hargrave, a girl cursed to turn everything she touches into magic, turns her life around.

Ignoring the shop’s Wolpertinger’s warning to avoid Brianna, Willow strikes a deal with her: she’ll help find a grimoire to break Brianna’s curse in return for Brianna’s help in reactivating the magical items in the shop. With the help of Finlay, a kind printer’s apprentice, the two embark on a dangerous quest involving a collector’s hunt for the rarest magical object.

What follows is a whimsical adventure about unexpected friendship, quests, and the kind of magic that teaches you about yourself. Themes of grief, self-worth, found family, love in all its forms, and the power of friendship are beautifully woven throughout.

Whimsical, heartfelt, and full of found family, A Curious Kind of Magic is a charming cozy fantasy with depth, humor, and just the right touch of romance. The pacing is solid, keeping the story moving without feeling rushed, and the world-building is immersive and charming. While the magic system isn’t overly detailed and leans more toward the whimsical, it fits the cozy tone of the story and complements its emotional core.

The author created characters readers can grow to respect and relate to. I loved the bond between the three main characters. Willow is stubborn and guarded, struggling with self-pity and isolation after her father’s death. The entrance of Brianna and Finlay changes everything—I especially loved the development of Willow’s character.

Though she prides herself on being practical, Willow grows to appreciate Finlay’s sentimentality and steady support, as well as Brianna’s friendship. Finlay makes her want to be a better person. Brianna, also prickly and isolated by her curse, is Willow’s opposite, and their strengths complement each other’s weaknesses. Willow learns that everyone has the potential to become more than they seem, that believing in magic means believing in yourself, and that life is made up of choices—sometimes the smallest ones can have a profound impact.

In sum, the author has crafted a wonderful story with dynamic characters and a complex plot full of surprises—which I loved. Some fantastical elements may be a bit over the top, even for fantasy, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment. I especially appreciated that the romance didn’t take over the story. The writing is terrific, bringing every character to life.

The combination of unexpected plot twists, likable characters, and a happy ending made this a truly enjoyable and compelling read. This is exactly the kind of book I love. Even though it’s geared toward YA readers, as an adult, I was fully immersed in the tale. Fans of cozy fantasy with strong characters, found family, and quests will love this.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: " A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford