Ben Rector is an American singer-songwriter known for his unique brand of feel-good pop music. One of his popular albums is "Magic" released in 2018. "Magic" showcases Rector's talent for crafting catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with a wide audience. The vinyl version of "Magic" is a collector's item for fans of Ben Rector's music. Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as they offer a nostalgic listening experience and a warm, analog sound that digital formats often lack. The vinyl edition of "Magic" not only allows fans to enjoy the music, but it also serves as a physical representation of the artistry and creativity that went into the album.
Francesca Flores is a writer, traveler and linguist. Raised in Pittsburgh, she read every fantasy book she could get her hands on and started writing her own stories at a young age. She began writing Diamond City while working as a corporate travel manager. When she's not writing or reading, Francesca enjoys traveling, dancing ballet and jazz, practicing trapeze and contortion, and visiting parks and trails around San Francisco, where she currently resides.
Until one night two years ago, vampires broke through the magical barrier protecting their town, and in the ensuing attack, Kaye s mother was killed, and Ava was turned into a vampire. Until one night two years ago, vampires broke through the magical barrier protecting their town, and in the ensuing attack, Kaye s mother was killed, and Ava was turned into a vampire.
The vinyl edition of "Magic" not only allows fans to enjoy the music, but it also serves as a physical representation of the artistry and creativity that went into the album. The large album cover provides a canvas for visually appealing artwork that complements the music contained within. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, vinyl records also offer a unique listening experience.
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores is a young adult, queer Rapunzel retelling set in a fantasy world where witches and vampires coexist. The novel follows Ava and Kaye, who used to be best friends until the fateful night when Kaye’s mother was murdered and Ava was turned into a vampire against her will. Struggling to overcome their own personal traumas, their relationship is tested when they must put aside their differences to confront a looming threat against their community. With its blend of romance, adventure, and suspense, this novel delves into a supernatural realm of magic made thorny by the prickly complexities of family loyalties.
I can’t accept it as coincidence that Ava disappeared that same day, and I saw her with blood on her chin a few days later.
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
While the premise is compelling, the pacing and worldbuilding is where this novel falls short. The story feels rushed and formulaic at times, with pivotal events unfolding too quickly, and plot twists being entirely too predictable. The combining of vampire and witch lore was initially intriguing, but I was constantly confused as to why only Ava was a vampire who retained her witch powers. Her mother keeps it a secret to use for her own benefit, but it’s never quite clear if Ava’s an anomaly, or if it’s common knowledge that she would have retained her powers due to how she was turned into a vampire.
I often found myself craving more details, especially when it came to why vampires and witches hate each other. I was looking for nuanced conversations or metaphors about the racial and species prejudices in this world, but all I got was a “fantasy” where those prejudices just get to exist without question. For instance, Kaye, who was told her mother was murdered by a vampire but has no other evidence to prove it, sees her best friend Ava in a tower with blood on her face a few days later and somehow decides Ava did it. She…allegedly murdered her best friend’s mother and just didn’t wash her face for days. And that’s all it takes to rewire Kaye’s entire personality. Uh…what? Make it make sense!
And speaking of Ava’s mother — the woman murders her own daughter and turns her into a vampire against her will, keeps her imprisoned, siphons off her power, and emotionally manipulates her. All that sounds incredibly traumatizing, especially since Ava makes the brave decision to run away and rescue herself from this life; however, Flores’ treatment of this storyline is flippant. It’s simply a passing detail, and is yet another aspect of the novel that I really would have liked to see fleshed out. What was her mother’s motive? Were there no warning signs for the first sixteen years of Ava’s life?
Had she stared at the same moon those long nights and wished to be with me too?
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
On a positive note, I enjoyed Flores’ accessible writing, and particularly the beautiful prose as Ava and Kaye pine for one another. Whether it be for their lost friendship or their budding romance, it’s easy for readers to relate to the yearning and inner turmoil each girl experiences. Flores excels at illustrating this sapphic romance, and I especially enjoyed the parts in the first half of the book when the girls travel through the forest and skirt around each other after two years apart. However, I constantly had trouble telling Ava and Kaye apart! Maybe it’s just me, but I felt their personalities and voices often blended together, and the girls lacked the depth needed to truly resonate as fully developed characters.
The Witch and the Vampire is a one-dimensional, predictable sapphic romance, and the worldbuilding and pacing leaves much to be desired. I really wanted to love this book, but it was a letdown in almost every way. So much potential was left on the table, and the Rapunzel foundation of this retelling is almost an afterthought! (Honestly, it seems more like a Tangled retelling, though just barely.) A standalone novel simply doesn’t have the room Flores required to successfully weave the rich tapestry of the world she created. The potential for something truly immersive and captivating is there, but the execution simply is not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hearing music on vinyl can evoke a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the past, as it brings to mind a time when physical media was the primary way people consumed music. Furthermore, vinyl records require a more intentional and engaged listening experience. Unlike digital music, which can be in the background while performing other tasks, playing a vinyl record often demands the listener's full attention. This can result in a more immersive and intimate experience with the music. For fans of Ben Rector, the vinyl version of "Magic" is a must-have item that allows them to connect more deeply with the artist's music. Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or spun on a turntable, the vinyl edition of "Magic" is a tangible reminder of the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and create lasting memories..
Reviews for "Keeping the Magic Alive: Caring for Ben Rector's Magic Vinyl"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really excited to get my hands on the "Ben Rector Magic Vinyl" because I had heard great things about the artist. However, I was quite disappointed with this album. The songs lacked originality and creativity, and it felt like I was listening to the same generic pop tunes over and over again. The lyrics were predictable and lacked depth, making the overall listening experience quite dull. I was hoping for more magic, but unfortunately, this album fell flat for me.
2. Michael - 1/5 - I couldn't wait to listen to Ben Rector's "Magic Vinyl," but boy was I in for a disappointment. This album is a complete snooze-fest. The melodies are forgettable, and the production feels uninspired. The lyrics try to evoke emotions, but they come off as cliché and forced. I was hoping for some magical moments, but all I got was a lackluster collection of songs that failed to capture my attention. Save your money and give this one a pass.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - As a longtime fan of Ben Rector, I had high expectations for his "Magic Vinyl." However, this album failed to meet them. The songs lack the catchy hooks and infectious energy that I loved in his previous work. It feels like he played it safe and stuck to a formula that worked before, resulting in a lack of growth and experimentation. While the album is not terrible, it lacks the magic that I had come to expect from Ben Rector. I hope he takes more risks in his future releases to recapture his signature sound.