If you're looking for a unique and entertaining experience, you might want to consider exploring the world of close-up magic. Close-up magic, also known as Cgili magic, is a form of magic that typically involves tricks or illusions performed with small objects, such as cards, coins, or everyday items. One of the great things about close-up magic is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. Whether you're attending a corporate event, a wedding, a birthday party, or simply looking for a fun night out, finding a Cgili magic near you can be a captivating and memorable experience. So, what can you expect when you attend a Cgili magic show? Unlike stage magic, which is performed for a larger audience, close-up magic usually involves a more intimate setting, with the magician performing directly in front of a small group of people. This close proximity allows for a more engaging and interactive experience, as you get to witness the magic happening right before your eyes.
She thought she ought to panic. She thought she ought to be afraid. Instead something within her swelled. She was in the Witchwood. It was a moment she had spent her life dreaming of—the sort of dream that existed only in the darkest part of the night. It had never occurred to her that such a dream could come true. Yet here she was, between the trees. Each step forward took her closer to the world Within. To the Witchlands.
To the place where she belonged.
For the longer Wren had spent on the road with Tamsin, and the more she learned about the world that she had always denied herself, the more certain she was that she needed to see it. She had to know. No more running. It was time to start embracing her true self.
And her true self was brought out by Tamsin. There was a tentative kindness forming there. Taking down the men together had been exhilarating, had made Wren feel invincible. It had made her feel like the connection between them wasn’t a coincidence—that they had been meant to find each other.
And then, before they’d stepped into the Wood, all her hard work had paid off. Tamsin had shared a secret of her own accord. She had finally stopped fighting Wren, stopped hiding, and had offered a momentary view of true vulnerability. They were making progress. Progress toward what, Wren didn’t know. But it felt like something vast and wild and important.
Within the first few chapters, I established a sense of what this world looked like, how its magic system worked, and how the world affects our characters. So, when considering the aspects of Sweet Bitter Magic , I thought about how Adrienne Tooley pulled off a standalone fantasy novel centered on a sapphic romance.
This close proximity allows for a more engaging and interactive experience, as you get to witness the magic happening right before your eyes. A skilled Cgili magician will use a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, and psychological manipulation to create mind-boggling illusions that will leave you mesmerized. They may perform card tricks that seem impossible, make objects disappear and reappear, or even read your mind.
Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley (book review)
A witch (Tamsin) and a girl made of magic (Wren) team up together to take down a dark witch and save the land from a plague.
CHARACTERS
The novel's focus is primarily on three characters; Tamsin the banished witch, Wren the source, and Tamsin's less powerful twin sister Marlena. Tamsin and Wren go from reluctant allies to romantic interests throughout the course of the novel so I would classify them in the trope of enemies to lovers. Wren is the sweet in the title as she shows through her actions that she is selfless, sees the best in people, and loves simple pleasures like picking wildflowers. Tamsin, meanwhile, is the bitter as she has been cursed to be unable to feel love and cannot return home. The two are opposites but they work well together because they respect and bring out the best in one another.
Tamsin and Marlena's relationship is explored through the eyes of both sisters despite Marlena being deceased (more on that in the next section). I thought this was smart because it shows how lopsided their relationship was with Tamsin believing them to be extremely close but Marlena actually resenting her sister.
One thing I really loved was how Tamsin and Wren muse that their romance may last forever or may be fleeting but either way its impact and importance is not diminished. So often we see budding romances portrayed in novels as a great, everlasting love and that's not always realistic. It was a refreshing take.
My only complaints were how Wren and Tamsin's relationship could be a tad too cheesy for my taste and also Wren's relationship with her father. Wren tells us she loves her father but we read on page that she feels held back by him and cares for him more out of a sense of duty than anything else. I don't necessarily have a problem with Wren feeling burdened by caring for her father, but don't then try to sell me on the idea that she so values the love she has for him.
NARRATIVE STYLE/PACING The novel is told from the alternating third person perspectives of Wren and Tamsin. There are also excerpts from Marlena's dairy. The inclusion of diary entries is something I see a lot in books and I think that's because it's such an easy way to get to know a character we don't see on page. It's not groundbreaking, but it's used effectively here.
Tamsin's inability to love is shown to impact everything. Not only can she not love people, but she can't taste or smell or see colors like she used to, either. This made the curse feel a lot more nuanced than I at first expected it to be and I applaud Tooley for thinking outside the box when crafting this curse.
This novel is a standalone which is uncommon in the fantasy genre. The story doesn't feel rushed at any point, though. There is enough of the world and its history established to ground the reader in the setting and enough of the characters' pasts explored to get a good understanding of them. Wren and Tamsin's connection doesn't feel sudden and jarring like I feared it might but develops gradually throughout the novel. The ending is open but hopeful which is a good balance to strike. It leaves the reader feeling satisfied but also, if Tooley wanted, she could write a sequel about Wren and Tamsin's futures.
WORLD BUILDING This was my favorite part of the novel. As a fantasy lover I am always on the lookout for novels with world building that feels unlike others I've read before. The idea of there being people made of magic (sources) who can see and hear magic was unlike anything I've read before. It was such a cool concept that worked perfectly with the story Tooley was trying to tell. Another really awesome aspect was how dark magic drained the earth. The idea of magic having consequences is common in fantasy but here we see its devastating effects that serve as the novel's foundation and raise the stakes.
Tooley did a good job of explaining the history of the world and its magic system. I love mirroring in novels and that can be seen here in the rise of a new dark witch much like there was several decades prior to the events of the novel. Just as this fractured relations between the ordinary folks and the magical ones before so too is it damaging trust this time around.
FINAL THOUGHTS While fantasy is my favorite genre I generally don't gravitate towards witch stories. I was drawn in by the pretty cover. When I read the synopsis I was hopeful this could change my perspective on witches. It became one of my most anticipated reads of the last year and I'm happy to say I was not wrong in my faith in this debut. Tooley demonstrates a lot of promise as an author here and I am 100% going to pick out whatever she publishes next.
FINAL RATING: 4.5⭐️
The beauty of close-up magic is that it's up-close and personal, making it harder to figure out how the tricks are done. If you're wondering where to find a Cgili magic near you, there are a few options to consider. You can start by searching online for local magic clubs or organizations in your area. These groups often host regular meetings or events where magicians showcase their skills. Attending one of these gatherings can be a great way to see multiple performers and get a taste of different styles of close-up magic. Another option is to check local entertainment venues, such as bars, restaurants, or theaters, as they sometimes host Cgili magic nights or have magicians perform as part of their lineup. Alternatively, you can reach out to event planners or hire a professional magician for private events, such as parties or weddings. In conclusion, discovering a Cgili magic near you can be a fantastic opportunity to witness incredible tricks right under your nose. Whether you're a fan of magic or simply looking for a unique experience, close-up magic offers an interactive and captivating form of entertainment that is sure to leave you spellbound. So, why not embrace the mystery and enchantment of Cgili magic for your next outing or special event?.
Reviews for "Discover the Magic in Your City: Local Cgili Magic Performances Near Me"
1. Jack Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Cgili magic near me." The show was billed as a magical experience, but it fell flat. The tricks were predictable and the magician lacked charisma. The pacing of the show was off, with long pauses in between tricks that killed any momentum. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and underwhelming experience.
2. Emily Johnson - 1 star - I have to say that "Cgili magic near me" was the worst magic show I've ever seen. The magician's tricks were amateurish and poorly executed. It was painfully obvious how he managed to perform each trick, and there was no sense of wonder or awe. The jokes and banter were also cringe-worthy, adding to the overall disappointment. I would not recommend wasting your money on this show.
3. Matthew Thompson - 2 stars - I'm sad to say that "Cgili magic near me" did not meet my expectations. The magician seemed disinterested and lacked enthusiasm throughout the entire performance. The tricks were lackluster and the presentation was unimpressive. I could tell that the magician was simply going through the motions, and it made for a dull and unengaging show. I left feeling underwhelmed and uninspired.
4. Sarah Williams - 3 stars - While "Cgili magic near me" had its moments, it was overall a mediocre performance. The magician had a few impressive tricks, but they were few and far between. The rest of the show felt repetitive and lacked originality. The pacing was also off, with some tricks dragging on for too long. I didn't hate the show, but I wouldn't recommend it either. It was just okay.
5. Michael Harris - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Cgili magic near me," but unfortunately, it fell short. The magician had some decent tricks, but they were overshadowed by the lack of showmanship and stage presence. The performance lacked energy and enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the magician's attempts at humor fell flat, adding to the overall disappointment. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone looking for a memorable magical experience.