"Something Close to Magic" by Emma Mills is a captivating and heartwarming young adult novel that explores themes of friendship, loss, and the power of connection. The story revolves around the protagonist, Brynn Harper, a witty and relatable teenager who has recently moved to a small town in California after her older sister, Sarah, passes away. The main idea of the novel lies in the discovery of the deep and meaningful relationships Brynn forms with her new friends, especially a boy named Eli and a group of theater enthusiasts known as The Smuggies. These friendships serve as a source of comfort and healing for Brynn as she navigates her grief and tries to make sense of her sister's death. The friendships also offer her a sense of belonging and purpose, as she is welcomed into a community that shares her love for creativity and the arts. The novel also explores the theme of finding magic in the ordinary and the power of storytelling.
The novel also explores the theme of finding magic in the ordinary and the power of storytelling. Brynn's bond with Eli is built upon their shared interest in writing and creating stories, and it is through their collaboration that they are able to find solace and create something beautiful out of their pain. Mills's writing is both humorous and poignant, and she effortlessly captures the complexities of teenage friendships and the universal experiences of grief and loss.
Something Close to Magic (Hardcover)
A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this “appealingly breezy” ( Kirkus Reviews ) and “deftly written” ( School Library Journal , starred review) young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
About the Author
Emma Mills is the author of several young adult novels, including Foolish Hearts, First & Then, and Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on X (previously known as Twitter) and Instagram (@Elmify) or at EmmaMillsBooks.com.
Praise For…
"This novel has in-depth character development with a fantasy world that comes alive as the story progresses. . . Strongly recommended for Dungeon & Dragons enthusiasts. With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly recommended."
— School Library Journal , STARRED REVIEW
"Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. . . Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. . . Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride."
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
- Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
Overall, "Something Close to Magic" is a poignant and uplifting novel that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding them of the power of human connection and the magic that can be found in even the most challenging of circumstances..
Reviews for "The Role of Fantasy in Emma Mills' Novels: Escaping into Enchanted Realms"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - Something Close to Magic was a huge disappointment for me. I found the characters to be flat and unrelatable, and the plot felt like it was going nowhere. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward dialogue and descriptions that fell flat. Overall, the book didn't capture my attention and I struggled to finish it.
2. Mark - 2/5 - I had high hopes for Something Close to Magic, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The story felt overly cliché and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. It was hard to connect with them or care about their journey. Additionally, the pacing was off, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others dragged. It just wasn't the captivating and magical read I was expecting.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I couldn't get into Something Close to Magic. The writing style felt forced and overly descriptive, which made it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story. The characters were also forgettable and their actions often didn't make sense. The book lacked a clear direction and felt disjointed. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I struggled to finish.