Something close to magic is a concept that refers to experiences or phenomena that are awe-inspiring, captivating, or incomprehensible. It encompasses moments or things that have the power to enchant or amaze us beyond logical explanation or understanding. This notion can be applied to various aspects of life, from extraordinary natural phenomena and breathtaking landscapes to exceptional human achievements and abilities. It encapsulates the feeling of being spellbound or deeply moved by something that seems extraordinary or beyond ordinary comprehension. Nature often provides us with moments that are something close to magic. This can include witnessing a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, observing the intricate patterns of a snowflake, or being captivated by the beauty of a starry night sky.
I loved this. It’s got all the things I love about her contemporary stories (complex, likable characters, great dialogue), plus palace intrigue and an interesting magic system.
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. It s got an upbeat feel to it mostly, but I definitely cried in the scenes where Hapless and Aurelie are confronted by the lies they believe in all their ugliness.
This can include witnessing a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, observing the intricate patterns of a snowflake, or being captivated by the beauty of a starry night sky. These occurrences remind us of the wonders of the world and inspire a sense of awe and reverence. Human achievements can also evoke this feeling.
Something Close to Magic
Emma Mills’ Something Close to Magic will remind readers of The Princess Bride: a fantastical tale with relationships that hit close to home.
Share this Article:Aurelie possesses the rare skill of Seeking, the art of finding people, but she’s given up on magic—it’s an outdated practice in the kingdom, anyway. Being a baker’s apprentice isn’t her dream, but it’s safe and stable, and she’d be content to remain a baker forever. That is, until a bounty hunter named Iliana visits her shop and asks for help in her quest to rescue Prince Hapless. Aurelie joins Iliana and her troll associate, Quad, and gets swept up into a kingdomwide adventure involving strange creatures, mysterious assassins and royal conspiracies. Their odyssey takes Aurelie far from the bakery and calls into question whether she’s living the life she really wants.
While author Emma Mills takes inspiration from classic fairy tales in Something Close to Magic, she also challenges traditional fantasy tropes. Magic, for example, is seen as antiquated and pointless, and those who practice magic are largely dismissed by society. And Prince Hapless is the story’s damsel in distress, needing the female characters to save him. Mills also gives each character more depth than a traditional fable would, diving into Aurelie’s complex emotions about her future, Hapless’ tense relationship with his role as a thirdborn royal son, Iliana’s hidden past and Quad’s perspective on humanity. Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. It’s easy to root for their success as a team after watching the steady development of their relationships.
Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. The banter between characters feels natural, with conversations showcasing Aurelie’s tenacity, Iliana’s wit, Hapless’ charm and Quad’s candor.
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; Something Close to Magic may be a fantastical tale, but it’s also one with relationships that hit close to home.
Representation
Iliana is in love with a woman. It’s unclear whether Hapless has some kind of learning disability. It’s never specified, but kind of hinted at?
Whether it is witnessing a breathtaking performance by a talented musician or artist, witnessing an act of kindness that restores our faith in humanity, or observing extraordinary athletic feats, these moments can leave us astounded and believing in the power of human potential. However, something close to magic is not confined to natural wonders or human accomplishments. It can also extend to intangible aspects of life, such as love, friendship, and the depth of human emotions. The inexplicable connection between two people, the profound impact of a heartfelt conversation, or the ability to find solace and comfort in times of pain or grief can all be considered something close to magic. In essence, something close to magic represents those instances or elements of life that transcend the boundaries of our rational understanding and tap into a deeper sense of wonder and amazement. It highlights the beauty and mystery that exists in the world, reminding us to keep our eyes open to the extraordinary moments that can be found even in the most ordinary of circumstances..
Reviews for "The Magician's Code: Ethics and Responsibility in the World of Magid"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Something Close to Magid". The story felt disjointed and hard to follow, with too many characters and subplots that were never fully developed. The writing style was also quite pretentious, trying too hard to be poetic but failing to convey any real depth or emotion. Overall, I found the book to be a confusing and frustrating read, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't get into "Something Close to Magid" at all. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot seemed to meander without any clear direction. The characters were also poorly developed, making it hard to connect or care about what happened to them. I found myself constantly checking how many pages were left, hoping it would be over soon. Unfortunately, even the ending left me unsatisfied. This book just wasn't for me.
3. Alex - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Something Close to Magid", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was overly verbose and self-indulgent, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The plot lacked cohesion, jumping between different timelines and perspectives without providing enough context or explanation. The characters also felt shallow and unlikable, making it hard to invest in their journeys. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.