Book 1 of the Backward Magic series is a captivating and thrilling story that takes readers on a magical journey. The main idea revolves around a young protagonist named Alex who discovers a hidden attic in his grandparents' house. In this attic, he stumbles upon a mysterious book that grants him the power to see into the past and alter history..
"Vivid and enchanting, with a can’t-miss-it foray into the Salem Witch Trials, Magic Lessons is another sublime entry in an arresting series." — Esquire
Hoffman writes deftly, and often beautifully, about nature, and she can plot like, well, a witch, casting a spell on her reader to flip pages, reading ahead for plot twists. All I remember, was that these children used to walk backwards in a graveyard , and they would find themselves in a fantasy world with demons and fairies; it was a very different world each time.
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Magic Lessons: Book #1 of the Practical Magic Series (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
- #2: The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #2) (Paperback): $16.99
- #4: The Book of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #4) (Paperback): $17.99
October 2020 Indie Next List
“I so wanted to read this slowly and savor every page since this may be the last time we get to venture into this world of magic and the Owens family. But as if entranced by Alice Hoffman’s magic, the pages were turning faster and faster and I devoured this book in two sittings. No one tells a story like Alice Hoffman, and I only hope she finds a way to bring this magical family back to us again in the future. I simply loved this book. It’s everything you want from Alice Hoffman — a great story of love and magic!”
— Julie Slavinsky, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
Winter 2022 Reading Group Indie Next List
“Pure magic. We meet Maria, the matriarch of the Owens family. We get a firsthand account of her life, her love story, and the beginning of the Owens family curse. You don’t have to have read Practical Magic or Rules of Magic to enjoy this gem.”
— Liberty Goldstein, Title Wave Books (NM), Albuquerque, NM
Description
In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.
When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.
Magic Lessons is a “heartbreaking and heart-healing” (BookPage) celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.
Praise For…
"Storytelling is in Hoffman’s bones, and the skill with which she dispenses information and compresses time, so that a year passes in a sentence, so that a tragedy witnessed becomes the propeller for a hundred-page subplot, is (forgive me) bewitching. My current reality feels chaotic and confusing; to have a narrator take my hand and tell me that linden root and yarrow will cure a racing heart, that witches turn silver dull with their touch, is an undiluted pleasure. Hoffman’s book swept me away during a time I most needed it." —New York Times Book Review
"Hoffman writes deftly, and often beautifully, about nature, and she can plot like, well, a witch, casting a spell on her reader to flip pages, reading ahead for plot twists... Magic Lessons is a compelling reminder of the past, which as it turns out, is not distant enough from the present.” —Boston Globe
"A gorgeous new novel you won't want to miss" — Bustle
"Vivid and enchanting, with a can’t-miss-it foray into the Salem Witch Trials, Magic Lessons is another sublime entry in an arresting series." — Esquire
“In Hoffman’s luminous prose, all characters, even the villains, are not only vividly, but also compassionately, rendered. Hoffman adeptly highlights that how one uses a talent, selflessly or selfishly, has a sweeping impact on many lives, meaning that one should always choose courage, and that love is the only answer.” —Booklist
"Hoffman offers an eye-opening account of how single women were treated in the 17th century, particularly when their knowledge or intelligence was deemed threatening. [This] page-turning adventure is thoroughly enjoyable. Hoffman’s redemptive story of a fiercely independent woman adds an engrossing, worthwhile chapter to the series." —Publisher's Weekly
"Calling all Alice Hoffman stans. Along the way, [Magic Lessons] shows us how smart, independent women were treated in the 17th century. Don't miss it." —theSkimm
"Full of wonderfully strong women, fascinating history and a plot that doesn't stop spinning, this book is a treat." —AARP Magazine
"Mysterious, magical and with important lessons about love and life, I cannot wait for it!” —Parade
"Heartbreaking and heart-healing…intense and gorgeous…This is an impressive tale, equal parts love story, history, and horror….The whole thing is absolutely riveting and riveting from start to finish.” — BookPage
"A very emotional, mystical, engaging read. The characters in this novel are brilliantly drawn with Hoffman’s skillful writing. It is a magical read." — The Free Lance–Star
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Historical
- Fiction / Occult & Supernatural
- Hardcover (October 6th, 2020): $27.99
- CD-Audio (October 6th, 2020): $39.99
- Library Binding, Large Print (February 1st, 2021): $38.95
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Reviews for "The Backward Magic Series: Book 1 - A Thrilling and Magical Read"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Book 1 of the backward magic series" to be quite disappointing. The plot had potential, but it lacked depth and failed to captivate my interest. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions often seemed forced. Additionally, the writing style was mediocre at best, making the reading experience quite mundane. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - I regret wasting my time reading "Book 1 of the backward magic series." The story was incredibly predictable, offering no surprises or originality. The pacing was sluggish, making it difficult to stay engaged. The dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, and the author's attempts at humor fell flat. I struggled to connect with any of the characters and felt no emotional investment in their journeys. I would advise others to avoid this book and seek out more compelling fantasy novels instead.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Book 1 of the backward magic series" left much to be desired. The world-building was weak, leaving many aspects of the magical system unexplained. The plot felt disjointed, with random events and interactions that didn't contribute to the overall narrative. The main character lacked development and her motivations were unclear. Furthermore, the writing style was overly simplistic and lacked finesse. Overall, I found this book to be unimpressive and would not recommend it to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.