Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches Magic has always been surrounded by a glimmer of mystique, enchantment, and wonder. For centuries, witches have been celebrated for their incredible abilities to manipulate the natural forces of the universe. However, not all witches are easily swayed by the belief in magic. Some can't help but approach the subject with a healthy dose of skepticism, questioning its existence and effectiveness. These cynical witches may find it hard to fully embrace the idea of magic and its potential. But does that mean there is no hope for these skeptical souls to tap into the mystical powers that surround them? Absolutely not.
But does that mean there is no hope for these skeptical souls to tap into the mystical powers that surround them? Absolutely not. In fact, there is a type of magic that may be particularly well-suited for cynical witches – improbable magic. Improbable magic challenges the conventional notions of what magic is and how it works.
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches (Paperback)
Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the last person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or to think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. After losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.
But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.
But Eleanor’s complicated history continues to haunt her. She will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is an atmospheric and romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present.
About the Author
Kate Scelsa is a novelist, playwright, and part time witch. Her debut novel Fans of the Impossible Life was an Indie Next pick, a Rainbow List Top Ten book, and has been published in ten languages. Her play Everyone's Fine With Virginia Woolf has been produced in New York, Dublin, and was published by Dramatists Play Service. Kate’s identity as a witch can be traced back to second grade, when she founded her first coven. These days her witchy activities include reading tarot from the (only slightly) haunted house in upstate New York that she shares with her wife, and writing songs and performing with her band The Witch Ones.
Praise For…
“Scelsa explores public opinion and self-perception alongside themes of forgiveness, relational toxicity, and commercialism. Symbolic magic lends an underlying sense of enchantment as Eleanor opens herself up to new ideas and possibilities, and a sweet, gentle central chemistry sells the central romance.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Magic is found through personal growth and accepting love in this enchanting tale.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“In Salem, everyone has secrets, and two teenagers struggle to keep their fledgling relationship alive through Eleanor’s past, and Pix’s best intentions in this charming, heartrending LGBTQIA+ YA.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Cleverly arranged as a journey through the Major Arcana of a tarot deck, this is a queer romance [with] a witchy flourish.” — ALA Booklist
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / LGBTQ+
- Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Wizards & Witches
- Young Adult Fiction / Religious / Agnostic & Atheist
- Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement
- Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Hardcover (May 31st, 2022): $17.99
- Compact Disc (May 31st, 2022): $41.99
- MP3 CD (May 31st, 2022): $41.99
It moves beyond the realm of spells and potions, delving into the realm of the unexpected and unlikely. The concept of improbable magic is rooted in the belief that magic can exist in the smallest, most mundane moments of life. For the cynical witch, improbable magic offers a way to explore and interact with the mystical world without fully committing to the idea of traditional spells and rituals. It allows for a more flexible, open-minded approach to magic, encouraging the exploration of unconventional methods and beliefs. In the realm of improbable magic, the focus is on embracing the serendipitous occurrences and synchronicities that happen in everyday life. It encourages witches to pay attention to the signs and symbols that the universe presents to them, even if they seem insignificant or coincidental at first glance. Improbable magic invites witches to find magic in the unexpected and the mundane, to embrace the power of intention, and to trust their own instincts. It encourages them to listen to their intuition and to take action based on their gut feelings, even if there is no logical explanation for doing so. One of the key aspects of improbable magic is the celebration of doubt. Instead of dismissing skepticism, improbable magic teaches witches to use doubt as a tool for discovery. Cynical witches are encouraged to question everything, to probe deeper into the mysteries of the universe, and to find their own unique path to understanding and experiencing magic. Improbable magic is not about denying the reality of the skeptical witches or forcing them to believe in something they don't. Instead, it offers them a way to explore the possibilities of magic in a way that aligns with their natural inclination towards skepticism. It gives them permission to approach magic on their own terms, to carve out their own space in the magical world. So, for all the cynical witches out there, know that magic is not off-limits to you. Embrace the world of improbable magic, and let the universe surprise you with its wondrous possibilities. Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep seeking the extraordinary in the ordinary. After all, magic has a way of finding us when we least expect it..
Reviews for "Magic for the Modern Witch: Surprising Spells to Astonish and Amaze"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches" based on all the positive reviews, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The plot was predictable and failed to hold my interest throughout the book. Additionally, the writing style felt forced, with awkward dialogue and excessive descriptions. Overall, I was quite disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found "Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches" to be extremely underwhelming. The storyline lacked originality and was filled with cliché tropes that made it predictable and boring. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any depth or complexity. The writing style was also subpar, with repetitive phrases and awkward sentence structures. I had high hopes for this book, but it failed to deliver on every aspect. I regret wasting my time on it and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches" didn't live up to the hype for me. The pacing of the story was inconsistent, with slow and dragging moments followed by rushed and unresolved plot points. The magical elements of the book lacked clarity and seemed poorly thought out. The characters were forgettable and lacked any growth or development. The romance aspect felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, this book had potential, but it fell short in execution. I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the genre.