Magic has no borders. It transcends the limitations of language, culture, and geography. Regardless of where one is from or what their background may be, magic is a universal force that connects people. Throughout history, different societies and civilizations have had their own unique beliefs and practices when it comes to magic. From the ancient Egyptians and their spells to the witches of Salem, magic has always played a prominent role in human culture. And yet, despite these differences, there are common threads that can be found across various magical traditions.
A warrior rebels against her foretold destiny . . .
Sabaa Tahir, 1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series, and winner of the National Book Award and Printz Award for All My Rage Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times bestselling author of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond seriesPreeti Chhibber, author of Spider-Man s Social Dilemma Sona Charaipotra, author of Symptoms of a Heartbreak and How Maya Got Fierce, and coauthor of The Rumor Game and Tiny Pretty Things, now a Netflix original series. A collection of fantastically diverse South Asian stories reimagining and re-centering ancient tales by beloved and well-known names from young adult literature as well as intriguing new voices this anthology pushes the boundaries of fantasy, drawing on a broad range of settings, figures, and tales from South Asian religions, mythologies, and history engrossing, and entertaining.
And yet, despite these differences, there are common threads that can be found across various magical traditions. One of these commonalities is the belief in the power of intention and energy. Whether it is through casting spells or performing rituals, practitioners of magic understand that their thoughts and intentions can have a direct impact on their reality.
MAGIC HAS NO BORDERS
A collection of fantastically diverse South Asian stories reimagining and recentering ancient tales by beloved and well-known names from young adult literature as well as intriguing new voices.
From a jinn to a timeline guardian, battlefields to high schools, this anthology pushes the boundaries of fantasy, drawing on a broad range of settings, figures, and tales from South Asian religions, mythologies, and history. While some of the stories feature deeper character and plot development than others, they all offer skillfully reimagined worlds and characters. Centering female and queer characters is particularly successful in “A Goddess of Fire and Blood” by Tanaz Bhathena, “Shamsuddin-Jalal” by Tahir Abrar, “Unraveled” by Preeti Chhibber, and “Daughter of the Sun” by Sayantani DasGupta. In “Dismantle the Sun” by Sangu Mandanna and “What the Winds Stole” by Sabaa Tahir, the theme of enacting vengeance is intriguingly depicted, balanced against discussions of self-worth, choice, and love. Revenge also appears in other stories, explored through reincarnation, rituals, belief, and war. The magic is wonderfully varied, encompassing vengeful spirits, reincarnated deities, food sorcery, and a shape-shifter. The focus on connection and familial love rings true, although many of the romances feel rushed. The stories do not shy away from portraying brutal societal views on and practices toward women and girls, contrasting it with powerful female characters. Final art not seen.
Dark, engrossing, and entertaining. (map, author and illustrator bios) (Fantasy. 13-18)
Pub Date: May 23, 2023
ISBN: 9780063208261
Page Count: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
Dark, engrossing, and entertaining. (map, author and illustrator bios) (Fantasy. 13-18)
This concept of tapping into one's own inner power is shared by witches, sorcerers, and shamans from all corners of the globe. Another aspect of magic that transcends borders is the use of symbols and sigils. These visual representations of magical intent are found in various magical traditions, from the pentagram of Wicca to the hexagram of Judaism. These symbols serve as a universal language, communicating ideas and concepts that go beyond any single culture or religion. Furthermore, the experience of magic itself knows no boundaries. Whether one is casting spells, divining the future, or communing with spirits, the magical experience is a personal and transformative one. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth that is available to anyone willing to explore it, regardless of their background or beliefs. In today's interconnected world, magic is no longer restricted to any one geographical area. With the rise of the internet and the global exchange of ideas, magical practices and beliefs are becoming more accessible to people from all walks of life. This increased accessibility has allowed for the merging of different magical traditions and the emergence of new and innovative practices. In conclusion, magic is a universal force that knows no borders. It is a powerful and transformative experience that can be found in various cultures and traditions around the world. Regardless of one's background or beliefs, magic offers a means of connecting with the deeper mysteries of the universe and exploring the limitless potential of the human spirit. So let us embrace the magic that lies within and recognize that it is a gift that can be shared by all..
Reviews for "The Power of Cross-Cultural Magic: Bringing People Together"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic has no borders" - it felt like a disorganized mess. The plot was all over the place, and the characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. The writing style was also very amateurish, with clumsy dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and confusing read that failed to deliver on its promises of a magical and engaging story. I won't be recommending it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Magic has no borders" had an interesting premise, but it failed to live up to its potential. The pacing was too slow, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. Additionally, the world-building was weak, leaving many unanswered questions and inconsistencies. I was also disappointed with the lack of character development, as I found it hard to connect with or care about any of the protagonists. While the writing itself was decent, the overall execution of this novel fell short, and I can't say I enjoyed it.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic has no borders," but sadly, it fell flat for me. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The story lacked originality and felt like a recycled version of other fantasy novels I've read before. The pacing was slow, and the plot twist was predictable. I also found the dialogue to be unnatural and clichéd. Overall, "Magic has no borders" failed to captivate me, and I wouldn't recommend it to avid fantasy readers looking for a fresh and engaging story.