Books of magic comedy, also known as humorous magic books, are a popular genre of literature that combines the elements of magic and comedy. These books are often written with the aim of entertaining and captivating readers, while also incorporating elements of illusion, trickery, and comedic timing. One of the main features of books of magic comedy is their ability to blend two seemingly contrasting genres - magic and comedy. As a result, these books often feature a mix of jokes, one-liners, and comedic situations, along with demonstrations of various magic tricks and illusions. The combination of humor and magic creates a unique and entertaining reading experience for readers of all ages. In books of magic comedy, the central character is usually a magician or a group of magicians who use their magical skills to perform tricks and entertain their audience.
She thought she ought to panic. She thought she ought to be afraid. Instead something within her swelled. She was in the Witchwood. It was a moment she had spent her life dreaming of—the sort of dream that existed only in the darkest part of the night. It had never occurred to her that such a dream could come true. Yet here she was, between the trees. Each step forward took her closer to the world Within. To the Witchlands.
To the place where she belonged.
For the longer Wren had spent on the road with Tamsin, and the more she learned about the world that she had always denied herself, the more certain she was that she needed to see it. She had to know. No more running. It was time to start embracing her true self.
And her true self was brought out by Tamsin. There was a tentative kindness forming there. Taking down the men together had been exhilarating, had made Wren feel invincible. It had made her feel like the connection between them wasn’t a coincidence—that they had been meant to find each other.
And then, before they’d stepped into the Wood, all her hard work had paid off. Tamsin had shared a secret of her own accord. She had finally stopped fighting Wren, stopped hiding, and had offered a momentary view of true vulnerability. They were making progress. Progress toward what, Wren didn’t know. But it felt like something vast and wild and important.
Within the first few chapters, I established a sense of what this world looked like, how its magic system worked, and how the world affects our characters. So, when considering the aspects of Sweet Bitter Magic , I thought about how Adrienne Tooley pulled off a standalone fantasy novel centered on a sapphic romance.
In books of magic comedy, the central character is usually a magician or a group of magicians who use their magical skills to perform tricks and entertain their audience. These characters often find themselves in humorous situations, which can range from failed magic tricks to comedic misunderstandings. The primary goal is to elicit laughter and enjoyment from the reader.
Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley (book review)
A witch (Tamsin) and a girl made of magic (Wren) team up together to take down a dark witch and save the land from a plague.
CHARACTERS
The novel's focus is primarily on three characters; Tamsin the banished witch, Wren the source, and Tamsin's less powerful twin sister Marlena. Tamsin and Wren go from reluctant allies to romantic interests throughout the course of the novel so I would classify them in the trope of enemies to lovers. Wren is the sweet in the title as she shows through her actions that she is selfless, sees the best in people, and loves simple pleasures like picking wildflowers. Tamsin, meanwhile, is the bitter as she has been cursed to be unable to feel love and cannot return home. The two are opposites but they work well together because they respect and bring out the best in one another.
Tamsin and Marlena's relationship is explored through the eyes of both sisters despite Marlena being deceased (more on that in the next section). I thought this was smart because it shows how lopsided their relationship was with Tamsin believing them to be extremely close but Marlena actually resenting her sister.
One thing I really loved was how Tamsin and Wren muse that their romance may last forever or may be fleeting but either way its impact and importance is not diminished. So often we see budding romances portrayed in novels as a great, everlasting love and that's not always realistic. It was a refreshing take.
My only complaints were how Wren and Tamsin's relationship could be a tad too cheesy for my taste and also Wren's relationship with her father. Wren tells us she loves her father but we read on page that she feels held back by him and cares for him more out of a sense of duty than anything else. I don't necessarily have a problem with Wren feeling burdened by caring for her father, but don't then try to sell me on the idea that she so values the love she has for him.
NARRATIVE STYLE/PACING The novel is told from the alternating third person perspectives of Wren and Tamsin. There are also excerpts from Marlena's dairy. The inclusion of diary entries is something I see a lot in books and I think that's because it's such an easy way to get to know a character we don't see on page. It's not groundbreaking, but it's used effectively here.
Tamsin's inability to love is shown to impact everything. Not only can she not love people, but she can't taste or smell or see colors like she used to, either. This made the curse feel a lot more nuanced than I at first expected it to be and I applaud Tooley for thinking outside the box when crafting this curse.
This novel is a standalone which is uncommon in the fantasy genre. The story doesn't feel rushed at any point, though. There is enough of the world and its history established to ground the reader in the setting and enough of the characters' pasts explored to get a good understanding of them. Wren and Tamsin's connection doesn't feel sudden and jarring like I feared it might but develops gradually throughout the novel. The ending is open but hopeful which is a good balance to strike. It leaves the reader feeling satisfied but also, if Tooley wanted, she could write a sequel about Wren and Tamsin's futures.
WORLD BUILDING This was my favorite part of the novel. As a fantasy lover I am always on the lookout for novels with world building that feels unlike others I've read before. The idea of there being people made of magic (sources) who can see and hear magic was unlike anything I've read before. It was such a cool concept that worked perfectly with the story Tooley was trying to tell. Another really awesome aspect was how dark magic drained the earth. The idea of magic having consequences is common in fantasy but here we see its devastating effects that serve as the novel's foundation and raise the stakes.
Tooley did a good job of explaining the history of the world and its magic system. I love mirroring in novels and that can be seen here in the rise of a new dark witch much like there was several decades prior to the events of the novel. Just as this fractured relations between the ordinary folks and the magical ones before so too is it damaging trust this time around.
FINAL THOUGHTS While fantasy is my favorite genre I generally don't gravitate towards witch stories. I was drawn in by the pretty cover. When I read the synopsis I was hopeful this could change my perspective on witches. It became one of my most anticipated reads of the last year and I'm happy to say I was not wrong in my faith in this debut. Tooley demonstrates a lot of promise as an author here and I am 100% going to pick out whatever she publishes next.
FINAL RATING: 4.5⭐️
The comedic aspects of these books are often enhanced by the use of witty dialogue, slapstick comedy, and clever wordplay. The magic tricks performed by the characters also add to the humor, as they often involve unexpected outcomes or surprising twists. Readers can expect to be entertained as they follow the adventures of these funny and talented magicians. Books of magic comedy can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as they have a broad appeal. Children, teenagers, and adults can all find something to enjoy in these books, whether it be the clever humor, the intriguing magic tricks, or the entertaining characters. Additionally, these books can serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for aspiring magicians, as they showcase the connection between magic and humor. In conclusion, books of magic comedy offer readers a delightful blend of humor and magic. These books entertain and captivate readers with their witty dialogue, slapstick comedy, clever wordplay, and surprising magic tricks. Whether you are a fan of magic or comedy, or simply looking for something fun and entertaining to read, books of magic comedy are sure to provide an enjoyable and laughter-filled experience..
Reviews for "Magic and Mischief: Exploring Comic Books of Enchantment"
1. John - 2/5 - I have to say, I was quite disappointed with the "Books of Magic" comic. The storyline felt disjointed and hard to follow, with the narrative jumping from one scene to another without any clear connection. Additionally, I found the artwork to be lackluster and unappealing. The characters lacked depth, and it was hard to empathize with them. Overall, I found the comic to be underwhelming and not worth the hype.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I regret picking up the "Books of Magic" comic. The plot was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to engage with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, lacking the fluidity and depth that I look for in comics. The artwork was also subpar, with dull colors and uninteresting character designs. I was hoping for an exciting and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this comic fell flat for me.
3. Mark - 2/5 - As a fan of magic-themed comics, I had high hopes for "Books of Magic." However, I was sorely disappointed by the execution. The pacing was sluggish, with little action or suspense to keep me invested. The main character, Tim, lacked charisma and his journey felt unoriginal. The artwork was decent, but it couldn't salvage the dull story. Overall, "Books of Magic" failed to captivate my interest and left me wanting more from a comic with such potential.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I found "Books of Magic" to be a complete letdown. The writing was underwhelming, with clichéd dialogue and predictable plot twists. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The artwork was also lackluster, with uninspired panel layouts and unimpressive illustrations. Overall, this comic felt like a wasted opportunity and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
5. Alex - 2/5 - "Books of Magic" had an interesting premise, but the execution fell short. The story felt rushed and disjointed, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world. The artwork, while decent, didn't enhance the reading experience. The characters also lacked depth, and I found it hard to connect with them. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied, as if there was so much untapped potential in this comic. It definitely didn't live up to my expectations.