"Magic for Liars" is a captivating novel written by Sarah Gailey. The story centers around Ivy Gamble, a private investigator who is hired to solve a murder at the magical Osthorne Academy for Young Mages. What makes this story unique is that Ivy herself is not a mage, unlike her twin sister Tabitha, who happens to be a powerful sorceress. The setting is a fascinating blend of magic and reality, where magic is taught and practiced alongside regular subjects like math and history. As Ivy delves into the investigation, she is forced to confront her own insecurities and resentments towards her sister and the magical world. As the plot progresses, Ivy becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and manipulation, all while struggling with her own personal demons.
The mystery itself was compellingly subdued, her family as a whole acting strangely but nobody truly acting in opposition to her. Even among the Liars, whom are very happy to see her after so long, there is an unspoken gulf. The anxious frustration that something happened that everyone else knows about except Cady, which they can’t or won’t talk about, was really palpable and played a significant role in motivating me to keep reading. I won’t say it was a slow burn, but the mystery moved at a slow and steady pace as Cady put the pieces together, getting the reader intimately familiar with Beechwood as a location and the Sinclair family.
It was at times saccharine, but in a way that felt appropriate to their time in life and where they are, this idealized sanctuary where seemingly nothing can go wrong. Ivy chose a compromised path to spare her sister from judgement and grief while also sparing the academy from having her still in contact with children.
As the plot progresses, Ivy becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and manipulation, all while struggling with her own personal demons. The author masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy to create a truly engrossing tale. The characters are flawed and relatable, and the writing is rich and atmospheric.
Tor.com
Gailey explores themes of identity, belonging, and the consequences of deception. Ivy's struggle to fit in and find her place in a world where she is an outsider will resonate with many readers. The magic system is intriguing and well-developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the story. "Magic for Liars" is not only a thrilling mystery but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It asks questions about the nature of truth, the power of perception, and the lengths people will go to conceal their secrets. Gailey's writing is both accessible and eloquent, making it an enjoyable read for fans of all genres. In conclusion, "Magic for Liars" is a compelling and intricate novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. With its blend of magic and mystery, it offers a fresh and innovative take on the genre. Gailey's skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters make this a must-read for anyone searching for an exciting and thought-provoking novel..
Reviews for "Magic for Liars: Conjuring Spells, Cults, and Curses"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "Magic for Liars", but I found it to be quite disappointing. The concept of a noir-style, magical mystery had so much potential, but I felt that the execution fell flat. The main character felt very one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with her at all. The pacing of the story was also off, with the plot dragging in some parts and then rushing through others. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in depth and substance.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - "Magic for Liars" had an interesting premise, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. While the idea of a magic school set within a murder mystery sounded intriguing, I found the plot to be predictable and the twists to be underwhelming. The character development felt shallow, and I couldn't find myself emotionally invested in any of the characters. The writing style was decent, but it wasn't enough to save the lackluster plot. I was left wanting more from this book and ultimately felt let down by it.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I cannot understand the hype around "Magic for Liars". The story felt disjointed, with random elements of magic thrown in without any explanation or purpose. The main character was unlikable and her constant self-pity became tiresome. The mystery aspect of the book was convoluted and poorly executed, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The writing itself was passable, but I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and well-crafted story.