In the world of fantasy, magic is often portrayed as a mystical force that allows individuals to bend the laws of nature and reality. However, not all magical abilities are created equal. Some forms of magic require extensive training, while others are simply inherent to certain individuals. In the realm of semi-magical casting, a combination of both factors come into play. Semi-magical casting refers to a form of magic that combines natural talent with learned skills. It is a hybrid approach, where individuals possess an innate affinity for magic, but must also train and develop their abilities through study and practice.
"Julie Abe has created an intriguing, flawed character. "—School Library Connection
Her quest leads her to coastal Auteri, where she faces skepticism from community leaders, garners the support of a town sponsor, makes a frenemy-turned-friend, and establishes lasting relationships with small business owners as she practices her magical specialty repair work. In Rivelle Realm, Apprentice Witch Evalithimus Evergreen, 12, is prepared to embark on the quest that will grant her Novice Witch status, the first phase to following in her Grand Master mother s footsteps.
It is a hybrid approach, where individuals possess an innate affinity for magic, but must also train and develop their abilities through study and practice. Unlike fully magical casters, who can simply instinctively conjure spells and manipulate the elements, semi-magical casters often have to rely on tools, such as wands or staffs to channel their magic. These tools act as conduits, enhancing and focusing the caster's abilities.
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the Eva Evergreen series.
- #2: Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch (Paperback): $8.99
Description
A Bank Street Best Book of 2021!
A young witch must pass a coming-of-age quest or risk losing her magic forever in this enchanting fantasy -- perfect for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Aru Shah and the End of Time .
Sometimes all you need is a pinch of magic.
Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test:
One: Help your town, do good all around.
Two: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon.
Three: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.
The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. And to add insult to injury, whenever she overuses her magic, she falls asleep.
When she lands in the tranquil coastal town of Auteri, the residents expect a powerful witch, not a semi-magical girl. So Eva comes up with a plan: set up a magical repair shop to aid Auteri and prove she's worthy. She may have more blood than magic, but her "semi-magical fixes" repair the lives of the townspeople in ways they never could have imagined. Only, Eva's bit of magic may not be enough when the biggest magical storm in history threatens the town she's grown to love. Eva must conjure up all of the magic, bravery, and cleverness she can muster or Auteri and her dreams of becoming a witch will wash away with the storm.
About the Author
Julie Abe has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea, where she creates stories about magical adventures. Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch is her debut novel. Visit her online at www.julieabebooks.com.
Praise For…
Praise for Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch :
"Eva Evergreen's journey unfurled before my eyes like a Miyazaki film, lush and mesmerizing . I cheered for Eva every step of the way, and hope to get to spend time with her on the next leg of her journey. (And I really want a flamefox!)"—Debbi Michiko Florence, author of the Jasmine Toguchi series and Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
"Eva Evergreen shines in this high-flying, page-turning, and wonderfully heartwarming adventure ! Readers will cheer as Eva discovers that friendship, community, and courage have a special magic of their own."—Temre Beltz, author of The Tragical Tale of Birdie Bloom
" Magical . Reading along as Eva tries her hardest to do good with the gifts she has-no matter how small-is inspiring and wondrou s. Friendship, family, and flamefoxes! A magical story with the most relatable hero ever. Following Eva's story is truly a joy."—Sean Easley, author of The Hotel Between
"I read this with a smile on my face. Abe's debut is whimsical and enchanting , with a heartwarming story of family and friendship at its core. Magic wands and flamefoxes abound, and readers of all ages will fall in love with Eva's bravery and determination. A delightful fantasy--I finished wishing I could grab a broomstick and fly into Eva's world!"—Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn
"Eva Evergreen sparkles with magical whimsy that will remind readers of Kiki's Delivery Service ! With a delightful cast of characters, Abe creates a rich world filled with intrigue, friendship, and of course magic . Eva is a charming, sometimes bumbling, but always well-intentioned Novice Witch who will have readers rooting for her from page one!"—Kat Cho, author of Wicked Fox
"Julie Abe has created an intriguing, flawed character. "—School Library Connection
*"Abe creates a dazzling, magical world with well-developed characters, relationships, and challenges. Bewitching-a must-read for fantasy lovers."—Kirkus, starred review
" A novel well worth the read ."—School Library Journal
*"Abe's combination of magic and modern technology in an original world ensures this series starter has a place all its own. "—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Abe's marvelously magical world strikes an excellent balance between the familiar and the whimsical" —Booklist Online
" Fans of Pratchett's brilliant The Wee Free Men will find a worthy match to its heroine in Eva , who gets the witching jobs done , though often in unanticipated ways."—BCCB
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Adolescence & Coming of Age
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / New Experience
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
- Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / Asia
- Kobo eBook (August 3rd, 2020): $7.99
- Hardcover (August 4th, 2020): $16.99
"Abe's marvelously magical world strikes an excellent balance between the familiar and the whimsical" —Booklist Online
A Bank Street Best Book of 2021!
A young witch must pass a coming-of-age quest or risk losing her magic forever in this enchanting fantasy -- perfect for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Aru Shah and the End of Time .
Sometimes all you need is a pinch of magic.
Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test:
One: Help your town, do good all around.
Two: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon.
Three: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.
The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. And to add insult to injury, whenever she overuses her magic, she falls asleep.
When she lands in the tranquil coastal town of Auteri, the residents expect a powerful witch, not a semi-magical girl. So Eva comes up with a plan: set up a magical repair shop to aid Auteri and prove she's worthy. She may have more blood than magic, but her "semi-magical fixes" repair the lives of the townspeople in ways they never could have imagined. Only, Eva's bit of magic may not be enough when the biggest magical storm in history threatens the town she's grown to love. Eva must conjure up all of the magic, bravery, and cleverness she can muster or Auteri and her dreams of becoming a witch will wash away with the storm.
In this form of magic, individuals are often born with a higher magical potential than the average person. They possess a natural connection to the magical energies that permeate the world, allowing them to tap into and harness these energies more easily. However, this initial potential is only the starting point. To fully develop their abilities, semi-magical casters must undergo rigorous training and education. They need to learn the principles and theories of magic, understand the various spells and incantations, and master the techniques required for spellcasting. This training can take many years and requires a great deal of dedication. The combination of natural talent and acquired knowledge allows semi-magical casters to perform feats that surpass those of entirely non-magical individuals. With practice, they can cast powerful spells, manipulate elements, heal injuries, and even communicate with supernatural beings. However, their abilities may still be limited compared to those of fully magical casters, who can more intuitively tap into and manipulate magical energies. Semi-magical casting is a common trope in fantasy literature and role-playing games. It provides a balance between the supernatural and the learned, blending natural talent with hard work and dedication. This makes it an intriguing concept for storytellers and game designers, as it allows for a wide range of character development and growth. Overall, semi-magical casting offers a unique approach to magic in fantasy settings. It provides a middle ground between innate talent and acquired knowledge, offering a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of magical abilities. Whether through bloodline or chosen path, semi-magical casters bring an interesting dynamic to the world of magic, captivating readers and players alike with their mixture of natural power and honed skills..
Reviews for "Opening the Third Eye: Enhancing Psychic Abilities with Semi Magical Casting"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Semi magical casting" because the concept seemed interesting. However, I found the execution to be lacking. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot felt predictable. The writing was also weak, with awkward dialogue and excessive exposition. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Mark - 1 star - "Semi magical casting" was one of the worst books I've read in a long time. The story was disjointed and confusing, with too many random plot twists that didn't make any sense. The characters were unlikable and their motivations were unclear. The writing style was also annoying, with unnecessary descriptions and excessive use of cliches. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
- Emily - 3 stars - While "Semi magical casting" had its moments, overall I found it to be a mediocre read. The world-building was interesting, but it lacked depth and didn't explore its potential fully. The pacing was also a bit off, with slow parts that dragged on and rushed parts that left me confused. The main character had potential, but I found her development to be lacking. Overall, this book had some potential, but it fell short of my expectations.