Sweet and bitter magic is a concept that explores the duality of magic, both in its positive and negative aspects. It acknowledges that, like many things in life, magic can have both sweet and bitter consequences. Magic has long been associated with enchantment, wonder, and the fulfillment of desires. It has been portrayed as an extraordinary and delightful force that can bring about happiness, love, and prosperity. This is what is often referred to as the "sweet" aspect of magic. In this sense, magic is seen as a means to create harmony in the world, to heal the sick, and to make dreams come true.
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 this sense, magic is seen as a means to create harmony in the world, to heal the sick, and to make dreams come true. However, the idea of sweet magic also raises questions about the consequences of using magic to manipulate reality. It brings to light the ethical implications of wielding supernatural powers to control others or to alter the natural course of events.
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⭐️
Sweet magic, then, is not without its drawbacks. It can be a seductive and addictive force that leads its users down a dangerous path. On the other hand, bitter magic represents the darker and more sinister side of magical practices. It delves into the notion that magic can be a destructive and malevolent force. Bitter magic is associated with curses, hexes, and the pursuit of power at any cost. It is portrayed as a means to exact revenge, to cause harm, and to gain dominance over others. Bitter magic highlights the potential dangers of using magic irresponsibly or with ill intentions. It explores the idea that the pursuit of power can lead to a loss of humanity and ethical boundaries. Bitter magic serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from allowing oneself to be consumed by the desire for control. Overall, the concept of sweet and bitter magic emphasizes the complexity and nuances of magical practices. It reminds us that magic, like any other power, can be both a blessing and a curse depending on how it is used. It encourages individuals to reflect on their intentions and the potential impact of their actions when engaging in magical practices. By understanding and acknowledging the sweet and bitter aspects of magic, we can aim to harness its power responsibly and in pursuit of a greater good..
Reviews for "Unleashing the Power of Sweet and Bitter Incantations"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy "Sweet and Bitter Magic" as much as I had hoped. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The concept of witches and magic was intriguing, but it felt underdeveloped and not fully explored. Additionally, I found the main characters to be quite flat and lacking depth. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the story.
2. Jack - 3 stars - While "Sweet and Bitter Magic" had an interesting premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The romance between the two main characters felt forced and lacked chemistry. The world-building also left much to be desired, as I didn't feel fully immersed in the magical setting. Overall, it was an average read for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with "Sweet and Bitter Magic". The writing style felt overly simplistic, lacking the lyrical prose that I was expecting from a fantasy novel. The plot was predictable and cliché, offering nothing new or exciting. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with their stories. I wouldn't recommend this book for those seeking a captivating and well-developed fantasy tale.