In J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series "The Lord of the Rings," magic plays a significant role in shaping the story and its characters. The magic within this fictional world is portrayed as a powerful force that exists within certain individuals and objects, enabling them to perform extraordinary feats. However, Tolkien's approach to magic differs significantly from conventional portrayals found in other fantasy literature.
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However, Tolkien's approach to magic differs significantly from conventional portrayals found in other fantasy literature. In Tolkien's Middle-earth, magic is not a prevalent force accessible to all. Instead, it is confined to a select few individuals and races, such as wizards, elves, and some powerful beings like Sauron.
Review
Adrienne Young, whose young adult books include the bestsellers THE LAST LEGACY and NAMESAKE, has written her first novel for adults. SPELLS FOR FORGETTING is a lush, atmospheric work of magic and mystery.
Deep magic runs through the island of Saoirse , off the coast of Washington State. A tourist trap that welcomes scores of couples and families each year to pick apples from their orchards, dine at their homey pub and have their fortunes read at the local tea shop, Saoirse exists unto itself during the off-season, with little influence or connectivity from the mainland. The women of the island have used this magic for centuries to keep their families safe, their island nourished and their bloodlines running. But even the strongest magic often requires the push and pull of the all-too-human acts of alliances, manipulations and betrayals. For years, they have survived mainly under the radar, with the outside world guessing at --- but never quite appreciating --- the depths of the magic that keeps Saoirse alive. Until the murder of Lily Morgan 14 years earlier.
"[I]n her adult debut, [Young] turns down the magic and turns up the drama, focusing on crafting searing human relationships, bonds that both adapt to and withstand every plot twist, and characters who grow and change with believable, relatable pacing."
Lily and her best friend, Emery Blackwood, were two of the shining stars of that year’s graduating class, along with their male counterparts, August Salt and Dutch Boden. Captivating Emery was the heiress to the island’s most thorough book of spells; Lily was the descendant of the original planter and owner of the island’s orchard; August was the predicted heir to the orchard, despite the island’s abhorrence of his family; and Dutch, the son of a feckless layabout, was determined to break his family’s curse and attend college.
But that night a fire broke out in the orchard, putting the entire island’s livelihood and future at risk. As the flames dwindled, Lily’s body was discovered with seaweed in her belly and water trailing her lips, the victim of drowning on dry land. August was the primary suspect. Although there was not enough evidence to charge him, the court of public opinion made their decision about August long before the case was brought to him, and the island was forever splintered by tragedy, distrust and fear.
For years Emery has carried the weight of losing her best friend and her boyfriend in one night, as August and his mother were forced to leave the island after Lily’s corpse was found. The losses have affected not just Emery’s happiness, but also her faith in the people around her and her ties to both her magic and the island. Although she has taken over her mother’s tea shop and entered a heated on-again, off-again relationship with Dutch, she has never forgotten August or their love forged under the magic of a blood moon. And now, impossibly, unbelievably, August has come back to bury his mother on the land she loved most. But whether his return will mean closure or a reckoning depends on the countless secrets hiding in Saoirse ’s wind-racked coasts and lush forests…and in the hearts and minds of its citizens.
As August prepares to say goodbye to his mother, the orchard and Emery for good, cracks begin to appear in the careful, community-based facade of Saoirse and its residents. While it becomes clear that no one can be fully trusted in a situation where ownerships --- of people, legacies and land --- are so hotly contested and alliances are formed under the cover of darkness, it also becomes apparent that no one truly knows what happened to Lily on the night she died. No one in Saoirse is who they seem to be, and with magic crackling under the surface of every interaction, its isolated, proud community turns dangerous and dark. As Emery’s grandmother reminds her, magic can do many things, but once the betrayals of the island have been revealed, there are no spells for forgetting.
Adrienne Young is no stranger to creating magical worlds and systems. However, in her adult debut, she turns down the magic and turns up the drama, focusing on crafting searing human relationships, bonds that both adapt to and withstand every plot twist, and characters who grow and change with believable, relatable pacing. The love story between Emery and August is reminiscent of her young adult books. Clearly she knows romance, but the added edge of adulthood and time make this relationship utterly swoon-worthy and deeply heartrending.
Still, it seems odd that the magical inhabitants of Saoirse would not raise an eyebrow at the drowning death of a girl on dry land. The final reveal about Lily’s death feels like it comes a bit too late and is not quite shocking enough to the characters who discover it. That said, there is more than enough magic here to keep you riveted. Any awkward pacing or convoluted plotlines are quickly forgiven thanks to the beauty of the prose, character creation and world-building.
I cannot decide if I want more witchy adult fiction or fantastical young adult fiction from Adrienne Young next. Whatever she chooses to do, she can consider it preordered from this reviewer.
Reviewed by Rebecca Munro on October 14, 2022
Spells for Forgetting
by Adrienne Young
This restriction on magic makes it a more mysterious and rare aspect of the world, further enhancing its significance and impact on the narrative. The magic in "The Lord of the Rings" is often subtle and subtlely woven into the fabric of the story. It is not flashy or showy but rather manifests as a tool for wisdom, healing, and communication. For example, Gandalf, one of the most prominent wielders of magic in the series, uses his powers to guide and protect the Fellowship of the Ring, offering advice and assistance when needed. Another essential aspect of magic in this world is that it is not without consequences. The use of powerful magic often comes at a cost, draining the user's strength and requiring them to make personal sacrifices. This concept is exemplified in the character of Frodo, who carries the burden of the One Ring. The magic imbued in the ring grants immense power but also corrupts and weakens those who possess it. Furthermore, Tolkien's magic is deeply intertwined with the natural world. The elves, in particular, have a close affinity with nature and its magical qualities. They use their magic to preserve and protect their lands, and their abilities often align with the elements, such as control over water or the ability to communicate with animals. Overall, Tolkien's portrayal of magic in "The Lord of the Rings" is a nuanced and integral part of the story. It serves as a driving force behind characters' actions and decisions while emphasizing the importance of wisdom, self-sacrifice, and the preservation of the natural world. By incorporating magic in this subtle and restrained way, Tolkien creates a rich and believable fantasy world that continues to captivate readers and enthusiasts worldwide..
Reviews for "Sorcery vs. Wizardry: The Different Types of Magic in Lord of the Rings"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I found "Lord of the Ring magic" to be far too fantastical and disconnected from reality. The idea of wizards and magical creatures just didn't resonate with me. I prefer stories that are grounded in reality and focus on human experiences rather than relying on magical elements to drive the plot. Overall, I found the magic in this series to be a distracting and unnecessary aspect.
2. Emily - 3/5 stars
While I can appreciate the imaginative world-building in "Lord of the Ring magic", I ultimately found the use of magic to be quite convoluted and confusing. The rules and limitations of magic were not clearly explained, and it often felt as if characters possessed arbitrary powers just to serve the plot. I prefer a more logical and coherent system of magic that is grounded in consistent rules in a fictional world.
3. David - 2/5 stars
The magic in "Lord of the Ring magic" felt cliché and predictable. It followed the same tired tropes of wizards and magical battles that we've seen in numerous other fantasy series. There was nothing innovative or refreshing about the portrayal of magic in this series, and it felt like recycled ideas. I was hoping for a more unique and original take on magic, but unfortunately, "Lord of the Ring magic" failed to deliver in that aspect.
4. Sarah - 2/5 stars
The presence of magic in "Lord of the Ring magic" overshadowed the deeper themes and character development. Instead of exploring complex human emotions and struggles, the narrative relied too heavily on magical elements to propel the story forward. The magic became a distraction rather than enhancing the overall experience for me. I would have preferred a more nuanced and character-driven approach rather than focusing so heavily on the magical aspects.