Magic and myths have always fascinated humans throughout history. The idea of supernatural abilities and fantastical creatures has been a part of human folklore for centuries. In many ancient mythologies and legends, magic plays a central role in shaping the world and the lives of its inhabitants. One popular form of magic in mythology is the use of spells and potions. These enchantments can be used to heal, protect, or harm others. In many stories, these spells are often guarded secrets passed down through generations or kept hidden in ancient tomes.
“This is the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last 40 pages, savoring your final moments with the characters.”
—USA TODAY
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. This is a book about coming of age, discovering your innermost self, and most of all, the unwavering belief that true love is really all that matters.
In many stories, these spells are often guarded secrets passed down through generations or kept hidden in ancient tomes. Another common theme in mythology is the existence of mythical creatures. These fantastical beings often possess magical abilities or unique characteristics.
Rulk of magiv
Alice Hoffman is back at Book of the Month – other BOTMs include Magic Lessons and Practical Magic and The Book of Magic and The Invisible Hour and The Marriage of Opposites .
by Alice Hoffman Get this hardcover for $5Quick take
A book about coming of age, discovering your innermost self, and most of all, the unwavering belief that true love is really all that matters.
Good to know
- Feminist
- Family drama
- Magical
- Second in series
Synopsis
From beloved author Alice Hoffman comes the spellbinding prequel to her bestseller, Practical Magic.
Find your magic.
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.
From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.
The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy. Thrilling and exquisite, real and fantastical, The Rules of Magic is a story about the power of love reminding us that the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself.
Free sample
The Rules of Magic
Once upon a time, before the whole world changed, it was possible to run away from home, disguise who you were, and fit into polite society. The children's mother had done exactly that. Susanna was one of the Boston Owenses, a family so old that the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Daughters of the American Revolution were unable to deny them admission to their exclusive organizations, despite the fact that they would have liked to close the door to them, locking it twice. Their original ancestor, Maria Owens, who had arrived in America in 1680, remained a mystery, even to her own family. No one knew who had fathered her child or could fathom how she came to build such a fine house when she was a woman alone with no apparent means of support. The lineage of those who followed Maria was equally dubious. Husbands disappeared without a trace. Daughters begat daughters. Children ran off and were never seen again. In every generation there were those who fled Massachusetts, and Susanna Owens had done so. She had escaped to Paris as a young woman, then had married and settled in New York, denying her children any knowledge of their heritage for their own good, which left them with nagging suspicions about who they were. It was clear from the start that they were not like other children, therefore Susanna felt she had no choice but to set down rules. No walking in the moonlight, no Ouija boards, no candles, no red shoes, no wearing black, no going shoeless, no amulets, no night-blooming flowers, no reading novels about magic, no cats, no crows, and no venturing below Fourteenth Street. Yet no matter how Susanna tried to enforce these rules, the children continued to thwart her. They insisted on being unusual.
Why I love it
Mae Whitman
Guest Judge
My favorite holiday is Halloween. This is something my friends have lovingly teased me about for as long as I can remember. I get it: What’s to love about a holiday where you put on cheap costumes, get drunk, do stupid things dressed as a sexy Pokemon and then regret them hungover at your desk the next morning?
But my Halloween memories are different. They spark images from my childhood; crispy crimson leaves swirling in the newly chilly air, pumpkins glowing softly on porches, my family cooking things cinnamon-y and delicious while celebrating together late into the night. Something about this nostalgic concoction of recollections has always enchanted me. As corny as it sounds, thinking back on those autumn nights inspires in me the idea that anything is possible; that magic, in whatever form you so choose to accept it, is real!
In this modern world, finding a way back to that feeling can be difficult, but this book, Alice Hoffman’s prequel to Practical Magic, transported me there instantly. With each page, I was swept into a beautiful and energetic world, a world filled with lilies and lilacs, dark skies and bright stars, and a fascinating family at the center. The Rules of Magic is the story of a family bound by fierce love and shared mystical abilities that will keep them forever linked. As the three Owens siblings grow up they start to discover dark truths about their family history, realizations that will force them to face doubt, death, and the pain of letting go of the things they love most. Will they let the curse of fear and hatred that has plagued generations past dictate the way they live during the time they are given? Or will they find the courage to heed their aunt Isabelle’s advice: "Although you cannot change your fate, you can change how you respond to it."
This is a book about coming of age, discovering your innermost self, and most of all, the unwavering belief that true love is really all that matters. A heartbreaking story written in the most exciting and magical of circumstances, The Rules of Magic unveils the remarkable beauty of our ephemeral world and the strength that lies within us all when we listen to our hearts and always fight for what we know to be true.Â
I highly recommend Rules for a cozy and emotional autumn read; I felt my throat tightening as I reached the end because I didn’t know how to say goodbye. But I’m soothed by the knowledge that I don’t have to; I’m already looking forward to seeing the Owens family when I pick up this book again next fall.
PS. I may or may not have started carrying a satchel of lavender in my shirt pocket after reading this book. Better safe than sorry!
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1680, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
From fire-breathing dragons to shape-shifting werewolves, these creatures captivate our imaginations and add an air of mystique to the magical world. Magic and mythical beings also play a significant role in modern popular culture, particularly in the realm of literature and cinema. The Harry Potter book series, for example, explores a magical world in which wizards and witches attend a school of witchcraft and wizardry. These books have become a global phenomenon, captivating readers of all ages with their tales of magic and adventure. In the Marvel comic book universe, magic is also a prominent feature. Characters such as Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch possess incredible magical abilities that they use to protect the world from supernatural threats. The inclusion of magic in these stories adds a mystical element to the superhero genre, expanding the possibilities of the Marvel Universe. While magic and myths may be fictional, they continue to capture our imagination and provide an escape into a world of endless possibilities. Whether through ancient folklore, modern literature, or popular culture, the allure of magic and mythical creatures remains a timeless fascination for humans..
Reviews for "Magic's Role in Creating Tension and Drama in Marvel's Storylines"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Myth Marvel". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The special effects were underwhelming and failed to create any sort of magical atmosphere. Overall, I found the movie to be lackluster and unengaging.
2. Jessica - 1 star - "Magic Myth Marvel" was a complete waste of time in my opinion. The plot was predictable and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The visuals were unimpressive and failed to capture the magic that the title promised. The acting was subpar, with the cast delivering wooden performances. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone looking for an entertaining magical adventure.
3. Robert - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Myth Marvel," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The storyline was convoluted and didn't make much sense, leaving me confused and disconnected from the characters. The action scenes felt forced and lacked any real excitement. Overall, the movie felt like a mishmash of clichés and failed to deliver a compelling magical experience.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Magic Myth Marvel" was a major letdown. The dialogue was cheesy and cringe-worthy, and the plot felt like a rehashed version of every other magical adventure movie. The pacing was off, with dull moments dragging on and exciting moments over too quickly. The CGI was poorly executed, making the magical elements look fake and unconvincing. I would strongly advise avoiding this movie if you're looking for a well-executed magical fantasy.
5. Michael - 2 stars - I was really hoping to be enchanted by "Magic Myth Marvel", but sadly, it didn't live up to the hype. The story lacked depth and failed to engage my interest. The characters felt one-dimensional, with no real development or growth throughout the film. The special effects were lackluster and failed to create the grandeur and awe that a magical movie should deliver. Overall, "Magic Myth Marvel" left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.