Magic is an ancient and mystical practice that has been the subject of fascination and intrigue for centuries. It is believed to hold an extraordinary power that can influence events and people in mysterious ways. There are many different forms of magic, each with its own unique traditions and rituals. One such form is known as sweet and bitter magic. Sweet and bitter magic refers to the use of both positive and negative energies in spellcasting. It acknowledges that the world is a complex and multifaceted place, and that there are both good and bad aspects to every situation.
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.
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. 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.
It acknowledges that the world is a complex and multifaceted place, and that there are both good and bad aspects to every situation. The sweet magic represents the positive side of things - love, joy, healing, and protection. It is filled with light and happiness, and is often used to bring about positive changes in one's life.
Swet nd bitter majic
cover art by Tara Phillips. cover design by Laura Eckes.
In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.
Tamsin is the most powerful witch of her generation. But after committing the worst magical sin, she’s exiled by the ruling Coven and cursed with the inability to love. The only way she can get those feelings back—even for just a little while—is to steal love from others.
Wren is a source—a rare kind of person who is made of magic, despite being unable to use it herself. Sources are required to train with the Coven as soon as they discover their abilities, but Wren—the only caretaker to her ailing father—has spent her life hiding her secret.
When a magical plague ravages the queendom, Wren’s father falls victim. To save him, Wren proposes a bargain: if Tamsin will help her catch the dark witch responsible for creating the plague, then Wren will give Tamsin her love for her father.
Of course, love bargains are a tricky thing, and these two have a long, perilous journey ahead of them—that is, if they don't kill each other first…
Praise:
“Sweet & Bitter Magic challenges notions of monstrosity and weaves its own shape of fairytale, one that’s queer in its very making. Tooley leans into the complex dynamics of sisterhood, of guilt and regret, of what we owe to our families and to ourselves, in a way that the fairytale canon typically has not. This is a novel that lets girls be angry, and even unforgivably cruel, without ever losing sight of why, where they came from, or the systems that made them that way.” — Tor.com
“Tooley’s debut skillfully and subtly emphasizes the consequences of prioritizing power above people and the environment while the friction between regular people and magic-bearers poignantly echoes the fear and rejection queer people, who are accepted in this world, often face in ours. Thoughtful, ambitious, and unexpected.” — Kirkus Reviews
“With its combination of fresh and familiar elements and two heroines whose emotional journeys are sure to resonate, Sweet & Bitter Magic is a treat for readers who loved the queer fantasy of Melissa Bashardoust’s Girls Made of Snow and Glass and the atmospheric, witchy vibes of Peternelle van Arsdale’s The Beast Is an Animal.” — Bookpage
“High stakes and a wonderfully developed romance… A good choice for fans looking for readalikes to Melissa Bashardoust’s Girl, Serpent, Thorn” — School Library Journal
“The idea that magic has a price is common across YA fantasy, but this tale of transactional emotions offers a fresh twist on an old standard. This debut is a solid transitional title for middle-grade readers making their way into young adult.” — Booklist
While there is a high fantasy plot here, including magical duels, family secrets, and a world in the balance, it becomes obvious that the heart of this story is the romance between Wren and Tamsin. Wren is frustrated to find herself falling for someone who a) is incapable of loving her back, b) is going to take her love for her father from her as soon as Tamsin completes her end of the deal, and c) is kind of a jerk to her. [spoilers] I loved the element of Tamsin beginning to see flashes of color in Wren. Never has “Your hair is red” been such a swoon-worthy statement. [end of spoilers] In addition to the grumpy one/sunshine one trope, there’s also a “there’s only one bed” moment! Classic.
This form of magic is associated with blessings, good luck, and attracting positive outcomes. On the other hand, bitter magic represents the negative aspects of life - banishment, revenge, and protection against harm. It deals with challenging situations and aims to eliminate or counter negativity. Bitter magic also focuses on justice and fairness, ensuring that wrongs are righted and balance is restored. It is often used for protection against enemies, curses, or hexes. Bitter magic can be seen as a form of defensive magic, warding off evil and ensuring one's safety. The combination of sweet and bitter magic creates a balance in spellcasting. It reflects the understanding that life is not always perfect and that sometimes we need to confront and overcome challenges or negative energies. By incorporating both positive and negative aspects into their work, practitioners of sweet and bitter magic strive to create harmony and equilibrium in their lives. It is important to note that the use of bitter magic should always be approached with caution and responsibility. It is not about seeking revenge or causing harm to others; rather, it is about protecting oneself and those we care about from negative influences. Bitter magic should always be used ethically and responsibly, with a clear intention and a focus on justice and fairness. In conclusion, sweet and bitter magic is an intriguing and fascinating form of spellcasting that recognizes the complexity of life. By incorporating both positive and negative energies, practitioners seek to create a harmonious balance and address challenges and negativity. However, it is essential to use bitter magic responsibly and ethically, ensuring that the intention is focused on protection and justice rather than harm..
Reviews for "The Transformative Power of Sweet and Bitter Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Sweet and Bitter Magic." The storyline seemed promising, but it fell flat for me. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it hard for me to root for the couple. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored at times. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
2. Emily - 1 star - I had such high hopes for "Sweet and Bitter Magic," but it turned out to be a major letdown. The writing style was stiff and flat, making it difficult to get engrossed in the story. The world-building was lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the magical world the author was trying to create. The plot was predictable, and there were no real surprises or twists. The main characters were forgettable, and the main romance felt forced and unconvincing. I wouldn't waste your time with this book.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Sweet and Bitter Magic," but unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for the story to gain any momentum. The magical elements also felt underdeveloped and not fully explored. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked complexity, making it hard to care about their journey. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, which made it difficult for me to get invested in their relationship. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and would caution others before diving into this book.