The magical revolution, also known as the "Mafical Revolution Ma Ga," refers to a significant shift in the way magical practices were approached and understood in the fictional world. This revolution marked a turning point in the history of magic, bringing about profound changes in the lives of magical beings and their interactions with the human world. Before the magical revolution, magic was seen as a rare and mysterious force wielded by a select few. It was often passed down through bloodlines or taught in secretive and exclusive magical institutions. However, the magical revolution challenged this view, democratizing magic and making it accessible to a wider population. One of the key figures of the magical revolution was Ma Ga, a powerful sorcerer who advocated for the rights of magical beings and sought to dismantle the elitism and discrimination that plagued the magical community.
“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.
One of the key figures of the magical revolution was Ma Ga, a powerful sorcerer who advocated for the rights of magical beings and sought to dismantle the elitism and discrimination that plagued the magical community. Ma Ga believed that magic should be available to all, regardless of their background or lineage, and that everyone had the potential to tap into their magical abilities. Under Ma Ga's leadership, magical schools were established to train individuals in the art of magic, regardless of their social standing.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
These schools focused on nurturing the innate magical abilities of each student, helping them develop their skills and unlock their full potential. This approach marked a departure from the traditional hierarchical systems that favored those with magical lineage. The magical revolution also brought about changes in the perception of magical beings in society. Previously, magical beings were often feared and ostracized by humans, seen as unnatural or dangerous. However, Ma Ga's teachings emphasized the importance of coexistence and understanding between magical and non-magical beings. This led to the establishment of laws and organizations aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of magical beings, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. The magical revolution had far-reaching effects on every aspect of the magical world. It led to advancements in magical practices, the discovery of new spells and enchantments, and the development of new magical technologies. It also paved the way for greater collaboration and exchange of knowledge between magical communities worldwide. Overall, the magical revolution, spearheaded by Ma Ga, brought about a paradigm shift in the world of magic. It challenged traditional notions of power and privilege, making magic accessible to all and promoting harmony between magical and non-magical beings. Today, the legacy of the magical revolution continues to shape the magical world, inspiring future generations of magical beings to embrace their abilities and work towards a more inclusive and enlightened society..
Reviews for "The Magical Revolution: Ma Ga's Impact on Everyday Life"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I did not enjoy "The Magical Revolution Ma Ga" at all. The story was confusing and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it difficult to relate to any of them. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on for too long and others being rushed. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "The Magical Revolution Ma Ga" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was convoluted and made no sense. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be unique and ended up creating a confusing mess. The dialogue was forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the story. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, but it never did. I regret picking up this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Magical Revolution Ma Ga," but unfortunately, it fell short. The world-building was weak and didn't feel fully fleshed out. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about how it worked. The characters, while initially intriguing, lacked development and I found them to be rather flat. The writing style was also not to my taste, with awkward sentence structures and repetitive phrases. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars - "The Magical Revolution Ma Ga" had potential, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The story had some interesting ideas, but they were poorly executed. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow parts that dragged on and rushed moments that left me feeling confused. The characters were decently developed, but I found it hard to connect with them emotionally. While there were some enjoyable moments, the overall reading experience left me wanting more depth and cohesiveness.
5. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I struggled to get through "The Magical Revolution Ma Ga". The writing style was overly descriptive and verbose, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. The plot felt disjointed, with too many subplots that didn't come together in a satisfying way. The dialogue was often unrealistic and hard to follow. I wanted to like this book, but it simply didn't resonate with me. I would not recommend it to others who prefer more concise and cohesive storytelling.