Book Review: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping
Here’s my review of A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’ve read it or plan to read it, then keep scrolling to see today’s writing prompt.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna is a great novel to read during autumn, as it will make you want to curl up with a blanket and a nice cup of tea as you read it. It’s full of endearing characters that will keep you entertained and flipping pages. However, while it is cozy for the most part, there are bits of the novel that are quite emotional and serious.
It will be easy to fall in love with the quirky cast of characters in this novel as they live their day-to-day lives at the Batty Hole Inn, a place that is very much alive and full of magical quirks. The main character, Sera, is the least quirky of them all, however. Though it is easy to want to continue to follow Sera’s story throughout the novel as she tries to reclaim her magical powers with the aid of her quirky yet loveable found family at the Inn.
From its very first page, you will know that you are reading something unique when you pick up this novel. You will be immediately introduced to what will precipitate the ongoing tension throughout the novel, as well: Sera’s choice to enact a spell that will force her to forfeit her magical powers as a result. And from that moment, you will immediately become invested in how Sera attempts to regain her magical powers throughout the novel with the support and antics of the other characters, especially Clemmie.
I enjoyed being able to laugh at the witty banter and antics in this novel. Yet readers should know that there are also prominent themes of child abandonment, extreme social ostracism, and death of a loved one in this novel. There are also a few scenes that are quite emotionally intense. I bring this up because while this novel does offer a cozy reading experience, it also offers scenes with some real emotional depth, and will likely leave you pondering the power of sacrifice and love in all its forms.
Sadly, I was not a fan of the ending of this book. It was sweet and tidy, yes. But oddly enough, I found it to be too realistic for a book that was supposed to be about magic and witches. And I didn’t ultimately close the book feeling satiated by the wonder of magic (worldly or otherwise), or that justice had prevailed. Instead, I closed the book feeling as if Sera was still being punished in a way that she didn’t deserve. Yet I don’t believe that all readers will share this experience.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy bittersweet character-driven novels like The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood and Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson, or novels by Fredrik Backman.
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Today’s Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: At the Inn
Write a scene that takes place at an inn.
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