Yesterday, I hopped on the train bound for the bustling, magical land of New York City, hoping to soak up all those warm and fuzzy Christmas vibes. To amp up the cozy factor, I grabbed the ARC of “Magic by Any Other Name” by the fabulous Alison Levy, which conveniently fit snugly into my large Baggu Crescent Bag (seriously, who knew that that bag could literally fit anything?).

As I delved into Georgette’s (or should I say Ivy’s?) journey of self-discovery, identity, and, um, healing, I couldn’t help but daydream. I mean, what better way to escape the monotony of a train ride from Jersey to the Big Apple than by diving headfirst into a world of magic and adventure? And boy, did I need that escape.

So, did Georgette’s story transport me to a realm of pure bliss, filling me with that oh-so-satisfying feeling I was craving? Well, let’s just say my train ride felt more like a rollercoaster of emotions than a leisurely stroll through a fairytale. But hey, isn’t that what makes a good book? All the ups and downs, twists and turns?

In the end, whether I found the exact escapism I was seeking or not, one thing’s for sure: that train ride was anything but boring. And for that, I thank you, Alison Levy, for spicing up my commute and giving me a wild ride of literary wonder.

Blurb :

Ivy Nichols O’Reilly has grown up in a wealthy family full of magic, fantasy creatures, and emotional abuse—but when her narcissistic mother arranges an unwanted marriage for her, the young witch reaches her breaking point. She drops out of college, changes her name to Georgette, and flees across the country with her best friend, a Wood Nymph named Mei-Xing.

Georgette is determined to build a new identity and a new life. But her journey leads her to cross paths with a number of magical characters—a Werehyena searching for his kidnapped wife; a Vampire who runs a unique magical business; a curandero, a shamanistic practitioner of traditional medicine; and a Valkyrie who, along with her raven partner, wants to make a risky deal—who make it clear to her that the past is not so easily left behind. In order to grow into her new identity, help her new friends, and develop a healthy relationship with a man she’s beginning to care for, Georgette will have to confront the privileges that have shielded her from the pain and ugliness of the magic community in which she was raised—and find the strength to overcome the trauma of her childhood.

My Thoughts:

First, let’s talk about the cover of the book, which is incredibly playful! It immediately caught my attention and set the tone for what I was about to read. I appreciate how the book is multi-layered, giving the author the freedom to explore different characters and storylines. However, I must admit that with so much going on, it was a bit overwhelming and confusing at times. I wished I had more time to connect with each character on a deeper level.

As someone who has experienced emotional abuse by a narcissist, I was particularly drawn to explore that concept further, especially with the added element of magic. I believe there was great potential to delve into the emotional complexities that arise from such a situation.

The book spans 426 pages, and while I hoped to be captivated from beginning to end, I did find myself struggling in a few sections. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the introduction of Nico and Neil’s storyline. It was like a breath of fresh air for me, as it combined elements of fantasy and romance. It added an extra layer of excitement and served as the icing on the cake.

Despite the challenges, I must commend the author for creating a universe filled with wonder and imagination. It truly transported me to another world, where anything was possible. Overall, I’d say that while there were moments of confusion and struggle, the book still left me with a sense of awe and appreciation for the author’s creativity.

Happy Reading Folks!