A Curious Kind of Magic by Mara Rutherford
✨ A small-town charlatan and a cursed magical prodigy team up in a quest full of tricks, trust, and treasure that’s almost too dangerous to touch.
Pre-Reading Thoughts:
I’m expecting cozy fantasy charm with a side of chaotic magic and a sweet-but-complicated friendship. Willow’s “fake it till you make it” charm and Brianna’s curse promise a story full of heart, secrets, and a bit of danger.
Post-Reading
As I thought…
The book’s heart is in its vivid, quirky small-town setting and the slow bloom of trust between Willow and Brianna. The magical elements feel earned and intimate, not overblown, and the stakes grow steadily, turning the initially whimsical tone into something deeper and more urgent.
It surprised me by…
How much the story leaned into grief and healing, exploring the cost of magic as both a gift and a burden. The treasure hunt was tense, and the subtle romance added layers without ever overwhelming the main plot.
🎵 Music Pairing
Featured Song: “Gold Rush” – Taylor Swift
Vibe Album: Wilder Mind – Mumford & Sons
Artist Recommendation: First Aid Kit
🎨 Vibe Check
Colour Palette: Worn parchment, oxidised bronze, dark plum, candlelight gold
Soundtrack: Practical Magic meets Stardust
Season: Late autumn
Mood: Melancholy whimsy with a kick of mischief
Scent: Dusty book pages, cloves, waxy dragonfruit, and sea salt
🃏 Tarot Pull: The Lovers – Tarot of the 78 Doors
In the lush apple orchard, the Lovers card shows a moment of choice—and the weight that comes with it. The gypsy reading the palm speaks to the tension between fate and free will, while the watchful woman reminds us that no decision happens in isolation. For Willow and Brianna, this card captures the heart of their journey: navigating magic, trust, and the choices that define who they become. It’s not just romance; it’s a crossroads of destiny and self-discovery.
For Fans Of
📚 The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
🎬 The Magicians (but lighter, and with more friendship and found family)
#GirlsWhoGrabPower might be mostly about ambition and kingdoms—but sometimes the biggest power lies in choosing who to trust, and when to let magic find you.