Her brilliant magic enveloped the room, filling it with an electrifying energy that had everyone in awe. She was a master of her craft, able to conjure spells and create illusions that seemed impossible to the human mind. But what set her apart from other practitioners of magic was her ability to infuse her spells with a brilliance, a radiance that made them truly captivating. With a flick of her wrist, she could transform a plain and mundane object into a thing of beauty. A simple rock became a sparkling gemstone, a wilted flower bloomed with vibrant colors, and a dusty old book filled with ancient knowledge glowed with enchantment. It was her attention to detail, her dedication to perfection, that made her magic so captivating.
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.
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. In a show that we have seen everything, we ve seen so many ventriloquists and now to see you also doing mentalism, I can t even imagine the amount of concentration that you need to do.
It was her attention to detail, her dedication to perfection, that made her magic so captivating. But it wasn't just in the physical realm that her brilliance shone. Her words carried a power of their own, weaving linguistic spells that could captivate the hearts and minds of those who heard them.
Sweet & Bitter Magic (Paperback)
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.
About the Author
Adrienne Tooley grew up in Southern California, majored in musical theater in Pittsburgh, and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife, six guitars, and a banjo. In addition to writing novels, she is a singer/songwriter who has currently released three indie-folk EPs. She’s the author of Sweet & Bitter Magic and Sofi & the Bone Song. You can find her online at AdrienneTooley.com.
Praise For…
"An especially slow-burn romance, as Tamsin’s curse prevents her from feeling, but the buildup allows for deeper character development and a very satisfying conclusion. 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
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Wizards & Witches
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / LGBTQ+
- Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
“America’s Got Talent” season 18 continues every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC. If you don’t have cable, you can stream Season 18 for free with a trial from Fubo and DIRECTV Stream, or watch episodes the following day on Peacock.
She had a way with language, able to turn even the dullest of conversations into something magical and captivating. Her stories would transport listeners to far-off lands, her poetry would evoke emotions they never knew they had, and her speeches would inspire and motivate. People flocked to her, drawn by her enchanting presence and the promise of experiencing her brilliant magic firsthand. She became a legend, a mythical figure that inspired awe and admiration. Her performances were grand spectacles, filled with dazzling displays of pyrotechnics and illusions that left audiences breathless. But it was her inherent brilliance, the unspoken magic that glowed within her, that truly captivated people's hearts. For her, magic wasn't just a means to an end. It was a way of life, a philosophy that permeated every aspect of her being. She believed in the power of beauty and wonder, and she sought to bring that into the world through her craft. Her magic was a reflection of her inner self, a brilliant light that shone for all to see. In her presence, the world seemed a little brighter, a little more vibrant. She had a way of bringing out the best in people, of making them believe in the extraordinary. Her brilliance was infectious, spreading like wildfire and igniting a passion for magic in those around her. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about her brilliant magic was its ability to touch the hearts of all who encountered it. It didn't matter if you were rich or poor, young or old, her magic had a way of resonating with everyone. It spoke to something deep within, reminding them of the beauty and wonder that existed in the world, even in the darkest of times. Her brilliant magic was a testament to the power of belief and the transformative nature of beauty. It showed that with a little bit of magic, anything was possible. Whether through a dazzling display of fireworks or an enchanting tale spun with words, she reminded us all of the brilliance that lies within each and every one of us. And for that, she will forever be remembered as a true magician, a beacon of light in a world that can sometimes feel too dark..
Reviews for "The gender dynamics in her brilliant magic: an examination of the challenges and opportunities for female magicians in a male-dominated industry."
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Her Brilliant Magic". The characters were flat and the plot was incredibly predictable. I felt like I was reading a generic fantasy novel with no originality. The writing was also lacking, with awkward sentence structures and cliched dialogue. Overall, it was a boring and forgettable read.
- Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Her Brilliant Magic" after hearing it was a fantasy epic, but it fell short for me. The pacing was painfully slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story. The world-building was also lacking, with little explanation of the magic system or the history of the world. I wish the author had put more effort into creating a captivating and immersive world.
- Emily - 2 stars - "Her Brilliant Magic" was a disappointment for me. The main character was portrayed as a strong and independent woman, but her actions often contradicted her supposed personality. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, adding nothing to the overall plot. Additionally, the writing style was weak, with choppy descriptions and repetitive phrases. Overall, I expected more from this book and was left feeling underwhelmed.