Synopsis:
Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.
Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.
He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.
That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.
Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.
Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.
Review:
I was sent a copy of Sorcery and Small Magics in exchange for an honest review.
If I’m being honest for the first couple of chapters I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book, however after I got over the initial feelings I found myself wrapped up in a sweet, slow-burn romance with some great fantasy elements.
I feel like this was originally described to me as ‘cosy’ but I’m not sure that fits. If you ignore the romance this is a story about an accidental curse and two students’ journey into a dangerous magical forest to find a cure. They hear rumours of a sorcerer who might be able to undo the curse that Grimm accidentally uses on Leo, and I really enjoyed the portion of the book where they ventured into the forest and braved the monsters within. That in itself made for a great story, but add in a very slow-burn romance and I found myself really enjoying Sorcery and Small Magics.
Romance-wise it’s got all the great tropes, grumpy x sunshine, rivals to lovers, forced proximity and a good dash of ‘when will they just realise’. Doocy has written a really lovely romance that had me itching for Grimm and Leo to just tell eachother already. There is no spice and I think it was all the better for that.
The magic system isn’t fully explained but essentially there are those who can write them and those who can cast them. Leo can write, and Grimm can cast. Except Leo can’t write more than the smallest of spells, although he can cast himself using his violin and spell-songs. It makes for an interesting dynamic and it means magic has to be done in a duo, or with at least one person who can write the spells. It’s not a magic system I feel like I come across often (if ever) and while the concept is simple it makes a great set-up for the events of the book.
If you want a nice quick fantasy read where the romance is a central part, but the fantasy itself is also well-thought out and important pick this one up. You’ll devour it in no time. I’ve never been both so sad and so happy to read the ‘to be continued’ at the end…
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