Quick Thoughts: Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills

Something Close to Magic

by Emma Mills

June 13, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this deliciously romantic young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.

It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.

The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.

Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?

Review

Emma Mills did not disappoint. Something Close to Magic was a whimsical little tale! The whole story was effortlessly fun. I absolutely adored the characters~

What I Liked:

- a simple storyline with a thoughtful execution

- the easy writing made my reading experience so enjoyable

- many humourous dialogues

- the contrast between Aurelie and Hapless was well done:

   - she had real world problems while he grew up sheltered

   - she's practical and he's a bit of a daydreamer

- despite their differences, Aurelie and Hapless's budding romance was cute

- the most lovable characters:

   - hardworking Aurelie

   - Hapless and his positive thinking

   - demanding but caring Iliana

   - Quad being Quad

- A++ friendships

- realistic sibling relationships- volatile

- Aurelie had a brother-like figure in Jonas who did his best to look after her

- fun(ny) court titles

- the twist on the villain

- Mrs. Basil got what she deserved

The Not So Much:

- parts of the story felt flat

- Iliana and Pith didn't have any type of closure

"...it's not enough to collect data- you have to be able to interpret it." (p. 125)

"As a child, Hapless sometimes felt sad the day before a holiday or a birthday celebration, and no one could quite understand his explanation why- how the fact that it had nearly begun meant that it was essentially finished." (p. 138)

"It's the average of it that really matters in the end. More so than the highs and lows." (p. 270)