Fans of Practical Magic will love this prequel: The backstory of the aunts, the history behind the infamous curse that plagues the Owens women, and the legacy behind the love potions and herbs -- what a delight! I loved the magical realism in this book, as well as the era the story was set in and all the historical details that were included in this book.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read Alice Hoffman's "The Rules of Magic." Though I finished reading the book before its release date in 2017, I'm only now getting around to writing my thoughts. Please accept my apologies for the delay. 

First, I will read anything written by Alice Hoffman. I fell in love with the Owens family years ago when I read "Practical Magic." "The Rules of Magic," a prequel to "Practical Magic, " tells the story of the aunts, Fanny and Jet, who we met in "Practical Magic," and their brother Vincent. We meet the Owens siblings, Fanny, the eldest; Jet, the middle child; and Vincent, the youngest, in the 1960s, as well as reminders of the curse that haunts the Owens family. As they move through their teen years and adulthood, the Owens siblings explore their magical gifts and pursue different paths in life. However, each of them experiences the curse in tragic ways during their journey. 

Learning about the aunts' backstory was a journey that felt deeply relatable.  The heartache they endure is not just memorable, but palpable, particularly that of Jet and Vincent.  Their experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs are all deeply felt, making the story a truly immersive read. I've read and enjoyed all of the books in this series, and I can confidently say that 'The Rules of Magic' is must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend this series and other novels by Alice Hoffman.

This book, while possessing some notable strengths, has its share of drawbacks, leading to a mixed reading experience.

One of the novel's key strengths is the enchanting world of magic and the richly developed Owens family history. Hoffman's lyrical and evocative prose adds a touch of whimsy to the narrative, and her exploration of love, destiny, and the cost of magic is thought-provoking. The characters, particularly the siblings Franny, Jet, and Vincent, are complex and intriguing, making for engaging protagonists.

However, the pacing of the story can be somewhat uneven, with periods of languid development followed by sudden bursts of action. This can make it challenging to maintain a consistent level of engagement throughout the novel. Additionally, some readers may find the magical elements to be less whimsical and more formulaic than expected, lacking the originality that defines the fantasy genre's best works.

"The Rules of Magic" offers an intriguing exploration of a magical family's history and the complexities of their abilities. Yet, the uneven pacing and somewhat conventional approach to magic may leave some readers hoping for a more captivating and original narrative within the realm of magical realism.

This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

What a beautiful story. I adored Practical Magic by the same author, so I was so excited to receive a copy of the latest novel—excellent prose, delightful characters, the witchy sisters, and of course, a fateful romance. I enjoyed the pacing in this book and the historical moments Hoffman included, like Summer of love and Stonewall riots-great character exploration from the first book. I loved the fantasy elements mixed with the magical realism and family coming first.





I have since bought a copy of this book from Book of the Month for my library.
I received an arc of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

Hoffman has a way of writing that is either utterly beguiling and charming or slightly off-putting. This is definitely the former. I really loved the way she introduced the characters and built the story. I'm very grateful to have been approved for a copy of this book and I'm sorry it has taken me so long to review it.

As a huge fan of Practical Magic, I knew I wanted this book the very moment I heard of it. It did not disappoint. I loved the building of the characters and the magic that was woven through every word. Alice Hoffman is talented and I am so impressed with how well the story was told.

Pure magic and everything wonderful. I am truly addicted to all the Alice Hoffman Practical Magic books. Please keep writing them!

I typically don't like to read book series but this was an enjoyable read. Though this is a prequel to Practical Magic, you certainly don't have to read it first.

I can’t believe how long it took me to read this series. I’ve loved the Practical Magic movie adaptation since I was a kid and I was worried the book wouldn’t live up to expectations but I was so wrong, every book I’ve read in the series has the same vibe and charm that I loved about the movie, along with their own particular layer of magic that only a book can bring. I loved finding out more about the aunts in this prequel.

I really enjoyed this book, even more so than the original. The history of the characters was well developed by the author. It felt like she even enjoyed writing this novel more than the original, which made it more readable.

RATING: 4 STARS
2017; Simon & Schuster Canada

The Rules of Magic is the story of the Aunts (Jet and Frances) from Practical Magic) before Sally and Gillian came to live with them. This is technically a prequel, but I would read it after Practical Magic. I think first meeting them in PM, it allows you to become more absorbed in the story, and explains a bit more about Gillian and Sally's parents's background. I wasn't sure if I would like this one, as it's always a hit or miss when another book in the series is released quite a bit later. Also, would the Aunts' personality be what I had in my imagination. For me, this novel was absorbing and I look forward to the next book which takes on Maria Owen's story.

***I received a complimentary copy of this eBook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

It's officially spooky season, and I, for one, am excited to celebrate the array of witchy books available. For nonfiction history buffs, look no further than Stacy Schiff's The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem (Back Bay Books, $19.99), which offers a comprehensive account of the Salem Witch Trials, starting with the convulsions of one young woman and resulting in the execution of more than a dozen men and women.

Alice Hoffman's Magic Lessons (Simon & Schuster, $17) also transports readers back to 17th-century Salem, offering an expanded history of the Owens family that stars in her popular novel Practical Magic (Berkley, $17) and its more modern-day prequel, The Rules of Magic (Simon & Schuster, $16.99).

Nearby Lowell, Mass., provides the setting for C.S. Malerich's The Factory Witches of Lowell (Tordotcom, $14.99), which imbues women on strike in the small mill town with a bit of strength in witchcraft. Danvers, Mass.--where the accusations originated that kicked off the Salem Witch Trials--also serves as the setting for Quan Barry's excellent We Ride Upon Sticks (Vintage, $16.95), as the 1989 Danvers High School field hockey team taps into darker powers to secure a state championship.

That's not to say New England has the corner on witch trial histories: Rivka Galchen draws on historical accounts from Württemberg, Germany, in Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $27), which our reviewer called "a vibrant, provocative story" with a "decidedly modern tone."

Never one to miss a good contemporary romance (or a punny title), I gobbled up Lana Harper's Payback's a Witch (Berkley, $16), a queer revenge-gone-magic tale of a handful of witches out to take down the magical bro who's hurt them each in turn. Here's to the magic of the season!

Magical in every way! Beautiful and insightful story that gives us more information on the history of the Owens family. As always, Alice Hoffman draws you in and if you "look" deeper, there is always so much more.

I'm clearing out books that I requested ages ago and have been on sale for years! I really enjoyed this title. I am so excited to buy full sets for my library.

The Rules of Magic is a truly wonderful book. It is heartwarming, and filled with magical realism. A definite departure from your average run-of-the-mill family drama, in the best possible way. Highly recommend.

If you love Practical Magic, you'll love Rules of Magic. Mystical and whimsical and wonderful and a what of these rules - no falling in love! Alice Hoffman's magical realism delivers once again.

Any chance to revisit one of my favorite witchy stories, and I'm sold!

This prequel starts in the 1960s with siblings -- Franny, Jet and Vincent. This novel took me a little bit of time to get going, and then once I got settled in, it took off for me. The book is written in 6 sections, (normally I hate long chapters) but I found myself wanting to continue on. We visit the house on Magnolia St with Aunt Isabelle prior to Sally & Gillian. We get to see the familial bloodlines and how they came to be. This novel is not short of animal communication, potions, spells and magic.

I soaked it all in. I loved these characters- I loved watching them fall in love and walk away from the curse Maria Owens placed on their family. I enjoyed the magical elements and even though I hate birds, I found myself so enamored with Franny's crow. This book is about relationships and I ate every morsel.

Perfect October read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I did not read Practical Magic prior to reading this book, but now I can't wait to read it. This was an excellent book with an engaging story, interesting and mysterious characters with an element of the supernatural. I enjoyed the way each sibling's stories were woven into each other and into the overall plot of the book. While we learn all about Franny, Vincent and Jet and all their trials and tribulations as they discover their true nature after visiting their Aunt Isabelle for the summer, what we are left with the is the lesson that above all love, family and being true to yourself are the things that are most important and should never let go of.

Alice Hoffman's writing is so beautiful that you can't help but fall in love with the characters.
It is the pre-story to Practical Magic and really draws an amazing portrait of The Aunts (as noted in Practical Magic) and the historical detail behind the Owens family. The story takes you from NYC to Massachusetts to California to Paris and back again. None of the characters are contrived or artificial and she truly draws you into their world. This story really makes you believe in the magic and healing power of love.