I'll tell you about the magic, and it'll free your soul
But it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll

If you believe in magic, come along with me
We'll dance until morning 'til there's just you and me
And maybe, if the music is right
I'll meet you tomorrow, sort of late at night
And we'll go dancing, baby, then you'll see
How the magic's in the music and the music's in me

Yeah, do you believe in magic

Yeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soul
Believe in the magic of rock and roll
Believe in the magic that can set you free
Ohh, talking 'bout magic

- Lyrics by John Sebastian

”There is no remedy for love but to love more. –Henry David Thoreau

”The Rules of Magic” is a prequel to Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” , which I have not read, so I can’t compare the two, but this was just magical, and I still feel a bit under its spell, wishing for more.

Cursed. For the Owens family, love has been something to avoid, a curse harkening back to 1620, when loving the wrong man sealed the fate of an entire family.

More than three hundred years later, over six hundred solstices later, the Owens family is still avoided, eyed suspiciously by all who live there, where some members of the family still lived in Massachusetts.

When she was younger, Susannah had left it all behind, gone to Paris and returned to live in New York City, where she sits on this morning June, 1960 opening an invitation for her eldest daughter, Franny, to visit her Aunt Isabelle. A tradition, once they’ve turned seventeen. Their father objects, but tradition wins, on the condition that her younger siblings, sister Jet, and brother Vincent, accompany Franny. Their lives are about to change, even as the country is poised on the cusp of a change most are unprepared for.

They’ve known from the start that they are different from others, but their mother had kept them from exploring their abilities by establishing rules. Rules only go so far, especially for these exceptional children about to be immersed in a magical setting, filled with flourishing gardens and magical herbs and familiars. Still, there is one rule they all know, whatever you do, do not fall in love. Love is perilous.

Family is everything, and the theme of family is at the heart of this novel about a family and the weight and heartache of secrets and loss, and the power of love to overcome, the inescapable feeling that they will never fit in, no matter how hard they try.

The Stonewall Riots, Vietnam, The Summer of Love, the inaugural Monterey Pop Festival … these are in the past, but the events of that era infuse this story, grounding you solidly in a time that is felt and seen, if only through the eyes of the past.

The characters are wonderful, charmingly quirky, sometimes peculiar, but never boring. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, occasionally humorous, and filled with the magic of love, in all its many forms. This reads as though it were conjured by magic, the words flowing freely, an enchanted labor of love.

Recommended

Pub Date: 10 Oct 2017


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Simon & Schuster

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I wasn't sure if it would be my thing or not, but I found it to be well-written and an intriguing plot line. I did not read Practical Magic (or see the movie) but that did not seem to matter in reading this one. There were a few places where I was a little confused, and I felt like the book jumped around a bit at times, and maybe if I had read PM first I might not have felt that way, but generally it works as a stand-alone. Hoffman has an easy writing style that I just works for me. The characters were fabulously developed and she was able to weave the magic and fantasy in without going over the top, so that you felt like witches and magic just might be a real possibility. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to picking up Practical Magic as one of my upcoming reads.

4.5/5 I really enjoyed this- and this is coming from someone who hasn't read Practical Magic or seen the movie (although I definitely will now). I'd recommend this to anyone who likes Sarah Addison Allen's books- especially the Waverley books. The Owens family has a similar sort of magic- not the all out magic like in the Harry Potter books, but a more subtle magic that has a romantic sort of feel. A star-crossed lovers, creatures respond to you sort of magic.

An absolutely beautiful story of family, love, destiny and heartbreak. I loved every page of this delightful book - even the ones that made me cry. Without a doubt, one of the most satisfying novels I've read this year.

Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
First let me start by saying, I am a big fan of Alice Hoffman, having read four of her previous novels, (The Dovekeepers, The Marriage of Opposites, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, Faithful) so in spite of the fact that I don't believe in magic and witchcraft I was looking forward to reading this book.
The Owens family has had a curse on them since the 1600's when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man. Fast forward to the 1960's where the current Owens family, siblings Franny, Jet, Vincent, their parents and their Aunt Isabelle are still dealing with the "curse".
America in the late 1960's, the Summer of Love in San Francisco, the Vietnam War, draft evaders, homosexuality, its all beautifully described here as it takes the reader through the years from New York to Massachusetts, to California to Paris. I am always awed by the research that goes into Alice Hoffman's novels and the wonderful story telling she does.
With all this said, I struggled with this book, because I just couldn't identify with the Owens family's obsession with the curse and their beliefs that anything bad that happens was a direct result of that curse. I found it unbelievable that in 20th century America, people would believe in having the "sight" , seeing into other people's minds, looking into the future, herbal remedies for everything, etc.
So if I could rate this book for research and storytelling (5 stars) and the value for me as a reader (3 stars) I would do so. But since it's only one rating I will give it a generous 4 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, Simon and Schuster and Alice Hoffman for the advanced copy.

When I received this galley, it included a note from the publisher portraying this book as holding a power to change its reader. At least, that's what I took away from the note. I thought that it was a bit of a dramatic note.
Nonetheless, it was completely spot on. It has changed a part of me. I can remember things I had forgotten. Makes sense since the story of the characters has much to do with forgetting and reconciling who they are, the bloodline they claim, how they will live their lives.
Just like that I realized that this was a family saga- a genre that usually causes me to run away. AH is a rare storyteller in that she blends the story and settings in a natural, clean manner. Her 3 main characters are equally important in the story, although there is a central figure, the plot gives significant time to each of their stories.
This is a prequel to AH's book Practical Magic. As the publisher's note indicated, you do not need to have read that book to appreciate this one. I haven't read Practical Magic, a status that I'm going to change asap! The Rules of Magic truly stole my heart and it will do to you, too. Well, there I go sounding like the publisher's note. ;-)

A magical read. This prelude to 'Practical Magic' allows Hoffman to develop the characters' formative years. This is an energetic narrative of teenagers trying to make sense of a world where their particular talents are feared and reviled.

This is my fourth Hoffman title read, and what is apparent with her writing is that she is a magnificent storyteller. Her books have a comfortable flow to them, even when they are dealing with tragic circumstances as in At Risk. She fleshes out her characters in a way that makes the reader feel like they have known them for years. They are stories that make me a little sad when I sit down to read and I realize I have finished the previous Hoffman title I was reading. I always want more.

This book is the prequel to Practical Magic, and it was dark and brooding and, well... magical. As usual with Hoffnan's novels there are sociopolitical undertones and psychological elements, but they move within the storyline like shadows, gently giving the reader insight without taking over the narrative. If you want be caught up in a story and carried away by the words, this book is what you are looking for.

Before Gillian and Sally there was Franny, Jet and Vincent. Those are the souls we need be concerned with in The Rules of Magic. The mantra for the Owens children is: no walking in the moonlight; no red shoes; never wear black; do no harm and never fall in love. Easy words that become difficult if not impossible tasks to accomplish. All they want is love, to be loved and to be able to love. The price to be paid is extreme and devastating.

Written with the greatest perception of growing up different in the difficult era of the late 1950s when conformity ruled, the Owens children are beautiful, moody, bright, talented, oddly buoyant and outsiders. Simply put they are not like anyone else. Franny’s seventeenth birthday brings an invitation to visit Aunt Isabelle on Magnolia Street in Massachusetts. The game is now afoot, magic is in the air and the story becomes a tale of Courage or Caution through the decades traveling from New York, to Massachusetts, to France and California.

I finished this book several days ago and have been thinking about why I am having the greatest difficulty trying to express my enjoyment and appreciation of Ms. Hoffman’s considerable talents. She has mastered the artistry of words. Her ability to grasp an emotion and wring it for everything it is worth is extraordinary. And the tale continues and it makes sense and you want more. There was so many memorable sentences to tuck away for future reference. “What is meant to be is bound to happen, whether or not you approve.”

It has been over a decade since I have read Practical Magic but I am headed to the library to check out a copy to reread and continue the journey of the Owens family.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC.

I had a hard time deciding between and 3.5 and a 4 so I rounded up to a 4.

The Rules Of Magic is a prequel to Practical Magic. I am most likely the rare reviewer who has not read practical magic (but I did see the movie). Since I have not read Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic worked very well as a stand alone novel for me.

The Owens family are a long line of witches. Their origins date back to 1620 when a descendant was charged for being a witch when she fell in love with the wrong man. One fateful summer, Susanna Owens has decided to send her three children to live with their Aunt Isabelle in Massachusetts. An Aunt they have never met but are excited to go and visit. Susanna and her husband have strict rules for their precocious children in their home: no red shoes, no black clothing, no books on magic, no cats, no crows, etc. Their children are all very different yet have one thing in common: magic. From the day he was born, Vincent has been a charmer. A hospital nurse tried to kidnap him shortly after his birth, Fanny who is fair with dark red hair, and Jett, who is shy and can read people's thoughts.

When they arrive at their Aunt Isabelle's home they learn that the rules no longer apply to them. They are permitted to be themselves. They wear what they want and do as they please. They learn some family secrets and to embrace their charms. At the same time they learn that there is a family curse. When they return to live with their parents, they each in their own way attempt to rid themselves of the curse only to learn that doing so is not that easy.

They find love, they turn their back on love, they get into interesting situations. They also experience loss, sadness, death and heartbreak. They travel, they experience life but they also experience family ties, devotion, closeness, and a world of magic. Plus, the reader gets to learn more about Maria Owens, the witch who long ago was charged with being a witch and more about the family curse.

Hoffman creates quirky characters which are both complex and compelling. The magic of her book is in their relationships and their family ties.

As I mentioned, I have not read Practical Magic but I intend to do so in the near future.

I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Read 100 pages and it's not for me. I adored The Marriage of Opposites, but this skewed more YA, which I wasn't expecting.

The Rules of Magic is the prequel to Practical Magic, though it's equally good as a standalone book. Alice Hoffman is one of my favourite female writer's. I have read every book she has written and I'm never disappointed. She writes so beautifully, it's a pleasure to read her work. The Rules of Magic is another gem of a book. It's full of magic and love. I highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This book will be a hit regardless of if the reader has read Practical Magic. I completely enjoyed this prequel, it gives a deeper understanding of the characters and why they were cautioned about falling in love. This story has bits of history and as always a heap of magic. The book was a delight to read and I that they publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Wonderfully told story! This is a prequel to Practical Magic, set in the 60s and 70s mostly. Growing up at the time, I really related to parts of the story.
This is Alice Hoffman at her best. Now I want to reread Practical Magic!

I received this book from the publisher as an Advanced Reader Copy. it is the prequel to Practical Magic, which I loved. I liked this book very much, although it seemed overly long in a few places. I highly recommend it.

This is such a great read. I had tears in my eyes as I finished it. I love Alice Hoffman's books and this is one of her best. I'm always a bit leery of sequels or prequels, but this is even better than Practical Magic! The story of the aunts from Practical Magic, Franny and Jet, and their brother Vincent. Their mother has a list of rules they must obey, such as never wear red shoes, no walking in the moonlight, no wearing black. An dof course the Owens children break those rules, including (despite their efforts) never fall in love. The story progresses so thoughtfully, with characters that are allowed to develop and grow in a way that feels organic to the story. I honestly couldn't put it down. This is definitely going to be a favorite for Hoffman's fans and will win her new ones. Although it's a prequel, it stands on its own - even if I hadn't read Practical Magic I would have enjoyed it. Hoffman has a true gift for mixing fantastical elements into the "real" world, creating something that feels entirely original.

This is the prequel to Alice Hoffman’s novel Practical Magic, which was made into a very popular movie in 1998. As one who had no knowledge of either the novel or the movie prior to reading this book, however, I can attest that The Rules of Magic is a stand-alone story that needs no previous awareness of the Owens family or their house on Magnolia Street in order to be enjoyed.

In true Alice Hoffman style, the characters are engaging individuals who draw you into their unique world, quickly involve you in their lives, and make you want to know that they’re going to be okay. While one can tire of the tales of young people discovering their magical abilities, the Owens girls have always known they were different; witchcraft has been in their bloodline for centuries. They are used to being shunned by neighbors, whispered about in school, and finding themselves so buoyant while swimming that they can’t dive deep to save a loved one in danger of drowning. They do their best to hide their special abilities, whether it’s seeing the future, reading minds, or communing with birds, while trying to fit in with townspeople who simultaneously fear them and seek them out for magical remedies to their problems. They also must face the centuries-old curse that says loving someone means losing that person, sometimes tragically. Dare they love someone if it portends the beloved’s doom?

As a prequel to Practical Magic, this story begins in the 1960s, when sisters Jet and Franny are children living in New York City with their parents and younger brother, Vincent. Vincent — a rare wizard in a long line of witches — has his own approach to dealing with the curse, and the example he sets inspires his sisters to find their own courage. That’s not to say that all will go well, but what is living really about and when is fate just fate and no one’s fault?

Whether or not you knew of Jet and Franny before, The Rules of Magic will make them people you care about as they navigate their way through the complexities of life as Owens girls and as human beings.

Love is not easy. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It comes down to very different people relating to one another. Like a conjoined twin, I think fear is a close companion to love. When we are young, we fear that you will never find the right person to love. When we find them, we fear that the other person will not love you back. When we have love, we always fear that this person who has become so vital to your world could be lost. The Rules of Magic is about love. Love between siblings, parents, children, lovers and friends. It is about letting your love flow freely, not bottling it up with fear, guilt, doubt or anger.

I loved this book. I was offered the ARC by the publisher through Netgalley. I vaguely remembered hearing about the first book in the series, Practical Magic, when the movie was released. I think Sandra Bullock was in it? I never got to see it, but ok! Knowing that The Rules of Magic was a prequel to that book I decided to read Practical Magic first. It is not necessary to do that, though I am glad I did. Both books can easily stand on their own. I think if I were to do it again, I would have read this book first and then Practical Magic.

Both books are a slow burn. It took a good 25% before the story really gets into swing. Don’t misunderstand me, it is a good, well written 25%. The methodical layering of personal relationships between the characters and the world they live in takes skill and above all else time.

As the descendants of witches, the Owens family are magical people. I found them fascinating. They know everything about curses and charms. Which herbs will cure fever and which will shake loose an unwanted lover. Black cats are not bad. Witches can’t drown and always carry lavender in your pocket. Even with all their knowledge, some parts of life cannot be tricked, manipulated or avoided.

"Life was short, it was over in an instant, but some things lasted. Hate and love, kindness and cruelty, all lingered and, in their case, all had been passed on."

The Owens family suffers from a curse. Despite the curse, they each must come to learn to:

"Love more, her aunt had said. Not less."

It is a short but sweet thought from a lovely book. It is what we should all strive to do, with or without the help of magic. This book is one I’m going to think about for some time. I will likely revisit it as well. If you have a chance, I highly recommend getting to know this author and her beautiful books. You won’t be sorry

Song for this book: Millstone by Eisley

I really liked it. The Practical Magic is my favourite book, so I want really to read this book.
I find it interesting, and a beutiful and sometimes sad story about the Owens.
You dont need know the Practical Magic, this story is full in itself.

It's FANTASTIC!!!!!

"The Rules of Magic", is such a wonderful world to visit.
Most people avoided the Owens family believing any entanglement with them would taint not only their present but their future as well.
It was said that some family members could place a single horse hair into a pan of water and turn it into a snake.
Yikes... that might scare me away from them too! Ha!

But -- oh how I loved this family who came from a long line of witches as far back as the year 1620 when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for falling in love .... with the wrong man.
The siblings- Franny, Jet, and Vincent are colorful fascinating distinct characters each with special powers - gifts- personality- temperament and charm. Aunt Isabelle is a standout, too. They made me laugh. They made me cry.

From Manhattan to Massachusetts to California--the storytelling is irresistible - filled with magic and imagery -many scents throughout: wildflowers, herbs, eucalyptus, peppermint, trees, patchouli, chocolate, bittersweet scent of almonds, curries, coffee, even bacon.... etc. etc.
Flowers were everywhere at "The Summer of Love" gathering in San Francisco.
You'll even visit the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967..... The grateful dead, Janis Joplin, the who, Jimi Hendrix, and Otis Redding: Music Love Peace

Page after page.... are delightful surprises... gorgeous prose!!!
I devoured this book....taking away wisdom-which brought me back to the 'magic' of our everyday lives. ----- but... I miss these folks, their stories and their rules, already!

Thank You Netgalley, Simon & Schuster, and Alice Hoffman