thanks to netgalley and llewellyn worldwide for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This one is a doozy and I would definitely not recommend it. It is presented as a historical overview of queer magic with examples from a range of traditions and contexts, but it feelings incredibly poorly researched and written. A lot of the language used is off-putting and incorrect further creating the impression that Prower is not an informed expert who should be entrusted as an authoritative voice. The ideas for practice are imaginative but also kind of thoughtless and don't consider the audience enough in a weird way. A great example of a good idea for a book and an actual good book not being the same thing.

Couldn't finish this one as there was a horrific lake of women and sapphic love. Instead of Queer Magic it should have been called gay magic.

I was so hyped for this book.

I remember how I sat on the balcony, enjoying the sun and thinking I was in for a great treat.

Well, I wasn't. Now don't get me wrong. It was interesting enough - at times. At other times I felt it was rather elitist and overall... it's just so rushed!

The book rushes through time, through culture, through continents... It's really sad, because I really enjoyed the queer eye used in Queer Magic. But I wasn't able to get into a thing because there always was the next and the next and the next. I feel stressed just thinking back to it.

If one is looking for a starting point it may be the right book. It may not as well.

Last Words: An one time read.

I normally don't review Non-Fiction. It takes me a bit more to get my thoughts together. When I first came out I was young. It seems I was also young when deciding to practice magic. Coming out takes courage, let alone bursting out of two closets. As an adult my path has taken me on many spiritual reading journeys. I found Tomas Prower's "Queer Magic" book to be very educational. I get a sense that it was hard sometimes to find the right story or words for our magic traveling. The book is split up into parts that take us along a history travel of places, religion, and time. Each section is brought modern by a "story" or tale from a practitioner of the faith recently discussed. I did notice the research was highlighted and thorough. I have read other queer magic books, and this one wasn't all love spells and potions. I liked the more activity based, and thought provoking activities we had to do as we went threw the book. This book will also lead me to research more on my own for some of the subjects discussed. Mostly 4.5 stars. I was expecting a little more instruction on the activities, maybe more from the author would be good. How does the author feel as a queer magic user? Some more personal user guides we are usually used to with this kind of subject

I found this book to be an important addition to spirituality studies.; it adds an often-overlooked dimension to queer theory.

I think it's an essential reading if this subject even remotely appeals to you, and, if it doesn't, it really should. The book and its contents are well worth your time and consideration.

Having enjoyed Tomas' prior book about La Santa Muerte I was overjoyed to find that he was working on a book with a LGBTQ+ focus. Having also followed his page over on Facebook which provided insights about queer friendly deities I was super excited. The book is very well written and researched. With the Abrahamic religions emphasising homophobia it is super refreshing to be informed about divinities that are patrons and protectors for the gay community. Deities that love and accept and empower. To the community that sometimes feels waylaid by orthodox paths it is super refreshing to read a book that embraces and does emphasis that deity loves everyone. Top class work.

Prower's book outlines (in a comprehensive manner) the LGBT+ ties that many of the world's major religions have, which is terribly important, as the modern iterations of a number of those religions would rather you not focus on such things. We're shown the various examples by the author and not only asked to observe how natural non-heterosexual relations were at particular times with particular groups, but to look inward---to realize that LGBT+ have been here since the very beginning, and, as if more proof was needed, that these groups are essential to the overall proper health of a culture and society and to cast them out is pure poison for a civilization (not to mention being out of line with the teachings of a host of said religions).

As a practicing Methodist Christian, I can say that researching and discovering the noble facets of other religions only serves to refine and reinvigorate my own faith, the chief reason being that reading about these sorts of subjects is proof positive to me that we're all just trying to get along the best way we know how. Prower's book pulls back the curtain on the blatant sexuality of all religions, warts and all, and, like when you study world religions, you're quick to pick up on the many through-lines, despite many of the faiths being at least half a world apart.

Added, helpful asides in the book are some suggested activities to help drive points home and/or to help you in your everyday life. There are also short testimonies from representatives from many of the discussed religions that put things into greater perspective; to restate, you first learn about the groups, and then you hear from the groups themselves.

I don't identify as LGBT+, but I found this book invaluable in pointing out this overlooked facet of culture within religions. I think it's essential reading if this subject even remotely appeals to you, and, if it doesn't, it really should. Prower doesn't get overly academic with the presentation of his research, so you'll find it to be an easy read. Even if you approach the material and take it all with a grain of salt (which is just fine), the book and its contents are well worth your time and consideration.

Not what I expected, but a fascinating read exploring history and religion via LGBT+ lenses. I'm not of the spectrum, merely an ally and interested third party, so quite a few parts were n/a to me. Overall, a good book to read leisurely. Not sure how it'll further the education of many who're looking to help make changes as this all seemed nice to know, not essential to know.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this text, but not so much the self-help/magical activity sections, as they were not applicable to me. I realize that as an Ally I am not the target audience necessarily though, as I do not identify as LGBT+. The research into the histories of these places is thorough and I think those who are the target audience will find a lot of value in this book.