This was a fine book. I seriously read up to about 30%, and ended up skimming the rest. The book felt very plot-heavy, with stilted dialogue and two dimensional characters. I liked the concept, but the execution left me wanting.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I think there are some interesting things at play here. The writer created a unique world, and the romance was compelling.

I really feel like everything needed to be developed more. I know the main character, Alice, notes how powerful she feels at different times in the story. Despite this, I didn't really see any reason as to why she should feel this way until the end of the book. All of her relationships could be further developed too.

The tone was inconsistent. Certain scenes made me feel like I was reading a fairytale while other points on the story had more of a modern vibe. I feel like characters' personalities are not as well-established as they could be.

I also think a more thorough explanation of the magic system and what all is present in this world would help. I'm pretty good at following intricate details, but the magic in this book had me confused

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a digital advance reader copy through NetGalley!

Unfortunately, this book was a little too fever dreamy for me. I felt like I was reading in circles and Aline never acted like a 30 year old woman to me - she stays very immature and naive throughout. I stopped reading about 50% of the way through, I just couldn’t get interested or invested in the story or characters. The prose is extremely descriptive and is overflowing with similes that don’t really make much sense. The description of the book definitely piqued my interest, but the actual substance never got there for me.

DNF at 13%
The writing style just isn't really clicking with me. To be clear, I don't think this is an objective flaw with the book and it's likely many others will not have this same problem but I'm just getting bored because I don't know where the plot is headed and the writing isn't compelling enough to keep me going. Since I have to give a star rating I'll give it a 3 since it isn't bad it's just not something I want to continue to engage with.

This was a did not finish for me. I liked the idea of it, the idea of magic being a person. But the plot was an absolute mess. I feel like the author didn’t put as much into as was needed. Hard to follow.

Aline Weir is a hidden witch with the ability to communicate with ghosts who discovers a mysterious book of Mischief that amplifies her powers. Invited to a secret town called Matchstick, she learns of a lost and beguiling magical creature that needs to be freed, using her unique abilities. Unaware of the creature's dangerous allure, Aline embarks on a perilous journey, risking her life and soul, as she faces the seductive power of Magic and confronts the challenges that come with her newfound strength.

This book had a cute charm to it, although I found myself occasionally confused by the amount of characters. While it didn't become my absolute favorite, it also didn't fall into the category of the worst book I've ever read, What Became of Magic is perfect for those in-between moments when you're looking for something light and cozy. Despite its shortcomings, the book managed to maintain an endearing quality that made it enjoyable overall.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for this ARC!

At 3.5 stars rounded up, What Became of Magic is a fantasy novel with elements of a romance. Aline Weir has always felt alone and unloved with absent parents and zero friends except a ghost only she can see. Aline is a hedgewitch that can see the dead and help them cross over. Aline finds her home among three sisters who welcome her into their bookshop and their lives. When they disappear, Aline learns the sisters are the three fates and journeys to magical matchstick to find them. Matchstick is full of power, knowledge, and the love she has only dreamed of. As with all things concerning the fates, Aline learns there is a cost. Endangering herself and the love she has just found Aline must save the world and stop the big bad who wants to steal all the magic from her new friends. The story draws the reader in but drags in places and unfolds in a way that is at times confusing and disappointing. The heroine seems to be like a dog chasing her tail for a lot of it and story contains a lot of redundancy. The ending provides the much needed feeling of a happily ever after to lighten the overall story. I found the story unique and would read other stories by this author but this story left be torn between love and irritation. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Before my review, I would like to disclose that I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review. With that being said, let's get into my review of What became of Magic:

This is an absolute fever dream of a book. It has the delirious and delightful confusion of Alice in wonderland, mixed with the chaos of magic and prophecy. While the plot at the heart of this novel is fascinating and fun to explore, oftentimes the characters speak in riddles, and sometimes the narrator does too. If you're smarter than I am, you should be able to read a page without having to double or triple back or go cross-eyed as much as I did trying to untangle the words on the page. The book feels fast, despite being a labor to read, due to being carted on confusion from the conversations and narration straight into the action.

It feels like Crutcher leaned very hard into the Alice in Wonderland, Cheshire Cat energy of making things confusing, to the point where it becomes a smidge overwhelming for readers. I personally would've loved to see the characters working through the riddles together, or at least solving one of the spoken riddles earlier than "two narrative seconds before it becomes relevant," and for some of those solutions to be more publicly announced than "Aline knew what to do, and did it" - because I as the reader don't know what she had to do or why she's doing what, and I prefer to feel like I'm participating in the action by understanding it, instead of perceiving it through a looking glass with little to no context.

The book's ending events are also fast paced-feeling, and you lose a sense of time: despite the narrator saying at some point that the events all took weeks, it feels like it happens in a week or less total. I feel that there could be more done to acknowledge the passage of time in the narration and transitional events in the story, instead of at the wrap-up of the plot. Partnr to this is the romantic relationship, which feels fast and not in the "magical" way but in the "it's talked about so briefly that it feels like they go from meeting to being in love in twenty minutes" way. I was hoping for more of a deep connection between the romancing characters, so that the ending would be more satisfying and closure-giving, but instead I just found myself feeling like it cut itself short and denied the reader a bit of emotional payoff.

Overall I give this book a 3.5 - rounded up to a 4 - out of 5. The premise of this novel is truly fascinating and is largely what kept me going through it. I was hoping for a more tangible magic system to explore in the events of the novel, although the intuitive, emotional casting without supplies or circles is also fascinating (and I wish it had been expounded on more where possible). It's a good read for the plot behind it all, but it might indeed be a labor of love to tackle. If you are clever and loved Alice in Wonderland, there's definitely things for you to enjoy in this book.

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This is a private section with a note for the author and editing team that is NOT present in the Goodreads review,:

I personally would like to insist that someone combs through this novel and rectifies the gendered terms for Three. They are nonbinary, there is a whole conversation about Three choosing to go by "they" pronouns and be an agender/nonbinary person, and yet in following chapters Three gets referred to more than a handful of times with "he" pronouns. It feels doubly disrespectful as well because these characters talk about Three using these pronouns while Three is not present, which feels fairly invalidating, considering that these are the same characters who made Three clarify their gender and why they use "they" pronouns to begin with.
I am of course not insinuating that any of this was intentional - in fact, it felt to me as though Three may have been written originally as masculine/male, and that these later corrections were somehow missed., It would also be fine is Three had stated that they accept masculine pronouns as well as neutral, but at no point in the book did I read Three stating that they were okay with being talked about in male terms, so hopefully those moments of mis-gendering them can be sorted out prior to publishing.
It means a lot to have nonbinary representation in books, but as a fellow nonbinary human, I want to ensure that this book honors the wishes of the character it brought into existence, the same way that I would reinforce proper pronoun usage when people are speaking to or about me.. Thank you so much for taking extra time to go over this section of my review.

I almost stopped reading this book multiple times. The only reason I kept reading was because I have issues with not finishing a book I have started. But nothing about this book worked for me. The writing style, the plot, the characters…nothing connected. The plot was complex and convoluted and I had trouble following the background of what was happening in the story. Just not the book for me.

1 star. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

This book started strong with Aline’s past and dealing with realizing she had powers. I did not like the sudden jump in the timeline of the story. I felt like there was so much that could have been part of her journey of learning how to handle her magic that we missed as readers. Just boom, it's 10 years laters and I guess we just assume she has gained some control during that time?

I wanted to love Matchstick more, but I was a bit lost in the riddles. This is not my style of reading so it was a stuggle for me to get through the middle of the book.

The ending was good and I finished the book overall thinking this was a decent story.

What Became of Magic by Paige Crutcher is a story about Aline Weir, a shadow witch who can talk to ghosts. Aline is alienated by her parents and peers throughout middle and high school and goes through some traumatic situations that cause her to hide away from others. She eventually befriends a ghost and three eccentric sisters who run a bookstore and finds solace and support in these relationships as she learns more about her powers. One day, through a series of events after the four go missing, Aline finds herself entering a wondrous place called Matchstick. There she meets a whole cast of characters who help her on her quest to save her friends and also save Magic.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I thought it was a fun, cozy read. All of the characters were interesting and I really liked Magic. At times the plot line got a bit confusing, but I think that was actually purposeful. All in all, I think this is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and author for granting me an ARC. This book is expected to come out in September 2023.

Aline is a witch who grew up without knowledge of her power. She was bullied at school and ignored at home. When she found the sisters who owned a bookstore, her life changed and she finally had a sense of family. This book is full of fantasy and emotion. There's plenty of folklore that intertwines to create a lovely adventure.

What became of magic is such a fun magical read. This book for me started out so strong but did drag a bit in the middle (I may have been just a little lost in this magical world and a few too many riddles for me) but the beginning and ending were so strong.

I think I just wanted more of the love story for Aline and Magic but I did enjoy all the magical aspects of this story. The paranormal was so entertaining for me. It is a very well written book.

Thank you net galley and author Paige crutcher for providing me with the e-ARC of this book in exchange for a review

Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This is an honest review so my warning is that this might be a great fit for other readers.

In truth, this style of storytelling is not my favorite. The beginning takes an intriguing idea: a lonely adolescent child suddenly discovering she could see and talk to ghosts; and bores the reader with an incredibly dull narrative style. This could have been a stylistic choice to convey how bland and suspended Aline's world was. However, I'm not convinced this was intentional.

The novel spends several chapters across Aline's childhood and early teen years before the story jumps us 15 years into the future. This is when the action of the story comes to play. Again, I want to preface, this type of nonsense literary style is not for me. There were some beautiful one liners buried amongst conflicting dialogue. However, I found myself re-reading specific paragraphs without fully gasping what actually took place on the page. The story leans too heavily on puns in order to push forward the storyline. I will applaud the author for encouraging me to look up the specific type of puns used within this story. Magic, magic is an example of a homographic pun and does lend comedy to the otherwise despondent quest our reluctant heroine is tasked with.

I digress, there was some wonderful potential in the last 30% of the story. The plot has an exciting premise and that's what kept me reading. However, outside of the early edition grammar errors, my biggest issue stems from the writing style. Sometimes it was too non-sensical and slapdash to truly convey what was happening. As a reader, I kept getting lost in the point of the story.

My recommendation would be to spell it out more clearly on the page, even the pieces that are intentionally meant to be abstract. Spend less time detailing ALL aspects of the first 16 years of Aline's life and instead use that time to provide more clarity around the magical world she exists within. I would also like to see more parallels to how Florence's pursuit of the Magic's impacts the "normal" world. There is only one small paragraph dedicated to this in the last 10% of the story and it would have provided a useful segue into Aline's maturation across her "normal" experiences vs her "magical" ones.

I am a fan of Paige Crutcher, and could not wait to dive into this one. Mysteries surrounding magic are such a siren call to me, however, this one just fell a just a little flat. It was very confusing in parts, and I had to go back and reread sections just to understand what was going on. I enjoyed it overall, but wish it had made sense during the first read. Bumped to a four since I did enjoy it, but almost gave a three.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martins Press!
I was excited to receive another book by Paige Crutcher as I enjoyed reading The Lost Witch. The premise of her books are always fantastic. Magic, bookstores, ghosts? That is exactly what I want from fantasy books. While I did like The Lost Witch was a bit better I think this was still enjoyable even if it was a bit confusing parts!

"What Became of Magic" by Paige Crutcher is a bewitching and captivating tale that immerses readers in a world where witches, magic, and powerful creatures coexist. This novel, filled with suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance, takes readers on a thrilling journey alongside Aline Weir, a witch with an extraordinary gift.

The author, known for her previous works "The Orphan Witch" and "The Lost Witch," once again demonstrates her skill in crafting compelling narratives and weaving together intricate plots. Crutcher's writing style is enchanting, drawing readers into a world brimming with magic and danger from the very first page.

Aline Weir is a complex and relatable protagonist, harboring her magical abilities due to past events. Her journey of self-discovery and the gradual unveiling of her powers creates a sense of empowerment and growth throughout the story. Aline's ability to communicate with ghosts adds an intriguing dimension to her character, allowing for heartfelt and poignant moments that delve into themes of redemption and closure.

The setting of "What Became of Magic" is masterfully crafted, with Matchstick, the mysterious town that doesn't exist on any map, serving as a backdrop for the unfolding adventure. Crutcher's vivid descriptions bring the town to life, immersing readers in its mystical atmosphere and leaving them yearning to uncover its secrets alongside Aline.

The introduction of the book of Mischief elevates the stakes and amplifies the already powerful magic within Aline. The sense of wonder and discovery that accompanies Aline's newfound abilities is palpable, and readers will find themselves enchanted by the unpredictable and alluring nature of the magic she wields.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the enigmatic trio of women who run the bookstore adds an element of intrigue and mentorship to the story. Their guidance and wisdom provide Aline with the necessary tools to navigate the dangerous path she embarks upon, while also adding depth and richness to the narrative.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the character of Magic itself. The personification of magic as a dangerous and seductive entity adds an additional layer of complexity to the plot, creating a tantalizing dance between light and dark, power and vulnerability. Crutcher's portrayal of Magic as a character that has been waiting for a witch like Aline for centuries is both chilling and captivating, heightening the stakes and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

"What Became of Magic" is a spellbinding novel that will leave readers longing for more. Paige Crutcher's ability to seamlessly blend magic, mystery, and compelling characters makes this book a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre. With its engrossing plot, well-developed characters, and a world brimming with enchantment, "What Became of Magic" is a testament to Crutcher's storytelling prowess and will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly awaiting her next magical adventure.

I really hate to give such a low rating because for the first 20% or so of the book, I was really interested. I liked the main character and the magic system. I finally had to stop reading about 65% through because I was not really following what was going on. It felt like the story was almost there but not enough to completely work. Once I realized not only did I not understand the plot, I also stopped carrying about the characters, I had to call it.

Thanks to net galley for the advanced copy.

This was a great book with just enough to Magic to make you question reality. I like that in a book which is why magical realism is usually my go to sub-category along those lines.

There were some disturbing (albeit minimal/short) events that weren’t entirely necessary but in hindsight they all added up to a thoroughly explored world … or WORLDS rather. The “in between” interested me and finding out some of the earlier events were actually serving a different purpose than I thought when reading them kept me on the edge of my seat.

The spice-o-meter seemed like it would be hotter due to some details early on but this was pretty “clean” overall for those who have an preference about open-door romance.

Overall I really enjoyed it!

I really, really struggled to get into this book.

It's hard for me to even describe why. The world building is interesting, not rushed, reasonably unique, and presents nice plot movement. I liked the FMC--she's strong but insecure due to a lifetime of everyone, including her parents, essentially rejecting her due to her other-ness. It's a slow-burn romance with some fated elements and a mystery wrapped in. The romantic elements are well-done. It even has a unique magic system, which typically I absolutely adore.

But despite ticking all of the boxes for a book I would really enjoy, I found this one to be a chore to get through. I would say this was particularly true of the middle 60% of so of the book where everyone is speaking in riddles, the POVs are swapping around, and half the time I just did not really understand what was going on. It just dragggggggeeedddd for a while too. I put it down to read something else and kept forcing myself to come back to this to finish it. The ending DID wrap things up for the most part but not in a, "oh of course, how could I have possibly misunderstood these riddles?!" kind of way. Instead, it was more of a, okay, the plot ends in this way, that makes sense I guess?? I was happy with the resolution of the romantic arc.

Overall though I think there is a certain set of readers that would really enjoy this one; I don't want to rate it any lower because I honestly think it is fairly well written and unique. It has great cozy vibes and a lot of interesting elements. Just not exactly my cup of tea.