4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Audiobook

I really enjoyed listening to Sorcery and Small Magics, the narrator did a great job of bringing Leovander and Sebastian and their story to life.

This was set in a fantasy world with an interesting magic system which kept me interested throughout. The very slow-burn romance didn't really occur until near the end as their friendship grew while they spent time together on their adventure into the magical forest to undo the forbidden spell on Leo.

I would have liked it to have been dual POV rather than singularly told from Leo's POV but that didn't stop my enjoyment of this fun read.

I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes in the next two books and seeing Leo and Sebastian's friendship and romance grow. I'm also looking forward to uncovering more about the magics and goings on in their world. I'll be keeping my eyes out for book 2.

What a fun start to a new trilogy!
Leo and Grimm are like oil and water... Leo is fun loving and a bit of a disaster of his own making and Grimm is studious and serious... and a curse gone awry forces them to work together verrrrryyyy closely.
The world building was interesting. Magic users require a scribe to write out their spells before they can be cast by a stronger magic user, the caster, so only very simply spells can be cast without a duo working together. And here we have Grimm and Leo, and unlikely duo forced to work together, and travel together, to find a counter-curse for an accidently cast spell. They travel through the Unquiet Wood in search of The Sorceress, and her expertise, and run into a band of outlaws and have quite the adventure along the way.
I enjoyed our two main characters very much, but would definitely like to see more of the Sorceress and some of the side characters again in future books. Very much looking forward to what comes next!

2/5

Leo Loveage is a scriver, someone who writes magical spells, and not a very good one at that. Everything he does is silly and inconsequential, thought there is a reason for that, which doesn't make him many friends. Add to that his disregard for rules and his perchance for mischief, and it's no wonder Sebastian Grimm, a very talented and serious caster, cannot stand him. But when a mix up with a spell leaves them forced to remain close, and for Leo to follow all of Grimm's commands, the two of them will have to put aside their grievances and work together to vanish the spell. Regular solutions don't seem to help and, with no one they can turn to for help, they decide to take a trip deep into the dangerous and monster ridden Unquiet Wood where they might find the counterspell if they manage to survive.

I actually started liking this and then it just lost me. The pacing was one of the main problems, the promised Unquiet Wood's adventure doesn't start until 50% or so and, after a while of the same repetitive events from Leo's unchanging point of view, it got boring. Maybe if there had been more about the school or the magic system it could have been tolerable, and even enjoyable, but the way it is right now wasn't interesting. Then there's Leo and Grimm. As a narrator, Leo was ok at first, but he quickly started grinding on my gears. I understand the kind of character he is, the jokester who is secretly very hurt and uses humor as a defense mechanism, but there was never much internal evolution or a change in perspective from him. I needed more development. Grimm was even worse because there's nothing there. Silent and strong, ok? And what else? You have to give me something more. For this reason I never rooted for the romance, not that there was much to be honest.

Full transparency here, before finishing my reading I did read a couple reviews and I could not stop thinking about two of them that mentioned similitudes to The Untamed and I kinda see it. Magical school, forced to work together, their first meeting that we see has one of them drunk and breaking curfew, learning sword forms as part of their magic lessons, a nice supportive female character that is like a big sister, a brash big brother convinced that the main character wants to join him in his work, musical instruments used to cast magic and that being considered unorthodox... yeah. I don't think it's a copy of it, but I can understand the comparison and I'll admit that it might have colored my perception of the book a bit.

Other than that I can see people liking this, especially anyone who enjoys really low stakes cozy fantasy. The ARC I got was the audiobook edition and I do recommend it, I think the narrator was great. He carried Leo the whole book, making him more charming than I considered the character to be. The other characters had distinct voices and the audio was easy to understand.

Beautiful, lyrical Fantasy that embraces the magic of the unknown. I loved every second of this simmering, shining story. Doocy has crafted a poetic fantasy that will capture your heart and spark your imagination. Not only is the world-building and character development fantastic, but the romance is steamy and sweet at the same time. For fans of Freya Marske, Trip Galley, and Alexis Hall.

Whooo boy this book took me by surprise! If you loved Baz and Simon from the Carry On series this book is definitely one to pick up. I adored the magic school element and the school rivalry that Grimm and Leo have. I related to Leo so hard. Characters who are sassy and act like they don't have a care in the world but actually they care deeply and just want to be seen and loved capture my whole heart. The forced proximity was absolutely delicious. The romance is very light in this book but it's the gradual progression is going to make it so much more worth it when they acknowledge their feelings. I am so excited to see where this series goes!
A huge part of my enjoyment of the book is because of Ciaran Saward's excellent narration. He really brought out all of Leo's humor and sass while also conveying the vulnerability and yearning both characters are feeling. I fell so hard for both characters and I hope he decides to come back for book 2 because I need to hear the rest of these hooligan's adventures told with all the heart and humor that Ciaran can bring.

Truly delightful! Sorcery of Small Magics follows two academic rivals who—after one accidentally curses the other—embark on a quest to reverse the spell.

❤️ What I loved: This book has an excellent cast of characters, both main and supporting. The chaotic Leo and uptight Grimm were so endearing, and I was invested in their development—individually and as a partnership—as the story progressed. The unique magical world was another highlight, and it came to life through a beautifully described Regency-esque setting.
💔 What I didn’t love: This wasn’t much of a detractor for me, but more a comment on marketing. While this is marketed as a romance, this is a slow burn romance. As this is part of a planned series, do not expect much romantic development in this book.

Fans of whimsical queer fantasy and/or books like Freya Marske’s The Last Binding trilogy or Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde series will find a lot to love in Sorcery and Small Magics. I eagerly await the next book in the series!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (4.5-5)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimers
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Maiga Doocy, and Hachette Audio, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book. ✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. ✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.

The love story unfolds at a leisurely pace, with the narrative presented entirely through the eyes of one of the male lead characters (MMC). Personally, I would have preferred a story told from two perspectives, as I found the character we followed somewhat unappealing.

This book is so great. It’s sure to be a hit. I can see several major book boxes doing special editions of this. Definitely worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Orbit for this ARC Audio Copy! 3.5 Stars

I was so excited about this book when I received the ARC. I love these kind of stories and this one was good, but it was not my favorite of all time. I really enjoyed the M/M slow burn romance, and I enjoyed the journey where our main characters go out on an adventure to cure a spell that is keeping them in forced proximity. It was cute but I just never could get into the world or really understand the magic system. I don't think it was supposed to be heavy on the magic and politics, which is my preference, so if that is not what you are looking for then you will really enjoy this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this book! It had exactly the balance of magic, adventure and romance I was looking for, and I could not put it down! I loved the dynamic between the main characters, and the depth and complexity they had in their own right. It felt like a perfect enemies to...something more relationship and I truly can't wait to see their relationship continue to grow as the series goes on. I also really enjoyed the magic system, and how our main characters explored their powers together and worked to each others' strengths. Overall, the book was exciting and poignant and fun in equal measure, and fans of heartwarming fantasy adventure should definitely give it a try. The narrator of this audiobook was fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience.

Thank everything that’s good that this is a trilogy. I was not satisfied with this ending - it’s good but my heart was temporarily broken with “that’s it? It’s over? 🥺” at the last word. I confirmed the story continues, and I can breathe confidently again. I love, love, love Leo. In all ways. I also love Grimm for very different reasons. I love their banter, tension and general push/pull. I hate not having more. The character dynamics in this story have a vice grip on my heart. I genuinely adore this book.

Oh this story. It’s cozy-ish. It’s academia. It’s school enemies to forced partners. It’s an adventure. It’s mysterious tower in the woods and the paroles to get there. There are monsters/creatures. Are they what they seem to be?? Clearly I loved this and encourage anyone to read it.

I read this via audio so far. I’m fairly confident I will reread this one with my eyeballs as well. The audio is as perfect as a single narrator performance can be. I absolutely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maiga Doocy, Hachette audio, and Orbit books for this audio and eARC. I did personally purchase this as well.

<i>Ella Enchanted</i> meets <i>Howl’s Moving Castle</i> in this adorably fun fantasy romcom about two rivals who are brought together by an accidental curse.

This was a riot. Grimm was delightfully curmudgeonly and studious (almost Darcy-esque in his blunt takedowns), while Leo served as an excellent foil—comedic and unserious through and through. Making Leo the POV character was the perfect choice since he gave this book the levity it needed to absolutely enthrall me.

The romance was very sweet, but a certain complication I won’t mention due to spoilers undermined it a bit for me. I’m really excited Doocy opted for a slow burn with this one, though, because I’m kind of dying to see where this couple goes from here.

Overall, this was a hilarious, fun romp and, while I can’t give it more than 4 stars due to the vague and haphazard world building, I was glued to this book from start to finish and had such a blast reading it.

<i>A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Hachette Audio, for providing me with an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!</i>

Sorcery and Small Magics is a highly character-driven story, but the setting and world-building are equally well done. It leans more towards "light academia" rather than dark, with the characters spending a good deal of time away from the school. One of the highlights for me was the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, which added depth to the story.
The romance is very much a slow burn, and the story is told entirely from the point of view of one of the male main characters (MMC). Personally, I would have preferred a dual POV, as I wasn’t too fond of the character we followed.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job. It had a relaxing, almost background-music quality that made it easy to enjoy. Although I liked the book, it didn’t engage me enough to make me rush to pick up the sequel. I’ll likely read it at some point, but it’s not high on my priority list.

Thanks to Netgalley, Maia Doocy and Hachette Audio for this ALC

I admittedly don't read a ton of books about men or narrated by men. But, I was delightfully surprised by Sorcery and Small Magics. The narration was consistent throughout, and read very well. The story held my attention from start to finish, and I loved each character. The growth and development we see throughout the story were SO satisfying and I can't wait to read (or listen to!) the next book!

First of all, this book had me loling in chapter one. Leo is delightful 💕

The story is perfect for autumn, I was given an audio arc and it was the best for just cozy listening and the narrator DELIVERED 💅🏻

This books is very character-driven, slower paced low stakes with a ✨ hint ✨ of romance. If you are looking for a quick, high fantasy soaked in romance you will not find it.

That being said, I loved the humor and I love Leo, but those elements are not what make a fave book for me personally hence why I am giving it 3 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio arc.

I’m obsessed. The slow burn and yeeeearning🤌. Sometimes I read a book blurb and think it sounds perfect for me, only to be disappointed by the execution or poor writing style. Not here! Doocy delivered. I loved the humor, the characters, the pacing, the coziness. I cannot wait for the sequel (I already have an idea where one unfinished storyline is headed and I can’t wait to watch it unfold).

“What is Magic if not a performance?”

Sorcery And Small Magics was a super nice read, funny and original. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator enhanced the tale effect. I loved his voice and the dynamism he put into the narration.
That story was the perfect Hero Journey.
Leo seems he couldn’t-give-a-damn about the academy of magic he’s enrolled into, and even less about his future career. He prefers glamor charms to grand magic, and playing violin at parties a lot more than studying. No matter how powerful his family is, he’s on the verge of being expelled from school if he makes another error during the school year. When he is forced to work as a team with Grimm, his academic nemesis, everything goes wrong.
A curse later, they embark on a quest full of trials, opponents and helpers, cross villages and hostile territories and finally discover themselves (and each other). Even if the story’s structure is pretty classic, the story is very addictive and full of varied feelings. The characters are very “fleshy”, nuanced just like I love them. The world building, and especially the magical system, is enchanting. I love that people are forced to work as a team to create magic in this world, that nature is both dangerous and benevolent, and that music has a very special place that allows both Leo and Grimm to overcome their personal difficulties/weaknesses.
Romance is the core of the book, but very secondary all at once. We can consider this is a (very) slow burn, as a permanent question mark.But the sparkle is clearly there, and I can’t wait for book 2!


Thank you Maiga Doocy, Hachette Audio, Orbit and NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

Rate 4.5/5

THIS IS GOING TO BE A TRILOGY???? Call the police, I’m gonna riot because I don’t want to wait for the next one!!!!
Ok this is going to be a strange take, but this was giving the same vibes as Alexis Hall’s Boyfriend Material…but make them sorcerers. And I am All. About. It!!! I enjoyed this book so much, especially on audio. The narrator did an absolutely spectacular job - five stars on the audio, for sure.
Story-wise, I was LIVING for the academic rivals to reluctant friends (and maybe one day lovers???). The world-building and magic system were on the simpler side, but still very intriguing and very cozy. I appreciated that the plot drove the story, and the romance (if you can even say that there is a romance yet?) is secondary. I just have so many questions about the ending!! It wasn’t quite a cliffhanger, but there are definitely questions to be answered and adventures to continue — and romance to be had. Ugh I just love Leo and Grimm I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

4.5⭐ rounded up to 5. This light and easy-to-read cozy fantasy was a nice surprise. I loved the vibes, the whimsy, the main character, the pace, the refreshing spin on popular tropes.

❤️ Fun trainweck MC who seriously gives NF about what people think
❤️ Tons of whimsy
❤️ Weird creature galore
❤️ Spellsongs! Foragers! Blue mushrooms! A marshmallow wolf who can teleport!
❤️ Romance not taking centre stage
❌ Abrupt ending
❌ Lack of chemistry between the two MCs

Trigger warnings: violence and murder, blood and gore, injury and injury detail, death and grief, classism, kidnapping.

Plot:
After a forbidden spell goes wrong, academic rivals Leo and Sebastian are forced to stick together and venture deep into a dangerous magical forest to seek the help of a recluse witch. To solve their problem, they will need to work together, but also face past trauma and confront their biggest fears. And while searching for the counterspell, they start to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.

Yes, there are clichés and popular tropes (forced proximity, grumpy vs. sunshine, one of a kind MC) packed in. But still, this book felt refreshing as compared to many romantasy novels I’ve recently read. The witchy vibes, the whimsy, the (seemingly) unrequited loved, the animals and mythical creatures, the spellsongs… I loved it all. However, I wished Leo and Sebastian had ventured into the forest sooner, because it was my favourite part of the book. I think it took slightly too long to get there. Many aspects and characters piqued my curiosity, so I fully plan on reading the second book.

Characters:
Leo cracked me up! Most MCs are self-righteous with a hero complex and all, but he was a walking disaster… and I was totally here for that. I didn’t quite warm up to Sebastian, but I think his character has potential. Their growth was very well done, and I can’t wait to follow them again through their next adventures. I also hope to see more of Sybilla and explore her relationship with Leo. Jane and Leo’s brother also piqued my curiosity.

Writing:
I enjoyed Doocy’s light, yet sharp, writing style. I would read more from this author.

Audiobook:
Voice actor Ciaran Saward did a great job! He could read me a recipe book using Sebastian’s voice and I’d probably swoon.

I found this to be an enjoyable and cosy fantasy. I did enjoy watching how everything played out for Leo and Grimm after the wrong spell was cast between them, I was really hoping to feel more of an emotional connection between the two, but sadly I found that to be lacking. I also felt sorry for Grimm, and felt annoyed by the way Leo treated him at the start of this book. I didn't really warm to Leo. Still, this was a fun little read. I really enjoyed the narrator. This just din't work for me personally. I would still reccomend giving this a read or listen if it is on your TBR.
Many thanks the Netgally and Hachette Audio for gifting me this to listen to.