Socery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy was such a fantastic read and I'm so grateful to Orbit and Netgalley with providing me a copy of the audiobook. The humor was great, the characters were lovely and I had a fun time listening to this audiobook. The narration was perfect! I truly did look forward to picking up this audiobook and listening to it. I hope we get another book in this series because I want more!

I received an ARC of the audiobook from NetGalley

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed all of the characters and the humour. The magical system was really interesting, and the forest scenes and creatures living within the forest were so cool and inventive.

I think the only thing I didn't love was that the romance plot of the story feels incomplete - I assume because that will continue into the next book in the trilogy, but it was just odd because every other aspect of the plot felt complete, EXCEPT for the romance plot. So it did kind of leave me feeling a little lost at sea once the book ended. But you know, it IS part of a trilogy, and I'm definitely excited for the next one.

Fans of Simon Snow will love this.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

another fantastic 2024 debut, this time following two academic rivals from a magical academy. i really appreciated the magic system in this first book: individuals either have the ability to write the spells that are casted, or they are the caster of said spells.

i loved the way the relationship between leo and grimm, our two lovely mmcs, slowly but surely changes as they try to break the curse accidentally placed on leo.

the audio narrator was fantastic as well!!

book two asap pleaseeee 🙏🏼💗

what a cute and cozy fantasy.
i really enjoyed reading this book from begining to end

it was perfect for starting this spooky season !

📜 𝓢𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬𝓼 📜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨

Thank you @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for this incredible audiobook! Firstly, I loved the narration! Ciaran Saward did an excellent job at keeping me engaged throughout the story 👏🏻👏🏻.

Leo and Grimm are long-time rivals. Leovander Lovage, who doesn’t seem to be taking his magical education seriously by not trying very hard. And Sebastian Grimm, who is highly talented and respected find themselves in a sticky situation where forbidden magic was involved and now have to (god forbid) work together to break the curse before time runs out.

Sorcery and Small Magics is a super cute cosy fantasy with also high stakes! I adored the animosity between Leo and Grimm and the details of the curse!? I honestly did not see that coming and was honestly shocked. It made me so happy that I found myself just enjoying the magic that is Maiga’s writing. I was giggling and kicking my feet, and just having a lot of fun.

Luckily you don’t have to wait long as this is out on the 17th October!! This is the first in the trilogy and I’m really excited to see where the story goes because honestly anything could happen 😭

4.5 stars

Thank you to the Hachette Audio and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am ~trying~ to be patient and wait for book two. I can’t already tell this series will be one I’ll never forget! I truly thought this book was so well thought out. The world building and magic system were so interesting and intriguing, and I loved when they were creating spells and magic together.

Loveage’s voice carries this book in a way where I immediately fell in love with his personality and character as a whole. He is witty, sharp, observant, a bit ridiculous, and so deeply lovable. It was a joy to read his story through his POV. I laughed and felt my heart squeeze one too many times with each struggle and barrier that he had to work through, sometimes alone and sometimes with help.

Loveage and Grimm are quite a pair. The tension between the two of them was so written so well, and I loved how their forced proximity made them face one another and each other’s flaws and vulnerabilities. I love them, your honor!! Towards the end of the book, I was clutching my chest and hoping for one of them to say something to the other… but the ending truly made me so excited to read more in the future!

Honestly the last half of the book I was zoned in and soaking up every detail Doocy was willing to give me. The narrator, Ciaran Saward, did a phenomenal job with bringing this story to life.

What lacked for me were some of the side characters and their character development. However, this may have been an intentional area on the author’s part due to Leo’s need to keep people at a distance because he believes it’s a way to protect them from him. I am interested to see how this all plays out in the rest of the series and am truly excited for book 2!!!

CW: blood, injury/injury detail, violence, death, alcohol, death of parent (off page, prior to story beginning)

oh i love this. literally couldn't put it down.the academia part reminded me of Babel but the journey reminded me of Emily Wilde series. which are two of my most books ever. but combined into something new and fresh entirely.

a really fun read, with enough tension to make it felt anticipating. both Leo and Grimm were charming in their own way, despite their very contrast personality. i enjoyed their dynamics and every single interactions, actually, since Leo seemed to make it a mission to annoy Grimm as often as possible. they went through a dangerous adventure, facing outlaws and monsters on their way, and multiple live threatening events, but the overall vibes of this book still felt cozy somehow.

though at the end some matters left vague, i have my suspicions. but i can life with that since this is only the first book of the series. it's fun either way. can't wait for the sequel!!

for the narrator, i rarely enjoy male narrator but I enjoyed Ciaran Saward's narration so much. he gave life to the story, adding more magic to it. very well done.

I enjoyed Sorcery and Small Magics. It was fun and interesting. It’s a well-paced, slow-burn romance between two male main characters who can’t stand each other but are forced to work together. The dynamic between Leo and Grimm is very well done. Leo’s chaotic energy paired with Grimm’s more serious nature keeps things interesting as these two work together to break a curse. Their journey to break the curse was full of witty banter, growing tension, and just the right amount of charm.

I did listen to the audiobook version. The audiobook was a standout for me. The narrator, Ciaran Saward, did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. His voice is so pleasant and soothing, and he really nailed distinguishing the voices between the characters. His voice is also clear enough that if you like to listen at a higher speed he can still be understood precisely. It made for an enjoyable listening experience that kept me engaged. Definitely a great start to what I hope becomes a fantastic series.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Orbit for sending this ALC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

5/5 stars - perfectly cozy story about rivals, magic, family, trauma, with a dose of adventure.

I found the magic system unique and interesting - basically magic requires two things: one person to write a spell and another to cast it. There is a hierarchy to the type of magic that can be cast, which I think is well described without being overly analyzed. The characters are distinct and well-rounded, and avoid being too trope-y: Leo, while brash and sometimes overconfident is really just hiding some hidden pain, Grim, is reserved, grumpy and rigid but in realistic ways (any type A, or rule follower will definitely relate). The pacing is on the slower side, but there is a lot of action happening and Doocy manages to make even the slower/character building moments have the right amount of tension to keep you engaged. Even when it seemed like you could predict where things might be going, small elements of the plot continued to surprise me, all the way up until the end.

I listened to this on audio and found the narrator to be a perfect fit - just the right amount of accent and pacing that wasn't too fast or too slow (and easy to hear and follow).

Highly recommend if you like grumpy x sunshine dynamics, magic academia vibes, rivalry to friends/lovers, unique magic with just a hint of chaos.

Listen, I’m yelling. I’m so impressed at this book being the author’s first novel because there are several aspects of the story that I think require a well balanced approach to work well. There’s a couple points in this story where the author avoids a cliche choice that I really appreciated and it kept the story’s scope manageable. Also, there’s aspects of the story where it was very obvious the author was calling a shot and I was happily anticipating how great it would be if that shot went off well and!! It did. I am so excited for the second book and will be following this author for sure.

I got to listen to this book thanks to Hachette Audio granting me a preview of the audiobook through Netgalley, which added another lovely layer to the story. I thought both the narrator (Ciaran Saward) and the product were carried off delightfully. Ciaran gave a great voice to our main character and balanced acting out his lines and emotions while keeping the text clear and crisp. I also liked how the secondary character voices were in good contrast to our main character so it was always clear who was talking and I could hear more layers in what they were saying. I think this was particularly relevant with respect to Grim, who Leo spent the most time with. He’s a much more reserved character and so I imagine balancing his personality so he doesn’t always sound one note is more challenging, but it was definitely accomplished here. I’m thinking in particular of the ending which has a section where the two characters are outlining a series of events from their different perspectives and it was so funny and enjoyable.

For fans of:
- Evocation
- Masters of Death

Leo and Sebastian are university students at the most prestigious sorcery school where magic writers and magic casters are taught mastery of their skills. The two men have nothing in common and can hardly stand to be in the same room; Leo is a wealthy son of a lord who is unable to take anything seriously, whereas Sebastian is a country farmer who works tirelessly to develop his skills. The rivals are happy to avoid each other at all costs at school until they are made class partners and a simple assignment ends up with Sebastian inadvertently cursing Leo. With both of their futures on the line, they decide to keep their blunder a secret and work covertly to undo the curse.

This book includes:
- a grumpy-sunshine rivalry
- a university of sorcery where young magicians can become either scribes or casters
- monsters and other magical critters
- enchantments and curses (both real and imagined)
- a quirky and reclusive, yet wise old sorcerer who lives alone in the forest
- magical mishaps
- postgrad anxieties
- grief and regret
- LGBT characters
- TW: brief mention of alcohol abuse

This is a cheeky, yet heartfelt story of rivalry, grief, belief in oneself, and magic. I wasn't sure what to expect but "Sorcery and Small Magics" became an instant favorite. It expertly explores more serious themes such as confidence, regret, and social isolation, without ever feeling too heavy or serious. I loved Leo's character. He was silly, yet skillful. He was careless and mischievous, yet still so intentional in his care for others. Many readers who navigate their misgivings through humor, will surely relate to him and his approach to the world. I also loved Sebastian, who is so solemn and controlled, yet clearly in need of a little levity in his life. Together they are a compelling pair of rival protagonists.

This book is both heartfelt and entertaining, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good old rivalry with a touch of whimsy. The narrator is fabulous and expressive, and I will be looking forward to listening to more of their work in the near future. My only complaint with this book is that it ended at a bit of a cliffhanger and it was just so good that I wish it were a standalone just so that I wouldn't have to wait a year for the conclusion to the book.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Maiga Doocy, and Orbit Books for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/

I absolutely loved this! This book has so much of what I love reading.

The magic system is so interesting, with scrivers who write the spells, charms, and cantrips that are performed by the casters. I love how they work together to perform magic and that the spells are one-time use and the paper burns up after casting.

Enter Leo and Grimm, students at The Fount and our academic rivals who are forced to work together to overcome a curse that they accidentally cast because they were too busy being silly rivals. Leo is the a river and Grimm is the caster. Grimm is all business and a very talented caster, while Leo appears to be whimsical, irresponsible, and not very powerful. He is extremely creative with what he CAN do though.

Their differences in personality and preconceived notions about each other are what lead to them being at odds during the four years they have attended the academy together. Luckily they are put together long enough to actually develop this plot point so well, I cannot wait to see what's in store for them in the next book.

I had so much fun with this book! I was laughing out loud and enjoyed every minute. Fans of A Marvellous Light, Voyage of the Damned, Emily Wilde, and Howls Moving Castle would love this!

Audiobook review: Excellent! Both the narration by Ciaran Saward and production quality were top tier. The way the narrator gave subtly different accents for Leo and Grimm was such a nice touch, and matched with their characters well. They landed all the funny parts perfectly as well!

Thank you Hachette Audio for the ALC!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a copy to review!

A cute and cosy read with engaging plotline that keeps you reading! I loved the dynamic between characters and the book packed enough emotional punches that left me very happy about the ending!

I applied for an ARC of this book from NetGalley - I listened via audiobook.

I did enjoy this one but honestly, I did find it a bit of a slog to get through. I just don’t think it’s my kind of book.

The slow burn was kinda sweet - I suspected that it would be a forced proximity romance so it was definitely nice to see that aspect of it.

The plot was a very unique take on romance and magic, and even has a little bit of action and adventure as the MC’s try and break the spell that was cast.

The narrator was great! I did quite enjoy him and would happily listen again.

Thank you so much for the review copy of this book!

This was such a fun listen. Story wise, I really enjoyed that the stakes were less world ending, and more personal between Leo and Grimm. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that the true nature of the spell was creative. Narration wise, the narrator did an amazing job portraying Leo’s sass and Grimm’s brooding attitude. He gave Leo the *exact* attitude and personality that I would’ve imagined for him.

ughhh this was so good! How am I supposed to wait for the next one?!

Sorcery and Small Magics is a debut that's small-scale and focuses on two characters and the curse that's keeping them together. It's in first person POV from Leo, who is a spell writer, as he has to work with his nemesis Grimm, a spell caster. Despite never getting along, they're forced to work together for a class and there's a miscommunication that results in a powerful spell being cast that... well, it could've gone better.

The Characters:
This is a very character-driven story and Leo + Grimm will be the make it or break it point for if you end up liking it. Particularly Leo, since it's told from his POV. Leo is privileged and powerful and ridiculously gifted... but refuses to use high magics. Instead he limits himself to creating cantrips and small, controllable spells while also building a reputation as a frivolous partyer-- all to mask the deep well of power he has access to but is too frightened to use.

Grimm comes from the opposite, as he grew up in an impoverished area where your occupation is a choice made out of necessity rather than desire. He's incredibly disciplined and no-nonsense, and despite being very good at what he does, his own magic also comes with weaknesses.

When forced to work together, they discover that they have more in common than they ever thought, and that their magics complement each other quite well.

The Romance:
It's a slow-burn, grumpy x sunshine, nuisances-to-lovers and I thought it was executed very well. I enjoyed seeing how their affection grew over time, even while they refused to admit it. I'm not sure what the special ingredient is that makes me buy into a romance, but I can say that this one had me grinning to myself and feeling all melty/gooey inside. It doesn't overrun or overshadow the story, so I wouldn't be overly concerned if you're not very into romance.

The World-building:
The glimpses we get into this world are charming at every turn. There's some super lovable monsters that behave like giant, deadly, playful puppies; there are magical griffin feathers; there are towers built of enchantment with rooms that are always serving your favourite meal or doors with untold mysteries behind them.

A (threatening) aside:
If the sequels don't include more interactions with one particular side character and their bizarre monstrous pet, I'll be very cross!!

The Magic System:
In this world, magic essentially requires two people: a writer and a caster. Most casters cannot write their own spells, and most writers cannot cast magic. There are low level spells that are fairly simple, and there are high level spells that can also have an associated cost (usually energy/stamina).

And I won't spoil more than that, because I think it's fun to learn with the characters, but it also includes new magic. The kind that isn't taught in schools. Something that is powerful but not understood, that can carry both great opportunity and significant consequences. I absolutely love when magic systems are expanded throughout the story, so I honestly can't wait to see how it's further built upon in future installments.

Overall:
This was utterly delightful and charming from beginning to end. I found it well-written and fleshed out. It doesn't have an overabundance of explanation and details, but nor does it have a litany of plotholes. Currently it has a 4.43 rating on Goodreads; and while I know it will go down once it's out of the ARC phase, I think it will ultimately be enjoyable for a large audience of people and remain at the very least ~4.

Audiobook Notes:
The narrator is British and he does a really good job translating the text. I always found his narration to be engaging and properly emotive, without taking center stage over the text. He doesn't do a lot to differentiate the characters, but I would still highly rank him among all male narrators I've listened to.

Leo and Grimm have been banned from spending time near each other, since they notoriously cannot get along. But when they're partnered together in a class and accidentally place a curse on Leo, they're forced to journey together into the source of magic, the Unquiet Wood, to try to find a cure.

I loved this book so much. The magic system and the characters are wonderful, and I really look forward to future books revealing more of the mysteries of the world, and to see how the relationship between Leo and Grimm evolves.

I loved how distinctive Leo and Grimm's voices were from one another.

*Audiobook Review*

BRAVO!

A perfect example of how when everything goes wrong, sometimes it's actually right... Which is just the sort of luck that Leo of all people would possess.

Comprised of a lovely blend of magic and adventure with the slowest slow burn and a healthy dose of grumpy and sunshine this was a joy to read. While it can easily be a standalone, I am immensely excited that it is a trilogy. I look forward to the next book.

The narrator, Ciaran Saward, was a perfect choice for this read. I could listen to him all day long and not tire of it. The tone and inflection helped the read be fun and lighthearted and the characters were all easily distinguished. I will definitely be recommending the audiobook for this one.

Thank you so very much to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️

This book was a delight to read! Two school rivals, forced together by a spell go wrong head off into a magical forest full of mystery and danger, what is not to love? This book is full of magical cozy vibes as well as tension, angst and great world building! I felt engaged the entire time on this great magical journey.

Our two main characters Leo and Grimm have such a fun dynamic, the banter was so hilarious, watching them argue while on this journey was great, but watching them learn more about each other and begin to understand and empathise with each others plights was such a joy. And the slow burn was so good! I cannot wait to see how their dynamic progresses in the rest of the series. I also look forward to seeing more from their friends, and hope they have bigger roles in future books.

Ciaran Saward did a brilliant narration for the novel, he drew me right into the story and was a perfect voice for Leo and Grimm, really suiting the overall tone of the book.

Sorcery and Small Magics was a really delightful book, and I look forward to reading more in this series as well as more from Maiga Doocy in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an Audiobook ARC in return for an honest review.

3.75 stars

Rivals and verbal sparring partners Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm get bound together by a particularly obstinate curse. They set out on a journey to undo this unexpected spell, but as time goes on more than just the curse makes them gravitate toward each other

Sorcery and Small Magics is a slow paced, character-focused, cozy fantasy novel. We spend a lot of our time with the inner monologue of our main character Leo(vander) Loveage, who likes to describe himself aptly as "... a dramatic creature." Due to the aforementioned curse we also get to know Sebastian Grimm pretty well. The chemistry between these two characters is one of the best parts of this book, and I adored seeing them grow together over the course of the story.

Besides the characters we have a magical school and magical woods setting, which perfectly serve the story. The magic system is intriguing and fairly unique, albeit somewhat intangible. I would have liked some (more) examples of especially the creation side of spells.

"Magic has no concept of debt. There's no payment it does not either take or refuse immediately."

Sorcery and Small Magics is very much the first book in a series with a lot of set-up for subsequent novels. Some questions get answered and some issues get resolved, but we are left with a lot of questions and story threads as well. With this novel being over 400 pages I would have enjoyed a bit more depth and breadth, but I am hopeful we will get that in the upcoming sequels.

The slow pace Doocy sets lends itself to the audiobook format. There's mysteries to be solved, which makes me usually prefer e-book vs audiobook so I can take notes. However the cozy vibes and pacing make this book perfectly suited to the audio format.

Now onto the narration. I listened to the audiobook for this novel on 1.5x speed, which is pretty much my standard setting. At first I thought the narrator sounded a bit stiff/formal, but as time went on that improved and I realized it really fits the setting and characters of Sorcery and Small Magics. With more masculine leaning narration female characters can sometimes come off as caricatures, but Ciaran Saward is able to avoid this and give them realistic and even pleasant voices.

Overall Sorcery and Small Magics was a delightful adventure that left me wanting more. I am excited to see how this story and its characters will develop in the future. You will enjoy this book if you love cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, unique soft magic systems and a slower pace.

Thank you Hachette Audio and Maiga Doocy for providing the audiobook version of this novel for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.