Is That an Aura of Wild Magic Engulfing You, or Are You Just Pleased to See Me?
by Michael Coolwood
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Pub Date Jan 11 2024 | Archive Date Feb 02 2025
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Description
Queer disabled joy.
Emotional pain manifests literally around Laceco. He doesn’t know why, maybe he was cursed when he crossed the Ember Trail.
He’s tried living as a hermit in the mountains, hoping the wild magic wouldn’t ensnare anyone else. He managed a month before the wild magic teleported a new victim into his shack. He tried running, but he couldn’t get very far thanks to post-viral fatigue.
He’s drawn to the Ember Cavalcade, a nomadic caravan run for disabled people, by disabled people. Laceco needs to rest and recover, but the wild magic manifestations, the emotional pain manifesting literally, won’t stop. The wild magic seems to want something from him, and he won’t be able to live with himself until he learns what.
Advance Praise
"WOW wow wow! It's been a while since I read a book that changed my worldview; this one definitely qualifies. It starts a bit slow and difficult to follow, but if you can get past the first couple chapters you're in for one hell of a ride." - Mel, Goodreads
"The story envisions a world where people can be disabled, queer, or simply different and still be accepted. This idea of acceptance and inclusivity feels both hopeful and possible. The romance is believable, and it doesn't take long to start caring about the characters. I read this quickly and enjoyed the humour, which stopped the narrative from becoming too heavy.
The novel has both heart and wit and is a solid choice for readers interested in themes of community and belonging." - Laura, Goodreads
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781916451971 |
| PRICE | |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Valerija D, Reviewer
I received this eARC through NetGalley, and I will be the first to admit the title is why I requested it.
If you're looking for a story that treats disability in a very refreshing (that being: human) way, this might be the book for you. If you like flawed characters who learn to care for themselves like they care for others, this is definitely the book for you.
As I grasp with the shape of my own disabilities I've found this to be not just a comfort to read but also a joy. The only thing I struggled with was the slightly complex beginning, but this is definitely one of those books where you roll with it and reap the rewards plenty.
I'm grateful I got to read this book! I think you should, too!
Michael B, Reviewer
This was a very interesting read. It was a bit slow for me to get into at the beginning, but it turned out to be quite an enjoyable journey.
This book had a lot of focus on people with disabilities, which made for a pleasant change of pace.
The characters, especially Laceco, were well written and have a nice depth to them.
While it wasn’t quite what I had pictured when I requested the book, it was a nice read and a great adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.
Julia K, Reviewer
"Is That An Aura of Wild Magic Engulfing You, Or Are You Just Pleased To See Me?" is really one of a kind. It has the unique talent to slap you in the face with a cruel truth one minute and wrap you in a hug with a consoling thought the next.
It's so full of disability representation, queer representation, self-realization, and so much love.
The way Laceco worked through the manifestations with other people, changing not only their lives but his life in the process as well, was so beautiful to see.
I went through so many emotions when reading this book, and it filled me with such a fierce need to change the world for the better, to give people who don't feel like they fit in a place to express themselves without the constant pressure to explain themselves, that in my mind this story needs a little award for giving me hope and inspiration.
The only thing I would have enjoyed seeing more of is further explanation of Oro and Akoma and some more information on Lacecos manifestation, because the explanations felt quite vague at times.
To sum up, this book is for everyone wondering about their place in the world because of the seemingly huge differences that split them up from other people and everything who wants to change the world and their mindset for the better.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.
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