Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Randall (The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic) offers an entertaining but surface-level romance about the power of family and connection, with a side of magic. The three Petridi sisters are witches who have inherited the power passed down through their maternal line. But after their mother disappears, Calliope is the only sister who wants to continue using her abilities. Like all magic, theirs comes at a cost, one her sisters refuse: Calliope must sacrifice a memory to fuel each spell. While patrolling the woods near their manor house, Calliope discovers that the Dark Oak their family is sworn to protect is being tampered with by the mortal enemies of the Petridis, the Deniz family of Shadowcraft mages. Then, in trying to reinforce her spells, Calliope accidentally taps into something far too powerful, and the only way to save herself is to bind her magic to the strongest Shadowcraft mage, the magnetically handsome but unscrupulous Lucien Deniz. Now Calliope and her sisters must strengthen their own bond to protect the Oak and their town--but what can Calliope afford to forget in order to do so? The worldbuilding feels cutesy and almost Disney-ish, but the charming, diverse cast of characters will keep readers invested. It's a diverting enough romp. (Mar.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Calliope Petridi is the only one of her three sisters who still uses their magic, continuing the family tradition of protecting their town of Gold Springs and the secret of the Dark Oak's ancient magic. Her family is cursed to sacrifice memories to access their Lightcraft power--the more powerful the memory, the more powerful the magic. When ill omens begin appearing, she finds her sisters resistant to acknowledging that evil may be coming, and she makes a reckless choice that not only makes things worse but binds her to mysterious Shadowcrafter Lucien Deniz. He's been following Calliope for reasons of his own and can't let her incessant chatter and fierce personality distract him. Still, as he works to help her break their bond and discover the secrets surrounding her family, he may need to alter his plans to save the sisters, especially Calliope. VERDICT Randall (The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic) has created an appealing cozy magical world. This enemies-to-lovers romance has plenty of twists and secrets that build tension alongside the slow-burn of Calliope and Lucien's relationship. Hand to fans of Sangu Mandanna and Sarah Hawley.--Morgan Lockard
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