Reluctant witch

Marr wastes no time easing readers back into Remedial Magic's (2024) world of hidden witches, the magic school that houses them, and a malevolant force threatening to destroy their existence. The story picks up right where book one's shocking cliffhanger left off and heads straight into tricky relationship politics, the shooting of a powerful witch, and the hunt for her would-be killers. As the deadly Prospero and headmaster Sondre track the assassins through magic and nonmagic realms, remedial witches Dan and Axell learn to harness their powers and deepen their personal relationship, while their classmates Ellie and Maggie settle more fully into their respective married lives and struggle to understand some inexplicable gaps in their memories. The story cycles often through these six intersecting and alternating points of view, giving Marr ample opportunity to showcase their unique magical abilities--Prospero's mind control and Dan's magic siphoning are intriguing standouts. While the narrative can at times feel repetitive, readers will find much to enjoy in this low-stakes sequel, notably some sexy relationship dynamics, a well-crafted magical system, and a rather surprising number of badgers.

The rocky sequel to Marr's Remedial Magic picks up moments after the earlier book left off: Ellie Brandeau, the only witch with the power to save the magical town of Crenshaw from the blight unleashed on it by a rival witch faction, no longer remembers that she tried to escape Crenshaw and everyone in it. Her wife, Prospero, has magically erased her memories on orders from the town's head witch. All Ellie knows is that she loves Prospero madly, and she can't understand why Prospero seems so uncomfortable with her now. As Ellie begins the work of healing Crenshaw, she finds more gaps in the story she's been given by her wife and the townsfolk--and she's not the only one who thinks she should know what really happened to her. But when the witches who poisoned Crenshaw make a break for the nonmagical world and begin wreaking havoc, Ellie and Prospero must work together to bring them under control, which means finding a way to rebuild their mutual trust. Marr attempts to navigate ethically difficult situations with morally gray characters, but often lands on resolutions that feel too easy. Without some major groveling on Prospero's part, it's hard to root for this couple's reconciliation. Die-hard fans of book one will find plenty to enjoy, but others will be frustrated. (Apr.)