Scrivener Leovander Loveage is training at the Fount, the prestigious school for sorcerers and spellcasters. He struggles with writing magic, so he spends his time drinking wine, gambling, playing the violin, and making up ridiculous cantrip to annoy his class enemy, the aloof, pretentious, stickler-for-rules Sebastian Grimm. However, one of Leo’s spells goes wrong and he finds himself magically bound to obey Grimm’s every command; a type of spell that is illegal at the Fount. Leo and Grimm leave the school to search for a mysterious sorcerer who can break the curse, but first they have to travel through the terrifying Unquiet Wood, avoiding monsters and rogue spellcasters, and Leo’s feelings for Grimm grow more complicated.
The world-building is engaging, but not overly complicated, and I loved Doocy’s approach to incorporating magic into the story; the characters can either write it, speak it or sing it. Her creativity is a standout in this book, especially the way that Leo and Grimm teach each other sorcery.
The focus of the story is on Leo and Grimm, so nearly all of the secondary characters are left without considerable development. This is especially noticeable in the last third, as the story drags, before ending with a fast-paced climax. However, Leo and Grimm are charming leads; polar opposites and perfect foils for each other. Their romance is a slow-burn with a lot of pining, and I found it incredibly sweet. I sped through this book and had a fun time reading it, so Sorcery and Small Magics is perfect for lovers of soft, cosy fantasy.
Reviewed by Rachel Denham-White
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maiga Doocy lives in a house where the people are outnumbered by cats, has a serious tea habit, and loves sad songs. She likes to write stories that are full of bittersweet longing and as much unexplainable magic as she can get away with. Her debut novel, Sorcery and Small Magics, will be published in 2024 by Orbit.
0 Comments