The Book of Magic: A Novel

Alice Hoffman

Oct 2021 · The Practical Magic Series Book 4 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

“Hoffman certainly knows how to enchant” (The New York Times Book Review) in this breathtaking conclusion to the Practical Magic series—a spellbinding and bewitching novel that asks how far will you go to change your fate?

For over three-hundred years a curse has kept the Owens family from love—but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work.

A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love.

A heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to a beloved series, The Book of Magic celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love.

Ratings and reviews

"This is what love was, you stayed when you wanted to run away. You held on when you knew you had no choice but to let go." And so begins the ending of a much loved series. I grew up with Practical Magic and have adored each novel since. The way we've met the Owens sisters and then their nieces and their children has made for I admit quite a few characters but all memorable due to how well she's able to craft a world of magical realism. And just as before, she did not disappoint. The Owens women have always been cursed in love, but most of them were aware of the curse. Due to Sally losing two husbands to the curse, she didn't want to tell her daughter's about it or their magic until they actually fell in love. Only problem is Kylie has secretly fallen in love, and her boyfriend is in a coma. Due to her finding out about the curse at the worst possible moment, she takes off to England alone and doesn't tell anyone where she is. And of course the deathwatch beetle comes for someone in the very first chapter. You'll start crying there and sniffle the whole way through. The absolute best thing about this novel is the closing. Everyone gets an ending wether good or bad and there are no cliffhangers left. You'll be able to close this book and truly know what happens to every last one of the Owens women. The worst part is the exact same. I'm hoping in a few years the author decides she has another Owens book left and must write it, but after reading this I doubt that will happen. We also have for once all of the Owens women together, past and present. This book is pure magic! We see how much each woman is willing to give for the safety and security of a sister, daughter, or someone she loves. And were also reminded that nothing is done without it coming back to you. I truly feel so lucky to have read this book months before publication date. You will have to wait until October 5 to get your hands on this one, but that's not entirely a bad thing. The Owens sisters books have always paired well with a cool fall evening with a Halloween feel, so I did feel a little strange sweating it out in the summer reading this one. But trust me, every single page is worth it. As usual, Alice Hoffman has crafted such a world that I want to go and make a Tipsy Chocolate Cake and read the Grimoire until my hearts content! Was there any question? Five huge stars and more if I could give them. ☄☄☄☄☄ Thank you to NetGalley, Alice Hoffman, and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book very much. the artful way even new characters are developed blended with the tone and message of the books so well. this is an excellent story if you need a book about hope, love, and a little magic.

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About the author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.