Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Jennifer Ehle, The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman delivered a suspenseful and enchanting conclusion to the Practical Magic series. Fans of the Owens will weep, laugh and find the closure deeply satisfying.

Master storyteller Alice Hoffman brings us the conclusion of the Practical Magic series in a spellbinding and enchanting final Owens novel brimming with lyric beauty and vivid characters.

The Owens family has been cursed in matters of love for over three-hundred years 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.

The Book of Magic is a breathtaking conclusion that celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love.

In this last installment, we travel from Massachusetts to the English countryside, London, and then Paris, as the Owens family unite to save the life of a young man.

When the deathwatch beetle appeared, I knew trouble was brewing and tears would follow. I first fell in love with the movie before beginning my reading journey many moons ago. I read the books and then began the series on audio again when the prequels first appeared. It has been a delightful journey, as we got to know each generation of Owens and the curse that plagues them.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the magic and how believable it all feels from potions to spells. In The Book of Magic, dark magic is unlocked and with it comes some intense scenes.

The first part of the book offers a lot of recaps, primarily for new readers. The story ties up threads as they embark on this final chapter. We spend time with Jet, Franny, Uncle Vincent, Sally, Gillian, and Sally’s children, Kylie and Antonia. Sally’s children are the ones who discover the book Franny hid. Before it is all over, there will be loss and not just of life. Sacrifices will be made in the name of love because, at the heart of this story, is the love of family.

The youngest girls are stubborn, and there is some anger at being kept in the dark. They didn’t know that they were witches. As a result, they knew nothing about the rules of magic or the curse bestowed upon them. When Kylie falls in love with Gideon, the curse is triggered.

Hoffman’s storytelling is magical and has a lyrical quality to it. While the story had made sub-stories and threads, she never failed to hold me captive and tug at my emotions. I loved the details and seeing the Owens together again. I wept, shook my head in frustration, and rejoiced.

The story delivered a satisfying conclusion to the series, but I think it also left the door open for more stories within this world.

Jennifer Ehle brought the story to life through her narration, using tone and inflection to enhance Hoffman’s lyrical writing. She beautifully gave voice to each of the characters and made listening a pleasure.

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About Alice Hoffman

Hoffman’s work has been published in more than twenty translations and more than one hundred foreign editions. Her novels have received mention as notable books of the year by The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Library Journal, and People Magazine. She has also worked as a screenwriter and is the author of the original screenplay “Independence Day,” a film starring Kathleen Quinlan and Diane Weist. Her short fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe Magazine, Kenyon Review, Redbook, Architectural Digest, Gourmet, Self, and other magazines. Her teen novel AQUAMARINE was recently made into a film starring Emma Roberts.

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About Jennifer Ehle

Jennifer Ehle is an award-winning actress whose many film credits include The King's Speech, Zero Dark Thirty, and Fifty Shades of Grey. She is the recipient of two Tony Awards, as well as the BAFTA TV award for Best Actress for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 BBC miniseries Pride & Prejudice.

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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