DISENCHANTED by Lucy Jane Wood
Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy, Bewitched Series #3
4****
Blurb: Sage Hemlock has no interest in embracing her witchy side. Magic has betrayed her before, bringing nothing but heartache, and she will not let something so foolish happen again. Instead, Sage has thrown herself into her work and studies, running the local museum and largely preferring the company of her library and her cat to other humans. Her one goal is to fly under the coven’s radar so that she can finally shed her blasted powers forever. But when a strange historical book accidentally triggers a curse, Sage’s quiet, small-town life is suddenly overrun and magic is running rife. A beanstalk grows in her garden, and her friend and co-worker Casimir starts to look an awful lot like a handsome prince. Fairytales are coming true . . . Now, with the threat of the coven on her tail, Sage must confront the magic she’s always denied to solve the mysteries of the book and save everyone she’s come to love from being lost to a fairy tale forever. The question is, can she finally learn to be her own happily ever after?
THOUGHTS: Since Sage first gained her powers, she’s wanted to be rid of her magic and rarely uses it. Unfortunately, it pops out when least expected, frustrating her. Her best friend, and biggest headache, Casimir Everald, works in the local museum with her in Port Sylvan, which has a rich magical heritage. When Sage accidentally casts a spell from a historical book, fairy tales begin coming to life throughout the town. To keep the town from being permanently cursed, Sage has to confront the magic she’s spent years denying.
The curse’s origin was confusing or me. Sage seems to do everything she can to be a nasty type o person – wailing against her powers, giving tours that she seems to resent, and more. Her bff, Casimir, is the complete opposite as he is flamboyant, warm, and consistently supportive, even with Sage’s snark. Oh, and Sage lives with a ghost housekeeper, Maggie, who can appear solid enough to cook and clean for her (but can’t leave the house).
For me, the book was a little slow. I had trouble really getting into it, but when it really got going, I did enjoy it. If you’re into the series, definitely pick this one up.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Ace Books for providing this ARC.
