Title: Sorcery and Small MagicsAuthor: Maiga Doocey
Series: The Wildersong Trilogy #1
Pages: 416
Publication Date: Oct. 15, 2024
Publisher: Orbit
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Synopsis:
Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.
Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.
He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.
That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.
Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.
Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.
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I had so much fun reading Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy! The story centers on Leovander “Leo” Loveage, a scriver known for his charm and mischief, and Sebastian “Grimm” Grimm, his grumpy, rule-following classmate who works as a caster. Their rocky partnership takes a turn when Grimm accidentally casts a forbidden spell that binds them together in a way that’s equal parts inconvenient and hilarious. Afraid of what will happen if it’s found out they cast a forbidden spell, the pair reluctantly works together to locate a counterspell. What follows is a journey through perilous woods, searching for a way to undo the spell while facing their changing feelings for each other.
I loved Leo and Grimm! They have such different personalities, and their opposites attract, forced proximity relationship was slow-burning fabulousness. Leo’s chaotic and mischievous personality and Grimm’s more disciplined, no-nonsense approach complement each other well and add so much tension and humor to their banter. Leo is charming and humorous, but all his bluster masks some deep vulnerabilities and insecurities, which he’s forced to face. And Grimm is the quintessential grumpy but secretly soft character, and his dry humor was the best! I loved how this gruff guy softened when he was with Leo. Their banter is heartfelt and filled with chemistry, and seeing it evolve from reluctant partners to something so much deeper was so lovely, and I need to see where their story goes!
The magic system and world is also fascinating, with scrivers writing spells and casters executing them—a setup that makes Leo and Grimm’s connection even more compelling. The setting is rich and atmospheric, and I like that it was vivid and immersive with no info dumps. As Leo and Grimm journey together, they have intriguing and sometimes scary and tense encounters that hint at a broader magical world I’m excited to see more of in the next book in the series.
Overall, Sorcery and Small Magics is a solid start to what promises to be an engaging series. Its blend of witty dialogue, personal stakes, and a slow-burn romance makes it an entertaining character-driven fantasy. I did wish the secondary characters had a little more depth, but I have a feeling their stories will de explored more in the next book, and I’m curious to see where the story goes next..
Magic, like music, does not always need to be explained. It is enough that it exists.
- slow burn
- rivals to lovers
- opposites attract
- grumpy/sunshine
- forced proximity
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.
I loved this book and really enjoyed reading your review. I would have liked a bit more from the secondary characters too and am hoping that happens in future books.
So glad you loved this one, Julie! Leo and Grimm had the best opposites attract romance, and I loved how slow burn it was… can’t wait for the next book 🙂