Magick & Mayhem

by Sharon Pape

[layawaydragon]

While the cover is gorgeous and I seriously want a poster of it, it's a tad misleading if you take it literally. There's no flying broomsticks as that's a real thing in this setting, apparently.

↣I love how the magic is understated and simplistic, that intent and belief play such a large role.
↣Drawn in quickly.
↣Easy to read.
↣Ow: The Treatment of Aunt Tilly.
She's a stereotype of fat women, even includes her running and causing a scene over seeing a mouse. She's comic relief. She's a burden and a godsend depending on what Kailyn and the scene needs.
She puts on the typical fortune teller show, including g*psy garb, because "that's what people want and pay for". Why does every fucking book insist on using this reason to be lazy about their characters and perpetuate harmful crap?! Ugh.
↣Love the herd of kitties!
↣But the familiar magic and purpose isn't explained. Do familiars live longer than normal pets? What's so special about them? Do they really get to pick their kind of familiar?
↣Why the detective doesn't like Kailyn isn't explained or explored. It just is.
↣During the showdown I lost track of a major player. Went back to check and couldn't figure it out. Did they disappear into a plot hole?
↣Did not expect the last revelation about the town. I think that's very clever, ties things together and makes me wonder about the sequel.


There's a lot going on in Magic & Mayhem, so it's aptly named, but I don't think it was all executed well. I want to read the sequel to find out more and enjoy Kailyn, but Aunt Tilly is an annoying cardboard cutout which makes me hesitant to go further. Considering this was just published on the 2nd, I'll see what the next blurb is about and make my decision from there.





I hope that was helpful! I know this book would be perfect for some, but it's only mildly worthwhile for me.