Where Magic Begins by Faith Prince | Book Review

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Where Magic Begins by Faith Prince
Series: The Crowe Sisters #1
Published by Faith Prince on July 7, 2023
Genres: YA Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 215
Format: Kindle
Source: Author

Content Warnings: Blood, Bullying, Bigotry
Rating:

Half human, half witch. Hated by both sides, Zoeli doesn't trust anyone, least of all her backstabbing twin sister Saria. Zoeli's family used to reign over the supernatural realm. When Zoeli's mother, Alaina Crowe, broke magical law to marry a human, their family was torn apart, and the Crowes were removed from the throne. Someone's still angry that the Crowes were dethroned. Someone who's been watching, plotting, and biding their time... As Zoeli uncovers more secrets, deceptions and lies surrounding the royal families, she discovers that a handsome sorcerer, Damian, has been following her. He claims that he only means to protect her, but can she trust him? In a world where nothing is what it seems and danger lurks around every corner, Zoeli's running out of time. A supernatural force more powerful than she ever imagined is coming after the Crowe sisters. If Zoeli can’t make amends with Saria, she’ll face the battle of her lifetime—alone.

I received my very first opportunity to review a book via an author and I couldn't be more excited! Where Magic Begins tells the story of half-witch twin sisters Saria and Zoeli as they wrestle with high school drama, family upsets, and being thrust into the world of magic. While both girls are aware of magic and the magical world from which their mother hails, nothing could prepare them for the realization that some witches can shapeshift, others have turned into vampires, and others still are trying to kill them.

Where Magic Begins hits the ground running and doesn't slow down, even at the very end. Despite being 215 pages, the story felt much shorter as a result of the pacing. I actually didn't mind this at all, and much prefer it when books feel shorter than they actually are. There is nothing worse than a book dragging needlessly for what feels like an eternity. However, because of the fast pacing, the author fails to explain some details that would better immerse the reader into the story. There is almost an assumption that the reader is already familiar with the girls and the world in which they exist, but obviously, we only know what the author has told us.

Furthermore, the love interests are rushed, leaving me feeling like they weren't appropriately fleshed out or relatable. This made it hard to connect to the characters and care about what happened to them. However, it's on par with how teenagers behave. They are quick to love, quick to break up, and quick to forgive and forget. As such, take this criticism whatever way you like, but I felt it could have taken its time in some areas and slowed down a bit as to better connect to the story, love interests, and the girls.

Despite these minor issues, the world-building was excellent and the magic system was unique. I don't want to give away too many details, but there is a separate magical realm with its own school, cities, and ruling class that was fully fledged out, as best you can in 215 pages. Furthermore, the magic system is based on colors, much like a flame. Of course one of our sisters is incredibly powerful, almost chosen one-like, but without training, are unable to do much with it other than basic stuff.

What I liked best, however, was the commentary on bigotry. Saria and Zoeli's mother married a human, an offense punishable by exile and the removal of some magical abilities. Being half witches, the girls are the target of bigotry and hatred, being made to feel unintelligent, unworthy, and otherwise less than. This is a recurring theme throughout the book, and Zoeli does an amazing job fighting back against the hatred. At one point, the crown prince and Zoeli's love interest expresses that exceptions will be made for her and her family so they can be together. Zoeli stands firm that giving her and her family special treatment while continuing to oppress humans and other half-witches is still bigotry and until everyone is welcome, she wants nothing to do with him and his half-promises. This commentary on racism, sexism, and otherwise oppressing marginalized groups was my favorite part of the book and I felt Prince did an excellent job integrating it into the story.

Overall, I enjoyed Where Magic Begins and will likely read the second in the duology simply to find out what happens to the girls. The book ends on a significant cliffhanger and while this wasn't the best book I have ever read, I am invested enough to find out what happens next!