Author: Adrienne Tooley
Pub Date: 9 Mar 2021
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Page Count: 368
Dates Read: Mar 19 – Apr 1
Reading Method: Physical / Subscription Box Backlog
Review:
Last month I buddy read Sweet & Bitter Magic with my pal @lizgriffinreads (on Instagram). This one has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I wanted to tackle it as part of my beat the backlog challenge.
A disgraced witch and her untrained source set off to try to find the witch casting dark magic that has cast a plague upon the land. Wren’s father has fallen victim to the curse and she must partner with Tamsin to try to save him and all the others affected by the plight. Tamsin’s curse has stripped her from all things that bring happiness – the colors of a sunset, delicious smells, and the warmth of an embrace. She gets by by taking little bits of love from the people she helps. The two strike a deal but both end up finding more than they bargained for.
While I really enjoyed the overall story, I did feel like we were only scratching the surface. I wanted to know more about how the magic works, about the coven, and even more about our main characters. They do both experience personal growth over the course of their journey, but I just wished for a little more depth. I would happily have read a duology if it meant understanding everything a little better and feeling more connected to the characters and the world. I’m sure it would have all been fascinating. The concept is really cool, I just need more context. Especially with the twist at the end…
The best part of the story is watching the relationship between Wren and Tamsin slowly evolve into something more than disgust. Again, I could have gone with more, but I loved their interactions. I also really liked the mysterious journal that provided some needed backstory.
Overall an enjoyable read! I look forward to more from Tooley in the future.
About the Book
Tamsin is the most powerful witch of her generation. But after committing the worst magical sin, she’s exiled by the ruling Coven and cursed with the inability to love. The only way she can get those feelings back—even for just a little while—is to steal love from others.
Wren is a source—a rare kind of person who is made of magic, despite being unable to use it herself. Sources are required to train with the Coven as soon as they discover their abilities, but Wren—the only caretaker to her ailing father—has spent her life hiding her secret.
When a magical plague ravages the queendom, Wren’s father falls victim. To save him, Wren proposes a bargain: if Tamsin will help her catch the dark witch responsible for creating the plague, then Wren will give Tamsin her love for her father.
Of course, love bargains are a tricky thing, and these two have a long, perilous journey ahead of them—that is, if they don’t kill each other first.
About the Author
Adrienne Tooley (she/her) grew up in Southern California, majored in musical theater in Pittsburgh, and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife, eight guitars, a puppy, and a banjo. In addition to writing novels, she is a singer/songwriter who has currently released three indie-folk EPs. Her debut novel, SWEET & BITTER MAGIC, is out now. Her second novel, SOFI AND THE BONE SONG, will release April 19, 2022.
