Title: Magic Dark and Strange
Author: Kelly Powell
Type: Fiction
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Paranormal
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
(Simon & Schuster)
Date published: October 27, 2020

A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Catherine Daly has an unusual talent. By day she works for a printer. But by night, she awakens the dead for a few precious moments with loved ones seeking a final goodbye. But this magic comes with a price: for every hour that a ghost is brought back, Catherine loses an hour from her own life.

When Catherine is given the unusual task of collecting a timepiece from an old grave, she is sure that the mysterious item must contain some kind of enchantment. So she enlists Guy Nolan, the watchmaker’s son, to help her dig it up. But instead of a timepiece, they find a surprise: the body of a teenage boy. And as they watch, he comes back to life—not as the pale imitation that Catherine can conjure, but as a living, breathing boy. A boy with no memory of his past.

This magic is more powerful than any Catherine has ever encountered, and revealing it brings dangerous enemies. Catherine and Guy must race to unravel the connection between the missing timepiece and the undead boy. For this mysterious magic could mean the difference between life and death—for all of them.

⤖ My Review ⬻

As I mentioned in my unboxing video on my Instagram Stories, my first reaction to Magic Dark and Strange was my surprise at the book being thinner/shorter than I’d expected. Now, having read the book though, I find that the length was just perfect! Sure, Powell could have gone into more detail about certain things, but I think that she did really well at describing the setting and mood in a succinct way. And considering the type of plot this is, stretching it out might have made it feel…well, stretched out. Therefore, I think that the length of Magic Dark and Strange was just right.

I liked the way that magic was portrayed in this book and also how it, and the historical setting, played into the atmosphere! I also found that this book stood out to me due to the way that the male characters were represented. I can’t say more without going into spoiler territory, so I’ll stop there. Lastly, I also really liked the main character, Catherine, and her interactions with the other characters! I found her to be a strong female character without some of the more cliche traits.

Thinking about it now, I wouldn’t mind if Powell wrote more books in this world! I recommend Magic Dark and Strange if you’re in the mood for a quick read with a good mystery plot and slightly spooky Victorian London atmosphere.

⤖ About the Author ⬻

Kelly Powell writes fantasy for young adults and currently lives in Ontario, Canada. She has a bachelor’s degree in history and book & media studies from the University of Toronto.

⤖ Places to Purchase the Book ⬻

⤖ Let’s Chat ⬻

THANK YOU FOR READING MY REVIEW! HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? WHAT DID YOU THINK? AND IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET, DO YOU WANT TO, OR NOT? HOW COME? LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!