I absolutely adored this book! I was bewitched and mesmerised from the first page on, and transported back to the seventies. I cannot wait to read the sequel...

The Rules of Magic is a melancholy tale, spanning over the sixties and up until the present time, following three siblings who had to follow some very strict rules when they were young.

Oh how I loved this book, I didn't want it to end! Having been a huge fan of Practical Magic I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I found it to be absolutely enchanting. I blew through most of it very quickly but took my time with the last 100 pages becuase I didn't want it to end. I could read about the Owens family forever! It was so enchanting and a wonderful book to get lost in.

*Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rules of Magic is like meeting up with old friends and it seems like no time has passed. I loved learning about Jet and Franny’s back stories. I found myself laughing and crying throughout the book. Most of all the book is about accepting yourself for who you are.

Sigh. The spell Hoffman cast over me with her rich, golden buttery writing in The Dovekeepers is once again very absent here in The Rules of Magic. It was also very absent in Faithful, but I had high hopes it might be a return to the beautiful language I've read from Hoffman for The Rules of Magic. Sadly, no. It was okay, but for most of it I couldn't get past how dull and dry it was.

I first listened to this in audio, but the narrator wasn't working for me so I thought it may improve if I read in book format. No, it didn't then either. The writing was so straightforward and plain. I know some can work magic with that and move me, but after reading The Loney with its gorgeous literary writing, this couldn't hold a candle or my interest. :-(

Like I long for Atwood to write historical fiction again, I long for Hoffman to leave me in awe with her gorgeous language - perhaps the next one?

Practical Magic has always been a favorite of mine. This prequel was even better.
The author takes you back to when Franny and Jet were children and their brother Vincent. I found myself really liking Vincent and the storyline was really good. Alice Hoffman gives off a mystical magic feeling when you read her writing. The history surrounding witch hunts and reality of what people endured was eye opening to what it does to generations of a family. The story takes you through the lifeline of the Owens family. Secrets will be revealed and the story fires with emotions as it comes to a close. Perfect read as we head into Halloween and the cooler season. I was given an ARC by Netgalley for a honest review. My honest opinion is I enjoyed it so much I've purchased a copy for my keeper shelf to read again.

I have been a huge fan of Alice Hoffman since I first put my hands on "Practical Magic". While I am woefully behind on her works, everything I have read, I have deeply enjoyed. I knew when I heard about this that I absolutely had to read it. The main things that always attract me to Hoffman were here: strong, compelling characters, a solid plot and storytelling so masterful that it was difficult to have to put it down. The story helped put together some pieces that "Practical Magic" put out for us, but also, I found it more compelling. While I've always enjoyed the story of Gillian and Sally, Franny, Jet and Vincent seemed real. Magic or no, they're people we could be friends with, neighbor kids we knew our whole life. Hoffman is one of my favorites, so I am a little biased, but she always worth the read. I look forward to the next!

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5 HUGE stars

As children, Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens lived under very strict guidelines, most of which revolved around the denial of the existence of magic. Their mother adamantly refused to acknowledge their questions about their “otherness” and warned her children to stay far, far away from anything even remotely related to magic or love. Of course, the rules and guidelines set forth by their mother only fueled the Owens’s children’s desire to know more.

For Franny, love isn’t going to be a problem as she has decided to dedicate her life to science and the pursuit of facts. She is objective and logical, intelligent and reasonable, and clueless. Though she believes her best-friend understands her passion, her dedication to pure objectivity, his passion is in fact divided between Franny and science. For decades, Franny dances around and dances with her best friend, only separating herself from him when the very dire needs of her family arise or being near him causes more pain than one heart should ever have to handle.

For Jet Owens, ignoring love isn’t ever going to be a possibility and when she meets her one true love while visiting her aunt, her life and his are forever changed. In the bloom of youth and love, Jet is prepared to ignore her mother’s dire warnings, defy the odds, and be the first Owens in generations to live with the love of her life. Fate is fickle and sometimes simply cruel, and a tragic moment Jet is reminded of who she is and what she is destined never to have. Of the siblings, Jet is by far the most sensitive and it takes, literally decades for her to once again find herself, forgive, and forge a path that includes a measure of happiness. Where she finds that happiness is perhaps the most surprising for all the Owens children.

Vincent Owens never, not even as a child, had difficulty accepting who and what he is. In fact, Vincent often delights in flaunting his “otherness” and dabbles in areas of magic best left alone. For his troubles, Vincent often finds himself in trouble or on the cusp of trouble. Nearly everything changes for Vincent when he meets his own one true love. For many, finding love is a blessing, but for Vincent, it is a mixed bag and in the end, Vincent will be forced to sacrifice more than he ever could have predicted or expected. In so many ways, Vincent is both the luckiest and the most tragic of the Owens children and his ultimate predicament puts everyone he knows and loves in jeopardy.

The Bottom Line: Alice Hoffman is, without doubt or reservation, one of the contemporary world’s most accomplished authors. I can’t put her books down once I start reading, and, quite frankly really have no desire to do so. In my stupidity and out of some misguided sense of responsibility, I tried putting down The Rules of Magic around two a.m., and when I couldn’t sleep for want of knowing how this story would end, I picked it back up and read until I had my answers. The Rules of Magic is a complicated, complex, artful narrative of a family long believed to be cursed. The three Owens siblings not only struggle with this knowledge, but also with a decided lack of knowledge about their pasts and why their futures are cursed. They struggle as children and eventually as adults with the reality of their world, what they are individually and together, and what that means for their own lives and those who come into their lives. There is very little in the way of happiness in this read, but there are brief moments of pure joy that will have you celebrating. As always, Hoffman’s skill and ability to weave a tale is evident on page one and carries through to the very last page. I absolutely adored this book, its masterful craftsmanship, and really can’t recommend it anymore heartily than I already do. With certainty, The Rules of Magic is a 2017 favorite read!

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Alice Hoffman for the opportunity to read and review this magical book!

This is a prequel to Practical Magic but you don't need to have read that book (I haven't but it's now on my to-read list!) to enjoy this one. Besides, anything that Alice Hoffman writes is so wonderful you must read it!

This is the story of 3 siblings, raised in NYC, who grew up knowing they were different but not understanding fully what that involved. Their mother tried to shield them from their heritage, although she gave them lots of rules about what to avoid. When the eldest child, Franny, comes of age she is summoned to a small town in Massachusetts to learn about the Owens family heritage. The siblings spend the summer coming to an understanding of their abilities in much different ways before returning home to NYC. The one lesson they all learn is that they must not love. A family curse says that harm will come to those they love. But, as we all know, the heart cannot be denied!

This is just a book to curl up with and delve into a world full of love, family and magic! Highly recommended!

Sigh (of deep contentment).

I needed this book.

The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman’s revisit to the Owens family (or introduction to them, since Practical Magic was released more than 30 years ago–EEK!) is perfectly timed, at least for me. I needed to reacquaint myself with the clan, and October is the without-a-doubt, exact, ideal, and precise time for a story of a witchy family.

The Rules of Magic is perfect storytelling, taking readers back to a different time, showing us the changes in the world while keeping us very involved in the lives of Franny, Jet, and Vincent. All three vow to never fall in love, but each finds love in their own time and in their own way. Readers watch them grow and learn, living through the heartbreak and heartaches, all of which are exacerbated by their magic abilities and the family curse.

Yes, the three Owens followed in The Rules of Magic are witches, but a lot of what happens to them is just the magic of ordinary life. Growing up. Falling in love. Avoiding love. Experiencing loss. Rebelling against family rules and absolutes in order to create a world that’s wholly theirs. And finally, circling back to family and knowing what is important after all the adventures of youth.

After about three quarters of the book I started thinking that not much had happened, other than ordinary (although magical) life. But I couldn’t put the book down. And then, just a little a few pages later, I found myself crying. CRYING! (It’s not a surprise I was crying. I’m a crier. But it was surprising that I was crying when I was just thinking that nothing had happened). These characters got right under my skin and worked their way into my heart.

And it is a very character driven novel. Through these characters, Hoffman shows us life is magical, whether we have magic or not. Rather than telling, she uses Franny, Jet, and Vincent to SHOW readers all the ups and downs of human existence — some brought to us by our own doing, others by fate and chance.

If you’ve never read Practical Magic, do not fret. Both books stand very much alone. The Rules of Magic is the story of three siblings, two of whom grow up to be the aunts in Practical Magic, and it does explain how they came to raise Gillian and Sally. At best I would say these books are related. Reading one is not contingent on reading the other, although it does add some enhancement!

I highly recommend The Rules of Magic. It’s a book that will leave you with a smile and a sigh of pure contentment.

Sigh.

This book is pure magic - no pun intended. It proves once again what a skilled and creative writer Alice Hoffman is. Her way with words is exquisite, and I found myself enthralled in the story of the Owens family, declared as witches back in the 1620's, through to the present day.

The Rules of Magic centers primarily on three siblings, Franny, Jet and Vincent from childhood (in the 1960s) to late middle age. Watching them discover that they are different, seeing how they deal with that, honoring their family and the powers they have been given, and learning how to use those powers wisely makes for an interesting read.

I love family sagas, and this is an excellent one. All of the characters (even the minor ones) are so very well drawn, that I feel I know them all personally and truly came to care about each of them.

Don't dismiss this book because it's about magic and you think that's not your "thing". This book is about so very much more, and you would be depriving yourself of an excellent read.

I have not read Practical Magic, Hoffman's famous book that The Rules of Magic is a prequel to, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of this book at all. In fact, now I look forward to reading Practical Magic.

This is a wonderful book - don't miss it!!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read and review an e-copy of this book.

What a wonderful prequel. We follow siblings, Jet, Franny, and Vincent Owens. All unique in their personalities and a sleeping power waiting to be exercised. Through quirky and borderline dangerous unexplained use of their power, it is confirmed that something secret and true afoot when they a receive a letter to visit their mother's family home. It is there, they will discover talents and unique to each of them and how deep the curse of Mary Owens runs.

Its a coming of age story, it's a story about love and the discovery of love and the choice of becoming who you are meant to be and not who you think you should be. One of the hardest things as a teenager and young adult is learning to stay true to yourself. In this novel we get a taste of what Jet and Franny, our two favorite aunts from Practical Magic, coming of age in a world of mystery, Magic, and love they've only just tapped into.

It's FANTASTIC!!!!!

"The Rules of Magic", is such a wonderful world to visit.
Most people avoided the Owens family believing any entanglement with them would taint not only their present but their future as well.
It was said that some family members could place a single horse hair into a pan of water and turn it into a snake.
Yikes... that might scare me away from them too! Ha!

But -- oh how I loved this family who came from a long line of witches as far back as the year 1620 when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for falling in love .... with the wrong man.
The siblings- Franny, Jet, and Vincent are colorful fascinating distinct characters each with special powers - gifts- personality- temperament and charm. Aunt Isabelle is a standout, too. They made me laugh. They made me cry.

From Manhattan to Massachusetts to California--the storytelling is irresistible - filled with magic and imagery -many scents throughout: wildflowers, herbs, eucalyptus, peppermint, trees, patchouli, chocolate, bittersweet scent of almonds, curries, coffee, even bacon.... etc. etc.
Flowers were everywhere at "The Summer of Love" gathering in San Francisco.
You'll even visit the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967..... The grateful dead, Janis Joplin, the who, Jimi Hendrix, and Otis Redding: Music Love Peace

Page after page.... are delightful surprises... gorgeous prose!!!
I devoured this book....taking away wisdom-which brought me back to the 'magic' of our everyday lives. ----- but... I miss these folks, their stories and their rules, already!

Alice Hoffman never disappoints. "The Rules of Magic" is the prequel to the best-selling novel "Practical Magic". Either book can be read first and one compliments the other. The Owens family is pursued by a curse emanating from a tragic love story beginning in 1620. Three siblings, Franny, Vincent and Jet, alternately avoid and embrace their magical abilities while setting the stage for a stunning conclusion. As always, it's the beautiful writing style of Alice Hoffman which continues to captivate the senses. The story contains a wonderful time capsule of the tumultuous 60's with real events interlaced with supernatural fancy. I loved the evocative descriptions of New York and Paris locations where I have fond memories of the Plaza, Russian Tearoom, the Jardin des Tuileries and Cimetière du Père-Lachaise all flawlessly researched. Will there be a movie? I do hope so!

Reviewed on Instagram and Twitter. Love this book, like all witchy Hoffman books.

Another hit from Miss Hoffman. This is about the 2 sisters and brother of the Owens family. You would not ordinarily think of them as witches in the usual sense of the word. You go through their young and then older years. You share their ups and downs. Each of them have their own distinct personality. I loved this book and the wonderful that Miss Hoffman tells.

I really wish I had read Practical Magic before opening this book. I love all things witches so it was fun to read about these 3 women. We go through various phases, cities and influences. I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style, but you can't take away from the author's ability to bring you right into these womens' world.s

The Rules of Magic is a family saga about the Owens. Siblings Franny, Jet and Vincent are the main focus, but many well-developed characters fill the story. It follows the siblings from childhood through old age. It also goes back to explain how the love curse started with their ancestors during the Salem witch trials. The reader journeys with Franny, Jet and Vincent as they study their history, learn their abilities and face hardships and tough decisions. The writing is beautiful and easily brought the emotions out. The plot is rich with historical events and in-depth multilayered characters. I feel like I actually know these people and love them. I'm a little sad that my time with them ended.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley to read and review, and I’m so glad that I did. I don’t typically go for books about witches, but this one was written in such a way that I flew through it.

Frances, Jet, and Vincent are teenage witches and wizard, growing up with a mom who would rather pretend that they are normal. When Frances turns 17, she receives an invite to stay with her aunt for the summer and her siblings tag along. It is there that they start to learn more about their own capabilities and about the family history. Part of the family history outlines a curse on each member of the family that affects them if they fall in love. Despite this curse, Jet falls in love with a young man, a relationship that ends tragically. Franny spends her whole life trying to pretend she isn’t in love with her teenage sweetheart, and Vincent spends his time meeting women and seducing women, with no desire for it to be more.

There was something about the way this book was written that I really enjoyed. Time flew as I was reading it, and the trials the Owens family goes through kept me reading. By the end of the book, I had the understanding that there would be no happy ending, only one that I could hope wouldn’t be detrimental. Love this author and loved this book!

Four stars: An enthralling story about magic, curses, family, forgiveness and love.

Siblings Franny, Jet and Vincent are descendants of Maria Owens, who was charged for witchery in 1620 because she fell in love with the wrong man. Hundreds of years later, the Owens children are growing up with strict rules. When an unexpected invitation comes to Franny from their eccentric Aunt Isabelle, the trio all decide to head to Massachusetts. Here in the confines of their aunt’s familial home, the three learn the truth of their heritage: who they are and the curse the family endures. They must never fall in love because it always ends badly for the Owens. Can the three escape the curse?
What I Liked:
*I was hesitant to read this one as I wasn’t the biggest fan of Practical Magic. However The Rules of Magic proved to be an enthralling read, packed full of magic, curses, love and family. It was a lovely read despite the somewhat melancholy tone.
*At the heart of the story is the unbreakable bond between the three siblings. The story starts when they are young teenagers during the tumultuous sixties. The trio encounter all kinds of troubles from heartbreak, death and the difficulty in accepting who they really are. Through thick and thin, the siblings are loyal to one another, never faltering in their love. I loved the sibling relationship. Such a refreshing change. Instead of romance, this one is all about family.
*I loved watching each one of the Owens siblings grow and change. Franny spends the majority of the book trying to deny her feelings for her one true love. Time and time again, she rejects him because she fears the curse, never being true to herself. Finally, she takes a chance. Jet, on the other hand, reaches out and grabs her love with both hands early on, only to encounter tragedy. Her fate is the hardest of the three and it takes her years and years to find herself. I so loved seeing her make friends with her enemy, and I enjoyed seeing her seize back her power after all those years. Vincent goes through his turbulent years, and he makes so many mistakes, but he is never afraid to take hold of his love, even at great cost. The story spans decades, and you get to watch the Owens kids grow up. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
*The main message of the story is to not be afraid to show who you really are, and to never be afraid to take chances, despite curses and tragedy and at the risk of being shunned for being a witch. Loved it.
*Aunt Isabelle was my favorite character. I loved her sage advice, her calm demeanor and her motherly presence. I just wish that was more of her.
*The writing is lovely. I was mesmerized by the rich, detailed descriptions and the charming tidbits of witchy advice.
*The ending is sweet and satisfying. The siblings have all grown up, come to terms with their past and they aren’t afraid of their true identities. Two unexpected girls arrive in Franny and Jet’s lives at just the right moment, segueing into the events of Practical Magic.
*I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Marin Ireland. I thought Ms. Ireland’s narration was perfect for the book. She grasps the characters and conveys the right emotions. Definitely grab the audiobook if you can.
And The Not So Much:
*I struggled a bit with the overall melancholy tone of the book. It seems no matter what the siblings do they are always met with tragedy and turmoil. Yes, they overcome their troubles but it is at a great price.
*I loved the tidbits of magical advice and I found myself wishing there was more of the magic and definitely more of Aunt Isabelle and her sage advice.
*The whole situation with Vincent was strange. I struggled with how it played out, and I didn’t understand why he stayed away after all those years.

The Rules of Magic was a captivating read. I loved the characters, the story, the magic and the focus on family. This is a sad story as the characters endure a lot of tragedy as they fight to overcome the curse and to accept their true selves. However they preserve and along the way they learn a thing or two about life and love. Grab this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.