Reading this book was like talking to an old friend. It's been years since I read Pracrical Magic though I watch the movie often. This prequel was the perfect blend of magic, love and heartbreak that only Alice Hoffman knows how to do

Like many people, I have seen and loved the film of Practical Magic though have not read the book. Through reading many reviews of the original Practical Magic novel, I went into reading this with an open mind and was not expecting the same tone as the film or the same characters. I am glad I did as the two are quite different and I think it made reading The Rules of Magic much more enjoyable. I did really like this book, we follow three of the Owens siblings -Franny, Jet and Vincent- through their lives. They experience love and loss and all that that entails. It was refreshing to read a book where although sometimes you really didn't like a character sometimes, you were always rooting for them.

I also really the descriptions of the magic, it was very simply put. Like, "this is just how it is", not over the top at all. Just describing as though they were real people.

The only negative thing I could say about this book, is that when I put it down for a while. I wasn't really thinking about. It wasn't the kind of book that I just couldn't wait to get back to, but when I was actually reading it I enjoyed it completely.

Such an enjoyable read! One of those books you don't want to be finished, ever! The Owens family comes from a long line of witches, and each character has his or her own personality. Although YA, this book is eminently suitable for all readers!

I love Alice Hoffman and Practical Magic and was very excited for this novel. It has great atmosphere. The characters were frustrating to me and the plot got a little slow in the middle but it was still a very enjoyably story. I do wish they leaned more into the magic and had used it more in the story.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, offers readers the incredible opportunity to return to the beloved world of Practical Magic. This exciting sequel returns to the Owen's family history with greater detail, and through this new tale, we learn more about "The Aunts"; Franny and Jet.

I really enjoyed Rules of Magic. For me, this world -with it's strong, independent, reality bending women - has been a source of comfort. The struggles that they face, despite their supernatural nature, are still rooted in reality. The Owen's women confront discrimination, grief, loss, and self doubt (to name a few), but always deal with these issues best when they embrace their natures, and accept their oddities. I think this is an invaluable and timeless lesson, that many women can relate to.

Also, I loved getting to know the Aunts (and subsequently their Aunt Isabelle). In Practical Magic, they are portrayed as somewhat all knowing and infinitely wise. By reading The Rules of Magic, I was surprised to learn how they became that way. This evolution incorporates many references to the original novel that I found myself reminiscing about.

I strongly recommend this read, this series, and this author. Alice Hoffman is incredibly adept at blending fantastical elements with realism, and I've always found something to love in her work. This series is an incredible example of strong, power female characters. Even more importantly their meaning is not rooted in romantic love, but in family bonds, and most often in sisterhood.

If you haven't read the novel Practical Magic, but have seen the movie, you could (maybe) read the Rules of Magic and understand some (few) of the references to Sally and Gillian's story. However, I think this book is most enjoyable when read after Practical Magic. There are many references (the black soap, Regina, the cats etc) to Practical Magic that enhanced The Rules of Magic for me; if you've only seen the movie, these references are likely to be lost.

As a fan of Practical Magic, I was really excited to read this. I enjoyed it, but honestly found it a bit slow. It took me way longer to read than it should have, and I had a difficult time holding my interest with it. Still, I did enjoy it, and would recommend it.

I so squealed when I saw that there was a prequel to the Practical Magic book . Rules of Magic is all about the aunts when they were younger let me introduce you all to Frany. Jet and their brother Vincent . They are living in New York at the beginning of the sixties . Their mother Susanna has strict rules for them, no wearing red shoes , no books on magic , no going out after dark and the big one NO FALLING IN LOVE . But after a trip to their aunts in Massachusetts . Things have changed that sends each of them on a journey to find what they truly are and to find the love that they all want . 
     This book had me hooked from the very first page . I have always wanted to know what made the aunts the way they are and how they grew up .  The characters are well written and complex . One moment you love them and the next minute you want to strangle all three of them .  I think Vincent is the most complicated of all the characters in this book . He doesn't really know where he belongs , he is an out cast that is dabbling in dark magic . He doesn't really know what he is doing but you start to care for him and want what is best for him . Franny is so strong willed and she is the tough one of the three of them . She sometimes is a little frail and not real sure of herself . She is also a little quirky in her own way . Jet is the sweet soulful daughter , she can read peoples minds and is so shy . All she wants is love and to be loved . Each of their journeys will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read 
    This book was such a great read . I love the way the author writes . She writes with such a passion , you can't help but get carried away in her story telling . The characters are great and the story is heart warming and funny . You will laugh and cry for each of characters and their stories . If you liked Practical magic you will love RULES OF MAGIC .

The Rules of Magic is a prequel to Practical Magic but is a complete standalone story. It sets the scene and gives us all the background of the Owens family.
Alice Hoffman's writing is beautiful and bigger than the pages it is written on. Each time I looked away from the page, I just kept expecting the magic to be still surrounding me!!!

"...she opened a book and was therefore saved, discovering that a novel was as great an escape as any spell."

Fanny, Jet, and Vincent Owens know they are different even as their mother insists “All I want for you is a normal life.” And she warns them that because of an old curse, as an Owens, they can never fall in love.

"Maybe then he would forgive her more easily on the day her gray eyes turned to ice, when she appeared not to care, because she knew that was her fate, to avoid love at all costs and then to pretend it didn’t break her apart when she finally told him they were through."

I found myself trying to slow down my reading to just savor and enjoy the beauty and magic that this story holds.

"Writing itself was a magical act in which imagination altered reality and gave form to power."

I loved every sentence! 5 Stars!!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy of The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman in exchange for an honest review. This book is a prequel to Practical Magic. Since the 1600s, the Owens family has been feared and mistrusted. In Massachusetts, one of the ancestors was charged with loving the wrong man. In the 1950s, Susanna Owens, a descendant, moves to New York to raise her three children away from the Owens' reputation and away from the curse forbidding them from falling in love. It becomes obvious that Franny, Jet and Vincent cannot deny their heritage. From the beginning, the children exhibit signs of eccentricity and witchcraft. And as they grow older, they try everything to prevent falling in love. But it is not meant to be. The novel deals with each sibling avoiding love as much as possible until their heart leads them to do the opposite. The Rules of Magic is surreal and yet so real in many ways. It is a fairy tale for adults and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Well written and captivating.

Love the storyline which follows the three Owens siblings throughout their lives. Franny, Jet, and Vincent are so easy to relate to. Many twists and turns, loves and losses. I did find that occasionally the passage of time was quite abrupt. Also found it incredibly strange that they left a dish of milk out for a rabbit... I know it's a magical story and all, but in what world do rabbits drink milk?!?

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
This is my first time reading a book by Alice Hoffman. I requested an arc from Net-Galley for this book in return for an honest review because I had watched the movie made from her book, “Practical Magic”, numerous times. I was curious to read the prequel to know the backstory. The story was intriguing and very descriptive. Ms Hoffman's talents to paint pictures with words and make us feel the emotions of her characters make the novel compelling to read. In addition to learning the history of the Owens family and origin of the curse, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the details and vivid descriptions of New York City and Paris in the 60s and onward. Ms. Hoffman has a talent of weaving true history among the fictional history into her storytelling. I will definitely be reading other books by Alice Hoffman in the future.

The storyline follows the lives of three Owens siblings – Franny, Bridget (Jet) and Vincent through childhood into mature adulthood. Their parents try to protect them from the family curse by having strict rules without explaining why – do not wear black, no red shoes, no cats, no candles, no crows, no walking in the moonlight, no books on magic and the most important rule of all, never fall in love. The two sisters and one brother are very different from other children and they are unique to each other, too. Each of them has a different magical gift, but until a certain summer when they spend a summer away from home, these gifts are ignored. With the help of their Aunt Isabella and some research of their own they solve the mystery of the curse. Their ancestor, Maria Owens, fell in love with the wrong man and ended up prosecuted as a witch. She put a curse on all her descendants that anyone they loved would be taken from them.

This book is magical realism, written as if it is a historical account of the Owens family, however you do not need to believe in the possibility of magic in order to enjoy the book. But it may help to remember that some things in this world are not able to be explained.

In my opinion, this book is not suited to YA or any reader who is looking for escapist light fantasy reading or to be taken on a feel-good journey. Although this book could be classed as a historical romance and it does have some comical scenes, there is a much deeper meaning to the story. The book is filled with romantic love, tragic loss, and struggle. There is also a theme of the deep love of family and friendship. Without the comic relief throughout the story, this would have been a dark, brooding novel. As it is, it is a cautionary tale.

The Rules of Magic revisits the Owens clan- not Sally and Gillian this time, rather the eccentric aunts- Fran & Jet. The story follows the aunts and their brother Vincent as teenagers who discover their magical lineage and all the perilous adventures they have as a result. The 1960s backdrop of the novel creates a kaleidoscope of magic that twists and turns as the story unfolds. It’s less hippy star-child, and more awakened thrill seeking. Growing up in a strict household, when Franny turns 17, she receives an invitation to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt in Massachusetts (in that glorious white house we remember from Practical Magic). The three head off and are initiated into magic-by making black soap at the full moon, collecting herbs for their neighbours woes, and scrying a black mirror that shows the future. Once again the home served as a sanctuary and respite from the children’s overbearing mother who forbade magic and falling in love. One day, their spunky cousin April comes for a visit who tells them all about their ancestor- Maria Owens- who was responsible for the Owens “love curse.” As we saw with Practical Magic the Owens tend to play a dangerous game of love vs fate. Franny is cautious, Jet is passionate, and Vincent is reckless. The story takes us from their magical awakening in Massachusetts, to their adult life running an Apothecary in NYC, and to their first meeting with Sally and Gillian. Along the way we find ourselves becoming entangled in their love affairs, grieving at funerals, and soothsaying what appears to be their fated futures. It’s hard not to become emotionally involved with these characters whose innocence, determination, and risk taking, tugs at your heart strings- at times making you cry and smile.

Readers and fans of the Owens story know, that death is a frequent visitor for the Owens and The Rules of Magic are no exception. Tempting fate and risking love are the common themes throughout this story- but we see so clearly how it is loss, heartbreak, and destiny that weaves the most powerful spell of all. Alice Hoffman’s most successful achievement with both Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic is that she makes us realize that magic is not about waving a wand or dancing naked under the full moon (partially clothed will suffice), rather magic is an inherent gift we each possess- we either live our lives defeated-surrendering complete control to kismet, or we actively co-create our realities through adding a heavy dose of love to everything that comes our way. Magic is what you make of it, and as we have learned from the Owens the only rule of magic, is that magic is boundless- we create our own rules through the choices we make. A pinch of salt, some lavender, and a black cat doesn’t hurt either.

Prepare to become spellbound when this grimoire of a book becomes available for purchase October 10, 2017.

I loved Practical Magic. I remember reading it - on a bus between Calgary & Edmonton. I was so taken with the story that I had to stop to look around and appreciate my luck in finding this book. I feel the same about The Rules of Magic. It’s hard not to picture the end, how Jet & Franny become the Aunts I know but I love the twists and turns that keeps me guessing.

What a wonderful read. It captures the attention of the readers from the beginning. The characters are so realistic it is almost like knowing them. Will order the next one by this author right away.

If you think this is just a story about spells and potions, then you would be wrong. This is about so much more than just magic. It's about families filled with regret, it's about gaining the courage to live life to the fullest, and it is about daring to love and dream and LIVE. As usual, the author has written a beautiful story about family and love and loss, with gorgeous prose. I really could not stop myself from turning the pages. Every character has been wonderfully created, and it is so easy to feel connected to them; I felt truly invested in their lives and their pursuit for happiness. This novel had me so emotional; I was literally sobbing at times because I could feel their emotions so deeply. One thing is for sure: I am DEFINITELY going to read Practical Magic. If you have never read a book by Alice Hoffman, I urge you to do so ASAP because she is such a talented author and everything she writes is amazing! I'm just glad she's written as many books as she has, because now I have more books to enjoy!

I received this ARC via NetGalley. I’m an Alice Hoffman fan, by way of “The Museum of Extraordinary Things”, and “The Rules of Magic” did not disappoint. Hoffman successfully blends the history of the Salem witch trials with a fictional account of an unusual family. Hoffman writes beautiful sentences that fill the imagination with a tactile sense of scene and characters. Despite having not yet read “Practical Magic” this prequel provided a compelling backstory, and I never felt like I was missing out by not having read the sequel. The characters inspire compassion as well as frustration, as real people do. The scenes of New York, rural Massachusetts and Paris made me feel like I was there. I can’t wait to dive into “Practical Magic”.
Link to review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34037113-the-rules-of-magic

A special thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This opportunity meant a great deal to me since Practical Magic has been an incredibly important and present story in my household. To get the chance to read the prequel is incredible! From the first page I was hooked, I wanted to know everything about Franny, Jet and Vincent. Waiting for when the magic would begin and couldn't put this book down. I know this will be the type of novel I will re-read over and over again.

This book is phenomenal! The characters and storyline are great. I found this book to be very emotional; this is the kind of book that makes you want to fall in love, even if it'll end in heartbreak.

As a huge fan of Practical Magic I was ridiculously excited to get my lil hands on this book. Finally! A chance to get to know my beloved Frances and Jet.

It was a bit difficult to get into. The first quarter or so felt a lot like a “set up” in order to tell the real story. It read a bit like an information dump. Which I suppose was necessary, but didn’t make for the most interesting reading.

However once the story started to pick up I enjoyed it. Although I still struggled with Ms Hoffman’s blunted writing style, the happenings of the Owens family were interesting enough that I hardly noticed. And the last third of the book or so was very fun to read!

Overall, I did greatly enjoy it once I managed to get into it, but truthfully if I wasn’t set on writing a review for it, I may have just set it down after the first 50 pages or so and not picked it back up again. Although that would have been a mistake, as in the latter half of the book we begin to see the familiar Aunts start to make an appearance.

Emotionally, I wasn’t perhaps as invested, although there were scenes which should have brought forth a reaction (I’m a Pisces afteral). The very blunt and factual writing style kept things a bit more on the clinical side.

It’s worth a read, but I don’t think it will become a favorite of mine.

This book is the story of the aunts from Practical Magic. It reaches into the history of the Owens family and explores the origins of the family curse.