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.

I give the book a 3.5 as I liked the second half of the book much more than the first. The books felt like a YA book to me (not that there's anything wrong with that!) I loved the information about magic and witches, the superstitions, the life rules, the cures and curses. I loved the ending and how the story ties with 'Practical Magic.'
The three siblings this story revolves around: Jet, Franny and Vincent, must learn to live their true lives and embrace who they are. The book follows the three through their lives from the teen years to old age. Tragedy seems to be all around the three and the entire family lineage in general. I found the dialogue lacking in richness, feeling to simple at times, and the story felt too rushed for me, skimping on depth in what felt like a rush to get in all the timeline points. Still worth the time to read, especially if you liked 'Practical Magic.'

"<i>All I want for you is a normal life.</i>"
"<b>Mother. What makes you think that's what I want?</b>"

I'm not entirely sure how I've managed to go [age redacted] years without reading a book by Hoffman, especially being such a fan of the movie <i>Practical Magic</i>, but I'm kind of glad this was my first experience of her writing. It made it all the more magical.

"<i>I'm fated to lose everyone I ever love. I already know that.</i>"
"<b>Of course you are. That's what it means to be alive.</b>"

THE RULES OF MAGIC is basically a prequel of the aforementioned movie/book but can easily stand on its own. While the story surrounding the curse on the Owens family women began back in the 1600s during the witch trials, this book opens up in the fifties and focuses on the lives of three specific Owens children; Franny, Jet and Vincent. Side note : for those familiar with the earlier novel or adaptation, Franny and Jet are the two aunts who help to raise Sally and Gillian. The history of their ancestor is very much relevant to their stories, their lives, but I liked that it was less a story about fighting the circumstances and instead just kind of rolling with it. That doesn't mean they liked it just that.. it wasn't some typical story about magic about curing their curse.

<i>Love is like a train that will keep going at full speed whether you like it or not, so you may as well enjoy the ride.</i>

So much happens in this story and over the course of the years the setting bounces from Manhattan to Massachusetts to France and Germany (during the course of the war) and back again. Growing up they struggle against the rules their mother set forth, much to do with not doing magic which of course only makes them want to do it more, but the most important rule of all was to never fall in love. The children do, of course, and we're alongside them as they fight against it, refute it, hold it close, lose it and find it again.

<i>It is possible for a woman to claim to have no heart at all and still cry as though her heart would break.</i>

Hoffman's writing felt both dense with feeling and was, as a result, occasionally overwhelming but also so natural and easy to float through. The author's words moved me to tears at least twice and effortlessly transported me to another time and place, to enchantment and possibility. Simply put it, too, felt like magic. And if sometimes it felt a little slow? I was okay with that. It let me savour the read just that much longer.

"<i>When you truly love someone and they love you in return, you ruin your lives together. That is not a curse, it's what life is, my girl. We all come to ruin, we turn to dust, but whom we love is the thing that lasts.</i>"

But this is no HARRY POTTER with wand duels or epic battles. This is the every day kind of magic.. and yes, that factors in even the darker sides. You can see it and not believe, feel it and never know it's there. It's the every day kind found in life's little miracles, fate's cruelties, and everything inbetween.

<i>What is meant to be is bound to happen, whether or not you approve.</i>

I really loved this read. The characters, the events, the journey, the wins and the losses. I was sad to see the end of this one but knowing I can easily hit 'play' and continue the journey with a soundtrack featuring Stevie Nicks.. well. It doesn't get any better than that.

4.5 "the children continued to thwart her. they insisted on being unusual" stars

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I was terribly excited to have the opportunity to read this book, as I am a huge fan of Alice Hoffman’s writing and had been waiting rather impatiently for it to be published. I loved this book so much, parts of it made me laugh, and parts made me cry and I never wanted it to end, although as it is a prequel to Practical Magic … I do know what happens next. The story is mystical and magical because that is what the Owens are. Franny, Bridget (Jet) and Vincent are the descendants of Maria Owens who was executed for practicing witchcraft and their mother tries to keep them safe by denying their heritage, of course this does not work. It is fascinating to watch them come into their own during the turbulent era of the 60’s. Each will have to deal with the family curse in their own way and it was a delight to join with them on their journeys. As always the only remedy for love is to love more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this electronic ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Alice Hoffman brings the Owens family back in her new novel, “The Rules of Magic”. In “Magic”, we hear the tale of Vincent, Bridget (Jet) and Fanny Owens as they learn how to cope with their magical talents in a world where they aren’t welcome. As the three children grow up, they are reminded repeatedly about the “curse” that belies their family and are warned again and again not to fall in love. Of course, it is impossible to stick to this rule and these particular Owens family members try to avoid the demise and destruction of those they inevitably care for. The Owens’ sisters in this novel of course become the great aunts in “Practical Magic” and we get a little taste of how Sally and Gillian joined the Owens witchcraft family.
This novel was a huge five-star read for me. I adore Hoffman, and her novel “Practical Magic” was clever and creative. This novel is no different, and I loved being able to experience life before Sally and Gillian, to trace the magical curse back through the generations.
“The Rules of Magic” has a well-developed plot and charming characters (Vincent- the troublemaking bad boy, Jet- the quiet, sweet one and Fanny- the leader, all being able to avoid falling in love and all falling prey to its treachery).
It is not necessary to read “Practical Magic” before reading “The Rules of Magic” (although most of us are familiar with “Practical Magic” anyway thanks to the Hollywood film), as this novel would work well as a stand-alone. It adds a little charm to the Owens family history, and I loved this prequel. I desperately hope Alice Hoffman will bring more Owens family to us in the future!