I received this ARC from Orbit/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

You ever read a book in which you acknowledge that it has flaws, but completely forgive them because it feels like it was written just for you?

I absolutely fell in love with the depth of the characters, the magical setting of Hy-Brasil, and I deeply empathized with Biddy’s complicated love and longing for magic.

I finished this in the wee hours of the morning so I will share more once I have had a chance to sleep on it, but I can see this becoming a comfort read for years to come.

An enchanting historical novel full of charming characters, whimsical and spooky magics, and one girl’s journey to save her family from an evil plot decades in the making.

Biddy grew up on the island of Hy-Brasil, an isolated refuge for some of the last magic in the world, in the care of the mage Rowan and his rabbit familiar, Hutchincroft. She longs to see the wider world which she has only read about in novels, but her first foray to England comes only when Hy-Brasil is threatened, and she and Rowan arrive in London armed with a desperate plan to protect their home from the grasping hand of the magical council. Faced with a whole new world, enemies old and new, Biddy begins to uncover dangers and secrets that threaten to undermine everything she’s been told about herself, her trust in Rowan, and magic’s very presence in the world.

This was one of those rare books where, from beginning to end, the only thing I wished to be different was for there to be a sequel. (Alas, none at this time). The workings of magic are largely left a mystery, and there are glimpses of magical artifacts, portals to fae-like worlds, and powers in old yew trees that feel very much of Celtic legend. Biddy is practical, charming, and kind - she cares for Rowan and Hutch, and the land of Hy-Brasil with familiar affection, but isn’t afraid to make herself heard when she disagrees about something important. As she learns about the world through her own experiences independent of Rowan, she learns that maybe this man who raised her has a history beyond what he’s shared with her, and a several themes in the book revolve around trust and responsibility in relationships, and how differently issues of trust are approached when coupled with love, envy, or hate. Biddy’s adventure is clouded with uncertainty and secrets, but deep down, more than anything, she and Rowan, and loyal Hutch, never lose the deep affection they have for one another as family.

I first became acquainted with this author through A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians, a historical fantasy novel about Pitt and Wilberforce, vampires, abolition, and revolution. It became one of my favorite books, and in part probably because that’s one of the periods of history I find most interesting - and I’m so happy that The Magician’s Daughter, while not having that advantage, has become a favorite as well. Excited to see what HG Parry will be up to next!

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

This is a YA fantasy that follows Biddey who has only ever been around Rowan and his familiar. This story has a beautiful magic, with magicians and sidekicks wanting to restore magic through the world. It really is a lovely story, I just wish there had been a bit more during the climax. I’d say this does read more like a slow burn, but it was still enjoyable to read.

This was a lovely little historical fantasy to get lost in. I loved the description of the secret magical island, and the idea that magic was disappearing, but I kept waiting for more to happen. I didn’t mind spending time the the characters, but the story seemed like it was building up to something that never quite happened, so in that sense, I was a little disappointed. It was cozy and charming though, so I didn’t mind spending a few days in Biddy’s world! It’s out tomorrow if you’re interested in a cozy magical tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Synopsis: For 70 years, there has been barely any magic in the world - and yet, magic is all Biddy has ever known (even though she cannot personally see or use it). She grew up on a magically concealed island - Hy-Brasil - with a magician. Hy-Brasil is off the coast of Ireland, shrouded in enchantments, and full of magical creatures and mysteries. Rowan is her guardian, a man who avoids answering questions at almost all costs. He’s never let her leave the island, even though almost every night he turns into a Raven, and disappears. Then one night, he doesn’t make it home - and in rescuing him in his nightmares, Biddy learns the truth about what happened to the magic, why Rowan doesn’t want her to leave the island, and the enemies that have begun hunting them. Biddy is scared, but determined to save those she loves, her island, and the magic she has known all her life. Her adventures will take her across London, underground, and to ruins in the past. It’ll make her question everything she has ever known. And she’ll have to decide exactly what cost magic is worth.

Review: I absolutely loved this book, from the characters, to the world building, to the plot itself. It highlighted so much about the world in general, and showed why so many of us still have faith in people. It also was a wonderful coming of age story - and coming into who you wish to be.

First, the world building. It’s always my favorite thing about fantasy books when done well. The magic system here is well built, and incredibly important to the plot itself. Magic has been slowly disappearing for decades - after almost completely vanishing all at once. All the magicians are terrified it’ll run out for good, and of course, greed strikes. I loved the idea of how magic entered the world, of familiars, and spells. Honestly it was a cool system, that was unique in it’s own way. It’s also 1912 when the story takes place, and that lends itself to a good few plot points as well - plus history, fun clothes, etc., even books that have odd miracles in them reminiscent of when there was more magic in the world to do so.

The characters themselves were also well done. Rowan is so complicated and flawed, and that makes him better. I enjoyed that fact that he was basically a father figure, and we got to see him from that view point. The idea of your father being an almost infallible person until he certainly isn’t is similar enough and I enjoyed that aspect of the story. Morgaine is yet another look into a fascinating character - someone who wants to change the world and mayhaps loses themselves while trying. She was desperate to fix a broken system, a system that had no love for her, and in doing so, she shut away pieces of herself. Her character had the most depth for me in the end, and I really enjoyed getting to know her.

Hutch, Rowan’s familiar who spends most of his time as a rabbit, was one of my favorites. He’s funny, but not actually human. He’s an advisor to Biddy and Rowan, but also loses focus on certain things. His abilities are fun to explore, and it’s interesting to see this side of the magic as well.

While there are some things that are upsetting - a workhouse for poor, orphaned girls (babies/toddlers left to cry in cribs), and talk/descriptions of torture/death, there are not too many things to write as trigger warnings.

The book is slightly slow pace wise in the beginning, but I so absolutely loved learning about magic, and the world, that I never even cared. Again, it’s a really good novel, with a great magic system, and it’s set up for the possibility of another! I’d love another book in this world.

https://www.bgdailynews.com/news/reviews/the-magicians-daughter/article_3ee6963d-824b-54a2-af94-9b8d6f13ad49.html

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. These are my own thoughts:

Beautifully written, middle grade/YA appropriate for the classroom. A new coming of age Narnia. I love Biddy and her strength and resilience in her quest to return magic to the world. I've never wanted to hold a rabbit so badly before until this book.

This was my first book I read from this author and it certainly didn't let me down! I enjoyed every magical (pun intended) aspect of it. It's full of magic, mystery and love which is a trifecta for an amazing plot, that did not disappoint., I will definitely be suggesting this to library patrons who are looking for love and high magic/adventure!

Thank you NetGalley, publishers and author for allowing me to receive an arc in exchange for my honest review- all thoughts and opinions are my own -


This was … poetic. Beautiful imagery, fantastical story telling, beautiful story of family, sacrifices, magic. Great world building, fun characters. I believe it’ll be a top contender in my top 10 of 2023!

Life on Hy-Brasil, off the west coast of Ireland, is nearly idyllic. Biddy would say nearly because, life on a remote island with only her guardian and his familiar can be a bit lonely, especially since that guardian regularly leaves the island on mysterious and dangerous errands. But in The Magician’s Daughter, by H.G. Parry, Biddy finally gets her chance to leave the island, only to find out what she’s been hidden from all these years. This book had me completely hooked and its spectacular ending is beautiful, poignant, and the perfect conclusion to an absolutely outstanding story.

There are few rules on Hy-Brasil. Never talk to the púca. Don’t use any of the magical items in Rowan’s study if Rowan isn’t there to supervise. Other than that, Biddy is free to roam and read her days away. Rowan’s nightly travels—from which he sometimes comes home injured—worry her. Biddy is sixteen and magic-less, so there’s not a lot she can do other than worry…until on night when Rowan doesn’t come home and, shortly after that, the day when Rowan’s magical fight with the Council arrives on Hy-Brasil in the form of menacing birds made of nothing but bone. After she and Rowan fight the birds off, she manages to coerce the mage into finally telling her what’s really been going on.

Biddy and Rowan’s world used to be full of magic. Wild magic could be harnessed for spells or, if left alone, change the luck of people whose lives it entered. Perhaps someone in desperate poverty would find food from nowhere on their tables or gold in an unlikely place. Someone sick might finally find that tubercular cough fading to nothing. But, seventy years before our story takes place, magic started to grow scarce. Mages hoarded every scrap they could find. In the United Kingdom, the Council hunted and kept any hint of magic in the isles. Rowan, however, turned rogue on them. He would steal and distribute magic to the poor, the sick, and the powerless. This is why the Council’s head, the sinister Vaughan and his monstrous henchman, Storm, very much want to kill Rowan.

Once Biddy’s in on the secret, she refuses to let Rowan fight alone. That’s also when the plot ramps up. There are magical fights, daring escapes, cunning plans, and a lot of tests of loyalty and love that had my heart aching for Biddy. I don’t want to give away anything else, for fear of ruining The Magician’s Daughter. So I’ll wrap this up by saying that you’ll love the characters, get swept away by the plot, and be astonished by the originality of it all. At the risk of being corny, I declare The Magician’s Daughter to be an utterly magical read.

A historical fiction full of magical realism where Biddy, a girl of 16, lives on a secret and enchanted island. Her only companions are Rowan, her adoptive father and mage, his magical familiar named Hutchincroft, and the black bunnies that pepper the grasses of their home. All Biddy has wanted is to see the world outside of her protected fortress. Afterall, Rowan puts that Ravenstone around his neck every night and flies to the mainland doing God knows what, why can’t she go too? When finally the opportunity comes for her to leave the island, it is not for the happy fantasies she imagined. Rowan has been captured, and only she can save him, but at what cost? The world turns out to be a darker place than she anticipates.

Personally, I had the absolute hardest time picking up this book. Magical realism is not always my cup of tea, but more than that, I did not connect with the characters at all. Rowan and Hutch annoyed me, and Biddy did not really interest me more than at surface level. This novel was well written and had a wonderful vocabulary, the plot was original, and I liked the Puca… But other than these aspects, I hate to admit it was not the book for me.

This was a nice cozy read. This is my first book by Parry and her writing is so fluid. I love Biddy’s small family. I almost felt protective of the three of them, but especially of Biddy. The book’s magic system is interesting. That it’s everywhere and can be shared is nice.

[4.25 stars] THE MAGICIAN'S DAUGHTER is a wholesome, warm hug of a coming-of-age fantasy adventure. It's a story with rich writing and characters who want the best for the world and its inhabitants. It's not a cozy fantasy read per se. But I felt enveloped by a sense of otherworldly intrigue, perhaps because it's a period fantasy set in 1912.

H.G. Parry's latest will appeal to those who have an interest in Irish mythology, whether passive or more intensely active. In what seems to be an inadvertent theme of mine, this is yet another book that incorporates some of the Tuatha Dé Danann folklore. In THE MAGICIAN'S DAUGHTER, however, the Tuatha Dé Danann is a background element that adds historical depth to the plot. The focus, rather, is on Biddy's and Rowan's quest to release magic back into the world.

As the synopsis mentions, there are forces hoarding the world's magic. This leading plot point revolves around the theme of power in the authoritative sense. When the world is faced with a magical crisis, opportunities open up for open discord and vulnerability. Ultimately, as real world history depicts, charismatic leaders who don't necessarily have the best intentions sometimes rise to the top during periods of instability.

There is also an undercurrent theme of women's rights. Biddy grew up on Hy-Brasil without the rules and prejudices that the rest of women on the populated mainland abided and experienced. She is a free spirit, but also yearns for a female role model. Throughout the book, as more characters are introduced, there are quips about the type of magic expected of women; or that the magical council lacks diversity; or the older male magical scholars perpetually view women as interns or secretaries.

Thematic elements aside, it would be remiss of me to fail to mention that there is an animal sidekick! And what a lovable character Hutchinson is, Rowan's rabbit familiar. I absolutely adored him. Though a rabbit and lacking the ability to speak, Parry expertly conveys Hutchinson's thoughts and emotions through ear twitches and other physical movement. In fact, Parry's writing style overall is warm, calm, and expressive despite the gravity of various events. I also appreciated that this coming-of-age story has a more emotionally mature teenage character who is observant and reflective. It is also worth noting that there is no romance present, which seems to be an ubiquitous element in a lot of recent popular YA fantasy books.

Overall, I definitely recommend THE MAGICIAN'S DAUGHTER to those who seek a magical tale about a young woman searching for her place in the world. This is a book that reaches across the age category aisle. Both young adults and adults will enjoy Biddy's free-spirited adventures in Hy-Brasil and England as she confronts magical existentialism. If I had to make a comparison, I would say this reminds me of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES on magic meets A RIVER ENCHANTED.

Available on Monday, February 13 at: https://aliteraryescape.com/2023/02/13/arc-review-the-magicians-daughter-by-h-g-parry/

The Magician's Daughter is about a young woman named Biddey. iddey's entire life has been spent in the company of one person, Rowan, and his rabbit familiar, Hutchincroft, on the magical island of Hy-Brasil off of the coast of Ireland. Biddey is 17, and she is ready to experience the "real world" that she's only read about in novels. Rowan is protective of her, however, even as he visits the mainland on a regular basis. Eventually, the real world comes visiting them, and Rowan enlists Biddey's help against the magical dictator who rules the magicians of Britain.

The Magician's Daughter feels like YA fantasy in the best way: it's about growing up and learning to think for yourself instead of blindly accepting what you've been told. At the same time, it's not your typical YA fantasy: Biddey is explicitly not the Chosen One (she's resolutely non-magical in a society of magicians); there's no love triangle to help her define her personality; and she's definitely not enrolled in a magical school. Parry's world building is perfectly calibrated to this theme. As the book unfolds, the reader is in the same position as Biddey. All of her information comes from what Rowan has told her, and he may not have been as forthright as she thinks.

The book is slow and sweeping, but also emotional and personal. It's a great addition to the genre.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Magical, mysterious and full of atmosphere.
This book was a magical dream and a pleasure to read. My first book by H.G. Parry and it peaked my interest for sure.
I love an imperfect main character and especially one that grows and comes into their own over the course of a book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Redhook Books, and H. G. Perry for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book, even though it didn’t absolutely wow me. I found the premise very unique and I loved the unique magic system and setting. I also found the magic system to be explained fairly well. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, even though I liked them generally. I just wish we had gotten more from them. It also felt a little long-winded at times. It was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable regardless. Overall, a solid and magical read.

This was an interesting book about magic and the people who control it and those that want it. It is in the mid 1800's and Biddy (Bridget) is sixteen years old and lives on Hy-Brasil, an island that's only visible at certain times, she lives with her guardian and saviour, Rowan, who is a magician, and his familiar, a rabbit, Hutch, that can at times appear in human form. Biddy has become restless on the island, isolated from the world, she wants to go with Rowen when he transforms into a raven and leaves on nightly excursions to England. One night he doesn't return and Biddy is pressed into growing up a lot faster than she anticipated. She also learns that Rowan was less than truthful about how she came to be on the island. There are flashbacks to when Rowan was young and friends with two other magicians and how something went wrong which caused one of them, Storm, to have his appearance altered into a part human part raven form, something that he desperately wants to solve so he can appear all human. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend if you also enjoy historical types of stories. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Redhook for the ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the magic and mystery. I think if you enjoyed A Sorcery of Thorns, you would enjoy this book. I wish I had read this book in the fall because it is very much a cozy magic vibe for me.

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I got a copy of this as an ebook through Netgalley to review.

Thoughts: This was an amazing book, I have been absolutely spoiled rotten this week with amazing books. I loved these characters, this unique world and the problem the characters are trying to solve. This was beautifully written and completely engaging. I enjoyed every second of this book.

This book follows the story of Biddy, she washed up on the magical island of Hy-Brasil when she was a baby and has since been raised by the magician Rowan. When Rowan fails to return to the island at his normal time, Biddy is incredibly worried. Then when he does finally return, he is forced to let Biddy in on some dark secrets about their enemies outside the island. In order to set the essence of magic right, Biddy will have to do the very thing she has yearned for and the very thing she fears, leave her precious home of Hy-Brasil.

This was an amazing magical read full of beautiful descriptions and sincere, touching characters. I absolutely loved Biddy and Rowan and Rowan's familiar; they are kind and sincere to each other. All of the characters in this book, even the enemies, have a lot of depth to them and are intriguing to read about. They are all so well done.

I also loved the world here; it's a world where magic has dwindled and a world where people are starting to suffer from magic's absence. Biddy's mysterious past seems to be the only thing that might be a key to bringing magic back. There is a hint of adventure to the story as Biddy is forced to face the outside world. This story is amazing, hopeful, and a bit sad all at once. As magical as Hy-Brasil is, after everything that happens here nothing ends up the same. Everyone and everything changes and that is both good and sad.

My Summary (5/5): Overall, this was such a beautiful story full of magic, adventure, change, and love that I was sad for it to end. I am greatly looking forward to future books by Parry; I hope they are all as beautiful, amazing, and magical as this one. I also plan on going back to check out Parry's Shadow Histories series. I would strongly recommend this book. It was a magical read that was completely engrossing.

This book is a historical fantasy that takes place on a secretive, magical island of Ireland & London- loved the settings. The book centers around 2 main characters, Bridget (16yo) & her adopted father, Rowan. Rowan is a mage with a familiar rabbit, Hutchingcroft. Rowan has promised Biddy (short for Bridget) that when she’s old enough, she will leave the island, but her hand is forced when Rowan doesn’t return. From there, she’s transported into the magical world where a few powerful mages have taken magic for their own.

With that said, I found some characters one-dimensional, like Rowan. He’s fashioned himself as a reformed cocky, upstart Robin Hood. As that example, it followed me to other characters as well & I never truly got attached to the characters. Overall, I liked the idea of the book, but it never got into the magic world building that I hoped for.

Finally, I found the first half quite slow, but does pick up in the second half. Although I didn’t rate this book as 4-5 stars, I’m intrigued to read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit/Redhook for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

The Magician's Daughter is a historical fantasy featuring Biddy, a 16 year old girl who grows up on an isolated island under the care of a magician and his wonderful rabbit familiar. There's a lot to like here - the prose for the most part feels reminiscent of the time period without being too dense or difficult to get into. The magic is appropriately whimsical and wild. The relationships between the main characters are well fleshed out, and I particularly loved Hutchinson.

The start of this book was so cozy - it gave me major Howl's Moving Castle vibes. We quickly get into the main plot and as an antidote to all the Tolkien-esque fantasies about magic departing from the world, this story is about Biddy's quest to bring magic back into it. She sets off to the mainland and has to face all the dangers of the real world as she tries to restore the magic that has been lost.

For me personally, the book was a little too fast paced and I really missed the warm, cozy start at the island. It was hard to get attached to some of the side characters because their relationships didn't get enough time in the spotlight, so the ending didn't hit quite as hard as it could have. I also think that the novel brushes over some important social issues regarding poverty and the consolidation of wealth, but it doesn't have a lot of time to really dig into them.

Overall, I'd recommend this to fans of soft magic systems, historical London settings, and animal companions. It has really strong main characters and a fun plot, and I'd definitely read more from H.G. Parry in the future.