Maiga Doocy's SORCERY AND SMALL MAGICS is a cute and cozy fantasy centered around Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm. One writes the spells, one casts the spells and when an accidental love spell is cast on Leo, they'll go to the ends of the Unquiet Wood to visit a sorcerer that will break the spell. Along the way, the two fight beasts, outwit outlaws, and discover that their magic and music blend together in a special way. If you like enemies to lovers and forced proximity, Doocy has you covered, just know that it's light on the romance and there's zero spice, so if you're coming for the romantasy of it all, light on that. There's certainly a lot of tension brewing between these two, but it's a SLOW transition into the cutesy territory.

It's not until the 69% mark -giggity - that Leo wants to plant a kiss on Grimm, but it's a kiss that's not entirely romantic because it's under the guise of a love spell. Regardless, Leo and Sebastian were super cute and I just know they'll eventually get together for real. But Leo needs to watch the drinking, bruh. Bottom line: This is a well written, whimsical and atmospheric fairytale that will make you gush over its MMC's, but also leave you craving more va-va-voom from the romance storyline. But if you're coming for the cozy and quaint fantasy quest of it all, I think you'll be satisfied. Bonus points for the character of Sybilla, she truly did what needed to be done. I LOVE FREAKY FORESTS. Special thanks to Orbit for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In a fanciful world with a very unique music-based magic system, Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm are students at sorcery boarding school. They are total opposites who drive each other mad, so of course, must work together. They end up on a journey through a forest of weapon-wielding enemies and multi-eyed monsters, but everything feels very cozy even when it’s life or death.

Leo’s voice as narrator was smart and snarky (as was the banter), and there was strong satisfying character growth. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the reading the rest of this trilogy..

Sorcery and Small Magics was an enjoyable, forced proximity romance, with some great magic, a monster-filled wild forest, and enchanting worldbuilding that felt both familiar and unique at the same time!

I loved the crunchy dynamic between Grimm and Leo, but tbh the way Leo was flippant about most things that Grimm took seriously was a touch annoying at times. I mean, i got it...but still. Lbr privilege will always gives me a headache.

Happily though, as the story progressed and as they journeyed together bound as they were, they made a really awesome team and i thought their magical chemistry was brilliant! The way they protected each other stole my heart, and by the end of this dynamic story i found myself thinking that they would be even more lovely together now that they're willing partners, aligned and moving in the same direction with purpose, a bit of a crush and most importantly, in peace.

For the most part lol.

Leo is high calibre mischief and Grimm will have his hands full casting with eyerolls and fending off the silliness i'm almost certain Leo will not give up throughout this series ;p

Maiga's narrative tone and flow made this a wonderful and compelling fantasy that i gobbled up in a heartbeat, and i'm looking forward to the rest of this trilogy because this was fabulous and i want more!

This was fun and honestly exactly what I needed right now.

While I didn't know this was a series upon initially reading it, I am really excited to continue this series. The main characters were fun to read about and I love their slow burn, rivals (kind of)-to-lovers thing they have developing. The world is interesting and I hope we get an expanded time with in.

This was just everything that works for me in a softer fantasy and i really did just have such a good time reading it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

I was addicted to this book. Truly addicted, couldn't stop reading it, adored the characters, the pacing, the MAGIC SYSTEM, I am obsessed. Will read anything Doocy publishes in the future because I am convinced she is writing FOR ME. 5/5.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Leo is a talented scrivener but limited to fripperies. He can easily write a spell to turn someone’s hair pink, but greater magics are beyond his reach. Sebastian Grimm is his opposite in every way– a skilled mage with a talent for greater magics and absolutely no sense of humor. And of course, when an unexpected curse binds them, the two must work together.

This book was a delightful, funny, slow burn of a book that had me caught from the first pages. And there’s real substance here too: both of our main characters go through some moving character development. My only qualm is that it was not clear I was walking into a series rather than a standalone. It seemed like things might wrap up in one volume as I approached the end, but alas NO!

Sorcery and Small Magics was an absolutely delightful read. It is perfect for fall and perfect while sipping from a hot cup with a blanket and a candle flickering in the background.

It’s a cozier fantasy with a unique magic system, mystical creatures and a self imposed curse.

Leo and Grimm don’t get along, being complete opposites. Stoic Grimm likes to follow the rules and is talented in magic. Whereas Leo is quippy, sarcastic and sticks to small magic.
When they’re paired together in class, a mix up happens and they find themselves bound together through forbidden magic.

While there is definitely danger on their adventure, hungry monsters, dangerous outlaws and multiple mishaps, it never feels like too high of stakes.

I enjoyed the book and the story. Zero spice. There is love shown, but definitely feels more like the beginning of a romance (as there are books to come).

My favorite part was how quippy the dialogue was and the banter between the main characters. Looking forward to the second book.

There is so much I loved about this story. The dual magic system where some people are scrivers and some are casters was inspired and a great twist on limiting the magic somewhat. Then the very slow burn between the main characters Leo and Grimm was fantastic and felt like a natural build up between them. I could see an argument to say that the burn went for a bit too long and that these knuckleheads should have realized things sooner, but neither of them were the brightest when it comes to relationships.

It falls a bit into the cozier side of fantasy in that the stakes for the world are low, but the stakes for Leo and Grimm are pretty high. And I think that’s what ultimately led me to really love this story.

Thank you to @orbitbooks_us and @netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

A fun and inventive enemies-to-not-quite-lovers tale, full of magic, danger and intrigue. Perfect for readers of Patrick Rothfuss.

This could have been a standalone book focusing on removing a curse and hopefully a cute romance between a serious scholar and a lovable boy full of shenanigans, and I would have enjoyed that. Instead it is going to be a whole trilogy. Talk about slow burn enemies to lovers romance. Okay, so maybe book one is enemies to slightly less reluctant lab partners and possible tentative friends. It sure seems like these boys were drawn to each other long before a curse forced their proximity, so I have high hopes. While some things are wrapped up in book one, there are many possibilities for sequels involving politics and outlaws. As long as Grimm and Leo are falling for each other for real, I can’t wait to read book two.

I received the ebook as an Arc from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!!

I really enjoyed this book - the characters are likable and having representation for the queer community is uplifting. It is a journey book - our two main characters must travel into a creepy forest to look for another sorcerer because only this sorcerer can break the curse they accidentally put on themselves. It is a romcom so readers will already guess that the 2 main characters start falling in love which is not ideal when they started the story as rivals. I will be continuing on with the series and look forward to book 2.

Overall, I’m giving it a 3.5.

Whooo boy this book took me by surprise! If you loved Baz and Simon from the Carry On series this book is definitely one to pick up. I adored the magic school element and the school rivalry that Grimm and Leo have. I related to Leo so hard. Characters who are sassy and act like they don't have a care in the world but actually they care deeply and just want to be seen and loved capture my whole heart. The forced proximity was absolutely delicious. The romance is very light in this book but it's the gradual progression is going to make it so much more worth it when they acknowledge their feelings. I am so excited to see where this series goes!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to start reading this early.

As soon as I read the synopsis on this, I knew I wanted to read it. I preordered it not long after. And was ecstatic when my ARC request was approved.

This story is so cozy. The banter between Leo and Grimm immediately reminded me of Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On characters. Leo is my favorite character in this by far and as truths were revealed, I just wanted to bundle him up in blankets and give him a big hug. I have some theories on Grimm and would look forward to getting parts of the next story in the trilogy from his perspective.

Eagerly anticipating the next two.

4 stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

I think I wasn't paying attention because I hadn't realized this was the start of a trilogy. I desperately need the next book asap as possible, please and thank you.

Leo and Grimm are partnered up for Magic Reasons and other Magic Reasons lead them to be bound by a curse that forces Leo to do whatever Grimm commands. Do I remember why they're partnered? Or where? Not really. But I had a good time reading this. And there was only one bed (though one always slept on the floor, so that was no fun).

I absolutely loved the magic system in this. The connection of singing and music being a conduit for magic will always bring me joy. Leo learning to be less of an insufferable ass and Grimm learning to just fucking talk to people made for a really fun story.

what a sloooowburn grumpy sunshine cozy read! i honestly liked this a lot more than i originally thought. the main character, leo, will get on your nerves as he got on mine but i think it’s ok??? and it was the author’s intention?

the magic system is quite unique and i thoroughly enjoyed the quick fire banter between leo and grimm. thankfully this is a trilogy so i'm excited to see how the events from book one will develop.

ty for the arc!

Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Absolutely adored this book. It's just the kind of high fantasy, slow burn, queer adventure that I love. We have great mains, grumpy/serious and sarcastic/sunshine. The supporting characters are interesting, and everyone develops over time.

Besides the characters, the imagery described in this book really caught me. Magic eats away at the words on paper, the smoke and fire that burns when they cast, the places Grimm and Leo visit, and the monsters they encounter.

Seriously, I want to just squeeze hug all of them. It's wonderful storytelling, and I can't wait for book 2!

This book. This book!

If you're looking for a good cute cozy read that still has a driving plot, definitely check out Sorcery and Small Magics. Featuring song magic, grumpy x sunshine, and a very good boy wolf (who better come back in the sequel), you don't want to miss this.

Leo and Grimm are absolute gems, and I loved following them as an unintended spell forced them into close proximity. Leo was definitely the main source of snark and humor, but Grimm held his own and I loved every interaction they had together. They contrasted and yet complimented each other so well, drawing each other out of their shells and pushing growth throughout.

Their romance felt perfectly suited to the characters and their personalities, growing naturally through the slow burn. I'm not someone who usually likes pure romance, so I liked how this romance developed as a consequence of the plot and characters, rather than feeling like the main driving force.

The magic system revolves around writers (those who can write spells) and casters (those who can actually put magic into existence). Sounds simple, but Doocy does a great job expanding the limits and understanding as the story grew. I love when magic systems develop through books in a series, and I'm so excited to see more from some of the details dropped in this first book.

I can't wait for more books from Doocy and for more of Leo and Grimm's story!

Content Warnings: Mind Control/Love Curse

This book has an immediate turn off for me in that the described "slow burn romance" is connected to being a mind control/love curse that (1) forces the one afflicted to follow the commands of the caster and (2) forces the one afflicted to have no physical distance from the caster in the form of physical pain. The story attempts to deal with the problematic nature of the potion, but the fact that by the end the afflicted has fallen in love with the caster is still... no. Also, it doesn't appear to be reciprocated by the caster? I admit, I may have overlooked the returning of feelings, but either way it still made me feel ick. Other readers may not be put off by this at all, though.

Tangentially related, but a different issue, is that everyone acts like the afflicted character is taking things too seriously/going too far to try and have the curse removed. While it is true the character purposefully downplays his affliction, they're still acting like he's nuts to try and get it taken off even when he begins physically fainting from not being in proximity of the caster. It feels like the problem is forced to linger longer than necessary.

Outside of these issues, the book is just... okay. The action sequences are good, and most characters are fine. The world building is half-baked, though, and the plot line flits all around to multiple locations -- all of which has the potential of being interesting, but ultimately aren't explored enough. Some parts of the world also just don't make sense. Main character Leaovander is seriously the first person to combine spells and song? The basics of Bards in other fantasy settings? Feels contrived. (The other twist, that Sebastian Grimm struggles to read which is required of spell casters was done much more successfully, in contrast).

I think some will like this book more than I did but it ultimately just wasn't for me.

Doocy's debut novel is a good example of the 3 C's: cute, clever, but contrived. CUTE can describe the charmingly bumbling characters and burgeoning relationship between Grimm and Leo. CLEVER can be used to characterize the magic system and world-building. However, the plot and overall beats the story follows were unfortunately CONTRIVED. It is very easy to predict where the plot will go next, and I grew quickly tired of its reliance on fanfic-type tropes. I also couldn't get myself to latch onto the writing style, which made getting through the novel more of a chore than was merited by its sweet, easy premise.

Leo and Grimm have never gotten along. Maybe it’s because Leo is a scrivener and Grimm is a caster. Maybe it’s because Leo turned Grimm’s hair pink that one time. Maybe Grimm looks down his nose at the spoiled brat who coasts through life, while Grimm has had to struggle. One takes classes seriously and worked hard to get accepted into the prestigious school … and the other took it easy, knowing his father would pull any string he needed to make certain Leo got in. Grimm respects teachers, Leo doesn’t; Grim scowls, Leo beams like sunshine.

When the two of them are paired together in class as a scrivener and a caster — one to write the spells, one to cast them — Leo decides to make fun of Grimm. Again. Grimm came late to reading magic and so, knowing Grimm prefers spells that are short and to the point, Leo writes a few extra wordy, extra prose-y spells that Grimm will struggle with, and one brief, simple one. All so Grimm knows his place, knows Leo can write better than what Grimm can read.

Grimm, of course, casts the shorter spell. Only it doesn’t turn Leo’s eyes blue. It doesn’t … seem to do anything. Until Grimm tells Leo to do something and Leo does it. It turns out that the spell Grimm cast was a command spell, an illegal one, and it certainly wasn’t the one Leo wrote. If the school finds out what happened, they’ll both be expelled. If they’re lucky.

Leo is determined to find a way out of this; unfortunately, he needs to find some way to drag Grimm with him, because the spell has an interesting side effect. The farther away Leo is from Grimm, the more painful it is, and it’s getting worse. Once they could have miles between them; now it’s less than one. And then less than that. Time is running out.

There’s no hope for it but to venture into the Unquiet Woods, a place of monsters and wild magic, in search of a sorceress who might not even exist.

Sorcery and Small Magics is the first book in the Wildersongs series and I will be eagerly awaiting book two — and then book three. This book does, however, have a solid end — as well as excellent world building and characters. Obviously from the star rating, I loved this book, so let met tell you why … and let me find a way to encourage you to give this book a chance.

The magic in this world has two forms: Small, minor magics (cantrips and small spells) and Great Magic. With a cantrip, you can keep your socks warm in winter, change the color of your eyes, or make flowers bloom out of season. With Great Magic, you can teleport, create storms, kill monsters, and heal people. In order to cast magic, however, you need a spell, which is where scriveners come in. Scriveners have the imagination and knowledge of magic thorough enough to write spells that will do exactly as they wish and no more. To warm your socks without setting them on fire, to cool your tea without turning it to ice, to mend a broken arm without the body eating itself alive. It’s tricky and it requires more than just a little talent.

Casters are those who can take a spell and … cast it. They have the power to be able to do so without exhausting themselves, and in so doing, do not incur the magic backlash. When someone attempts magic freeform, with no written spell, they run the risk of upsetting the balance, and the magic will take something in exchange for the spell. Your hair, your breath, the lives of what’s around you. It’s unpredictable and dangerous; the magic wants the partnership of scrivener and caster, wants the duality of give and take. Those who violate the balance will soon find themselves without magic, if they do not find themselves dead.

Leo is, on the outside, a spoiled brat. Inside, though, he’s a mass of insecurities. His mother is dead, and Leo is convinced it’s his fault; as a child, and a natural scrivener, he tried to save his mother’s life with a healing spell. Instead, his magic killed her. Ever since, the Grand Magic has not worked for him. If he says left, it goes up; if he says red, it says tree. He’s caused damage and harm to others and so he made himself a promise: he would never use Grand Magic again.

Leo and his father have a distant relationship. His father holds Leo’s inheritance, his mother’s house where he grew up, as hostage. Leo has to go to school and graduate if he wants the house, so Leo goes to school and does his best to be as unimpressive as possible. He drinks, he dances, he plays music and socializes. He has no ambitions, no goals, because the last time he wanted something — wanted with his whole heart — he killed his mother.

Grimm, on the other hand, grew up in a normal family. Discovering he was a powerful caster was an accident, and his entry into school is unusual enough to have people notice. And comment. Reading magic doesn’t come easily to him and he has no gift for writing spells. So to see Leo, brilliant as he is, careless as he is, talking about not needing to graduate, not caring what the Coterie thinks of him, the same Coterie Grimm and so many others are working so hard to impress in hopes of having a better life … it’s beyond insulting.

When looking at Grimm’s family home, the neat fields with their colorful flowers, the relaxed atmosphere between Grimm and his family — in sharp contrast to the lack of ease between Leo and his father, Leo says:

“If I had to choose between money and all of this, I don’t think the coin would win.”

Grimm stopped walking and looked over at me. I nearly flinched back at the clear enmity in his eyes.

“How lucky for you,” he said in a low voice, “that is a choice you don’t have to make.”

Leo has been fortunate for so much of his life. A wealthy father and all the security that a title and power affords him. He was given the finest education from an early age; words come easy to him, as does magic. He’s never been poor, never starved, never had the weight of a family’s hunger or suffering on his shoulders. For him, the idea of gardening, of living in a pastoral cottage is a splendid one, because he has never had to face the reality.

Leo and Grimm do not get along through so much of this book — though, as the last chapter emphasizes, Leo, through whose eyes we’re seeing this book, is an absolutely unreliable narrator. Leo builds up a scene to better tell a story, assumes rather than ascertaining, and wants to please his audience. He mentions how own misery and his own failures, while building up Grimm’s skill, stoicism, and indifference. So how much of that indifference is true? How much of those moments when Grimm is looking at him are Leo’s self reflection rather than the way Grimm actually feels?

This book hit every single note for me. The excellent writing, the strong and fast-paced plot; the moments to celebrate and enjoy the world around them, the magic system, the hints of so much more yet to be seen and, of course, Leo and Grimm. I’m a sucker for wounded, injured characters slowly coming to realize their own self worth, and Leo has that in spades. His relationship with Grimm is one built on respect and friendship; only once does Leo think about Grimm as being attractive, only to dismiss it. And yet he’ll linger on the two small smiles he’s given, the warmth of Grimm sitting at his side, how much he admires Grimm’s spellwork …

I cannot wait for the second book to come out. This one is just so much fun, and the magic system is wonderful. Just enough, but never overwhelming.

Magic, like music, does not always need to be explained, It is enough that it exists.

This book is full of magic, and I hope you give it a try. It’s more than worth the read!