I’ve enjoyed other books from Olivie Blake and was really excited to read this book. The characters had that feel that I wanted and enjoyed the family element to this book. It had a strong story going on and thought the family curse was really interesting for the story. I was invested in the family and the story going on with them, the rest of the cast worked well overall and left me wanting more.

When There's a Will: A Magical Tale of Power, Greed, and Family Dysfunction!

In a brilliant fusion of Succession meets fantasy with hints of The Umbrella Academy, Olivia Blake crafts a captivating, complex farce about a magical family saga that proves impossible to put down.

When tech billionaire Thayer Wren, CEO and founder of Wrenfare Magitech, unexpectedly dies, he leaves behind three dysfunctional successors with whom he maintained troubled relationships. All eyes turn to the family mansion where the inheritance revelation will determine who claims the throne. The question remains: which of his telepathically and electrokinetically gifted children will become the next CEO of the empire?

The Wren siblings, who inherited their father's ruthlessness and their power-hungry mother's ambition, are a fascinating study in dysfunction. Meredith, a young prodigy featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30, founded a groundbreaking tech company and invented the "Chip" - a device purporting to cure mental illness. However, her carefully constructed world threatens to crumble as two secrets emerge: she faked her test results, and her ex-boyfriend-turned-investigative-journalist is about to expose everything.

Arthur, the middle child, presents a striking contrast as a natural people-pleaser with the gift of enchantment. At 29, he's the youngest congressman in history, married to brilliant lawyer Gillian while maintaining relationships with aristocrat Philippa and race driver Yves Reza. His newfound ability to resurrect after death adds another layer to the succession drama.

The youngest, Eilidh, often overlooked by her siblings, transformed from gifted ballerina to Wrenfare's marketing executive following an accident. She harbors perhaps the most dangerous power: the ability to create apocalyptic events when emotionally distressed. Her relationship with her father's assistant Dzhuliya adds another layer of complexity to the inheritance dispute.

As legal complications delay the will's execution, the siblings must confront their past mistakes and seek help from someone they once betrayed. This decision sets in motion a chain of events that will transform their lives irrevocably.

While the narrative occasionally meanders and features largely unlikable protagonists, Blake's masterful storytelling keeps readers engaged throughout. Standout characters like Gillian, Yves, and a mysterious "monster" help balance the Wrens' less appealing qualities. The book's length serves its intricate plot, building to a satisfying conclusion that explores themes of redemption, power, and the true meaning of family.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5)

This spellbinding tale demonstrates Blake's ability to weave together elements of fantasy, corporate intrigue, and family drama into an irresistibly compelling narrative. Despite its flaws, it delivers an entertaining and intelligent reading experience that will keep readers invested until the final page.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a rollercoaster of a book! When their father dies, will one of the Wren children take over the company? The siblings are fascinating characters, although not really very likeable, but the snarky tone of the narrator moves you forward. Belief much be suspended, but if you go with the flow it's a fun book.