Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr is a fun but ultimately just okay read. The story moves quickly and has some entertaining moments, but the characters and world-building feel underdeveloped, making it hard to fully invest in the stakes. While the mix of magic and romance has its charm, nothing stands out as particularly fresh or memorable. It’s an easy, light read for fans of witchy fiction, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

This was cute but it just wasn't for me. I didn't really connect to the characters in a meaningful way.

I wanted to enjoy this more but I just couldn’t connect with the characters, even after reading the first right before this.

Reluctant With (A Course In Magic book 2)
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
2🌶🌶

This book is the sequel to Remedial Magic. If you want to read book 1, don't continue reading this review as it will contain spoilers.

This book picks up immediately after the dramatic events at the end of book 1. Even knowing those events, I will say that I felt a good portion of this book lacked direction or motivation. Instead of focusing on the pursuit of the "bad guy," it seemed heavily focused on everyone hoping Ellie and Maggie wouldn't recall the memories that were stolen from them. I love the magic system in the series and loved the Hogwarts-esque town/castle that the wotches live in thays hidden from the outside world. Melissa Marr is very good at creating a world. The pacing of this one was just a bit off for me. The final conflict was satisfying, although not mind-blowing. I appreciated this is a quick, easy read. If there is a 3rd book innthos series, I will still be reading thanks to the world and magic system.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bramble for the advance audio edition of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#review #book #bookreview #bookstagram #booktok #bookinfluencer #arcreader #netgalley #reading #readeverything #ihavelived1000lives #reluctantwitch #acourseinmagic

This novel has it all- witches, romance, dark academia, LGBTQ romance, and secret society of witches. This fun novel read like a faster paced Magicians, and would be good for anyone seeking a romance following multiple couples within a well fleshed out magical world.

I got to listen to the audio of this book in the two narrators did a wonderful job. To simplify this down I would say this book is basically an adult Harry Potter, but that’s OK with the LGBT.
Because you’ve got the Hobbs that are like the house they live in a castle that’s a school kind of then there’s the ones that want the witches to be out and then control and the others wanna keep everything like it’s supposed to be.
I did make the mistake of listening to this as the second book in the series, and not having read the first, but that kind of worked out because two of the main characters had their memories erased, and I went through this journey with them having no idea who was who and what was going on . So with that you can start on the second book I cannot attest how the first one went, but the second one does make sense in a roundabout way.
This book has a little bit of romance for every flavor. This does end in an HEA and this is a multiple POV book.

I loved this book!

I wish to thank Emily Honer from Bramble who sent me a beautifully formatted email with a widget for this title. I’ve been wanting to try Melissa Marr since way back when Wicked Lovely came out, so finding an invitation to read this lovely (and it is lovely, the cover art is exquisite) title in my inbox was such a welcome surprise!

When this book rose to the top of my NetGalley queue, I realized it was the second book in the series, so I used my wonderful Libby library app to check out the ebook and audiobook of Remedial Magic and I powered through it in two days. The magic system is so unique and interesting and the cast of characters were distinct, with layered relationships between them. I loved the first book and dove into this one immediately afterward.

The pacing was great and the action drove the story forward brilliantly. I cared very much for the characters and I adored watching their relationships deepen. In the end, we get HEAs all around for the sympathetic characters and appropriate punishment/payback for the evil-doers. I found this to be very much in the cozy fantasy genre, which is a particular favorite for me lately.

I loved this book! I would recommend it to folks who like Travis Baldree, The Spellshop, the Tomes and Tea series, Ruby Dixon, Kimberly Lemming and really any cozy fantasy. There is maybe 1-2 chili peppers worth of spice in this book, so way more spice than the first three recommendations and quite a lot less than the last two.

Today I also gained access to an audiobook copy of this title and it is FANTASTIC! I love the narrators! The variations and variety and uniqueness to the different characters voices was exceptional—it almost felt like a full cast—I was so impressed! Thank you to Macmillan Audio for that access; what a treat!

I did not realize this book was a sequel, otherwise I probably would have read the first book before this one. That being said, I was still able to keep up with most of the plot, which continues from the last book.

This book starts with Prospero erasing Ellie’s memories and replacing them with the belief that they are married. The reason for this is that Ellie tried to run away from Crenshaw, and there is a prophecy that if Ellie leaves Prospero, everyone will die. Prospero is filled with guilt over this non-consensual act, and as a result distances herself from Ellie, who is confused since she believes they are married. Ellie eventually figures it out and STILL decides to stay with Prospero… yikes. Just overall not a healthy relationship.

Meanwhile… there are two factions of witches fighting against each other. One side believes witches should rejoin human society, and the other side doesn’t. Also the “hob” characters were kind of wtf. They’re like slaves for witches I think? Very uncomfortable vibe.

The characters are not very relatable or lovable, and there are several side plots going on at once that don’t have much to do with the main plot- ie, Sandre trying to be a good stepdad to his human stepson while simultaneously being jerk, Dan’s side fling with Axel, Ellie’s confusing history with Maggie… Maybe I would have followed more of the side plots if I read the first book. Overall, this was quite a mediocre and tedious read that totally wasn’t written very well in my opinion.

DNF @ 7%

I wish I had read the first book before requesting the ARC of this one, but I waited until I was already approved to read it. The descriptions of these books make them sound completely Sapphic, but this is, in fact, a multi-POV cast with a M/F pairing, a F/F pairing, and a M/M pairing. Which is fine, but I went in with different expectations than what it is.

I liked the narrators; they do a good job. I just am not connecting with any of the characters except Maggie, and, now that her arc from book 1 is mostly resolved, I don't really care to keep reading. I'm also not a fan of the forced marriage after a magical memory wipe. Not a great basis for building a relationship on.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

The second book in the A Course in Magic Series, Reluctant Witch did bring Ellie and Prospero more into focus, but again, I felt like there was so much more going on in this book than just them. The memory loss was a bit frustrating to work through as it slowed down the plot. In some ways, I'm glad I finished out this duet, but ultimately, I'm left with the same feeling that the series doesn't match the elevator pitch.

I definitely had a hard time getting into this book, not remembering the first book well. It looks very much like a cozy sapphic romance but it was a fast paced, multi-pov, well developed fantasy/paranormal world. It was a bit confusing but it wrapped up well and I found myself rooting for everyone

Reluctant Witch Honest ARC Review:

The Magicians meets One Last Stop in this sequel to Remedial Magic, by Melissa Marr.

Ellie recently discovered that she was a witch, only to be pulled away to Crenshaw. Ellie hopes to have time to enjoy her new marriage to Prospero, however, she is unable to do so, time and time again.

Not so innocent, Prospero has magically altered Ellie’s memories. Ellie doesn’t remember much of her life before her current state, aside from her marriage. Prospero seems to feel guilt for what she did with Ellie’s memories, however she believes she is following through with this stunt for the greater good as Prosperos enemies have brought poisonous gas to Crenshaw.

If or when Ellie’s memories return, will that alter her relationships and add confusion or distrust? Full of love, loss, adventure and mayhem, this is a fantastic read!

Narration is enjoyable to listen to and done well. The side characters are a bit humorous and entertaining.

This novel is filled with unique magic systems. Each witch has a different kind of magic. Not all are obvious. Bursting with intrigue, opposition and treason , Reluctant Witch is definitely one to add to your TBR!!

Thank you for sharing this ARC with me. It is quite imaginative and entertaining to read!

I'm just not sure this type of story was for me. I think the writing improved from the first book, but certain elements had me questioning if this story handled these serious topics with respect. Also Ellie spends waaaay too long without her memory, it made for a cyclical format in so many of her chapters. The narrator did a great job though.

Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr is a fast-paced, magical adventure filled with suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The story follows a young woman forced to embrace her hidden powers while navigating dangerous foes and unexpected alliances. Perfect for fans of modern witchy tales with a mix of action and emotion.

Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr is a fast-paced, magical adventure filled with suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The story follows a young woman forced to embrace her hidden powers while navigating dangerous foes and unexpected alliances. Perfect for fans of modern witchy tales with a mix of action and emotion.

The narration is good.
Dual Narration - Jeremy Carlisle Parker & Max Meyers

I had a very hard time connecting to the characters. I did not realize this is told in 3rd person POV

The story line is decent but I just struggled with the POV.

I do think you need to read the books in order. This is the second book in the series.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.