A great children’s read! Full of magic and great relationships and friendships. Will definitely be recommending this at school!!

After 'Seed' proved to be just the wondrous debut, things were always looking up for this book – if not for its characters. At first we see our heroine, Abby, witness what looks like the end of her father's magician career, in a mishmash of fire sprinklers and pigeon poo. He's thinking of selling up a lot of what is stored alongside their mobile van home, and getting a different career, leaving Abby's status as seen in the title under threat. But we also get to see glimpses of Myra, Abby's best friend, and how her family is potentially on what they call a sticky wicket. So what might be saved, rescued and remedied, if anything, by Abby finding her legacy contains something that is really real magic?

Last time this author seemed to be concentrating on woke representation, but with a brilliant story and superlative telling still pulled it off to make one of the books of the year. This time she tackles what I am finding a more and more hackneyed genre, the "girl finds a wondrous destiny she didn't know existed" trope – and she still knocks it out of the park. It does feel a bit awkward to jump into Myra's intimate world now and then, but the book (as did 'Seed') can handle multiple issues and perspectives. And it's certainly not just about Abby. Whereas girls saving a magic kingdom of unicorns or whatever are ten a penny, this is a much more humble affair, where the family career is maintained, old folks in a home gain ten years, and a humdrum running-down coastal town gets a fillup.

None of that, clearly, is a concern of one of your routine MG books. But while the 'let's put the show on here, and always leave the costumes to the night before!' shtick feels a bit old-school Children's Cinema Time, or whatever it was called, I can't see you begrudging that. Until, at least, the bludgeoning crunch of when it all turns bad, which does come across quite oddly as amateur hour. Before then, we have a book doing the unexpected – bringing real magic into a magic act and yet almost trying to downplay the fantastical and give us something more recognisable. 'Seed' was better, but this is definitely not to be dismissed.

We loved this one t was refreshing and lovely to read
It had up all charmed and captivated. Such a sweet book. Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

My 9 year old co-reviewer enjoyed this mysterious read. Abby was a very inspiring character, she performs magic shows which makes for enjoyable reading!

I’ve not got very far into this book yet but I’m excited to start from the cover and opening language used. I will update my review once I have delved further into it.

Such a great read. It is very well written. I found this book addictive, filled with diversity in the best way. It also encourages you not to let go of your dreams, no matter what

Ashamedly, Seed is still on our to be read pile but when NetGalley offered me the chance to take a sneak peek at The Magician's Daughter, I couldn't resist the title or the cover. This is another heartwarming story with family and friendship at its heart - the sort of slow burner that radiates warmth and gives you a toasty glow inside.

Since her mum died, Abby has watched her dad's magic shows go from bad to worse. But one day, after he has decided to give up magic altogether, Abby finds a magical book in a suitcase that belonged to her mum's family.

Soon, Abby and her dad are discovering real magic - a magic that not only reignites their own lives but which brings the whole community together. But there's only so much magic to go around and, with the spells disappearing after they have been used, Abby and her dad must use them in the best way possible.

There are so many wonderful touches to this novel - the fact Dad and Abby live on a bus, Linda, the care home, Myra and her love of fashion - and it all twists together in a magnificent ending that feels like magic itself. Compared to high-concept, fast-paced fantasy, this is a more subtle and gentle read with community at its heart. It's about learning to live again after loss, about finding magic in the community (and in the everyday) and about understanding what is really important - it certainly contains a very special kind of magic.

A warm, wonderful story about magic, friendship and family and new beginnings.

Abby's dad has been trying to make a go of his magic show but since his wife, Abby's mum, died, he just hasn't been able to get it right. She was the star performer after all.

He decides to give it up and get a job in a care home but soon realises he has a gift he can share with the residents there, and Abby may be able to help.

She's found a mysterious old book in her mother's things. At first it looks full of undecipherable text written in a code. However it seems to be full of magic spells and it could prove the answer to all her dad's problems.

Together father and daughter perform new shows using the spells from the book and achieve extraordinary feats. But as each spell is used, it disappears from the book.

This is a wonderful story, perfectly paced with great characters full of hope and positivity. Loved it!

A beautiful feel good magical story. Daryl Lewis makes a magnificent story come alive. We think this will be a family classic. A great cast of diverse characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story of Abby and her dad as they struggle to rediscover their love of magic. A chance discovery by Abby whilst rummaging through a trunk of old belongings is the catalyst for bringing about the change they both need for themselves and for those close to them. The character of Abby and her struggles with fitting in and finding her place in the world will really resonate with any children experiencing similar difficulties.
I particularly enjoyed the words of advice given to Abby by her father: ' take the stage in your own life, be totally and utterly yourself'.

My daughter is an avid reader but very rarely a book fails to connect with her and unfortunately The Magicians Daughter was one such book.
In her own words, its a good book just not a good book for her.
The story was too " real" for her and it made her feel a little sad but she liked the main character Abby and she interested her enough to read through to the end.
" I like stories about magic but as it turns out not about people who are magicians".

Everyday magic it seems is not her thing!

She thinks it would be an enjoyable read for maybe younger readers ( 7+) and one for a parent to read to a child rather than reading independently, it would help with the sadder parts.

She liked the writing though and thinks other people will really like this.

A mood reader much like her mother, it seems!

“Didn’t Mum used to say that growing up was a trap?”
“You’re right, and she escaped it…”

Abby’s mum is dead. She and her dad are living in a converted van, struggling on in the face of having to give up his dream: magic.

There’s so much love and hope and humour running through this story, but it doesn’t shy away from the grim realities. For Abby, and for Myra, change is hard. At twelve years old, they’re shouldering adult realisations about budgeting and their futures. They’re dealing with local bullies and their changing selves. But they’re also finding the courage to embrace their dreams.

This lovingly illustrated story hits all the right notes, told in an easy, light-hearted and engaging prose: journey with Abby as, with the help of just a little magic, she realises what’s most precious of all…

This might be aimed at middle grade but even as an adult it was a lovely read. Lewis’ narrative tone is spot on and the family Abby finds will enchant you.