It just didn't work for me

Sorcery and Small Magics is set in a magical world and, more specifically in a school of magic, where Leo and Grimm - opposites in all the ways, it seems - go to. However, Leo is really a master of small magics because he says that, every time he tries anything more complex than that, it splatters in his face (sometimes literally). They are partnered in one of their classes and, due to a mix-up with a forbidden spell, Leo ends up spellbound to Grimm, his longtime nemesis. We readers follow their journey as they try to discover a way to undo the spell, and the ongoing tension between the two, which sometimes is not as oppositional as it might appear...

I had such high hopes for this one, but, in the end, it just wasn't for me. I didn't think the magic system/world was developed enough, and also the characters' chemistry just wasn't there for me.

Thank you very much to Orbit UK and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

Magic and grumpy/sunshine, sign me right up. This book was so cosy and I loved every moment. I feel like Doocy is an auto-buy author for me now.

This was such an endearing and cute read! The dynamic between chaotic but loveable Leo and stern but kind Sebastian was a pleasure to read about. I'm looking forward to the sequel

This was a fun, quick read with a super interesting magic system and a cozy, yet exciting world 🏞️

In the beginning I wasn't so sure about the story and the main characters, because Leo was a little annoying and the conflict seemed a bit trivial, but he grew on me and towards the end the plot was a lot more engaging than I expected. I still think the book would have profited from having Grimm's perspective as well, I definitely would have loved that because he is more my type of character. I really liked the character growths Leo underwent in the course of the book and the changes that invoked in his behaviour (less lashing out, more calm reflection and awesome magic), as I think that's realistic.

We don't really get to see a lot of the world (yet), but the woodland setting was super cool and I loved all the fun and eerie monsters 😁 The magical school somehow reminded me of The Name of the Wind and its academy, but as only about half of the book takes place there, we don’t really learn a lot about it. I wouldn’t have minded getting more information about the magical world and its political system and workings, but I’m curious what other parts of the world will be shown in the next book(s), for which I will keep an eye out 👀

For me the most interesting feature was the magic system which was pretty unique. Some aspects were a bit vague (what is special about Scrives that can't be done by casters if they also know the words for example), but I really liked the enhancement of magic through music and song and the idea of magic having its own mind and acting out sometimes 😊

I definitely recommend this book for everyone looking for a whimsical fantasy world, some action, no spice (so far), queer mcs and a lot of banter and quirky magic 😊✨

Such a fun and cozy book! It includes a very slow burn grumpy/sunshine enemies-to-lovers romance, forced proximity caused by a curse, music magic, and a wonderful adventure through a magical forest. While I really enjoyed the MCs relationship and dynamic, I was a little disappointed because the side characters are slightly underdeveloped; it's not that big of a deal, but there are some that deserved more attention and maybe more of a backstory.

That being said, overall this is a great debut novel, perfect if you're looking for a cozy fantasy with slow burn MM romance. I am looking forward to the sequel because I still have some questions that remain unanswered and I also need more romance! (However I am not complaining about the slow burn, that was really good)

Rivals Leo and Grimm have to work together, which wouldn't be ideal on a normal day, but due to an accidental curse Leo now has to obey his rival's every command. And as if using forbidden magic wasn't enough to undo the curse they have to go into the Unquiet Wood, a forbidden forest full of monsters and lethal flora. There they might find a legendary sorcerer who can undo the curse with a counterspell, or they might die trying. And no, they cannot ask their teachers, because that would get them expelled.

I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. The writing and pacing of this debut novel were good and kept my attention throughout the story.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for the advance reader copy.

This was an unexpected surprise of a read - I had requested it as it was the Fairyloot adult pick and wanted to read it beforehand and am so happy I did.

This is a cute romance, that I can see growing in the next books! The main characters are funny and also have layers to them which I appreciated.

Overall a fun read and an interesting magic system.

Sorcery of Small Magics brings whimsy and charm, with Leo and Grimm’s rivalry-turned-partnership being an amusing highlight. The magical world is creative, especially with Leo's quirky small magics, but the story feels somewhat underdeveloped at times. Some plot points lack depth, and the pacing can feel uneven, though the banter between characters is fun. While it doesn’t reach its full potential, it offers a lighthearted fantasy escape.

One trope to describe Sorcery and Small Magics: Forced Proximity.

Leo through a mishap with some paperwork is accidently cursed to obey every command given by his rival Grimm, Leo and Grimm don't get along Leo is dyeing Grimms hair pink and a coming up with songs that do nothing for Grimm's popularity.

Sorcery and Small Magics: is super cozy and perfect for October, so add this to your cozy, autumnal reading list. There's magic, mushrooms, music and witches in tall towers perhaps not in that order. I thought the premise was cute forced proximity is always a favourite with rivals to lovers, combine it with a slow burn romance and you've got a winning combination.

I liked it and I want to read book two. My only issue/s are that Leo is a self-destructive protagonist and those are my least favourite, well them and the annoying ones, I'm an equal opportunity protagonist hater. He faces a lot of trouble throughout this book but most of it he causes himself. Leo is also a terrible friend there's really only one person he thinks about and that's himself, it was odd just how clear at times Agnes had to make herself that it wasn't all about Leo, even Grimm had to make a comment to Leo about the rich/poor divide between themselves - he just wasn't aware of anything outside himself. It was that lack of awareness and the self-loathing and a childishness that was at times insufferable that at times made Leo an unbearable MC. That being said, we had character development which I love, Sybilla thank goodness for her saved the day, no doubt my favourite character. Leo developed into a slightly more bearable man, but I didn't like that ending to me it seemed odd that Grimm would have been find with the ending. I don't quite know how to phrase it without giving the game away.

We don't get an actual conclusion, which is because Sorcery and Small Magics is the start of a new trilogy! I'm very excited to see where we go with Leo and Grimm and look forward to continuing the series.

Thank you, Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit, Netgalley and Maiga Doocy for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars. I can really get behind the concept of this book and the two distinctive and very opposite personalities that Grim and Leo have - it certainly makes for an interesting dynamic and the slowest of slow burn romances. I enjoyed getting to understand them both better, see more of their lives and experiences and how it shaped them, and to also see these characters come to better understand each other. I enjoyed the forced proximity with these rivals, as well as how they clashed, though I do think it could have been developed a little more and as their feelings towards each other (possibly) changed this could have been less subtle and still retained the mystery I think the author must have been shooting for. This does seem like a series that could have been one book, and as I mention, it's a super slow burn - so slow I'm not even sure the characters know there's a burn, which is a shame. However, there is lots of other parts of the story to keep things interesting - there's magic, magical beings, outlaws, family, friends (new and old) and a quest.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I didn't know much about tbis book going in, it just sounded like something I would like and I did. It wasn't my favourite book but it was kind of cozy and pretty magical. 1st person is always hard for me to get into but I did really enjoy this one

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

What a great book, I really enjoyed it and can hardly wait for the sequel.

Leo, Grimm and Sibylla are likeable and intriguing characters. Leo and Grimm's story has just begun and I am looking forward to reading more about them and I hope we see Sibylla and Beau again. The world is well built, the story is engrossing and quite exciting in parts and most of the characters are vividly drawn. The control curse gives the reader something to think about and I have my suspicions about the scriver.

The banter between Leo and Grimm is very funny and there are even some quite moving scenes. Leo's music magic is interesting (I loved the mention of owl faced cat monsters and the rabbit) and I am sure we will find out more about the songspelling in the next book.

All in all a great read which I would recommend. It is a bit like the Legends and Latte books.

It's a quiet book without a very dense plot, with little at stake for the protagonists. I really liked the world and the magic system. The relationship between the characters evolves in a curious, gentle way. The secondary characters have personality and depth, adding richness to the story.
It's supposed to be the start of a series of books, but I feel that the ending is rather closed and I don't know where the story might continue.
I would recommend it to people who like cozy, quiet fantasy, with an original magic system, completely opposite protagonists who then complement each other perfectly, and adventures through enchanted forests full of monsters.

In a blanket of slow combustion we meet two wizards who could not have less things in common, on one side we have Leovander or better known as Leo, who belongs to the magical nobility and whose reputation is high, but he is not comfortable with the big spells but with the small ones.

While at the other extreme we have Grimm, who comes from a humble background and has had to struggle to be considered one of the powerful.

As fate would have it, they are forced to work together, and the clash between them has been fun and very cozy.

This is the beginning of a trilogy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with access to this ARC.

I was really worried I would be disappointed by this, but I absolutely loved it!!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC of this.

I enjoyed the magic system and the way it relies on two people working in a team (excellent conditions for a grumpy x sunshine) and how easy it was to comprehend: one person writes the spells, the other casts them and neither can do what the other can.

I LOVED the character development of both main characters. What a freaking SLOW BURN though urgh!!!
I have to say, I did find the arguments between both parties to be quite rough but it also made for a more satisfying development. There’s so much details I’d love to go into about how these two are excellent.

Let’s talk about FORCED PROXIMITY, like this was such an innovative and excellent way to force proximity for the ENTIRE plot, not just for a short time or them being „forced“ to work together. No literally if they didn’t spent every waking hour together, one of them would’ve died. It’s that dramatic and I was here for it.

This was great and did not disappoint!!

4 Stars
One Liner: A good debut!

Leovander Loveage aka Leo is a scriver, the latest generation of the long-standing Loveage family (gentry). However, he is more comfortable with minor charms, any type of alcohol, and frolicking around; anything to stay away from powerful magic.
Sebastian Grimm is Leo’s opposite in every way. Belonging to a farming background, he had to and is fighting for his position among the powerful. He doesn’t have time for fun.
However, when they end up using forbidden magic (unknowingly), Leo and Grimm have to find the counter spell fast. They need someone to do it. This takes them into the dangerous Unique Wood. Leo and Grimm have to work together to dissolve the curse. Can they do it?
The story comes in Leo’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
Fun Fact: When I first read the blurb, I saw ‘curmudgeonly rival’ and assumed this was a slow-burn love story of 50-something magicians. Surprise, surprise! This is NA. The MCs are 21+.
It is the first book in the trilogy, so there’s more to come. The book ends more like an episode, so there isn’t a huge cliffhanger or suspense but there’s enough to make us want to know more.
This a cozy romantasy with a super slow burn, so we see the MCs bickering almost throughout. There really isn’t much romance, which is more than fine for me. Given their ‘relationship’, I’m glad it is taking time to shift gears. Romance can happen in the next book.
The world-building is just right – not extensive but not so pale that we cannot imagine the setting. Think of something like old England with the rich vs. poor, Oxford or Cambridge with a handful of guys from underprivileged backgrounds, etc., but where magic is an integral part of the system. However… why do we not a have map for this?
The magic system is explained well. Whether or not we like it, depends on us. I like the concept which seems to be a sort of distribution of power.
Leo as a narrator can be entertaining and annoying. He is meant to be flawed, so if you keep that in mind, the story will be enjoyable. Lemme tell you that he can get on your nerves more than a few times. Also, I have grave concerns about his liver. The amount of alcohol he drinks can fill an ocean (or three).
Grimm is your typical grump – handsome, brooding, talented, etc. He is very particular in following rules but is of course not perfect. I alternated between being annoyed at Grimm and Leo, so methinks the balance is good overall.
A few side characters are interesting but don’t have much space due to the change in plot development. I hope to meet them (especially Agnes and Sybilla) in the next book.
The pacing is a bit uneven. The plot does progress even if we tend to go in circles about a certain important aspect. I can see why it had to be kept a secret until the end.
There’s some humor, and as with many books, it is not always funny. But then, humor is subjective. I found some antics childish and had to remind myself I’m not exactly the target audience (NA fantasy rarely works for me).
The last quarter is quite interesting. I like the music concept and its appeal on… shhh! No spoilers!
To summarize, Sorcery and Small Magics is a good debut and reads fairly well. Thanks to the low stakes, most of the book is easy to read. I would be happy to read the next book to see what’s in store for Leo and Grimm.
Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group (Orbit), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

3.5 ⭐

This was mostly delightful chaos, a wonderful adventure, fabulous humour.

But... There was no romance? I don't know if it's because it was single point of view, but there was no chemistry AT ALL, and the only reason Leo felt the way he did was explained to be part of the curse. So this was very disappointing.

The slow burn wasn't effective in any way, because there was no tension or longing, it felt like I was reading about very reluctant, platonic friends.

Then their first kiss - I'm sorry, but it was awful. The set up, the kiss itself, the lack of proper aftermath.

Otherwise, if we forget the (lack of) romance, the overall adventure and the characters themselves were fantastic.

5 stars
TW; kidnapping, injury, death of parent (historical), childhood trauma
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

Infused with whimsical sorcery, delightful banter, and an unlikely pairing of protagonists, Sorcery and Small Magics was exactly what I was hoping this read would be. I appreciated Maiga Doocy's wonderful storytelling ability from start to finish. This tale follows two unlikely companions, stuck together because of a curse that had the most delightful twist to it. I felt like the sorcerer in the Wilderwoods the entire time I read this, thoroughly bemused by Leo and Grimm's continuous antics and oblivious nature towards each other.

This was lighthearted yet soul-searching, with Doocy delivering a soft exploration into ongoing trauma from both protagonists' younger days. I enjoyed the forced proximity trope at play, allowing the seemingly carefree Leovander and stoic Grimm to unravel and share their more vulnerable sides slowly . Sprinkled with wholesome good fun and a cast of side characters that support choices and situations within the pages, this book was the perfect escape from reality.

The romance is the sweetest torture being a slow burn (and I mean, it's achingly slow), and yet it was so fulfilling to watch two bumbling idiots be so unaware of growing affections for the other. I cannot wait to see how this relationship will be further explored in the sequel, and what adventures Leo and Grimm will undertake next.

I will say that the forest creatures absolutely stole my heart at the end and sat sobbing my eyes out at how wholesome the scene was before the concluding moments. It timed especially well after the adrenaline-inducing chase from one of the darker elements in this story, and I was just so relieved that something so delightfully beautiful came out of it all.

Maiga Doocy truly has captured my heart with this book. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy reads with plenty of banter, adventure and relatable characters.

I cannot believe this is a debut, it was incredible, I absolutely ate it up. The character building was just perfection, the world was beautiful. I NEED MORE.

One of the things that make it so unbelievable that this is a debut, is that the author wrote with such power that I felt all of the emotions of each character.

Ergh, please give me book 2 already

A hilarious not-quite-romantic-comedy, Sorcery and Small Magics would be most aptly described as an adventure. The first in what will, undoubtedly, be a standout series in the slow-burn category, this fun and funny novel is a perfect autumnal read, filled with magic and wit.

Leo Loveage does not play well with Sebastian Grimm, so much so that their friends, classmates, and even teachers have always conspired to keep them as far apart as possible. When one of their professors breaks rank, and allows fate to pair them together, neither thinks it will end well, although they could not possibly have predicted the perfect storm of accidents that results in Grimm accidentally cursing Leo. Now stuck together, under pain of very bossy curse, Leo and Grimm must find a counterspell, without revealing whats happened to the powers that be, murdering each other, or getting themselves eaten by a monster. Easier said than done.

Hilarious, and sometimes quite cosy, Sorcery and Small Magics reminds me both of Rainbow Rowell's Carry On, and, on the total opposite end of the spectrum, R.J. Barker's Gods of the Wyrdwood. Like Rowell's much loved magical romcom, this also gives us a grump and a sunshine, it has kooky, unique, almost old-school-children's-book magic system, with spells and charms, and wonderful monsters. Yet, at the same time, like Barker's massive "serious" fantasy novel, this has a real eye for balance, personal development, and the slow-building of relationships. This sits somewhere between both of these books, but is entirely its own in so many ways.

Maiga Doocy has crafted something really wonderful here, a novel with all of the base elements of a romcom, that never quite goes that far, and honestly it's brilliant. I have always thought some of these enemies-to-lovers plots move at a break-neck pace, and it is clear Doocy agrees, this is a love story (potentially) that will take a while to come to fruition, and I am excited to read all of the other adventures Leo and Grimm have on the way their. By the end of Sorcery and Small Magics we are still in the part of their story were Leo and Grimm are unsure of one another, as we should be! There are years of animosity, and a lot of personal development, both of these men need to contend with, and I think this is hugely effective. I will say, I did miss Grimm's perspective, I would really love to know what he feels as well, but Leo as a really exciting protagonist all the same!

4 stars.