I really enjoyed this book! I loved how the magic system worked, and sound it a very interesting dynamic with having casters and scribes.

The main characters are very will written and the chemistry between them was great, and their character developments as academic rivals made for a great read. The slow burn was incredibly slow, but I didn’t really read this for the romance, so it didn’t bother me that much, and did enjoy the banter between the characters, especially as they inclined to make jabs at eachother.

It would have been nice to have had more interactions with the other characters that were introduced in the book, especially those who are at school with them. But hopefully there will be more of that when book 2 rolls around.

I found the pacing in this great, and I also enjoyed the magic to music element in this too! I really hope this continues on to the next book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for when it is announced!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for accepting me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

An unexpected spell causes Leo and Grimm to become entangled in ways neither of them could possibly imagine. They are such an unlikely pairing, I can’t imagine they would ever become friends in a traditional way. Although I don’t think they hated each other, there’s definitely a mutual disdain at the beginning. They both keep a lot hidden from the world around them.
I love the fact that although both lead characters are completely covered in red flags, they slowly uncover truths about each other and themselves, and start to heal. It’s also nice that the friendship between is such a slow burn, there’s an attraction but they’re building a strong emotional connection.
The magic system is really well imagined, and I love that Leo’s songs seem to entrance the beasts of the forest. His way of working with magic feels so natural and raw, and balances so well with Grimm’s rule following. The whole story has depth and layers, with some really interesting characters.
I’m really excited for the second instalment.

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Orbit. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Sorcery and Small Magics.]

Rating: 5/5

What a stunning introduction to a fantasy trilogy! Maiga Doocy has really knocked it out of the park with this one, and if you’re a fan of whimsical fantasy’s like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Fairies, then this is an absolute must read. I was giggling and kicking my feet at this grumpy/sunshine duo and completely fell in love with their magical journey, and I’ve no doubt that if you enjoy fantasy reads with a pinch of romance then you will enjoy this too.

Sorcery and Small Magics follows Leovander Loveage, sorcerer and master of the smaller magics. He would much rather spend his time crafting charms to summon butterflies and turn hair pink than anything more substantial, but that all changes when a mishap with forbidden magic leaves him tied to his longtime rival, Sebastian Grimm. Now Leo is compelled to obey Grimm and perhaps that wouldn’t be so terrible if Grimm weren’t such an insufferable curmudgeon. This leads the pair on an adventure to find a counterspell where they will have to journey to dangerous woods, endure perilous situations, and face the horror of putting aside their differences as a tentative attraction begins to spark between them.

My favourite element of this story was without a doubt the blossoming relationship between Leo and Grimm. It’s worth noting that this is a slow burn romance, and I mean that to the extreme. I thought it might bother me more but I just know that the pay off when we get further into the series will be even sweeter. This is dislike to love at its finest and seeing them slowly but surely grow even a fraction closer had me grinning as I read on. And the character development! We’re dealing with characters with their fair share of tragic backstory so the moments where they came closer to seeing eye to eye were so beautiful. I’m so excited to see how they will develop in the future books.

I also enjoyed the magical elements of the story. Forced proximity is a major trope here, but it extends further than Leo and Grimm dealing with the curse that brings them together. Casters and Scrivers depend on each other so having them need each other for that side of things was a really fun addition.

In conclusion, add this to your tbr and read it asap. I’m an absolute sucker for this exact kind of fantasy so maybe I’m biassed, but if you’re content to stick around to see how this series will go, and don’t mind a slow burner to squeal over, this is a book you’ll enjoy. I’m so excited for the next instalment in the series!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I really liked this sweet cozy fantasy. I liked the variation on the grump vs sunshine troupe, this being more the goody two shoes vs troublemaker and I really enjoyed how both Leo and Grimm character's developed over the course of the book. Leo did come across as very impulsive for most of the book, but the later developments in the story are very good at explaining why Leo behaves as he does. I also really liked the setting and the world-building. A true slow burn cozy fantasy that I happily recommend.

Sorcery and Small Magics is a queer romantic fantasy following two rival sorcerers in a world where magic requires a scriver to compose and write spells and a caster to cast it. Leovander Loveage is an unserious scriver who can only compose minor charms and small magics. His longtime rival Sebastian Grimm is a serious and talented caster. When they accidentally cast a curse that binds them together, they must travel to the dangerous Unquiet Wood full of monsters and outlaws to seek the help of a powerful caster who may be able to compose a counterspell. To survive the woods and break the curse, they must set aside their rivalry and discover the extent of their magics when working together.

This was a near perfect fantasy—I loved the story, the setting, and the writing. The only thing holding it back is the completely frustrating and insufferable protagonist. Leo is a privileged and selfish young man who willfully chooses chaos and pettiness. Everything that happens is entirely his fault and comes about because of his many poor choices. Even 80% into the book, he is still the same person with no growth; we just finally understand why he acts that way, but it doesn’t really justify any of his actions. Poor Grimm is just dragged down along with him because of kindheartedness despite his gruff attitude and demeanor. I loved him and wanted more for him than what he got from Leo.

The school setting came as a surprise because there really was no indication about that in the descriptions. It did make the book feel more YA than the adult fantasy it is supposed to be. I also wouldn’t call this a cosy fantasy as the deadly stakes really didn’t transmit any cosiness. That being said, this is a fairly whimsical fantasy with very personal stakes and a SLOWburn romance that won me over at the very end. I shed a few tears and rooted for Leo and Grimm (despite my hang-ups when it comes to Leo). I would have actually loved to get Grimm’s perspective in the book, but this was told entirely from Leo’s. I do think I caught a few details at the end that wasn’t said outright, and I am ready to explore that more in the sequels.

Sorcery and Small Magics was so close to being a perfect 5-star read if it weren’t for the infuriating protagonist.

I am divided on this one. I can see, for example, a Carry On type of story here, which I loved, but this first book left me very hesitant because I was expecting another conclusion? the cliffhanger at the end made me slightly furious. After all, I felt this book did not deliver enough, but at the same time, it gives time for it to happen. The two MCs really remind me of the Carry On Enemy to Lovers situation. The magic system is fascinating, but the plot is a bit weak. If it was a stand-alone, I think I would hate it a bit more, but since it will be a trilogy, I will wait for book 2 to see if there is an improvement in the story.

WHAT A DELIGHTTTTTTTT

this was wonderful, i think this is the first time i've enjoyed first person pov (my enemy) this much. it truly has opened my mind to what is possible with a really good protagonist and very solid writing. the character work and worldbuilding in this was great, i love books that take their time and allow both the reader and the story to breathe when it needs to, and pick up when it has to. i'm very very excited to read the next two books, FINALLY someone understand the "slow" part of slow burn...... thank you for my life maiga doocy.

great set up, the dynamic between the two protagonists felt both realistic and delightful, and i always appreciate an author who knows how to balance humor and anguish. parts of this really moved me, and while i can see the cozy appeal, i'm excited to see the scope of the story grow and stakes to rise and change and for the burn part of slow burn to arrive. also i think this hit the mark on satisfying ending/prickling the reader's curiosity for what's to come, which slays.

a really strong debut, i warmly and widely recommend it!! i love gay people

I picked up this book expecting it to be similar to Freya Marks' work, which I enjoy. However, I struggled to connect with the story and ended up skimming large sections. The romance between Leo and Sebastian didn’t quite capture my interest, so I never felt fully engaged. While it wasn’t the right fit for me, I can see how others might really enjoy it.

Thank you to Little Brown Books for a review copy receive through Netgalley!

It's been a while since I have picked up a book that possessed me to spend every free waking hour reading it until it was finished, and I didn't realise how much I needed that until I finished this book in under 24 hours.

This is a delightful introduction to what I believe is going to be a trilogy (I need a second book as soon as possible pleaseee). The main characters and their particular quest are both compelling, although I would like to know more about Grimm so hopefully we get a POV from him in the next book. One of my favourite aspects of the book is the creativity with the way the magic system works - having to pair up in order to actually perform magic with a Scriver (writer of spells) and a Caster (caster... Of spells) certainly makes for interesting dynamics between characters. I also loved the whimsical nature of the monsters and other creatures in the wild, and although we didn't venture too far, what world building and lore we had were solid and left me wanting for more. Fingers crossed for adventures further afield in book 2 so we get to see a little more of the world Leo and Sebastian are a part of!

And of course, our two main characters - I cannot deny I adore a slow burn romance that IS actually a slow burn - I have a feeling it may take the entire trilogy for these two idiots to sort it out (and I love that for them and for me).

I strongly feel like this was created in a lab to appeal to me specifically.

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "FUN". It's incredibly funny, with the best character dynamic in existence, which is best described as ADHD x autistic (regardless of whether the characters are actually ND - they just really have the vibes, iykyk), with a little touch of enemies to lovers.

The romance is incredibly slow burn, and I would have liked it to have progressed a little further by the end, but that also just means I'm in for a treat in the next installments. Which I will be impatiently awaiting!

Everything about this book was so FUN and hilarious and comforting, and it has excellent rereading potential. This is definitely a new favourite for me!

Funny, delightful magic concept, a lovely time. A enjoyable palate cleanser. I dont know where the story is going to take us in book two but I‘m excited to see.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for accepting my request to read and review this one early.

I already wrote an in depth review but sadly my computer shut down and I lost the whole thing.

But I did really enjoy this book, it felt like it was inspired by Carry On which meant I was bound to like it.

Leo and Grimm were such cuties, grumpy sunshine and enemies to lovers always wins.

I loved the magic and the world building.

I did however have a problem with the pacing of this book, I wasnt entertained the whole way and I feel like had I done the audiobook I maybe would have had better luck to be honest.

Sorcery and Small Magics starts off feeling a little like a Harry Potter fanfic, but it doesn’t take too long for it to feel like a story of it's own. Once it does, the story becomes pretty engaging with a lot of its own personality.

The pacing is a bit slow in the beginning, and throughout a few of the mysteries don’t quite land as smoothly as I suspect the author wanted. There were also some world-building details that felt under-explained, which left me a little confused at times, but by the end I understood nearly all of them.. Once you get past that, the book really starts to come together, especially towards the end.

This is the first in a trilogy, so it's clearly setting the stage for bigger things. If you’re into the “enemies to friends” dynamic, you’ll enjoy where the characters are headed. By the end, I was intrigued enough to want to see what happens next!

3.5* rounded up for potential.

Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit and author Maiga Doocy for this eARC

Sorcery and Small Magics is everything - it is whimsical, magical, cozy, adventurous, funny and emotional. The characters are well written and oveable yet sometimes frustrating and infuriating - they have such amazing development throughout the story and feel like real people.
It was well written and the pace was the perfect middle ground - slow-burn in some aspects and moving swiftly along in others.
The only critique I have is that the side characters fell a bit flat/ seemed underdeveloped. However, maybe in book two we’ll get to know them a bit better. Which leads me to my second negative, which really is a positive, how am I expected to wait sooo long for book 2?!?!
4.5 stars

Let's start with the end: I was so happy to read that this story will continue in book 2 (of a trilogy). Because I can't stand to part with Leo and Grimm and I need them to be stupid with each other again asap.

How wonderful and cute is this story? Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm (these names...) are sorcerers, or better said a scriver and a caster of spells. And they're forced to work together, which ultimately leads to a spell going wrong and they're bound to each other in ways that they definitely didn't want. Or....did they?

This world is so imaginative with enough cute and dangers to remind me very much of Emily Wilde. There's also golden-eyed spell-singing monsters, so there is that.
And Leo and Grimm are just Cinnamon Roll x Grumpy (but also secretly Cinnamon Roll) while the MM romance is so incredibly slow burn I wanted to shake them and smush their heads together.

As I said I can't wait what they're up to in book 2.

5/5 stars and an extra star for the cozy.

Thank you @netgalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for the eARC #

#SorceryAndSmallMagics #Netgalley #Bookstagram

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love it with all my heart!! Sorcery and Small Magics is one of the best books I read all year, and it has carved a special place for itself in my heart.

We follow Leo's perspective, and while it was so entertaining and amazing, I wish we could see some events from Grimm's perspective, too. It has been a while since both people of the main couple are equally compelling and addicting.

Leo is the sunshine who hides his trauma behind his mischief and aloofness. He literally hides himself because he is so emotionally scarred and afraid. He is funny and charming, and he is quite dedicated to breaking the rules and people's daunting expectations of him. He is charismatic and stubborn and forges ahead, all the risks be damned. He is a creative and innovative mind, even though he doesn't always see it. And yet, he is clueless about certain things and certain people lmaoooo

Sebastian Grimm is our grumpy guy, the serious and responsible one. The person you can always count on for some hard truths, dry wit, and some pretty powerful spell casting. I mean, really, he is perfect and precious. I do have a soft spot for grumpy characters, I am aware, but Grimm was adorable in his seriousness.

The plot had some twists and turns, all of which I enjoyed. It wasn't too much happening, neither was it too cozy and relaxing, if you know what I mean. The world-building was original and surprisingly nuanced and clever. Even though this is a book with sorcerers and a magic institution, it felt different from any other book I've read.

I cannot and will not hide the fact that I am absolute in love with Leo and Grimm, their chemistry, their arguing, their spellsongs, and their desire to drive change in a society that doesn't like change. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If there is one book you will read this year, it must be this one. I have never been so happy and relieved that a book will have sequels in my life.

I need all the special editions and physical proofs this book has. Outstanding book with characters that you will love and be attached to as if they were your loved ones.

What an absolutely gorgeous read this was. Call it cosy fantasy or romantasy, what ever it was, it managed to tick all of the boxes for me.

I loved Leo from the very beginning of the book. I can see how he could be irritating but I could really empathise with his self destructive qualities. The fear of being found out leading him to be ever more outrageous felt very real to me. Sebastian Grimm was a superb foil for Leo’s misguided brilliance, taciturn while Leo finds it difficult to stop talking, they appear to be total opposites. However, they both have events in their past which they find hard to get past.
Maiga Doocy’s writing style was so easy to read and I just got swept along by the story. I loved all of the settings from the academic fount to the wild wood but some of my favourite parts were when Leo and Sebastian were in their own homes and we got more of a glimpse into their backgrounds.
The magic system felt new and fresh to me. I liked the fact that most of the sorcery was done to protect the country from the wilderness and monsters that surrounded it and also, that the sorcerers were careful not to take too much pleasure in dealing with the wild magic but took their responsibilities to the world seriously. The pairing of scriver and casters worked well and I loved the introduction of music. My favourite part of the novel was when they both realised that despite disliking each other (honestly!!), their skills combined to make something special.
Leo and Sebastian were the main focus but there were plenty of secondary characters although none of them really came alive in the way that the two protagonists did. I would have especially liked to know more about Agnes and I definitely think that the wolf needed a bigger role.
My main niggle with the book came right at the end and I don’t want to say too much in case of spoilers but part of the conclusion just felt too easy after everything that had gone before.
This minor gripe didn’t stop me loving the book though. It has a cosy feel to it but there is an emotional depth to both Leo and Sebastian and although the romance is fairly predictable, it’s still lovely to read about. My only real problem Is having to wait for an unknown amount of time before I can read the next book in the series.
I am hugely grateful to Net Galley and the publishers, Little Brown Book Group UK, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Despite being deterred by the cover, the synopsis sounded great to me.
And I'm so, SO happy that I've read it.
I thought it would be cozy fantasy, but it was just romantasy instead. Which made me also very happy, since I'm often not the greatest fan of cozy fantasy.
The protagonist Leo ist heartwreching. You know from the start that he's carrying a deep trauma, but the moment he talks about it, it's still buffling. Great work of the author since he's and first-person narrator and still you don't know enough about him, so you could deduce it on yourself. (At least not entirely.)
So looking forward to the next books of this series.

This one was a whole lot of fun. I really enjoyed this book a lot as it felt cosy and warm. Looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended

Loveage and Grimm worked well together and I liked the magic system.

It was a cute Cozy and fast read. There wasn't much in terms of stakes or tension so a good palate cleanser in-between heavy thick fantasy books 😊

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.