I very much wanted to enjoy this book. The plot I thought was fun- I love stories about women who are more powerful than even they realise. However, I found it really overwritten. Every other sentence was a metaphor, often with at least two parts, which undermined what the author was trying to achieve with it.

I first read (and loved) Modern Divination as an indie-published book, and I was thrilled to hear that it had been picked up by Macmillan for traditional publication. I'm happy to report that Isabel Agajanian has achieved what seemed impossible: this new version is even better than the original, which was already excellent. The prose feels richer, more emotional, and more mature. I immediately noticed the new sections and revisions compared to the indie version, and I’m amazed at how Isabel has elevated the book to such an extraordinary level.

Modern Divination is a contemporary fantasy featuring academic rivals at Cambridge, Aurelia Schwartz and Teddy Ingram. Without giving too much away to avoid spoilers, I'll just say that both possess magic, and at some point, they're forced to work together to save not only themselves but others as well. The plot masterfully balances mystery, a touch of dark academia, magic, and romance. It also delivers one of the most delicious slow burns in fantasy — the amount of pining between the two characters is indescribable. Isabel’s portrayal of Teddy and Aurelia’s evolving relationship — how they slowly realize they need each other and are stronger and better together than apart — is simply brilliant. They’ve become one of my all-time favorite fantasy couples.

That said, I have to spotlight just how wonderful Teddy is as a character. While Aurelia is fantastic in her own right, Teddy completely stole my heart. I’m so weak for Howl-coded characters in turtlenecks!!!!

You might think it’s impossible to experience the thrill of reading a favorite book for the first time again, but that’s exactly how it felt reading the traditionally published version of Modern Divination. This book is perfect for those who already know Isa’s work from their indie days, as well as new readers looking for an exquisitely written, atmospheric fantasy with characters you wish you could meet and a romance that stirs all the best emotions.