Book Title: A Witch in Isenshire
Series: The Witch of Emelle (#2)
Author: Azalea Forrest
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215120243-a-witch-in-isenshire
Release Date: 9/13/24
Star Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
A Witch in Isenshire is a bold cup of coffee made with determination, personal growth, and adventure.
Magnolia Hanna never thought she’d forgive Basil Olivander, the witch who inadvertently upended so many lives in Lightview. Yet four months after their battle, Basil’s learning to deal with his heartache and make amends. He’s become Maggie’s roommate, her technomancy teacher, and—just maybe—her friend. Now, they’re packing for a trip to visit Maggie’s family in the hidden hamlet of Emelle.
Maggie and Basil face their grief together, finding closure at her late uncle’s grave and comfort among her friends and family. If it were up to her, she would stay for a fortnight, but their trip is cut short at the behest of Lightview’s mayor, who sends the two witches on an adventure of a lifetime—to the advanced city of Isenshire, the birthplace of the automaton.
To Maggie’s dismay, Isenshire’s witches can only use magic with a permit, and their jobs have been reduced to fortune telling and parlor tricks. Magnolia’s fear of her skills being replaced by tech is reignited tenfold. Are the witches in Isenshire truly happy, or are they complacent to the powers that be? Magnolia’s only wish is to make magic relevant again, but she soon finds that the power of the automaton is too awesome to ignore. – Goodreads
What a lovely sequel! As with the first book this one has sweet Ghibli vibes, and coziness galore. This is exactly what you need to start getting into your fall feelings. A warm blanket, a sleepy kitten, a nice tasty drink and this book is all you need.
I really enjoyed getting to see more of this world. Visiting a more city-industrial location gave a lot more depth to the world and it was really nice to see more witches at work in the world.
The relationship between Maggie and Basil continues to grow. I really like how attached they have become, and while she is very empathetic to his situation she is also still pretty good at being able to be honest about his failings and personality. I can see how he is gradually learning and growing along the way.
This is a wonderful series. Like Kiki’s Delivery Service this is something I can revisit when I need a particular kind of pick-me-up. It’s nice to have this in my kindle wheelhouse when it is needed.
