Published by Better Beginnings Incorporated on 2020-11
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Animals
Pages: 299
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
When Hayden was a child, she lost her cat. Adults told her the cat has escaped the house and ran away, but she knew the truth. The mirror had taken her. Hayden knew this because the mirror had given her a glimpse of an alternate world, and it had nearly pulled her in, so she was certain the cat had suffered that fate. Twenty years later Hayden discovers the true secret of the mirror when she is thrust into it by a mysterious villain. She learns of a world she never knew existed, and a family she never knew she had. But danger brought her here, and it followed her. And now, Hayden is on a mission to see that the threat is removed so that she can begin her magical, meaningful new life in this enchanted world.
I had the hardest time classifying this book. It has magic, which makes me leans towards fantasy, but is absolutely a cozy mystery. So let’s go with a magical cozy. Thank you to the author for sending an advanced copy for review!
What I loved most about Falling Into Magic was the premise. Who wouldn’t love the idea of a magical town nestled in it’s own dimension, with comfortable weather, lots of hiking and a house that custom designs your room for you? I’m here for it. Whisk me away through that mirror! Pantley managed to keep most of the magical mechanics under-wraps, just enough to sate curious minds in the first book, and instead focused on the mystery behind Hayden’s abduction and the onslaught of misfortune experienced by the Caldwells.
Unfortunately, we spend most of our time in Hayden’s head and what little dialogue there is came across choppy and awkward. It ends up being more of a “tell” rather than “show” story and those don’t work as well for me. There were hints of a love triangle, not my favorite trope, but that’s just a personal preference.
Ultimately, I wish we had the chance to experience this adventure rather than have Hayden narrate her own life in a combination of first-person and passive language. I do think readers will enjoy the magical, small-town charm of Destiny Falls, I know I did! The setting itself was so much fun and has so much potential. I would try Pantley’s work in the future to see if her style evolves as the series continues but for now, Falling into Magic was a bit of a miss for me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
