Top 5 Saturday is run by Amanda @ Devouring Books. Every week showcases 5 books that share a common theme. This week’s theme is Magical Books.
When I first saw today’s theme, I was super excited because “magical” makes me immediately think of fantasy, my absolute favorite genre. But then my brain kind of stuttered when it realized this is a list of 5 books. How could I choose between all the incredible fantasy books with magic?! Well, I finally decided to go with books set in the real world where there just happens to be magic. Made it a little easier, at least…
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
My mom somehow received an ARC of this one, which she absolutely refuses to let out of her hands, but at least she let me read it and fall in love with it. Of course this is the one that made me love magical realism.
Quaking Soul by Jennifer M. Zeiger
This is one for nature lovers! I loved that, instead of focusing on an urban setting and bringing in magic and magical creatures, it took me deep into the natural world of the US and showed me both the magic of nature and how closely entwined magical creatures can be with nature.
Wildwood Whispers by Willa Reece
I had a rough start with this one, but it’s a lovely book that pays it’s due respect to nature and is all about the magic inherent to nature. A good one to read along with Quaking Soul!
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
A demonic circus and a young woman who can call a demon grandpa. The spurts of magic are a lot of fun, but I really enjoyed the circus.
Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
Such a fun witchy read perfect for getting ready for the Halloween season! If there’s really a town out there with actual witches living in it, I really, really want to visit it.
What’s the best magical book you’ve read?
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The Lily Cafe 
These sound good, Lily. I love the cover of The Ladies of the Secret Circus. It makes me want to pick that one up. 🙂
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It really is a lovely cover, isn’t it? It’s what made me interested in it in the first place.
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Covers are eye candy. They always grab me too.
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Garden Spells sounds enchanting. I may have to find a copy 🙂 Thanks for mentioning Quaking Soul!
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It’s been years since it came out, but re-reading it still puts me under its spell. I’m always happy to get a chance to mention your books, and Quaking Soul is so magical in so many ways I couldn’t not put it on my list.
I should also put on Discarded Dragons because it’s got a magical hold on my son. I usually read it to him on the weekends, but the past couple have been very busy so I haven’t had a chance to read it to him and his sister. Today, he mentioned I haven’t been reading it to him, so, even though it’s been almost 3 weeks, he still remembers it (he never seems to remember books unless we’ve read it a million times). Talk about magic!
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I’m so glad he’s enjoying it! One of the reasons I write is to encourage young readers and it totally makes my day to hear the story engages his imagination 🙂
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Well, I don’t know if it’s because we started reading it about a month ago or if it’s a natural progression, but now he’s really starting to enjoy reading and reminds me of Discarded Dragons all the time. Either way, I’ll take it!
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