In the enchanting world of 'The Rules of Magic' by Alice Hoffman, readers are drawn into the lives of the Owens siblings, who grapple with their family's legacy of witchcraft. Set against a backdrop of love, loss, and magical realism, the novel explores the price of enchantment and the power of curses that have haunted the family for generations. As the siblings navigate the complexities of their gifts, they uncover secrets that could change their destinies forever. Hoffman's lyrical prose invites you to question the boundaries of life and love while embracing the extraordinary. Will they defy their family's dark history, or will the rules of magic bind them to their fate?
By Alice Hoffman
Published: 2018
"Magic is the essence of who we are; it's the beauty in our scars and the light in our darkest moments."
An instant New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick from beloved author Alice Hoffman—the spellbinding prequel to Practical Magic. Find your magic. For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man. Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk. From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Yet, the children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the memorable aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy. Alice Hoffman delivers “fairy-tale promise with real-life struggle” (The New York Times Book Review) in a story how the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself. Thrilling and exquisite, real and fantastical, The Rules of Magic is “irresistible…the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last forty pages, savoring your final moments with the characters” (USA TODAY, 4/4 stars).
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“Magic is the essence of who we are; it's the beauty in our scars and the light in our darkest moments.”
The Rules of Magic
By Alice Hoffman
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Alice Hoffman is an American author known for her richly imaginative tales that often blend elements of magic realism with profound emotional depth. Over her career, she has published more than thirty works of fiction, including notable novels such as "Practical Magic," "The Museum of Extraordinary Things," and "Here on Earth." Hoffman's writing is characterized by lyrical prose, complex characters, and themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. Her work has garnered critical acclaim, and she is celebrated for her ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate with readers.
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In "The Priory of the Orange Tree," a richly woven tapestry of fantasy unfolds, where a matriarchal society faces an age-old threat from a dragon that once ravaged their lands. Amidst court intrigue and budding alliances, a fierce dragon rider and a reluctant noblewoman must confront their destinies while grappling with their emerging identities. As ancient magical forces stir, secrets long buried begin to surface, challenging their beliefs and allegiances. With a captivating blend of romance, adventure, and empowerment, this epic tale dares to reimagine classic tropes and ignite the flames of courage. Will they unite to save their world, or will the shadows of the past consume them all?
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'Slaughterhouse-Five' follows the unconventional journey of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences moments from his life out of sequence. As he navigates through the horrors of World War II, including the firebombing of Dresden, the narrative intertwines elements of science fiction and anti-war sentiment. Vonnegut's unique blend of dark humor and poignant commentary challenges the nature of free will and the chaos of war. Will Billy ever come to terms with his fragmented existence and the absurdity of human conflict? Join him on a mind-bending odyssey that questions reality and morality.
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