Review Detail

Listening to A Curious Kind of Magic by Mara Rutherford felt like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket woven from wonder, wit, and a dash of danger. From the moment the narrator’s voice brought Willow Stokes and her mostly fake magical shop to life, I knew I was in for something special.

This story had the charm of Howl’s Moving Castle and the emotional depth of Little Thieves, but it still felt uniquely its own a whimsical tale with heart, humor, and just the right amount of mystery. Willow is such a delightfully flawed heroine: clever, scrappy, and full of sass, even when she knows she’s a bit of a fraud. Her desperation to save her family’s dying curiosity shop hit me right in the heart. Then there’s Brianna cursed, cautious, and quietly powerful whose arrival turns Willow’s world upside down and her fakes into real magic.

The dynamic between these two girls was electric. Their partnership uneasy at first, then surprisingly tender had me rooting for them from the start. And yes, the addition of the frustratingly handsome printer’s assistant added the perfect amount of romantic tension without ever stealing the spotlight from the girls’ growing friendship.

The audiobook narration was an absolute treat. The performer captured that perfect balance of whimsy and warmth, making Ardmuir feel like a real, bustling town full of secrets and charm. I found myself grinning through the banter and holding my breath during the more perilous moments. By the end, I didn’t want to leave this magical little world behind.

If you love stories that sparkle with heart, humor, and found-family magic, A Curious Kind of Magic absolutely belongs on your audiobook playlist. It’s cozy fantasy perfection equal parts comfort and adventure.