Small Magics

Reviews / Votes

spellbinding ... a perfect introduction to the world of fantasy -- Inis Magazine Small Magics is a large wonder. Alex Dunne has crafted a book full of magic, humour, and heart. Molly is the kind of girl every child should read about: fierce and vulnerable. Her story reminds readers that sometimes it's better not to be what everyone expects you to be, and that magic can be found almost anywhere -- Grainne O'Brien, award-winning author of Solo I thought this book was excellent. It was addictive and intriguing, and there were no boring parts. The cliff-hangers made me want to keep reading, and I finished it in just three days ... The book was also funny, and even though all the characters were very different, they were connected in interesting ways. I would rate this book 9/10. I really enjoyed it and would definitely read it again. I would recommend it for ages 10-13 because Molly is around that age and easy to relate to - by Caitlin, 6th Class, Clonmoney NS, Co. Clare -- Seomra Ranga dreamy middle grade perfection; the ideal read as we move from winter into the spring. I love this more than I can properly put into words. One of my all-time fave authors, and she's done it again -- Alex Foulkes With a deep, rich world, a great protagonist and the kind of found family you immediately want to be a part of, there's nothing small about the magic of this book. I devoured it in one sitting, and it left me excited for more.



-- Dave Rudden, author of Knights of the Borrowed Dark and Tales of Darkisle brilliant fantasy adventure about a young girl who is shocked to discover that her new foster home happens to be above a shop for magical creatures. Though she might fit in better than she first thought. It's about time we had some magical adventure in Limerick City -- Kevin Moran intriguing adventure story of family, friendship & yes, magic; filled with action, pace, danger, hope & heart, enchanting, unexpected, captivating. I absolutely adored it -- Fallen Star Stories the perfect balance between fantasy and cosy adventure, with an emphasis on quiet magic woven into ordinary moments -- Elaine and The Books This cosy fantasy builds to a thoroughly satisfying and exciting climax and there's lots to enjoy along the way too ... The world Alex Dunne conjures up is as warm and delicious as one of Priya's scones, and the gentle emphasis on her characters finding themselves and 'their' people adds an extra layer for readers to enjoy. This is ideal reading for everyone who'd like to come across 'small magics' themselves -- Books for Keeps' Book of the Week this book is, quite literally, magic. From the very first page we are sucked into a world which is so brilliantly magical and at the same time, quintessentially Irish. I loved the local references to places such as Shannon Aiport, the Milk Market and Limerick landmarks ... Small Magics moves along at a lovely pace and the magic of it is layered but easy to follow. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, The Storm Keepers Island by Cat Doyle or The Silver Road by Sinead O' Hart. More from these characters please! -- Una ag Scriobh magical ... a brilliant story from Alex Dunne ... a real sense of that folklore of Ireland -- Ireland AM, Elaina Ryan of CBI a wonderfully welcoming introduction to a magical world. Molly's journey - from feeling rootless to discovering a place where she belongs - gives the story its emotional heart. The found-family dynamic with Pat, Priya, Wren, and Lorcan is warm and lively, and the magical antique shop makes a perfect centre for the story. The idea of "small magics" is especially charming. This isn't about spectacular spells or epic wizard battles - it's about everyday enchantments: keeping a teacup warm, changing the colour of your hair, or quietly helping the world run a little more smoothly ... There are also lovely hints of Irish mythology woven through the story. Figures like leprechauns and banshees appear naturally within the magical world, and the mention of the thunder god Taranis adds a mythic echo without overwhelming the story. Instead of retelling folklore directly, the book reshapes those elements into something fresh and playful. Most of all, it feels like the start of a magical world with plenty more stories still waiting to be told. I'll happily return for the next adventure. -- ReadandReviews