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Seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked and underappreciated apprentice at Basil’s Bakery. The job offers stability, though, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big — until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. Seeking was old-fashioned even before Magic went out of style. It’s a rare skill in her country, and Aurelie is one of the few people who possesses the talent.

The stranger — a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana — needs Aurelie’s help in rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood. The idea of adventure alone is enough to crumble Aurelie’s carefully constructed life as a baker’s apprentice. But when the someone Iliana seeks turns out to be Prince Hapless — the charming-but-aptly-named prince — suddenly Aurelie finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, dangerous palace intrigue, and (perhaps even most dangerous of all) romantic feelings. 

The more time Aurelie spends with Hapless, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Lose her apprenticeship or lose her heart — those are her options. But when has a relationship between a prince and a commoner ever worked out?

Emma Mills’ debut in the fantasy genre may be lacking in plot, but Something Close to Magic is still filled with her signature witty banter, cute romance, and plenty of whimsy. (Mills has previously written cute YA romance, such as Foolish Hearts.) There’s also light magic, court intrigue, and exactly the kind of sweetly charming characters you’d expect to find in a fairy tale-inspired world.

Overall, there is something entirely delightful about this quest-based cozy fantasy and I enjoyed every moment within its pages. It’s a book I would definitely recommend, especially for fans of Gail Carson Levine.

Rated: Mild, for seven uses of mild language. Characters kiss. One character overhears two women making out. Violence includes injuries, stabbing, and some blood.

Click here to purchase your copy of Something Close to Magic on Amazon. 

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