The Book of Magic (Practical Magic 2): A Novel

I have been anticipating this since the moment the release was mentioned. All the favorite cast of characters from this long running series is a true treasure and joy to sit down with. It’s like catching up with old friends and family you’ve not seen, for an extended period of time. As usual, Alice Hoffman stirs feelings inside the reader, where you’re not always necessarily happy with the way she plays out a particular scene, but by the end, you’re convinced it had to go that way to get to some of the best parts. From the very beginning, you know that "Bad Tom" has finally meant his match, and not in the arrogant, self centered way he thinks. He’s absolutely messed with the wrong family! The final wrap of the book is extraordinary, taking the reader through past and current memories. It reminds you of the remarkable strength the characters of these books have been centered around, and presents an image of peace, knowing how each person’s life is, and has been shaped by the events, and most importantly, the love around them. Stellar ending to an outstanding series that has taken Alice Hoffman many years to build.

As with the other books in this series, I couldn't put it down. The new characters are well developed and as evolved as you would expect for these modern times, and while each is different you can still pick up the slight inherited characteristics of their ancestors courage and heart. There's just enough suspense to keep you hooked without nightmares. There are pages of rich history, real emotions, herbal remedies and love uniting an entire family, and each with very different personalities and life choices. More is discovered of the history of the original characters, and we see a return of one of my favorites, Vincent. In the end love of family and a loving sacrific prove enough to break a curse, and answers long awaited are revealed with new information. This may be one of Hoffman's best. It's worth reading the entire series from start to finish again. Loved it. Nothing is "politically offensive" as one reviewer claims..Certainly "one word" from ONE character, out of many generations of Owen's doesn't ruin a wonderful end to a great series sure to produce another movie. Each character is as openly evolved as we would expect in today's society. There's something for everyone in here and in this families unity, just as we would expect in the "Owen's" of today. No loose ends are left..I loved that.

I gave the book 4 rather than 5 stars because, for me, it started off slowly. Also, I felt a disconnect from how the aunts were portrayed in Practical Magic and how they appeared in Magic Lessons and The Book of Magic. I found that to be a good thing. I read Practical Magic after I saw the movie and enjoyed the movie much more. The aunts were more shadow figures in the book and much more vivid in the movie. The Book of Magic presents them as formidable, complex women just as I imagine them to be. Book 4 is about breaking the Owens family curse. The narrative is beautiful and the ending bitter sweet.

I listened to this book on audible. This is the 4th and last book in this series. You’ll grieve these books after reading this last one in the series. As a series I became so attached to the characters. The entire series overall was a mesmerizing story for me. When I started this last book in the series, I was perplexed by how some of the characters seemed to drastically change, or were not a main character in this final book. For instance, I loved Gillian in Practical Magic, and felt she was not a main character in this final book. I was perplexed about Antonia’s love life, in this final book too. Although, in this book Sally had a valid reason to be depressed, the beginning of the book I felt Sally changed too drastically. Sally was SO ABOUT being a “good mom” that seeing Sally’s relationships with her daughters grow distant was sad. I just felt like how could Sally have let this happen just because of her depression. Also, since they all truly bonded by the end of the book, Practical magic, I expected that during the time lapse between books, Sally, Gillian, Antonia and Kylie would have given more attention to the fact that they all had “THE SIGHT” but this was not the case at all. However, the strong bond that is there between them all is proven when the challenge to break the Owens curse once and for all begins. Kylie who is in love, and has come face to face with the curse in her personal life, sets the story that this final book is based on. The curse was declared by Maria Owens during the Salem witch trial days, “ that any man who loves an Owens woman will die an early death,” Kylie, thinks she can break the curse, from a note she read, written by Jett to Frannie. Kylie puts herself in harms way, and they all set out to rescue Kylie. Vincent, Frannie and Jett’s long lost brother, is reunited with his family in the book, and also helps to try to find Kylie and to hopefully break the curse. Quite the adventure begins, that takes them back to exactly where Maria Owens was left as a baby in a field in Essex England. This final book ties the entire series together and includes a lot of magic, love, romantic love, and life lessons. And, as I said, when this final book in the series comes to an end, you will grieve. You will go through withdrawal not having another story to read about The Owens women, whose bloodline has the sight. You will hope that it can’t possibly be the end and that someday there will be a story about Francesca Bridgett and Leo. However, You will also remember much of the great advice each book has to offer. Especially this advice: fall In love whenever you can.

This book made me go through all the emotions! A great read that I recommend you read with your sisters your girlfriend or book club.... And I mean that for the whole series

Loved every minute of this. It was hard to let go at the end but what a great journey and what wonderful characters, each and every one of them. From the first book to this one, beautiful prose, beautiful characters and an amazing and imaginative world where magic is believable and love invaluable. Read it

A brilliant, heartwarming story of love and magic. Couldn’t put it down. Hope there are more like this one to come.

Letzter Band der Geschichte der Owens-Frauen, die Hexen sind und in unterschiedlicher Art und Weise mit dem Fluch umgehen, dem sie unterliegen. Sehr schön geschrieben...

This book will bring you into a fantasy world. You can hear the birds from her descriptions feel the anxiety and fear. Maria is just a great character.