Reviews

Magic Has No Borders by Samira Ahmed, Sona Charaipotra

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renuka__'s review

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Certain stories in this anthology were very beautifully written, while others felt a little on the nose

avereads12's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was intrigued by this book when I came across it on an 'upcoming book releases' page and I pre-ordered it without a second thought.

After reading it I can say that where I enjoyed some stories very much that the words lingered in my mind long after, others faded in my mind as quickly as they were finished, but all of them were well written stories from Desi culture. Ones I am familiar with, which was a nice realisation, but with new twists. Most of the stories were re-imaginings of epics with the same characters but sometimes the sexuality and genders switched up, as well as the endings.

All the stories focused on what it is to be brown quite well, highlighted issues we all face and do face and really gave a more hopeful outlook to it all.

My favourite stories from the anthology were, in no particular order; Mirch, Masala, and Magic; What the Winds Stole; Unraveled; Dismantle the Sun; Shamsuddin-Jalal (for the stories within the story); She Who Answers; and Poetry of Earth. I loved the messages each of these stories had and that is what I would expect from an anthology of this type. Stories, culturally and historically were woven together and spoken to pass on a teaching, advice, information. And these stories especially did that for me!

I also enjoyed the artwork. I felt in line with our cultures and it suited the stories.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you a set of small stories that are heart-warming, thought-provoking and enjoyable please pick this book up. You can read it at your won pace, a story at a time and it is relaxing!

wavykt's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

complexlyleslie's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

sweetling's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

xrkh's review

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Too mqny books im reading rn i'll def pick this up later :)

smnthynzr's review

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3.0

I've always loved anthologies and I think this one does a lot of great things. I know next to nothing about a lot of South Asian folklore and such which made me excited for this book. While I wouldn't say each story was a 10/10 for me, they each kept my attention and were enjoyable.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.