A Witchly Influence by American author Stephanie Grey is full of spirit and fun: a magical feel-good book about inspiring others to do better at life.
A Witchly Influence synopsis
Fate can show up as anything… As a freshly minted divorcee, witch Carmen Devereaux returns to her hometown in North Carolina. With this decision comes another change in her life: Fate has decided that she is to become an Influencer, someone who guides others onto the path that they were meant to take.
When she’s assigned to Abby Windsor, a young schoolteacher, as well as her own stepbrother, Finn Cleary, she soon encounters several obstacles, including getting stuck in her own past.
A quirky, fun, and lovable cast of characters, including Lenny the Snowman—a grumpy, old snowman who really loves trashy reality shows, especially ones about real housewives, Egbert the Lobbyist Pencil—a pompous pencil who lobbies on magic and loves tasty cuisine, and Muse Siobhan Waters, who is thoughtful and down to earth, help guide and inspire Carmen whenever she gets stuck working on her assignment. Along the way, Carmen learns to influence others…and herself.
Book review
Carmen Devereaux is a witch, but more importantly, she is a fresh and energetic narrator. Even though she recently divorced her husband, she has a positive outlook on life. Her friends also bring a lot of energy to the story. They use magic as a gimmick, like for a spontaneous night out in Paris. It is refreshing to read about magic this way: as something that brings fun and joy instead of a gift that should be used sparingly to preserve a balance.
Soon after the start of the book Carmen becomes an influencer. She has to influence other people down their better paths and she has to do so without getting any guidelines herself: ‘Fate’ is convinced she’ll know what’s right. Meanwhile, an android (fancier than a robot) takes her place at work.
It makes you feel good to read about someone who helps others to do better at life. The book is off to a good start. Unfortunately, as the book progresses, Carmen becomes less inspirational and somehow doesn’t seem as strong as she was at the beginning of the book. She suddenly lacks maturity and the portrayal of her character feels inconsistent. She doesn’t seem like an influencer but more like your best friend that listens to you and supports you.
Carmen’s attempt at influencing is not subtle enough for my taste and I don’t feel any inspiration coming from her at all; the feeling stays within the book (if it is present at all). The same goes for the ending, which feels like a deus ex machina (or witch ex machina). I was hoping for a more elegant conclusion where two people combine their skills to reach their goals in a joint effort. Now that would inspire me.
The dialogues are witty and the examples of magic use are fun to read about. A Witchly Influence is a light book that certainly gives you the feel-good vibe. It lacked character depth though and the story didn’t linger with me after I finished the book nor did it make me reflect on my life or inspire me. In the end, a book’s rating is based on feelings and because I did enjoy reading the book I’m giving it three stars.
Interested?
Pre-order your copy of A Witchly Influence from Amazon (available 1 October 2020).
Many thanks to BHC Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Carmen is not a muse. She’s an influencer. Siohban is the muse.
Carmen was never a muse. Perhaps you should read the book again.
Thanks for your comment, I changed the first sentence. I somehow changed her pre-influencer job position into something more fascinating.
More importantly, did you like the book?
I loved the book! I would’ve given it 5 stars personally, but we all have our own opinions.
Indeed, I’m glad you liked it!