LIKE A CURSE

In this sequel, a young Edinburgh witch once again faces off against a megalomaniacal siren.

Following the events in Like a Charm (2023), 13-year-old dyspraxic witch Ramya is still reeling after her last encounter with the power-hungry siren Portia, who can control humans with her bewitching voice. Throughout Scotland, magical creatures known as the Hidden Folk are being forcibly rounded up and kidnapped. With cousin Marley and new dryad friend Alona, Ramya sets off to help the Hidden Folk escape Portia’s oppressive clutches. Now, Portia is seeking a magical creature in Loch Ness. When Ramya and her friends happen across a dragon in the loch, they wonder if this is who Portia wants. McNicoll (whose author’s note indicates that she was diagnosed with dyspraxia at age 8) offers readers deftly constructed worldbuilding with enough of a recap of events that new readers can step into the series. Ramya struggles with her confidence and self-identity with regard to her dyspraxia, but is helped by an aunt who’s also neurodivergent, who serves as a sage role model. The fast-paced prose is electric, revealing jaw-dropping secrets and twists galore, but is occasionally marred by the odd plot contrivance. Quibbles aside, this smart tale is a clever exploration of disability, family, and friendship set in an accessible fantasy world. Main characters present white.

An immersive and intriguing fantasy with real depth.