Modern Magic

Brilliant, funny and well worth an evening with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as a quirky take on what happens when you take creative magical people and grind them down in a soul sucking office environment. Sounds horrific? Not at all, it is quirky, funny and thoughtful. Plus the auditor helps save the day!

I really did enjoy this! This has a bit of a slow start as it establishes various players and the world building, The story is really well paced and all the parts came together so well. I loved the take on Magic - that human beings would find a way to make it tedious and restrictive - you may be a mage, but you still have to live the same boring and bureaucratic humdrum existence serving ‘the man’. I am definitely going to read the next one when it comes out.

LOVE THIS BOOK! Honestly the best fantasy I’ve read for ages. Amazing characters and story, some really funny moments, and a blockbuster ending. It’s packed full of both excitement and warmth - lots of stories have one of those things, but it’s rare to find both. Oh and it’s also really well written. I don’t often leave reviews but just had to for this one - it’s so good!

This book was such an enjoyable read! I don't choose to read a huge amount of fantasy, but I flew through this one. I loved the witty and engaging writing and the pacing was spot on. Just what I needed to shake off a bit of a book slump!

Loved this book!! The story cleverly incorporated relatable everyday workday experiences within an exciting fantasy setting!
Is a must read if you enjoy completely new and interesting fantasy worlds, I really enjoyed beginning to understand the backstory to both the characters and the magical world created by this author. Can’t wait to read the next book!

I loved this book. It is smart, witty and beautifully written, effortlessly putting you right there with the characters in every scene.

The merging of magic and the corporate workplace is inspired and delicately explored throughout the story, gently coaxing the reader to ponder the real world implications of what they do all day! Despite the corporate setting, you are firmly in the realm of fantasy here. The mysterious world the author has created is both whimsical and dark and I found myself constantly surprised and delighted at the latest weird and wonderful creature to join the story. The ‘unstationery cupboard’ and the balcony that takes time off in lieu had me sniggering out loud and ‘The House of Little Secrets’ chapter was particularly evocative. Wryneck and his dollhouse will not easily be forgotten!

I highly recommend this book for all readers even if fantasy isn’t your usual genre. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Do you miss Terry Pratchett? This book is for you. This is a book which shows that Terry Pratchett left a legacy for the next generation of fantasy authors. Beth is pioneering this cause. Comedy, allegory to the real world, a book long plot, with characters which reflect everyone's need to step away from everyday life - at least for a while. Love it to bits, and can't wait for the next one in the series.

Fabulous book! My husband read it as a fantasy novel and loved it. I read it as a satire on corporate life. It was fantastic! Very much looking forward to more books from Beth Williams. An incredibly accomplished and imaginative writer.

Fun and thoughtful. Very well written with great characters and dialogue. The book kept my interest to the end. I would definitely read a sequel.

Great beginning!
This was a fun series starter! Very Discworld in its pacing and writing style, but not derivative. The characters are detailed and the story moves along. And of course, there's always room for more! Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Funny and sharp - The best of fantasy really leaning on humour and will be greatly appreciated by anybody who works in an office.

Fun story and characters. Well written and easy to read - made a long train journey much more pleasurable.

Modern Magic is such a clever and original read! Beth Williams takes the structured world of law firms and transposes every detail into a magical setting — from the copy room to the appraisal process, all the way to client meetings and networking. The result is witty, colourful, and full of enchantment. What really stood out to me is how the book captures the feel of real legal life while giving it a magical spin. Chapter 23 in particular, perfectly mirrors the adrenaline rush of agreeing on the final terms of a big transaction — the tension, the stakes, the relief at the end. It’s so authentic you can almost feel it in your veins. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy with a playful twist on real life!

A wonderful take involving ethics and big..business…pharma? The world building and characters hold your attention while the mystery behind the machinations of the corporate idealists slowly reveal themselves.

Good, solid fantasy with excellent world-building and a bureaucracy nobody would wish on their worst enemy! Loved the twists and turns and a wicked payoff to the setup.

Awesome. Love the characters and the setting! We all make mistakes. It's what you learn from those mistakes that defines who we truly are!

Absolutely fantastic! Beth creates a world full of magical creatures and fascinating rules whilst making it highly relatable and believable - merging magic with everyday life. There are witty moments interspersed with tension and adventure, and I loved Ivy's character development throughout. I also absolutely loved Kork, a magical creature that you can't help but instantly fall in love with, and wish you had one yourself! Looking forward to the next book!