2 Thoroughly Enjoyable Fantasy Novels

by MK French

Do you want to add a little magic to your reading? Check out these two fantasy novels.

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A Spell For Change by Nicole Jarvis

May 2025; Titan Books; 978-1835410943
ebook, print (480 pages); fantasy

Kate's always had visions of the future, and they always come to pass, even the most disturbing ones. Oliver's return from the Great War haunts him in the form of loss and seeing the dead. Nora Jo loved the independence of teaching, but her dismissal means she can apprentice to a witch from the mountains. She is also falling for a woman from town, pulling her in yet another direction. Rumors of dark forces push the three further down the path to their destiny, and soon they realize that not all magic is good. 

Chatuga, Tennessee, is next to the forest and the mountains, and is essentially the same as it was when founded in the early 1880s. Nora Jo hadn't been taught much about the magic her maternal family had, and she focused on learning and being a teacher. Like teachers today, she used her own money for treats and buying novels to teach reading from. Unfortunately, the mayor and older residents of the town feel "The Wizard of Oz" is a witchcraft book and only want the Bible for the farming community, and give the job to the retired former teacher. This frees her to learn more about the magic she never learned before. 

The other two main POV's are Kate, who works odd jobs around town. She's especially hard pressed after her father gets fewer hours at the mill now that white men are back from WWI and want jobs. Oliver, whose father owns that mill and whose ancestors built the town, wants him to take his place running things. He has coughing fits and isn't as physically fit after inhaling mustard gas, but now also sees ghosts everywhere. This sends him to Kate, who has visions of the future that trigger seizures. Both want to control their abilities, so they meet in secret in the forest to train.

These three people are all constrained by the predetermined roles for sex, race, and class. It's difficult for them to move outside of expectations; we get a full third of the book before each begins to push a little past those boundaries. As their stories progress, we see them try to find their way, and it's the final quarter where their stories fully converge, and we see the true dangers that had stalked them for months. It's a tight battle at the very end, with a high price to pay in the conclusion. Faith in religion or magic only goes so far, and it's working together that puts a stop to the dangers. It's a fascinating story, and one I fully enjoyed. 

Buy A Spell For Change at Amazon

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis

May 2025; Titan Books; 978-1835411407
ebook, print (368 pages); fantasy

Vivian’s kindergartener Aria gets bitten by a werewolf, and they're suddenly introduced to magical schools. Now they've moved and have to become part of the community with other magical creatures and their families, learning new kinds of subjects and getting new kinds of school supplies. Vivian must play PTA politics with these creatures, learn where to get the proper things she needs for Aria, and the new school system. Everyone is concerned with the prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it’s about Aria.

The concept for this book is adorable, and the book is beautifully rendered. From the crayons, unicorn cupcake, and book stack of the cover to the sprayed edges and designs along one side, it really complements the text. The designs and colors on the edges of pages are a new trend, and it's really on point here.

For many new parents, it's terrifying to move to a new place, not know what's going on with the dynamics at school, and wonder if there are better choices. Vivian's parents had been especially critical while growing up, and her husband Daniel, has mixed heritage himself. Their complicated feelings regarding their families of origin mean it's just them navigating this new world when Aria is bitten by a werewolf and forced to enter the world of magic and magical creatures. She tries so hard to fit in and takes it personally when her daughter has a hard time controlling her shifting; not only is Aria five and expected to know far too much in her kindergarten class, but she's only been a shifter for two months. The more Vivian tries to fit in, the more isolated she feels. She joins the PTA as treasurer since she used to be an accountant, and tries to research everything she can to help her daughter. 

From the start, I was attached to Vivian. It's hard to be a parent, especially when there are shifting expectations and isolation. Her anxiety is a palpable thing, since she has to sanitize what she tells her therapist during their virtual sessions, and really has good intentions. She makes friends with the first people who show interest in her, but they have their own Mean Girls dynamic going on. She and Aria get subtly excluded for not being good enough and not innately understanding things. Being on the back foot worsened Vivian’s anxiety, and we see something bigger going on with the glimpses of the prophecy hanging over the town. I enjoyed how it slowly grew bigger in the background as we see the usual PTA, talent show, and science fair foibles through a supernatural lens. I nearly cried a few times and cheered her on as she worked to resolve the problems. It's a really fun book, and I enjoyed reading it.

Buy The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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