A Tangled Magic by Andrea Eames

Author : Andrea Eames

Book : A Tangled Magic

/ Fantasy /

Publication date : July 30, 2026

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Blurb:

All her life, Netta has only known the Tower—its musty shelves of books she cannot read, ink-splattered quills, and endless scrolls of paper. Her mother, ambitious and analytical, has spent decades perfecting her greatest masterpiece: a spellbook of unspeakable power. Netta’s only companions are her long red Hair, which moves of its own accord, and a telepathic raven named Baldbeak. Her only amusement lies in crafting intricate embroidery from scraps of silk and thread.

When attackers storm the Tower, her mother and the spellbook vanish. Determined to find her, Netta ventures into a kingdom on the brink of civil war. The monarch lies dying, while pious Temple fanatics and the noble elite scheme for the throne, forging secret alliances and building hidden armies. For reasons she cannot yet fathom, all these factions seek Netta—and the dangerous, uncontrollable magic in her Hair.

But whom can she trust? The sharp-eyed pickpocket bent on revolutionizing the use of magic? The elusive black market trader known only as the Book Man? The charming magician who slips between shadow and light? From masked carnivals to opulent ballrooms, from hidden monasteries to catacombs, Netta must untangle a web of lies and intrigue - not only to find her mother, but also to uncover the true nature of the power that has shaped her life.

My thoughts:

Really intriguing fantasy take on a story we all know and love. Netta was raised all her life hidden in a tower, living only with her mother for company, a mischievous crow, and her hair with a mind of its own. Until one day, the secluded tower is attacked, and her mother disappears along with the book she has dedicated her whole life to. Without knowing why they were attacked or what was in that book, Netta has no choice but to go out into that unfamiliar world to seek answers. I loved how her character was portrayed, and the amount of naivety resulting from her secluded life was just right. Combined with her stubbornness and will — which I personally liked the most about her — it made for a good connection with the reader. The magic system and the way it was linked to the body were portrayed in a way that perfectly describes the toll it takes, but it’s not overly graphic and strikes the perfect balance. Baldbeak was my weak spot; as always, I’m a sucker for familiars in books, and I just loved that mischievous fellow 😁. An immersive world, though in some places I found myself thinking, "I want to know more" 😂, but I always want to know more, so there's no pleasing me in that regard 😂🙈🙈🙈.

Enjoyed this journey a lot❤️