Cozy Fantasy Review: A Dark and Secret Magic

A Dark and Secret Magic mixes cozy romance with small-town fantasy. This whimsical novel keeps you hooked with forbidden magic and a high-risk, slow-burn romance coming out of the woods.

The author did a fantastic job of world building and introducing the reader to the magic system of the story. The pacing offered the perfect tone for a post-work, glass-of-wine autumn read, especially since the setting falls near Halloween. 

The main character’s moral compass led the story as she constantly felt torn in two directions; she needed to be true to her coven, but also to herself — especially when a bad boy hexan comes to town.

The Atlantic Key Coven in a Nutshell

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney is a pleasant ode to the movie Practical Magic. With revolving recipes, foraging, and a memorable black cat, the atmosphere warmly welcomes you through the threshold.

As the Atlantic Key coven prepares for Halloween (Samhain), Hecate Goodwin, our main character, is tasked by her sister to prepare for the annual celebration — which falls on both the witches’ new year and Hecate’s birthday.

Samhain suggests a time to celebrate, hold coven meetings, and tap into ancestral magic. However, as the veil between the living and the dead thins, Hecate is forced to face pressures from her coven and give up her solitude when a person from her past arrives at her doorstep. 

Is A Dark and Secret Magic Right for You?

I’d been looking for something I didn’t need to commit too much brain power to — something different from the expansive epic fantasies of late — and this gave me a palate refreshment. A Dark and Secret Magic enthralled me from the first word to the last, despite not being my typical kind of read. 

Learning about the world and its magic doesn’t require deep-thinking, which means this novel progresses exactly as I wanted for that post-work, glass of wine, feet up mood, with the coziness of Ipswich, MA. 

Hecate Goodwin feels familiar, like talking to a good friend. As a sibling to two sisters, her groans of annoyance and pining for perfection sank in with familiarity. 

I won’t give you all of the plot points, but Hecate’s battle to accept what her late mother chose for her versus following where the magic is leading her. Anyone who’s experienced such a loss will understand Hecate’s internal conflict.

The magical elements of the novel were the cookie à la mode. From the ingredients in Hecate’s kitchen to the local herb shop in Ipswich and the recipes in the book, the magic felt tangible and real and brought alive the desire to take my book to the kitchen and recreate the spells and recipes. 

Who Should Read A Dark and Secret Magic?

I’d recommend A Dark and Secret Magic to anyone who loves whimsical, witchy, and Halloween-themed reads. It’s also great for readers who don’t need romance to drive the plot. Hecate’s a standalone character who stays true to herself and her character even when a love interest comes around.

I predict that I’ll re-read this book every year when Fall arrives. If you’re into all things fall and Halloween, join me by picking up a copy at Bookshop.org.

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For more cozy, witchy, and supernatural reads to add to your list, browse MockingOwl Roost:

• The Whisking Hour – Cozy Mystery Review
• Carmilla – Book Review Fiction
• The Bellefountaine Haunting – Supernatural Thriller Review 
• Violeta – Gothic Literature Review

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