Is When We Were Magic Worth Reading?

2026-03-22 16:14:14
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3 Answers

Violet
Violet
Book Guide Veterinarian
I stumbled on 'When We Were Magic' during a rainy weekend, and damn, it hooked me. The friendship dynamics are the heart of it—these girls aren’t just magic buddies; they’re messy, loving, and sometimes toxic, like real teens. The way Gailey writes about guilt (especially after the accidental murder) is haunting. Magic here isn’t glamorous; it’s sticky with consequences, and that moral ambiguity kept me flipping pages.

Minor spoiler: The scene where they try to reverse their spell while arguing over pizza? Peak chaotic energy. If you want witches with grit and heart, this delivers.
2026-03-23 13:22:42
29
Quinn
Quinn
Novel Fan Pharmacist
I picked up 'When We Were Magic' expecting fun hexes and found something way heavier—in the best way. The magic system isn’t about rules or wands; it’s chaotic and tied to emotions, which makes every spell feel like a gamble. The queer rep is effortless (Alexis is bi, and her crush on a girl is gorgeously understated), and the body horror elements? Brutal but purposeful. Gailey doesn’t shy from showing how power corrupts and heals.

My only gripe is the ending—it wraps up a bit neat for such a morally gray journey. Still, the scene where the girls bury their mistakes together under a blood moon lives rent-free in my head. Perfect for fans of 'Wilder Girls' or 'We Were Villains.'
2026-03-23 22:01:48
16
Talia
Talia
Story Finder Doctor
Sarah Gailey's 'When We Were Magic' is this weirdly beautiful blend of dark magic and raw, messy adolescence that stuck with me long after I finished it. The story follows Alexis and her friends after a prom-night spell goes horribly wrong, and the way it explores guilt, loyalty, and queer identity feels so visceral. What I adore is how Gailey doesn’t sanitize teenage emotions—these girls are fierce, flawed, and utterly human, even when wielding magic. The prose has this lyrical quality that makes even grotesque moments feel poetic.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer fast-paced plots, the introspective pacing might drag. But if you’re into character-driven stories where magic amplifies emotional stakes (think 'The Craft' meets 'The Raven Boys'), it’s a gem. I cried over the tenderness in Alexis’ friendships—how love persists even when things fracture.
2026-03-25 07:36:19
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