The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic

By: Emily Croy Barker

Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan

Length: 26 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Emily Croy Barker’s riveting debut novel is a must-read for fans of Lev Grossman and Deborah Harkness. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic follows grad student Nora Fischer as she stumbles through a portal into a magical world.

Having been transformed from drab to beautiful, Nora finds herself surrounded by glamorous friends. Life seems perfect. But then things take a terrible turn, and Nora must learn magic from a reclusive ally if she is to have any hope of survival...

©2013 Emily Croy Barker (P)2013 Recorded Books

Clueless

the story is very good actually but the heroine is a very educated, clueless person. She was already told she's in a different world, no indoor plumbing, no electricity and all - and she wonders if she can go to the village and find a phone and a car? OMG...clueless...she's so clueless.

Intriguing Magical Take on Pride And Prejudice

A slow start is forgiven when taking in the amazing character development and world building.

When I started this book I found the lead quite unlikable in the way she spoke of herself and others, only to have to rethink that impression again and again as time went on. Nora, like all of us is flawed and slighted, and seeing her realize this through her own eyes is a great endeavor. She is no Mary Sue, and for each talent she had a flaw. A great balance of characteristics.

Though predictable at times, I was still taken aback by how well the interactions between characters made me forget, and further made me want to explore the world the author laid out.

PICK YOUR. PATH WITH INTENT

Nora Fischer goes on vacation with friends to the mountains. Nice day for a walk. She finds herself in some ones back yard with a large swimming pool and beautiful gardens and people. She is invited to stay for a drink. This is how the story begins. Nora falls though a time portal. Spells,enchantments...she is change from drab looking to one of the so called beautiful people. Believe it or not she even gets married to a hunk of a guy. At one point she realizes she is in great danger.....she is married to a monster.big teeth,fuzzy fur and wings with large claws. She escapes after her husband tries to kill her and top it all she is pregnant. She is saved by a magician who lives in old castle. This is when the story begins...twist and turns,alternate reality. The gold wedding band that is put on her won’t come off.DING DING...WHY? She travel between 2 worlds...no magic to magic.....does she make it Home?.. does she survive in this world... Did I like the story...some times it dragged and at some points kept me .....what’s going to happen next...The narrator I liked. The only reason why this is so long no one left a note about this story. Try it,you can always return it.

Like!

Took a little bit to get into the story and the narrator but really glad I stuck with it! Really loved it. Is there a book after? I wish...

Great book to listen to!

Enjoyed this book a lot. Needed something witchy to read after a Discovery of Witches and this was it. Can’t wait for the sequel.

Confusing at first but amazing story

If you could sum up The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic in three words, what would they be?

Addictive, entertaining, different

Which character – as performed by Alyssa Bresnahan – was your favorite?

Aruendiel

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I definitely wanted to keep listening but didn't have that drive to do it all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

The book is pretty confusing for a while at first but eventually makes more sense... worth going back for a second listen. Cant wait for the second book.

Desperately wanting a follow up book!

I don't want to write a spoiler so my review is limited. The entire book captivated me. It was hard to push the pause button. I was right there, with the characters. The author and narrator made me feel like the proverbial "fly on the wall." The ending sets the storyline up perfectly for a series of books. I was excited to see the published date, in that it provided plenty of time for a second book to be published. I was astonished to see none. The narrator was excellent. I plan to search her name for books. They surely must be a great listen. If you like fantasy, time travel and magic, you'll love this listen. Don't think twice, just get this book!

Very interesting

I can't wait for another book from Emily Croy Barker. This kept me interested from start to finish. Worth the read.

Abrupt End

Really enjoyed this listen, except that it ended so abruptly and with something of a cliffhanger, which was pretty annoying.

Where is the next one?!

This book has an odd storyline. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced before...and that’s a good thing! It starts off a little slow but picks up quickly. Then buckle up because so much happens!! It’s adventurous and melancholy all rolled into one! My only complaint is that I’ve been waiting for a follow up for a while now as it definitely leaves an unfinished taste in your mouth.