Casey Blair's Take Back Magic might have struggled a bit with editing, but Sierra Walker more than makes up for it—so much so that she singlehandedly earned this book an extra star from me. Fierce, competent, and unapologetically herself, Sierra is the kind of heroine I can't get enough of. One of my favorite moments is when she says, “…my type is a man who can appreciate how competent I am and is dedicated to helping me achieve what I’m capable of without trying to overshadow me.” That line encapsulates her strength and self-awareness, and I was cheering for her the whole way through.

The book does have some rough edges, particularly in pacing and structure, which could have been tightened with stronger editing. But even with those flaws, the story has enough heart and promise to keep me invested. The world-building feels like it’s just getting started, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds in the rest of the trilogy.

If you love strong, fiercely independent heroines and magical adventures, give Take Back Magic a try—Sierra Walker makes it absolutely worth it.