Artezans: The forgotten magic by L.D. Lapinski

This book is set within the whirlpool of a magical world, like a seething and roiling dreamscape of possibility, that extends into human existence in Scottish territory. In this land of magical possibilities we encounter Edward and Elodie Crane, twins raised by their two magically inclined dads, and standing on the edge of the discovery of their own magical talents and expertise. Edward always seems the more timorous of the twins and Elodie seems to have more success in life, but together they prove to be formidable as they are forced to confront their own nightmares (literally and figuratively) and use magic in ways that the world of reality and the world of dreams has not seen for at least 400 years. Is there a future for magic in the hands of these young wielders of the charmed and powerful forces being revealed through their inexperienced control?

This is an intense magical journey, beginning in a Scottish world where the remnant of the magically-blessed gather in a holiday camp experience to train and hone their magical skills. But the transformation of Ed and Elodie breaks open the vastness of magical experience and the dream world. Snippets of Scottish brogue travel through the dialogue in an appealing way, and the holiday camp descriptions have a touch of humour to them. There is a more serious side to the story and the sense of the coming-of-age of the young magic recipients into their magical maturity, that also deals with overcoming fear and insecurity when you are young, is woven into the story. Dream scenarios and understanding of ‘dream magic’ is a feature of the author’s craft, but this a darkly rendered magical experience, travelling into some scary moments for readers. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted or the very young.

Themes: Magic, Fantasy, Dreams, Overcoming weakness, Fear, Twins, Scotland, LGBTIQ characters.

Carolyn Hull