The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry

The Magician’s Daughter

Author: H.G. Parry
Published: February 28th, 2023
Publisher: Redhook
Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved this book.

The Magician’s Daughter is the third book I’ve read by H.G. Parry, and with every story, she just keeps getting better. At this point, I can officially say—she’s become one of my favorite authors. There’s something about her writing that immediately pulls me in, and this book gave me that same magical, cozy feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.

Set in 1912, the story follows Biddy, a young girl who was raised on the hidden island of Hy-Brasil by a magician named Rowan and his rabbit familiar, Hutchincroft. Biddy has always known magic, but she’s never been allowed to leave the island. As she nears seventeen, her curiosity about the world outside grows stronger—especially when secrets begin to unravel and she learns that the magic she loves is fading from the world.

This book has everything I enjoy in a historical fantasy: a mysterious past, a coming-of-age journey, and a quiet sense of wonder threaded through each page. It’s not a high-action kind of story, but it doesn’t need to be. The pacing is gentle, emotional, and filled with heart.

Biddy is such a strong and relatable character. She’s brave, but not in a loud way—she’s thoughtful, determined, and kind. I loved her relationship with Rowan, which felt like a mix of family, mentorship, and quiet love. And Hutchincroft the rabbit? An absolute favorite.

The worldbuilding is beautiful, especially the contrast between the magical island and the gritty streets of early 1900s England. As Biddy ventures into the wider world to uncover the truth and fight for magic’s return, the book explores deeper themes about power, trust, and finding your place in a changing world.

The Magician’s Daughter is a story about growing up, making hard choices, and believing in something bigger than yourself—even when things feel hopeless. And though it’s full of magic, the heart of the book lies in its characters, their relationships, and the quiet strength that carries them forward.

It’s rare for a book to feel this timeless and fresh at the same time. I already know I’ll be rereading this one. If you love cozy fantasy with real emotion, charming characters, and a touch of old-world magic, I can’t recommend this enough.

The Magician’s Daughter is a warm and emotional fantasy that quietly stole my heart. With rich writing, thoughtful characters, and a timeless story, H.G. Parry proves once again why she’s become one of my favorite authors. A new favorite for sure.