Into the Wild Magic by Michelle Knudsen

What worked:

Lorelkey is an alternate world that bears similarities to the world readers live in. The differences aren’t a surprise, although they may make readers reconsider their favourite magical creatures. Bevvy loves unicorns, so she’s stunned when a group of them attack her and Cat. The blood-spattered muzzles and forelegs with eyes “full of malice” belie the beautiful image of unicorns in fantasy books. Bevvy has always loved dragons, but her first encounter with them in Lorelkey results in a run for her life. Giant, mothlike creatures are initially terrifying, but they become reliable forms of transportation.

Sorcerers are in a war with Lorelkey, as they seek to destroy any resistance, especially anyone with natural magic. They’ve developed a way to control the dragons, which has made them almost unstoppable. Calistine may be the last person wielding wild magic, so efforts to resist the sorcerers are becoming desperate. Cat can cast a few spells; she opened the portal into Lorelkey, but she doesn’t want to share her past with the others. However, her abilities might be invaluable toward stopping the sorcerers, which creates one of the plot’s conflicts. Plus, Calistine and her followers know there’s something unusual about Bevvy and Cat, so they’re reluctant to trust the two strangers. The distrust goes both ways, and it takes a while to overcome those feelings.

From the synopsis, readers will suspect Bevvy possesses wild magic, but she doesn’t understand what’s happening. She touches a tree in Lorelkey and senses it trying to help her escape a monster. She later asks them for protection, and they seem to respond. Bevvy’s not sure if it’s really happening, and Calistine initially says it’s impossible. The trees choose the people who receive their power, so why would they decide someone from another world is worthy? Perhaps it’s because Bevvy’s a kind, gentle soul who desperately wants friends. She cares about the well-being of the trees, and they sense her good intentions.

What didn’t work as well:

Some aspects of the plot are predictable. The fate of Cat’s mom is assumed, but readers will have a suspicion about her demise. Evil sorcerers are sent away, but readers will anticipate their return. Bevvy possesses wild magic, common sense, and a caring heart, but her influence on adults in Lorelkey is surprising.

The final verdict:

The plot is more dramatic and adventurous than readers might expect. Old prejudices are hard to overcome, but all of the tensions are mostly resolved in the end. I recommend you give this book a shot.