I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 hooks readers in with magical fun, naturally diverse characters, tons of excitement, and eye-catching comic panel insertions, leaving you pining for the next volume.
I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 is a fun, exciting, page-turning tale of Black magical girls fighting to protect their city. The story teases a mysterious past while also expanding the team. In this, it’s much like Sailor Moon. So, readers can connect with each character. It immerses itself in a recognizable world of fun, games, school, and danger. The characters each differ in personality and taste, from fashion to gaming to kickboxing. I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 hooks readers in with magical fun, naturally diverse characters, tons of excitement, and eye-catching comic panel insertions, leaving you pining for the next volume.
Written by Briana Lawrence, the story initially follows Bree Danvers. So, it begins with her bickering with her roommate, Marianna. Spaced with flashbacks at the beginning, readers get a glimpse of the dynamic between these two magical girls who battle monsters. Bree hears stories about a purple-haired hero in the city where she attends college. After a situation with a creature, she meets her heroine, Galactic Purple. Plus, her hero’s real identity is Marianna. The tale captures authentic choices and actions. Nothing feels forced in the story. Instead, they feel like natural behaviors for each character.
I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 Builds Characters
Briana Lawrence understands that a story is only as good as the characters readers are on the journey with. They don’t have to be lovable or even likable, but they must matter to readers. Bree feels like a young adult who is still childish in many regards. Bree is also affectionate and tongue-tied when she’s around her crush. So, her actions never feel inauthentic to her character or as a device to propel the plot. It’s natural to her personality, which is bold, even confrontational.
Marianna, with her more subdued character and baking passion, is starkly different. Romantically, she seems more hesitant to be in a relationship. Next, Lonnie, is a strong independent girl. One determined to do everything through her own strength, differs from both of them. Thanks to the details, from thoughts to interests, the characters in I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 each feel special: magical.
Builds a Page-Turner
Fortunately, I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 demonstrates how easy it is to craft a compelling story with diverse characters. It does not rely on trauma at every turn. It’s not necessary to build characters or progress the story. There is a definite conflict regarding toxic men who are monsters, both figuratively and literally. Through this, it highlights the real struggle to succeed—even exist—that many Black women face. That’s always topical, but even moreso now. And now, more than ever, we need these stories of sisterhood, community, and magic.
I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 begins a stellar story that incorporates magic, action, and growth, feeling like an inspirational and entertaining read. The inserts of comic drawn characters make you yearn for the addition of a comic version of the series. It’s beautiful to see a story centering both Black women and LGBTQ+ characters in a natural way that feels like you could meet these people at a cafe, or the latest game release. I Am Magical: magnifiqueNoir Book 1 is so much fun and really channels the joy of shows like Sailor Moon, making it a blerd girl’s dream.
