Enchantment at Its Best: A Review of No Charm Done by Tori Anne Martin
When I first stumbled upon the description of No Charm Done by Tori Anne Martin, I felt an irresistible pull. A cute YA witchy sapphic romance set in the enchanting town of Thornhaven? Count me in! The promise of drama, magic, and a dash of romance had me eagerly anticipating the release, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts after diving into this charming tale.
At the heart of No Charm Done are Lily Allerton and Chrysanthemum “Chrys” Quinn, two girls who couldn’t be more different—or so they think. From the first pages, we witness their fierce rivalry play out in the most relatable teenage way, filled with competition over grades, boys, and everything in between. I found the nuances of their dynamic refreshing; it felt real, capturing the complexity of high school relationships. As their initial disdain morphs into a reluctant alliance, the tension between them crackled with an exciting intensity that made my heart race!
Let’s talk about our leading ladies. I adored Chrys right from the start. Her goth girl charm paired with a gentle nature made her so relatable to me. She embodies the lone-wolf vibe—someone with a few cherished friends, and a strong love for books. In contrast, Lily struck me as the quintessential popular girl at first, but as the story unfolded, I found her somewhat overshadowed by Chrys’s charisma. It was fascinating to see the layers peel away from both characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and insecurities in the face of a greater threat.
The writing style is one of Martin’s standout features. Her easy prose flows effortlessly, whisking readers into the whimsical yet competitive world of Thornhaven. The pacing felt just right—fast enough to keep my heart racing, but balanced with tender moments that allowed me to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The incorporation of tarot cards as a plot device added an intriguing layer of magic, though I must admit the conclusion involving the cards felt a tad rushed and forced. It was satisfying but could have benefited from a more seamless integration into the overarching narrative.
The romance in No Charm Done is where the real magic lies! The evolution from enemies to lovers was executed beautifully, with mutual realizations about their attractions that left me rooting for them. The moments of tension between Lily and Chrys had just the right amount of spice, capturing the thrill of first love while also exploring self-discovery in a way that felt inherently natural.
In wrapping up my thoughts, I can’t help but reflect on how much No Charm Done resonated with me. It’s a perfect blend of warmth and whimsy, appropriate for readers who cherish a delightful sapphic romance wrapped in a witchy facade. If you’re on the lookout for a cozy fall read filled with magic, romance, and relatable characters, I wholeheartedly recommend this enchanting tale.
Mark your calendars—No Charm Done releases October 7, 2025! A special thanks to the publisher, Holiday House; the author, Tori Anne Martin; and NetGalley for my free e-ARC. Happy reading, everyone!