On the Origins of Magic by J. Lynn Carr — Book Review and Content Warnings

Author: J. Lynn Carr

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Magical Academia

Series: Standalone

Age Rating: Adult

Synopsis

Welcome to Elden, where books grow from petals and bones, and magic lives in the air… Artemis is a 38-year-old divorced witch who takes up a Head Librarian posting at Wymore College of Magical Studies after an accident leaves her with a curse and forces her to leave her detective job. River is the enigmatic Sigil Craft professor tasked with helping Artemis in her quest to break her curse. As they work together, their connection deepens, but the question arises: Is their growing attraction to each other a genuine connection or a byproduct of the enchantment on Artemis?

Content Warnings

General Rating: Teen+ (14A / PG-13 / TV-14)

• Spice Rating: Mild—kissing, brief discussions of previous sexual relationships, non-explicit

• Violence Rating: Mild—descriptions of physical abuse and torture

• Profanity Rating: Moderate—rare use of f*ck

• Other Trigger Warnings: divorce, parental abuse, death of parent

Overall Rating: 4.25/5 (4.2 on Goodreads)

A beautiful, cozy, imaginative romance fantasy set in a university with a library that grows books—what’s not to like? I was enchanted. The only drawback was that it was too short... I could have spent another 300 pages in Wymore!

What I Liked

• The cozy vibes: Universities and libraries tickle that spot inside me that desires rootedness in the written word and the pursuit of knowledge. Wymore College gave off Hogwarts vibes—only for adults rather than for boarding school children.

  River has always believed that most problems can be solved by a wander through a bookstore or library. (142)

• Adult relationships: As a thirty-something adult, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to read of romances between emotionally mature adults! No angsty teenage hormones… thank goodness!

• Excellent world building: Somehow, Carr manages to build an entire world, history, military coup, and personal backstories within 189 pages. It’s an amazing feat and I loved every bit of it.

Themes and Reflections

• Pursuit of Knowledge: It’s a common theme in magical academia books, and this one is no different. River, in particular, thrives on research and deep study, and he uses his knowledge for the benefit of others.

  “Language changes with time. Evolves. It’s a living entity that we rely on so closely, we don't see how it grows with us until we look back at history.” (76)

• Emotional Maturity over Time: Growth happens over time, especially emotional maturity. Both protagonists frequently look back at their past selves some twenty years prior, and recognize where they have grown and continue to grow.

  Is that what twenty years does to a person? Gives them the ability to customize the space they’ve been given in this world, to carve new curves and grooves into their life so that it fits them and only them? (142)

• Vulnerability and Trust: Both protagonists learn to trust one another with their emotions and deepest selves. This happens over time and not without fits and starts, like all relationships. Carr portrayed this in a realistic, yet light and hopeful way that reflects the best of humanity when they learn to truly love and trust one another.

Writing Style

Cozy, imaginative, and whimsical in its magical development and world building! It’s like a Harry Potter for adults, with a hint of steam and far less Voldemort.

If you’re looking for a cozy, slow-paced but rich stay in a magical university, pick up On the Origins of Magic on August 26, 2025!

Tropes

• Magical academia

• Unbreakable curses

• Fated love

• Grumpy and sunshine

Books Like This

• The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

• Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett

Publisher Info

• Publisher: Bramble

• Release Date: August 26, 2025

• eARC from BookSirens, available on Amazon on August 26

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