Forsaking Magic - Paperback

by Julian Norwood (Author)

Julian Norwood's first published novel has a rare combination of stark reality and believable fantasy. Dealing with real world issues of transgender teens, acceptance, and family crisis, Norwood draws the reader in using supernatural forces as a subtle metaphor. Forsaking Magic is a poignant coming of age story set in a world where a portion of the population is born with a supernatural ability like magic or shape-shifting. Although not illegal, those who have abilities must keep a low profile to avoid public scorn. This is no ordinary young adult novel however. The core of the message goes much deeper as the teens in the book struggle with identity ranging from accepting their magical abilities to sexual identity. The vehicle for framing the issues in Forsaking Magic is the protagonist, a teenage girl named Abby. She is not only faced with her own trials of dealing with her magical skills and identity conflicts and the impact they have on herself and her family, but she is also the witness to teens' and parents' struggles to find acceptance and stability both within the family units and in society. Norwood's writing skill and sense of story shouldn't get lost in the message in Forsaking Magic. The novel is well crafted both in story and execution, and it is neither apologetic nor zealous. His description of the places and people is both touching and humorous, and the dialog feels genuine. In the end, Forsaking Magic is a well-told tale.

Author Biography

Julian Norwood is a writer and illustrator living in rural Connecticut with his spouse, two cats, and a small menagerie of pocket pets. Originally from Kettering Ohio, he has a degree in Studio Art from Defiance College, and finished his first children's book, Up and Away, as his capstone project. His first novel, Forsaking Magic, followed in 2014. He's been busy on an alphabet book for pre-schoolers, and more YA fantasy ventures, including the sequel for Forsaking Magic, and "Ambrose and the Cat." Most of his work is painted, in various media such as casein and oils, and most of his writing is done at much too early in the morning. When he's not writing, he's elbows deep in an engine, bottling the next home-brew project, enjoying a cup of tea, or traveling the countryside.