Cecilia Edward’s debut novel An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating conjures up a delightfully unconventional romance that bridges centuries, blending cozy fantasy elements with contemporary dating culture in ways both hilarious and heartwarming. This enchanting tale follows Thorn Scarhart, a thirty-nine-year-old witch from 1690 who finds herself catapulted into the twenty-first century after a potion mishap, discovering that finding love across time periods presents its own unique challenges.
The premise immediately sets this novel apart from typical paranormal romance fare. Rather than focusing on young protagonists discovering their powers, Edward presents us with a fully-formed witch who has already lived through loss, isolation, and the crushing weight of family expectations. Thorn’s character feels refreshingly authentic in her struggles with aging, loneliness, and the societal pressure to find love before it’s “too late.”
A Protagonist Worth Rooting For
Edward excels in crafting Thorn as a complex, flawed, yet thoroughly sympathetic character. Her desperation to find love stems not from superficial desires but from deep-seated trauma and a lifetime of believing herself unworthy of affection. The author skillfully reveals Thorn’s backstory through carefully placed flashbacks, particularly the devastating revelation about her sister Rose’s betrayal, which adds psychological depth to what could have been a purely comedic premise.
Thorn’s relationship with her familiar, Bandit, provides some of the novel’s best moments. The white cat’s sardonic commentary and unwavering loyalty create a perfect foil to Thorn’s anxieties, while their bond demonstrates her capacity for love even when she doubts her own worthiness. Edward’s decision to make Bandit genuinely sarcastic rather than generically supportive adds personality to their dynamic.
The supporting cast, particularly Walls (the veterinarian) and Meg (the museum curator), feels well-developed rather than serving merely as plot devices. Walls emerges as a genuinely kind love interest whose attraction to Thorn feels earned rather than magically induced, while Meg’s practical nature grounds the more fantastical elements of the story.
Magical World-Building That Enchants
Edward demonstrates impressive skill in creating two distinct time periods that feel authentic and lived-in. Her seventeenth-century world avoids romanticizing the past while still maintaining its magical elements. The author doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Thorn’s original era—limited hygiene, restricted women’s rights, and primitive living conditions—while balancing these with the wonder of a world where magic is real and practiced.
The transition to modern times provides rich material for both comedy and character development. Thorn’s bewilderment at electric kettles, smartphones, and dating apps creates genuinely funny moments without reducing her to a mere fish-out-of-water caricature. Edward particularly shines in depicting Thorn’s gradual adaptation to twenty-first-century life, from learning to use technology to navigating the complexities of modern dating culture.
The magical system feels well-thought-out and consistent. Edward establishes clear rules for potion-making, time travel, and magical consequences, avoiding the trap of using magic as a convenient plot solution. The various potions—from the Youth potion to the disastrous Shape-Shifting brew—have logical effects and reasonable limitations that maintain story tension.
Romance That Develops Naturally
Despite the magical premise, the central romance between Thorn and Walls develops with realistic pacing and genuine chemistry. Edward wisely avoids the insta-love trope, instead building their relationship through small kindnesses, shared interests, and mutual respect. Walls’s profession as a veterinarian provides natural opportunities for him to demonstrate his caring nature, while his patience with Thorn’s eccentricities feels authentic rather than contrived.
The author handles the consent issues around love potions with surprising nuance. When Thorn believes Walls has been affected by her magic, her guilt and moral struggle feel genuine and add depth to both characters. The revelation that their attraction was mutual from the beginning provides a satisfying resolution that validates both characters’ agency in their relationship.
Where the Magic Falters
While Edward’s debut shows considerable promise, certain elements feel less polished. The pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly in the middle section where Thorn’s various dating attempts begin to feel repetitive. The author sometimes relies too heavily on misunderstandings that could be resolved with simple communication, though this improves significantly in the latter half of the novel.
The resolution of the Rose subplot, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of the main romance. Rose’s character arc from potential villain to sympathetic sister struggling with her own trauma deserves more exploration, particularly given the profound impact her actions had on Thorn’s development.
Some secondary characters, particularly Thorn’s various dating app matches, lean toward caricature rather than fully realized individuals. While this serves the comedic elements well, it occasionally undermines the novel’s more serious themes about loneliness and the search for genuine connection.
Themes That Resonate Across Centuries
Edward weaves meaningful themes throughout the narrative without becoming heavy-handed. The novel explores self-worth, the difference between genuine love and artificial attraction, and the courage required to be vulnerable with another person. Thorn’s journey from believing she needs magic to find love to recognizing her own inherent worth provides the story’s emotional backbone.
The author also addresses modern dating culture with both humor and insight. Thorn’s experiences with ghosting, catfishing, and the superficiality of app-based dating will resonate with contemporary readers while highlighting the timeless nature of the human desire for connection.
A Cozy Fantasy That Delivers
Edward’s writing style captures the cozy fantasy atmosphere perfectly. Her prose feels warm and inviting without sacrificing wit or emotional depth. The author demonstrates particular skill in balancing humor with more serious moments, ensuring that even the comedic scenes serve character development and plot advancement.
The novel’s conclusion provides satisfying resolutions to both the romantic plot and Thorn’s personal growth arc while leaving room for potential future stories. The final confrontation between the sisters offers emotional catharsis without requiring forgiveness where none is owed.
Perfect for Fans of Magical Romance
Readers who enjoyed Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex will find much to love in Edward’s debut. The novel shares their blend of humor, heart, and accessible magic while offering its own unique voice and perspective. The time-travel element adds freshness to familiar paranormal romance tropes.
Similar Enchanting Reads
For readers seeking similar magical experiences like An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating, consider reading:
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
- The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
- Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
- The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- Beach Read by Emily Henry (for contemporary romance elements)
Final Thoughts
An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating succeeds as both an entertaining romantic comedy and a meaningful exploration of self-worth and genuine connection. While Edward’s debut isn’t without its minor flaws, the novel’s heart, humor, and magical charm far outweigh any shortcomings. Thorn’s journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance, wrapped in a delightfully magical package, makes this a memorable addition to the cozy fantasy genre.
Edward has crafted a novel that understands love isn’t about finding someone to complete you, but about being whole enough to share yourself with another person—magical potions not required.
I received an advance reader copy of this enchanting tale through a cosmic cat distribution system that mysteriously delivered it to my mailbox (or perhaps more conventionally, in exchange for this honest review). Like Thorn discovering electric kettles, I found this literary magic delightfully surprising.
