Marissa Meyer, widely known for her bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Renegades, and Gilded series, turns her narrative prowess toward a new frontier in We Could Be Magic—a YA graphic novel packed with whimsy, self-discovery, and unapologetic joy. In collaboration with illustrator Joelle Murray, Meyer delivers a heartening, inclusive tale of dreams, body positivity, and the complicated magic of growing up.
While her previous works veered toward fairy tale retellings and dystopian adventures, this one feels grounded in contemporary teen emotions but never loses Meyer’s signature sparkle. At first glance, it reads like a cotton-candy treat—sweet, pastel-hued, and effervescent. But underneath its glittering facade is a bold, honest, and deeply empowering story.
Plot Summary: Fairy Tales Don’t Always Fit
Tabitha Laurie, or “Tabi,” is a lifelong fan of Sommerland, a Disney-like theme park where magic feels real and dreams come true. As her parents’ relationship crumbled in her childhood, one trip to the park convinced her that true love might still exist. Now seventeen and full of ambition, she secures a spot in the park’s summer intern program with the hopes of becoming one of Sommerland’s iconic princesses.
But Sommerland, for all its magic, has one unspoken rule—its princesses must look a certain way. Thin. Conventionally beautiful. Fit the costume and the brand.
Tabi, who doesn’t conform to those narrow standards, finds herself crushed when she’s rejected during auditions and assigned instead to work a nacho stand. What follows is a summer of unexpected friendships, romantic tension, self-discovery, and a big-hearted rebellion against the status quo—all told with colorful charm and subtle, sharp commentary.
What Makes We Could Be Magic Truly Magical
1. Compelling Protagonist with Real Stakes
Tabi is not your typical YA heroine. She’s hopeful yet insecure, determined yet riddled with self-doubt. Her earnestness is her superpower, and Meyer crafts her with such sincerity that readers will root for her on every page. What’s more, her emotional journey isn’t just about getting the prince (or princess) or winning the crown—it’s about redefining what “magic” means for herself.
2. Body Positivity without Preachiness
This novel succeeds where many others stumble: delivering a body-positive message without becoming didactic. Tabi’s body is not a narrative obstacle to overcome—it simply is. Her experiences navigating a world that judges appearances mirror many real-life situations, especially for teens, but Meyer handles the theme with empathy and humor. It’s not a lecture; it’s a story that reflects the real world.
3. A Diverse and Delightful Supporting Cast
We Could Be Magic shines in its character dynamics. From her acerbically hilarious roommate Sasha, to her sweet, artistic love interest Percy (a nonbinary performer), to the ultra-perky princess-in-training Giselle, each supporting character feels vividly alive and carefully drawn.
Their interactions create a layered, believable friendship circle that uplifts Tabi while challenging her. These aren’t cardboard sidekicks—they’re dynamic, flawed, and crucial to the story’s emotional core.
4. Romance That Respects Identity
The budding romance between Tabi and Percy is subtle, sweet, and refreshingly healthy. Percy is nonbinary, and their relationship unfolds slowly, rooted in mutual respect, admiration, and affection. Meyer handles queer representation with thoughtfulness, avoiding clichés or fetishization. Instead, it feels like a gentle breath of fresh air in the YA romance genre.
5. Whimsical, Expressive Artwork by Joelle Murray
Joelle Murray’s illustrations bring Sommerland to life with bright colors, fluid panels, and dreamy aesthetic choices. Each character’s emotions are conveyed with remarkable clarity, and the park itself is both idyllic and satirical—a fantastical place that also reflects societal flaws.
The visual storytelling complements the written narrative beautifully, especially in scenes of performance, parade, and confrontation. The blend of full-page spreads with tight, expressive close-ups allows readers to stay immersed in the highs and lows of Tabi’s journey.
Themes Explored with Depth and Grace
- Self-worth and Identity: Tabi’s internal struggle is less about wanting to change herself and more about demanding the world to make space for her as she is. That’s a radical message, especially in a setting modeled on the aesthetics of perfection.
- Dreams vs. Reality: The story asks whether it’s worth pursuing a dream if the gatekeepers won’t let you in—or whether you should build a new one entirely. Sommerland is a clever metaphor for many institutions that profess inclusivity while quietly enforcing narrow standards.
- Found Family and Belonging: The friendships Tabi forms aren’t just incidental—they’re foundational to her growth. They reflect the YA genre’s best attribute: showing that love and belonging don’t have to come from romance or family alone.
- Feminism and Representation: The novel’s quiet rebellion against industry beauty norms is inherently feminist. Without turning preachy, Meyer critiques the commercialization of fairy tales and challenges who gets to be seen as the hero.
A Few Missed Spells: Where the Magic Flickers
Despite its overwhelming charm, We Could Be Magic isn’t without minor hiccups:
- Pacing in the Mid-Section: Around Chapters 4–6, the story meanders a little. While character development continues, the narrative tension softens, and some readers may find their attention wavering slightly before the action ramps up again.
- Some Tropes Are Too Familiar: While Meyer cleverly subverts many fairytale clichés, the “outsider must prove herself” arc is well-trodden. It’s given new life here, but doesn’t always feel surprising.
- More Insight into Percy Wanted: Percy is a standout character, but their backstory and personal arc could’ve been deepened. While their presence is heartwarming, they sometimes feel slightly underdeveloped compared to Tabi.
How It Compares: Other Books and Works to Know
If you loved We Could Be Magic, you might also enjoy:
- The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang – Another gorgeously illustrated graphic novel with themes of identity and self-expression.
- Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol – A summer story that blends humor, anxiety, and self-discovery.
- Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu – A queer-positive, charming graphic novel series that mixes romance and sports with depth.
- Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron – A subversive take on fairy tales with a strong female lead rewriting the rules.
- Meyer’s own Instant Karma (novel, not graphic) also shares thematic overlap—about expectations, self-worth, and the power of one’s choices.
Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf
We Could Be Magic is more than a charming, pastel-colored romp through a fictional theme park. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, miscast, or underestimated. It’s a call to action for reimagining beauty standards and narrative traditions.
Whether you’re a teen figuring out who you are, a fan of inclusive romance, or simply someone who loves stories that glow with heart and sincerity, this book delivers.
Recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary YA graphic novels
- Teens navigating body image and identity
- Readers seeking LGBTQ+ inclusive stories
- Anyone craving a soft, empowering romance wrapped in humor and hope
Final Verdict:
We Could Be Magic enchants with its warmth, dazzles with its visuals, and uplifts with its message. It might not revolutionize the graphic novel format, but it certainly refreshes the YA romance genre with charm, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence.
The book’s imperfections—slightly uneven pacing and some familiar tropes—don’t detract much from its value. Instead, they make it more human, more relatable. Like Tabi herself, it doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.