By: Jamie Steinberg
Tori Anne Martin’s book No Charm Done starts off as a tale of a rivalry between two teen witches and quickly turns into a rom-com gone wrong. Chrysanthemum and Lily have always been at odds with each other but when the two of them hex one another so close to Samhain it creates a curse that only ending their distaste for one another can squelch. But is this just friendship that Lily and Chrys have formed or could it be…more?
Lily has always been the smartest, prettiest and most talented witch in Thornhaven. That all changed when Chrysanthemum (“Chrys” as she prefers to be called) moved to town and began challenging Lily’s queen bee status. Lily took it as a personal affront and, thus, their butting heads began. Their dislike for one another reaches a boiling point when Chrys hexes Lily and Lily gets back at Chrys by hexing her. They were warned against this negativity happening so close to Samhain (a celebration for the beginning of winter) as it is believed that this time of year the veil between the living and dead was at its thinnest. What happens next is a curse that will only be removed when these two put the animosity away and come together in witchy warmth. Along the way Lily realizes that she has actual feelings for Chrys and Chrys realizes she has actual feelings for Lily. This contradicts everything the two of them have been through over the years and also could derail Lily’s trajectory to be valedictorian – living up to her parents’ expectations.
Martin writes an intriguing story of rivals turned friends turned maybe more. It’s a fast read as you are invested in watching Lily and Chrys go from foes to a sickly sweet couple. Opposites attract and Martin does a beautiful job of finding where it unites for them. The magic these two possess as witches make them the perfect duo to tackle anything the universe can throw at them – even parental demands, a school dance and a dangerous curse only they can see. Martin even makes you want to grab a PSL with Chrys and Lily at the Black Cat and snag a sweet treat courtesy of Chrys’ mom.
When we were young and had a crush on someone it might have taken the form of anger or teasing. Author Tori Ann Martin reminds us of those younger days with No Charm Done in a way that makes for a fresh take. This Sapphic story makes for a playful and fun witchy rom-com.