In “Special Proper Magic,” Michael McAdam introduces readers to a world where supernatural abilities exist alongside everyday life. This charming first installment in a potential series introduces readers to two unforgettable protagonists, whose discovery of their unique abilities leads them into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur in unexpected ways. Along the way, “Special Proper Magic” delivers a captivating supernatural adventure that skillfully balances spooky thrills with heartwarming adolescent friendship.
The story follows Adrian Whitingham, a solitary boy with striking yellow eyes and telekinetic powers, and his American cousin Holly Weaver, who possesses the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. When Holly visits Adrian’s ancestral English mansion for the summer, the cousins quickly discover they have more in common than just their raven-black hair—they both harbor extraordinary gifts that set them apart from others. Their budding friendship is immediately tested when they must embark on a mission to find a missing neighborhood boy, Ethan, which leads them into increasingly eerie otherworldly encounters.
With a writing style mostly aimed at younger readers, McAdam excels at world-building, creating distinct realms that feel both magical and menacing. The ghostly tea party in the graveyard and the mirror-world where everything appears in reverse are particularly well-realized settings that showcase the author’s vivid imagination, and the illustrations will help bring the story to life for children. The concept of the “spirit world” with its strange rules and dangerous inhabitants adds layers of intrigue to what might otherwise be a simple missing-person plot.
What truly stands out is the character development. Adrian and Holly are refreshingly complex—intelligent, occasionally snarky, and realistically flawed. Their initial wariness gradually transforms into mutual respect and genuine affection as they navigate their supernatural challenges together. Their dialogue crackles with wit, and their distinct personalities complement each other perfectly. The antagonists are equally compelling. Lady Arngrim, with her elegance and hunger for life energy, is genuinely unsettling, while the concept of a house that becomes sentient and traps people out of loneliness provides a uniquely sympathetic villain. These nuanced adversaries elevate the stakes beyond simple good-versus-evil dynamics.
The novel thoughtfully explores themes of belonging and accepting one’s differences that teenagers and children will enjoy. Both Adrian and Holly have felt isolated due to their abilities, but together they find strength and even joy in what makes them special. The metaphor of “special proper magic” resonates throughout—the idea that what makes us different might actually be our greatest gift. McAdam’s deft handling of these universal adolescent concerns grounds the supernatural elements in emotional truth, allowing young readers to see their own struggles for identity and acceptance reflected in the cousins’ journey.
With its ending hinting at future supernatural threats and the promise of the cousins reuniting in Boston, “Special Proper Magic” sets up what promises to be an engaging series. McAdam has created a world where the ordinary and extraordinary coexist in fascinating ways, leaving readers eager to discover what adventures await these likable young heroes.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric middle-grade adventures like Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline” or Jonathan Stroud’s “Lockwood & Co” series, “Special Proper Magic” offers just the right combination of spooky thrills and heartfelt moments to keep readers of all ages enchanted from beginning to end.
You can buy “Special Proper Magic” by Michael McAdam here!
