Land of Magic: Girl to Goddess is the debut novel from EM Hawking, an emerging voice in fantasy literature. It’s the first installment in a four-part series that follows Carla Valeria Grimalkin, a fifteen-year-old girl whose ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when she’s caught in a storm in the mysterious town of Amaran.
What starts as a simple walk to school in the rain transforms into the beginning of an adventure filled with danger, magic, and self-discovery. Hawking’s story isn’t just about surviving in a world turned upside down—it’s about how a seemingly ordinary girl can find herself becoming something extraordinary.
A World of Rain and Secrets
The novel begins in the town of Amaran, a place that’s constantly drenched in rain, setting a dark and moody tone for the story. It’s not just background noise; the storm seems alive, almost as if it’s got a mind of its own, shaping the world around Carla. In a way, the weather reflects Carla’s internal struggles—she’s dealing with the typical teenage issues of feeling stuck, of wanting something more from life, but now with the added pressure of literal storms and ancient secrets swirling around her.
This isn’t your average fantasy world, either. Hawking has crafted a setting that feels both familiar and mysterious. There’s a grounded sense of realism to Amaran, but it’s clear from the start that the town has deeper layers. From the crumbling streets to the hidden corners that seem to whisper of forgotten magic, Hawking uses the town to create a sense of foreboding. You can tell something important is lurking beneath the surface, and Carla is about to be pulled right into it.
Carla Valeria Grimalkin: An Unlikely Heroine
Carla is at the heart of this story. At first glance, she’s just a regular fifteen-year-old girl—frustrated by her town, tired of the rain, and dealing with the usual teenage concerns of walking to school and keeping up appearances. But there’s more to her than meets the eye. Carla’s journey isn’t just about navigating through a storm; it’s about coming into her own. Hawking makes it clear early on that Carla is going to face things she never expected, and that transformation—both internal and external—is the core of the novel.
What’s compelling about Carla is how relatable she is. She’s not some untouchable, flawless hero. She’s awkward, uncertain, and sometimes frustrated with her situation, which makes her incredibly human. As readers, we’ve all been there—feeling stuck in life, unsure of what the next step should be. This connection with Carla helps ground the fantastical elements of the story. Even as the magic begins to unfold, Carla’s reactions feel real, and we can empathize with her as she navigates the challenges thrown her way.
Themes of Growth and Destiny
One of the strongest themes in Land of Magic is the idea of growth. Carla starts the novel as an ordinary girl, and by the end, she’s on the path to becoming a goddess. But that transformation isn’t going to be easy. Hawking explores the idea of personal evolution, showing how Carla’s journey will be filled with obstacles, doubts, and moments where she might want to give up. This mirrors a lot of the struggles we face in real life—how sometimes we don’t feel ready for what’s coming next, how the weight of expectations can be overwhelming, and how growth often comes through the hardest challenges.
At the same time, the novel touches on the concept of destiny. Carla didn’t ask to be thrust into this storm, and she certainly didn’t ask to uncover the hidden secrets of Amaran. But sometimes, life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Carla has a larger role to play in this world, one that she never saw coming. Hawking deftly balances the tension between Carla’s personal desires and the responsibilities that are being thrust upon her. It’s an age-old fantasy trope—an ordinary person being chosen for something greater—but Hawking manages to give it a fresh spin by focusing on the internal journey as much as the external one.
The Magic of Amaran
Magic in Land of Magic is both subtle and powerful. Hawking doesn’t bombard the reader with spells and potions from the start. Instead, she slowly reveals the existence of magic in this world, letting it creep into the story as Carla’s awareness of it grows. This makes the magic feel more organic, like it’s a natural part of the world that has been lying dormant, waiting for the right moment to awaken.
What makes the magic in Amaran so intriguing is how it’s tied to the town’s ancient history. There’s a sense that Amaran has seen better days, and that its secrets are tied to something much larger than anyone realizes. As Carla begins to uncover these secrets, the lines between the natural world and the magical one start to blur, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation. You get the sense that the town itself is alive, that it has been waiting for someone like Carla to come along and uncover its hidden power.
EM Hawking’s Writing Style
One of the standout features of *Land of Magic* is Hawking’s writing style. It’s clear, concise, and doesn’t get bogged down in unnecessary details. She knows how to build a scene without over-explaining it, letting the reader’s imagination fill in the gaps. At the same time, she’s able to convey deep emotions through simple moments, making the reader feel connected to Carla and her struggles.
Hawking also excels at pacing. The story moves at a steady clip, never dragging, but also never rushing through important moments. She allows the tension to build naturally, keeping the reader engaged without overwhelming them with action. This balance is crucial in a fantasy novel, where world-building can sometimes take precedence over character development, but Hawking manages to keep both elements in harmony.
A Promising Start to a New Series
Land of Magic: Girl to Goddess is a strong debut for EM Hawking, and it sets the stage for an epic series that will likely captivate readers who enjoy fantasy, coming-of-age stories, and mysteries. While the novel introduces a lot of questions—about Amaran’s past, Carla’s future, and the role of magic in this world—it also provides enough answers to keep readers satisfied while eagerly anticipating the next book.
Hawking’s ability to blend relatable characters with a richly imagined world makes this novel stand out in the crowded fantasy genre. With Land of Magic, she has established herself as a writer to watch, and readers will be excited to see where Carla’s journey takes her next.
