Magic in the Mix

Miri and Molly are ostensibly ordinary twin sisters sandwiched between their twin older brothers and twin younger sisters; an unusual family. Their house is unusual too, containing magic portals which can transport them back in time. Slipping through the portals the twins find themselves in 1918 and in the 1860s. This is magic with a mission; at first Molly thinks her purpose is to prevent her parents meeting, thereby saving her mother from untimely death in child birth. Miri is less keen on this as it would mean no Molly, no sister, no lifelong companion. Later however, the girls discover their mission is to save their brothers who also slip through time and become embroiled in a real historical battle rather than a 21st-century re-enactment; something which takes all the girls’ courage and ingenuity.

Much of the story is set in the context of the American Civil War, and appreciation of the story would be enhanced with some basic knowledge of this period. The book touches on the savagery of war, and its waste of young lives. The power of family loyalty is a strong theme; no matter how irritating their brothers are, Miri and Molly are desperate to save them from likely death.

With a premise similar to the film Back to the Future, this is an intriguing time slip adventure story with magic triggered in very everyday places (home and garden). Although a little confusing at times, Magic in the Mix is a story with appeal for boys as well as girls, though the cover colour and design is unlikely to encourage this. Magic in the Mix is a sequel to The Magic Half and starting with the first in the series might help clarify how it is Molly and Miri, two girls from different time zones, came to live together as twins in the 21^st century.