📖 Overview
Katie Chandler, a young woman from Texas working in New York City, discovers she possesses a rare immunity to magic. MSI Inc., a company specializing in spells and enchantments, recruits her for her unique ability to see through magical illusions.
The story takes place in a version of Manhattan where magic operates alongside everyday reality, though most people cannot perceive it. Katie joins forces with Owen Palmer, a powerful wizard, and the legendary Merlin himself as they work to protect the magical and non-magical worlds from dark forces.
At its core, Enchanted, Inc. combines elements of contemporary workplace fiction with urban fantasy, exploring themes of belonging and self-discovery. The narrative suggests that what appears to be ordinary may actually be extraordinary when viewed from a different perspective.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a light, fun blend of chick-lit and urban fantasy. Many compare it to Bridget Jones's Diary with magic.
Readers liked:
- The unique premise of a magic-immune protagonist
- Clean romance without explicit content
- Humor and witty dialogue
- Office politics mixed with supernatural elements
- References to fairy tales and fantasy tropes
Common criticisms:
- Plot moves slowly in first half
- Romance develops too gradually
- Some found the protagonist naive
- Writing style can be simplistic
- Magic system lacks depth
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.85/5 (19,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings)
Reader quote: "Perfect for anyone who works in an office and wishes their boring job could be more magical" - Goodreads reviewer
Common comparison: "Harry Potter meets The Devil Wears Prada" appears in multiple reviews
Series completion note: Many readers mention starting for the romance but continuing for the overall story arc.
📚 Similar books
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
A librarian spy moves between alternate worlds to collect magical books while navigating fae politics and dragon conspiracies.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper A fired children's librarian becomes a vampire and builds a new life using her organizational skills to manage supernatural politics.
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg A young woman learns to manipulate paper magic at a Victorian-era academy while uncovering dark secrets about her profession.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews A mercenary navigates a magic-ravaged Atlanta where technology and supernatural powers alternate in waves.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness A historian witch discovers an enchanted manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library, pulling her into supernatural politics and forbidden romance.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper A fired children's librarian becomes a vampire and builds a new life using her organizational skills to manage supernatural politics.
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg A young woman learns to manipulate paper magic at a Victorian-era academy while uncovering dark secrets about her profession.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews A mercenary navigates a magic-ravaged Atlanta where technology and supernatural powers alternate in waves.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness A historian witch discovers an enchanted manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library, pulling her into supernatural politics and forbidden romance.
🤔 Interesting facts
⭐ The author, Shanna Swendson, was inspired to write the series after her own experiences working in corporate America, particularly in New York City's advertising industry.
⭐ Manhattan's iconic landmarks, like Grand Central Terminal and Central Park, are reimagined in the novel as hubs of magical activity, with special enchanted areas hidden from ordinary humans.
⭐ The concept of "magic immunity" in the novel draws from medieval folklore where certain individuals were believed to be naturally resistant to magical influences and could detect supernatural beings.
⭐ The book sparked a successful series with seven subsequent novels, all following Katie Chandler's adventures in magical Manhattan.
⭐ MSI (Magic, Spells, and Illusions Inc.) is a playful parody of real-world corporate culture, complete with magical office supplies, enchanted water coolers, and supernatural HR policies.