Higher Magic: A Novel

Dorothe Bartleby is filled with anxiety as she’s facing the impending doom of her qualifying exams. She gets one last chance, or she’ll be removed from the Magic program. To add insult to injury, she has been informed that she must reframe the entirety of her dissertation, and worse, she must use Digimancy. Just as her focus should be on remaining in the program, she begins to suspect the worst when her students, along with others in the university, asking for disability accommodations, are disappearing.

The comedic timing of Floyd is spot on, with quirky dialogue and perfectly absurd situations, such as a talking skull that participates by narrating Bartleby’s thoughts. Somehow, Floyd makes every eccentric scene work to the advantage of the plot. And even finds time to include some romance with Bartleby, having no choice but to seek help from the handsome James. The cast of characters is delightful, unique, and features lovely inclusivity. The world is a modern-day reflection, though with a magical bent and jargon that helps immerse you in the reality that Floyd has created. The mystery serves the greater good of the plot by shining a light on characters with disabilities and anxiety. Higher Magic is a magical treat with charm, magic, mystery, and subtle commentary about friendship, acceptance, and inclusion.