Title: The Enchantment Emporium
Author: Tanya Huff
First published June 2, 2009
361 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780756405557 (ISBN10: 0756405556)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
Meet Alysha Gale, a member of a family with a peculiar charm. The men grow horns and submit to the females until they decide to choose their own path.
When her grandmother passes away, Alysha inherits a junk shop in Calgary with peculiar fey mailboxes and the infamous Monkey’s Paw. With the help of leprechaun Joe, she hopes to sell some yo-yos to keep the business afloat.
But when dragons start flying over the city, things take a turn for the worse. Will the Aunties be able to save the day or will Alysha be forced to rely on her own magical abilities?
Join Alysha on an enchanting adventure full of unexpected twists and turns in The Enchantment Emporium by Tanya Huff.
About the Author
I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and though I moved away just before I turned four, I still consider myself a Maritimer. Maybe it’s because I was born near the ocean, or maybe it’s because no one wants to admit they’re from Ontario…
Most of my childhood was spent in Kingston, Ontario during the late 60s and early to mid-70s. For those who lived through it, no explanation is needed.
For those who didn’t, consider yourself lucky you didn’t have to wear platform shoes.
I spent three years in the Canadian Naval Reserve as a cook. I joined when they opened it up to women, hoping it would be the first trade to send women to sea.
I was right, but unfortunately it happened a year after I left. No tattoos for me.
After graduating with a degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, I found myself competing for jobs with people who had up to five years of experience. It was tough, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, my cat threw up on my degree.
For eight years, I worked at Bakka, North America’s oldest surviving science fiction book store. I wrote seven books (the first seven, except for the original draft of CHILD) and nine short stories during that time while working full-time.
Change of Hobbit in California was actually a little older than Bakka, but unfortunately it didn’t survive the recession in ’91.
In 1992, after living in downtown Toronto for thirteen years, I moved with my partner and our two large cats and one small psychotic cat to a rented house in the middle of nowhere. Over the years, we’ve purchased the house, buried two of the original cats, and unintentionally acquired a Chihuahua.
Don’t ask how two reasonably intelligent adults can unintentionally acquire a Chihuahua.
I love living in the country and writing full-time. I’m a fan of Charles de Lint, Xena, Hercules, and email.
I’m not a fan of telephones, electric blankets, and bathroom renovations.
I always expect the worst to happen, so I’m usually pleasantly surprised when it doesn’t. I currently live with my wife.
Editoral Review
“The Enchantment Emporium” by Tanya Huff is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that was first published in June 2009. Tanya Huff is a Canadian author who has written over thirty novels and is best known for her works in the fantasy and science fiction genres.
“The Enchantment Emporium” is the first book in the Gale Women series and is a unique and captivating addition to the urban fantasy genre.
The novel is set in Calgary, Alberta, and revolves around the Gale family, a matriarchal clan of witches who run a magical emporium. The main character, Allie Gale, is a young woman who has just joined the family business and must navigate the complex hierarchy of the Gale women while also uncovering a dangerous plot to destroy their family.
Along the way, she discovers her own powers, falls in love, and confronts the dark forces that threaten her family’s existence.
One of the strengths of “The Enchantment Emporium” is the way that Tanya Huff weaves together fantasy and reality. The novel is set in a contemporary urban environment but is infused with magic and supernatural elements.
The author does an excellent job of creating a believable world where witches and dragons exist alongside skyscrapers and coffee shops. The characters are also well-developed, and the complex relationships between the Gale women are explored in depth.
The author’s attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the characters and setting to life, making the story immersive and engaging.
Another strength of the novel is the way that it tackles themes of power, family, and identity. The Gale family is a powerful and influential force in the magical world, but their power is also a burden that they must carry.
The novel explores the idea of how power can both enable and constrain individuals, and how family dynamics can both support and hinder personal growth. The novel also touches on issues of gender and sexuality, as the Gale women are all strong and independent characters who challenge traditional gender roles.
While “The Enchantment Emporium” is an enjoyable and well-written novel, it does have some flaws. The pacing of the story is uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on unnecessarily.
Additionally, the novel’s climax is somewhat anticlimactic, and the resolution of the central conflict feels rushed and unsatisfying.
Despite these flaws, “The Enchantment Emporium” is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy. Tanya Huff’s writing is top-notch, and the novel’s unique blend of magic and reality is captivating.
The novel is also significant in its exploration of themes of power, family, and identity, making it relevant to current issues and events. Overall, “The Enchantment Emporium” is a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy genre and is highly recommended to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
8/10.
