The Recommended Crystal Cestari Reading Path
Crystal Cestari's catalog is wonderfully accessible, split between a completed young adult urban fantasy trilogy and a couple of delightful standalone novels. Because her works are tightly defined, readers have two simple paths to choose from depending on whether they want a serialized magical mystery or a quick, self-contained story.
For the best experience, we recommend starting with her signature trilogy before moving on to her standalone stories:
- Step 1: The Windy City Magic Trilogy – Follow the trilogy in chronological/publication order (starting with The Best Kind of Magic). This is the absolute best way to experience Cestari's signature blend of Chicago-based urban magic and witty YA romance.
- Step 2: The Standalones – Read Super Adjacent and Happily Ever Island in any order you choose, as they are completely self-contained and feature entirely different settings and characters.
The Windy City Magic Series in Publication Order
This series is set in a vibrant, slightly modernized version of Chicago where magic exists in the open, alongside regular mortals. The story is told from the perspective of Amber Sand, a teenage matchmaker who possesses a unique and sometimes frustrating power: she can see anyone's soulmate just by looking into their eyes. However, there is a catch—she cannot see her own, leaving her to wonder if she is destined to be alone while helping everyone else find their perfect match.
You must read this trilogy in order, as the overarching mystery, Amber's relationships, and her character growth progress directly from one installment to the next.
1. The Best Kind of Magic (2017)
Also published under the title Miss Match in some regions, this debut novel introduces us to Amber Sand. She spends her summer working at her family's magic shop on Navy Pier and staying out of trouble. Her quiet life is disrupted when Charlie Blitzman, the son of Chicago's mayor, comes to her for help. Charlie's father is caught in a supernatural scandal, and he needs Amber's unique matchmaking sight to crack a high-stakes mystery. As the two team up, they must navigate the city's magical underworld, high school drama, and a growing romantic spark that defies Amber's matchmaking predictions.
2. The Sweetest Kind of Fate (2018)
Sometimes listed as The Truth About Destiny, this second book picks up with Amber dealing with the consequences of her choices in the first novel. Just as she thinks she has a handle on her matchmaking business and her relationship with Charlie, a new complication arises. Amber must deal with a family of sirens, a group of demanding mermaids, and a magical matchmaking contract that could ruin her life. This installment expands the mythical lore of Cestari's Chicago and forces Amber to question whether fate is set in stone or if free will can triumph over destiny.
3. The Fairest Kind of Love (2019)
The final book in the trilogy brings Amber's journey to a dramatic conclusion. Amber's matchmaking sight begins to falter, placing her career and her personal life in jeopardy. To make matters worse, she must confront a powerful new magical threat that could disrupt the balance of Chicago's supernatural community. As Amber fights to protect those she loves, she must finally decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her own shot at a happy ending. It is a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the romantic and supernatural arcs established in the first two books.
Crystal Cestari's Standalone Novels
If you are not ready to commit to a trilogy, or if you have finished the Windy City Magic series and want more of Cestari's signature sassy writing, these standalone novels are excellent entry points. They can be read in any order.
Super Adjacent (2020)
Set in a world where superheroes are organized under a corporate banner called the Warrior Nation, this novel takes a refreshing, humorous look at what it is like to be "super-adjacent"—dating, working for, or just living in the shadow of people with superpowers. The story is told through dual perspectives:
- Claire: A passionate superhero fangirl who lands a highly competitive internship at the Chicago branch of the Warrior Nation, hoping to prove that normal humans can be just as valuable as heroes.
- Bridgette: A teenager who is exhausted from dating Matt (a popular superhero known as Vaporizer) and is tired of the constant kidnappings, lack of privacy, and being treated as an afterthought.
When the city's heroes suddenly go missing during a major crisis, Claire and Bridgette are forced to team up, using their wits and normal human skills to save the day and rescue the heroes they love and tolerate.
Happily Ever Island (2022)
Published by Disney-Hyperion, this romantic comedy follows two best friends who get the chance of a lifetime to visit a highly exclusive, fully immersive Disney resort called Happily Ever Island. On the island, guests can live out their ultimate Disney fantasies by stepping into the roles of their favorite characters. The narrative focuses on:
- Madison: A romantic Disney superfan who chooses to play Cinderella, hoping to find her own real-life fairy tale while recovering from a recent breakup. Instead, she finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Val, the resort's charmingly annoying vacation coordinator.
- Lanie: A practical, career-focused student who agrees to go just to support Madison, choosing to play the independent Merida. However, she unexpectedly falls for the magic of the island and starts a secret relationship with the actor playing Prince Charming.
The book is a fun, lighthearted exploration of female friendship, shifting expectations, and finding magic in unexpected places.
What to Know Before You Start
Crystal Cestari's books are known for their fast-paced dialogues, strong female leads, and cozy urban fantasy settings. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind before you start reading:
- The Chicago Connection: Cestari was born and raised just outside Chicago, and her love for the city shines through. Settings like Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and the city's busy streets are treated as active characters in both Windy City Magic and Super Adjacent.
- Tone and Style: The books are light, romantic, and humorous. They are often described by fans as "fluffy but meaningful," focusing heavily on personal growth, identity, and the choices we make rather than dark, gritty fantasy elements.
- Alternate Titles: Keep an eye out for regional title variations. If you see Miss Match or The Truth About Destiny, those are simply the alternative names for the first two books of the Windy City Magic trilogy.