It centers on Paul-Clay (otherwise known just as Clay), Max Ernest's brother and is part of the series Bad Books.

Commenting on "Bosch’s mix of slapstick silliness, sly authorial asides, and magical adventure", Krista Hutley, writing for Booklist, compared Bad Magic to Lemony Snicket and M. T. Anderson’s Pals in Peril series.

[2] Publishers Weekly also mentioned allusions to Lord of the Flies, Gilligan's Island, and Lost.

[3] Discussing the plot, Hutley indicated that "the story takes a bit too long to develop".

[2] Publishers Weekly also mentioned Gilbert's illustration, saying they "bring in additional humor".