The story opens with Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, fleeing her burning workplace in the midst of a revolution. With her loyal spider plant, Caz, and a cache of forbidden magical books in tow, Kiela sets off by boat to seek refuge in her small island hometown of Caltrey. Once there, she must confront her shy, introverted tendencies and find a way to rebuild her life. Will the locals accept her? Will authorities from Alyssium track her down to reclaim the magical books? And what surprises await her on Caltrey that she could never have expected?
For readers new to fantasy, this book is a delightful introduction. The characters are endearing, and the themes—balancing vulnerability with caution, navigating trust, and finding courage to start over—are highly relatable. The whimsical magical creatures add charm and levity while supporting the broader story of courage, small acts of kindness, and personal growth. Bonus: there’s non-spicy romance!
My only minor reservation is the pacing, which can feel slow in some chapters. While the book has clear conflict and resolution, it’s not an action-packed thriller—it’s meant to be a cozy, whimsical journey rather than a fast-paced adventure.
Overall, The Spellshop is a lighthearted, fun romantasy. If you’re looking for a feel-good story to reset your mind between epic, multi-book fantasy series, this is a perfect pick. The characters are charming, the plot moves along whimsically, and the magical world Sarah Beth Durst creates is a joy to explore.
This was an unsponsored review. All opinions are my own and do not reflect those of the author or publisher.
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