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A review by enchantedfiction
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for the audiobook copy!*
Kiela has spent the last few years as a spell-book librarian in peace. That is, until the rebellion hits the capital, and she is forced to leave with a few boxes of spell-books, Caz - a sentient spider plant, and the clothes on her back. She returns to her childhood home, a small cabin on one of the outer islands, and wants to do all she can to lay low. But when she realizes that life isn't as it once was on the island, Kiela wants to help, and the only way she knows how is to open a secret spellshop. She never meant to make friends and open her heart to the people on the island she once left, but it might just be what she needed all along.
I absolutely adored this book. It had the cutest cozy fantasy vibes, and I just felt like I was wrapped in a warm hug the whole time I was listening. I loved all of the characters and the whole concept of the story. I honestly felt like it was really refreshing to have a story that started out with a large conflict, the rebellion in the capital, and transformed into almost an island getaway story. It felt like the problems of the capital were just a fleeting thought and that nothing could really go anymore wrong on the island. (I would like to add that since I listened to the story, I am not including the actual name of the island because I don't know how to spell it correctly) I also love when stories are so comfortable in the world they are set in that the reader just accepts everything that's happening and what the characters are/look like without question and without confusion.
Caz is one of my ultimate favorite side characters now. I also loved Meep.
There was slight conflict close to the end of the story that didn't feel out of place or overwhelming which I also really enjoyed. And I really liked Kiela's character development.
Clearly I have no reason not to give this beautiful story less than all the stars, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy and a beautiful cast of characters.
Kiela has spent the last few years as a spell-book librarian in peace. That is, until the rebellion hits the capital, and she is forced to leave with a few boxes of spell-books, Caz - a sentient spider plant, and the clothes on her back. She returns to her childhood home, a small cabin on one of the outer islands, and wants to do all she can to lay low. But when she realizes that life isn't as it once was on the island, Kiela wants to help, and the only way she knows how is to open a secret spellshop. She never meant to make friends and open her heart to the people on the island she once left, but it might just be what she needed all along.
I absolutely adored this book. It had the cutest cozy fantasy vibes, and I just felt like I was wrapped in a warm hug the whole time I was listening. I loved all of the characters and the whole concept of the story. I honestly felt like it was really refreshing to have a story that started out with a large conflict, the rebellion in the capital, and transformed into almost an island getaway story. It felt like the problems of the capital were just a fleeting thought and that nothing could really go anymore wrong on the island. (I would like to add that since I listened to the story, I am not including the actual name of the island because I don't know how to spell it correctly) I also love when stories are so comfortable in the world they are set in that the reader just accepts everything that's happening and what the characters are/look like without question and without confusion.
Caz is one of my ultimate favorite side characters now. I also loved Meep.
There was slight conflict close to the end of the story that didn't feel out of place or overwhelming which I also really enjoyed. And I really liked Kiela's character development.
Clearly I have no reason not to give this beautiful story less than all the stars, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy and a beautiful cast of characters.