Breanne Randall delivers another enchanting tale with Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, but while it’s a delightful read, it didn’t quite capture the same magic as her debut, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.

The story brims with intriguing concepts, but some of the plot details felt a bit rushed. I wanted to dive deeper into the conflict between Lightcrafters and Shadowcrafters—it felt like we only got small snippets before it was all tied up too neatly. And don’t even get me started on the sisters’ mom’s spell. What exactly did she do before she disappeared? The girls seemed to understand it, but I was left scratching my head.

Now, let’s talk characters—because Lucien? Absolute Shadow Daddy perfection. And Grim stole every scene he (it? I'm not sure of the pronouns of a magical book...) was in. Randall is fantastic at crafting complex, compelling characters, and I’d happily spend more time in their world. That said, Lucien’s coven drama also wrapped up a little too nicely for my liking. The stakes could have been higher, and the resolution felt a bit too tidy.

Despite a few loose ends and overly convenient plot twists, the book was still a joy to read. Randall’s blend of magic, emotion, and sisterly bonds shines, and I’d love to see these characters explored further in future stories. If you’re a fan of whimsical, heartfelt fantasy with a hint of darkness, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is worth the read!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.