The Spellshop

I have seen this book mentioned and decided to give it a try. It started out interesting, but honestly, not much happens in the book. Most of the issues stem from Kiela over analyzing everything. Larran is a sweet, kind and simple character, though I didn’t understand why he kept reaching out to Kiela with how rude she was. Most of the characters are just surface level, though Caz was my favorite. The story is clean and with everything wrapped up nicely in a bow. I do not know if I would read another book by this author.

This book was great. I loved every minute of it. I noticed myself smiling in wonder at times throughout the book. This book made me feel exactly like the author wanted to feel when she wrote the book, “ Like I was drinking really good hot chocolate”. Warm and Cozy. The characters were enchanting and personable. The story flowed very well. I don’t think I rolled my eyes once. I would read it again and I am so ready to read the next book.

As far as fantasies go, this was a breath of fresh air. There was no graphic violence and no explicit scenes. Yes, there was tension and magic and law-breaking, but it was all told in a hopeful, kind way. This is a story of a young woman, who in doing her job, ends up escaping a rebellion in the city to become a fugitive on an outer island. That island is where she grew up, so in essence, she returns home. Her homeland is struggling because of an imbalance of magic. In her kindness, she starts to help correct things through the unlawful use of magic - hoping no one would notice.This book gives the reader hope and a happy feeling in each chapter. I am so glad I read this book. I would love to revisit these friends one day! I do question why the author felt the need to emphasize the use of preferred pronouns in the story - it added absolutely nothing to the tale. It seemed like an attempt to be all things for all people. No big deal, just curious. I highly recommend The Spellshop!

I want to live in this world, on this island! I'd be happy to leave the magic to others . . . just be an anonymous member of this town.

This is a lovely little book with interesting characters and a dreamy little world of talking plants and mythical creatures. It is a fast read and well-written. The book itself is really pretty, with the edges colored.