The Spellshop

by Sarah Beth Durst

4 out of 5 stars

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is a cozy, heartwarming romp through a magical world filled with enchanted creatures, stolen spellbooks, and a touch of romance. As a debut in the romantasy genre, it balances the charm of cottagecore with the stakes of magic and revolution, creating a whimsical, feel-good story that is as sweet as the jams Kiela conjures up in her secret spellshop.

Kiela, the introverted librarian protagonist, flees a burning library amidst a revolution, escaping to her childhood home on a remote island. Accompanied by Caz, her magically sentient spider plant, Kiela struggles to adjust to island life and the persistent attentions of her handsome neighbor, Larran. While she’s determined to live a quiet life, Kiela soon finds herself operating an underground spellshop alongside her new jam business, making for an engaging plot full of magical mischief.

Durst excels at crafting a world that feels alive and tactile. The blend of nature-based magic, talking plants, and mythical creatures—like winged kittens and merhorses—adds a layer of whimsy to an already cozy setting. The book's fantastical elements are what truly shine, with Caz stealing the show as the quirky, anxious, yet lovable sidekick.

The romance is a slow burn, and while it plays into the classic "grumpy meets sunshine" trope, it’s charming in its simplicity. Larran is a cinnamon roll of a character, helping Kiela fix her cottage and offering companionship without pushing her boundaries. Their relationship develops naturally, but at times it feels a bit too convenient and lacks the depth of a more drawn-out arc.

Kiela herself is a complex character, prickly at first but slowly learning to open up and trust others. Her character development, while satisfying, happens a bit too quickly, making her transition from grumpy recluse to beloved town savior feel somewhat rushed.

Though the plot is relatively straightforward and cozy, there are moments where the pacing drags due to inner monologues and the episodic nature of conflicts. Additionally, some of the inclusivity elements, while appreciated, feel a bit shoehorned in, adding a modern twist that doesn’t always mesh seamlessly with the magical setting.

Overall, The Spellshop is a delightful cottagecore fantasy that will appeal to fans of cozy, low-stakes adventures with a dash of romance. While the plot may not reinvent the genre, the charming characters, whimsical magic, and strong sense of place make this book a comforting read. It’s perfect for those days when you want a story that feels like a warm hug—or a spoonful of homemade jam.

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