328 reviews for:

Snowspelled

Stephanie Burgis

3.67 AVERAGE


3.5 stars

The Harwood/Angland world is an interesting combination of Regency and fantasy/magic. This is a matriarchy where the women are the politicians, and the more emotional men are mages. Race and sexuality are not an issue, but it's unheard of to break through the male/female role stereotypes.

The Audiobook came bundled with a short novella that started the world-building and introduced the Harwoods, including Cassandra, the heroine of this book.

I clicked 'Christmas' but this is actually about the winter solstice.

Cover: Gorgeous
Narrator: Nicely done
Hogwarts Sorting Hat: This is a bit puzzling but I think Cassandra might be a Slytherin and her fiancee a Ravenclaw?

Themes: fantasy, magic, winter solstice, elves, gender roles, Regency, family

Snowspelled was fun, sweet, and exactly what I needed when I read it. It had rather predictable beats, but didn't suffer for it, and I'll continue the series the next time I need something that meets my own needs for 'cozy' reading. 

If you want a short, relaxing, fluffy read--that also hits surprisingly close to home on perfectionism, self-worth, and how to deal with your life plans falling through traumatically--check this out! I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the sequel which has quite the tantalizing set-up.

3.5

Regency fantasy where traditional gender roles are reversed.
This was fine; everything was rather mild. The plot and danger - mild. The romance, also mild.

I’d probably classify it as cosy fantasy.
lighthearted

Super cosy. Just the thing for a miserable winter afternoon. 
adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This cozy fantasy setting is the background to our MC working through her grief of losing a part of herself. The author does a great job at honing in on the politics of this world while showcasing a wonderful variety of characters. The Regency era feels like a refreshing choice for a fantasy story. 

The only gripe I have with this novella is that the writing felt a tad repetitive at times with certain words or phrases, but overall the prose is satisfactory. The characters are very loveable, which makes me feel excited about reading more books in this series. A solid, quick and easy read.
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
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purplebookfox's review

3.0

3.7 stars

This was a short read with a strong message. Don’t let pride blind you. Cassandra had to learn the hard way that pride alone will not bring happiness or success. She had to learn to accept her new status in life and her part in making it. Learn to trust those who love her and find a new path together instead of lingering in the should haves.