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okiecozyreader's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Ok, so the cover is gorgeous and I have been seeing so many great reviews for this one. I liked it, but for the longest time, I thought it was so slow. It seems like everyone looooves the atmosphere - which I get. It was almost palpable and at times I just wanted to get away from it, it seemed so real. I’m conflicted though - the secrets take so long to get resolved and I felt like, yeah, I know that’s a secret… but I wanted to find more out or get something to happen. Maybe more magic (like these other reviews are saying) would have helped.
I read the physical copy and it took me a minute to realize all the different POV. I can see where the full cast on audio would have been helpful. But I learned I really had to pay attention to that (and apparently, I am not good at paying attention to titles in all situations).
I recently read Other Birds and someone mentioned it was like Sarah Addison Allen but darker - and I can see that.
Emery Blackwood runs her mother’s magical tea shop next to Leoda, who runs a magical apothecary next door. She has a mostly on-again relationship with Dutch, after her love August left the island 14 years ago with his mother to never return. Chapter one, August returns to bury his mother’s ashes and sell her property. His return brings back all the feels for Emery as well as everyone else on the island, Saoirse. Because August left under suspicion of murdering Emery’s best friend Lily. It’s all complicated and so many small town feelings and people trying to control August and Emery.
This study guide is worth viewing - esp her author’s note on the difficulty of leaving poignant moments:
http://www.randomhousebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Book-Club-Kit.SPELLS-FOR-FORGETTING-1.pdf
— quotes
“ I could turn my back on the island like I had fourteen
years ago. But this time, I would never go back. I’d lived enough years now to know that there were some ghosts that haunted you forever.” Ch 1
“Handwritten labels identified teas crafted for everything from anxiety to menstrual pains to relief from a sore throat. But it was the more mystical brews you couldn’t find on the mainland that most people crossed the water for on those dim autumn days. Recipes for infusions to draw love, conjure luck, or beckon dreams were only a few of those that had filled the shop since its doors first opened in 1812.” Ch 2
“Witches. I’d heard children from the mainland whisper the word like a secret from the time I was little, playing in my mother’s shop as she worked. I’d always thought that strange, because on Saoirse, the word wasn’t a secret. It was deep magic that ran through the blood of every woman on the island. It seeped into the earth of the orchard, its leaves unfurling every spring, falling to rot every autumn before turning back into the ground.” Ch 3
“There are spells for breaking and spells for mending. But there are no spells for forgetting,” ch 37
“I’d been in love with August Salt since before I knew what the words meant. I don’t know when it happened—the narrow space between seconds, when a spark like the birth of a hundred stars found a home in my blood. Since then, every day had been colored with the glittering light of it dragging me in its wake, pulling me beneath its surface. And I didn’t care. If this was what it was like to drown, then for the rest of my life, I didn’t want to take another sip of air.” Ch 49
“There were two times a year that the veil was thin. Beltane on May 1, and Samhain, which was coming in only a few days. It was said that on those nights, spirits walked back and forth over the crossing to the Otherworld…” ch 53
“It had always been about the orchard. Everything on this island was.” Ch 59
I read the physical copy and it took me a minute to realize all the different POV. I can see where the full cast on audio would have been helpful. But I learned I really had to pay attention to that (and apparently, I am not good at paying attention to titles in all situations).
I recently read Other Birds and someone mentioned it was like Sarah Addison Allen but darker - and I can see that.
Emery Blackwood runs her mother’s magical tea shop next to Leoda, who runs a magical apothecary next door. She has a mostly on-again relationship with Dutch, after her love August left the island 14 years ago with his mother to never return. Chapter one, August returns to bury his mother’s ashes and sell her property. His return brings back all the feels for Emery as well as everyone else on the island, Saoirse. Because August left under suspicion of murdering Emery’s best friend Lily. It’s all complicated and so many small town feelings and people trying to control August and Emery.
This study guide is worth viewing - esp her author’s note on the difficulty of leaving poignant moments:
http://www.randomhousebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Book-Club-Kit.SPELLS-FOR-FORGETTING-1.pdf
— quotes
“ I could turn my back on the island like I had fourteen
years ago. But this time, I would never go back. I’d lived enough years now to know that there were some ghosts that haunted you forever.” Ch 1
“Handwritten labels identified teas crafted for everything from anxiety to menstrual pains to relief from a sore throat. But it was the more mystical brews you couldn’t find on the mainland that most people crossed the water for on those dim autumn days. Recipes for infusions to draw love, conjure luck, or beckon dreams were only a few of those that had filled the shop since its doors first opened in 1812.” Ch 2
“Witches. I’d heard children from the mainland whisper the word like a secret from the time I was little, playing in my mother’s shop as she worked. I’d always thought that strange, because on Saoirse, the word wasn’t a secret. It was deep magic that ran through the blood of every woman on the island. It seeped into the earth of the orchard, its leaves unfurling every spring, falling to rot every autumn before turning back into the ground.” Ch 3
“There are spells for breaking and spells for mending. But there are no spells for forgetting,” ch 37
“I’d been in love with August Salt since before I knew what the words meant. I don’t know when it happened—the narrow space between seconds, when a spark like the birth of a hundred stars found a home in my blood. Since then, every day had been colored with the glittering light of it dragging me in its wake, pulling me beneath its surface. And I didn’t care. If this was what it was like to drown, then for the rest of my life, I didn’t want to take another sip of air.” Ch 49
“There were two times a year that the veil was thin. Beltane on May 1, and Samhain, which was coming in only a few days. It was said that on those nights, spirits walked back and forth over the crossing to the Otherworld…” ch 53
“It had always been about the orchard. Everything on this island was.” Ch 59
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Death of parent, Grief, and Pregnancy
mikaelaandherbooks's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol and Cancer
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent, Grief, and Pregnancy
lindsayerin's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Domestic abuse, and Death
Minor: Drug use and Alcoholism
koistyfishy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I read a review of this book saying that the main characters were bland, boring and unexciting. I feel that missed the point of who these people were…
They are meant to feel like you and me, like anyone from the neighbourhood, they purposely didn’t want to be different and yet we’re both ostracised for choices and situations that we’re out of their control.
I did not know what to think of this book in the start. I loved it and hated it at the same time since I’m not suited for mystery. I like spoilers and knowing the end and yet this kept me on my “toes” until the very last chapter as the reader you slowly start to piece together what happens.
I was on an emotional rollercoaster and loved it all to bits! The slight aspects of magic were peppered in well and the pace was fantastic.
I couldn’t put it down and it was a book I was willing to stay up way past my bedtime to finish.
They are meant to feel like you and me, like anyone from the neighbourhood, they purposely didn’t want to be different and yet we’re both ostracised for choices and situations that we’re out of their control.
I did not know what to think of this book in the start. I loved it and hated it at the same time since I’m not suited for mystery. I like spoilers and knowing the end and yet this kept me on my “toes” until the very last chapter as the reader you slowly start to piece together what happens.
I was on an emotional rollercoaster and loved it all to bits! The slight aspects of magic were peppered in well and the pace was fantastic.
I couldn’t put it down and it was a book I was willing to stay up way past my bedtime to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Abandonment, Police brutality, and Terminal illness
map_to_neverland's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“There are spells for breaking and spells for mending. But there are no spells for forgetting”
Book Details:
-Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Magical Realism
-written by the author of Fable
-Setting: Island town (called Saoirse) in the Pacific Northwest
-features mystery, tragedy, witches, and fall vibes
Told across two timelines, this is the story of an unresolved murder, love, and how far people will go to protect their home. I am so glad I got the chance to read an ARC of this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. It was very atmospheric and mysterious.
I also loved how magical was incorporated in a casual way. It was just an accepted and normal part of life on this island, which made the setting feel even more mystical.
I think I need to read Fable now, since I enjoyed this one so much. I also may have to buy a physical copy of this one. So, if you enjoy a mysterious, mystical book (that feels perfect for a foggy and/or rainy day), this is absolutely the book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book Details:
-Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Magical Realism
-written by the author of Fable
-Setting: Island town (called Saoirse) in the Pacific Northwest
-features mystery, tragedy, witches, and fall vibes
Told across two timelines, this is the story of an unresolved murder, love, and how far people will go to protect their home. I am so glad I got the chance to read an ARC of this book! It was everything I wanted it to be. It was very atmospheric and mysterious.
I also loved how magical was incorporated in a casual way. It was just an accepted and normal part of life on this island, which made the setting feel even more mystical.
I think I need to read Fable now, since I enjoyed this one so much. I also may have to buy a physical copy of this one. So, if you enjoy a mysterious, mystical book (that feels perfect for a foggy and/or rainy day), this is absolutely the book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Stalking, Violence, and Pregnancy
Minor: Terminal illness
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Young's adult debut is a masterpiece of mystery and intimacy. The prose saturates, immersing the reader in the sights and autumnal Pacific Northwest feel of Saoirse Island and the magnetism between Emory and August. Magical realism at its finest, where the reader is never quite sure where to draw the line between fantasy and reality. The gripping mystery at the heart of the story kept me glued to the page (which is especially difficult for me with ebooks, rarely happens even with some of my favorite authors).
Hoping this is only the first of many adult novels from Adrienne Young.
Hoping this is only the first of many adult novels from Adrienne Young.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief, Child death, and Alcohol
hownovelofher's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.25
Adrienne Young has a gift for storytelling. I was pulled in by the magic of the island of Saiorse and gripped by the complexity of these characters living in a small town with big secrets.
If you've ever read or watched Practical Magic, the setting of this book feels a lot like that. A windy, moody, mostly quiet town with seasonal tourists and a sleepy, at times eerily quiet, off-season.
Young makes the island of Saiorse feel alive and wholly tangible. Each page is woven so tightly with magic that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s staring you in the face.
Four friends tied together by the blood of their ancestors on the island. August, Emery, Lily and Dutch. It was just them, blissfully young and naive, taking in all the island had to give and never truly giving back. Until one of them becomes the ultimate sacrifice.
With their lives forever altered, August and Emery take the hit hardest. Separated for 14 years with the tug of a bond tied between them pulling them closer and closer to one another until August finally returns.
While his plan is to tie up loose ends and leave Saiorse behind once and for all, he ends up with the creeping vines of the island clawing to root him into the ground.
With well-kept secrets in the heart of every islander, corruption, greed, abuse, and even death begin to take over. The island is home to more than sand and salt. Beneath the well-kept ground of the town’s beloved orchard lie ash and blood.
Thoughts:
I loved this book. It gave me chills and kept me on my toes, guessing and guessing at what the mystery behind the island may be. The use of magic, the realness of each character, the tenderness of love between certain characters…it was so much to take in.
The writing reminded me of something like folklore. Something from one of the oldest books still intact. Browning pages, crumbling spine, the smell of old parchment and cold tea. Herbs. Sea air. The vibes were absolutely immaculate.
This is an adult novel so the main characters are in their 30’s while the elders of the island are beginning to gray and wrinkle, if they aren’t already close to ancient.
What snuck up on me was how everything played out in the end. The sinister wind that hid so well between the trees, came to a head on the surface of the water as the waves of consequence came crashing down on those with secrets.
The ending was a bit rushed for me, and I would have loved a little more depth when it came to certain characters. But truthfully this was pretty close to a 4.5/5 star read for me. I’ll be thinking about this book for some time.
Adrienne Young has a gift for storytelling. I was pulled in by the magic of the island of Saiorse and gripped by the complexity of these characters living in a small town with big secrets.
If you've ever read or watched Practical Magic, the setting of this book feels a lot like that. A windy, moody, mostly quiet town with seasonal tourists and a sleepy, at times eerily quiet, off-season.
Young makes the island of Saiorse feel alive and wholly tangible. Each page is woven so tightly with magic that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s staring you in the face.
Four friends tied together by the blood of their ancestors on the island. August, Emery, Lily and Dutch. It was just them, blissfully young and naive, taking in all the island had to give and never truly giving back. Until one of them becomes the ultimate sacrifice.
With their lives forever altered, August and Emery take the hit hardest. Separated for 14 years with the tug of a bond tied between them pulling them closer and closer to one another until August finally returns.
While his plan is to tie up loose ends and leave Saiorse behind once and for all, he ends up with the creeping vines of the island clawing to root him into the ground.
With well-kept secrets in the heart of every islander, corruption, greed, abuse, and even death begin to take over. The island is home to more than sand and salt. Beneath the well-kept ground of the town’s beloved orchard lie ash and blood.
Thoughts:
I loved this book. It gave me chills and kept me on my toes, guessing and guessing at what the mystery behind the island may be. The use of magic, the realness of each character, the tenderness of love between certain characters…it was so much to take in.
The writing reminded me of something like folklore. Something from one of the oldest books still intact. Browning pages, crumbling spine, the smell of old parchment and cold tea. Herbs. Sea air. The vibes were absolutely immaculate.
This is an adult novel so the main characters are in their 30’s while the elders of the island are beginning to gray and wrinkle, if they aren’t already close to ancient.
What snuck up on me was how everything played out in the end. The sinister wind that hid so well between the trees, came to a head on the surface of the water as the waves of consequence came crashing down on those with secrets.
The ending was a bit rushed for me, and I would have loved a little more depth when it came to certain characters. But truthfully this was pretty close to a 4.5/5 star read for me. I’ll be thinking about this book for some time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Murder, Physical abuse, Blood, and Cancer
Minor: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
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