A review by erinreadsbooks
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

This book was pretty disappointing, in my opinion. I liked the sound of the premise—young dressmaker embroiders magic into her garments and falls for her client. But the plot was extremely predictable and the female main character fell instantly in love with the male main character despite him being awful to her, which felt forced and cringeworthy. Honestly, Kit didn’t seem to have many redeeming qualities besides a lukewarm interest in politics because of Niamh. At one point, another character even says Kit is rude and unfriendly to everyone but Niamh and Niamh has no rebuttal to that point. I just never found a reason to root for Kit (other than maybe his recovery from addiction).

As for positives, the imagery and description in this book is evocative and the supporting characters of Rosa and Miriam are charming and actually make me root for them. 

All in all, this book was just deeply okay. 

Read if you like slow-paced YA romance in a Regency-inspired setting with some light fantasy elements but no heavy lore or world-building. 

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