You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
A review by helenafaustina
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I picked this book up for the cover, and was really pleased to find that the content had the exact same vibe. It’s a delightful little fantasy with great appeal to the senses with all the scents of raspberry jam and lavender, and was pretty cozy. It’s overall a light, romantic read.
However, my initial four star review dropped down a star because I had some serious issues with some of the content. For one, there’s a sentient plant who prefers to go by they/them pronouns. Not only extremely ridiculous, but I don’t appreciate the nod to transgender ideology. From a literary point of view, it’s silly how everyone catches on and respects the plant’s wish, even if they’re in a situation where interjecting with that and noticing doesn’t make sense. Then, there are two female characters who have romantic connections and even kiss at one point, with one of the two speaking about her “wife” who had previously died. You can believe what you like about this sort of thing, but I can’t give it a higher rating for this. I don’t appreciate something disordered being casually shoved in my face. The main character is also the most stereotypical introvert ever, and that was frustrating to deal with. While I didn’t dislike her character, I got annoyed at how basic she was, with living for books and being deathly afraid of people. She just didn’t seem very original.
However, my initial four star review dropped down a star because I had some serious issues with some of the content. For one, there’s a sentient plant who prefers to go by they/them pronouns. Not only extremely ridiculous, but I don’t appreciate the nod to transgender ideology. From a literary point of view, it’s silly how everyone catches on and respects the plant’s wish, even if they’re in a situation where interjecting with that and noticing doesn’t make sense. Then, there are two female characters who have romantic connections and even kiss at one point, with one of the two speaking about her “wife” who had previously died. You can believe what you like about this sort of thing, but I can’t give it a higher rating for this. I don’t appreciate something disordered being casually shoved in my face. The main character is also the most stereotypical introvert ever, and that was frustrating to deal with. While I didn’t dislike her character, I got annoyed at how basic she was, with living for books and being deathly afraid of people. She just didn’t seem very original.