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asipofcozy 's review for:
The Spellshop
by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am always down for a cozy fantasy with found family and first loves, which The Spellshop definitely delivered on. I was quickly swept away by the magical coastal village Caltrey and the villagers that occupied the seaside. I could easily picture the merhorses, mermaids, cats with wings, an anxiety ridden plant that has a love for books and a fear of anything that moves. It felt warm and cozy, or like the author stated in the acknowledgements "a warm hug".
So many wonderful things; however, The Spellshop wasn't without its faults. The main one, our female main character. I know many other reader's connected with her due to her being an introvert and her love/dying passion of books and I did too. BUT I struggled with how she treated other people in the beginning. I understand being an introvert, but the author wrote Kiela on the extreme end of being an introvert and many times she came across as extremely unlikeable. If she was a real person in reality I couldn't see myself as friends with her just because of how rude she can be. I know it's part of her character arch but I found it hard to look past some moments.
So many wonderful things; however, The Spellshop wasn't without its faults. The main one, our female main character. I know many other reader's connected with her due to her being an introvert and her love/dying passion of books and I did too. BUT I struggled with how she treated other people in the beginning. I understand being an introvert, but the author wrote Kiela on the extreme end of being an introvert and many times she came across as extremely unlikeable. If she was a real person in reality I couldn't see myself as friends with her just because of how rude she can be. I know it's part of her character arch but I found it hard to look past some moments.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Suicide, Death of parent, Murder, War