A review by lauren_miller
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

unfortunately, instead of cozy and charming, I found this kind of a chore. Kiela was an exhausting protagonist. instead of relatable and sweet, I found her martyr tendencies and lack of self-confidence really irritating. Larran was alright, but we really glossed over his childhood and the connection he had with Kiela back then; I wanted WAYY more anecdotes about their time together beyond just that single cove interaction. the other members of the pinecone society kind of blended together in terms of characterization. it was kind of ridiculous that Fen-however-you-spell-his-name laid it all out there for the captain and there were literally NO consequences?? the different creatures were interesting and the overall use of spells was cool, but nothing in the book wow'd me or spoke to my heart. basically, I found myself very underwhelmed and not really itching for book two.