Scan barcode
A review by readlovereviewblog
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
4.0
Kiela is a librarian in a magical section, and her helper Caz, a spider plant, is entirely supernatural. But they must escape as flames and fighting overtake the library. I admire her for saving what she can.
She ends up on quite the journey on the sea with her plant, and she saves books heading home. I wish this book had a map.
This book has some cottage core and island vibes. She relies on nature and a small village to survive this new life, and her neighbor-slash-old friend Larran seems to be in her life whether she wants him there or not.
Larran is a merman instructor and an island inhabitant. He is helpful and strong but has a knack for showing up when she has stuff to hide. The book has a bit of magic as she becomes more than just a librarian; she even practices some kitchen witchery and rides sea creatures. I like the outlandish village characters and their personalities in the story.
The magical ambiance is like a warm embrace. It is felt so often as she navigates this fantasy world that you start to envision it as a reality. I love the supernatural descriptions and the specialties the author adds to this story, starting with plants.
Most of this story is about her internal struggle with survival and illegal magic; however, the good often justifies the means for her new life and friends on this small island. There is also some external suspense as she dabbles in what is known to be illegal and could be found out at any time.
The story is a clean fantasy read, not even a little steam, just kissing. But it was an enjoyable read, even with the last bit of drama in the storyline. Larran and Kiela get their happy-for-now ending, and we start to see improvements in her life, love, and destiny.
She ends up on quite the journey on the sea with her plant, and she saves books heading home. I wish this book had a map.
This book has some cottage core and island vibes. She relies on nature and a small village to survive this new life, and her neighbor-slash-old friend Larran seems to be in her life whether she wants him there or not.
Larran is a merman instructor and an island inhabitant. He is helpful and strong but has a knack for showing up when she has stuff to hide. The book has a bit of magic as she becomes more than just a librarian; she even practices some kitchen witchery and rides sea creatures. I like the outlandish village characters and their personalities in the story.
The magical ambiance is like a warm embrace. It is felt so often as she navigates this fantasy world that you start to envision it as a reality. I love the supernatural descriptions and the specialties the author adds to this story, starting with plants.
Most of this story is about her internal struggle with survival and illegal magic; however, the good often justifies the means for her new life and friends on this small island. There is also some external suspense as she dabbles in what is known to be illegal and could be found out at any time.
The story is a clean fantasy read, not even a little steam, just kissing. But it was an enjoyable read, even with the last bit of drama in the storyline. Larran and Kiela get their happy-for-now ending, and we start to see improvements in her life, love, and destiny.