A review by clacksee
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

When the library where she lives and works is burnt down as part of a revolution, Kiela and her friend Caz (a sentient spider plant) escape. They seek refuge in Kiela’s childhood home.  

The first half of the story is about the pair making a life for themselves and a stranger coming to town and threatening to ruin everything. And there’s  romance. Really angsty romance (I dislike romance – especially of the angsty variety). Everything gets neatly resolved – and then the second half of the book goes in a different direction. 

I liked it – I just didn’t love it. See above with all the angsty romance.