A really cosy, lovely book that is an original idea done well.
It's not an action oriented book but rather a gentle read, that has the potential to have a larger world if the author decided to write more.

This one didn't grab me the way i needed it to. I think with cozy mystery/ cozy fantasy the characters really have to do a lot of work, since there isn't a whole lot of plot to hang your interest on, and sadly these characters didn't grab me. This was definitely a 'me' issue, not the book itself, and it's a book I'd consider going back to sometime in the future.

“The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst is a cozy, romantic fantasy novel following a fugitive librarian , Kiela and her assistant, Caz – a magically sentient spider plant – who have saved some precious spellbooks and fled to Kiela’s childhood home, the island Caltrey, until they are able to return to the books to the Great Library of Alyssium.

This cottagecore story starts with an unlikeable protagonist who is completely hostile to her lovely neighbour, Larran, who is the epitome of a sunshine personality and definitely didn’t deserve Kiela’s behaviour in the beginning of the book. Initially, I really didn’t want them to end up together because she was so mean at him. Thankfully, Caz said all the things I was thinking and straightened her behaviour out which made the rest of their relationship growth much nicer. I still feel it was a bit too quick the transition between hostility to friendship to romance but I am not very picky with these things, and I was still happy enough to go along with the story.

The novel revolves primarily around the use of magic for the benefit of the people, but it touches on some very interesting themes and issues, like loneliness, justice, and xenophobia. They are subtle and, apart from justice, they are very much to the background of the magical plot but I still liked some of the questions it posed – nearly always by Caz who was the greatest character in the book in my humble opinion – and, again, I was so intrigued by the darkness that loomed around the characters and the world while also appreciating the refuge the simple and, mostly, kind-hearted islanders of Caltrey.


I really loved the worldbuilding and the nature infused magic. I think there could be a great book in the same world for a natural historian going on an exploration and meeting more intimately more of its creatures. I especially loved the cloud bears and their whole folklore. Some of the myths that were mentioned sounded exceptional and I would love to read book about them!

Although a touch simplistic in their resolution, there was a growing anxiety built towards the end and the stakes did rise before the novel ended which added some additional exhilaration but overall the beauty of “The Spellshop” is the heart warming, relaxing escape it offers in a world much simpler and much kinder than everyday life. I think fantasy fans who love exploring new worlds would enjoy this as well as fans of simple love stories, rooted in everyday life.

As soon as I read it I knew everyone would become OBSESSED with this book. It's such a refreshing, unique contribution to the cosy genre (a sentient spider plant!), with such a compelling main character. A spellbinding, special book. Loved it.

Ahh I loved this so much!!

It was warm, sweet and a total hug of a book. I'm a sucker for cozy Fantasy and this reminded me of exactly why. I wanted to move into this world browse the streets and eat at the bakery. I also loved Kiela I love a bookworm and she definitely fit that bill. And there was a sentient spider plant names Caz what's not to love. I will definitely be seeking out more by this author

I thought I wouldn't like this book, but turns out, I absolutely loved it. The Spellshop bewitched me with its cottagecore aesthetic and cosy fantasy plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

"I wanted to write a book that felt like a warm hug."
And tell you what, Sarah Beth Durst, you did it. This book tastes like hot raspberry jam and buttery cinnamon rolls.

Winged cats and merhorses? Jam cooking inside a nice little cottage? When I first saw this book, I was immediately intrigued. Look at the cover! It's adorable! And I'm very glad to have read it. From the very first page I liked Kiela. She's basically a sweet, but extremely anti-social librarian who'd prefer not to talk to another human being. When forced to flee her library and return to her childhood home, she struggles with the mortifying ordeal of being known by a small village.
I've seen others call her an unlikeable main character, but while she's prickly and pushes everyone away, she still tries to help the island and the villagers and makes herself invaluable. I completely understood her struggles and it was actually great to have a character who very clearly would rather stay at home and read books than do anything else. It was also hilarious how she didn't notice multiple very obvious things. I could seriously empathise with her.
Caz, her leafy helper, was hilarious and awesome and I cannot believe, that one of my favourite characters turned out to be a cactus who was only able to say a single word.
Larran was also very sweet - sometimes almost too sweet. But next to all those morally grey men, we probably need someone like that once in a while. And as for the rest of the village - I loved how they worked together with all kinds of problems and how they almost immediately adopted Kiela as part of the village.

The fantasy aspect was fine. There were magical creatures and obviously the spells the book is named after. I loved the winged cats, the plants, the merhorses. Some of the creatures seemed a bit random and I would've loved to see more of them. Some had very obvious parts to act and I wish they had gotten other scenes as well. That's a small criticism overall, actually - everything seemed slightly calculated, and there were lots of Chekov's guns in this one. Technically, that's not so bad - better than false promises. But what about simple world building, simple creation of a cozy atmosphere?

As for the actual storyline - in most Cozy Fantasys, I don't actually believe that they need one. I would've been perfectly fine with simply reading about Kiela saving the island and cooking jam. I didn't need the climax and all the drama. But I guess most people still want that, so I can accept it. But it still felt a bit rushed to me. Put into the story, simply so it's there and not to actually add anything contentwise. Perhaps it could've been slowed down a little bit, stretched out slightly, but then again, it might have taken away from the coziness if there are acutal problems.
The resolution, however, was nicely done.

Overall - very nice, very cozy. The ending was slightly rushed, but very sweet. I kind of want to move into the cottage.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pan Macmillan, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC copy. I quite enjoyed this cosy fantasy to begin with but I have to be honest that I struggled to remain engaged with it. There are definitely some fun moments and a great light-hearted read for certain audiences - just not 100% for me.

Interesting premise for the book.

And absolutely STUNNING cover,

However an unfortunate DNF from me at 22% (chaptera 1-7) while I enjoyed the writing style and it flowed well., there was just no connection to the characters, the main character is utterly unlikeable and grumpy to the fault of its beyond a grumpy sunshine trope. She comes accros as a mean girl loner with only her books for company ( I get it I am that girl. But she was juts unlikeable)

However I do understand why this is beloved. It gives all the low fantasy cottage core vibes

This was the perfect cosy read! A very compelling group of characters with found family vibes, including a talking plant who was probably my favourite character of all! The FMC took me a little while to warm to, but once I understood her I really liked her. We also had a hot neighbour who wanted to help her and build her things she needed (including bookshelves), super cute! Definitely a book to save for a rainy day when you need something light hearted with not too much of a plot.

Thank you bookbreak team for the arc of spellshop.
This one for the cozy fantasy folks with a sprinkle of romance. It very cute to follow a library that escaping the city due to a fire.

There are some cute moments with the locals, the banter was amazing and I love the relationship with lauren. However at points I found the story lacking and honestly a bit boring.
But I like the ending as it felt like reading a fairytale.

I received this book from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor in exchange for a free and honest review

A really wholesome book that follows Kiela, a librarian in Alyssium who flees the Great Library following a bloody revolution. She sails to Caltrey, along with her sentient spider plant Caz and some spell books. On the island she makes friends and possibly finds romance. After a violent storm a newcomer with mysterious motives lands on the island leading to dangerous secrets being revealed. overall, a quick and enjoyable read. I would highly recommend.

This book is a hidden gem. It’s cozy and I loved the prose of the book, together with lovely characters like Kiela and Caz. It has been awhile since I was drawn into a book like this. I have to say, this book follows a relatively new genre called ‘Cottagecore’ and it ticks all the boxes.

From the first few pages, The Spell Shop had me hooked and it continued to do so until after the story ended. My only wish is that I’d read this sooner!

Can’t wait to read more of the author’s books.

The Spellshop is a cottagecore cosy fantasy following a woman's unexpected journey through the low-stakes market of illegal spell-selling and the high-risk business of starting over.

We follow Kiela who is instantly lovable and her companion Caz, a sentient spider plant as they navigate starting over on the island where Kiela grew up.

This book is full of magical creatures, low stakes and jam. The descriptions of all three are phenomenal and I absolutely loved every second with this book, hoping it wasnt going to end.

Do you need a healthy dosage of light fantasy involving magical creatures, finding family theme and adventure that give you comfort and relaxation during your reading time? Yes? Well it is your time to visit The Spellshop.

The owner of the Spellshop is Keila, a grumpy, naive and extremely introvert librarian who determines to keep her personal life as secret. But I can see her glimpse of compassion characte through her relationship with her plant assistant, Caz. As an introvert my self, i feel connected with her character instantly. Most people will think that she is unlikable character because she isnt fluffy and rainbows type of girl, she is a librarian, blue skin and need time to warming up to people. I totally understand and appreciate the author for presenting this type of FMC.

The plot feels light and east to follow. That's why it is called cozy fantasy. But the story also bring us beautiful message about bravery to open up your self, using whatever you have to help other people and found family, love and friendship in the process.

This is not my first time read unique and strong standalone from the author and wont become the last. I would love to recommen this delightful story to everyone who need warmth and wonderful easygoing aspect from their reads.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor from Pan Macmillan Publishing for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting release date: 11 July 2024

I was super excited to read The Spell Shop by Sara Beth Durst because I LOVE cozy fantasy and romance so giving me a cozy romantasy is like heaven!

The writing was a little bit slower than I would’ve liked personally and the book dragged a little bit but it wasn’t too much of an issue. The romance wasn’t as big a part of the story as I would’ve liked (or was expecting from the marketing) but again this didn’t ruin the experience for me.

Overall, I liked this book! I can absolutely understand why so many people are enjoying this book because it was a very nice reading experience.

This is huge fun. Kiela and Caz are wonderful characters – particularly Caz. And the idea of a talking spider plant, created to be a lonely librarian’s companion is both amusing and poignant. Especially as the poor librarian was horribly punished for the deed and Caz ends up with Kiela.

Durst quickly establishes this quirky pair as hugely loyal to each other and in the face of an immediate peril, good at reacting as a team. While there are huge dollops of warmth and fun in this story, there is also plenty of adventure, which I thoroughly appreciated.

I also felt the romantic thread was handled very well. There weren’t too many misunderstandings or long, complicated gazing into each other’s eyes. And the miscommunication was frequently funny enough to make me laugh aloud. Kiela isn’t good with people and it isn’t until she sees Larran with someone else that she realises she’s jealous. I liked her initially grumpy nature and felt that Durst negotiated her becoming friendlier with a certain amount of skill. The islanders do tend to be rather two-dimensional – mostly super-chatty and prepared to risk a lot for someone they don’t know very well. Or spitefully nasty.

Any niggles? Well, I did find the food choices a bit exasperating. Making jam is actually pretty expensive. I know, I’ve done it. You need loads of sugar – it was never successfully explained why a struggling island economy would have access to pounds and pounds of refined sugar and the process also requires a lot of fuel. The cheaper, more efficient use of sugar and soft fruit would be to bottle it. However, I gritted my teeth and suspended my belief. Though I also wondered why a bakery on an island reduced to subsistence level would be cranking out pastries, instead of bread…

That apart, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the emphasis on community and surviving by helping each other. I thought the magic system worked well. It makes sense that when magic is a question of scholarship and skills which can be learnt, it would be strictly controlled by forbidding such knowledge to be freely available to the populace. All in all, this was a book that I finished with a grin on my face – I need to check out Durst’s other books. Recommended for fans of feel-good fantasy. While I obtained an arc of The Spellshop from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

From the first page I knew that this was going to be one of my new favourite reads of all time - it has everything you could need in a cosy fantasy; a fantasy world where the stakes aren't too high, a cheeky side kick (in the form of a talking spider plant), a romance, villagers that are happy to enfold our hero within their community, spells, and books. oh, and a load of jam.
The writing style was gorgeous and I could really feel myself standing in the cottage or at the beach with Keila and Caz.

Absolutely amazing, I'm angry I didn't read this sooner but will be pushing it into everyone's hands!

It’s been a long while since i read a cozy fantasy and actually enjoyed it. I had requested The Spellshop hoping that I would like it because everything about it interested me, and luckily despite the reading slump I was in, it was the first book that I was able to properly read even if it took me a while. I think reading it both digitally and via audiobook helped a lot too which is something I know @salimateez (instagram) does and she’s been getting through her TBR so quickly this year.

The combination of beautifully descriptive writing and a fantastic narrator meant a very immersive reading experience which was everything I needed in this book. Her narration for each character felt so distinct that I never was confused whenever she switched between the, Listening to the audiobook was so calming and helped with slowing down any time I sat down to read/listen to it.

I loved the cast of characters and all their striking physical descriptions (including the main character). It really made it feel like a proper whimsical cozy fantasy novel, and the setting was honestly perfect with the small tight-knit community that our protagonist Kiela finds herself surrounded by. It truly is such a heartwarming book.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is a cottagecore fantasy novel.
 
I absolutely love the cover and the tagline of “Every home needs a little magic . . .” and this is such a cozy read and the whole story feels like a magical hug.
 
Kiela is a librarian, and she works in the Great Library of Alyssium and you can feel that she is a fellow book lover and that made me immediately like her. The world is on the brink of an uprising and the library ends up burning down and Kiela and her assistant Caz must start over.
 
This point in the book was a real cut to the story and while the beginning was very engaging and fast paced, it changed as soon as they arrived on the island, and everything slowed down immensely. Kiela opens her own spellshop and she is living her life day to day while also trying to improve the island’s circumstances and sometimes it seemed very random. Because then there wasn’t any more action the story felt dragged out at points. But the thing I liked most was how magic was explored in this book.
 
If you like cottagecore fantasy stories, definitely check out this one. 3,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)