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Danelli & Co.: Hier wird mit Magie gestickt
Die meisten Dinge können geflickt werden – Kleider, Hemden, Freundschaften … ja, sogar Familie.
Hen träumt davon, in das Familiengeschäft der Zauberschneiderei einzusteigen und magische, selbstgemachte Kleidung herzustellen. Doch der kleine Laden hat zu kämpfen, denn in der Nähe hat eine billige Kleiderfabrik eröffnet. Als Hen auf einen Stich stößt, der Erinnerungen in die Kleidung nähen kann, glaubt er, die Lösung aller Probleme gefunden zu haben. Umso schockierter ist er, dass seine Familie ihm stattdessen das Nähen komplett verbietet! Was ist hier los? Kann Hen das Geheimnis lösen, bevor es zu spät ist?
Hen träumt davon, in das Familiengeschäft der Zauberschneiderei einzusteigen und magische, selbstgemachte Kleidung herzustellen. Doch der kleine Laden hat zu kämpfen, denn in der Nähe hat eine billige Kleiderfabrik eröffnet. Als Hen auf einen Stich stößt, der Erinnerungen in die Kleidung nähen kann, glaubt er, die Lösung aller Probleme gefunden zu haben. Umso schockierter ist er, dass seine Familie ihm stattdessen das Nähen komplett verbietet! Was ist hier los? Kann Hen das Geheimnis lösen, bevor es zu spät ist?
319 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
James Nicol
7 books190 followersI always knew I wanted to write the kind of fantasy novel I had escaped into as a child, somewhere that felt safe and filled with characters that did brave things and had lots of fun at the same time. But I wanted the magic in my book to be part of the world, not a secret, and I wanted to see what happened after a witch was trained and was sent out into the world to work. When I was thinking about all this, one day I got a really clear image of a scene for the book – I wrote it all down as quickly as I could and then thought, now what happens next ...
James Nicol has loved books and stories his whole life. As a child he spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He has worked in bookshops and libraries and now spends all his spare time writing! He lives near the city of York in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his husband and daughter and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie.
James Nicol has loved books and stories his whole life. As a child he spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He has worked in bookshops and libraries and now spends all his spare time writing! He lives near the city of York in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his husband and daughter and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 9, 2023
piękna historia o pasji, sile rodziny i wybaczeniu 🤍
September 18, 2022
This is just wonderful! The Spell Tailors is a story of family, secrets, magical garments and the power of fixing things. I loved Hen and Nana so much - we could all learn a thing or two from them! Kindness, the power of reusing clothes and standing up for what’s right! I quite happily would’ve read 100 more pages of this learning and the spells, the garments and their wearers!
February 9, 2025
This review for the Audiobook version (not listed as of review date):
ISBN 9781038619280 - published by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd - Bolinda audio, 01 Sept 2022
and Narrated by Alex Wingfield
This is an adventurous story for young readers 9-13, about a boy who lives with his grandmother in a shop that makes custom clothing with magical properties. Business is starting to go down hill for the Spell Tailors as there are rumors of spelled clothing making people unwell, infestations of parasites that eat spell stitches, and increasing competition from a company that is buying out smaller businesses, and marketing cheap mass-produced items. His uncle's business folds and soon the extended family are all living under the same roof, meaning that he has to spend a lot of time with his cousin, Connie.
Narrator Alex Wingfield has a really high pitched voice that is well suited to young characters and women. The narration is spot on and really brings it all to life.
I think this story hits a sweet spot just north of Roald Dahl, with humour and childish fun without the nasty bits. It really captures the frustration of young people who are being brave and trying to solve problems while the overbearing adults in their lives are heavy-handed, unreasonable, and just _won't_ listen. Hen seems perpetually excluded, and Connie is often embarrassed by her worrywart mother who says indelicate things in mixed company.
Integral to the plot, is the theme of mending things, and this includes relationships. Whereas I think it is essential to my values that people "reduce, reuse, recycle" this is not something that is a common feature of the fashion industry. The drive to innovate, the competition, and the disposable nature of the fashion industry, takes the shine off for those of us who only love the artistry and creativity. The ethos of reusing, restoring, renovating, reimagining, repairing, repurposing and rehoming is an important part of my life and hope for the future of humanity... (ok that sounded lofty!).
I found the ideals of repairing relationships to be a little more challenging. It definitely bears thinking about. As is illustrated in the plot, sometimes it is much more valuable to preserve a relationship and forgive slights when they are small. A wound left too long and ruminated over can begin to feel like an insurmountable gap in a relationship (by which I mean interaction of two people, rather than "romance"). The unintentional pun that comes to mind is the cliché, "a stitch in time saves 9", though it's possibly a better metaphor to say a "swift rinse stops a stain". The problem I see with encouraging this thinking in young readers is the idea that they might consider themselves responsible for fixing relationships when another person is unwilling, that they might think that everyone is somehow redeemable so long as you put up with their garbage long enough, or that their family/parents might get back together if they just try more..
I do love that the twist at the end of the story was predictable enough if you had been paying attention to little clues, but really was a bit of a blindside if you weren't looking for it. This book was fresh and exciting and a good lark, with some big ideas underneath.
ISBN 9781038619280 - published by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd - Bolinda audio, 01 Sept 2022
and Narrated by Alex Wingfield
This is an adventurous story for young readers 9-13, about a boy who lives with his grandmother in a shop that makes custom clothing with magical properties. Business is starting to go down hill for the Spell Tailors as there are rumors of spelled clothing making people unwell, infestations of parasites that eat spell stitches, and increasing competition from a company that is buying out smaller businesses, and marketing cheap mass-produced items. His uncle's business folds and soon the extended family are all living under the same roof, meaning that he has to spend a lot of time with his cousin, Connie.
Narrator Alex Wingfield has a really high pitched voice that is well suited to young characters and women. The narration is spot on and really brings it all to life.
I think this story hits a sweet spot just north of Roald Dahl, with humour and childish fun without the nasty bits. It really captures the frustration of young people who are being brave and trying to solve problems while the overbearing adults in their lives are heavy-handed, unreasonable, and just _won't_ listen. Hen seems perpetually excluded, and Connie is often embarrassed by her worrywart mother who says indelicate things in mixed company.
Integral to the plot, is the theme of mending things, and this includes relationships. Whereas I think it is essential to my values that people "reduce, reuse, recycle" this is not something that is a common feature of the fashion industry. The drive to innovate, the competition, and the disposable nature of the fashion industry, takes the shine off for those of us who only love the artistry and creativity. The ethos of reusing, restoring, renovating, reimagining, repairing, repurposing and rehoming is an important part of my life and hope for the future of humanity... (ok that sounded lofty!).
I found the ideals of repairing relationships to be a little more challenging. It definitely bears thinking about. As is illustrated in the plot, sometimes it is much more valuable to preserve a relationship and forgive slights when they are small. A wound left too long and ruminated over can begin to feel like an insurmountable gap in a relationship (by which I mean interaction of two people, rather than "romance"). The unintentional pun that comes to mind is the cliché, "a stitch in time saves 9", though it's possibly a better metaphor to say a "swift rinse stops a stain". The problem I see with encouraging this thinking in young readers is the idea that they might consider themselves responsible for fixing relationships when another person is unwilling, that they might think that everyone is somehow redeemable so long as you put up with their garbage long enough, or that their family/parents might get back together if they just try more..
I do love that the twist at the end of the story was predictable enough if you had been paying attention to little clues, but really was a bit of a blindside if you weren't looking for it. This book was fresh and exciting and a good lark, with some big ideas underneath.
November 8, 2023
I've been having a bit of a difficult time these past few months, and I've found that reading comics and books aimed at a younger audience really help my brain sort itself out. Still, I was blown away by just how cute and cozy this book was. Simple and sweet, really cute worldbuilding and fun ideas about magic, all the while feeling like a hug that you can read.
July 1, 2024
Even though this is a junior book, it was an enjoyable fantasy read, even though I despised the character of Hen's uncle Bertie.
July 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 18, 2025
Absolutely beautiful.
September 5, 2022
Thank you to the author and his publisher for my gifted copy of The Spell Tailors... which I LOVED!
James Nicol is the undisputed monarch of cosy, warm-hearted, family-based fantasy. The Spell Tailors is exactly as lovely as his previous books, The Apprentice Witch series, so if you enjoyed the adventures of Arianwyn Gribble (and let's face it, who didn't), then you'll adore reading about Hen, Connie, Uncle Bertie and Aunt Lucia, and the wonderful Nana in The Spell Tailors.
The concept behind this novel is so clever: Henryton (Hen) Danelli is one of the youngest members of a well-respected family with the ability to create spelled garments. They have a collection of spell-stitches, which they've developed over generations, which can create a water-repelling raincoat, or a jacket which keeps its wearer safe from drowning, or a gown which magically flatters its wearer's figure. Business should be booming - but instead, it's failing. The Danellis are not the only spell tailors, and every family with the skill of creating spelled garments is seeing their business folding, and a cheap, off-the-peg spell garment factory owned by the mysterious Tiberius Pepper is sweeping in instead.
When Hen discovers - accidentally - that he is capable of creating a spell stitch so powerful that his family has banned it from ever being mentioned, and he and his cousin Connie uncover a family mystery which might explain why their Nana has fallen ill, they must team up to get to the heart of why their business is failing, what is happening to the magic in their stitching, and who Tiberius Pepper truly is, before it's too late.
I adored this book! It's like wearing a spelled jumper that's been enchanted to give you the biggest, warmest, most comforting hug imaginable. Hen is a wonderful protagonist, Connie stole my heart, and everyone needs an Aunt Lucia. James Nicol has written a beautiful story about family, memory, the importance of taking care of the people you love, and the value of craftwork and creativity, and it's the perfect comforting read for autumn (or, indeed, any time!)
James Nicol is the undisputed monarch of cosy, warm-hearted, family-based fantasy. The Spell Tailors is exactly as lovely as his previous books, The Apprentice Witch series, so if you enjoyed the adventures of Arianwyn Gribble (and let's face it, who didn't), then you'll adore reading about Hen, Connie, Uncle Bertie and Aunt Lucia, and the wonderful Nana in The Spell Tailors.
The concept behind this novel is so clever: Henryton (Hen) Danelli is one of the youngest members of a well-respected family with the ability to create spelled garments. They have a collection of spell-stitches, which they've developed over generations, which can create a water-repelling raincoat, or a jacket which keeps its wearer safe from drowning, or a gown which magically flatters its wearer's figure. Business should be booming - but instead, it's failing. The Danellis are not the only spell tailors, and every family with the skill of creating spelled garments is seeing their business folding, and a cheap, off-the-peg spell garment factory owned by the mysterious Tiberius Pepper is sweeping in instead.
When Hen discovers - accidentally - that he is capable of creating a spell stitch so powerful that his family has banned it from ever being mentioned, and he and his cousin Connie uncover a family mystery which might explain why their Nana has fallen ill, they must team up to get to the heart of why their business is failing, what is happening to the magic in their stitching, and who Tiberius Pepper truly is, before it's too late.
I adored this book! It's like wearing a spelled jumper that's been enchanted to give you the biggest, warmest, most comforting hug imaginable. Hen is a wonderful protagonist, Connie stole my heart, and everyone needs an Aunt Lucia. James Nicol has written a beautiful story about family, memory, the importance of taking care of the people you love, and the value of craftwork and creativity, and it's the perfect comforting read for autumn (or, indeed, any time!)
July 28, 2024
4.5 stars
What a wonderful book with such an original magic concept!
The plot was a little bit too straightforward --> of course, our MC, 11-yo Hen, has to suffer much unfairness and has to combat many problems. Of course, he also has a great companion in the form of his brave cousin Connie. And, of course, together they can overcome any adversity.
But you know what? It's a story for kids. And as such it is wonderful. It shows young readers just how important a family is. It teaches us forgiveness, friendship, understanding, creativity...
A truly beautiful message!
My only quibble is the ending. It was too smooth and, on the other hand, too rushed. We were left with too many loose ends (or maybe the author is planning some sequel?) I would simply like to know more about Aldo and Amelia. And also the change in uncle Bertie wasn too abrupt. But it's only my adult POV, so don't you mind me much! ;)
A highly recommended read for young readers (but not only!)
What a wonderful book with such an original magic concept!
The plot was a little bit too straightforward --> of course, our MC, 11-yo Hen, has to suffer much unfairness and has to combat many problems. Of course, he also has a great companion in the form of his brave cousin Connie. And, of course, together they can overcome any adversity.
But you know what? It's a story for kids. And as such it is wonderful. It shows young readers just how important a family is. It teaches us forgiveness, friendship, understanding, creativity...
A truly beautiful message!
My only quibble is the ending. It was too smooth and, on the other hand, too rushed. We were left with too many loose ends (or maybe the author is planning some sequel?) I would simply like to know more about Aldo and Amelia. And also the change in uncle Bertie wasn too abrupt. But it's only my adult POV, so don't you mind me much! ;)
A highly recommended read for young readers (but not only!)
June 11, 2023
Rodzina Hen od pokoleń zajmuje się magicznym krawiectwem. Dzięki swoim umiejętnościom, ich ubrania są wyjątkowo wygodne, metki nie gryzą, a ubrania pasują perfekcyjnie. Niestety, ale w mieście powstają nowe fabryki, które powoli wyniszczają małe, rodzinne biznesy i zabijają magię z krawiectwa.
Początek książki był bardzo powolny. Poznawaliśmy samego Hena, jak i jego babcie, która szkoli go na krawca zaklęć. Sama postać chłopca jest bardzo charakterystyczna i dobrze zarysowana. Również inni członkowie rodziny Hena nie zostali pominięci, a autor postarał się o odpowiednie przedstawienie cech każdego z nich.
Tajemnice i intrygi to coś, czego nie zabraknie Wam w tej książce! Kiedy już akcja się rozkręci, to nie zwalnia tempa nawet na moment.
Jest to moje pierwsze i na pewno nie ostatnie spotkanie z książka od tego wydawnictwa!
Gorąco polecam wszystkim młodszym czytelnikom, ale też i ci starsi, na pewno nie będą się nudzić podczas tej książki🥰♥️
Początek książki był bardzo powolny. Poznawaliśmy samego Hena, jak i jego babcie, która szkoli go na krawca zaklęć. Sama postać chłopca jest bardzo charakterystyczna i dobrze zarysowana. Również inni członkowie rodziny Hena nie zostali pominięci, a autor postarał się o odpowiednie przedstawienie cech każdego z nich.
Tajemnice i intrygi to coś, czego nie zabraknie Wam w tej książce! Kiedy już akcja się rozkręci, to nie zwalnia tempa nawet na moment.
Jest to moje pierwsze i na pewno nie ostatnie spotkanie z książka od tego wydawnictwa!
Gorąco polecam wszystkim młodszym czytelnikom, ale też i ci starsi, na pewno nie będą się nudzić podczas tej książki🥰♥️
June 22, 2023
Jest to historia Hena, z rodziny Danellich, którego marzeniem jest, zostanie krawcem zaklęć. Niestety na jego drodze staje kilka przeszkód, które musi pokonać. Nie jest to łatwe, ponieważ musi walczyć nie tylko o dobro rodzinnej firmy, ale także o odbudowę rodzinnych relacji.
Książka ta jest pełna magii i wielopokoleniowej tradycji. Ma niesamowity klimat a przygody, które przeżywa chłopiec, są bardzo ciekawe i emocjonujące.
Historia jest angażująca i chociaż książka skierowana jest do dzieci i młodzieży, dorosły czytelnik też może śmiało po nią sięgnąć.
Zdecydowanie polecam i wiem, że będę chciała wrócić do tego świata za kilka lat i przypomnieć sobie magię płynącą z tej opowieści.
Książka ta jest pełna magii i wielopokoleniowej tradycji. Ma niesamowity klimat a przygody, które przeżywa chłopiec, są bardzo ciekawe i emocjonujące.
Historia jest angażująca i chociaż książka skierowana jest do dzieci i młodzieży, dorosły czytelnik też może śmiało po nią sięgnąć.
Zdecydowanie polecam i wiem, że będę chciała wrócić do tego świata za kilka lat i przypomnieć sobie magię płynącą z tej opowieści.
June 23, 2023
Kolejne spotkanie z wartościowym Middle Grade ;)
Bardzo podobał mi się zamysł (zaklęcia wszywane w ubrania, wspomnienia, super!) i ilustracje.
Daję 4 gwiazdki na pięć, bo towarzyszyła mi frustracja, którą chyba zrozumieć może tylko dziecko, które tak naprawdę nie ma za dużo decyzyjności w rodzinie, a dorośli wokół zachowują się irracjonalnie, korzystając ze swojego "jestem dorosł_ i wiem najlepiej".
Przyjemnie się czytało i był porządny morał, więc jeśli macie w rodzinie dzieciaki w wieku 9+, to jest dobra pozycja dla nich ;)
Bardzo podobał mi się zamysł (zaklęcia wszywane w ubrania, wspomnienia, super!) i ilustracje.
Daję 4 gwiazdki na pięć, bo towarzyszyła mi frustracja, którą chyba zrozumieć może tylko dziecko, które tak naprawdę nie ma za dużo decyzyjności w rodzinie, a dorośli wokół zachowują się irracjonalnie, korzystając ze swojego "jestem dorosł_ i wiem najlepiej".
Przyjemnie się czytało i był porządny morał, więc jeśli macie w rodzinie dzieciaki w wieku 9+, to jest dobra pozycja dla nich ;)
October 27, 2022
Fantastic, this has gone straight to the top of my middle grade reads of the year. The Danelli family are wonderful, Nana is a great character she is so fun and although her illness is sad it makes the ending even better. Connie and Hen make a great team, I detested Uncle Bertie for most the book, he is wonderfully written and his arc is very satisfying. Overall an absolute joy to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
Look at this gorgeous book! How pretty is the cover?
I've just read this book to my daughter and we really enjoyed it. I'm always excited to read a new book from @chickenhousebooks as they are based here in Frome. Their books are always original and interesting, and this is no exception!
It is about a young spell tailor (someone who stitches magic into a garment) called Hen who is desperately trying to save the family business despite his very uncooperative Uncle Bertie!
He stumbles upon a stitch which can capture a memory and is convinced it could be the answer to their problems - but Uncle Bertie is determined to stop him at every turn!
Such an original idea with great characters and lots of suspense and mystery. A perfect middle-grade read!
I've just read this book to my daughter and we really enjoyed it. I'm always excited to read a new book from @chickenhousebooks as they are based here in Frome. Their books are always original and interesting, and this is no exception!
It is about a young spell tailor (someone who stitches magic into a garment) called Hen who is desperately trying to save the family business despite his very uncooperative Uncle Bertie!
He stumbles upon a stitch which can capture a memory and is convinced it could be the answer to their problems - but Uncle Bertie is determined to stop him at every turn!
Such an original idea with great characters and lots of suspense and mystery. A perfect middle-grade read!
June 13, 2023
„Krawcy zaklęć” Jamesa Nicola to opowieść o rodzinie krawców wszywających w ubrania magiczne szwy. Prowadzą mały zakład krawiecki i szyją ubrania na miarę, które sprawiają, że każdy może się poczuć bezsprzecznie wyjątkowy. Marzyłeś kiedyś, żeby Twoja kurtka była prawdziwie wodoodporna, a Twoja suknia sprawiała, że kroki nie myliłyby Ci się na parkiecie? Myśle, że zakład krawiecki rodziny Danellich mógłby sprostać tym wymaganiom.
Powieść „Krawcy zaklęć” choć skierowana głównie do dziecięcych odbiorców urzekła mnie w każdym calu. Podarowała mi solidny kawał ciepła i sprawiła, że na nowo uwierzyłam w magię, najszczerszą i najpiękniejsza magię rodziny. Jest to przepiękna powieść, w której już od pierwszych stron można niesamowicie zżyć się z bohaterami, cieszyć się z każdych ich sukcesów i martwić z każdych ich trosk. Nie spodziewałam się, że literatura dziecięca może wzbudzić we mnie tyle emocji, ale tej książce się to udało. Będę ją polecać każdemu, zwłaszcza komuś, kto czuje, że jest w sytuacji, z której nie ma żadnego wyjścia, gdyż tak jak nasz bohater mimo, że wszystko może być przeciw nam, warto wciąż trzymać się nadziei i nigdy się nie poddawać.
Powieść „Krawcy zaklęć” choć skierowana głównie do dziecięcych odbiorców urzekła mnie w każdym calu. Podarowała mi solidny kawał ciepła i sprawiła, że na nowo uwierzyłam w magię, najszczerszą i najpiękniejsza magię rodziny. Jest to przepiękna powieść, w której już od pierwszych stron można niesamowicie zżyć się z bohaterami, cieszyć się z każdych ich sukcesów i martwić z każdych ich trosk. Nie spodziewałam się, że literatura dziecięca może wzbudzić we mnie tyle emocji, ale tej książce się to udało. Będę ją polecać każdemu, zwłaszcza komuś, kto czuje, że jest w sytuacji, z której nie ma żadnego wyjścia, gdyż tak jak nasz bohater mimo, że wszystko może być przeciw nam, warto wciąż trzymać się nadziei i nigdy się nie poddawać.
January 16, 2024
I am in love with this unique story that shows a nostalgia for handmade products and a sense of community one finds in small towns and small businesses!
Here are compelling characters that are well rounded and plausible situations with very real reactions in this superbly fantastical story 😊
For me the ending was a bit predictable but it was well worth it.
Here are compelling characters that are well rounded and plausible situations with very real reactions in this superbly fantastical story 😊
For me the ending was a bit predictable but it was well worth it.
October 5, 2022
Snuggle up and open for gorgeous characters, friendship, mystery, magical creatures, beautiful stitches that capture precious memories and scarves that make you fly. The lovely James has woven his magic yet again to create this unmissable tale.
December 29, 2023
Piękna baśń, trochę w disney'owskim stylu. Ale na tyle złożona i oryginalna, że dorosły czytelnik też dla siebie coś tu odnajdzie. Może końcówka trochę zbyt słodka. Ale jak dla dzieci to zakończenie super.
October 16, 2024
this book was such a fun and creative read! the magical world of tailoring spells into clothes was unique, and i really loved the main character, hen. the story had a great balance of adventure, magic, and heart. it was a charming and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of light fantasy!
May 29, 2023
To była tak niezwykle przyjemna lektura, ze pochłonęłam ją praktycznie na raz. Wspaniała nie tylko dla dzieci. Bardzo polecam - premiera juz 31.05.23!
July 17, 2023
3.5/5
March 31, 2024
A gorgeous, magical story. Very unqiue. Loved every page.
December 13, 2024
This book was quite good, but I had to keep pausing and some back to it!
June 22, 2025
What a magically embroidered adventure and such an enticing concept to spell stitch, especially for a stitcher! Sew much love and imagination in this story, full of family warmth and wonder.
October 8, 2022
If you’ve been around here a while, you will know that I was a huge fan of the Apprentice Witch books; they are exactly the sort of cosy fantasy I love and crave and want to see more of. So when this was announced, I was immediately excited not only because it’s a new book from James, but also because I love fashion and clothes, and the idea of magical garments hugely appealed to me- there’s a stitch for almost everything you can think of.
The book follows the Danelli family of “spell tailors”- who can stitch magic into their clothes- who are going through a tough time as a result of new, mass-producrd magical clothes factories starting up, and more specifically on Hen, who is discovering that he has a dangerous but incredible ability that might just save the family and their business from ruin.
Hen is a wonderful main character- it’s impossible not to sympathise with him when things are going wrong, and cheer for him when he’s trying to right wrongs and stand up for what he believes in and the Danellis have always stood for. His family round out the ensemble with their distinct personalities and relationships with Hen- my particular favourites were his cousin Connie, who learns a lot as the book progresses, and Aunt Lucia, who just wants to look after everyone.. And of course, I loved Marjorie the shleep! Everyone is just so vividly depicted that they feel real, and I think the complicated but loving family dynamic adds to that feeling as well.
There’s also a fun twist I hadn’t seen coming, which makes everything tie together so beautifully at the end. As such, this is wholly satisfying as a standalone, but I totally wouldn’t say no to a sequel if one is on the cards. I can’t wait to see what James does next, but in the meantime, I’ll be hunting down copies of Arianwyn Gribble’s adventures so I can reread!
The book follows the Danelli family of “spell tailors”- who can stitch magic into their clothes- who are going through a tough time as a result of new, mass-producrd magical clothes factories starting up, and more specifically on Hen, who is discovering that he has a dangerous but incredible ability that might just save the family and their business from ruin.
Hen is a wonderful main character- it’s impossible not to sympathise with him when things are going wrong, and cheer for him when he’s trying to right wrongs and stand up for what he believes in and the Danellis have always stood for. His family round out the ensemble with their distinct personalities and relationships with Hen- my particular favourites were his cousin Connie, who learns a lot as the book progresses, and Aunt Lucia, who just wants to look after everyone.. And of course, I loved Marjorie the shleep! Everyone is just so vividly depicted that they feel real, and I think the complicated but loving family dynamic adds to that feeling as well.
There’s also a fun twist I hadn’t seen coming, which makes everything tie together so beautifully at the end. As such, this is wholly satisfying as a standalone, but I totally wouldn’t say no to a sequel if one is on the cards. I can’t wait to see what James does next, but in the meantime, I’ll be hunting down copies of Arianwyn Gribble’s adventures so I can reread!
November 11, 2025
Książka jest naprawdę bardzo ciekawa. Jej fabuła to coś idealnego dla fanów magii.
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