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The Springborn

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A 2025 Realm Award Finalist!

An 1880’s coal town is no place for a girl with antlers.

Once upon a winter’s day, a childless miner and his wife find baby Sabella in a mysterious basket. When she suddenly grows a pair of silvery gray antlers, they hide her from the world in embarrassment and fear.

Seventeen years later, Sabella’s life is nothing but housework and loneliness—but charming, nineteen-year-old Calder arrives on her doorstep determined to change that. He knows her secret and has plenty of his own. Such as that he’s been her unseen protector for years, he has the wings of a moth, and he’s part of a group of people with extraordinary gifts like theirs.

As Calder strives to win Sabella’s heart and the Springborn welcome her with open arms, disaster strikes. She and Calder must work together to save their exceptional family from an unlikely enemy—and in doing so, discover what it means to be true to themselves, their gifts, and each other.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

43 people are currently reading
2400 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Anne Noble

15 books390 followers
Carrie Anne Noble is the author of fantasy fiction infused with fairy tales, folklore, and wonder. She lives in the woods of Pennsylvania but can be lured out with cheese or chocolate. You can read more about her at http://www.carrienoble.com.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for BONNIE SMITH.
438 reviews64 followers
November 3, 2024
How whimsical!

Sabella was found in a basket as baby. The couple that finds her takes her in, but when she sprouts silver antlers shortly after- they feel forced to hide her away from the world.

Seventeen years later, Sabella's life is a lonely string of chores- until Calder-a VERY handsome WINGED nineteen year old comes along to change everything.
Sabella learns from Calder, that she's not alone, there an group of people just like them in Springborn.

This gives all the fairytale vibes, yet has some really grounded subjects that feel relatable to the world we live in today. Really refreshing and loveable, I recommend for those that loved "The House Witch"

Thank you to Oliver Herber Books and the author for a copy of this in return for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,547 reviews82 followers
October 24, 2024
This is a unique blend of fairytale magic and historical fiction, set in an 1880s coal town where a girl with antlers and a boy with moth wings must navigate a world that’s not quite ready for them. This story has all the whimsical vibes of a bedtime fable, but with some overt allegories to the real world and its problems However, while I appreciated the charm and imaginative elements, I found myself grappling with certain aspects of the storytelling.

It reads like a fairytale (or cozy anime), so the characters are a little bit illogical, which is something that I always struggle with in the aforementioned. The characters were interesting but felt a little flat. And the romance, while sweet, ran hot and cold without much reason. It felt as if the drama between the characters was just there to create tension rather than being something these characters would genuinely go through.

I liked that this contained so many nods to real-life problems. But the metaphors are pretty clear, which made the story feel a little too on-the-nose at times. That said, the cozy fairytale vibe was charming in its own way. It reminded me of watching a comforting anime or reading a classic storybook, where you let go of certain expectations and embrace the oddities of the world.

Overall, while The Springborn has its imaginative appeal, it left me wanting more complexity in its characters and story. It’s a cozy, fantastical escape, but it might not be for everyone, especially if you prefer stories with more nuanced character development and complexities.

Thanks so much to the author and booksprout for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie Kemler.
Author 6 books52 followers
October 11, 2025
So so SO refreshing. The ultimate palate cleanser if you take a look at my recent lineup. Really the coziest most adorable historical fiction fantasy folklore romance. In a less deep dark and sometimes sinister way than Before The Devil Knows You’re Here by Autumn Krause, but the DNA is really similar.

The setting was -chef’s kiss-. 1850s Pennsylvania coal mining town? There’s something folkloric and fairytale-tale-esque about that to start with. And it added so much texture to the story.

I ADORE Calder. For someone so besotted from the very beginning, he had a lot of depth and character (like the ethical kind) and was that wink and a smile flirtation that I find myself really loving in a male lead. His “gift” and the reveal of it was one of my favorite scenes.

Sabella I liked but didn’t love. She never really shrugged off her very formal, almost stiff exterior. It seemed true to her character but I would have loved a real breakthrough where she could learn how to be freer and more whimsical as time went on. Why give a girl antlers if she’s never going to prance through meadows?

The thing that was a big struggle for me was how the magic of the well and why each was given the gift they were given made sense. There’s only one line (paraphrasing) “it might be the fae, but we don’t know why the faefolk do what they do.” Which is like myth accurate but sort of a weak point in fleshing out the lore.

HOWEVER it was great, so enjoyable, and the dip into YA folklore fantasy romance I needed.
Profile Image for Emily Barnett.
Author 22 books80 followers
October 29, 2024
A lovely story about embracing the gifts we've been given. I loved the tone and voice of this book as it drew me into a world where oddities should be embraced and seen as beautiful, despite the hate, fear, and prejudices of others. Such a true and timely lesson for us all. Another brilliant work by Noble!
Profile Image for Sheri Yutzy.
Author 4 books35 followers
October 21, 2024
In THE SPRINGBORN, Carrie Anne Noble takes you by the hand and leads you deep into an enchanted forest teeming with splendid characters, buoyant friendships, and a stirring romance.

Sabella is cast out of her coal town home because of the antlers that sprout from her head. She flees with Calder, a boy with moth wings, and the rest of the Springborn—those who have been touched by a magical spring.

Sabella’s journey with the Springborn is fraught with fears and growth and so many enchanted moments you’ll expect to see fairy lights hanging from the tree branches just around the corner. The impact she has on Calder, and the reverse, is a startling reminder of how we learn from each other. How accepting another who is different can be the catalyst that makes them whole.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele Harper.
Author 19 books105 followers
October 22, 2024
Lyrical. Beautiful. Enchanting.

I can’t even begin to express how much I love Carrie Anne Noble’s books. And this one may be my favorite yet. (Though Mermaid’s Sister will always have a special place in my heart. I think I’ve read that one five times now?)

To have been asked to read and review The Springborn is an absolute honor.

Noble has a gift of drawing me deep into her storyworld and holding me captive with her delightful prose, and I couldn’t be happier to remain there for hours and soak in her words.

I hope if you read it that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary Lee.
603 reviews
November 9, 2024
Oh, I wanted so much to love this! I love Carrie Anne Noble’s fantasy worlds and characters I adored The Mermaid’s Sister! But this one wasn’t for me.

An 1880’s coal town is no place for a girl with antlers. Sabelle’s parents saw them off and keep her hidden and burdened with housework and loneliness—but Calder arrives on her doorstep and she finds out she’s not the only one touched by extraordinary gifts. She and Calder must work together to save their exceptional found family from an unlikely enemy—and discover what it means to be true to themselves, their gifts, and each other.
Profile Image for Stacie.
99 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2024
This is my first time reading a book by this author and now I must own every single thing that she ever puts pen to. This book, Y’all!!

The book opens with a couple who adopts a child; our FMC named Sabella. All goes well for little Sabella until she begins to grow beautiful, silvery antlers. Embarrassed by their daughter’s “deformity,” the whole dynamic of their family changes and Sabella’s life becomes sad and isolated.

One day, however, Sabella meets our MMC named Calder. Rather than antlers, he has ethereal moth wings. Together, the two of them unite against a common enemy and in the end, rescue one another.

FIRST, the scenery. The author picks the reader up and smacks them down right in the middle of the most wonderfully detailed settings. The world-building, the magic system; all of it is absolutely incredible and so easy to dive into.

Secondly, the characters. Sabella is a strong FMC, having personality and flaws without being weak. Calder is the perfect blend of rescuer and encourager, which is so hard to find in fantasy books.

Bottom line: It’s so good. It’s just so, so good.

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracy Gerhardt Cooper.
7 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
Carrie Anne Noble’s gift for writing luscious prose that carries the reader into magical worlds is nonpareil. She weaves it all together with the help of characters who are every bit as fantastical as they are human. Sabella, Calder, and their misfit gang of Springborn became a family because of what made them different. And so it is with us when we build community that feels like kin.

Noble’s message that what makes us different is a beautiful blessing to the world is tender and profound without being preachy and heavy-handed.

True to form, Noble delivers another whimsical story that feels like ancient lore while capturing us with her own special brand of magic. Her books are beautifully written with gorgeous covers and provide family-friendly stories that don’t come off as hokey or trite.

Brava, friend. You’ve done it again.
Profile Image for Marie (IfCatsCouldRead).
267 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2024
Have you ever just hugged a book when you finished it? I took my time to savor this story.

Sabella has been hidden away since the age of 11 when she started to grow antlers. She wasn't much more than a servant to her parents. One day, she encounters Calder, who has secretly been watching and protecting her. Calder introduces her to other Springborn with wondrous gifts.

Of course, a story can't be all peaches and cream, so there are setbacks, stubbornness, and cruel people. But you will fall in love with the characters and emphasize with their dilemmas. You may cry, and you may hug the book when it's over. You will definitely wish the characters lived right next door.
Profile Image for Jebraun.
Author 3 books14 followers
January 3, 2025
Carrie Anne Noble has to be one of my go-to authors for fantasy stories with a touch of whimsy, and The Springborn was deeply satisfying. With a blend of history, folklore, and romance, this book about a young girl who grows a set of antlers every day kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the mystery of how she came to be that way, her search for a place to belong, and the friendship and love she discovered in her journey. Full of a variety of side characters, a unique setting, and the perfect ending, I can’t recommend this one enough. So delightful, so enchanting. I only wish there was more!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 13 books88 followers
October 22, 2024
This beautiful story is my favorite read of 2024! I cannot recommend this book enough! If you love fairytales, whimsy, and romance, then you'll fall in love with this story about a girl with antlers and a boy with moth wings. This clean read is the perfect companion for a crisp fall evening. Don't miss this enchanting adventure! This is hands down the best of Noble's books so far!
Profile Image for Winnifred Fritz.
Author 1 book2 followers
October 22, 2024
This story blew my mind. I love the mix of historical fiction and fantasy. The characters were so easy to love (or despise, in some cases), and there were more than a few unexpected twists that kept me wanting more.
Profile Image for Jo.
6 reviews
June 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. I didn’t think I could read anything as magical as the Mermaid sister but this one is definitely up there with my favourites. Full of wonder and magic. Fantastic and thank you Carrie for another beautiful story for us to hide in.
Profile Image for Sue.
Author 13 books200 followers
October 17, 2024
Imaginative and delightful. Noble paints a beautiful picture with words that is both fresh and filled with symbolism. I could not put the book down, and I want more of Sabella and Calder.
Profile Image for Star Bookworm.
476 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
"There once was a girl..." This had all the elements of an old world fairy tale: wise crones, magic-touched people, villianous house, yearning, morals, fairies, abrupt ending. That abrupt ending was all that kept this novel from getting 5 stars. While I was disappointed with the conclusion, at least it was finite and HEA as a fairy tale should be. I had really become invested in the characters lives to have their struggles end in the span of a mere paragraph.

Sabella is a great protagonist. She faces great hardships in her life that develop a strong sense of naivete, yet she does not appear unintelligent, whiny, or bitter. Her trauma is well developed and progresses the story in a very realistic manner. Even if some of those times frustrated me greatly. She made very natural choices for the upbringing she had. The introduction of Sparrow and Delphine make the roller coaster rise and fall with page turning efficiency. I laughed and I cried. Truly excellent fairy tale for today's readers.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,759 reviews36 followers
October 5, 2025
Noble's writing style is so evocative. The aura of the story is lush and beautiful. I liked Sabella and loved Sparrow. I appreciated that Sabella grappled with the trauma of her ... well, life. Calder, well, Calder I felt like I never actually knew. Even though part of the book is from his perspective, he's so fixated on Sabella that I couldn't tell you a thing about him, not really. His character felt and fell flat until the very end. The story is a little uneven. The last third or so almost feels like a different book. It's all very slow paced, which mostly works, but it sort of rambles and wanders and then slaps you in the face with some quick sort of action. All in all, I'm glad I read it, but it feels impossible to explain what the book is actually about and I struggled a bit to keep going.
Profile Image for Hailey.
201 reviews4 followers
Read
September 1, 2025
The Springborn is perfect for fans of cozy, cottagecore fantasy.

Personally, I prefer minimal amounts of romance, and the main plot of The Springborn really is a romance. So I did tire a little of the romance plot elements and obstacles, but that's just reader preference.

Noble also has woven themes of found family, the value of life, and love throughout the narrative, all of which fit the story well.

If you're looking for a story with sweet romance and woods where magic is found, you might enjoy The Springborn.

Cautions: mentions of assumed scandal; heavy romance; several kisses; non-graphic violence
Profile Image for Jessica T.
8 reviews
October 20, 2024
The Springborn is a sweet, romantic, fairytale fantasy. This book was clean, and I think my fantasy/magic-loving 11 year old would also enjoy this story.
I struggled maybe 1/3 of the way in because the plot felt meandering. This is the reason for the half star loss. After I pushed through, the story picked up and I didn’t put it down. It’s full of heart, and the joys and sadness of life. I would definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenia Tortora.
1,175 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2024
This is not merely a tale woven together it a journey that takes you to the days of old and a world where magic can be found. Sabella was a found baby and developed her ‘curse of antlers’ only to be hidden and loathed by her parents. When Calder can no longer watch her be mistreated he is the catalyst for Sabella to choose a new path. The Springborn embrace her as one of their own and take in Sabella and baby Sparrow. I laughed, cried, and could not put this book down. I loved every page!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amelia Boring.
79 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2024
I won this in a giveaway and I’m going to preface this with I think I’ve figured out that I’m not a huge cozy fantasy person.

It is a cute story. The beginning was interesting and kept me wanting more but then we got the traveling part and that seemed like all it was plus one sided instalove while the FMC worked out her feelings.
Also they were a bit young for my liking.
I did skim and skip towards the end.

So, it is a good if you like cozy fantasy. I just don’t think I was the target audience for this.
Profile Image for Vanessa E. Howard.
Author 8 books4 followers
February 1, 2025
The Springborn is a young adult fantasy brimming with magic and atmosphere. It’s a story of love, acceptance (of self and others), and finding where you really belong.
This tale of Sabella, the girl with antlers, and Calder, the boy with moth wings, takes readers on a cold and bitter journey but ultimately ends with hope and light. I enjoyed it immensely, and loved each of the well-defined and fascinating characters. I definitely recommend.
Content: No graphic content, but the themes get a little heavy, so I would say teens and up for this one.
Profile Image for Liz Etnyre.
752 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2025
A pleasant, YA, cozy fantasy. I was bothered that the protagonist had antlers that didn't shed. If they don't shed, they aren't antlers, they are horns - I don't care how magical they otherwise are. Maybe this is just being picky - bit rather ruined the story for me. Heck, having the antlers only be seasonal (like antlers actually are) could have made for a richer storyline. Anywho -it bugged me enough to knock a star off the rating. Still would recommend this to a fan of YA fantasy (and of "Sweet Tooth", who also didn't shed his antlers.)
Profile Image for Mandy Jo.
177 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2024
BEAUTIFUL. A sweet YA book that creates a beautiful world of children that have special features. A girl that grows antlers, a boy with wings, twins that can shape-shift. A book about acceptance, love, friendship and loss. This story takes place in the late 1800s. There is a villain and magic and a world where all those that are different find a place. It's a wonderful coming of age story and how finding a place in the world can be hard but once you find your people, love can be amazing.
1,223 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2024
Romance, Treachery, and Magic

In this fantasy, a group of magically gifted people must unite against an unexpected foe. Ordinary folks shun them, but when treachery comes from an unexpected source, they must unite to survive. Their very existence was on the line. Who would see them destroyed, and why? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like stories with magic, romance, and suspense. There would be some tough moments in this romantic fantasy.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,076 reviews37 followers
October 12, 2025
3.5 stars

Mixed feelings on this one. I didn't particularly enjoy the first half or so but did enjoy the second half. Calder and his insta-love and obsession with Sabella was a bit much for me, but I loved the relationship between Sabella and Sparrow. I guess I appreciated the fact that the end had more action, even though it was sad. The writing was very beautiful though and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Jessica Gwyn.
124 reviews10 followers
October 23, 2025
The Springborn is a wondrous fairytale. Its characters truly leap from the pages and instill in me a great sense of hope and love. Even as I sit weeping at the conclusion and the preceding chapters, I am ever grateful. From Sparrow I learned that love is always worth pursuing, clinging to, even when pain is an unavoidable consequence. Sometimes in life we only get to hold onto heaven for a moment, but that’s better than not experiencing it at all.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,547 reviews15 followers
October 20, 2024
What a fabulous and fantastic story. Full of highs and lows within a cleverly created world. Once you start you’ll find putting this book down almost impossible! You’re drawn into this world and these two amazing characters and you just want more! A must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amber Kirkpatrick.
Author 7 books54 followers
November 1, 2024
Carrie Anne Noble is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I can't recall reading a story quite like this one—a fresh, new fairytale set in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. Richly atmospheric, creative, inventive, with characters so flawed and yet so lovable it's hard to determine whether you want to smack some sense into them, or squeeze them to death in a hug.
Profile Image for Janna  Felix.
717 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2024
A freshly new and beautiful fairytale about a girl with antlers and a boy who loves her. You will get swept away in this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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