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The Liminal Library #1
Misshelved Magic
Adelina is content to be a humble librarian with no magic, organizing ordinary books and leaving the magical section of the library to the management of the mysterious creature called a cervara... until she finds a misshelved spellbook that refuses to stay in its proper place. Despite warnings from the College of Magic and her superiors, she decides to return the book to the magical section, where she befriends the mysterious creature. Contrary to what she's been told, the cervara is trying to protect humanity from dangerous magic by hoarding it in the library. But is it also hiding an even greater danger?
Leon is a mage in his final year at the college who needs to write something impressive for his final thesis. But when he meets the charming Adelina, and she confides her discovery to him, Leon's world turns upside down. He's forced to try to mediate between the mysterious creature and the power-hungry magi who surround him, all while trying to pursue his favorite librarian.
Can Adelina and Leon protect the cervara from the world-and the world from the dangers of the library? Or will both sides be destroyed by the secrets they hide and the greed that drives them to seek forbidden knowledge?
Leon is a mage in his final year at the college who needs to write something impressive for his final thesis. But when he meets the charming Adelina, and she confides her discovery to him, Leon's world turns upside down. He's forced to try to mediate between the mysterious creature and the power-hungry magi who surround him, all while trying to pursue his favorite librarian.
Can Adelina and Leon protect the cervara from the world-and the world from the dangers of the library? Or will both sides be destroyed by the secrets they hide and the greed that drives them to seek forbidden knowledge?
308 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2024
21 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Crickard
2 books16 followersS. R. Crickard lives in Ohio with a husband, some children, a bunch of dying plants, and a collection of preserved bugs and animal bones.
After a career as a caseworker specializing in senior care, she now specializes in collecting homeschool curricula and then making up her own worksheets anyway.
When she isn't running, reading, or searching for Lepidoptera in the woods, she is writing down characters who search for the good, true, and beautiful in unexpected places.
Her fiction was featured in the 2022 anthology, For the Good of the Realm, and her forthcoming debut novel, Misshelved Magic, will be released in November of 2024.
After a career as a caseworker specializing in senior care, she now specializes in collecting homeschool curricula and then making up her own worksheets anyway.
When she isn't running, reading, or searching for Lepidoptera in the woods, she is writing down characters who search for the good, true, and beautiful in unexpected places.
Her fiction was featured in the 2022 anthology, For the Good of the Realm, and her forthcoming debut novel, Misshelved Magic, will be released in November of 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 15, 2024
I absolutely adored Misshelved Magic! This is one of those books that is hard to write a review for as almost anything you say will be a spoiler. A fantasy book where the magic system revolves around books, where the majority of the plot takes place in a library! This is a bibliophiles dream speculative fiction! The cover is lovely, it completely draws you in. The romance is sweet, wonderful and realistic; the plot fantastic with just the right amount of suspense. Misshelved Magic may just be my favorite read of the year! I can not believe this is a debut novel, S.R Crickard is now in my automatic buy list! I can not say enough good things about Misshelved Magic!
I received a advanced reader copy of the book. My opinions, as always, are completely my own.
I received a advanced reader copy of the book. My opinions, as always, are completely my own.
December 5, 2025
This was a fun, cozy, clean romantasy read about a librarian and a mage, beings cursed by magic after seeking immortality, and the lessons of what greed and power can do. It was easy to read and the latter half of the book was very intriguing, but I struggled to get into it in the beginning, which I think was just poor development of the story and particularly the romance. I did very much enjoy it by the end, but it was hard to get into at first. The romance felt rushed in the beginning, particularly kissing each other soon after they'd met and definitely well before they'd even said "I love you", but it was very clean content as a whole and the story was very sweet and innocent all the way through. Aside from the awkward development in the beginning, it was a good debut! I look forward to reading the next book!
November 21, 2024
I'm not the biggest fantasy reader, but I have learned that when Chrism Press publishes a book, regardless of genre, I'm going to love it. That was the case with Misshelved Magic.
Here's what I love about this book:
It's a fantasy story with spiritual depth that conveys Catholic teaching in an entertaining way.
It reminded me of some of my favorite books, like the Harry Potter series, and the works of Connie Willis.
The magical library! As a former librarian, I loved imagining what it would be like to have Adelina's job.
The cover. It's truly gorgeous and fits the story so well.
The romance is very sweet and believable, and I love the role courtship plays in the love story.
The writing is excellent -- and so is the audiobook, which my library has through Hoopla!
I'm so grateful to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy. (I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Here's what I love about this book:
It's a fantasy story with spiritual depth that conveys Catholic teaching in an entertaining way.
It reminded me of some of my favorite books, like the Harry Potter series, and the works of Connie Willis.
The magical library! As a former librarian, I loved imagining what it would be like to have Adelina's job.
The cover. It's truly gorgeous and fits the story so well.
The romance is very sweet and believable, and I love the role courtship plays in the love story.
The writing is excellent -- and so is the audiobook, which my library has through Hoopla!
I'm so grateful to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy. (I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
June 18, 2025
Misshelved Magic started with promise and a Harry Potter-esque feel—spells, magical books, and enchantment. Then it barely maintained my interest over a hundred or more pages until the action picked up. From there to the end, it became hard to put down.
Talented mage Leon and often-overlooked librarian Adelina make a sweet pair. Their gentle and genuine romance is endearing. Together, they’re drawn into the fascinating and dangerous restricted portion of the library where they encounter the undead cervara, who shelve the magical spells. As they become better acquainted with the cervara, their origins, and the present danger to cervara, magi, and humans alike, their new love is tested.
There’s lots to ponder amidst the action—life after death, the role each of us plays in God’s plan, guilt and redemption, lust for power, humility, and self-sacrifice.
A creative and enjoyable story that would have great visual appeal if made into a movie.
Talented mage Leon and often-overlooked librarian Adelina make a sweet pair. Their gentle and genuine romance is endearing. Together, they’re drawn into the fascinating and dangerous restricted portion of the library where they encounter the undead cervara, who shelve the magical spells. As they become better acquainted with the cervara, their origins, and the present danger to cervara, magi, and humans alike, their new love is tested.
There’s lots to ponder amidst the action—life after death, the role each of us plays in God’s plan, guilt and redemption, lust for power, humility, and self-sacrifice.
A creative and enjoyable story that would have great visual appeal if made into a movie.
March 12, 2025
I loved this book! What a fantastic world S.R. Crickard has created! There is romance, magic, and depth.
Reading about the relationships the characters had with each other was incredibly enjoyable. I loved all of the unique personalities of the Cervara.
The way the magic works in this world is very interestingly and uniquely put together. I love when an author can create something different than what I've read before.
There is a lot of depth - strengths and weaknesses shown/how humans handle situations. The reader gets lost in the world, but can also take time to draw connections to their own life, priorities, reasoning, etc. It has allusions to religion/truth/love as well, which was very cool to read.
This book also offers hope and so much love when it seems like things can't just quite ever be right.
I don't want to say too much or give any spoilers, so I'll wrap it up with I HIGHLY recommend.
Reading about the relationships the characters had with each other was incredibly enjoyable. I loved all of the unique personalities of the Cervara.
The way the magic works in this world is very interestingly and uniquely put together. I love when an author can create something different than what I've read before.
There is a lot of depth - strengths and weaknesses shown/how humans handle situations. The reader gets lost in the world, but can also take time to draw connections to their own life, priorities, reasoning, etc. It has allusions to religion/truth/love as well, which was very cool to read.
This book also offers hope and so much love when it seems like things can't just quite ever be right.
I don't want to say too much or give any spoilers, so I'll wrap it up with I HIGHLY recommend.
November 29, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle fantasy that nonetheless dealt with some big ideas.
June 26, 2025
Misshelved Magic was such a fun and unique read! I loved how Adelina started off as just a normal librarian and ended up being part of something so magical and dangerous. The story had a cool mix of mystery, fantasy, and even a little romance with Leon, which kept things exciting. The cervara was such an interesting creature, and the whole idea of magical books causing chaos was super creative. If you’re into magical adventures, cool secrets, and unlikely heroes, you’ll definitely want to read this!
May 14, 2025
Flying books, magical libraries, and... undead librarians?!
I love how unique the world in this book is! I've certainly never read anything quite like it, and I would love to have more!
One thing I loved is that the main characters got together pretty early in the book, which meant that on the romance side of things, there wasn't a lot of 'will they, won't they' going on, but instead there were problems like finding time to spend together with busy schedules, and issues that couples face after the initial excitement of getting together has passed. The romance isn't really the point of the book, though, so I think people who don't like romance may still like this book.
The cervara were all such great characters as well! I loved how their stories unfold and the little tidbits we learn about them.
The Christian themes were really inspiring. They felt natural, not forced, or shoe horned in, like is sometimes the case in Christian fiction. There were some great plot twists, especially at the end! And I loved how it all wrapped up.
I love how unique the world in this book is! I've certainly never read anything quite like it, and I would love to have more!
One thing I loved is that the main characters got together pretty early in the book, which meant that on the romance side of things, there wasn't a lot of 'will they, won't they' going on, but instead there were problems like finding time to spend together with busy schedules, and issues that couples face after the initial excitement of getting together has passed. The romance isn't really the point of the book, though, so I think people who don't like romance may still like this book.
The cervara were all such great characters as well! I loved how their stories unfold and the little tidbits we learn about them.
The Christian themes were really inspiring. They felt natural, not forced, or shoe horned in, like is sometimes the case in Christian fiction. There were some great plot twists, especially at the end! And I loved how it all wrapped up.
June 12, 2025
Starts off as a cozy fantasy, but swiftly wraps up in the end. Enjoyed the dialogue between characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
A well-crafted fantasy world with lovely characters.
I believe this could be enjoyed not only by adults but would also be a lovely read for young adults.
This is a fantasy, with a sweet and tender romance intertwined.
I am doing my best to offer a spoiler free review but that makes the review very generalized. The author created a vivid world, with well rounded characters and all of it is well written. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and hope that it will reach many more people.
I was gifted a copy of this novel for review purposes. The opinions in my review are my own.
I believe this could be enjoyed not only by adults but would also be a lovely read for young adults.
This is a fantasy, with a sweet and tender romance intertwined.
I am doing my best to offer a spoiler free review but that makes the review very generalized. The author created a vivid world, with well rounded characters and all of it is well written. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and hope that it will reach many more people.
I was gifted a copy of this novel for review purposes. The opinions in my review are my own.
July 20, 2025
I didn’t want to put this down! Masterfully woven love story amidst a magical tale! This has a much deeper meaning than how it first appears on the surface. It’s a true artist who can create characters (the cervara) that I at first thought were quite strange and didn’t really like…into characters I loved by the end! This isn’t my normal genre, but this really held my attention long after I put it down. Can’t wait till Crickard’s next book comes out!!
March 26, 2025
Not a fantasy person but read as part of a book club. It was great for a first time author. It kept my interest until the end. I encourage the author to keep writing and letting the magic flow.
November 7, 2024
The cover for this book is what really drew me in. Throw in some magic, a hint of romance and I was sold. I really enjoyed the story world the author created, especially the College of Magic and the library of magic, was just so fun. I really liked Adelina right from the start, her curiosity and fear of being invisible to those around her made her such an easy character to root for. My favorite parts were her interactions with the Cervara, especially with X and Monoculle.
Leon made a pretty great hero too. I thought his struggles with being so good at magic made him relatable, and his romance with Adelina was so sweet. The two of them made a great pair as they seek to discover who the Cervara are and why the library of magic exists.
The author did a great job grounding her story world with a bit of faith, I appreciated how the characters are taught to deal with magic and the part Perichor plays in the actions the Cervara take.
I think this book would appeal to anyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. There are hints of faith woven throughout the book, which I really appreciated, but they are done seamlessly and not in a preachy way. I really didn't want to put this book down, I couldn't wait to find out how it would all end. The ending was perfect and very hope-filled. It surprised me as I wasn't really sure how the author could tie everything up so well. I'm really hoping there will be more books in this series, or at least in this world.
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Leon made a pretty great hero too. I thought his struggles with being so good at magic made him relatable, and his romance with Adelina was so sweet. The two of them made a great pair as they seek to discover who the Cervara are and why the library of magic exists.
The author did a great job grounding her story world with a bit of faith, I appreciated how the characters are taught to deal with magic and the part Perichor plays in the actions the Cervara take.
I think this book would appeal to anyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. There are hints of faith woven throughout the book, which I really appreciated, but they are done seamlessly and not in a preachy way. I really didn't want to put this book down, I couldn't wait to find out how it would all end. The ending was perfect and very hope-filled. It surprised me as I wasn't really sure how the author could tie everything up so well. I'm really hoping there will be more books in this series, or at least in this world.
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
April 21, 2025
2.5 stars
Unpopular opinion, but I wanted to love this book a lot more than I actually did. When I first saw the description, it seemed about that would be right up my alley! I loved the beginning of it, the introduction to everything and it seemed like a book that I would really love. But it got so political and intricate and it lost the magical feel of the magical library. I did love meeting the cervera and getting to know their personalities. But the romance in the book was just lacking. Adelina and Leon just one day saw each other in the library and pretty much just decided they were in love with each other. It was like they were acquaintances and then they were getting married. There wasn't a lot of build up for cuteness or romance. And then it got so political in the middle of the book that it was so boring and it dragged and I just wanted it to be over. And then it had this big rush of excitement and Adventure towards the end but the pacing was just so up and down and all over the place.
Unpopular opinion, but I wanted to love this book a lot more than I actually did. When I first saw the description, it seemed about that would be right up my alley! I loved the beginning of it, the introduction to everything and it seemed like a book that I would really love. But it got so political and intricate and it lost the magical feel of the magical library. I did love meeting the cervera and getting to know their personalities. But the romance in the book was just lacking. Adelina and Leon just one day saw each other in the library and pretty much just decided they were in love with each other. It was like they were acquaintances and then they were getting married. There wasn't a lot of build up for cuteness or romance. And then it got so political in the middle of the book that it was so boring and it dragged and I just wanted it to be over. And then it had this big rush of excitement and Adventure towards the end but the pacing was just so up and down and all over the place.
January 10, 2026
I really wanted to love this whole story arc because the premise was so great. I think the story would have met my hopes had if it were more complex. The story felt like a paired down version of what it had potential to be. I know it’s a middle grade book but I’ve read a lot of youth fantasy and it is possible to write more complex characters who are dealing with a more compelling arc. It felt like the MMC never knew what was going on and the MFC was naive. Both were too stary eyed with each other to be developed as individual characters.
I also didn’t know it was supposed to have Christian themes before reading but maybe that’s why it lost its way? It was trying to be an allegory instead of its own story? Not sure cause I didn’t really pick that up at all until looking into it afterward.
I also didn’t know it was supposed to have Christian themes before reading but maybe that’s why it lost its way? It was trying to be an allegory instead of its own story? Not sure cause I didn’t really pick that up at all until looking into it afterward.
December 9, 2024
What an amazing tale of magic, suspense, mystery and a WHOLE lot of fun! S.R. Crickard did an amazing job of weaving a exciting story of magic spells, friendship, mystery, and most of all LOVE. We find ourselves pulled into an adventure following a librarian and a super talented mage as they unravel the mysteries of the Cervara, the mystical creatures who are part of the library. I enjoyed reading this amazing story following Adelina, the librarian and Leon, a pretty amazing mage as they form a formidable friendship and more as they work together to solve centuries of mysteries surrounding deep magic. Such a great plot from start to finish! I cannot wait to read more from the author!
August 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
A book about books is every bookworm’s dream, and Misshelved Magic was exactly that for me—a cozy fantasy full of charm, whimsy, and heart. I picked it up expecting a light, comforting read, and it delivered in spades.
The story centers around a magical library and the people (and creatures) who find themselves drawn into its orbit. It’s a tale of discovery, belonging, and the quiet power of stories themselves. The author’s worldbuilding struck just the right balance: enchanting without being overly complicated, familiar enough to feel cozy but sprinkled with enough surprises to keep me hooked.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Every page felt like curling up with a warm blanket and a favorite cup of tea. The characters are endearing, quirky in the best way, and the relationships between them add real heart to the story. There’s humor, gentle magic, and the kind of comforting themes that linger after you close the book.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that there were a couple of slower stretches where the pacing dipped just a little. But overall, this was such a delightful read that reminded me why I adore cozy fantasy so much.
Misshelved Magic is a love letter to stories, libraries, and the magic of finding where you belong. If you’re a bookworm in need of something warm, whimsical, and uplifting, this 4.5-star gem is not to be missed.
A book about books is every bookworm’s dream, and Misshelved Magic was exactly that for me—a cozy fantasy full of charm, whimsy, and heart. I picked it up expecting a light, comforting read, and it delivered in spades.
The story centers around a magical library and the people (and creatures) who find themselves drawn into its orbit. It’s a tale of discovery, belonging, and the quiet power of stories themselves. The author’s worldbuilding struck just the right balance: enchanting without being overly complicated, familiar enough to feel cozy but sprinkled with enough surprises to keep me hooked.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Every page felt like curling up with a warm blanket and a favorite cup of tea. The characters are endearing, quirky in the best way, and the relationships between them add real heart to the story. There’s humor, gentle magic, and the kind of comforting themes that linger after you close the book.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that there were a couple of slower stretches where the pacing dipped just a little. But overall, this was such a delightful read that reminded me why I adore cozy fantasy so much.
Misshelved Magic is a love letter to stories, libraries, and the magic of finding where you belong. If you’re a bookworm in need of something warm, whimsical, and uplifting, this 4.5-star gem is not to be missed.
January 11, 2026
Fantasy meets romance meets mystery. This book held me spellbound all the way through. It was just the right level of magic, romance, and mystery to keep me turning to the next page. Adelina and Leon are absolutely wonderful, brave, and virtuous. The other characters are mysterious! I will not say more for fear of giving the story away! A must read!
January 19, 2026
Initial feelings: meh, cute, easy listen, somewhat engaging, but shallow character development
However some positive points:
- Magic has consequences
- Romance was cute and clean (no ridiculous literary porn)
- immortality is not something to grasp at here on earth
- interesting purgatory-like existence /state of being when you try to grasp for what is not gifted to you from above (God)
However some positive points:
- Magic has consequences
- Romance was cute and clean (no ridiculous literary porn)
- immortality is not something to grasp at here on earth
- interesting purgatory-like existence /state of being when you try to grasp for what is not gifted to you from above (God)
February 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the opening and closing of this book. The main portion of the book felt slow, political and didn't match the beginning and end. I think people who enjoy libraries, magic, history and politics would enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I only enjoy two of the four.
December 6, 2024
A sweet love story in a magical library. Somewhat predictable, but quite cozy and fun.
December 20, 2024
There were few slow parts but all in all I really enjoyed this book! It was unique fantasy, great for youth or adults, and clean!
January 6, 2025
Very imaginative magical story. Great world building and the main characters were interesting. This one is appropriate for ages 14+.
January 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this clean fantasy story. The world is interesting and the characters are engaging.
March 10, 2025
Audiobook. This book completely exceeded my expectations! In particular I enjoyed the intricate world building and the love between Adelina & Leon. Highly recommended.
April 1, 2025
Not my preferred genre. Story was so heavily fantasy that I couldn’t get into it. Author did a nice job.
March 1, 2025
This was a delightful book!
I devoured S. R. Crickard’s fantasy novel in a matter of days and greatly enjoyed it! The plot was interesting, the ideas original, and there was some beautiful imagery.
Adelina is a more feminine character than we find in most modern literature, which I found very refreshing. So many authors today take every opportunity to talk about their girl characters wearing pants. Adelina wears skirts- and glasses!
My favorite character was Leon. He’s rather like the socially awkward, bookworm type character, yet there is something unique about him as well. I also very much liked Adelina’s father, and appreciated Crickard including courtship in her novel.
Misshelved Magic was a pleasant read combining mystery, adventure, and diplomacy while also managing to be rather cozy and a sweet romance.
I devoured S. R. Crickard’s fantasy novel in a matter of days and greatly enjoyed it! The plot was interesting, the ideas original, and there was some beautiful imagery.
Adelina is a more feminine character than we find in most modern literature, which I found very refreshing. So many authors today take every opportunity to talk about their girl characters wearing pants. Adelina wears skirts- and glasses!
My favorite character was Leon. He’s rather like the socially awkward, bookworm type character, yet there is something unique about him as well. I also very much liked Adelina’s father, and appreciated Crickard including courtship in her novel.
Misshelved Magic was a pleasant read combining mystery, adventure, and diplomacy while also managing to be rather cozy and a sweet romance.
December 24, 2025
This was good, not great but I did like this one. I liked the relationship between Adelina & Leon they were so so cute. I also loved how protective Leon was towards Adelina. 🥰
The magic system for this book was very interesting. Using magic spell books & poems.
Very enjoyable 4.5 ⭐️
I could see this being a show. It’d be good if it was.
The magic system for this book was very interesting. Using magic spell books & poems.
Very enjoyable 4.5 ⭐️
I could see this being a show. It’d be good if it was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews