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Stitches and Scales

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Immunity to magic is a rare curse, one that restless accountant Fellen Waterford knows all too well. Surely her new job at Evander’s Aquarium of Magical Creatures holds the answer, if she can just get her hands on the elusive the venom of the vicious beithir.

When Fellen discovers the aquarium is bankrupt and eviction is looming, she vows to save the business and her chance to experience magic, even if it involves hunting down a ferocious sea dragon.

As she grows closer to her enigmatic new employer and the reclusive researcher she shares an office with, however, Fellen suspects that not everything at the aquarium is as it seems. There is more at stake than she could have imagined. She must navigate stormy seas and mysterious magic in a whirlwind adventure of courage, betrayal and sacrifice on her journey to discovering her true strength.

Stitches and Scales is S. N. Lloyd's debut fantasy novel inviting the reader into a rich and whimsical world that promises magic, adventure and a touch of romance.

343 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2024

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55 people want to read

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S. N. Lloyd

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Stacey Markle.
616 reviews34 followers
August 9, 2025
This was so endearing!!
I didn't know what to expect going into this story, it sounded like it was cozy and that's my jam but all cozy isn't good cozy. THIS IS!!!
A little gaslamp, a little fantastical and a lot of heart. What more could you want? well, how about lovely sea creatures and a magical aquarium? A story centered around a quest for the cure for an immunity to magic becomes a desperate need to save the aquarium itself. Fellen is convinced those two things can happen and she sets out to see it done. Along the way, things get darker and a little out of control with the owner of the aquarium, a cast of characters that are just wonderful (almost all of them anyway) and a sea dragon!
At the heart of this story is love and acceptance. My favourite character, John/Titus, gives us wonderful sweet romantic moments .
What I loved best about this book is the growth that Fellen goes through. She starts out very self absorbed and selfish but everything and everyone she encounters helps her to see things differently. Such interesting magic as well....stitching and time travel! I really enjoyed being in this world.
I cant believe this is a debut, the writing is so well done. wow.
my rating is 4.5 rounded for GR
Profile Image for Nicole.
199 reviews15 followers
October 20, 2024
So this was a delightful little surprise.

This book was just plainly fun. The world was simple but interesting, the setting revolving around a magical aquarium was unique, and the creatures were neat, and the magic system (what we saw of it, at least, since only a small part of the magic system was on display) had some really cool aspects to it. The characters were also quite charming and fun to follow, which makes me personally hope for more stories in this world.

The book in general had a very cozy vibe to it. The bits of romance that were there were cute, the plot had low stakes for fantasy but high stakes for the characters (which I like), and there were some twists that I actually didn't see coming.

Honestly, if you want a fun, cozy, and different fantasy, I highly recommend it. This was a fun time, and I look forward to seeing what S. N. Lloyd writes next!
1 review
October 6, 2024
The fantasy novel you deserve.

As a long-time fantasy genre enthusiast, I generally go into these things with low expectations. It is not often I am met with such a stark defiance of said expectations. The entire premise for the book is original and refreshing at a time when originality is nearly impossible to find. While reading, I was taken back to a better time. I felt the same rush of imagination and fantasy of my youth when so many stories were untold and ripe for exploration. If you're tired of the same old drivel being re told and watered down with only slight variations, then this is the book for you! The authors care for the characters' shines in every conversation and interaction on nearly every page. A perfect level of detail and description drives you forward with a momentum that feels carefully hand crafted and is a joy to experience. The bottom line is that you can not ask for a better example of the genre and would do yourself a great disservice by not picking up a copy and settling into this wonderful book. I am excited and look forward to the authors next literary endeavor, whether that be a new entry following this one or an entirely original idea! Phenomenal book by a great writer 10/10.
Profile Image for Martin Evans.
79 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2025
Book Review: Stitches and Scales by S.N. Loyd| Magical aquariums, endearing sea creatures, and emotional depth in spades, this book is cozy fantasy at its finest.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big shoutout to my friend @Sammithenerd for putting this gem on my radar. I truly wasn’t expecting the emotional pull this one had… and I mean that in the best way. This book turned out to be something so much more than I anticipated.

I’m giving this a solid 4 stars, though there’s a very real possibility I’ll bump that to 5 stars when I do my end-of-year wrap-up, because it’s been growing on me ever since I finished. It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and more layered than it first appears. There’s this cozy magical vibe that pulls you in straight away. Like, imagine if Howl’s Moving Castle had a cousin who ran a rundown magical aquarium and occasionally got attacked by bureaucracy, emotional trauma, and sea monsters. That’s the energy.

The story follows Fellen, a girl immune to magic, who desperately wants to see the world the way her mother once did. Her best chance? A legendary magical creature hidden in a struggling aquarium. But she doesn’t just walk into the plot for selfish reasons, what starts as a personal quest becomes a much bigger mission. The aquarium’s at risk, the staff are caught in some shady behind-the-scenes politics, and things are not what they seem with the mysterious owner. Add in a found family that I would 100% die for, and you’ve got yourself a book with teeth and heart.

The writing is crisp and confident. It’s told in first person, and it’s beautifully edited, there was no point where I stumbled or felt the prose was dragging. The pacing struck a lovely balance: just enough momentum to keep me turning the page, but with space to breathe and fall in love with the characters. I especially loved the way the emotional arcs were handled. No melodrama for the sake of it, just deeply human characters facing hard choices, trying their best, and occasionally messing up spectacularly.

What really got me was the vibe. It’s cozy fantasy without being fluff. It has stakes that matter because they’re personal. It’s a story about what happens when you want to believe in something so badly, you might overlook the rot underneath it. It’s about healing, hope, grief, magic, and, honestly, a surprising amount of soul-searching for a book that also features magical fish and underwater sparkles.

And the themes? They hit. Hard. What pulls someone into darkness? What keeps them there? And what could possibly bring them back? It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you with its emotional punch, then gives you a soft little hug by the end.

I genuinely didn’t want to leave this world when it was over. The food, the magical creatures, the handsome coworkers, all of it felt lived-in and real. And while the book absolutely works as a standalone, you know I’m already impatiently waiting for the next one. Because this cast? This world? This heart? I’m not done with it yet.

If you love cozy fantasy with found family, emotional depth, magical creatures, and a setting that’s as original as it is enchanting, Stitches and Scales is one to put on your list.
Profile Image for Hannah Barclay.
80 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2025
Loved it! The plot is not your typical (again loved that) and the adventure is filled with very imaginative creatures and great characters.
The themes were so good… what draws someone into a spiral of darkness and what traps them there???… Will their path be redemption or ruin???
I’ve still been stubbornly resisting the “fantasy” genre but continue to surprise myself as I enjoy one after another 😂
super stoked to finally get my hands on Sara’s book (what a privilege to be able to call the author a friend!) 🤍4.5 🌟
Profile Image for Meg W.
3 reviews
January 14, 2026
A delightful, cosy and enchanting tale that definitely has a few surprises up its sleeve the deeper you go into the story! A magical story about an entirely unmagical FMC whose journey takes her on twists and turns from a magical aquarium, to a cake shop, to the high seas.
Profile Image for Benjamin  Clow .
112 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2024
This was a delightful read! It's about these colourful set of characters having to save a magical aquarium from closing down. I wasn't expecting to relate to the central protagonist so much, and was quite taken back by the strength of the emotional stakes as the book went along. The writing style is accessible and very readable without ever losing its high quality prose and beautiful descriptions. I thought the action in particular was written very well. It's been ages since I've read such a thrilling fantasy adventure romp like this before.

Very keen to read other S.N. Lloyd books in the future.
Profile Image for Paige.
34 reviews
December 14, 2025
Stitches and Scales is an enchanting YA fantasy, with magic, drama, and charming characters. I couldn't pass up the concept of a magical aquarium, and I was not disappointed. Highly recommended to readers of all ages who like an intriguing adventure with bits of myth and poetry woven into the fabric of the tale.

Very much looking forward to what else S.N. Lloyd dreams up in the future.
736 reviews16 followers
September 9, 2025
Fellen has only ever wanted one thing after her mother died - to be able to see magic. Believing the answer lies at Evander's Aquarium of Magical Creatures she jumps on the opportunity to become their accountant. But when she finds out the aquarium is going bankrupt and she could lose her chance at getting rid of her magical immunity, she comes up with a crazy plan to try to save the aquarium. Now the team is off dragon hunting, but will it be enough to save the aquarium and its employees after all she learns along the way?
Fellen is so easy to connect with. She is a very emotional person and her guilt about her mother drives her to seek out the venom even when it's dangerous. She can be a bit stubborn and quick to jump to conclusions, but she is able to look back and realize when she is making a mistake. And she definitely grows as she comes to like all the other employees. John/Titus was such an odd person but in the best way. You'd think he would know more, but he really seems to have no idea most of the time. And try as I might, I didn't guess his secret before it was revealed.
I loved all the fantastical creatures from the aquarium and the sea. Even the creepy "villianous" ones. The aquarium is something out of dreams! I wish there was a real one to see after reading about all the wonderful illusions cast throughout the building. One thing I was not expecting were all the emotional parts towards the end. I don't want to give spoilers, but gosh did my heart hurt for the decisions that Fellen needed to make. And even from the reason she needed to make them. And that is not the only time this book tugs on your heart strings. Add in a battle with a sea dragon and a wrecked boat and this book has a little bit of everything!
190 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2024
My goodness, this book is amazing. Imagine if Kim McDougall's Valkyrie Bestiary and Liz Delton's Soldark had a book baby together, and Rosie Wylor-Owen was its godmother - this would be the delightful progeny.

Fellen, desperate to see magic as her mother did, seeks work in the aquarium in order to gain access to the magical creature that could change her life. But the aquarium is on the brink of foreclosure, and she and her new friends need a plan, like, right now.

The characters are an endearing found family in the best of traditions. The magic system is easy to understand and interesting, particularly the rare type that might just change everything.

The plot is excellently paced, with a great balance of action, intrigue and emotion. The world-building is detailed, I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the food, clothing and, of course, the wonderful magical creatures.

The style is accessible, first person and faultlessly edited.

But, for me, the highlights are the damaged and flawed characters, and the difficult decisions they are forced to make. It provoked all the emotions and I can't wait until the next book arrives.
Profile Image for Jessica Johnson.
61 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2025
This book...oh my goodness...what a page turner!!! I never would have put this into words as something I needed in my life, but it absolutely was! It reminds me of one of my favorite anime shows, Aquatrope on the White Sands, in which a couple of friends are working to help save a small family-run aquarium from closure. Except in this story, you mix in a dash of The Greatest Showman, a pinch of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, and top it off with a handsome time traveller with opalescent eyes that I would gladly gaze into for all eternity.
There is friendship, found family, adventure, betrayal, heartbreak, and an ending that is definitely not what I would have expected. There are twists and turns, and just when you think you know when there is a redemption arc and a HEA coming, BAM!, you get venom right in the heart and your whole perception is shattered. The ending is still happy in its own way, but some may find it unsatisfying as it is definitely not a "typical" HEA. The characters are so lovable, and the concept of an aquarium for rescued magical creatures just really tickles my fancy.
604 reviews14 followers
July 10, 2025
“A journey is not made pointless because only one person takes it.”

A favorite read!
Stitches and Scales is a beautiful story and an incredible debut!
Fellen gets a job at a magical aquarium in order to find a way to cure her magic immunity, but finds that in order to reach her goal she’ll first have to save the aquarium.

The setting and story is very creative. I don’t think I’ve read another book with a magical aquarium setting. The world is great too, with just the right amount of world building to immerse you in the setting. The characters were interesting with depth and unique voices. I also especially enjoyed the writing which was beautiful and evocative without distracting from the story. In some ways, I wish the ending had been different, but I also think it was perfect the way it was.

But I do hope there will be more stories with these characters!
Profile Image for Trisha Otis.
32 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2025
This book was exactly what I needed. It had adventure and whimsy and curiosity. It had a bit of mystery, which I always appreciate. The main character, Fellen, felt very relatable and I loved seeing the magical world through her unique perspective. I also LOVED the magic system the author created and it was so unique. I feel like I need a dozen more books set in this world. I would particularly love a book about Titus. I found the ending slightly bittersweet, but it was very well done.
1 review
October 2, 2025
Just incredible! Such a pleasure to read. Sooo easy to familiarise the characters and settings, equally easy to get completely engrossed and lose track of time.
For romantasy readers, a nice change of pace in romance - it adds some intrigue without taking over the book or sacrificing character progression.

I have zero critiques and will happily recommend to all my friends and wait patiently for the next book to come out.
24 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2025
Ok! What do I say about "Stitches and Scales" well this was a book I was truly amazed with. The author has a great way of creating unusual and imaginative creatures and characters that draw your in. The plot is so magical.

The plot follows Fellen who wants to obtain magic within herself (immmunity to) so she goes on a quest to save herself, a Magical aquarium and her friends and find the real meaning to her life. A brillantly written whimisical read that i highly recommend.
Profile Image for Abbi Marz.
2 reviews
January 28, 2025
I was promised magical Mr. Darcy, an intriguing Howl, a fun adventure, adorable characters, a colorful setting full of whimsical creatures, and this book delivered! I found it so easy to immerse in the world of Stitches and Scale, it all quickly became very familiar and it requires talent to achieve something like that. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I recommend it for anybody of any age!
Profile Image for Aliesha.
218 reviews
July 3, 2025
Absolutely delightful story! An interesting magic system, and lots of entertaining characters! When Fellen gets hired on at an aquarium of magical creatures, she was not expecting to be trying to keep it from closing down. There were so many intriguing twists, and a side helping of romance. I loved this story so much!
Profile Image for C. Nihart.
Author 4 books2 followers
April 12, 2025
Aww!

Extremely well written, I couldn't put it down once I started. The ending had me in tears with how adorable it was. I can't wait to see what other stories S.N.Lloyd has planned next!
Profile Image for Robyn Smith.
12 reviews
April 15, 2025
this was my first 5 star read of 2025. A magical aquarium with aquatic mythological creatures? check. unique magic system? check. emotional ties to the story to get you invested in the characters? ABSOLUTELY. I'd happily lose my memory to be able to experience reading this again for the first time
2 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2024
An incredible debut novel by S. N. Lloyd. I was fully invested from the first chapter. The flawless pacing, gripping plot and lovable but imperfect ensemble of characters kept me gripped right to the last page. Can't wait to read more from this author! The quintessential cosy fantasy book.
1 review
November 23, 2024
A brilliant read! Filled with mystery, action and suspense. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put the book down. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for K. M.  Addinsall.
15 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2025
I am still wrestling with my overall opinion of this book.
I really liked the story, the side characters & the writing and especially the vibes, where steampunk meets magic.

I personally love a story of marine characters, of a simple magic system, and any story that takes to the high seas, However I did not like the main character and her constant tooing and froing, her opposing opinions that are stated directly after eachother each time was a continual frustration.

For those inclined to know. No spice here.

If this book was a cocktail it would be a Holiday Old Fashion
Encompasses the old fashion, steam pump vibes I got from this book. The southern comfort whisky represents those nights spent at sea, keeping the chill from their bones, helping them get their sea legs.
Cherry juice, something a little different,  just like each & every character in this novel & finally, bitters to represent how I felt about the FMCs conflicting internal thoughts.

Technically a 3.5 rating.
Profile Image for Rebeca Oviedo.
6 reviews
November 19, 2025
I absolutely love this book. The characters are likable, and the story is amazing! Would recommend for sure
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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