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Spellwright
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26A plucky writer of spells must team up with a frustratingly charming magician to uncover the secrets of a dangerous grimoire—and maybe open her heart in the process—in this light academia young adult romantasy perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson.
No one is allowed past the gargoyles guarding the doors of Thistledown Library. Spellwright Fia Ives should know—for months she’s hoped to be admitted inside to find a magic powerful enough to locate her late mother’s spellbook. One midnight, she finally breaks in, only to discover three mysterious figures already searching the forbidden stacks.
When the library announces the theft of a dangerous grimoire, suspicion falls on Fia. The only way to clear her name is to root out the thieves she spied that night. However, solving a magical theft isn’t easy while running her inherited spellshop alone. So Fia hires the first person who applies to help—the insufferably charming Penbrook Madbury, who is as sleepy as a cat and just as stubborn. Fia isn’t sure she can trust him with her reckless plan (let alone her beloved shop), but there’s something about the secretive magician that tempts her to try.
As a strange magic curls through town, Fia must risk her own heart to unravel a string of curses before they claim both her and Penbrook. And if some of those curses require kisses to break them, well, that’s just the whimsy of magic.
No one is allowed past the gargoyles guarding the doors of Thistledown Library. Spellwright Fia Ives should know—for months she’s hoped to be admitted inside to find a magic powerful enough to locate her late mother’s spellbook. One midnight, she finally breaks in, only to discover three mysterious figures already searching the forbidden stacks.
When the library announces the theft of a dangerous grimoire, suspicion falls on Fia. The only way to clear her name is to root out the thieves she spied that night. However, solving a magical theft isn’t easy while running her inherited spellshop alone. So Fia hires the first person who applies to help—the insufferably charming Penbrook Madbury, who is as sleepy as a cat and just as stubborn. Fia isn’t sure she can trust him with her reckless plan (let alone her beloved shop), but there’s something about the secretive magician that tempts her to try.
As a strange magic curls through town, Fia must risk her own heart to unravel a string of curses before they claim both her and Penbrook. And if some of those curses require kisses to break them, well, that’s just the whimsy of magic.
Hardcover
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
Heather Kassner
4 books229 followersHeather Kassner loves the magic of thunderstorms and hummingbirds, of a moon-bright sky and the quiet wild of a forest—though her favorite place is home. She lives with her husband and two sleepy cats in a cozy house filled with books and music. Her novels include Spellwright, her YA debut, as well as The Bone Garden, The Forest of Stars, and The Plentiful Darkness.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 31, 2025
Grab a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and prepare to be whisked away by the delightfully enchanting world of Spellwright. The characters are unforgettable, and I'm now best friends with all of them. I'll be living inside Fia's shop and world for the rest of my life, helping her uncover the next mystery. Seriously. This book has everything: magic, whimsy, heart, and a cantankerous boy that will make all our Howl's Moving Castle loving hearts swoon!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance reader's copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Heather Kassner, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!
With Spellwright, Heather Kassner has penned the perfect cozy fantasy filled with magical shops, glittery spells, mysterious curses, masquarade balls, as well as a ginger fluffball of a companion, where the utterly sweet and flirty romance is the cherry on top. I adored the simple yet whimsical setting, where we explore how Fia - a dust-fingered spellwright - and Penbrook - a legacy magician - use their magic, and the way that magic was an extension of them and their beings. I loved learning more about these characters through an analysis of how they cast spells and created illusions, the little quirks and unique ways in which they thought about magic revealing so much about their inner workings.
I also adored the way the romance between the two was written, as it was so perfectly and delectably sweet, never crossing the line nor appearing as childish. Fia and Penbrook had such palpable chemistry, and I just loved how they immediately bickered and flirted like an old married couple from day one. Despite the book having a light-hearted and positive tone, I still felt for Fia and all of the heaviness she had to deal with as Penbrook and Andromeda's curse neared its end. I've also highlighted quite possibly every single romantic line of dialogue between Fia and Penbrook because they were just too buzzy not to.
I would also like to highlight the nuanced way in which grief is explored, where the relationship portrayed between Fia and her mother is complex and layered, forgoing the stereotypical "worshipping" of a dead parent, for a lack of a better term, to instead delve into the imperfections in their relationship and how there is beauty in that too. I loved seeing Fia explore and understand her bond with her mother better after her passing as the story progressed, where she discovered that she may not have known her well at all, and that the beliefs her mother passed down did not align with the way Fia wanted to live, and that all of that does not take away from the love and the grief and the memory of her parent.
Overall, I would highly recommend Spellwright to anyone looking for a cozy YA fantasy with a giddy love story, which is especially perfect for the upcoming autumn season! And I also have to note how perfectly the book's cover conveys the vibes of the story- I'm obsessed!!
Thank you so much to Heather Kassner, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!
With Spellwright, Heather Kassner has penned the perfect cozy fantasy filled with magical shops, glittery spells, mysterious curses, masquarade balls, as well as a ginger fluffball of a companion, where the utterly sweet and flirty romance is the cherry on top. I adored the simple yet whimsical setting, where we explore how Fia - a dust-fingered spellwright - and Penbrook - a legacy magician - use their magic, and the way that magic was an extension of them and their beings. I loved learning more about these characters through an analysis of how they cast spells and created illusions, the little quirks and unique ways in which they thought about magic revealing so much about their inner workings.
I also adored the way the romance between the two was written, as it was so perfectly and delectably sweet, never crossing the line nor appearing as childish. Fia and Penbrook had such palpable chemistry, and I just loved how they immediately bickered and flirted like an old married couple from day one. Despite the book having a light-hearted and positive tone, I still felt for Fia and all of the heaviness she had to deal with as Penbrook and Andromeda's curse neared its end. I've also highlighted quite possibly every single romantic line of dialogue between Fia and Penbrook because they were just too buzzy not to.
I would also like to highlight the nuanced way in which grief is explored, where the relationship portrayed between Fia and her mother is complex and layered, forgoing the stereotypical "worshipping" of a dead parent, for a lack of a better term, to instead delve into the imperfections in their relationship and how there is beauty in that too. I loved seeing Fia explore and understand her bond with her mother better after her passing as the story progressed, where she discovered that she may not have known her well at all, and that the beliefs her mother passed down did not align with the way Fia wanted to live, and that all of that does not take away from the love and the grief and the memory of her parent.
Overall, I would highly recommend Spellwright to anyone looking for a cozy YA fantasy with a giddy love story, which is especially perfect for the upcoming autumn season! And I also have to note how perfectly the book's cover conveys the vibes of the story- I'm obsessed!!
Read
July 6, 2026This was so delightfully magical and utterly romantic. I loved it.
May 27, 2026
Thank you so much Simon Teen!
This book was adorable. Spellwright reminded me of staying in on a rainy night, cozying up in front of the fire, and enjoying the sound of a tumultuous storm.
Definitely worth a read if you need a reset after much more intense book, this will absolutely relax you like a sip of hot chamomile tea ☕️
This book was adorable. Spellwright reminded me of staying in on a rainy night, cozying up in front of the fire, and enjoying the sound of a tumultuous storm.
Definitely worth a read if you need a reset after much more intense book, this will absolutely relax you like a sip of hot chamomile tea ☕️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much Simon Teen for the physical review copy! All thoughts are my own.
WOW, this book was an absolute delight. It was cozy, it had magic on every page, a sweet romance, an adorable cat, interesting gargoyles, grief representation, a missing grimoire and the writing was really good.
This book made me think of Halloweentown 2 when Marnie has to find her grandma’s spellbook. I really enjoyed all of the magic and the colorful imagery. The grief was also tangible and gave the main character Fia such depth. I loved Penbrook’s charm and Andromeda as a side character.
Overall, I will absolutely be recommending this book. It was so magical and cozy!
WOW, this book was an absolute delight. It was cozy, it had magic on every page, a sweet romance, an adorable cat, interesting gargoyles, grief representation, a missing grimoire and the writing was really good.
This book made me think of Halloweentown 2 when Marnie has to find her grandma’s spellbook. I really enjoyed all of the magic and the colorful imagery. The grief was also tangible and gave the main character Fia such depth. I loved Penbrook’s charm and Andromeda as a side character.
Overall, I will absolutely be recommending this book. It was so magical and cozy!
September 7, 2026
Cozy like a charmed hug 💕
September 1, 2026
I really enjoyed the author’s descriptions most of all, like the Thistledown Library. Vivid. Interesting plot twist at the very end concerning her mother, Sebastian, and Pennbrook. Romantic without the salaciousness. Cozy but not obnoxiously so.
“There was no seeing inside someone. There was only what they wanted to show you.”
“There was no seeing inside someone. There was only what they wanted to show you.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Spellwright” by Heather Kassner is basically the literary equivalent of curling up under a blanket on a rainy autumn evening with a cup of something warm while a magical cat judges you from across the room. It is such a cozy fantasy. We have magical shops, an enchanted library guarded by gargoyles, mysterious grimoires, curses, masquerade balls, spells, illusions, adorable magical creatures, and a sleepy magician who seems to be permanently one minute away from taking a nap. Honestly, what more could I want?
The story follows Fia Ives, a spellwright who inherited her mother's spellshop and has been desperately trying to gain access to the mysterious Thistledown Library. She's hoping to find a spell powerful enough to locate her late mother's spellbook, but when she finally sneaks into the forbidden library one night, she discovers that she's not the only person poking around where she shouldn't be.
Then a dangerous grimoire goes missing, Fia becomes a suspect, and suddenly she has to figure out who stole it while also keeping her spellshop running. Her solution? Hire the first person who applies to help her.
Enter Penbrook Madbury. Penn is a legacy magician who is sleepy, secretive, stubborn, and extremely charming. He and Fia are basically opposites. She's impulsive, determined, and has absolutely no problem throwing herself into questionable situations, while Penn seems like he would rather take a nap and let everyone else deal with the consequences.
Naturally, I loved them together. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. They have that immediate bickering/flirting dynamic where they somehow sound like an old married couple despite barely knowing each other. The romance is sweet and soft rather than super intense, but it fits the cozy tone perfectly. There is plenty of chemistry, teasing, flirting, and those little moments that make you sit there smiling at the page.
I also really enjoyed the way magic is connected to the characters themselves. Fia and Penn don't just wave wands around and make random sparkles happen. Their different approaches to spellwriting and magic reveal a lot about who they are, which I thought was such a fun way to develop their characters.
And the atmosphere is absolutely everything. The writing is dreamy and whimsical, and the autumnal imagery makes this feel like the perfect October read. The library was probably my favorite setting, and I honestly wanted way more time there. The gargoyles, magical books, strange spells, little shops, and colorful details created such a charming world that I could have happily wandered around in for another couple hundred pages.
There is also more emotional depth here than the cozy aesthetic might initially suggest. Fia's grief over her mother is a major part of the story, but I especially appreciated that their relationship isn't treated as some perfect mother-daughter bond simply because her mother is gone. Fia slowly starts realizing that she may not have known her mother as well as she thought, and that her mother's beliefs and choices don't necessarily have to become her own.
That felt really meaningful. You can love someone, grieve them, and still recognize that they were complicated and imperfect. Fia's journey is partly about figuring out who she wants to be rather than simply living according to the expectations left behind by someone else.
That said, this wasn't a perfect read for me. The pacing occasionally dragged, and there were stretches where it felt like the story was wandering around instead of moving forward. Some of the different elements also didn't always feel like they belonged to the same story, almost as if two slightly different books were competing for space.
The climax was probably my biggest issue. After all the buildup, the villain's plan and some of the final explanations felt a little rushed and incomplete. I liked where everything ultimately landed, but I wanted a little more development and payoff.
Still, the overall reading experience was so charming that I didn't mind those issues too much, and reading this book was just so entertaining and fun. I would love to read more of Fia’s world, especially with the unique worldbuilding.
“Spellwright” by Heather Kassner is basically the literary equivalent of curling up under a blanket on a rainy autumn evening with a cup of something warm while a magical cat judges you from across the room. It is such a cozy fantasy. We have magical shops, an enchanted library guarded by gargoyles, mysterious grimoires, curses, masquerade balls, spells, illusions, adorable magical creatures, and a sleepy magician who seems to be permanently one minute away from taking a nap. Honestly, what more could I want?
The story follows Fia Ives, a spellwright who inherited her mother's spellshop and has been desperately trying to gain access to the mysterious Thistledown Library. She's hoping to find a spell powerful enough to locate her late mother's spellbook, but when she finally sneaks into the forbidden library one night, she discovers that she's not the only person poking around where she shouldn't be.
Then a dangerous grimoire goes missing, Fia becomes a suspect, and suddenly she has to figure out who stole it while also keeping her spellshop running. Her solution? Hire the first person who applies to help her.
Enter Penbrook Madbury. Penn is a legacy magician who is sleepy, secretive, stubborn, and extremely charming. He and Fia are basically opposites. She's impulsive, determined, and has absolutely no problem throwing herself into questionable situations, while Penn seems like he would rather take a nap and let everyone else deal with the consequences.
Naturally, I loved them together. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. They have that immediate bickering/flirting dynamic where they somehow sound like an old married couple despite barely knowing each other. The romance is sweet and soft rather than super intense, but it fits the cozy tone perfectly. There is plenty of chemistry, teasing, flirting, and those little moments that make you sit there smiling at the page.
I also really enjoyed the way magic is connected to the characters themselves. Fia and Penn don't just wave wands around and make random sparkles happen. Their different approaches to spellwriting and magic reveal a lot about who they are, which I thought was such a fun way to develop their characters.
And the atmosphere is absolutely everything. The writing is dreamy and whimsical, and the autumnal imagery makes this feel like the perfect October read. The library was probably my favorite setting, and I honestly wanted way more time there. The gargoyles, magical books, strange spells, little shops, and colorful details created such a charming world that I could have happily wandered around in for another couple hundred pages.
There is also more emotional depth here than the cozy aesthetic might initially suggest. Fia's grief over her mother is a major part of the story, but I especially appreciated that their relationship isn't treated as some perfect mother-daughter bond simply because her mother is gone. Fia slowly starts realizing that she may not have known her mother as well as she thought, and that her mother's beliefs and choices don't necessarily have to become her own.
That felt really meaningful. You can love someone, grieve them, and still recognize that they were complicated and imperfect. Fia's journey is partly about figuring out who she wants to be rather than simply living according to the expectations left behind by someone else.
That said, this wasn't a perfect read for me. The pacing occasionally dragged, and there were stretches where it felt like the story was wandering around instead of moving forward. Some of the different elements also didn't always feel like they belonged to the same story, almost as if two slightly different books were competing for space.
The climax was probably my biggest issue. After all the buildup, the villain's plan and some of the final explanations felt a little rushed and incomplete. I liked where everything ultimately landed, but I wanted a little more development and payoff.
Still, the overall reading experience was so charming that I didn't mind those issues too much, and reading this book was just so entertaining and fun. I would love to read more of Fia’s world, especially with the unique worldbuilding.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spellwright by Heather Kassner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book was like curling up under a blanket with a cup of something warm while it rains outside. ☕️🍂✨
I absolutely LOVED the cozy, whimsical atmosphere of this book. The magic, enchanted library, spellshop, curses, mysterious grimoires, and all the little details made this world feel like somewhere I wanted to wander around in for a while.
Fia was such a fun main character. She’s impulsive, stubborn, determined, and has a whole lot of heart. I loved watching her try to uncover the truth about her mother while also trying to clear her own name after a dangerous grimoire goes missing.
And then there’s Penbrook. 😂
This sleepy, secretive, frustratingly charming magician was such a fun addition to the story. The dynamic between him and Fia was adorable, and I loved watching their relationship develop. Their romance is definitely on the softer side, but it fit the overall feel of the book perfectly. There’s plenty of chemistry, flirting, and those little moments that had me smiling like an idiot.
The writing was another highlight for me. It has such a dreamy, atmospheric quality that really pulled me into the story. Everything felt magical without becoming overwhelming, and I especially loved the descriptions of the library and the spellshop.
I also really enjoyed that beneath all the whimsy, there are some deeper themes surrounding grief, loss, love, friendship, and finding your place in the world. It gave the story more emotional weight without taking away from the cozy feeling.
The mystery kept me curious, too. There were definitely moments where I thought I knew where things were going, only for the story to pull me in another direction. And that ending?! 👀 I was NOT expecting everything to come together quite the way it did.
Overall, this was such a charming and comforting read. It’s magical, romantic, whimsical, and just the kind of book I’d want to pick up on a chilly autumn day.
If you love cozy fantasy, magical libraries, spellshops, curses, mystery, whimsical worlds, and a sweet slow-burn romance, definitely put this one on your radar. ✨📚
Heather Kassner has officially convinced me that I need more sleepy magicians, enchanted libraries, and magical little shops in my life. 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book was like curling up under a blanket with a cup of something warm while it rains outside. ☕️🍂✨
I absolutely LOVED the cozy, whimsical atmosphere of this book. The magic, enchanted library, spellshop, curses, mysterious grimoires, and all the little details made this world feel like somewhere I wanted to wander around in for a while.
Fia was such a fun main character. She’s impulsive, stubborn, determined, and has a whole lot of heart. I loved watching her try to uncover the truth about her mother while also trying to clear her own name after a dangerous grimoire goes missing.
And then there’s Penbrook. 😂
This sleepy, secretive, frustratingly charming magician was such a fun addition to the story. The dynamic between him and Fia was adorable, and I loved watching their relationship develop. Their romance is definitely on the softer side, but it fit the overall feel of the book perfectly. There’s plenty of chemistry, flirting, and those little moments that had me smiling like an idiot.
The writing was another highlight for me. It has such a dreamy, atmospheric quality that really pulled me into the story. Everything felt magical without becoming overwhelming, and I especially loved the descriptions of the library and the spellshop.
I also really enjoyed that beneath all the whimsy, there are some deeper themes surrounding grief, loss, love, friendship, and finding your place in the world. It gave the story more emotional weight without taking away from the cozy feeling.
The mystery kept me curious, too. There were definitely moments where I thought I knew where things were going, only for the story to pull me in another direction. And that ending?! 👀 I was NOT expecting everything to come together quite the way it did.
Overall, this was such a charming and comforting read. It’s magical, romantic, whimsical, and just the kind of book I’d want to pick up on a chilly autumn day.
If you love cozy fantasy, magical libraries, spellshops, curses, mystery, whimsical worlds, and a sweet slow-burn romance, definitely put this one on your radar. ✨📚
Heather Kassner has officially convinced me that I need more sleepy magicians, enchanted libraries, and magical little shops in my life. 😂
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.75⭐️
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy to curl up with on a rainy day, this book is for you.
The writing is so poetic that it immediately pulled me into the story. It has that whimsical, fairytale-like charm that makes everything feel just a little more magical. The world-building is enchanting, filled with fascinating spells and curses.
And the romance is just so heartwarming. Fia and Penn are complete opposites, which is exactly my favorite kind of dynamic. Fia is all fire and questionable impulse control, while Penn is calm and seemingly dedicated to catching every Z known to mankind.
I also really loved that this isn’t just a romance. The friendships are just as heartfelt, and the magical adventure adds a lot of charm and emotional depth to the story.
The pacing, though…
I have to admit that it dragged a little more than I wanted it to. Sometimes it felt like the story was wandering in circles instead of moving forward. And unfortunately, the climax didn’t quite stick the landing for me. The villain’s scheme wasn’t explored deeply enough, so when everything finally came together, it felt a little blurry and rushed.
Overall, this was such a cozy, whimsical read with beautiful prose, lovable characters, and an enchanting magical atmosphere. I just wish the pacing had been tighter and the climax had delivered the emotional payoff the rest of the story was building toward.
════════════════════════
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC!
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy to curl up with on a rainy day, this book is for you.
The writing is so poetic that it immediately pulled me into the story. It has that whimsical, fairytale-like charm that makes everything feel just a little more magical. The world-building is enchanting, filled with fascinating spells and curses.
And the romance is just so heartwarming. Fia and Penn are complete opposites, which is exactly my favorite kind of dynamic. Fia is all fire and questionable impulse control, while Penn is calm and seemingly dedicated to catching every Z known to mankind.
I also really loved that this isn’t just a romance. The friendships are just as heartfelt, and the magical adventure adds a lot of charm and emotional depth to the story.
The pacing, though…
I have to admit that it dragged a little more than I wanted it to. Sometimes it felt like the story was wandering in circles instead of moving forward. And unfortunately, the climax didn’t quite stick the landing for me. The villain’s scheme wasn’t explored deeply enough, so when everything finally came together, it felt a little blurry and rushed.
Overall, this was such a cozy, whimsical read with beautiful prose, lovable characters, and an enchanting magical atmosphere. I just wish the pacing had been tighter and the climax had delivered the emotional payoff the rest of the story was building toward.
════════════════════════
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC!
July 27, 2026
3.5/5 stars! A YA cozyish fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and the Otherwhere Post!
This book is almost an ode to autumn with all its autumnal imagery and beautiful descriptions of the season. The writing was very atmospheric and I loved the setting! Though she was a side character, my favorite character by far was Andromeda. I am aching for a story with her as the main character. I believe this book to be a standalone, as everything wrapped up at the end. However, I could definitely see another book set in this world. There is a hint of whimsy present in this book with the magic and even some of the shop names in town. I found it very charming. As we reached the end I truly wondered how everything was going to wrap up and how all the pieces connected. It didn’t become clear til the very end and even then I almost didn’t believe it. It through me off guard. I loved so many elements of the story but they didn’t seem to mesh together well. It almost felt like I was reading two books in one. I wish that we had more library scenes as I so adored those. However, I can understand it not being the center of attention due to the plot. Overall I did enjoy a lot about this book and I would definitely read another installment in this world.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
This book is almost an ode to autumn with all its autumnal imagery and beautiful descriptions of the season. The writing was very atmospheric and I loved the setting! Though she was a side character, my favorite character by far was Andromeda. I am aching for a story with her as the main character. I believe this book to be a standalone, as everything wrapped up at the end. However, I could definitely see another book set in this world. There is a hint of whimsy present in this book with the magic and even some of the shop names in town. I found it very charming. As we reached the end I truly wondered how everything was going to wrap up and how all the pieces connected. It didn’t become clear til the very end and even then I almost didn’t believe it. It through me off guard. I loved so many elements of the story but they didn’t seem to mesh together well. It almost felt like I was reading two books in one. I wish that we had more library scenes as I so adored those. However, I can understand it not being the center of attention due to the plot. Overall I did enjoy a lot about this book and I would definitely read another installment in this world.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
September 16, 2026
Before anything, I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for having received an advanced copy for this book!
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
I think this was a really cute and cozy book! The setting was very interesting and I really could imagine all the golden dust flying around in Fia’s shop. Some scenes were a little darker, but they never overshadowed the lighthearted focus of the main plot.
I really wish I had enjoyed this more, but as I read, I couldn’t love the characters the way they should have been loved. I firmly believe that the time you read a book affects on your opinion on it, and while I was reading this I was also very busy with a lot of things, so I wanted to clarify that in order to be completely fair with the book.
I did think Fia and Penbrook were cute together. I even found myself giggling at some parts. Background characters such as Andromeda were also a nice touch to the story, but I simply couldn’t care that much for any of them 😭.
I would say this is a cozy fantasy read with a little mix of grief and curses. If you’re looking for something like that, I would say to give this book a chance!
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
I think this was a really cute and cozy book! The setting was very interesting and I really could imagine all the golden dust flying around in Fia’s shop. Some scenes were a little darker, but they never overshadowed the lighthearted focus of the main plot.
I really wish I had enjoyed this more, but as I read, I couldn’t love the characters the way they should have been loved. I firmly believe that the time you read a book affects on your opinion on it, and while I was reading this I was also very busy with a lot of things, so I wanted to clarify that in order to be completely fair with the book.
I did think Fia and Penbrook were cute together. I even found myself giggling at some parts. Background characters such as Andromeda were also a nice touch to the story, but I simply couldn’t care that much for any of them 😭.
I would say this is a cozy fantasy read with a little mix of grief and curses. If you’re looking for something like that, I would say to give this book a chance!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, cozy fantasy read!
One of my favorite elements of this story was the writing. It had both a poetic and a whimsical, fairytale-esque feel to it, which I loved. There was so much magic written in these pages, which made the world feel so enchanting, with its spells and curses.
Fia and Penn were lovely characters to read about. They were opposites in every way, with Fia being fiery and impulsive, and Penn being calm and perpetually sleepy. I loved watching their dynamic unfold, and their romance was so heartwarming!
I will say that the pacing was a bit slow for my personal liking, to where the story meanders at times. The villain’s scheme also didn’t fully work for me, and the ending felt a bit rushed.
All in all though, I really enjoyed reading this story. And I think anyone looking to read a book with wonderful prose, a magical atmosphere, and enjoyable characters should give this book a go!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Spellwright, and I am OBSESSED with this world. Kassner's writing is so gorgeous and lush and inviting--it feels like cozying up with a good blanket and your very favorite cup of tea. (I don't actually drink tea, but it totally gives those vibes!) The world building is really unique, and the romance is so charmingly tender. I never knew "sleepy lil' guy" was a type of love interest I enjoyed reading, but turns out, it's super great!
There's so much to love about this book. The heart-filled meditations on grief. The way there are high stakes (dangerous curse!) that still manage to feel cozy and safe as you read. There's this level of trust that comes through the writing, where it feels like the author will ultimately be gentle with your heart. Highly, highly recommend!
There's so much to love about this book. The heart-filled meditations on grief. The way there are high stakes (dangerous curse!) that still manage to feel cozy and safe as you read. There's this level of trust that comes through the writing, where it feels like the author will ultimately be gentle with your heart. Highly, highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, you’re looking for the PERFECT summerween book? Look no further than right here. I can honestly say that I have never read a more cozy book than Spellwright. This is a YA romantic fantasy that, from the first page, felt like stepping into a world full of vivid color, whimsy, and unparalleled magic.
I would be remiss if I failed to emphasize how utterly romantic this book is as well. Penbrook Madbury will charm the socks (striped or polka dot, I’m not sure) right off you, both as a magician and as the mysterious MMC I guarantee you will come to love by the end of the book.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read Spellwright early. I can’t wait to re-read this book in the fall under a blanket and holding a warm mug of apple cider!!!
I would be remiss if I failed to emphasize how utterly romantic this book is as well. Penbrook Madbury will charm the socks (striped or polka dot, I’m not sure) right off you, both as a magician and as the mysterious MMC I guarantee you will come to love by the end of the book.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read Spellwright early. I can’t wait to re-read this book in the fall under a blanket and holding a warm mug of apple cider!!!
August 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️!
This was such a cute and fun read! I think it's perfect for the fall season, especially with the whimsical feeling of it all. I loved the author's writing style; it was easy enough without being cheesy and flowed at the right pace. Our main characters, Fia and Penbrook, were adorable together. I feel like Fia is this fiery ball of passion and Penbrook was kind of the calm to her storm. Their romance was lighthearted and the last line of the book was so sweet! If you're a cozy fantasy fan, then this book is a must read for you!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! Spellwright releases on October 27, so be sure to check it out!
P.S. Can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?
This was such a cute and fun read! I think it's perfect for the fall season, especially with the whimsical feeling of it all. I loved the author's writing style; it was easy enough without being cheesy and flowed at the right pace. Our main characters, Fia and Penbrook, were adorable together. I feel like Fia is this fiery ball of passion and Penbrook was kind of the calm to her storm. Their romance was lighthearted and the last line of the book was so sweet! If you're a cozy fantasy fan, then this book is a must read for you!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! Spellwright releases on October 27, so be sure to check it out!
P.S. Can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Readers will absolutely love this magical and romantic fantasy. I sure did!
The world of Spellwright is utterly charming--once you enter, you don't want to leave! The setting and cast of characters are immersive and delightful. Main character Fia and handsome Penbrook have the kind of chemistry that makes you giggle and kick your feet.
Touching on themes of grief, love, and community, Kassner expertly blends a seriousness into the whimsy that makes this cozy fantasy romance a deeply satisfying read from first page to last.
The world of Spellwright is utterly charming--once you enter, you don't want to leave! The setting and cast of characters are immersive and delightful. Main character Fia and handsome Penbrook have the kind of chemistry that makes you giggle and kick your feet.
Touching on themes of grief, love, and community, Kassner expertly blends a seriousness into the whimsy that makes this cozy fantasy romance a deeply satisfying read from first page to last.
Did Not Finish
September 13, 2026DNF at 18%
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I will admit, I requested this one based on the cover and the summary. The summary doesn’t explicitly mention it being a cozy fantasy but it definitely is.
That’s honestly the main reason I am DNFing it - I am so utterly bored with cozy fantasy and this is no exception. I can definitely see why people would enjoy the slow-paced whimsical nature of this book but I am not enjoying it at all.
So if you are like me and not a fan of cozy fantasy, give this one a pass.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I will admit, I requested this one based on the cover and the summary. The summary doesn’t explicitly mention it being a cozy fantasy but it definitely is.
That’s honestly the main reason I am DNFing it - I am so utterly bored with cozy fantasy and this is no exception. I can definitely see why people would enjoy the slow-paced whimsical nature of this book but I am not enjoying it at all.
So if you are like me and not a fan of cozy fantasy, give this one a pass.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you net galley for this arc in exchange of an honest review
Unfortunately I think I’m just tired of this style of cozy romance story because I felt like I’d read this book before.
It’s very similar to half a soul, letters to the apothecary, and Emily wildes and while I do enjoy these styles of books I’m just feeling this story didn’t bring anything new to the micro genre.
I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy those books but for me I found the plot predictable and the romance unoriginal.
Unfortunately I think I’m just tired of this style of cozy romance story because I felt like I’d read this book before.
It’s very similar to half a soul, letters to the apothecary, and Emily wildes and while I do enjoy these styles of books I’m just feeling this story didn’t bring anything new to the micro genre.
I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy those books but for me I found the plot predictable and the romance unoriginal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this ARC book.
Such a sweet and fun read with and edge of darkness that sets a solid urgency to the pace of the book. I really enjoyed the balance of coziness without feeling like the stakes of the curses was lowered in anyway. The magic system works well and I enjoyed seeing the ways the different characters utilized magic through the story. The characters are also wonderfully written and really draw you into their world. I greatly enjoyed this book.
Such a sweet and fun read with and edge of darkness that sets a solid urgency to the pace of the book. I really enjoyed the balance of coziness without feeling like the stakes of the curses was lowered in anyway. The magic system works well and I enjoyed seeing the ways the different characters utilized magic through the story. The characters are also wonderfully written and really draw you into their world. I greatly enjoyed this book.
March 30, 2025
cozy fantasy done RIGHT with all the wonderful classic hallmarks and Heather's unique heartfelt (and sometimes aching) touch. loved my cat-sleepy boy that is Penn and my burning-all-the-things girl that is Fia. their dynamic is DELIGHTFUL. Andromeda is a queen btw and I'd read a whole other book with her as the MC. all in all, I laughed, smirked, shouted, and sighed reading this one. dying to hold it physically in my hands <3
November 13, 2025
From scheming magicians and curses gone wrong to humor, friendships, community and a romance that is as heartwarming as it is endearing, Spellwright has everything that defines a cozy fall book!
Reading Fia and Penn’s story was like being wrapped in a warm, cinnamon-scented hug--I did not want it to end!
Reading Fia and Penn’s story was like being wrapped in a warm, cinnamon-scented hug--I did not want it to end!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Spellwright is a delightfully delicious romance full of whimsy, beauty, magic, and of course, love. Kassner has spun us a tale as delicate as a spider's web and twice as sticky. This is a world you are not going to want to leave! Thank you to the author and Simon Teen for the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy of this enchanting tale!
June 17, 2025
I dare you to read this and not fall under the spell of Fia Ives, the world's most enchanting spellwright. Every page of this cozy yet compelling read glitters with Fia's gold-dusted touch of magic. It's the kind of read you'll want to savor with a warm cup of tea in hand.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“‘I’m not looking for love,’ Fia said quickly, and it almost sounded like the truth, even if it wasn’t.”
This story captured my heart! It has everything I want in a fantasy: compelling characters, a gorgeously realized world, enchantments that are dazzling and whimsical but also threaded with darkness…and to top it off, a charming, heartfelt romance that is absolute perfection. Spellwright feels a bit like a newly discovered classic—one that materializes on your bookshelf just when you need its magic the most.
This story captured my heart! It has everything I want in a fantasy: compelling characters, a gorgeously realized world, enchantments that are dazzling and whimsical but also threaded with darkness…and to top it off, a charming, heartfelt romance that is absolute perfection. Spellwright feels a bit like a newly discovered classic—one that materializes on your bookshelf just when you need its magic the most.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked this book. It felt so cozy and magical, like stepping into a storybook on a rainy autumn day. The world building is super charming with all the spells, library, little shop, and curses(!?). Fia is a little impulsive and stubborn, but I rooted for her the whole time. She is an endearing character with her unique fashion style and her striped stockings. And Penbrook! He's a little unusual man from such a famous family. He's sleepy and secretive, but their chemistry is so fun the whole book. The writing is really atmospheric and cozy. Some parts did move a bit slowly for me and the ending felt a little rushed, but overall it was just a warm, whimsical read that made me glad to pick this book. A perfect book if you want something light and romantic with a bit of curse and mystery.
September 14, 2026
4.5/5
This was so COZY!! It had just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you invested while maintaining the coziest atmosphere and realistic relationships ✨
Penbrook & Fia were adorable together but I loved that this didn’t solely focus on their romance and explored their friendship AND the friendship that formed between Fia and Andromeda.
This book also explores the grief of losing a parent and trying to still feel connected to them. I did feel like there were some parts that were a bit slow but it was still a great story and such a nice, cozy read for autumn!🥰
The real question is: polka dots or stripes? 🤔🤭
This was so COZY!! It had just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you invested while maintaining the coziest atmosphere and realistic relationships ✨
Penbrook & Fia were adorable together but I loved that this didn’t solely focus on their romance and explored their friendship AND the friendship that formed between Fia and Andromeda.
This book also explores the grief of losing a parent and trying to still feel connected to them. I did feel like there were some parts that were a bit slow but it was still a great story and such a nice, cozy read for autumn!🥰
The real question is: polka dots or stripes? 🤔🤭
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