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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 books213 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 - 14 of 14 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!
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July 6, 2026This was so delightfully magical and utterly romantic. I loved it.
June 29, 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 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.
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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.
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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!*
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!!!
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews