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Spellwright
A 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
First published October 27, 2026
About the author
Heather Kassner
4 books242 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 - 30 of 56 reviews
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
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 Publisher
Thank you @simonteen @simon.audio #partner for the gifted copies of this book!
This book was adorable. 🪄✨ Spellwright completely swept me up in a way I wasn’t expecting. It was cozy and magical and just brimming with spells, curses and whimsical moments! Plus the most sweet and adorable couple that I absolutely LOVED. 😍 They had the best chemistry and banter! I was rooting from them from the get go. I loved that they were kind of an opposites-attract sort of energy and chuckled at the way they bickered. It kind of felt like a couple who had been together forever. 😂 I loved them so much! Their relationship just felt so well written and I especially appreciated that it didn’t feel immature. Sometimes YA romance can be a little hit or miss for me for that very reason but this one was a definite winner! It just had the best cozy magical vibes! The curses and spells kept me invested. Listening to this one just made me one happy reader. Plus it helped distract me from the 3hrs on an airplane of straight turbulence! Woof! I will say though this book just had that special something that made me want to curl up and stay in its world a little longer. I love books like this.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook narrated by Fiona Hardingham and she did a wonderful job painting this whimsical story in my head! I just feel like she did a great job sweeping me away and making me feel immersed in the writing! A+ on elevating my reading experience!
I just want to hype this book because it was adorable. If you love a cozy reads and want a romance that makes your heart happy then this one is for you!
This book was adorable. 🪄✨ Spellwright completely swept me up in a way I wasn’t expecting. It was cozy and magical and just brimming with spells, curses and whimsical moments! Plus the most sweet and adorable couple that I absolutely LOVED. 😍 They had the best chemistry and banter! I was rooting from them from the get go. I loved that they were kind of an opposites-attract sort of energy and chuckled at the way they bickered. It kind of felt like a couple who had been together forever. 😂 I loved them so much! Their relationship just felt so well written and I especially appreciated that it didn’t feel immature. Sometimes YA romance can be a little hit or miss for me for that very reason but this one was a definite winner! It just had the best cozy magical vibes! The curses and spells kept me invested. Listening to this one just made me one happy reader. Plus it helped distract me from the 3hrs on an airplane of straight turbulence! Woof! I will say though this book just had that special something that made me want to curl up and stay in its world a little longer. I love books like this.
🎧 I listened to the audiobook narrated by Fiona Hardingham and she did a wonderful job painting this whimsical story in my head! I just feel like she did a great job sweeping me away and making me feel immersed in the writing! A+ on elevating my reading experience!
I just want to hype this book because it was adorable. If you love a cozy reads and want a romance that makes your heart happy then this one is for you!
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!
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 Publisher
This was such a charming, heartwarming read! If you love a light academia book, filled with whimsy and a cheeky cat, you will likely enjoy this one as much as I did.
Fia and Pen stole my heart, and I had so much fun reading their banter and flirting. They both feel like three dimensional characters (as do the side characters) which made it so easy to feel invested in the story.
I couldn't get enough of the atmosphere and settings in this story: dusty spell shops, overflowing antique stores, austere libraries, all shrouded in a sense of magic with an ominous undertone. The plot did a fantastic job of balancing action with the cozy vibes I expected, and I loved how everything wrapped up.
I really appreciated the way the author approached grief throughout this book. It's handled so earnestly and fully, while still feeling part of this cozy world.
I hope we get more books in this world!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the gifted advance copy!
Fia and Pen stole my heart, and I had so much fun reading their banter and flirting. They both feel like three dimensional characters (as do the side characters) which made it so easy to feel invested in the story.
I couldn't get enough of the atmosphere and settings in this story: dusty spell shops, overflowing antique stores, austere libraries, all shrouded in a sense of magic with an ominous undertone. The plot did a fantastic job of balancing action with the cozy vibes I expected, and I loved how everything wrapped up.
I really appreciated the way the author approached grief throughout this book. It's handled so earnestly and fully, while still feeling part of this cozy world.
I hope we get more books in this world!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the gifted advance copy!
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!!
November 6, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the gifted arc and to Libby and the publisher for the gifted ALC!
This book was so cute. Absolute perfection for those who love YA, magic, and fantasy. The characters were so cute and the whimsical magic was so heartwarming to read. The story itself is everything youd want in a cozy fantasy read. All you want to do is grab a warm drink, sit by the fire, and read Spellwright. It’s the cozy warm hug I was expecting and hoping for when diving in!
The narration was so perfect. I felt like it truly made the story come to life in the best way and Fiona told the story exactly how I would have imagined. The narration truly brought the whimsical magic and world of Spellwright to life.
The FMC and MMC were so so cute and so fun to read. I loved how they had so much banter. I loved watching them navigate all of the magical elements of the books, the mystery, and the many spells (and curses!!). The mystery was really well done and the pacing felt so perfect for how the story was told.
Overall I’m so grateful to have gotten to read this book and I enjoyed it so so much. I’ll definitely be returning to the world of Spellwright and to any and all future books by Heather!
This book was so cute. Absolute perfection for those who love YA, magic, and fantasy. The characters were so cute and the whimsical magic was so heartwarming to read. The story itself is everything youd want in a cozy fantasy read. All you want to do is grab a warm drink, sit by the fire, and read Spellwright. It’s the cozy warm hug I was expecting and hoping for when diving in!
The narration was so perfect. I felt like it truly made the story come to life in the best way and Fiona told the story exactly how I would have imagined. The narration truly brought the whimsical magic and world of Spellwright to life.
The FMC and MMC were so so cute and so fun to read. I loved how they had so much banter. I loved watching them navigate all of the magical elements of the books, the mystery, and the many spells (and curses!!). The mystery was really well done and the pacing felt so perfect for how the story was told.
Overall I’m so grateful to have gotten to read this book and I enjoyed it so so much. I’ll definitely be returning to the world of Spellwright and to any and all future books by Heather!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25⭐️ Thank you so much Simon Teen for the e-ARC!
This was so fun and a great cozy, light-hearted fantasy for fall! The world-building was super easy to understand and it was more low-stakes, which added to its coziness. Such a fun way to partake in my fantasy fall TBR! I absolutely adored the romance too. Interested in reading more from this author & definitely recommend!
This was so fun and a great cozy, light-hearted fantasy for fall! The world-building was super easy to understand and it was more low-stakes, which added to its coziness. Such a fun way to partake in my fantasy fall TBR! I absolutely adored the romance too. Interested in reading more from this author & definitely recommend!
Read
July 6, 2026This was so delightfully magical and utterly romantic. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Striped stockings and polka dot socks- the literal cozy cuteness!
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!
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 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.
September 7, 2026
Cozy like a charmed hug 💕
November 8, 2026
Spellwright by Heather Kassner is simply enchanting. It’s a cozy YA romantasy full of extremely likeable characters, a sweet, slow-burn love story, trusted, faithful friends and allies, the search for an evil grimoire for noble reasons, and a byzantine, tragic sorcerer who may have life-changing answers. I highly recommend this magical mystery to readers of all ages looking for an imaginative, adventurous, good vs. evil story on the gentler side, that explores themes of found family, loss, grief, coming-of-age wisdom, rising to challenges big and small, and bravery in service to those we cherish.
Main characters Fia Ives and Penbrook Madbury are charming, stubborn, bold, frustrating, compassionate, kind and clever. Their friends—especially fierce, loyal Grace and joyful, funny heartcrusher Andromeda—are equally captivating and essential to solving the mystery, saving lives and returning peace to their corner of the world. Fia’s break-in to a guarded archive has landed her in a great deal of trouble, and thus begins the story. Most of it unfolds in her very cozy spellshop, where she’s just hired Penn, a gifted magician from a powerful magical family who’s hiding his own secrets. There’s a spooky haunted estate that might hold answers to the biggest mystery: What happened to Fia’s mother Sable’s spellbook and what does Sebastian Smith have to do with it? There’s a fortress-like library, guarded by foreboding librarians, their raven familiars and massive, menacing gargoyles, where the early action takes place, launching us into the story.
Spellwright is an absolutely spellbinding book, with tremendously endearing characters, loyal, heartfelt friendships, a bourgeoning romance, cozy autumn vibes for days, and whimsical world-building, all leading to an epic, action-packed, thrilling finale! And I adored the sweet and satisfying epilogue, which brings me to…
I desperately need a grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, she saves him, he (probably) falls first and hard, etc., sequel with Sebastian and Andromeda. Please—pleasepleaseplease—Ms. Kassner, I’m begging.
Massive thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Main characters Fia Ives and Penbrook Madbury are charming, stubborn, bold, frustrating, compassionate, kind and clever. Their friends—especially fierce, loyal Grace and joyful, funny heartcrusher Andromeda—are equally captivating and essential to solving the mystery, saving lives and returning peace to their corner of the world. Fia’s break-in to a guarded archive has landed her in a great deal of trouble, and thus begins the story. Most of it unfolds in her very cozy spellshop, where she’s just hired Penn, a gifted magician from a powerful magical family who’s hiding his own secrets. There’s a spooky haunted estate that might hold answers to the biggest mystery: What happened to Fia’s mother Sable’s spellbook and what does Sebastian Smith have to do with it? There’s a fortress-like library, guarded by foreboding librarians, their raven familiars and massive, menacing gargoyles, where the early action takes place, launching us into the story.
Spellwright is an absolutely spellbinding book, with tremendously endearing characters, loyal, heartfelt friendships, a bourgeoning romance, cozy autumn vibes for days, and whimsical world-building, all leading to an epic, action-packed, thrilling finale! And I adored the sweet and satisfying epilogue, which brings me to…
I desperately need a grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, she saves him, he (probably) falls first and hard, etc., sequel with Sebastian and Andromeda. Please—pleasepleaseplease—Ms. Kassner, I’m begging.
Massive thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Spellwright
Author: Heather Kassner
Synopsis: 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.
Review: The experience reading this book was like drinking a warm cup of tea! It was warm, inviting, and comforting! I will not be forgetting any of these of these characters! They were so lovable and didn’t take long to love them! I am completely enchanted by the world Heather Kassner has created! Also I can’t get over Fia’s shop! I wish I could visit it! The love j retest was everything I was hoping for in a cozy story like this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
Author: Heather Kassner
Synopsis: 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.
Review: The experience reading this book was like drinking a warm cup of tea! It was warm, inviting, and comforting! I will not be forgetting any of these of these characters! They were so lovable and didn’t take long to love them! I am completely enchanted by the world Heather Kassner has created! Also I can’t get over Fia’s shop! I wish I could visit it! The love j retest was everything I was hoping for in a cozy story like this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
October 28, 2026
Read this if you like unlikely partners and a charming magical book hunt
I adored this. The high stakes mystery of a missing dangerous grimoire, thieves looking for another thief, and curse breaking, combined with the cozy spell-writing shop and charming characters was the perfect fall read.
Fia is delightful with her striped socks and adorable cat and determination to run the shop and win the hearts of the locals. I love the concept of spell-dusted and her leaving little trails of sparkling magic as she goes, and especially her using it as lighting.
Penbrook is a rascal but charming and good at heart and I loved seeing him open up through the book and push himself to be his best.
The twists and turns were so fun - there were parts I had an inkling of and others that I didn’t see coming. The whole book felt joyful yet mysterious which was a combination I don’t often see but thought fit so well and made the book one I truly didn’t want to put down.
Highly recommend!
I adored this. The high stakes mystery of a missing dangerous grimoire, thieves looking for another thief, and curse breaking, combined with the cozy spell-writing shop and charming characters was the perfect fall read.
Fia is delightful with her striped socks and adorable cat and determination to run the shop and win the hearts of the locals. I love the concept of spell-dusted and her leaving little trails of sparkling magic as she goes, and especially her using it as lighting.
Penbrook is a rascal but charming and good at heart and I loved seeing him open up through the book and push himself to be his best.
The twists and turns were so fun - there were parts I had an inkling of and others that I didn’t see coming. The whole book felt joyful yet mysterious which was a combination I don’t often see but thought fit so well and made the book one I truly didn’t want to put down.
Highly recommend!
November 4, 2026
Thank you Simon Teen for the gifted ARC and Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook.
CHARMING STANDALONE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
This is one of those books that I can tell you is good and I’d overall recommend, but also don’t remember all that well. The pros are the fact that this is genuine young adult. There’s nothing intense in any realm: violence, romance, themes, etc. It is something I would feel comfortable letting a teen read. And those can be hard to find. I liked the characters and themes too.
I also really liked the audiobook. She was a fantastic narrator and brought a charming quality to the story telling. I highly recommend that format.
If you’re feeling something with a more cozy vibe I think this is something you should try. It’s got a soft atmosphere that feels whimsical and the perfect type of book to curl up with on a rainy day.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
CHARMING STANDALONE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
This is one of those books that I can tell you is good and I’d overall recommend, but also don’t remember all that well. The pros are the fact that this is genuine young adult. There’s nothing intense in any realm: violence, romance, themes, etc. It is something I would feel comfortable letting a teen read. And those can be hard to find. I liked the characters and themes too.
I also really liked the audiobook. She was a fantastic narrator and brought a charming quality to the story telling. I highly recommend that format.
If you’re feeling something with a more cozy vibe I think this is something you should try. It’s got a soft atmosphere that feels whimsical and the perfect type of book to curl up with on a rainy day.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
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 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.
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 Publisher
I recieved a physical advanced reader's copy of this book from my favorite independent bookstore authorized by the publisher to distribute copies to readers for honest reviews. Thank you, Simon & Schuester, for your support for independent bookstores!
I've been on a cozy romance kick lately, and that's exactly what Spellwright delivers. Definitely a recommend read for lovers of Sarah Beth Durst and J. Penner.
Fia, a talented spell writer, is mourning the death of her late mother and spends her days running the spell shop her mother left behind, and her nights searching for the spell book of her mother's spells. In a desperate attempt to find the spell book, she breaks into a prestigious library housing powerful grimiores in search of a finding spell powerful enough to help in her search. But she's not the only one breaking into the library that night, and the other thief steals something much more sinister, leaving Fia as the suspect in a theft she did not commit. With the help her her newly hired employee, Penbrook and his longtime friend Andromeda, they search for the stolen grimoire, her mother's spell book, and a cure for the curse plaguing her new friends.
But as the line between employer and employee begin to blur into something more, Fia begins to realize that not everything and not everyone is as they seem.
Things I liked about this book:
-- 0 issues handing it over to my 12 year old daughter to read; there are a couple of chaste kisses - the whole book is maybe a 1/2 🌶 spice level (it's marketed as YA, but I'm comfortable with my 'middle grade' daughter reading it)
-- I loved the magic in this book, not every caster was the same, not every spell is made the same way. It also doesn't seem that magic is limited to specific people; everyone can use spells.
-- I loved that it addresses the loss of a parent and different types of grief; as well as the joy of being supported through hard times by friends.
Things I wished were done better:
-- This wasn't just a slow burn, it was a slow plot. I felt like the last 50 pages were great, but much of the other book was a bit difficult to get into.
-- There were certain parts that I felt were never fully flushed out. I was left wondering 'why' certain characters were how they were.
-- There were things that occurred that just seemed to... happen... and I didn't really understand how. I know when writing fantasy, a lot of time things can just magically occur, but usually there are rules around the magic systems and I never really got an understanding or explanation of the rules for the magic system in this book.
I've been on a cozy romance kick lately, and that's exactly what Spellwright delivers. Definitely a recommend read for lovers of Sarah Beth Durst and J. Penner.
Fia, a talented spell writer, is mourning the death of her late mother and spends her days running the spell shop her mother left behind, and her nights searching for the spell book of her mother's spells. In a desperate attempt to find the spell book, she breaks into a prestigious library housing powerful grimiores in search of a finding spell powerful enough to help in her search. But she's not the only one breaking into the library that night, and the other thief steals something much more sinister, leaving Fia as the suspect in a theft she did not commit. With the help her her newly hired employee, Penbrook and his longtime friend Andromeda, they search for the stolen grimoire, her mother's spell book, and a cure for the curse plaguing her new friends.
But as the line between employer and employee begin to blur into something more, Fia begins to realize that not everything and not everyone is as they seem.
Things I liked about this book:
-- 0 issues handing it over to my 12 year old daughter to read; there are a couple of chaste kisses - the whole book is maybe a 1/2 🌶 spice level (it's marketed as YA, but I'm comfortable with my 'middle grade' daughter reading it)
-- I loved the magic in this book, not every caster was the same, not every spell is made the same way. It also doesn't seem that magic is limited to specific people; everyone can use spells.
-- I loved that it addresses the loss of a parent and different types of grief; as well as the joy of being supported through hard times by friends.
Things I wished were done better:
-- This wasn't just a slow burn, it was a slow plot. I felt like the last 50 pages were great, but much of the other book was a bit difficult to get into.
-- There were certain parts that I felt were never fully flushed out. I was left wondering 'why' certain characters were how they were.
-- There were things that occurred that just seemed to... happen... and I didn't really understand how. I know when writing fantasy, a lot of time things can just magically occur, but usually there are rules around the magic systems and I never really got an understanding or explanation of the rules for the magic system in this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found this cute and cozy, and there were some very cool world building details that I loved (spell casting via drawing and a dress made of spell book pages), However, this had the drawback of being extremely slow. The opening meandered quite a bit, and I wish it had gotten into Penbrook’s curse and the details regarding Fia’s mother’s death sooner.
Unfortunately, I never really connected to Fia or became invested in her journey. She seemed to be a pretty passive protagonist, often going with the flow and asking others to do the bulk of the heavy lifting. But I grew rather fond of Penbrook, Andromeda, Grace, and Finnick. Though I considered DNFing at times, concern for Penbrook and Andromeda kept me reading.
Fia’s plan to steal back the book from the real thieves bothered me since it seemed profoundly foolish. Surely, that would only make her look more guilty. Which is why it didn’t make sense to me why she turned down an early opportunity to prove her innocence to the cloaks, with two witnesses present, no less. Indeed, Fia behaved almost as thought she wanted to convince everyone of her guilt rather than clear her name, and I couldn’t understand the logic behind many of her choices.
The romance kind of fizzled for me because I didn’t feel like Fia and Penbrook had all that much chemistry. I usually prefer sapphic romances though, so that may have been a factor since it takes a stellar cishet couple to reel me in.
When it came to twists, one caught me by surprise (the identity of the thieves), but another (what happened to her mother’s book) seemed so blatantly obvious that I grew frustrated that none of the other characters figured it out. Even when it was staring Fia right in the face, she still guessed wrong.
I feel like I might have enjoyed this more and finished it faster if I’d opted for the audiobook, since this story’s leisurely pace and simple plot would have been easy to keep track of if I’d had it on in the background, and I would have been less tempted to keep putting it down at the end of chapters and switch to other books.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Unfortunately, I never really connected to Fia or became invested in her journey. She seemed to be a pretty passive protagonist, often going with the flow and asking others to do the bulk of the heavy lifting. But I grew rather fond of Penbrook, Andromeda, Grace, and Finnick. Though I considered DNFing at times, concern for Penbrook and Andromeda kept me reading.
Fia’s plan to steal back the book from the real thieves bothered me since it seemed profoundly foolish. Surely, that would only make her look more guilty. Which is why it didn’t make sense to me why she turned down an early opportunity to prove her innocence to the cloaks, with two witnesses present, no less. Indeed, Fia behaved almost as thought she wanted to convince everyone of her guilt rather than clear her name, and I couldn’t understand the logic behind many of her choices.
The romance kind of fizzled for me because I didn’t feel like Fia and Penbrook had all that much chemistry. I usually prefer sapphic romances though, so that may have been a factor since it takes a stellar cishet couple to reel me in.
When it came to twists, one caught me by surprise (the identity of the thieves), but another (what happened to her mother’s book) seemed so blatantly obvious that I grew frustrated that none of the other characters figured it out. Even when it was staring Fia right in the face, she still guessed wrong.
I feel like I might have enjoyed this more and finished it faster if I’d opted for the audiobook, since this story’s leisurely pace and simple plot would have been easy to keep track of if I’d had it on in the background, and I would have been less tempted to keep putting it down at the end of chapters and switch to other books.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
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 NetGalley
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for an eARC.
This was such a cute story! I actually said "aww" when I read the last line. The vibes were definitely cozy and magical, but the plot had real life or death stakes to keep the pages turning in anticipation.
Fia and Penbrook were both fantastic characters. I related a lot to Fia's somewhat hidden desire for someone to choose her and love her. I also really appreciated the journey Fia went on in her grief after losing her mother as she not only figured out who she was on her own, but also discovered her mother hadn't been entirely who Fia thought she was. Penbrook was completely charming and won me over before he won Fia over. Their romance was very sweet. Also worth a mention - there's a very cat-like cat named Finnick who often stole any scene he was in.
The magic in this world was interesting. I wanted to know more about how the spells and curses worked. Although the main story wrapped up nicely, there were a few threads left open that I feel could potentially lead to more story in the future. I really enjoyed this YA cozy fantasy and will definitely read more from this author in the future.
Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️ - a few kisses
This was such a cute story! I actually said "aww" when I read the last line. The vibes were definitely cozy and magical, but the plot had real life or death stakes to keep the pages turning in anticipation.
Fia and Penbrook were both fantastic characters. I related a lot to Fia's somewhat hidden desire for someone to choose her and love her. I also really appreciated the journey Fia went on in her grief after losing her mother as she not only figured out who she was on her own, but also discovered her mother hadn't been entirely who Fia thought she was. Penbrook was completely charming and won me over before he won Fia over. Their romance was very sweet. Also worth a mention - there's a very cat-like cat named Finnick who often stole any scene he was in.
The magic in this world was interesting. I wanted to know more about how the spells and curses worked. Although the main story wrapped up nicely, there were a few threads left open that I feel could potentially lead to more story in the future. I really enjoyed this YA cozy fantasy and will definitely read more from this author in the future.
Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️ - a few kisses
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a darkly cozy romance, filled with whimsy and charm. The prose was atmospheric and charming, and the everyday use of magic gave the book a darkly cozy feel. At the same time, the setting also felt grounded in the town's community, and the array of side characters.
This book was more YA than I expected, which while not a bad thing, is made clear by its naive main character, Fia. Most of the time, however, Fia was an enjoyable main character, and the exploration of her grief was well written. I enjoyed her dynamic with Penbrook, and how they changed over the course of the story. Their romance was cute.
However, as the book progressed, the pacing began to drag. Personally, I didn't connect with the characters enough to feel that attached to them or to the story. By the end, the climax didn't resonate with me as strongly as it could have, as I had lost most of my interest in the story. Keep in mind that I am a mood reader, and by the end, I also wasn't really in the mood for this book anymore, which likely impacted my enjoyment too.
Overall, this was a cute and cozy book, filled with magic and whimsy.
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a darkly cozy romance, filled with whimsy and charm. The prose was atmospheric and charming, and the everyday use of magic gave the book a darkly cozy feel. At the same time, the setting also felt grounded in the town's community, and the array of side characters.
This book was more YA than I expected, which while not a bad thing, is made clear by its naive main character, Fia. Most of the time, however, Fia was an enjoyable main character, and the exploration of her grief was well written. I enjoyed her dynamic with Penbrook, and how they changed over the course of the story. Their romance was cute.
However, as the book progressed, the pacing began to drag. Personally, I didn't connect with the characters enough to feel that attached to them or to the story. By the end, the climax didn't resonate with me as strongly as it could have, as I had lost most of my interest in the story. Keep in mind that I am a mood reader, and by the end, I also wasn't really in the mood for this book anymore, which likely impacted my enjoyment too.
Overall, this was a cute and cozy book, filled with magic and whimsy.
Review of advance copy
This 3.25 is less about the book itself and more about my personal preferences, but I really am such a fan of the whimsical way that Kassner writes.
The Forest of Stars is one of my favourite middle-grade books I've ever read, so when I heard that Kassner was coming out with a book for older audiences, I knew I wanted to pick it up ASAP. And I'm glad I did, despite some personal taste things that kept me from loving this.
The over-arcing plot of this story is a familiar one, and Penbrook is a very familiar Howlish archetype, though I do think there is enough about him that differentiates him from his wizard-love-interest counterparts. His perceived arrogance, for example, is pretty quickly dispelled. But reading this, I did get the sense that I had seen all these elements before.
That being said, I love Kassner's writing, and I think she particularly shines when describing the physical sensations of the magic performed in this book. It's both very cozy and atmospheric while also so evocative. It's easy to imagine what's going on not because it's too simple but because Kassner really does a beautiful job with her descriptions.
A few too many familiar tropes for me, but a lovely world of balls and magic to be immersed in.
The Forest of Stars is one of my favourite middle-grade books I've ever read, so when I heard that Kassner was coming out with a book for older audiences, I knew I wanted to pick it up ASAP. And I'm glad I did, despite some personal taste things that kept me from loving this.
The over-arcing plot of this story is a familiar one, and Penbrook is a very familiar Howlish archetype, though I do think there is enough about him that differentiates him from his wizard-love-interest counterparts. His perceived arrogance, for example, is pretty quickly dispelled. But reading this, I did get the sense that I had seen all these elements before.
That being said, I love Kassner's writing, and I think she particularly shines when describing the physical sensations of the magic performed in this book. It's both very cozy and atmospheric while also so evocative. It's easy to imagine what's going on not because it's too simple but because Kassner really does a beautiful job with her descriptions.
A few too many familiar tropes for me, but a lovely world of balls and magic to be immersed in.
November 4, 2026
Spellwright | Heather Kassner | 4.5 ⭐️
"When they finally turned onto Carrow Lane, they were drenched. And laughing. Because that’s how things went, the world flipping on a coin—the upside-down tumble of missing her mother and the sudden righting of her balance. It was the feel of the rain on her face, the bracing cold that centered her in the present, and Penbrook beside her, cursing the ruin of his suit with a grin that betrayed more delight than displeasure."
This book felt like a hug. Or like a bedtime story that I would have been read as a kid, BUT with incredible emotional depth and themes of grief, love, and loss. I truly savored the reading of this one for a long time. That is, until I hit the 70% mark and actually could not put it down to save my life.
Fia and Penn are both such well-written characters. Fia's grief for her mother was heartbreaking, especially after reading that the author suffered the loss of her father while writing this book. Her struggles were easy to empathize with, and she dealt with them in such real ways. Penn had me grinning like an absolute fool, and Fia, girlie, I get you. The side characters (I'm looking at you, Dromeda and Grace) were also so well written, and it was just such a good found family story.
It was so cozy, yet had such high emotional stakes, it tackled what can be some heavy themes, but left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and it was a story that I felt like I could savor, yet I flew through the second half in two days. Such an incredible read, especially for bookworms in the fall.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Heather Kassner, and Simon Teen for the free ARC*
"When they finally turned onto Carrow Lane, they were drenched. And laughing. Because that’s how things went, the world flipping on a coin—the upside-down tumble of missing her mother and the sudden righting of her balance. It was the feel of the rain on her face, the bracing cold that centered her in the present, and Penbrook beside her, cursing the ruin of his suit with a grin that betrayed more delight than displeasure."
This book felt like a hug. Or like a bedtime story that I would have been read as a kid, BUT with incredible emotional depth and themes of grief, love, and loss. I truly savored the reading of this one for a long time. That is, until I hit the 70% mark and actually could not put it down to save my life.
Fia and Penn are both such well-written characters. Fia's grief for her mother was heartbreaking, especially after reading that the author suffered the loss of her father while writing this book. Her struggles were easy to empathize with, and she dealt with them in such real ways. Penn had me grinning like an absolute fool, and Fia, girlie, I get you. The side characters (I'm looking at you, Dromeda and Grace) were also so well written, and it was just such a good found family story.
It was so cozy, yet had such high emotional stakes, it tackled what can be some heavy themes, but left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and it was a story that I felt like I could savor, yet I flew through the second half in two days. Such an incredible read, especially for bookworms in the fall.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Heather Kassner, and Simon Teen for the free ARC*
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