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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
465 people want to read
About the author
Heather Kassner
4 books205 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 - 6 of 6 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 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!
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!
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.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews