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Spellshop #3
Sea of Charms
Not yet published
Expected 6 Aug 26Her boat. Her rules. His music. Their hearts . . .
Marin has always belonged on the great blue sea. Betrayed by love, she lives and works as a supply runner, sailing from island to island, delivering an array of goods with Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub as her crew.
On one of her routine trips to the capital, Alyssium, Marin finds a revolution underway ― and a friend in the line of fire.
What starts as a rescue evolves into a deal: Marin will keep Dax on as a member of her crew if he pretends to be her boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home.
But against her better judgment, Marin finds herself intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, his charming smile ― and realizes that perhaps she isn’t saving him. Maybe it’s the other way around.
From the acclaimed author of The Spellshop, Sea of Charms is a delightful cosy fantasy romance about finding your crew, your family, and moreover, finding yourself.
Marin has always belonged on the great blue sea. Betrayed by love, she lives and works as a supply runner, sailing from island to island, delivering an array of goods with Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub as her crew.
On one of her routine trips to the capital, Alyssium, Marin finds a revolution underway ― and a friend in the line of fire.
What starts as a rescue evolves into a deal: Marin will keep Dax on as a member of her crew if he pretends to be her boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home.
But against her better judgment, Marin finds herself intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, his charming smile ― and realizes that perhaps she isn’t saving him. Maybe it’s the other way around.
From the acclaimed author of The Spellshop, Sea of Charms is a delightful cosy fantasy romance about finding your crew, your family, and moreover, finding yourself.
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 28, 2026
24029 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beth Durst
40 books7,425 followersSarah Beth Durst is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens, and kids, including cozy fantasy The Spellshop. She's been awarded an American Library Association Alex Award, as well as a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Several of her books have been optioned for film/television, including Drink Slay Love, which was made into a TV movie and was a question on Jeopardy! She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Want to read
October 1, 2025I KNEW that there would be a book with this character as soon as I heard that she is friends with a sea serpent and a talking sailor plant.
upcoming
October 13, 2025*See Sarah's Newest Book immediately adds to preorder list!*
Want to read
August 15, 2025MARIN IS GETTING A BOOK!! AHHH!!
Read
December 22, 2025I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one, and I *loved* it. This magical, gentle, funny and hopeful - but never naïve - story was just exactly what I needed in a stressful month!
"More people should strive to be like passionate shrubbery." <3
This book tells the story of Marin, the resourceful sailor who first popped up as a helpful side character in the first two Spellshop books. It involves more external drama than either of those first books as (unlike the first two heroines, who each escaped the burning city of Alyssium at the beginnings of their own stories) Marin faces serious danger again and again, sailing in and out of the capital city in the midst of a fiery revolution and rescuing everyone she can along the way. But it's also the story of the loving found family she builds across the book (with a sea serpent and a sentient shrub, among others) and the sweet romance she can't resist despite her own traumatic romantic past...
And it's also the story of all the wonders they see in their sailing adventures. Oh, is Sarah Beth Durst good at writing imaginative magical worlds! I loooooved all the different islands Marin and her crew visit, with all their individual amazements. And I really loved the message Marin's own mother tries to give her early in the novel - "That even if there's a lot of terrible in the world, even if there's a lot that can't be fixed, it's okay to try to be happy."
A really beautiful book that made my heart melt. I'm so glad I read it!
PS: Every book in this series has been a standalone adventure, and this one can definitely be read as a standalone, too - but if you have read the first two books, you'll love how beautifully it ties those stories together and builds a larger story around them.
"More people should strive to be like passionate shrubbery." <3
This book tells the story of Marin, the resourceful sailor who first popped up as a helpful side character in the first two Spellshop books. It involves more external drama than either of those first books as (unlike the first two heroines, who each escaped the burning city of Alyssium at the beginnings of their own stories) Marin faces serious danger again and again, sailing in and out of the capital city in the midst of a fiery revolution and rescuing everyone she can along the way. But it's also the story of the loving found family she builds across the book (with a sea serpent and a sentient shrub, among others) and the sweet romance she can't resist despite her own traumatic romantic past...
And it's also the story of all the wonders they see in their sailing adventures. Oh, is Sarah Beth Durst good at writing imaginative magical worlds! I loooooved all the different islands Marin and her crew visit, with all their individual amazements. And I really loved the message Marin's own mother tries to give her early in the novel - "That even if there's a lot of terrible in the world, even if there's a lot that can't be fixed, it's okay to try to be happy."
A really beautiful book that made my heart melt. I'm so glad I read it!
PS: Every book in this series has been a standalone adventure, and this one can definitely be read as a standalone, too - but if you have read the first two books, you'll love how beautifully it ties those stories together and builds a larger story around them.
Want to read
September 11, 2025This cover is gorgeous!!!! I need to not be lazy and review the other two books in this series. These books make my heart happy. Also, if Sarah makes the next one autumnal I would be ecstatic.
Want to read
September 6, 2025Why do these covers just get more and more beautiful?!?!? Can't wait for this one!
September 29, 2025
So lucky to get to read this incredibly uplifting story early. I needed this.
I will be rereading this series when I need a lift. As a retired library worker, tip of my hat to the author.
I will be rereading this series when I need a lift. As a retired library worker, tip of my hat to the author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's hard to find the words to describe how I feel about this book. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I have to admit I was a little hesitate to start it because I am not a water person and sea is in the title. I thought there's no way this is going to grab me like the previous two books did. Boy, was I wrong. I could not put this book down. I can't say too much without giving spoilers but I will say this book grabbed my librarian's heart and wouldn't let it go until the very end.
I received an advance copy of this book.
I received an advance copy of this book.
November 7, 2025
4.5 stars
So charming! I just really love these books and this world; it's so cozy and heartwarming.
So charming! I just really love these books and this world; it's so cozy and heartwarming.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Just as magical and incredible as Spellshop!
I loved seeing Marin and Ree again and learning what drove them. Dax was just perfect and I love him so much. And I think we all need a Perri in our lives.
This book gave me all the vibes of Moana crossed with Pirates of the Caribbean lol and all the fuzzy emotions. I just adored it.
I loved seeing Marin and Ree again and learning what drove them. Dax was just perfect and I love him so much. And I think we all need a Perri in our lives.
This book gave me all the vibes of Moana crossed with Pirates of the Caribbean lol and all the fuzzy emotions. I just adored it.
future-releases
August 14, 2025So glad this exists because I NEED MORE
November 17, 2025
Electronic ARC provided by Edelweiss.
This is my favorite installment yet of Sarah Beth Durst's cozy fantasy series. Sea of Charms follows Marin, the sailor first introduced in The Enchanted Greenhouse, and parallels the time period of the first two books. Each new book has expanded the world of the Crescent Isles, and Marin's story, for me at least, is what finally snaps the series into a fully realized world.
Marin has always wanted to be a sailor, a dream that her parents fully support. However, a brush with an ex-lover who turned out to be a different person from what he first portrayed has caused her to run from home, cynical, in debt, and certain that romantic relationships can only lead to ruin. Her parents poured all of their savings into buying her amazing boat so that she can sail freely, and with her sea serpent friend Perri Marin is attempting to earn enough money via trade routes to pay back her family's debt. Of course the more she sails into the capital city of Alyssium the more clear it becomes that something is desperately wrong, and that she may end up having to choose between paying her debts and doing what she knows is right. It also doesn't help that her gorgeous friend Dax--a composer in training at the Imperial conservatory--might need help fleeing the city.
One of the things that I loved about Marin's story is that her life as a sailor allowed her to travel in and out of the main plot threads woven in the first two books, showing a different perspective and putting the stories firmly into a larger world building context. I also liked that Marin came off as a bit less sheltered and naive then either of the two previous protagonists. Dax was also a delight, as were Perri and Ree (the sentient wax myrtle introduced in the previous book).
Sea of Charms was a delight from start to finish, complete with some pointed commentary about current political events and a lovely resolution that leaves the reader feeling warm and optimistic. I'm growing fonder of the Crescent Isles with each new book, and I'm looking forward to whatever the next journey might be (I have a guess, but we'll have to wait and see if I'm right!).
This is my favorite installment yet of Sarah Beth Durst's cozy fantasy series. Sea of Charms follows Marin, the sailor first introduced in The Enchanted Greenhouse, and parallels the time period of the first two books. Each new book has expanded the world of the Crescent Isles, and Marin's story, for me at least, is what finally snaps the series into a fully realized world.
Marin has always wanted to be a sailor, a dream that her parents fully support. However, a brush with an ex-lover who turned out to be a different person from what he first portrayed has caused her to run from home, cynical, in debt, and certain that romantic relationships can only lead to ruin. Her parents poured all of their savings into buying her amazing boat so that she can sail freely, and with her sea serpent friend Perri Marin is attempting to earn enough money via trade routes to pay back her family's debt. Of course the more she sails into the capital city of Alyssium the more clear it becomes that something is desperately wrong, and that she may end up having to choose between paying her debts and doing what she knows is right. It also doesn't help that her gorgeous friend Dax--a composer in training at the Imperial conservatory--might need help fleeing the city.
One of the things that I loved about Marin's story is that her life as a sailor allowed her to travel in and out of the main plot threads woven in the first two books, showing a different perspective and putting the stories firmly into a larger world building context. I also liked that Marin came off as a bit less sheltered and naive then either of the two previous protagonists. Dax was also a delight, as were Perri and Ree (the sentient wax myrtle introduced in the previous book).
Sea of Charms was a delight from start to finish, complete with some pointed commentary about current political events and a lovely resolution that leaves the reader feeling warm and optimistic. I'm growing fonder of the Crescent Isles with each new book, and I'm looking forward to whatever the next journey might be (I have a guess, but we'll have to wait and see if I'm right!).
February 6, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read and review an ARC from Netgalley.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers. My students are currently reading mysteries and romances.
Sarah Beth Durst is a new author for me. I received The Spellshop as a Christmas gift and instantly fell in love with the main character, Kiela. I mean - a librarian as a heroine? Fantastic! I also loved her companion, the sentient spider plant Kaz.
I picked up the second in the series, The Enchanted Greenhouse and was delighted with the characters and storyline as well.
This novel, Sea of Charms, is the third one in the series set in the same magical land. While I thought that you do not need to read the other novels ahead of this one, it does make more sense since the author discusses events and characters from the previous novels. This novel really fills in the details from those previous novels.
The main character for this adventure is Marin, the sailor that we met in The Enchanted Greenhouse. I feel that she is a female-empowered character getting out of a bad relationship:
“She inhaled deeply and then let out a wild scream with every bit of air in her lungs. No one told her to be quiet. No one told her to return to shore” (page 5). She had basically made herself smaller for someone else and had decided no more. This novel is about Marin travelling the seas and learning to trust others again.
One other part that really spoke to me was about books: “Fear is a jailer. People who have power are often afraid to lose it, and books have the greatest power--they are the culmination of many lifetimes. They grant access to worlds, dreams, thoughts, and wisdom…” (page 313). I won’t reveal the character so it is not spoiled.
What I like about this book and series is that it has a hint of romance and also strong, female characters.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers. My students are currently reading mysteries and romances.
Sarah Beth Durst is a new author for me. I received The Spellshop as a Christmas gift and instantly fell in love with the main character, Kiela. I mean - a librarian as a heroine? Fantastic! I also loved her companion, the sentient spider plant Kaz.
I picked up the second in the series, The Enchanted Greenhouse and was delighted with the characters and storyline as well.
This novel, Sea of Charms, is the third one in the series set in the same magical land. While I thought that you do not need to read the other novels ahead of this one, it does make more sense since the author discusses events and characters from the previous novels. This novel really fills in the details from those previous novels.
The main character for this adventure is Marin, the sailor that we met in The Enchanted Greenhouse. I feel that she is a female-empowered character getting out of a bad relationship:
“She inhaled deeply and then let out a wild scream with every bit of air in her lungs. No one told her to be quiet. No one told her to return to shore” (page 5). She had basically made herself smaller for someone else and had decided no more. This novel is about Marin travelling the seas and learning to trust others again.
One other part that really spoke to me was about books: “Fear is a jailer. People who have power are often afraid to lose it, and books have the greatest power--they are the culmination of many lifetimes. They grant access to worlds, dreams, thoughts, and wisdom…” (page 313). I won’t reveal the character so it is not spoiled.
What I like about this book and series is that it has a hint of romance and also strong, female characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
When Marin's parents took on a debt to help her escape from her ex-fiance, Marin swore she wouldn't let them shoulder the debt alone. Sailing the sea, she travels from island to island, delivering goods with Perri the sea serpent. Until the revolution occurs at Alyssium, when she rescues a group of musicians, including her maybe friend Dax.
This book was adorable. While I hope it's not the last book in this world, it was a perfect way to connect the 3 books in the series. Marin's journey overlaps the timeline from both books, and we get brief glimpses into our previous characters. I especially loved getting to see what Marin's thoughts were each time she was with Terlu. In The Enchanted Greenhouse, she came across as a very confident and money-driven individual. But in Sea of Charms, we see the self-doubt and selflessness that she hides from everyone around her. Ree and Perri are both adorable, amazing beings and I adore them.
The only issue I had with this book was Marin's inability to accept those around her for the longest time. She would admit that she cared for someone, then immediately talk about how she couldn't allow it, rinse and repeat every few chapters. It got a little repetivitive and frustrating. However, that won't stop me from reading anything else that may get published in this world.
When Marin's parents took on a debt to help her escape from her ex-fiance, Marin swore she wouldn't let them shoulder the debt alone. Sailing the sea, she travels from island to island, delivering goods with Perri the sea serpent. Until the revolution occurs at Alyssium, when she rescues a group of musicians, including her maybe friend Dax.
This book was adorable. While I hope it's not the last book in this world, it was a perfect way to connect the 3 books in the series. Marin's journey overlaps the timeline from both books, and we get brief glimpses into our previous characters. I especially loved getting to see what Marin's thoughts were each time she was with Terlu. In The Enchanted Greenhouse, she came across as a very confident and money-driven individual. But in Sea of Charms, we see the self-doubt and selflessness that she hides from everyone around her. Ree and Perri are both adorable, amazing beings and I adore them.
The only issue I had with this book was Marin's inability to accept those around her for the longest time. She would admit that she cared for someone, then immediately talk about how she couldn't allow it, rinse and repeat every few chapters. It got a little repetivitive and frustrating. However, that won't stop me from reading anything else that may get published in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sea of Charms is a warm, enchanting cozy fantasy that swept me away from the very first page. Marin is a compelling and relatable protagonist—independent, wounded, and deeply connected to the sea she calls home. I loved watching her navigate both the literal waters between islands and the emotional aftermath of betrayal, all while building a life that is fully her own.
The world-building is gentle but vivid, filled with charming details that make the Crescent Islands feel alive. From enchanted statues to island-to-island supply runs, every element adds to the cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the story. Marin’s found family—especially Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub—was an absolute delight and brought so much heart and humor to the narrative.
The slow-burn romance between Marin and Dax is tender and satisfying, balancing playful banter with deeper emotional growth. The fake-dating trope is handled thoughtfully, and their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and earned. Dax’s love for music and stories complements Marin’s quiet strength beautifully.
At its core, Sea of Charms is a story about healing, found family, and rediscovering joy after heartbreak. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of charm—perfect for readers who love soft fantasy worlds, heartfelt romance, and characters who slowly find their way back to themselves.
The world-building is gentle but vivid, filled with charming details that make the Crescent Islands feel alive. From enchanted statues to island-to-island supply runs, every element adds to the cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the story. Marin’s found family—especially Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub—was an absolute delight and brought so much heart and humor to the narrative.
The slow-burn romance between Marin and Dax is tender and satisfying, balancing playful banter with deeper emotional growth. The fake-dating trope is handled thoughtfully, and their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and earned. Dax’s love for music and stories complements Marin’s quiet strength beautifully.
At its core, Sea of Charms is a story about healing, found family, and rediscovering joy after heartbreak. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of charm—perfect for readers who love soft fantasy worlds, heartfelt romance, and characters who slowly find their way back to themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Sea of Charms was a beautiful journey filled with adventure, emotion, and heartfelt themes about self-love and choosing what is right over what is easy. It’s the kind of story that quietly stays with you, not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it feels honest and deeply human. One quote in particular stood out to me: “Sometimes surviving is heroic enough.” That line perfectly captures the soul of the book. It reminds readers that heroism doesn’t always look grand or dramatic — sometimes it’s simply showing up, doing the right thing for yourself and the people you care about, and continuing forward despite how hard things are. The world-building was vivid and immersive, making it a place I genuinely enjoyed escaping to and would happily revisit again. I also loved how seamlessly the story wove together characters and threads from the other Spellshop books. Running into familiar faces felt natural and rewarding, adding depth without ever feeling overwhelming. Overall, Sea of Charms is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant read that blends adventure with meaningful reflection, and it’s a story I’ll gladly return to in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another wonderful and cozy book from Sarah Beth Durst. I was so happy to be back in this world, the premise of a supply runner visiting different islands gives you an amazing glimpse into different islands and cultures. We have Marin who is from a family of sailors, she is meant for the open ocean. We meet her sea serpent crew mate Perri, her sentient plant, and finally Dax the musician she saves from Alyssium during their revolution. I like how Durst took one event happening in Alyssium and shows us the outcome of it through different lives throughout the Spellshop series. This time, we get to see different islands, meet more characters (and some old ones) and get to know Marin much better (who we meet briefly in the last book.) Marin starts out a bit of a loner after experiencing heartbreak and a lot of stress, she slowly but surely opens her heart to her new crew and creates a family she never thought she deserves. Great story!
January 16, 2026
Add this to your TBR list because it is amazing! It’s the third in the series but I do feel like it could be read as a stand alone. The first two character and islands do show up, though, for those of us who adored the first two as well. It’s my favorite of the three books as it really brings together the concept of magic, government power, and community. I loved the metaphors to the sea, sailing, and music as well as the saving of literature from government fear and destruction. It’s whimsical, magical, and reads like a warm cup of tea despite some gut-wrenching allegorical themes that remind us of grief, tyranny, displacement, and censorship. This is the perfect read for anyone needing a reminder that redemption, family, passion, community, and purpose are what’s most important in life, no matter where the sails lead us!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sea of Charms is a lovely continuation of the Spellshop series by Sarah Beth Durst. This book is filled to the brim with adventure and heartfelt relationships, set in a cozy fantasy world that even the fantasy-adverse will have no trouble falling right into (and in love with). The story is about finding yourself, following your dreams, and doing what's right even when it's not the easiest or may come at personal cost. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will experience more depth having read the other Spellshop books first, especially as it relates to the sweet cameos of the characters from earlier books. Sea of Charms is a wonderful and charming escape from reality that showcases the power of family, both given and found.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC! Extra props to Tor for including a Kobo option on NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC! Extra props to Tor for including a Kobo option on NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sea of Charms is the third book in the Spellshop series by Sarah Beth Durst. It is a sweet fantasy that ties up most of the loose ends from books 1 and 2. Marin is a lone sea captain who operates a supply running sailboat throughout the southern Crescent Islands. After she rescues a sea serpent, her crew doubles in size as Perri, the sea serpent does not leave her. A few more rescues doubles her crew again to four. As time continues, she realizes that being alone was not as fun as she previously thought. Despite thinking her heart is closed off to love and friendship, her kindness always wins. The book is squeaky clean. There is mention of various LGBTQIA+ relationships in passing.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
I'm so glad to return to this world, and to hear Marin and Perri's story. There's a certain amount of overlap with previous books, as is not unexpected, but it's lovely to see more of our favorite halophyte, Ree, and to learn more about Dax and to see some more of the many islands. I also find it especially comforting that there's a message of hope against a backdrop of revolution and destruction; that there's healing after betrayal; that there's kindness and creative fire and all kinds of family bringing joy. Wonderful, and everything I hoped it would be.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
December 26, 2025
Had the chance to get my hands on this gem early. It is my favorite of this connected series so far. I have loved the world building in Sarah Beth Durst’s novels so far, but this sea faring adventure takes it to a whole new level as Marin and her growing crew island hop on this grand adventure. Marin is a complex character with confidence and poise, hurt from a previous relationship, she is hesitant to open her heart to love, but clearheaded and kindhearted in every other decision she makes. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve just finished and I’m in the post book haze of emotions so this won’t be my most elegant review.
The Spellshop was amazing. The Enchanted greenhouse was good. This book…this book was everything. I loved it like I loved The Spellshop. It has such heart and leaves you feeling like you’ve just had a hug. I don’t know how else to describe it. I can’t stop smiling and I know I will be thinking about this book for weeks to come. Is this my top book for 2025? Very possibly. If you’re a fan of The Spellshop, you are going to love this book!
The Spellshop was amazing. The Enchanted greenhouse was good. This book…this book was everything. I loved it like I loved The Spellshop. It has such heart and leaves you feeling like you’ve just had a hug. I don’t know how else to describe it. I can’t stop smiling and I know I will be thinking about this book for weeks to come. Is this my top book for 2025? Very possibly. If you’re a fan of The Spellshop, you are going to love this book!
October 3, 2025
Durst continues her cozy fantasy series with the story of Marin, the sailor who appears in the previous book. It's nice to see her link the books together with cameos of some well known characters and that she fills in some blanks in the other stories. Her world keeps expanding and Durst could probably write new books in this series for a long time to come. Review from e-galley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just love this series with my whole heart.
This is my fourth book I’ve read by SBD, and her writing is phenomenal! I love how she weaves together all of the storylines between the books in this series. The emotions the characters experience just make you want to grin from ear to ear!
I truly hope that SBD never stops writing this series. It’s magical!
This is my fourth book I’ve read by SBD, and her writing is phenomenal! I love how she weaves together all of the storylines between the books in this series. The emotions the characters experience just make you want to grin from ear to ear!
I truly hope that SBD never stops writing this series. It’s magical!
November 4, 2025
Everything I love about cozy fantasy is here in this book. Thanks to the publisher for an e-copy, it came to me at just the right time to add more hope and light against the turning of the seasons.
December 1, 2025
Perfect cozy fantasy. My favorite cover of the series, too :)
Want to read
December 18, 2025I was so hoping this book was next! I’m very excited!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Oh this was so charming! It brought the previous stories together in a lovely way. This series is pure sunshine. Especially if you love plants and animals. 🌞🌻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews