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Spellshop #3
Sea of Charms
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26Sarah Beth Durst brings cozy fantasy romance to the high seas in
Sea of Charms
, the third magical adventure in the
New York Times
bestselling Spellshop series!
Marin had always belonged on the great blue sea. When the man she thought was the love of her life schemed to ruin her parents’ business, she did what her heart knew she fled to the sea.
Now working as a supply runner on her own boat, Marin sails from island to island, delivering a varied array of letters, flour, stories, and even the occasional enchanted statue. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers. Besides, she’s got the company of Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub. They’re the best crew she could ask for.
On one of her routine trips to the capital of the Crescent Islands Empire, Alyssium, Marin finds the city on fire and a revolution underway—so she offers transportation to Dax, a composer friend who refuses to leave behind his instruments. What starts as a rescue evolves into a Marin will keep Dax on as a (temporary) member of her crew if he becomes her pretend boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home.
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.
Sea of Charms is a cozy fantasy romance about finding your crew, your family, and moreover, finding yourself.
Enjoy in whatever order your heart desires, but don’t miss The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse.
“I, for one, couldn’t ask for more.” —Sangu Mandanna on The Spellshop
Marin had always belonged on the great blue sea. When the man she thought was the love of her life schemed to ruin her parents’ business, she did what her heart knew she fled to the sea.
Now working as a supply runner on her own boat, Marin sails from island to island, delivering a varied array of letters, flour, stories, and even the occasional enchanted statue. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers. Besides, she’s got the company of Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub. They’re the best crew she could ask for.
On one of her routine trips to the capital of the Crescent Islands Empire, Alyssium, Marin finds the city on fire and a revolution underway—so she offers transportation to Dax, a composer friend who refuses to leave behind his instruments. What starts as a rescue evolves into a Marin will keep Dax on as a (temporary) member of her crew if he becomes her pretend boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home.
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.
Sea of Charms is a cozy fantasy romance about finding your crew, your family, and moreover, finding yourself.
Enjoy in whatever order your heart desires, but don’t miss The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse.
“I, for one, couldn’t ask for more.” —Sangu Mandanna on The Spellshop
11 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Sarah Beth Durst
44 books9,095 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 936 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!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 5 ⭐️ This is by far my most favorite book in this series. I adored the first two, The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse, but this story was an adventure! Not only it's full of charming characters that are a complete delight, we embark on a journey of a sailors tale. We sail from place to place where we are greeted with whimsical magic, lovely new characters, amazing sidekicks, sweet romance and an unforgettable adventure. For a soft and cozy fantasy, the character development was top notch! This was the easiest and the quickest 5 stars I've given. Sarah Beth Durst is a QUEEN when it comes to cozy, tender fantasies that transport you to another world.
Sea of Charms is a tale of a sailor, Marin, and a musician, Dax, who find love and companionship in a changing world as they flee the newly formed revolution on Alyssium. Marin, a supply runner is trying to help her parents pay off a debt thanks to her jerk of an ex who embezzled from her family. She's working hard to repay the load her parents took out to purchase her magical boat. So she's traveling to all sorts of places, along with her sea serpent Perri and the sentient sailor shrub Ree, trying to save up as much as she can. One day, she's making a run to Alyssium and sees that it's burning due to rebellion strikes. She rescues Dax and his musician friends and this is where their story of friendship and love begins! What starts off a rescue evolves into a deal: pretend to be my boyfriend and you can keep sailing along my crew. Against all odds, Marin finds herself more and more interested in Dax.
Marin has a good heart and great values. She cherishes hard work and cares deeply about her family, her friends and things that mean the most to her. She's incredibly emotionally intelligent, she believes that people should follow their heart vs whatever someone else says. She wants everyone to be successful and she pushes Dax to achieve his greatness despite how much she knows she will miss him! She's my favorite character so far and I was rooting for her all the way. She's just not great at love, considering what has happened, I don't blame her. I, too, would be very distraught and not easily trusting anymore..but meeting Dax was the best things that ever happened to her. Charming, stubborn, passionate, Dax is the one that heals her and saves her, not the other way around. He heals her, supports her and stands by her against all odds. Together, they are perfect for each other!
Sea of Charms strongly focuses on the idea of 'finding yourself' amidst the chaos, cherishing where you come from and allowing time to heal your wounds. The narrator, Caitlin Davies brought so much life into the story. I always say that audiobooks elevate the experience! This narration was phenomenal, read with so much heart and soul, I highly recommend doing the audiobook for this book.
Now I can't wait to read the next installment, The Magical Cheese Emporium, expected to be released on January 19, 2027!
Narrator: Caitlin Davies
Duration: 13 hours 12 min
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for an early ALC!
Publication date: July 28, 2026
Sea of Charms is a tale of a sailor, Marin, and a musician, Dax, who find love and companionship in a changing world as they flee the newly formed revolution on Alyssium. Marin, a supply runner is trying to help her parents pay off a debt thanks to her jerk of an ex who embezzled from her family. She's working hard to repay the load her parents took out to purchase her magical boat. So she's traveling to all sorts of places, along with her sea serpent Perri and the sentient sailor shrub Ree, trying to save up as much as she can. One day, she's making a run to Alyssium and sees that it's burning due to rebellion strikes. She rescues Dax and his musician friends and this is where their story of friendship and love begins! What starts off a rescue evolves into a deal: pretend to be my boyfriend and you can keep sailing along my crew. Against all odds, Marin finds herself more and more interested in Dax.
Marin has a good heart and great values. She cherishes hard work and cares deeply about her family, her friends and things that mean the most to her. She's incredibly emotionally intelligent, she believes that people should follow their heart vs whatever someone else says. She wants everyone to be successful and she pushes Dax to achieve his greatness despite how much she knows she will miss him! She's my favorite character so far and I was rooting for her all the way. She's just not great at love, considering what has happened, I don't blame her. I, too, would be very distraught and not easily trusting anymore..but meeting Dax was the best things that ever happened to her. Charming, stubborn, passionate, Dax is the one that heals her and saves her, not the other way around. He heals her, supports her and stands by her against all odds. Together, they are perfect for each other!
Sea of Charms strongly focuses on the idea of 'finding yourself' amidst the chaos, cherishing where you come from and allowing time to heal your wounds. The narrator, Caitlin Davies brought so much life into the story. I always say that audiobooks elevate the experience! This narration was phenomenal, read with so much heart and soul, I highly recommend doing the audiobook for this book.
Now I can't wait to read the next installment, The Magical Cheese Emporium, expected to be released on January 19, 2027!
Narrator: Caitlin Davies
Duration: 13 hours 12 min
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for an early ALC!
Publication date: July 28, 2026
Currently Reading
April 11, 2026here for the cozy escape of it allll 🌊 ⛵
_______________
Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
_______________
Thank you to Tor Books for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
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.
Currently Reading
March 25, 2026🌊🪄 Sea of Charms 🪄🌊
⛵ Bookish Thoughts
I am screaming I am so excited to have gotten approval for this ARC! Sarah Beth Durst is my favorite author and this is my favorite series! I will be devouring this! I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🐚 What to Expect
• Cozy fantasy
• High seas adventure
• Fake Dating
• Found family
• Sea serpent companion
_ _ _ _
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo (Caitlin Davies)
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
📝 Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
⛵ Bookish Thoughts
I am screaming I am so excited to have gotten approval for this ARC! Sarah Beth Durst is my favorite author and this is my favorite series! I will be devouring this! I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🐚 What to Expect
• Cozy fantasy
• High seas adventure
• Fake Dating
• Found family
• Sea serpent companion
_ _ _ _
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo (Caitlin Davies)
📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
📝 Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 19, 2026
Sea of Charms (Spellshop #3) by Sarah Beth Durst
Book Blurb: Marin is a supply runner with her own boat that she sails from island to island, delivering whatever anyone will pay her to deliver: letters, flour, even the occasional enchanted lemur. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers, and she wouldn’t trade the freedom of the sea for anything. Her only companion is a sea serpent, Perri, whom she saved from a fisherfolk’s net.
One day, she sails to Alyssium and discovers the city is on fire. There’s been a revolution !
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventure, Humorous, Joyful, Satisfaction
Style: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Romantasy, Adult
First published July 28, 2026 : 384 pages
Themes & Setting: I adore this world the author has built and how easy it is to fall into it. Its fun, cozy, yet with a depth that lends to a feeling of vastness. We get to explore new areas and I will not spoil things but I definitely found a new favorite island. I adored that as Marin slowly started to collect entities on her ship she slowly started to build a family without realizing it. She has been betrayed in the past and has a hard time trusting so I loved watching as she learned she could trust and build her found family and explore the high seas. It was so fun seeing how everyone fit in this cozy story.
FMC: Marin showed alot of growth through this story and it was heart breaking as well as heart warming at times. Her past of being hurt as well as watching her open up to others was just so sweet.
MMC: Dax is just everything you want in a cinnamon roll MMC. Sweet, kind and totally goes all out for Marin. I really love the dynamic that he is reaching for his dreams while she is reaching for hers and how will it all end !!!!!!
Conclusion: All the warm fuzzies and fun with this read. I just know when I want a feel good read I reach for this author. I totally was invested in this story from the start and loved how it built and everything interwove together. Such sweetness and so much kindness shown throughout this book its just like reading a warm hug and you always walk away feeling better about life.
Audiobook Review:
Narration Style: Solo - Caitlin Davies
Listener Rating: *****
Audiobook Notes: Absolutely adored this as an audiobook. The narrator was able to instill so my emotion, humor and variance into the reading that it was captivating. Each character was so well done. I especially loved how she did our little plant friend. Voice, pitch, tone and cadence was easy to follow along with. I always knew who was talking and transitions were seamless. I typically listen to my audiobooks at 2.0 and that is what I listened to this one at. Listening at 1.0-2.0 was all with excellent results. I felt that the narrator did such an excellent job of bringing this story to life !! Highly recommend this as an audiobook.
This book has:
Adventure on the high seas
Politics with a Revolution
Low Stakes
Cozy Fantasy
Found Family
Lots of different types of sentient beings
Friends to lovers
Book Blurb: Marin is a supply runner with her own boat that she sails from island to island, delivering whatever anyone will pay her to deliver: letters, flour, even the occasional enchanted lemur. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers, and she wouldn’t trade the freedom of the sea for anything. Her only companion is a sea serpent, Perri, whom she saved from a fisherfolk’s net.
One day, she sails to Alyssium and discovers the city is on fire. There’s been a revolution !
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventure, Humorous, Joyful, Satisfaction
Style: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Romantasy, Adult
First published July 28, 2026 : 384 pages
Themes & Setting: I adore this world the author has built and how easy it is to fall into it. Its fun, cozy, yet with a depth that lends to a feeling of vastness. We get to explore new areas and I will not spoil things but I definitely found a new favorite island. I adored that as Marin slowly started to collect entities on her ship she slowly started to build a family without realizing it. She has been betrayed in the past and has a hard time trusting so I loved watching as she learned she could trust and build her found family and explore the high seas. It was so fun seeing how everyone fit in this cozy story.
FMC: Marin showed alot of growth through this story and it was heart breaking as well as heart warming at times. Her past of being hurt as well as watching her open up to others was just so sweet.
MMC: Dax is just everything you want in a cinnamon roll MMC. Sweet, kind and totally goes all out for Marin. I really love the dynamic that he is reaching for his dreams while she is reaching for hers and how will it all end !!!!!!
Conclusion: All the warm fuzzies and fun with this read. I just know when I want a feel good read I reach for this author. I totally was invested in this story from the start and loved how it built and everything interwove together. Such sweetness and so much kindness shown throughout this book its just like reading a warm hug and you always walk away feeling better about life.
Audiobook Review:
Narration Style: Solo - Caitlin Davies
Listener Rating: *****
Audiobook Notes: Absolutely adored this as an audiobook. The narrator was able to instill so my emotion, humor and variance into the reading that it was captivating. Each character was so well done. I especially loved how she did our little plant friend. Voice, pitch, tone and cadence was easy to follow along with. I always knew who was talking and transitions were seamless. I typically listen to my audiobooks at 2.0 and that is what I listened to this one at. Listening at 1.0-2.0 was all with excellent results. I felt that the narrator did such an excellent job of bringing this story to life !! Highly recommend this as an audiobook.
This book has:
Adventure on the high seas
Politics with a Revolution
Low Stakes
Cozy Fantasy
Found Family
Lots of different types of sentient beings
Friends to lovers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sea of Charms was exactly what I needed it to be.
To be candid, I wasn't sure after reading The Spellshop that I wanted to continue with the series. It was good, but with how many books are out in the world, and how many come out each month, I wasn't sure if it gave me enough to want to spend time on sequels. When I noticed that Sea of Charms was available as an ALC on Netgalley, I decided "why not?" and got The Enchanted Greenhouse from Everand. I'm so glad I decided to give both The Enchanted Greenhouse and Sea of Charms a chance. They were so good!
Sea of Charms follows Marin and Dax through adventures on sea and land after a revolution took place in Alyssium. While this is a cozy fantasy, there are so many important subjects covered that mimic our reality; economic imbalance, inequital politics, disregard for citizens in need, and more. I also love how music is portrayed in this novel. As an orchestra (viola for 9 years) and band (flute for 3 years) kid, music has always held a special place in my heart. The way music is revered, how Dex sees the world through music, and how Marin truly sees Dax through his music is truly special. Perri, our sea creature, is also musically inclined (don't tell anyone, but he's my favorite).
Don't even get me started on our narrator, Caitlin Davies. Caitlin did such a great job bringing all the characters to life; it was so easy to keep track of who was talking and what was happening. I'm interested to check out what else Caitlin has narrated.
To be candid, I wasn't sure after reading The Spellshop that I wanted to continue with the series. It was good, but with how many books are out in the world, and how many come out each month, I wasn't sure if it gave me enough to want to spend time on sequels. When I noticed that Sea of Charms was available as an ALC on Netgalley, I decided "why not?" and got The Enchanted Greenhouse from Everand. I'm so glad I decided to give both The Enchanted Greenhouse and Sea of Charms a chance. They were so good!
Sea of Charms follows Marin and Dax through adventures on sea and land after a revolution took place in Alyssium. While this is a cozy fantasy, there are so many important subjects covered that mimic our reality; economic imbalance, inequital politics, disregard for citizens in need, and more. I also love how music is portrayed in this novel. As an orchestra (viola for 9 years) and band (flute for 3 years) kid, music has always held a special place in my heart. The way music is revered, how Dex sees the world through music, and how Marin truly sees Dax through his music is truly special. Perri, our sea creature, is also musically inclined (don't tell anyone, but he's my favorite).
Don't even get me started on our narrator, Caitlin Davies. Caitlin did such a great job bringing all the characters to life; it was so easy to keep track of who was talking and what was happening. I'm interested to check out what else Caitlin has narrated.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
ˋ°•*⁀➷ 3.75
This was SUCH a cute read <3 I’m honestly so obsessed with this universe, and Sarah Beth Durst’s writing style never disappoints. I’ve yet to read a book by her that I didn’t enjoy.
Sea of Charms follows Marin, the supply runner we met in previous books, as she navigates love, vulnerability, and what it truly means to let people in. I really loved getting to spend more time with her and learn her story. She’s capable and independent, but watching her slowly open her heart was such a sweet journey. And Ree and Perri??!! I LOVED them. The sentient plants consistently end up being my favorite characters.
Also, I learned my new favorite word from this book: defenestrate (to throw someone out of a window) 🫡😂
Will absolutely be working that into daily conversation somehow.
The romance was super sweet, but was a tad too insta-lovey for my personal taste tbh.
If there are more books coming in this world (which I DESPERATELY hope there are), I would love to move beyond the Revolution timeline. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the same events from different perspectives across the first three books, but I think exploring what happens after would feel so fresh and exciting.
Overall this was such a sweet story. Not my absolute favorite in the series, which is why it lands at 3.75 stars for me, but still such an enjoyable read!! If you loved the spellshop, or cozy fantasy in general, this one is definitely for you.
This was SUCH a cute read <3 I’m honestly so obsessed with this universe, and Sarah Beth Durst’s writing style never disappoints. I’ve yet to read a book by her that I didn’t enjoy.
Sea of Charms follows Marin, the supply runner we met in previous books, as she navigates love, vulnerability, and what it truly means to let people in. I really loved getting to spend more time with her and learn her story. She’s capable and independent, but watching her slowly open her heart was such a sweet journey. And Ree and Perri??!! I LOVED them. The sentient plants consistently end up being my favorite characters.
Also, I learned my new favorite word from this book: defenestrate (to throw someone out of a window) 🫡😂
Will absolutely be working that into daily conversation somehow.
The romance was super sweet, but was a tad too insta-lovey for my personal taste tbh.
If there are more books coming in this world (which I DESPERATELY hope there are), I would love to move beyond the Revolution timeline. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the same events from different perspectives across the first three books, but I think exploring what happens after would feel so fresh and exciting.
Overall this was such a sweet story. Not my absolute favorite in the series, which is why it lands at 3.75 stars for me, but still such an enjoyable read!! If you loved the spellshop, or cozy fantasy in general, this one is definitely for you.
June 7, 2026
I found this book very charming (as the name implies!) but didn’t quite have the same can’t-put-it-down notion for me as the precious tow in the series. I felt like certain elements were overused and repeated.
However, there were some truly wonderful things about this read: The intertwining of the love and sea and music was quite beautifully described. Both Marin and Dax had passion that was very prevalent throughout the book. And of course, the magical creatures were very enchanting. My favorites included the turtles for swimming lessons and the dragon bargaining. Ree and Perri were the sweetest of sailing companions for Marin. Many times I was thinking, “Oh, innocent Ree!”
This book truly highlighted what friendship and choices mean and highlighted the theme of loyalty. And, if you like a friends to lovers trope, this one is a good one, but just not quite as good as the first two. However, I’ll still probably read any other books in this series, as again, the imaginative magical qualities make for a cozy read.
However, there were some truly wonderful things about this read: The intertwining of the love and sea and music was quite beautifully described. Both Marin and Dax had passion that was very prevalent throughout the book. And of course, the magical creatures were very enchanting. My favorites included the turtles for swimming lessons and the dragon bargaining. Ree and Perri were the sweetest of sailing companions for Marin. Many times I was thinking, “Oh, innocent Ree!”
This book truly highlighted what friendship and choices mean and highlighted the theme of loyalty. And, if you like a friends to lovers trope, this one is a good one, but just not quite as good as the first two. However, I’ll still probably read any other books in this series, as again, the imaginative magical qualities make for a cozy read.
June 14, 2026
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst is an absolute delight. The story is whimsical, imaginative, and full of charm from beginning to end. I adored the characters and loved every setting Durst created—each one felt magical, vibrant, and easy to get lost in. The plot is lighthearted, fun, and engaging, making this a perfect escape for readers who enjoy cozy fantasy with plenty of heart.
The audiobook experience was especially wonderful thanks to an outstanding narrator who brought the characters and world to life with enthusiasm and personality. Their performance made an already enchanting story even more enjoyable.
My only negative was the inclusion of profanity, including use of the Lord’s name in vain, which may be a consideration for some readers.
Overall, Sea of Charms is a highly entertaining and uplifting read that I would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, feel-good fantasy adventure. With this book scheduled to publish on July 28, 2026, it has only increased my anticipation for Sarah Beth Durst’s upcoming The Magical Cheese Emporium, publishing January 19, 2027. I can’t wait to see what magical adventure she creates next!
I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
April 21, 2026
You had me at winged cats
I adored this cozy adventure filled story!
I listened to the audiobook and I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated a narrator’s passion so much. I loved all of the fantastical creatures in this book and the voices made me fall in love even more. This was such an easy story to fall into and the authors writing style makes it easy to imagine all of the majestic places and animals Captain Marin discovers.
The book really focused on the lesson that you can be anything you set your mind to and to follow your heart and Ree was easily my fav character
Thank you to the author and Macmillan Audio for the ALC
I adored this cozy adventure filled story!
I listened to the audiobook and I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated a narrator’s passion so much. I loved all of the fantastical creatures in this book and the voices made me fall in love even more. This was such an easy story to fall into and the authors writing style makes it easy to imagine all of the majestic places and animals Captain Marin discovers.
The book really focused on the lesson that you can be anything you set your mind to and to follow your heart and Ree was easily my fav character
Thank you to the author and Macmillan Audio for the ALC
June 9, 2026
Sarah Beth Durst does it again! This is easily my favorite of all the books in the Spellshop world. In Sea of Charms, we dive deep (!) into Marin's life, the ship captain who delivered Terlu to the island of Belde and took on Ree as a crewmate in training. You needn't have read The Spellshop or The Enchanted Greenhouse to understand this book but it is fun to connect their stories.
As with Durst's other novels, this story is heavy on the found family, which I adore. Marin is out on the water, trying to be a solo ship runner and somehow crewmembers keep finding her. She is also trying to keep her heart solo and free from entanglements. Luckily, her parents and her friend Dax would never let that happen. I love Marin's parents and their interaction with Dax at the End-of-Harvest Festival was one of my favorite scenes in the entire book. It had me laughing and smiling like I was there and watching them in real life. I believe book #4 is already in the works and there is a character introduced in this book that I would love to see as book #5 but I think it will be hard to top Sea of Charms.
Thank you to Tor Books/Bramble and Netgalley for the arc of this novel!
As with Durst's other novels, this story is heavy on the found family, which I adore. Marin is out on the water, trying to be a solo ship runner and somehow crewmembers keep finding her. She is also trying to keep her heart solo and free from entanglements. Luckily, her parents and her friend Dax would never let that happen. I love Marin's parents and their interaction with Dax at the End-of-Harvest Festival was one of my favorite scenes in the entire book. It had me laughing and smiling like I was there and watching them in real life. I believe book #4 is already in the works and there is a character introduced in this book that I would love to see as book #5 but I think it will be hard to top Sea of Charms.
Thank you to Tor Books/Bramble and Netgalley for the arc of this novel!
Want to Read
April 9, 2026SO looking forward to this book and then book 4 just announced to be 'The Magical Cheese Emporium' get me there RIGHT NOW.
April 10, 2026
LOVE LOVED LOVED MY GOD SARAH!!! This book was extraordinary — dare I say my favorite of the Spellshop universe. Everyone had such a beautiful character arc and the adventure of a lifetime.
I loved each and every character, their journey, and their friendships. STELLAR cozy fantasy, which I cannot WAIT to talk to yall about after pub date!
I loved each and every character, their journey, and their friendships. STELLAR cozy fantasy, which I cannot WAIT to talk to yall about after pub date!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one honestly bummed me out a little, which surprised me because I’ve really enjoyed this series. Sea of Charms still has that cozy fantasy DNA this series is known for, but I kept waiting for the story to really kick in and it just… never quite did.
For a big chunk of the book, I felt kind of lost about where we were going. I remember thinking partway through, did I miss the plot, or are we still getting there? The main conflict didn’t fully show up until a decent way in (I think it was about 40%), and once it did, it felt smaller than I was expecting. Marin was suddenly working toward solving a problem that was very important to her, but the people at the center of it hadn’t had enough page time for me to feel emotionally invested. I understood why it mattered to her, I just didn’t feel it the same way.
That smaller focus also made the stakes feel really low. There were bigger ideas floating around in the background about power, money, and control, but they never felt urgent or heavy. By the time I started to care about the consequences, things were already being wrapped up. It left me feeling like the story brushed past some interesting themes without really digging into them.
Because of that, the book ended up feeling pretty scattered. Marin bounced from port to port taking jobs, and it read more like a collection of short adventures than one solid plot. Marin herself always seemed stressed and rushed, but the story moved at a much calmer pace. The urgency and the pace just didn’t quite match up.
All that said, the cozy elements absolutely worked. The world still felt warm and whimsical, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from the earlier books since this story ran alongside them. Ree and Perri were the clear standouts for me. They brought the heart, humor, and found family vibes, and they ended up being what I enjoyed most about the book.
I listened to this on audio, and Caitlin Davies did an excellent job. Every character had a clear, distinct voice, and I never once felt confused about who was speaking. Her narration added a lot of personality and made the listening experience really smooth and enjoyable.
I’m glad I read this, and I can absolutely see this working for readers who want very gentle, low-stakes cozy fantasy. It just didn’t give me enough plot or emotional buildup to fully land, especially compared to how much I liked the earlier books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
For a big chunk of the book, I felt kind of lost about where we were going. I remember thinking partway through, did I miss the plot, or are we still getting there? The main conflict didn’t fully show up until a decent way in (I think it was about 40%), and once it did, it felt smaller than I was expecting. Marin was suddenly working toward solving a problem that was very important to her, but the people at the center of it hadn’t had enough page time for me to feel emotionally invested. I understood why it mattered to her, I just didn’t feel it the same way.
That smaller focus also made the stakes feel really low. There were bigger ideas floating around in the background about power, money, and control, but they never felt urgent or heavy. By the time I started to care about the consequences, things were already being wrapped up. It left me feeling like the story brushed past some interesting themes without really digging into them.
Because of that, the book ended up feeling pretty scattered. Marin bounced from port to port taking jobs, and it read more like a collection of short adventures than one solid plot. Marin herself always seemed stressed and rushed, but the story moved at a much calmer pace. The urgency and the pace just didn’t quite match up.
All that said, the cozy elements absolutely worked. The world still felt warm and whimsical, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from the earlier books since this story ran alongside them. Ree and Perri were the clear standouts for me. They brought the heart, humor, and found family vibes, and they ended up being what I enjoyed most about the book.
I listened to this on audio, and Caitlin Davies did an excellent job. Every character had a clear, distinct voice, and I never once felt confused about who was speaking. Her narration added a lot of personality and made the listening experience really smooth and enjoyable.
I’m glad I read this, and I can absolutely see this working for readers who want very gentle, low-stakes cozy fantasy. It just didn’t give me enough plot or emotional buildup to fully land, especially compared to how much I liked the earlier books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2026
Thank you to Tor Publishing/Bramble for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Sea of Charms through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Sea of Charms is the third book in the Spellshop world and nobody does cozy fantasy like Sarah Beth Durst! The setting, characters, and magical creatures are so well done and imaginative and if I had to pick a fictional world to live in, it would definitely be this one.
I love the tie ins to the characters from The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse while meeting some fun new characters in this book. Marin’s love of the sea and Dax’s love of music were a perfect blend for this book and Perri and Ree brought all of the heartwarming vibes.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Cozy Fantasy
* Found Family
* Magical Creatures
* Low Stakes
* Connected World
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️
If you are looking for a magical fantasy world where you can cozy up and get lost in a low stakes, romance story then I would highly recommend Sea of Charms as well as the other two books in the series.
Sea of Charms is the third book in the Spellshop world and nobody does cozy fantasy like Sarah Beth Durst! The setting, characters, and magical creatures are so well done and imaginative and if I had to pick a fictional world to live in, it would definitely be this one.
I love the tie ins to the characters from The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse while meeting some fun new characters in this book. Marin’s love of the sea and Dax’s love of music were a perfect blend for this book and Perri and Ree brought all of the heartwarming vibes.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Cozy Fantasy
* Found Family
* Magical Creatures
* Low Stakes
* Connected World
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️
If you are looking for a magical fantasy world where you can cozy up and get lost in a low stakes, romance story then I would highly recommend Sea of Charms as well as the other two books in the series.
May 6, 2026
Thank you so much for this ARC Bramble!
Sarah has a way of making some of the hardest topics in our lives (government, heartbreak, finding ourselves, etc.) enjoyable and beautiful. Her words have power and I always take away a deep meaningful message from her works while still feeling warm fuzzies and giggles!
Sarah has a way of making some of the hardest topics in our lives (government, heartbreak, finding ourselves, etc.) enjoyable and beautiful. Her words have power and I always take away a deep meaningful message from her works while still feeling warm fuzzies and giggles!
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.
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.
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.
March 30, 2026
(ARC) 4.25⭐️ Another win for SBD, she really is the blueprint for cozy fantasy. She does it perfectly. This might be my favorite in the series so far. I absolutely loved the plot in this one and felt really connected to the main character. I do think the love story could’ve been amped up a bit, but overall this was such a whimsical read. This series continues to make me want to live in its world.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc via audiobook.
I DNFed the spell shop and thought I would not try to read any more books by this author but here I am. It took me so long to finish this because I just didn’t care at all about this book. If you liked it that’s great but for me I would not recommend.
I DNFed the spell shop and thought I would not try to read any more books by this author but here I am. It took me so long to finish this because I just didn’t care at all about this book. If you liked it that’s great but for me I would not recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sea of Charms is everything I love about cozy fantasy, whimsical, heartfelt, and quietly powerful beneath its gentle surface.
Marin has built a life on the sea, running deliveries between islands while trying to outrun both her past and the debt tied to it. Her world is already full of charm thanks to her unforgettable crew. Perri, a fiercely loyal (and slightly musical) sea serpent, and Ree, a sentient shrub with dreams far bigger than their roots. But when a routine stop in the capital city throws her into the middle of a revolution, Marin’s carefully balanced life begins to shift in ways she can’t ignore.
Enter Dax, a composer with a stubborn streak and a deep love for music, who unexpectedly becomes part of Marin’s journey through a fake-dating arrangement that slowly, beautifully turns into something real. Their dynamic is tender and compelling, balancing Marin’s independence with Dax’s quieter, rule-following nature. Watching their relationship unfold felt natural and deeply satisfying.
What makes this installment stand out is how it blends cozy fantasy elements with heavier themes. While the story still carries warmth, humor, and found-family goodness, it also explores power, choice, and the ripple effects of political unrest. Marin’s perspective, especially as someone who frequently moves between worlds—adds a layer of emotional depth that makes the stakes feel more immediate than in previous books.
The worldbuilding continues to shine. The Crescent Isles feel alive, filled with imaginative creatures, rich cultures, and small magical details that make every stop along Marin’s journey feel special. The inclusion of music as both a theme and storytelling device adds an extra layer of beauty to the narrative, it’s woven into the heart of the story in a way that feels meaningful rather than decorative.
I especially loved how this book expands the series while still standing firmly on its own. Returning characters add a sense of continuity, but this is undeniably Marin’s story, and it’s a rewarding one. Her growth from a solitary sailor to a true captain of her own found family is one of the most satisfying arcs in the series.
Despite its cozy label, this book doesn’t shy away from emotional weight. Marin’s past, particularly her toxic ex, brings a tension that contrasts with the softer elements and gives the story real impact. It made the moments of joy, love, and connection feel even more earned.
By the end, I was completely swept up, laughing one minute, tearing up the next. This is a story about finding your people, claiming your independence, and allowing yourself to be loved along the way.
Honestly, this might be my favorite in the series. And I’m already wishing for more time with Marin and her wonderfully strange, lovable crew.
Sea of Charms is available on July 28, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sea of Charms is everything I love about cozy fantasy, whimsical, heartfelt, and quietly powerful beneath its gentle surface.
Marin has built a life on the sea, running deliveries between islands while trying to outrun both her past and the debt tied to it. Her world is already full of charm thanks to her unforgettable crew. Perri, a fiercely loyal (and slightly musical) sea serpent, and Ree, a sentient shrub with dreams far bigger than their roots. But when a routine stop in the capital city throws her into the middle of a revolution, Marin’s carefully balanced life begins to shift in ways she can’t ignore.
Enter Dax, a composer with a stubborn streak and a deep love for music, who unexpectedly becomes part of Marin’s journey through a fake-dating arrangement that slowly, beautifully turns into something real. Their dynamic is tender and compelling, balancing Marin’s independence with Dax’s quieter, rule-following nature. Watching their relationship unfold felt natural and deeply satisfying.
What makes this installment stand out is how it blends cozy fantasy elements with heavier themes. While the story still carries warmth, humor, and found-family goodness, it also explores power, choice, and the ripple effects of political unrest. Marin’s perspective, especially as someone who frequently moves between worlds—adds a layer of emotional depth that makes the stakes feel more immediate than in previous books.
The worldbuilding continues to shine. The Crescent Isles feel alive, filled with imaginative creatures, rich cultures, and small magical details that make every stop along Marin’s journey feel special. The inclusion of music as both a theme and storytelling device adds an extra layer of beauty to the narrative, it’s woven into the heart of the story in a way that feels meaningful rather than decorative.
I especially loved how this book expands the series while still standing firmly on its own. Returning characters add a sense of continuity, but this is undeniably Marin’s story, and it’s a rewarding one. Her growth from a solitary sailor to a true captain of her own found family is one of the most satisfying arcs in the series.
Despite its cozy label, this book doesn’t shy away from emotional weight. Marin’s past, particularly her toxic ex, brings a tension that contrasts with the softer elements and gives the story real impact. It made the moments of joy, love, and connection feel even more earned.
By the end, I was completely swept up, laughing one minute, tearing up the next. This is a story about finding your people, claiming your independence, and allowing yourself to be loved along the way.
Honestly, this might be my favorite in the series. And I’m already wishing for more time with Marin and her wonderfully strange, lovable crew.
Sea of Charms is available on July 28, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 21, 2026
ARC received from Netgalley!
Sea of Charms is easily my favorite of the Spell Shop novels so far. I’ve loved seeing Marin woven throughout the first two books, so getting her story at center stage felt especially rewarding. She’s such a layered character, and this book gave her the space to truly shine.
What made this story unforgettable for me was the crew Marin gathers along the way. A famous composer with beautiful horns and a kind heart, a magical talking plant, and a giant sea serpent somehow become the most lovable found family imaginable. Their banter, loyalty, and growing trust made every adventure feel heartfelt and magical at the same time.
Sarah Beth Durst has such a gift for creating cozy fantasy worlds that still carry emotional depth. Beneath the charm and whimsy is a story about friendship, belonging, and discovering the people who choose to stand beside you.
If you’ve been following the Spell Shop series, this installment feels especially satisfying because of the way Marin’s journey has been quietly building from the beginning. It has adventure, humor, warmth, and just enough magic to make you never want to leave the world behind.
Sea of Charms is easily my favorite of the Spell Shop novels so far. I’ve loved seeing Marin woven throughout the first two books, so getting her story at center stage felt especially rewarding. She’s such a layered character, and this book gave her the space to truly shine.
What made this story unforgettable for me was the crew Marin gathers along the way. A famous composer with beautiful horns and a kind heart, a magical talking plant, and a giant sea serpent somehow become the most lovable found family imaginable. Their banter, loyalty, and growing trust made every adventure feel heartfelt and magical at the same time.
Sarah Beth Durst has such a gift for creating cozy fantasy worlds that still carry emotional depth. Beneath the charm and whimsy is a story about friendship, belonging, and discovering the people who choose to stand beside you.
If you’ve been following the Spell Shop series, this installment feels especially satisfying because of the way Marin’s journey has been quietly building from the beginning. It has adventure, humor, warmth, and just enough magic to make you never want to leave the world behind.
April 12, 2026
Listen—if Sarah Beth Durst writes it, I’m going to read it!
Every book set in the world of The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse feels like a warm hug—cozy fantasy at its best, the kind of place you can’t help but want to escape into.
Sea of Charms is no exception. It truly feels like you’re along for the journey as the characters travel from island to island, making the adventure immersive and fun.
I especially loved all the crossovers—we get to reunite with beloved characters from earlier books, which honestly made me want to go back and reread the first two in the series.
There are a few bumps along the way (including one magical storm), but in true Durst fashion, I was completely captivated from start to finish. In fact, I didn’t want the story to end—I just wanted to stay in this world a little longer.
I was also lucky enough to experience both the eARC and the audiobook (ALC). Caitlin Davies returns as narrator and once again does a fantastic job bringing each character to life with distinct personality and charm.
I can’t wait for book four in this universe—and we even get a little glimpse of what’s to come here!
BIG thanks to Sarah Beth Durst, Tor Publishing Group | Bramble, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with both an eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Every book set in the world of The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse feels like a warm hug—cozy fantasy at its best, the kind of place you can’t help but want to escape into.
Sea of Charms is no exception. It truly feels like you’re along for the journey as the characters travel from island to island, making the adventure immersive and fun.
I especially loved all the crossovers—we get to reunite with beloved characters from earlier books, which honestly made me want to go back and reread the first two in the series.
There are a few bumps along the way (including one magical storm), but in true Durst fashion, I was completely captivated from start to finish. In fact, I didn’t want the story to end—I just wanted to stay in this world a little longer.
I was also lucky enough to experience both the eARC and the audiobook (ALC). Caitlin Davies returns as narrator and once again does a fantastic job bringing each character to life with distinct personality and charm.
I can’t wait for book four in this universe—and we even get a little glimpse of what’s to come here!
BIG thanks to Sarah Beth Durst, Tor Publishing Group | Bramble, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with both an eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2026
Tropes: one bed, friends to lovers, found family
Thank you to NetGalley & Tor Publishing Group for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 💖
Marin & Dax’s story is by far my favorite in the Spellshop universe!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore more of the Crescent Islands, meet a marmoose, a queen dragon, or just see more sentient plants & furry friends, this is a must read.
We get to follow Marin’s journey of being a supply runner, with a new crew aboard after the empire collapsed. The love I have for Marin, Dex, Ree, Perri, and Stowy is unmatched.
This story was filled to the brim with love for music, the sea, and most importantly, for the family we create. 🩷
Not only does Sarah write some of the most magical books, she writes the best romances EVER. Dax is unapologetically a simp through & through. Marin is scared to be hurt again, but I’m not convinced anyone would be able to resist Dax’s charm.
We also got a sweet cameo from the Spellshop gang, as well as snippets of our Enchanted Greenhouse loves!
This is a must read for all cozy fantasy lovers 🥹🩷
Thank you to NetGalley & Tor Publishing Group for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 💖
Marin & Dax’s story is by far my favorite in the Spellshop universe!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore more of the Crescent Islands, meet a marmoose, a queen dragon, or just see more sentient plants & furry friends, this is a must read.
We get to follow Marin’s journey of being a supply runner, with a new crew aboard after the empire collapsed. The love I have for Marin, Dex, Ree, Perri, and Stowy is unmatched.
This story was filled to the brim with love for music, the sea, and most importantly, for the family we create. 🩷
Not only does Sarah write some of the most magical books, she writes the best romances EVER. Dax is unapologetically a simp through & through. Marin is scared to be hurt again, but I’m not convinced anyone would be able to resist Dax’s charm.
We also got a sweet cameo from the Spellshop gang, as well as snippets of our Enchanted Greenhouse loves!
This is a must read for all cozy fantasy lovers 🥹🩷
April 14, 2026
I think this might be my new fav Sarah Beth Durst!!!!! Thank you to Macmillan for the ARC and ALC of Sea of Charms. This book was an absolute delight andI never expected to be happy crying over a sea serpent named Perri.
This book follows Marin (does that name ring a bell?! I’ve loved the connections between the books in this series), as she sails on her boat completing trade jobs for different islands. When one day she’s led to rescue Dax, her crush, as the city of Alyssium is on fire. It results in her traveling with Perri, Dax and a shrub named Ree who is now a sailor (I don’t make the rules)
They sail the seas, trying to earn money to pay off Marina family debt and end up on many adventures, including ones of self discovery and love. There were so many beautiful moments and there’s something about the writing in this series that itches my brain and makes me SOOO happy. I can’t recommend this enough especially if you read the first two books! You’ll see familiar faces and make new friends and be full of joy!
This book follows Marin (does that name ring a bell?! I’ve loved the connections between the books in this series), as she sails on her boat completing trade jobs for different islands. When one day she’s led to rescue Dax, her crush, as the city of Alyssium is on fire. It results in her traveling with Perri, Dax and a shrub named Ree who is now a sailor (I don’t make the rules)
They sail the seas, trying to earn money to pay off Marina family debt and end up on many adventures, including ones of self discovery and love. There were so many beautiful moments and there’s something about the writing in this series that itches my brain and makes me SOOO happy. I can’t recommend this enough especially if you read the first two books! You’ll see familiar faces and make new friends and be full of joy!
Want to Read
September 6, 2025Why do these covers just get more and more beautiful?!?!? Can't wait for this one!
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