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That One Small Spark
Save the witch. Free the faerie. Hope for happily ever after.
That One Small Spark is a captivating and steamy debut epic fantasy inspired by the infamous 1590s Scottish witch trials, in which a young woman’s quest to save her best friend from the pyre pits her against the perils of Faerie, as she seeks out the assistance of Faerie’s Queen.
Since her husband’s death, Elspeth has battled to gain some semblance of independence, using her ale brewing business to support herself and her sick father. But when her lifelong friend is arrested for witchcraft, she uncovers truths that reveal the extraordinary concealed beneath her seemingly ordinary life.
To save her friend, Elspeth journeys across Faerie, confronting creatures she once thought merely myth, while coming to terms with new truths as they unspool. And with the shadowy and dangerous Law at her side, she can’t deny the strange pull that draws her to him, as he proves himself to be much more than an indecently beautiful guide.
Gritty and heartfelt, That One Small Spark begins an enchanting romantasy trilogy, which weaves Scottish history and mythology into a mesmerising adventure where persistence battles powerlessness and determination vies with despair.
Strewn with danger, intrigue and betrayal, it brims with magic and discovery, as one brave woman pushes past infuriating limitations to face down every challenge, urged on by a tenacious desire to help those she loves, a sliver of dark humour, and the support of an even darker faerie by her side.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent and Karen Marie Moning, this romantasy series will enchant fantasy romance readers who adore escaping into books, diving into magical realms and swooning over morally grey book boyfriends.
Expect fast burn, forced proximity and delicious spice as you are swept away by this dazzlingly transportive tale of love, heartache and resilience. With a strong female main character who strives to save herself and her dark and dangerous protector who is there when she cannot, it’s absorbing, addictive and will have you hooked until the very last page.
Due to the adult nature of this dark fairytale romance, its recommended reading age is 18+.
★ Five-star Reviews ★
★★★★★ Outlander meets ACOTAR!
★★★★★ I enjoyed this from beginning to that insane cliffhanger. I need book two immediately!
★★★★★ If you're looking for a fantasy book that completely pulls you into its world and sticks with you long after you finish, I highly recommend That One Small Spark. The story is captivating, with rich world-building and characters that feel incredibly real. The plot kept me hooked from start to finish, and even days later, I found myself reflecting on the characters’ choices and the imaginative world the Jules created. As an avid fantasy reader, it’s one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who loves a story that stays with you! 5 stars!!!
★★★★★ This book was amazing! The quick burn and the nature of their relationship flowed as nice as the plot. I ate this up and struggled to put it down when I picked it up.
★★★★★ Oh boy, where to start? I absolutely loved this book.
That One Small Spark is a captivating and steamy debut epic fantasy inspired by the infamous 1590s Scottish witch trials, in which a young woman’s quest to save her best friend from the pyre pits her against the perils of Faerie, as she seeks out the assistance of Faerie’s Queen.
Since her husband’s death, Elspeth has battled to gain some semblance of independence, using her ale brewing business to support herself and her sick father. But when her lifelong friend is arrested for witchcraft, she uncovers truths that reveal the extraordinary concealed beneath her seemingly ordinary life.
To save her friend, Elspeth journeys across Faerie, confronting creatures she once thought merely myth, while coming to terms with new truths as they unspool. And with the shadowy and dangerous Law at her side, she can’t deny the strange pull that draws her to him, as he proves himself to be much more than an indecently beautiful guide.
Gritty and heartfelt, That One Small Spark begins an enchanting romantasy trilogy, which weaves Scottish history and mythology into a mesmerising adventure where persistence battles powerlessness and determination vies with despair.
Strewn with danger, intrigue and betrayal, it brims with magic and discovery, as one brave woman pushes past infuriating limitations to face down every challenge, urged on by a tenacious desire to help those she loves, a sliver of dark humour, and the support of an even darker faerie by her side.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent and Karen Marie Moning, this romantasy series will enchant fantasy romance readers who adore escaping into books, diving into magical realms and swooning over morally grey book boyfriends.
Expect fast burn, forced proximity and delicious spice as you are swept away by this dazzlingly transportive tale of love, heartache and resilience. With a strong female main character who strives to save herself and her dark and dangerous protector who is there when she cannot, it’s absorbing, addictive and will have you hooked until the very last page.
Due to the adult nature of this dark fairytale romance, its recommended reading age is 18+.
★ Five-star Reviews ★
★★★★★ Outlander meets ACOTAR!
★★★★★ I enjoyed this from beginning to that insane cliffhanger. I need book two immediately!
★★★★★ If you're looking for a fantasy book that completely pulls you into its world and sticks with you long after you finish, I highly recommend That One Small Spark. The story is captivating, with rich world-building and characters that feel incredibly real. The plot kept me hooked from start to finish, and even days later, I found myself reflecting on the characters’ choices and the imaginative world the Jules created. As an avid fantasy reader, it’s one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who loves a story that stays with you! 5 stars!!!
★★★★★ This book was amazing! The quick burn and the nature of their relationship flowed as nice as the plot. I ate this up and struggled to put it down when I picked it up.
★★★★★ Oh boy, where to start? I absolutely loved this book.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 24, 2025
4.5/5
That One Small Spark by Jules Dalla-Libera, follows a young woman named Elspeth who was creating independence with making ale while tending to her sick father. That is, until they take her friend Agnes for practicing witchcraft. It is up to Elspeth to get Agnes back, and discover a lot about herself in the process as her life is seemingly turned upside down.
I love that the author included a glossary so that I could fully immerse myself into the world without the glaring pause, and worry that I was mispronouncing anything. This certainly allowed for me to dive fully into the story without a second thought and consume this book at a feverish speed.
The writing style was beautiful and eloquent. I could easily insert my mind into the FMC and feel everything she felt. The internal dialogue is witty and relatable, pulling you further into the story. The author seamlessly takes Scottish history and lore, and creates a story filled with banter and wit, adventure, a lot of questions and truths to be discovered, intrigue, and heartbreak.
The characters are filled with complex layers, allowing them to feel fully fleshed and not two dimensional. Between the adventure, there’s struggle and anguish, but also unrelenting tension and desire. Not everything is black and white. Especially in the world of faeries, expect the unexpected. The setting and world building was impressively done, I could see every step the FMC and MMC took.
The banter between the FMC and MMC leaves you kicking your feet and giggling. The tension of the plot leaves you on the edge of your seat. The blend of the main plot and romantic subplot is very well done and tastefully so. What this author has done for the world building really immerses the reader fully into the story and now I need book two immediately!
Thank you to the author and The Berry Agency for this ARC read.
That One Small Spark by Jules Dalla-Libera, follows a young woman named Elspeth who was creating independence with making ale while tending to her sick father. That is, until they take her friend Agnes for practicing witchcraft. It is up to Elspeth to get Agnes back, and discover a lot about herself in the process as her life is seemingly turned upside down.
I love that the author included a glossary so that I could fully immerse myself into the world without the glaring pause, and worry that I was mispronouncing anything. This certainly allowed for me to dive fully into the story without a second thought and consume this book at a feverish speed.
The writing style was beautiful and eloquent. I could easily insert my mind into the FMC and feel everything she felt. The internal dialogue is witty and relatable, pulling you further into the story. The author seamlessly takes Scottish history and lore, and creates a story filled with banter and wit, adventure, a lot of questions and truths to be discovered, intrigue, and heartbreak.
The characters are filled with complex layers, allowing them to feel fully fleshed and not two dimensional. Between the adventure, there’s struggle and anguish, but also unrelenting tension and desire. Not everything is black and white. Especially in the world of faeries, expect the unexpected. The setting and world building was impressively done, I could see every step the FMC and MMC took.
The banter between the FMC and MMC leaves you kicking your feet and giggling. The tension of the plot leaves you on the edge of your seat. The blend of the main plot and romantic subplot is very well done and tastefully so. What this author has done for the world building really immerses the reader fully into the story and now I need book two immediately!
Thank you to the author and The Berry Agency for this ARC read.
October 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
That One Small Spark is a romantasy debut that completely drew me in from the very first chapter. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I immediately loved their writing style, it’s witty, atmospheric, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humour.
Set around the witch trials in Scotland, the story beautifully blends history, magic, and the fae realm which I really enjoyed and felt really unique.
While there were a few moments in the middle where the story felt a little familiar to other books in the genre, the writing and characters kept me invested. And by the end, I couldn’t put it down! The final chapters were gripping, and the cliffhanger has definitely left me eager for the next instalment.
Overall, That One Small Spark was a really enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and the Berry Agency for the opportunity to read this ARC
That One Small Spark is a romantasy debut that completely drew me in from the very first chapter. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I immediately loved their writing style, it’s witty, atmospheric, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humour.
Set around the witch trials in Scotland, the story beautifully blends history, magic, and the fae realm which I really enjoyed and felt really unique.
While there were a few moments in the middle where the story felt a little familiar to other books in the genre, the writing and characters kept me invested. And by the end, I couldn’t put it down! The final chapters were gripping, and the cliffhanger has definitely left me eager for the next instalment.
Overall, That One Small Spark was a really enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and the Berry Agency for the opportunity to read this ARC
October 19, 2025
3.75 stars
I received an ARC copy of this book and it didn't impact my rating at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The quick burn romance was enjoyable, their banter was natural and nice. The plot was equal parts predictable and surprising. The plot didn't quite go where I thought it would and I am pleasantly surprised for it.
This was a nice easy read with a pleasant romance and lovely magical world. However there are important trigger warnings for this story as it does include DV (not depicted on the page), death of a child and a few more things. These were handled really well in the story and not just traumatic things to give the character personality (hate when some authors do this).
The beginning was a bit hard for me to get into, but that was mostly just getting used to the strong Scottish vibes. I actually almost wish there was more of the story told in the little Scottish village before the main storyline begins.
The main plotline gets kickstarted quickly after the first few short chapters and once Elspeth is in Faerie the story settles into a beautiful rhythm and the writing is fantastic. There were honestly some really beautiful lines.
I really appreciated the author put pronunciations for character names and slang in the beginning. There were also so fun bits within the story where Elspeth thought about how other characters pronounced names which was cute and helpful.
The tie into historical events was really cool with the witch trials to motivate the plot. I also loved there were some great ties into the classic tropes of Fae and story tales.
The ending wasn't what I expected at all and it left me on a cliff hanger - I look forward to seeing where it goes.
While I didn't rate this as a favourite story, I am looking forward to reading future books in this series. I would recommend this for those who want a quick read that feels comfortable and has a fast healthy romance.
I received an ARC copy of this book and it didn't impact my rating at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The quick burn romance was enjoyable, their banter was natural and nice. The plot was equal parts predictable and surprising. The plot didn't quite go where I thought it would and I am pleasantly surprised for it.
This was a nice easy read with a pleasant romance and lovely magical world. However there are important trigger warnings for this story as it does include DV (not depicted on the page), death of a child and a few more things. These were handled really well in the story and not just traumatic things to give the character personality (hate when some authors do this).
The beginning was a bit hard for me to get into, but that was mostly just getting used to the strong Scottish vibes. I actually almost wish there was more of the story told in the little Scottish village before the main storyline begins.
The main plotline gets kickstarted quickly after the first few short chapters and once Elspeth is in Faerie the story settles into a beautiful rhythm and the writing is fantastic. There were honestly some really beautiful lines.
I really appreciated the author put pronunciations for character names and slang in the beginning. There were also so fun bits within the story where Elspeth thought about how other characters pronounced names which was cute and helpful.
The tie into historical events was really cool with the witch trials to motivate the plot. I also loved there were some great ties into the classic tropes of Fae and story tales.
The ending wasn't what I expected at all and it left me on a cliff hanger - I look forward to seeing where it goes.
While I didn't rate this as a favourite story, I am looking forward to reading future books in this series. I would recommend this for those who want a quick read that feels comfortable and has a fast healthy romance.
October 21, 2025
ARC READ.
I enjoyed the glossary and writing style to set you off on a journey through Scotland during the witch trials. The historical events weren’t tedious but an essential part of the story. The world building chapters take their toll on any fantasy series. However these particular chapters were a lot more bearable than those of their forefathers.
I’m not usually a fan of abusive TWs but the way that this was written into the series opened my eyes and made me feel like I was a part of the characters reflection and growth.
I enjoyed that you are kept on your toes from the first uncovering. From then on one small spark was all I needed to become lost in this world and encompassed with its characters. I’m furious I can’t continue the journey immediately but alas that is the curse of a new series.
A strong FMC showed us female empowerment at its finest but we are also taken on a journey of self discovery and belief. The morally grey book boyfriend lived up to his expectations the perfect mix of support and guidance. I was hooked until the last page… Until we meet again in Faerie.
I enjoyed the glossary and writing style to set you off on a journey through Scotland during the witch trials. The historical events weren’t tedious but an essential part of the story. The world building chapters take their toll on any fantasy series. However these particular chapters were a lot more bearable than those of their forefathers.
I’m not usually a fan of abusive TWs but the way that this was written into the series opened my eyes and made me feel like I was a part of the characters reflection and growth.
I enjoyed that you are kept on your toes from the first uncovering. From then on one small spark was all I needed to become lost in this world and encompassed with its characters. I’m furious I can’t continue the journey immediately but alas that is the curse of a new series.
A strong FMC showed us female empowerment at its finest but we are also taken on a journey of self discovery and belief. The morally grey book boyfriend lived up to his expectations the perfect mix of support and guidance. I was hooked until the last page… Until we meet again in Faerie.
October 22, 2025
This was Outlander meets ACOTAR, the spice level will leave many sweating but the romance around the two main Characters of Elspeth and Law will have you rooting for these two through their own struggles.
Weaving of Mythology was very well done and had one believing they were right there involved in battles, hidden in shadows and learning magic.
I hope there is a 2nd book in the works as I'm dying to know what happens next for these Soul Mates and where their fates land.
Weaving of Mythology was very well done and had one believing they were right there involved in battles, hidden in shadows and learning magic.
I hope there is a 2nd book in the works as I'm dying to know what happens next for these Soul Mates and where their fates land.
November 13, 2025
Book Review: That One Small Spark by Jules Dalla-Libera
A Scottish historically accurate fast burn fantasy? Consider me intrigued.
Special thanks to The Berry Agency for providing me with an ARC for this one.
I was super excited to jump into this as a mid-level fantasy reader. Not my usual jam, but I thought I could give an unbiased honest review as I’m not whole heartedly a diehard fan of fantasy realms.
To be honest, the glossary scared me a little! I was also a bit thrown off by the authors note and the description of the language. It kind of dulled my excitement and made me feel as if I was about to read a textbook. Once I got into the actual beginning of the story it did start off strong. Very descriptive, almost too descriptive. I almost felt like I could smell Scotland and teleport to Berwick and know my way around. I did love the historical accuracy though. A lot of research went into this, and you could tell. It all checks out. The witch trials are a super interesting part of history and I was keen to read on. But then it lost me.
I almost didn’t finish. There was a lack of substance. I just felt like the story wasn’t really going anywhere and when it did it was predictable. A long journey with an attractive fae dude, what else would happen. I almost forgot what was happening while reading and had to keep going backwards and rereading. It was repetitive and stayed on one detail for way too long. The descriptions which I thought were great at the start ended up boring me. The use of the word tendril/tendrils was way too much. Twenty-Five times to be exact. Describing something the same way over and over again with the exact same word was torture.
The fast burn was the only thing that was straight to the point.
I love a strong female main character and a protector of a male main character but the dynamic just didn’t really fit for the time period it is historically set in. The banter and their relationship felt forced and hard to believe
There is potential here for sure I just don’t think it fully translated, well, for me anyway. The pitch and the actual read were two ends of the spectrum.
Great for anyone looking for a beginner fantasy that doesn’t take a lot of brain power to follow, but for anyone looking for complexity and a deep historical dive I wouldn’t recommend.
I do hope these novels improve going forward in the series.
All the best!
Abilene @lilblackcatbookreviews
A Scottish historically accurate fast burn fantasy? Consider me intrigued.
Special thanks to The Berry Agency for providing me with an ARC for this one.
I was super excited to jump into this as a mid-level fantasy reader. Not my usual jam, but I thought I could give an unbiased honest review as I’m not whole heartedly a diehard fan of fantasy realms.
To be honest, the glossary scared me a little! I was also a bit thrown off by the authors note and the description of the language. It kind of dulled my excitement and made me feel as if I was about to read a textbook. Once I got into the actual beginning of the story it did start off strong. Very descriptive, almost too descriptive. I almost felt like I could smell Scotland and teleport to Berwick and know my way around. I did love the historical accuracy though. A lot of research went into this, and you could tell. It all checks out. The witch trials are a super interesting part of history and I was keen to read on. But then it lost me.
I almost didn’t finish. There was a lack of substance. I just felt like the story wasn’t really going anywhere and when it did it was predictable. A long journey with an attractive fae dude, what else would happen. I almost forgot what was happening while reading and had to keep going backwards and rereading. It was repetitive and stayed on one detail for way too long. The descriptions which I thought were great at the start ended up boring me. The use of the word tendril/tendrils was way too much. Twenty-Five times to be exact. Describing something the same way over and over again with the exact same word was torture.
The fast burn was the only thing that was straight to the point.
I love a strong female main character and a protector of a male main character but the dynamic just didn’t really fit for the time period it is historically set in. The banter and their relationship felt forced and hard to believe
There is potential here for sure I just don’t think it fully translated, well, for me anyway. The pitch and the actual read were two ends of the spectrum.
Great for anyone looking for a beginner fantasy that doesn’t take a lot of brain power to follow, but for anyone looking for complexity and a deep historical dive I wouldn’t recommend.
I do hope these novels improve going forward in the series.
All the best!
Abilene @lilblackcatbookreviews
November 10, 2025
i needed a bit of time to gather my thoughts before i wrote some semblance of a review. please bare in mind that while i was gifted this as an arc, i have been nothing but brutal and honest in past arc reviews, thus receiving it in that means doesn't allow much in terms of how i review a book.
i have hated romantasy for the last maybe three months, every book that i pick up is always the same, theres a shadow man with black hair and dark eyes and he looks at me like he wants me dead but i want to kiss him so much. so when i picked this up, and they introduced a man with black hair and shadow powers i groaned, loudly.
however, i think the way law was written has been vastly different. he has a bad reputation, it's acknowledged throughout the book, however he acted with kindness from the start, he was accepting and gentle and it wasn't an enemies (or slightly dislike) to lovers, it was just two people getting to know eachother and i LOVED law, i would lay my life down for him, he was such a pleasant change from the regular shadow men.
elspeth was also a breath of fresh air. why? because she actually used her brain for once. her judgement of things happening were actually thought through, in moments that would usually send the fmc jumping to conclusions she stood there thinking over past conversations and how people acted and made the CORRECT judgement based on that. i was never annoyed with her (apart from once but she admitted she made a terrible decision and didn't defend that decision).
i'm not saying this book was perfect, granted it had its boring moments or moments where i felt like i wasn't invested, but all in all i loved this book, this changed my mind about romantasy after three months of hating it and i absolutely will continue the series without a doubt.
number one law stan right here
i have hated romantasy for the last maybe three months, every book that i pick up is always the same, theres a shadow man with black hair and dark eyes and he looks at me like he wants me dead but i want to kiss him so much. so when i picked this up, and they introduced a man with black hair and shadow powers i groaned, loudly.
however, i think the way law was written has been vastly different. he has a bad reputation, it's acknowledged throughout the book, however he acted with kindness from the start, he was accepting and gentle and it wasn't an enemies (or slightly dislike) to lovers, it was just two people getting to know eachother and i LOVED law, i would lay my life down for him, he was such a pleasant change from the regular shadow men.
elspeth was also a breath of fresh air. why? because she actually used her brain for once. her judgement of things happening were actually thought through, in moments that would usually send the fmc jumping to conclusions she stood there thinking over past conversations and how people acted and made the CORRECT judgement based on that. i was never annoyed with her (apart from once but she admitted she made a terrible decision and didn't defend that decision).
i'm not saying this book was perfect, granted it had its boring moments or moments where i felt like i wasn't invested, but all in all i loved this book, this changed my mind about romantasy after three months of hating it and i absolutely will continue the series without a doubt.
number one law stan right here
November 6, 2025
*3.5 stars*
*Thank you to the berry agency for providing a digital copy to review*
I got excited when I saw this was fantasy x historical fiction, with it being centred around the witch trials in Scotland. I find this area of history so fascinating, and I was intrigued by how it would be blended in with the fantasy side.
First of all, I love that there’s a glossary at the start with all the Scottish/Gaelic words and what they mean. I also love how real figures in history are used; it just made me want to research more into this part of history, as well as Scottish folklore.
Elspeth is our FMC, and when her best friend gets arrested for witchcraft, she travels to Faeire, a place she thought was myth. The entire story is from her perspective, and throughout the book, there are periods where her internal dialogue is quite heavy. While I appreciate seeing how she processes everything, they sometimes occur right when the action is happening, and I just wanted to speed-read through it and get back to what was occurring.
There is, of course, a charming shadow-wielding MMC whom Elspeth takes a liking to. I enjoyed the banter between the two and how we gradually learn more about Law and how he came to be in the position he’s in. I am a slow-burn romance lover, so their relationship was a bit too fast for me. I just would have liked some more tension between the two of them and have it build up until I’m begging for them to do something.
Overall, I liked how the fantasy was meshed with the historical fiction and enjoyed the characters and the journey they went on. It ended on such a good cliffhanger, and I definitely want to continue reading the series to see where the story goes.
*Thank you to the berry agency for providing a digital copy to review*
I got excited when I saw this was fantasy x historical fiction, with it being centred around the witch trials in Scotland. I find this area of history so fascinating, and I was intrigued by how it would be blended in with the fantasy side.
First of all, I love that there’s a glossary at the start with all the Scottish/Gaelic words and what they mean. I also love how real figures in history are used; it just made me want to research more into this part of history, as well as Scottish folklore.
Elspeth is our FMC, and when her best friend gets arrested for witchcraft, she travels to Faeire, a place she thought was myth. The entire story is from her perspective, and throughout the book, there are periods where her internal dialogue is quite heavy. While I appreciate seeing how she processes everything, they sometimes occur right when the action is happening, and I just wanted to speed-read through it and get back to what was occurring.
There is, of course, a charming shadow-wielding MMC whom Elspeth takes a liking to. I enjoyed the banter between the two and how we gradually learn more about Law and how he came to be in the position he’s in. I am a slow-burn romance lover, so their relationship was a bit too fast for me. I just would have liked some more tension between the two of them and have it build up until I’m begging for them to do something.
Overall, I liked how the fantasy was meshed with the historical fiction and enjoyed the characters and the journey they went on. It ended on such a good cliffhanger, and I definitely want to continue reading the series to see where the story goes.
November 14, 2025
Loved the Scottish witchy vibes, the morally grey fae, and the slow-burn tension that had me kicking my feet. Some tropes felt familiar, but the emotional payoff? Chef’s kiss. Definitely here for book two.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed That One Small Spark! The blend of folklore, fantasy, and real historical events was beautifully done — the touch of fact made the story feel immersive and believable, pulling me right into its world. The setting in Scotland during the witch trials was rich and atmospheric, and I loved that the author included a glossary and pronunciation guide to help bring it all to life.
The world-building struck a great balance — detailed and engaging without being overwhelming — and the chemistry between Elspeth and Law was so well written. Their dynamic, along with the mix of suspense and emotion, kept me invested right to the end. The cliffhanger absolutely got me, and now I’m impatiently waiting for book two!
The pacing started off a little slow, and there were a few moments early on where it was hard to stay fully engaged, but once the story found its rhythm, I couldn’t put it down.
If you enjoy witch-trial–themed fantasy or romantasy with great character chemistry and a touch of historical realism, That One Small Spark is definitely worth picking up!
October 16, 2025
4/5, it was really good, i liked this book a lot!! - i will be continuing this series for sure, and maybe, i hope, i will even have an opportunity to receive an arc again!!
This book was kindly provided as an arc, which I'm endlessly thankful for. In this review I'll try to get out as many thoughts I had while reading and reflecting on it after finishing the book.
1) Writing:
the first thing I noticed when i started reading is the writing style. It is really beautiful. I'll provide some quotes to show it.
Quotes: «Acknowledging the entirely fickle nature of our nation’s weather, knowing that sunny skies can sweep to sheeting rain at any given minute, most of us who live here typically tend to wear more rather than less.»
«A crushing, aching hollow unfolds inside me. It twists and roils and expands through my belly, reaching out cold fingers to fill my chest, my arms, my legs. It leaves me vacant, void, utterly spent. It is more than the grief I feel, the desolate terror that now owns me.»
2) Topics discussed + history accuracy (check trigger warnings!!)
This book covers various important topics that can open your eyes to notice something you may have overlooked, avoided, or simply found relatable and nice to see.
Because a lot of things included in the world building were historically accurate (and you know, those times were harsh for a lot of reasons)
Quotes: «A decent, devout woman doesn’t crave her husband’s demise, no matter how bloody awful he is. A decent, devout woman puts up with it and takes it as her lot in life.»
«Distractedly, my mind wanders over how others might consider me lonely. But I have never minded being alone and have always been quite content in my own company. I like being self-sufficient, self-contained.»
«...none of these women deserve this. They stand here and die at the whim of misguided men, men with an agenda who can tell whatever story they want because they are the ones in power.»
3) Using folklore as a part of the world building:
This was a VERY cool aspect, i loved it so much. The witch trials were so captivating to read, as well as about various creatures in the Fae lands.
4) Specific things that caught my attention
Announcements in the newspapers and a speech at the witch trials. For me, it sounded like a news report on TV. It's in the specific style used, the sentence structure, and the formality.
Quotes: «Noting a disturbing rise in devilry among his subjects, His Royal Highness, King James VI has made a formal appeal to the nation to join him in his noble and godly fight against witchcraft.»
«Today we bring to trial six women charged with the most heinous of crimes – that of plotting to murder our king, His Majesty, King James VI and his fair queen, Anne of Denmark.»
One more thing, it kinda made the book look cheap, but that's totally okay: some names of the lands were created as polar opposites, and their names were just that as well.
Quote: «Faerie as it is now – as it has been since the Queen’s enemies rose up against her – is separated into two courts: Seelie and Unseelie.»
5) The characters:
As the blurb on the book says - "a strong female main character who strives to save herself" - I can't totally agree. For the most part, she wasn't exactly that; her character developed to become that at the very end of the book (the Queen's ball). It's not a fatal mistake to present FMC this way; it just creates a slightly different perception at the very beginning, when you just start reading the book. Which is okay, I would behave just like her if I got in a similar situation.
Lawrence wasn't a scary man; instead, from the very start (probably because of the magic system), he was a good guy, and I appreciate that. he was a good character; I liked him. He's a flirt; he says nice things. He cares for Alspeth. Btw the character art on the cover made me see him in a bit different way to the one he's described in the book. On the cover, he has an Avatar-like build - slim and fit. (The best way i can explain it: he has abs not because he gained additional muscle mass, but just because he doesn't have a lot of fat). He's a tortured man, I felt bad for him, he deserves do much better.
Nichevin was also a very interesting character. Sometimes she was funny, or captivating in her cruelty.
Vampire girls were fun, they reminded me of the fine sisters from "Beauty and the Beast" cartoon - not visually, but a concept.
I also liked some little side character chameos. for example pixie talking to a bear about some economy issues. Or little pixies stealing fmc's bag, they were so funny.
Sydok was so cute, I loved her a lot.
Fmc's mother had an interesting story as well. She deserves being mentioned here. She also looked very interesting. Just as well as three hunters.
I like the amount of imagination used to create all the characters.
6) The little grammar mistakes
English is not my first language, so I pay a little bit more attention to the words than an average English-speaking person would. Of course, it's not a problem and it can be fixed, but i'll provide the quotes that made me confused.
Quotes: «The men fae the Court are comin’ for you.» (perhaps some commas are missing, or some words weren't needed)
«relating to magic and,’ I wave my hands in Law’s direction, ‘you magical folk’.» (maybe ‘your magical folk’?)
7) Similar books (in different ways):
Sometimes this book made me remeber other books I've read. For example, fmc's name is Elspeth - same as in "One dark window" by Rachel Gillig. And also that quote «You’re smart, you’re brave, you’re good.» sounded really similar to «Be wary. Be clever. Be good.» in "One dark window".
Shadow daddy thing is quote popular, so I can't say just one specific book, that would be similar.
The Queen reminded me Elara from "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard.
8) Spice
I need to remind all of you that this book is being promoted as a fast burn, so it starts rather early on. From chronological side it did concern me. Their journey took about 5-6 days in total, and on day 3(??) they have already did it, and then some. But(!!) from their interactions it was a rather organical thing. (Or maybe she was just alone and wanted some love and closure, and he did as well, or it was that pull that made them feel that way). The spice was a rather good one, the writing was rather nice. But sometimes it was a bit too explicit to me, but I like dit nonetheless, because of their constant chemistry (especially Law).
This book was kindly provided as an arc, which I'm endlessly thankful for. In this review I'll try to get out as many thoughts I had while reading and reflecting on it after finishing the book.
1) Writing:
the first thing I noticed when i started reading is the writing style. It is really beautiful. I'll provide some quotes to show it.
Quotes: «Acknowledging the entirely fickle nature of our nation’s weather, knowing that sunny skies can sweep to sheeting rain at any given minute, most of us who live here typically tend to wear more rather than less.»
«A crushing, aching hollow unfolds inside me. It twists and roils and expands through my belly, reaching out cold fingers to fill my chest, my arms, my legs. It leaves me vacant, void, utterly spent. It is more than the grief I feel, the desolate terror that now owns me.»
2) Topics discussed + history accuracy (check trigger warnings!!)
This book covers various important topics that can open your eyes to notice something you may have overlooked, avoided, or simply found relatable and nice to see.
Because a lot of things included in the world building were historically accurate (and you know, those times were harsh for a lot of reasons)
Quotes: «A decent, devout woman doesn’t crave her husband’s demise, no matter how bloody awful he is. A decent, devout woman puts up with it and takes it as her lot in life.»
«Distractedly, my mind wanders over how others might consider me lonely. But I have never minded being alone and have always been quite content in my own company. I like being self-sufficient, self-contained.»
«...none of these women deserve this. They stand here and die at the whim of misguided men, men with an agenda who can tell whatever story they want because they are the ones in power.»
3) Using folklore as a part of the world building:
This was a VERY cool aspect, i loved it so much. The witch trials were so captivating to read, as well as about various creatures in the Fae lands.
4) Specific things that caught my attention
Announcements in the newspapers and a speech at the witch trials. For me, it sounded like a news report on TV. It's in the specific style used, the sentence structure, and the formality.
Quotes: «Noting a disturbing rise in devilry among his subjects, His Royal Highness, King James VI has made a formal appeal to the nation to join him in his noble and godly fight against witchcraft.»
«Today we bring to trial six women charged with the most heinous of crimes – that of plotting to murder our king, His Majesty, King James VI and his fair queen, Anne of Denmark.»
One more thing, it kinda made the book look cheap, but that's totally okay: some names of the lands were created as polar opposites, and their names were just that as well.
Quote: «Faerie as it is now – as it has been since the Queen’s enemies rose up against her – is separated into two courts: Seelie and Unseelie.»
5) The characters:
As the blurb on the book says - "a strong female main character who strives to save herself" - I can't totally agree. For the most part, she wasn't exactly that; her character developed to become that at the very end of the book (the Queen's ball). It's not a fatal mistake to present FMC this way; it just creates a slightly different perception at the very beginning, when you just start reading the book. Which is okay, I would behave just like her if I got in a similar situation.
Lawrence wasn't a scary man; instead, from the very start (probably because of the magic system), he was a good guy, and I appreciate that. he was a good character; I liked him. He's a flirt; he says nice things. He cares for Alspeth. Btw the character art on the cover made me see him in a bit different way to the one he's described in the book. On the cover, he has an Avatar-like build - slim and fit. (The best way i can explain it: he has abs not because he gained additional muscle mass, but just because he doesn't have a lot of fat). He's a tortured man, I felt bad for him, he deserves do much better.
Nichevin was also a very interesting character. Sometimes she was funny, or captivating in her cruelty.
Vampire girls were fun, they reminded me of the fine sisters from "Beauty and the Beast" cartoon - not visually, but a concept.
I also liked some little side character chameos. for example pixie talking to a bear about some economy issues. Or little pixies stealing fmc's bag, they were so funny.
Sydok was so cute, I loved her a lot.
Fmc's mother had an interesting story as well. She deserves being mentioned here. She also looked very interesting. Just as well as three hunters.
I like the amount of imagination used to create all the characters.
6) The little grammar mistakes
English is not my first language, so I pay a little bit more attention to the words than an average English-speaking person would. Of course, it's not a problem and it can be fixed, but i'll provide the quotes that made me confused.
Quotes: «The men fae the Court are comin’ for you.» (perhaps some commas are missing, or some words weren't needed)
«relating to magic and,’ I wave my hands in Law’s direction, ‘you magical folk’.» (maybe ‘your magical folk’?)
7) Similar books (in different ways):
Sometimes this book made me remeber other books I've read. For example, fmc's name is Elspeth - same as in "One dark window" by Rachel Gillig. And also that quote «You’re smart, you’re brave, you’re good.» sounded really similar to «Be wary. Be clever. Be good.» in "One dark window".
Shadow daddy thing is quote popular, so I can't say just one specific book, that would be similar.
The Queen reminded me Elara from "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard.
8) Spice
I need to remind all of you that this book is being promoted as a fast burn, so it starts rather early on. From chronological side it did concern me. Their journey took about 5-6 days in total, and on day 3(??) they have already did it, and then some. But(!!) from their interactions it was a rather organical thing. (Or maybe she was just alone and wanted some love and closure, and he did as well, or it was that pull that made them feel that way). The spice was a rather good one, the writing was rather nice. But sometimes it was a bit too explicit to me, but I like dit nonetheless, because of their constant chemistry (especially Law).
December 17, 2025
ARC read/review
This is definitely a 4⭐️ read for a fantasy beginner/novice!
The word building is well paced. The magic system and realms are clearly, but not overly, explained. The plot is clear, and side backstory is by far my favorite element. And a bonus for me: LGBT rep!
We get Scottish folklore (THANK YOU for the glossary and pronunciations), with a twinge of a modern twist! Jules gives a well written explanation before you dive into her world READ IT!! That was refreshing!
Onto the story!
For a woman with a painful history, her strength rebuilding itself through inner monologue is empowering. Reading her character arc as she continues to fight through the trauma of her past while pressing forward into her present and future was the star of the show for me. I’m here for it. For her. For her journey. If you’ve read my reviews before you know I’m all in for a strong FMC.
The main plot is a journey into a new realm and a discovery of magic! It’s well done. It will not leave you feeling all gooey inside. The last 10% is so devastating you can’t stop reading it!
Did I mention how much I loved the inner dialogue?! A woman who builds herself up. Fights that negative inner voice that someone else put there about self-worth, strength, and value. We all need to do that more!
UGH!! Next book now please!
This is definitely a 4⭐️ read for a fantasy beginner/novice!
The word building is well paced. The magic system and realms are clearly, but not overly, explained. The plot is clear, and side backstory is by far my favorite element. And a bonus for me: LGBT rep!
We get Scottish folklore (THANK YOU for the glossary and pronunciations), with a twinge of a modern twist! Jules gives a well written explanation before you dive into her world READ IT!! That was refreshing!
Onto the story!
For a woman with a painful history, her strength rebuilding itself through inner monologue is empowering. Reading her character arc as she continues to fight through the trauma of her past while pressing forward into her present and future was the star of the show for me. I’m here for it. For her. For her journey. If you’ve read my reviews before you know I’m all in for a strong FMC.
The main plot is a journey into a new realm and a discovery of magic! It’s well done. It will not leave you feeling all gooey inside. The last 10% is so devastating you can’t stop reading it!
Did I mention how much I loved the inner dialogue?! A woman who builds herself up. Fights that negative inner voice that someone else put there about self-worth, strength, and value. We all need to do that more!
UGH!! Next book now please!
October 31, 2025
I received this as an ARC, this has not had a impact on my thoughts or my review
This book transports readers to Scotland during the witch trials, with an immersive setting enhanced by a helpful glossary and pronunciation guide. The historical events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making them an essential and engaging part of the story. The world-building, often a challenge in fantasy, is handled with remarkable ease.
What truly stands out is the powerful character development. The strong female protagonist, Elspeth, embodies female empowerment and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, complemented by a morally grey love interest. Even sensitive themes are handled with a depth that fosters reflection and growth. From the very first page, the story captivates, leaving you utterly hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment.
This book transports readers to Scotland during the witch trials, with an immersive setting enhanced by a helpful glossary and pronunciation guide. The historical events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making them an essential and engaging part of the story. The world-building, often a challenge in fantasy, is handled with remarkable ease.
What truly stands out is the powerful character development. The strong female protagonist, Elspeth, embodies female empowerment and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, complemented by a morally grey love interest. Even sensitive themes are handled with a depth that fosters reflection and growth. From the very first page, the story captivates, leaving you utterly hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment.
November 1, 2025
I recieved this book as an ARC, this has not changed my review :)
I loved this book! I hadn’t heard of the author prior, however will absolutely pick up more!
Great story line, I enjoyed how the book was written however wish it was more descriptive to really get me into a whole new world! The end of the book was gripping and left me wanting more! Ending on a cliff hanger is hard when this book is only fresh 🤣 Wish I had the next book to continue right away! Loved the quick burn romance, and hope to see that continue in the next book!
All in all, I would absolutely recommend this book to beginner fantasy readers! I truly loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! I hadn’t heard of the author prior, however will absolutely pick up more!
Great story line, I enjoyed how the book was written however wish it was more descriptive to really get me into a whole new world! The end of the book was gripping and left me wanting more! Ending on a cliff hanger is hard when this book is only fresh 🤣 Wish I had the next book to continue right away! Loved the quick burn romance, and hope to see that continue in the next book!
All in all, I would absolutely recommend this book to beginner fantasy readers! I truly loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2025
First I want to say thank you to Jules Dalla-Libera and Chloe Berry at the Berry Agency for the opportunity to arc read this absolute delight of a book. I so appreciate it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 plot
🌶️🌶️/5 spice
I enjoyed this from beginning to that insane cliffhanger. I need book two immediately! I love that Elspeth was a grown woman, and that she was strong and sure of who she wanted to be after being in an abusive marriage. She was relatable, interesting and inspiring in her bravery. And LAW! He may be one of my favorite mmcs, tall, handsome, strong farie male with shadow magic-yes please. I love the way the pacing kind of eased you into the story at first and just got more and more exciting as the book went on. I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 plot
🌶️🌶️/5 spice
I enjoyed this from beginning to that insane cliffhanger. I need book two immediately! I love that Elspeth was a grown woman, and that she was strong and sure of who she wanted to be after being in an abusive marriage. She was relatable, interesting and inspiring in her bravery. And LAW! He may be one of my favorite mmcs, tall, handsome, strong farie male with shadow magic-yes please. I love the way the pacing kind of eased you into the story at first and just got more and more exciting as the book went on. I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here.
November 1, 2025
This was a perfect combination of fantasy, yearning, folklore & history. The combination of 16th century Scottish witch trials, with a world of faeries.
There’s a glossary at the beginning (so appreciated) & Jules explains her use of a modern Scottish language rather than a 16th century one.
The world building was easy to follow & wasn’t overcomplicated with too many details.
The FMC & MMC have such great chemistry - There’s banter. There’s yearning. There’s spice.
The character growth in the FMC is huge - and I love a strong powerful woman who realises just how strong she truly is.
I was hooked early on, & obsessed with this story. I am hanging for book 2.
Thanks to Jules & The Berry Agency for my arc.
There’s a glossary at the beginning (so appreciated) & Jules explains her use of a modern Scottish language rather than a 16th century one.
The world building was easy to follow & wasn’t overcomplicated with too many details.
The FMC & MMC have such great chemistry - There’s banter. There’s yearning. There’s spice.
The character growth in the FMC is huge - and I love a strong powerful woman who realises just how strong she truly is.
I was hooked early on, & obsessed with this story. I am hanging for book 2.
Thanks to Jules & The Berry Agency for my arc.
November 1, 2025
Everyone needs to add this to their tbr!!!
October 20, 2025
If you're looking for a fantasy book that completely pulls you into its world and sticks with you long after you finish, I highly recommend That One Small Spark. The story is captivating, with rich world-building and characters that feel incredibly real. The plot kept me hooked from start to finish, and even days later, I found myself reflecting on the characters’ choices and the imaginative world the Jules created. As an avid fantasy reader, it’s one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who loves a story that stays with you! 5 stars!!!
October 26, 2025
I was lucky enough to be given this as an ARC so thank you berry agency!
I absolutely loved the concept of this book and the contrast between human world and faerie world. The world building and character development were really good and enjoyable. I loved the fast pacing and romance in the book (2🌶️)! I loved how both Elspeth and Laws character and cannot wait to read the next book to see where the cliff hanger leads to. I think anyone who loves reading witch trial themed fantasy/Romantasy will love this book!
I absolutely loved the concept of this book and the contrast between human world and faerie world. The world building and character development were really good and enjoyable. I loved the fast pacing and romance in the book (2🌶️)! I loved how both Elspeth and Laws character and cannot wait to read the next book to see where the cliff hanger leads to. I think anyone who loves reading witch trial themed fantasy/Romantasy will love this book!
October 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was amazing! The quick burn and the nature of their relationship flowed as nice as the plot. I enjoyed this from the start and can’t wait to read more of her work.
This book had some of my most favourite tropes and it didn’t disappoint! I ate this up and struggled to put it down when I picked it up.
This book was amazing! The quick burn and the nature of their relationship flowed as nice as the plot. I enjoyed this from the start and can’t wait to read more of her work.
This book had some of my most favourite tropes and it didn’t disappoint! I ate this up and struggled to put it down when I picked it up.
October 23, 2025
Oh boy, where to start? I absolutely loved this book. The quick burn, the plot, the spice!
I loved that the book combined folklore, fantasy and history. The world building was perfect, not so over the top that you get lost like some other fantasy books I have read. The cliffhanger ending just got me. I wish the 2nd book was already out so I could find out what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved that the book combined folklore, fantasy and history. The world building was perfect, not so over the top that you get lost like some other fantasy books I have read. The cliffhanger ending just got me. I wish the 2nd book was already out so I could find out what happens next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 26, 2025
Fairies, witches and 16th Scotland?! Oh yeah!
I received this book as part of an ARC review campaign and I am so grateful for it.
The world building and the chemistry between the characters are highly promising and the author’s writing makes it so easy to read.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released! Suspense is definitely going to kill me!
I received this book as part of an ARC review campaign and I am so grateful for it.
The world building and the chemistry between the characters are highly promising and the author’s writing makes it so easy to read.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released! Suspense is definitely going to kill me!
November 14, 2025
DNF @ 20%
Thank you to The Berry Agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
By around 16–20%, I found myself struggling to fully connect with the world and characters, even though the imagery is strong and the writing flows nicely. The pacing and world-building, however, felt uneven.
One of the biggest issues for me was how the witches, initially positioned as central to a witch-trial era setting, seemed glossed over and then quickly replaced with a more typical, modern-feeling fae fantasy direction. Because the witches weren’t given enough depth or emotional grounding at the start, I felt no real connection to them, and even if they become important later, I’m already disengaged from that thread of the story.
The sudden introduction of the faerie realm, without gradual foreshadowing or clear logic, added to this disconnect. If the realm is well known and easy to access, it raises questions about why the witches didn’t simply escape there. Meanwhile, minor character details were expanded on, while key scenes, like the blue-spark moment or the table scene with Nicnevin and the MMC, felt too brief to leave an impact.
Character relationships also need more development. The bond with Agnes isn’t strong enough to feel meaningful later, and the romance leans toward insta-love then fast burn, which personally made it hard for me to invest in the main pairing. The MMC reads flat so far, lacking the dialogue and personality needed to make him stand out.
Overall, the imagery is vivid and the writing flows well, but the world-building and character groundwork need more consistency and emotional anchoring to fully engage me.
Thank you again to The Berry Agency for the opportunity to read and review.
@madysbooknook on tiktok/instagram ❤️
Thank you to The Berry Agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
By around 16–20%, I found myself struggling to fully connect with the world and characters, even though the imagery is strong and the writing flows nicely. The pacing and world-building, however, felt uneven.
One of the biggest issues for me was how the witches, initially positioned as central to a witch-trial era setting, seemed glossed over and then quickly replaced with a more typical, modern-feeling fae fantasy direction. Because the witches weren’t given enough depth or emotional grounding at the start, I felt no real connection to them, and even if they become important later, I’m already disengaged from that thread of the story.
The sudden introduction of the faerie realm, without gradual foreshadowing or clear logic, added to this disconnect. If the realm is well known and easy to access, it raises questions about why the witches didn’t simply escape there. Meanwhile, minor character details were expanded on, while key scenes, like the blue-spark moment or the table scene with Nicnevin and the MMC, felt too brief to leave an impact.
Character relationships also need more development. The bond with Agnes isn’t strong enough to feel meaningful later, and the romance leans toward insta-love then fast burn, which personally made it hard for me to invest in the main pairing. The MMC reads flat so far, lacking the dialogue and personality needed to make him stand out.
Overall, the imagery is vivid and the writing flows well, but the world-building and character groundwork need more consistency and emotional anchoring to fully engage me.
Thank you again to The Berry Agency for the opportunity to read and review.
@madysbooknook on tiktok/instagram ❤️
January 11, 2026
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish! The story pulled me in right away with its vivid compelling characters, and emotional depth. The author has a real gift for weaving tension, mystery, and heart into every chapter — I found it almost impossible to put down.
The pacing was fantastic, with just the right balance between action and character moments.I especially enjoyed how the relationships developed throughout the story; every interaction felt honest and meaningful. The plot twists were perfectly timed, adding excitement without feeling forced.
By the end, I felt connected to the characters and completely invested in their journeys.I can’t wait to see where the story goes next in book two — this first installment set the bar high, and I’m eager for more!
The pacing was fantastic, with just the right balance between action and character moments.I especially enjoyed how the relationships developed throughout the story; every interaction felt honest and meaningful. The plot twists were perfectly timed, adding excitement without feeling forced.
By the end, I felt connected to the characters and completely invested in their journeys.I can’t wait to see where the story goes next in book two — this first installment set the bar high, and I’m eager for more!
December 21, 2025
One Small Spark debut romantasy contains Witches, magic, fae and historical Scottish Witch trials. This was beautifully written and enchanting, capturing my attention from the very first page.
I really enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the book. It was interesting to watch Violet navigate the Fae realm and grow as a character.
With plenty of plot twists and a killer cliffhanger, I am excited to read the next book!
I really enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the book. It was interesting to watch Violet navigate the Fae realm and grow as a character.
With plenty of plot twists and a killer cliffhanger, I am excited to read the next book!
October 28, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of That One Small Spark by Jules Dalla-Libera in exchange for an honest review.
This was a thoughtful, emotional story that explores grief, healing, and hope.
The pacing was a little slow at the beginning, and there were moments where I found it hard to stay fully engaged. But once the story settled into its rhythm, I started to connect more with the characters and really feel the weight of their journeys.
The ending wrapped things up in a satisfying way, even if it did feel a bit rushed. Overall, That One Small Spark is a heartfelt debut with a lot of quiet strength, and I’m curious to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of That One Small Spark by Jules Dalla-Libera in exchange for an honest review.
This was a thoughtful, emotional story that explores grief, healing, and hope.
The pacing was a little slow at the beginning, and there were moments where I found it hard to stay fully engaged. But once the story settled into its rhythm, I started to connect more with the characters and really feel the weight of their journeys.
The ending wrapped things up in a satisfying way, even if it did feel a bit rushed. Overall, That One Small Spark is a heartfelt debut with a lot of quiet strength, and I’m curious to see what happens next.
October 27, 2025
I received this as an eARC!
TW - DV (not depicted on the page), death of a child, murder and a few other things.
The plot was predictable in some aspects and surprising in others. The ending wasn't what I expected and it left on a cliff hanger.
The magical world was easy to follow. The beginning was a challenge for me to get into, because I was just getting used to the strong Scottish language. But the author does put pronunciations at the start which is honestly handy.
The quick burn, their banter.
There was a bit of repeating throughout the book, which it is necessary sometimes but not in almost every chapter.
I did enjoy the book, overall. Will read the next one, because she better not hurt the damn cat.
TW - DV (not depicted on the page), death of a child, murder and a few other things.
The plot was predictable in some aspects and surprising in others. The ending wasn't what I expected and it left on a cliff hanger.
The magical world was easy to follow. The beginning was a challenge for me to get into, because I was just getting used to the strong Scottish language. But the author does put pronunciations at the start which is honestly handy.
The quick burn, their banter.
There was a bit of repeating throughout the book, which it is necessary sometimes but not in almost every chapter.
I did enjoy the book, overall. Will read the next one, because she better not hurt the damn cat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
I loved this book, and the inclusion of reality in this fantasy setting! The dose of fact brings an immersion factor that draws you in as the reader!
I’ll advise those who want to read to be cautious of the DV content contained within the pages.
Bring on book 2!
I’ll advise those who want to read to be cautious of the DV content contained within the pages.
Bring on book 2!
December 6, 2025
This book caught my imagination from the onset. As a Scot I am aware of the atrocities towards women at that time and the surrounding folklore. Jules describes both fictional and historical figures perfectly - their characters develop well as the story progresses, to a blend of those I love, those I intensely dislike, those that intrigue me and those that scare me!
The story made me turn the pages and feel sad as I got to the last one - I want more! Also want to read it again - this book isn’t for skimming, but for savouring. Looking forward to the next one.
The story made me turn the pages and feel sad as I got to the last one - I want more! Also want to read it again - this book isn’t for skimming, but for savouring. Looking forward to the next one.
November 4, 2025
What struck me most about this story was how easily it swept me up. It had that rare mix of confidence and clarity that made the world feel real from the very first page. The writing carried a natural rhythm that drew me in without effort, and the tone struck a perfect balance between grounded and magical. It felt familiar yet full of surprises—a story that made slipping between the ordinary and the otherworldly feel effortless.
—
🙌 What I Liked
I really enjoyed how the story mixed folklore and fantasy with real historical context. The latter gave the fantasy elements a solid backbone—something tangible to anchor it to, which made the world feel rich and believable. The world-building struck a great balance: detailed enough to give you a strong sense of place, but not so dense that it became overwhelming.
The characters were another highlight. The MCs had an immediately engaging dynamic and plenty of sharp, witty banter that made their interactions fun to read. There was an element of insta-love to their relationship, which normally wouldn’t be my thing, but in this case it made sense—and the story drops enough clues early on that you can see why their connection runs deeper than it first appears. The chemistry felt earned, and their relationship added warmth and emotional depth to the darker undertones of the plot.
The pacing worked well for the most part—it moved with energy, balancing moments of tension and drama with quieter scenes. The mix of action, mystery, and humour kept me turning the pages.
❌ What Didn’t Hit
If anything held this story back from being a five-star read for me, it was simply that I wanted more. I wouldn’t call it rushed, but I do wish it had lingered a bit longer in certain places. Spending a little more time with the FMC before she enters Faerie would have helped deepen my understanding of her and her world, and a few extra chapters exploring the lore and setting in greater detail would’ve made the whole experience feel even more immersive.
👀 Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. This is a beautifully written blend of fantasy and history, perfect for readers who love stories about magic, folklore, and courage set against a richly atmospheric backdrop.
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I was gifted an ARC of this book—many thanks to The Berry Agency and Jules Dalla-Libera for the copy. All opinions are my own.
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🙌 What I Liked
I really enjoyed how the story mixed folklore and fantasy with real historical context. The latter gave the fantasy elements a solid backbone—something tangible to anchor it to, which made the world feel rich and believable. The world-building struck a great balance: detailed enough to give you a strong sense of place, but not so dense that it became overwhelming.
The characters were another highlight. The MCs had an immediately engaging dynamic and plenty of sharp, witty banter that made their interactions fun to read. There was an element of insta-love to their relationship, which normally wouldn’t be my thing, but in this case it made sense—and the story drops enough clues early on that you can see why their connection runs deeper than it first appears. The chemistry felt earned, and their relationship added warmth and emotional depth to the darker undertones of the plot.
The pacing worked well for the most part—it moved with energy, balancing moments of tension and drama with quieter scenes. The mix of action, mystery, and humour kept me turning the pages.
❌ What Didn’t Hit
If anything held this story back from being a five-star read for me, it was simply that I wanted more. I wouldn’t call it rushed, but I do wish it had lingered a bit longer in certain places. Spending a little more time with the FMC before she enters Faerie would have helped deepen my understanding of her and her world, and a few extra chapters exploring the lore and setting in greater detail would’ve made the whole experience feel even more immersive.
👀 Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. This is a beautifully written blend of fantasy and history, perfect for readers who love stories about magic, folklore, and courage set against a richly atmospheric backdrop.
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I was gifted an ARC of this book—many thanks to The Berry Agency and Jules Dalla-Libera for the copy. All opinions are my own.
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