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Castle Witch
Orphaned by war and the last of her kind, Etta agrees to stay on as the castle witch for bastard lord, Aeson Crennly. Seven years later, their friendship has brought success, wealth, and harmony to the castle. With it, the jealous greed of the Elder Lords. As plots to seduce and spy upon Aeson edge closer to their lands, Etta must redefine her place with the magic she's tied to and the people who love her for it.
- GenresCozy Fantasy
356 pages, Hardcover
Published December 8, 2025
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 5, 2025
2025 (Second Read Through)
Did this book somehow get BETTER the second time???
I CANNOT handle how much Aeson is just constantly touching Etta throughout this book. Dang, no wonder everybody could see what was happening.
2023 (First Read Through)
Look, I’m going to need book two ASAP.
Castle Witch is one of those stories that I enjoyed but I can't quite explain why it enthralled me so much. Reading it felt very much like reading a piece of my soul, which is always a wild experience. There's just something simple and poignant at the heart of this story. Upon finishing, I found myself already looking forward to rereading it, not immediately but in a "someday I'll read this again" sense.
Castle Witch follows Etta, a witch and the last of her kind, as she tries to keep the castle and surrounding lands in harmony while also navigating a plot against the castle lord, Aeson Crennly. This book is slow paced with an even slower slow-burn romance. But I found that it was the perfect story to help me pause and enjoy what I was reading instead of racing through a book to mark it off a list or to move onto the next one. (I have a bad habit of doing this that I need to break.)
The slower pace allowed me to meander through this world and the characters. To truly soak up the magic and savor the romance and linger.
There are so many aspects of this book I enjoyed: the nature-y witch magic, the side characters and all their charm, Aeson Crennly being 26 years old and acting like a 26 year old boy who had to grow up too fast, Etta's journey and realization of who she is, the "Will they? Won't they?" romance, how everything ties together in the end.
This book is considered adult but there are many aspects that made it the right blend of YA and adult. Characters that act their age instead of sounding older than they are or more mature just because they aren't under 18. It is very reasonable for me that a 26 year-old man would act like a child sometimes because I am married to almost 30-year old and he still acts this way at times. Concepts that a teen could understand but are much situated for adult maturity. Those type of things.
This book spoke to me on a deeper level than other books I've read recently. I felt such an understanding about Etta and her situation despite the fact that I am not a witch nor do I live in a castle or a fantasy world. I am so impressed with this book, and it's helping me know that self-published can and are good. That sometimes a book doesn't fit in the market but it's still a book readers can connect with and enjoy.
Did this book somehow get BETTER the second time???
I CANNOT handle how much Aeson is just constantly touching Etta throughout this book. Dang, no wonder everybody could see what was happening.
2023 (First Read Through)
Look, I’m going to need book two ASAP.
Castle Witch is one of those stories that I enjoyed but I can't quite explain why it enthralled me so much. Reading it felt very much like reading a piece of my soul, which is always a wild experience. There's just something simple and poignant at the heart of this story. Upon finishing, I found myself already looking forward to rereading it, not immediately but in a "someday I'll read this again" sense.
Castle Witch follows Etta, a witch and the last of her kind, as she tries to keep the castle and surrounding lands in harmony while also navigating a plot against the castle lord, Aeson Crennly. This book is slow paced with an even slower slow-burn romance. But I found that it was the perfect story to help me pause and enjoy what I was reading instead of racing through a book to mark it off a list or to move onto the next one. (I have a bad habit of doing this that I need to break.)
The slower pace allowed me to meander through this world and the characters. To truly soak up the magic and savor the romance and linger.
There are so many aspects of this book I enjoyed: the nature-y witch magic, the side characters and all their charm, Aeson Crennly being 26 years old and acting like a 26 year old boy who had to grow up too fast, Etta's journey and realization of who she is, the "Will they? Won't they?" romance, how everything ties together in the end.
This book is considered adult but there are many aspects that made it the right blend of YA and adult. Characters that act their age instead of sounding older than they are or more mature just because they aren't under 18. It is very reasonable for me that a 26 year-old man would act like a child sometimes because I am married to almost 30-year old and he still acts this way at times. Concepts that a teen could understand but are much situated for adult maturity. Those type of things.
This book spoke to me on a deeper level than other books I've read recently. I felt such an understanding about Etta and her situation despite the fact that I am not a witch nor do I live in a castle or a fantasy world. I am so impressed with this book, and it's helping me know that self-published can and are good. That sometimes a book doesn't fit in the market but it's still a book readers can connect with and enjoy.
May 22, 2023
Spoiler alert!!!!
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I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I have followed the author on Instagram for a while and I’ve known that I love her writing in a general sense. But when it came to a novel, I wasn’t sure what kind of story we would be getting. I saw that it seemed like a traditional high fantasy setting, with a romance in it, so I knew it would probably be up my alley. But the book totally surpasses my hopes. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year, hands down. The characters are so flawed and real, but deeply good at heart, which is my jam for sure. The romance was nuanced and full of baggage and sweet and messy - it felt real and so believable, and was so satisfying. The magic system!? The magic system!!! Ugh I loved it. The descriptions of how she uses her power and talks to plants and just exists alongside the natural world, exchanging energies and emotions and gratitude … words cannot express how much I loved everything about it. Anyway, if you can’t tell, I’m excited for book 2. I need it. Immediately.
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I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I have followed the author on Instagram for a while and I’ve known that I love her writing in a general sense. But when it came to a novel, I wasn’t sure what kind of story we would be getting. I saw that it seemed like a traditional high fantasy setting, with a romance in it, so I knew it would probably be up my alley. But the book totally surpasses my hopes. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year, hands down. The characters are so flawed and real, but deeply good at heart, which is my jam for sure. The romance was nuanced and full of baggage and sweet and messy - it felt real and so believable, and was so satisfying. The magic system!? The magic system!!! Ugh I loved it. The descriptions of how she uses her power and talks to plants and just exists alongside the natural world, exchanging energies and emotions and gratitude … words cannot express how much I loved everything about it. Anyway, if you can’t tell, I’m excited for book 2. I need it. Immediately.
May 2, 2023
Castle Witch is a novel that is both earthy and magical, with a subtle and believable magic system that draws readers in from the first page. Madeleine Elizabeth's poetic writing style creates a world that is both vivid and enchanting, with characters that feel like old friends.
Etta, the castle witch, is a character I seriously want to be best friends with. Her strength, compassion, and connection to the natural world make her a captivating heroine that readers will root for from beginning to end. The slow burn romance between Etta and Aeson Crennly is reminiscent of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but with a witchy twist that adds depth and complexity to the story.
The nature influence in Castle Witch is strong and captivating, with the magic of the world woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. Madeleine Elizabeth's attention to detail is remarkable, and readers will find themselves savoring each and every sentence, wanting to linger in the world she has created.
This is a novel that you'll keep coming back to, thinking about long after you've finished reading. It's a book that will ground you and provide a sense of solace in times of uncertainty. Madeleine Elizabeth is a master storyteller, and I will read anything she writes going forward. Castle Witch is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and all things witchy. Can't wait for book two!
Etta, the castle witch, is a character I seriously want to be best friends with. Her strength, compassion, and connection to the natural world make her a captivating heroine that readers will root for from beginning to end. The slow burn romance between Etta and Aeson Crennly is reminiscent of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but with a witchy twist that adds depth and complexity to the story.
The nature influence in Castle Witch is strong and captivating, with the magic of the world woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. Madeleine Elizabeth's attention to detail is remarkable, and readers will find themselves savoring each and every sentence, wanting to linger in the world she has created.
This is a novel that you'll keep coming back to, thinking about long after you've finished reading. It's a book that will ground you and provide a sense of solace in times of uncertainty. Madeleine Elizabeth is a master storyteller, and I will read anything she writes going forward. Castle Witch is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and all things witchy. Can't wait for book two!
January 23, 2024
The first 115 pages were very, very slow I felt as if I was trudging through them. There was nothing truly holding my attention and there wasn’t much plot to demand my attention. As well as there is some world building but not much, it is kind of mudane task around the castle and interacting with others but not really, as she generally likes to be alone. However, on page 115 the plot starts to pick up and it starts to get interesting. I enjoy the magic system I think it is so interesting how she connects with things around her and comes up with the chants. I also love the relationship between the fmc and the mc, the slow burning you can tell their respect for each other and how he treats her he is such a good man. However I love the drama and it was a good read, I love a good slow burn. However there were parts where I wasn’t sure what was going on I felt things were skipped as well as I feel parts were cut that I wish weren’t. Overall, it was a great read I loved it and I look forward to the next book.
May 26, 2023
Castle Witch feels like stepping into a cool lake on a scorching day. I haven’t read a fantasy like this in quite some time. It almost feels episodic in nature, because while there is an overarching plot and an undercurrent of dangerous things to come, there are smaller quests along the way for our heroes to navigate, and they are no less triumphant for being of lesser stakes than the overall plot. These characters are so much fun to hang out with. Madeleine Elizabeth is meticulous and careful with her worldbuilding and character development that the characters and setting feel as if I could step right into the world and meet them. Castle Crennly seems like such a haven and I would go live there in a heartbeat if I could. And let’s not forget to talk about the perfection that is the romance in this book. Slow burn, allies to friends to lovers, with the most incredibly satisfying ending. If you want a refreshing take on adult fantasy with an awesome magic system and all the tropes and complex characters you could want, please pick up Castle Witch and read it today.
June 5, 2023
Where do I even begin in describing my absolute love for this book, for the MC Etta, and for the author who wrote it? When you see the title, you assume you know what the general feel of the book will be. But let me tell you, my expectations were blown away! The magic system was so intriguing to me. It drew me in immediately, was easy to follow and understand, and best yet, it was believable. I’m a romance reader first and foremost, and the slow burn in this is just too good! I love romances where the characters already have history. Aeson and Etta have such a great history and the nuances you pick up on throughout the book were perfectly dropped. And for me, the best part was reading the book and realizing all the hints dropped in the cover. The attention to detail from this author is what makes this book truly magical!
May 30, 2023
I may return later to expand upon my thoughts, but for the time being - read this book. It reminds me so much of the stories I loved growing up. Fierce female characters, strong male characters, and the softest, most loyal friendships. Etta and Aeson are goals. Cant wait for book two.
May 30, 2023
Loved everything about this novel, but especially the relationship between the two main characters and how it evolved through the seasons. The world building, mainly the magic system, was flawless. Can't wait to read the next one!
June 1, 2023
This is such a cozy, imaginative read! I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Aeson and Etta—the slow burn was spectacular and so well-written. The magic system was another standout: unique, imaginative and very compelling. Absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a slow burn cozy fantasy.
May 2, 2023
Ms Elizabeth has crafted a unique and compelling story, with complex characters, subtle romance, and a wholly original magic system that will have her readers begging for book two.
I have never quite read a book like Castle Witch before, combining medieval high fantasy, pagan based witchcraft, slow burn lovers, and furry familiars in an imaginative and skillfully crafted way.
Highly recommend to readers of fantasy and romance, alike. I can’t wait to see how Etta and Aeson’s story will evolve in the future!
I have never quite read a book like Castle Witch before, combining medieval high fantasy, pagan based witchcraft, slow burn lovers, and furry familiars in an imaginative and skillfully crafted way.
Highly recommend to readers of fantasy and romance, alike. I can’t wait to see how Etta and Aeson’s story will evolve in the future!
May 17, 2023
Enchanting. Spellbinding.
Did I really just use those cliches to describe a book about a witch? Yes, but it’s true. I was completely wrapped up in this book and read it much faster than I usually read. It was Etta. She had me from her first raise of her eyebrow. Character driven stories are my favorite and Etta definitely drives this story. She’s difficult and obstinate, opinionated and brazen, and I adore every bit of her.
A note to consider. I’m not into witches like…at all. Witchcraft in general is not my thing and in a real world setting, I have even more issues, but that really should tell you something about Madeleine Elizabeth’s writing talents. She took something I’m not interested in and had me swept away in this story. She created a unique and intriguing magic system, with a history and lore of its own.
Something about her writing is very mature in a down to earth way. I felt so close to the story, world, and characters very early on.
Romance is another thing I’ve never been particularly big on, but I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for it when it’s done right. Castle Witch’s romance is unconventional and unique in a way I hadn’t experienced before. All my praise goes to Madeleine for her gift of subtlety. Subtlety in story telling is THE hill I will die on and Madeleine gets it.
Being a very “No touchy,” Kuzco kind of person, the amount of “platonic” physical content didn’t sit the best with me. I honestly got brother/sister vibes from Etta and Aeson, until I didn’t, of course. But they are just very comfortable with each other and I think that’s what Madeleine was showing through that.
Madeleine’s prowess at “showing and not telling” is something you’ll see in just the first few pages. She is a master at the little details of movement. She paints vivid pictures when it comes to human behavior. So many scenes played out clear as a movie screen in my head. I could see these characters, hear them speak.
I really can’t say enough good things about this debut novel and I eagerly await book 2!
Did I really just use those cliches to describe a book about a witch? Yes, but it’s true. I was completely wrapped up in this book and read it much faster than I usually read. It was Etta. She had me from her first raise of her eyebrow. Character driven stories are my favorite and Etta definitely drives this story. She’s difficult and obstinate, opinionated and brazen, and I adore every bit of her.
A note to consider. I’m not into witches like…at all. Witchcraft in general is not my thing and in a real world setting, I have even more issues, but that really should tell you something about Madeleine Elizabeth’s writing talents. She took something I’m not interested in and had me swept away in this story. She created a unique and intriguing magic system, with a history and lore of its own.
Something about her writing is very mature in a down to earth way. I felt so close to the story, world, and characters very early on.
Romance is another thing I’ve never been particularly big on, but I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for it when it’s done right. Castle Witch’s romance is unconventional and unique in a way I hadn’t experienced before. All my praise goes to Madeleine for her gift of subtlety. Subtlety in story telling is THE hill I will die on and Madeleine gets it.
Being a very “No touchy,” Kuzco kind of person, the amount of “platonic” physical content didn’t sit the best with me. I honestly got brother/sister vibes from Etta and Aeson, until I didn’t, of course. But they are just very comfortable with each other and I think that’s what Madeleine was showing through that.
Madeleine’s prowess at “showing and not telling” is something you’ll see in just the first few pages. She is a master at the little details of movement. She paints vivid pictures when it comes to human behavior. So many scenes played out clear as a movie screen in my head. I could see these characters, hear them speak.
I really can’t say enough good things about this debut novel and I eagerly await book 2!
June 13, 2023
This story will be sitting with me for a while. There is a lot I could say that I love about it: the witty banter, the magic with its ties to the land and the creatures in it, the romance that's refreshingly different from any that I've read. Are there prickly, flawed characters? Absolutely. Magic with terrifying consequences? Injustice? Corruption? Check. And yet...and yet. But I think the thing that sticks with me most is the beauty and goodness laced throughout the story: Etta's purpose as a guardian of the people's well-being. Lord Aeson Crennly's concern with lessening the suffering of his subjects. one that sticks with me, without giving too much away, is the beauty and goodness laced throughout it. Curmudgeonly castle staff are bantered with in good humor; potential rivals are treated as competent equals worthy of respect; even the worst of the Valley's denizens are granted a lens of humanity. Castle Witch is a beautifully written spell and a story to savor.
June 27, 2023
“Whether you believe it or not does not stop the world from existing the way it does. But trust me, you are missing out on something wonderful if you think nature cannot speak.”
Castle Witch is the cozy fantasy I didn’t know I needed in my life.
An enchanting story about Etta, a willful witch, and Aeson a man who was never meant to be a lord. From the beginning, I was drawn in by their closeness and banter which was clearly honed to a degree of long-established comfort. Both witch and lord experience aloneness in their unique place in the world but have found companionship and understanding in each other. They may seem out of place to anyone looking in from the outside but together are the heart of Castle Crennley and the lifeblood of the town in their care.
Etta’s symbiotic entanglement with nature is enchanting and speaks to a truth and a real magic that exists in our world. In much of her interactions with the natural world, I found myself charmed and smiling as I read about things like plants leaning in to listen as she spoke or her conspiratorial whisperings in the ears of small furry creatures.
Expect wonderfully nuanced characters you’ll be eager to follow into the pages of book 2 as well as an incredibly satisfying slow burn.
5 Stars
Quotes I loved:
“My lands will only be as good as my people, and my people will only be as good as I treat them.”
…
“Like energy attracts like energy. If someone is feeling particularly defeated or saddened for any reason, a rotten egg swept from their heart outward along each limb in repetition will lift the bruise from their spirit and gather it within the shell.”
“Then what?”
“I bury them beneath the mushrooms. Fungus delights in taking the horrid and making it whimsical.”
…
“The threads of magic sang louder when no one else was awake to get in the way.”
…
“I did not make you vicious and sweet any more than I made your eyes grey, but you have never denied me a place in your storms, and you cannot blame me for coming to love the rain.”
That last one. *Swoon*
Castle Witch is the cozy fantasy I didn’t know I needed in my life.
An enchanting story about Etta, a willful witch, and Aeson a man who was never meant to be a lord. From the beginning, I was drawn in by their closeness and banter which was clearly honed to a degree of long-established comfort. Both witch and lord experience aloneness in their unique place in the world but have found companionship and understanding in each other. They may seem out of place to anyone looking in from the outside but together are the heart of Castle Crennley and the lifeblood of the town in their care.
Etta’s symbiotic entanglement with nature is enchanting and speaks to a truth and a real magic that exists in our world. In much of her interactions with the natural world, I found myself charmed and smiling as I read about things like plants leaning in to listen as she spoke or her conspiratorial whisperings in the ears of small furry creatures.
Expect wonderfully nuanced characters you’ll be eager to follow into the pages of book 2 as well as an incredibly satisfying slow burn.
5 Stars
Quotes I loved:
“My lands will only be as good as my people, and my people will only be as good as I treat them.”
…
“Like energy attracts like energy. If someone is feeling particularly defeated or saddened for any reason, a rotten egg swept from their heart outward along each limb in repetition will lift the bruise from their spirit and gather it within the shell.”
“Then what?”
“I bury them beneath the mushrooms. Fungus delights in taking the horrid and making it whimsical.”
…
“The threads of magic sang louder when no one else was awake to get in the way.”
…
“I did not make you vicious and sweet any more than I made your eyes grey, but you have never denied me a place in your storms, and you cannot blame me for coming to love the rain.”
That last one. *Swoon*
July 9, 2023
I picked up this book because it was self-published by a local author here in Arizona. I met her at a bookstore and was interested in the story. To be honest, I was nervous to read it because I was afraid it wouldn't be that great considering it was self-published. But it exceeded all of my expectations!!!
I have more markings in this book than any other because it is exceptionally quotable!
Let me share some examples - spoiler free
"The strongest power we possessed was also the one that broke us."
"You can't bury yourself in the shadows and whimper when no one finds you."
"Ferns love to flirt."
"Whether you believe it or not does not stop the world from existing the way it does."
"Perhaps stubbornness was not always worth it."
"Everything about you feels familiar even when it is not."
Have I convinced you to read it yet? The magical world sucks you in and I truly felt like I was in Valley Maer. Etta (beautiful name) was so relatable. Slightly indifferent, but kind. Strong and powerful, but also soft and generous. She was a bit of a juxtaposition and I loved it! I get sick of the sunshiny, always happy FMC's and Etta gave me strength and humility all at once!
And AESON. .....speechless. I'm speechless. He is officially my 2nd favorite book boyfriend. Sorry Aeson, Aaron Warner will always be superior.
Spice: kissing only
I have more markings in this book than any other because it is exceptionally quotable!
Let me share some examples - spoiler free
"The strongest power we possessed was also the one that broke us."
"You can't bury yourself in the shadows and whimper when no one finds you."
"Ferns love to flirt."
"Whether you believe it or not does not stop the world from existing the way it does."
"Perhaps stubbornness was not always worth it."
"Everything about you feels familiar even when it is not."
Have I convinced you to read it yet? The magical world sucks you in and I truly felt like I was in Valley Maer. Etta (beautiful name) was so relatable. Slightly indifferent, but kind. Strong and powerful, but also soft and generous. She was a bit of a juxtaposition and I loved it! I get sick of the sunshiny, always happy FMC's and Etta gave me strength and humility all at once!
And AESON. .....speechless. I'm speechless. He is officially my 2nd favorite book boyfriend. Sorry Aeson, Aaron Warner will always be superior.
Spice: kissing only
January 5, 2025
Cozy and sensible!! Etta is one of my absolute most favorite characters of all time. She's practical AND mystical. I love her attitude and her spells and her no nonsense approach to life. I love her relationship with children and the way she observes people. She reminded me of a cat that I desperately want to befriend. She's my favorite witch.
I took my time absorbing this book because it actually gave me a lot to think about. While there is romantic tension and a lovely slow burn, it doesn't dictate the storyline. There was time to consider and explore a whole network of relationships, so it felt immersive in many ways. I felt like I was a part of the community, a part of the castle life, and it was something I wanted to savor. I loved getting to follow all the threads of magic through nature, and how they impacted the lifelines of the people in Etta's life.
I took my time absorbing this book because it actually gave me a lot to think about. While there is romantic tension and a lovely slow burn, it doesn't dictate the storyline. There was time to consider and explore a whole network of relationships, so it felt immersive in many ways. I felt like I was a part of the community, a part of the castle life, and it was something I wanted to savor. I loved getting to follow all the threads of magic through nature, and how they impacted the lifelines of the people in Etta's life.
August 12, 2023
Etta is the last witch after a war creates two kingdoms that now rival each other. After the lord of the castle where she lives dies and his bastard son takes over, she’s more than ready to leave but Aeson asks her to stay for a year to help with the transition and for her to continue her studies in magic. Seven years later she’s content in the castle and being useful to the village. They’ve created a community, Etta and Aeson, and when it’s threatened by other lords they rise to defend it. And two hearts may just become one.
I loved this! The sweetest slow burn ever and I love the banter between Etta and Aeson and how you can SEE the progression of their relationship in every aspect. Thoroughly looking forward to another book!
I loved this! The sweetest slow burn ever and I love the banter between Etta and Aeson and how you can SEE the progression of their relationship in every aspect. Thoroughly looking forward to another book!
April 11, 2024
*As proofreader for Castle Witch, this is my honest review.
A last minute proofread allowed me to get my hands on this book early, after waiting impatiently to read the Queen of Metaphor's words.
Madeleine Elizabeth give us a strong female character with more depth than just being able to fight, and a love interest who can actually keep up. (THE PINING) The story itself weaves through the seasons and interpretations of the pagan sabbats, stringing us along until the thread snaps taught and we're left holding our breath.
With pretty prose and excellent banter, not to mention scene-stealing side characters, Castle Witch was one of my top reads of '23 and I'm desperate for book two.
A last minute proofread allowed me to get my hands on this book early, after waiting impatiently to read the Queen of Metaphor's words.
Madeleine Elizabeth give us a strong female character with more depth than just being able to fight, and a love interest who can actually keep up. (THE PINING) The story itself weaves through the seasons and interpretations of the pagan sabbats, stringing us along until the thread snaps taught and we're left holding our breath.
With pretty prose and excellent banter, not to mention scene-stealing side characters, Castle Witch was one of my top reads of '23 and I'm desperate for book two.
May 18, 2023
Author Madeline Elizabeth blends romance and fantasy beautifully. For the romance side of things, it's a slow burn (which I love). Fantasy-wise, it is old world fantasy: horses and carriages, stone castles and tapestries, grumpy cooks and a delightful kitchen that makes me envious.
I think my absolute favorite part was her magic system. I love the origin story of witches; I love the way we learn, little by little, about how Etta is tied to her magic, and I particularly love Etta's connection to plants and animals. I eagerly await the second book.
I think my absolute favorite part was her magic system. I love the origin story of witches; I love the way we learn, little by little, about how Etta is tied to her magic, and I particularly love Etta's connection to plants and animals. I eagerly await the second book.
July 15, 2023
This magical world is one I devoured. You will understand when you read it. The relationship resonates deeply with me and I adore it! The book has you laughing, intrigued and taking notes for sarcastic comments. Definitely a gorgeous first book for this writer to be introduced into the public and I CANNOT wait to read more!
May 3, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. A beautiful cozy fantasy with a slow burn romance that I adored. I loved the magic system in this--it felt so real, with believable stakes and consequences. Etta's fiery and fierce nature complemented Aeson's patience and kindness perfectly. If I have any issues it's with the slow pacing, but it's a minor nitpick. Looking forward to the sequel.
January 1, 2026
What an incredible read. The writing? Magical. The vibes? Immaculate. The romance? I LOVE THE SLOW BURN!!!!! I've been excited to read this book for a long time, and it definitely didn't disappoint. This world pulled me right in. Madeleine is an impressive writer, both in crafting prose and in creating an enchanting story. I highly recommend to anyone.
June 24, 2024
Light reading; enjoyable without getting too deeply mired into self psychology or magic. The love story was a bit over- prolonged in my opinion, but the friendly atmosphere of the book was comfortable, engaging, and a leisurely way to spend a weekend.
August 25, 2024
I loved everything about this book! It was beautifully written. I appreciated how the characters were relatable and messy with development and growth. The magic was so very good, I was a fan of the details and the way she describes how the magic is used. Looking forward to book 2!
December 1, 2024
Lost a WHOLE NIGHTS sleep over this book. 10/10 would read again
March 23, 2025
Cozy and beautiful, not a lot of action but I had a hard time putting down. It was like snuggling under a blanket with a cup of tea. The characters were beautifully crafted, understated but deep.
December 30, 2025
*4.5 this is what I wanted Spellshop to be. I hope more people read it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews