Homeward for a Spell

Homegrown Magic #2

by Jamie Pacton, Rebecca Podos

In this cozy queer romantic fantasy from the award-winning authors of Homegrown Magic, two members in a motley crew of adventurers must confront monsters, hostile landscapes—and their growing attraction for each other.

Sage has made her living as a ranger, moving constantly between adventuring parties, but has never had the chance to lead one. So when she’s offered the chance to hire a crew of her own in pursuit of a rare magical artifact, it seems a dream come true—until she learns that they’re headed into the most inhospitable part of the kingdom with winter looming. Still, it’s a chance to finally put her name on the map… and how bad could it really be?

Araphi has always loved music, in defiance of her powerful family’s priorities. All she wants is one last chance to perform before she’s married to a man she does not love for the good of the family. So when she sees a poster seeking a bard for a party, she eagerly sneaks away to audition. Only to discover that the party in question is no festival, but an adventuring party, led by a woman she’s been fascinated with since she first laid eyes on her. It’s an unexpected twist, but if she takes the job, she’ll still be back in time for her own wedding… and how bad could it really be?

What follows is a life-altering journey for them both, filled with danger and misfortunes as their ragtag band of adventurers—most of whom have just met—must learn to work together to overcome the many obstacles before them. Not the least of which is the explosive chemistry between the rugged party leader used to watching her own back, and the pampered city-girl bard who may be far out of her element but is beginning to feel at home for the very first time.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Romance, Queer, Cozy Fantasy, LGBT, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing sapphic cozy fantasy, full of adventure, perilous activities, some magic, emotions and character growth. Two souls searching for a place to belong, finding their way in the world and each other!!

Sage is a ranger, hopping from one adventure party to the next, never being able to lead one, until an opportunity to go to the Northlands, with winter approaching, present itself. She's finally a lead on a rather dangerous mission to retrieve a powerful artifact, assembling her own team, a team that now includes a bard she knows, a bard she desires.. Araphi loves music, but on the cusp of a marriage she doesn't want, one arranged by her wealthy family, she's ready to have one last adventure, an adventure led by a woman she can't stop thinking about.. An Agent, a Healer, a Fighter, a Spellcaster, a Bard and a Ranger go on an unforgettable journey filled with misfortunes, monsters, new friends, some undeniable chemistry, betrayal, battles and a home away from home..

Sage was always on the road, always looking for an adventure, never settling down and never letting anyone in, so seeing her open up more with Araphi, learning about her past and seeing her lower her walls little by little was a joy to witness.
Araphi had a life full of responsibilities and insurmountable pressure, but she came alive with her music. She was braver than she gave herself credit and her character growth was so special to see, how she became more confident and learned her worth. She had such a special gift and I loved the way she connected with people with it.

I loved their story, they wanted different things, but couldn't stop the connection.. The teasing, the banter, the chemistry, the wolves, the protectiveness, the hot spring, the tent, the ravens, the Swallow, the cabin, Arkney, the love, the battle, the freedom.. The Ranger and Her Bard, a love story in the making. They were perfect for each other, the understanding, the way they worked together, how good they were for each other and I truly enjoyed their journey.
The main complaint I have is that the lust was driving the story at times, I get why and certainly enjoyed their scenes together, but I always prefer emotional depth over lust, which is why my favourite scenes were the ones where we could really see their connection. That scene before the gates has my heart forever!!
I also wish we had more scenes of them in Arkney, I live for those kind of moments, just them living their life and we kind of skipped over it faster than I would've liked.

The crew, filled with such different character, each unique in their own way, some more lovable than others, but all of them chaotic and with a story, I just wish those stories were developed more. My favourite was Wren though, I hope we get more of her.
And, since I didn't read book one, I'm definitely missing some context around Margot and Yael, but that didn't really affect the story much, at least for me it didn't.

The story was character-driven, but it still had a very exciting plot. The world and the way it was so queer-normative was simply beautiful!!
The authors truly did a great job and they certainly gained a new fan!!

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House UK, Cornerstone for providing me with an ARC.*

[ava ⋆˙⟡]

|🤍| pre~read |🫐|

yayyy I got an arc! I can’t wait to start this 🤭 I loved the hyacinth labyrinth which is by the same author so I have really high hopes for this! also it’s sapphic so that means it’s gonna be amazing 🙂‍↕️

[Kristene · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Pacton, and Rebecca Podos for trusting me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Before anything else, I strongly recommend reading Homegrown Magic before picking up Homeward for a Spell. While this book may stand on its own, having the background of the first book made the character relationships, growth, and emotional moments far more meaningful.

If you enjoy adventure, mythical creatures, sapphic romance, character growth, and fantasy journeys with real stakes, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

For readers wondering about the romance, I would place the spice level around a 3 out of 5. The intimate scenes were well written, respectful, and fit naturally within the story. Nothing says romance quite like finding a little privacy in a tent after a long day of adventure.

One of my favorite aspects of both books is the worldbuilding. Gender identity and sexuality are simply accepted throughout the world. Characters use they/them pronouns, families come in many forms, and queer relationships are treated as completely normal. None of these things are sources of conflict. They are simply part of the world, and I loved that. It felt like a world I would want to live in.

The strongest element of Homeward for a Spell is the adventure itself. Much of the story takes place on horseback and on foot as the characters travel through dangerous terrain, face mythical beasts, and navigate genuine threats. There are battles, injuries, blood, dangerous weather, difficult travel, and moments where survival is not guaranteed.

The character development is equally strong. One protagonist begins the story accustomed to wealth, comfort, and formal social events, leading to one of my favorite moments when she initially misunderstands what an “adventure party” actually means. Watching Araphi grow throughout the journey was incredibly satisfying.

One of the themes that stayed with me long after finishing the book was the exploration of identity and names.

Araphi was easily my favorite character. At first glance, she is presented as a wealthy, feminine young woman accustomed to privilege and comfort. However, the deeper the story goes, the more it becomes clear that there is far more to her than the role others expect her to fill.

What I found especially meaningful was her journey toward defining herself on her own terms. Her growth is not centered on gender identity, but on discovering who she wants to be, how she wants to live, and what she wants to contribute to the world. Part of that journey includes choosing a different name for herself, which I found incredibly powerful. Names carry meaning, history, expectations, and identity. Watching a character intentionally choose a name that better reflects who she is becoming felt like a beautiful affirmation of selfhood and personal agency.

The romance was beautifully done. The tension, emotional connection, and growing trust between the characters felt natural and rewarding. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between the two leads. Araphi’s femininity paired wonderfully with a heroine who often felt like the perfect knight in shining armor. As someone who enjoys butch/femme dynamics in sapphic fiction, this relationship really worked for me.

Ironically, the coziest part of the book comes in the middle. After a particularly dangerous stretch of travel, the characters find refuge in a welcoming community during the winter. Lost in deep snow and carrying injuries from their journey, they are taken in by a compassionate witch and given a place to heal. The scenes spent resting, recovering, and growing closer together were some of my favorites in the entire novel. I wanted to stay there right alongside them. If there is a truly cozy section of this book, it is this wonderful winter retreat.

My only hesitation comes from the marketing, and this is the same feeling I had after reading Homegrown Magic. Personally, I would not classify either book as cozy fantasy.

This is admittedly a somewhat subjective criticism, but when I think of cozy fantasy, I do not typically think of fighting large mythical beasts, blood, drowning, serious injuries, sword and knife combat, difficult wilderness travel, and life threatening situations. While there are certainly cozy moments, much of this story is driven by adventure, danger, and external conflict.

Readers looking specifically for a traditional cozy fantasy experience may find themselves surprised. Personally, I would place this closer to fantasy adventure or even romantasy, given how important both the adventure and romance are to the story.

That said, once I adjusted my expectations and embraced it as a fantasy adventure with a strong romantic focus, I absolutely loved it.

Adventure. Fantasy. Sapphic love. Character growth. Identity.

Those are the words that come to mind when I think about Homeward for a Spell, and it earned every one of its five stars.

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to pick this one up because cozy fantasy adventures are usually right up my alley, and it was also my first time reading these authors. Sadly, I came away feeling a little underwhelmed.

The story follows Sage, a ranger, and Araphi, a secret heiress who would much rather be living life as a bard than embracing the future everyone expects from her. Together, they set off on a dangerous quest that sounded like exactly the kind of adventure I love on paper. Unfortunately, I never felt like the execution lived up to the premise.

My biggest issue was that the story seemed far more interested in moving the plot forward than developing its characters. The quest itself was fairly predictable, and although there were a few enjoyable moments, nothing ever felt particularly surprising or memorable. The pacing also leaned on the slower side, which unfortunately made it difficult for me to stay invested throughout the journey.

I also struggled with both character arcs. Sage spends most of the novel convincing herself that she has to be the strong, dependable leader who doesn't need anyone else. While she slowly lowers her guard around Araphi, her emotional journey never felt fully developed. At one point she admits she doesn't even know what she's looking for in life, yet by the end she's suddenly certain of what she wants. I just wish that realization had been explored more because it felt like it arrived a little too easily.

Araphi's story didn't surprise me much either. From fairly early on, it became obvious which path she was going to choose regarding her future, so her ending felt exactly like what I had been expecting all along. Neither arc really challenged my expectations, and because of that, the overall story ended up feeling a little too straightforward.

I was also hoping for much stronger found family vibes. Considering the size of the adventure party, I expected to become attached to the entire group, but that never really happened. Part of that is because Sage intentionally keeps everyone at arm's length with her "don't get attached" rule, but I still wanted to see those relationships grow more than they actually did. Ironically, Bramble ended up being the one character who truly made the group feel like a family. I honestly wish we'd gotten more of him because he completely stole every scene he was in. As for Remy... let's just say we weren't exactly on the same wavelength.

The romance was another mixed bag for me. It was undeniably sweet, but I never fully believed in the emotional side of Sage and Araphi's relationship. Their attraction is obvious from the beginning, yet they spend very little time actually opening up to one another until the final stretch of the book. Because of that, their love story felt like it was built more on physical attraction than emotional intimacy.

There were honestly moments where they reminded me of two teenagers with hormones running wild because they always seemed to be thinking about each other at the most inconvenient times. Eventually, it started making their chemistry feel a little forced instead of something that naturally grew over the course of the adventure.

At the end of the day, this had all the makings of a fantasy romance I would've absolutely adored. I just don't think the execution found the right balance between the adventure, the romance, and the character development. Still, if you're looking for something lighthearted with cozy fantasy vibes, a bit of action, and an easy romance, I can definitely see this working for you. Just don't go in expecting much more than what it sets out to be.

eARC received via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homeward for a Spell is a sapphic, D&D-inspired romance which attempts to be both cozy and adventurous but doesn't quite hit the mark on either. Enjoyers of Legends and Lattes and similar cozy fantasies will probably like this book. I found it a little insubstantial (as I do with most cozy novels, so I was hoping it leaned more towards the adventure side).

The romantic leads in this book are Sage, a ranger leading her first party, and Araphi, a rich heiress by day and tavern bard by night who wants one adventure before her arranged marriage. Both characters are enjoyable, with Sage being more stereotypically butch and Araphi being high femme. They met once before the book started and evidently had instant chemistry, so it doesn't take them long at all to get together in the book. It was an interesting decision not to show their initial meeting, though that might have been in the previous book. In general, there didn't feel like much buildup between the characters, they were just into each other from the jump. There are numerous smut scenes which were pretty well done.

Besides Sage and Araphi, there's a young fighter, a nonbinary healer and acolyte to a salmon god, a student wizard, and a mysterious agent. There are also members of Araphi's family and Sage's best friend. None of these characters end up mattering much; this is distinctly not a found family story. What these characters do well is set up the queernormative world. There are multiple characters who use they/them pronouns, as well as multiple side characters involved in queer and polyamorous relationships.

The world building in this book was really fun. I liked the setting quite a bit, and the attention paid to the magic system when it was there. It being a queernormative world with none of the traditional barriers to Sage and Araphi's love (not even the objection that Sage is a penniless adventurer) did keep things firmly on the side of cozy.

What I really disliked about this book (besides it being written in the present tense) was how easy everything felt. It wasn't just the main characters getting together that was frictionless, it was the whole adventure. Every difficulty they face is solved by literally the first thing they try or an incredibly lucky break. Without spoiling any major plot beats, they encounter a troll at one point and slay it with one arrow before it even notices them, no fuss. Problems are solved in paragraphs and sometimes just sentences, not chapters or even pages. Even when Sage and Araphi hurt each other emotionally, they instantly recognize no real harm was meant by it and forgive each other. The lack of real stakes undermined what the authors attempted with the adventure.

Sidebar: I didn't realize this was a sequel until writing this review. The book does stand on its own. Fans of the original likely aren't reading reviews for the sequel, but will be pleased to know that the romantic leads from the first book do feature as prominent side characters in this one. One is Araphi's cousin and the other is Sage's best friend.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early. I likely won't remember this book in a few months, but it wasn't an unpleasant read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️ 1/5

🖤 Thank you to Jamie Pacton, Rebecca Podos, Del Rey Publishing & NetGalley for the eARC!

This book felt like coming home… in the softest, most magical way.

Homeward for a Spell blends that signature cozy, emotional warmth with a full-on adventure, and it works so beautifully. It leans into themes of belonging, identity, and connection, while still giving us a story filled with danger, magic, and a journey that genuinely changes the characters along the way.
At its heart, this is a story about finding where—and who—you belong.

We follow Sage, a determined ranger finally stepping into a leadership role, and Araphi, a bard who just wants one last taste of freedom before her future is decided for her. Their paths collide in a way neither of them expects, and what unfolds is an adventure filled with tension, growth, and connection.

What I loved:
🧡 Character dynamics — messy, layered, and incredibly real
Cozy magic — subtle, whimsical, and woven into the world naturally
⚔️ Adventure + DnD vibes — found family, quests, chaos, and camaraderie
🍂 Atmosphere — warm, immersive, and easy to get lost in
💛 Emotional core — healing, belonging, and second chances

The romance between Sage and Araphi is a slow burn that truly earns its payoff. They want very different things, and that tension carries through every interaction. The banter is sharp, sometimes a little biting, but when the walls come down, it hits. It’s soft, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

Beyond the romance, the found family dynamic is such a standout. The adventuring crew feels distinct and alive, and their relationships add so much warmth and humor to the story. It genuinely feels like being part of a chaotic, lovable party on a quest—very DnD energy in the best way.

I also loved how queernormative the world is. Queer relationships and identities simply exist without question, which adds to the overall sense of comfort and belonging the book creates.

A small note:
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, plot-heavy fantasy, this might feel a bit slower. The story takes its time, focusing more on characters and emotional stakes than constant action. But if you’re in the mood for something immersive and character-driven, that pacing really works in its favor.

Overall:
This felt like a warm cup of tea and an adventure all at once—comforting, a little bittersweet, and quietly magical, but still full of life and movement.

🖤 What to Expect:
• Cozy sapphic fantasy
• Slow burn romance
• Found family / adventuring crew
• DnD-style quest vibes
• Queernormative world
• Themes of home, identity & belonging

If you love stories that feel like a hug with just enough adventure to keep things exciting, this one is absolutely worth picking up ✨

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homeward for a Spell is a cute, sweet, and generally nice fantasy romance; though, unfortunately, it just never got above ‘fine’ for me.

The story features Sage, a ranger who is suddenly put in charge of an adventuring party for a dangerous quests in the frozen northern lands, and Araphi, replacement heiress to the richest family in the lands who wants nothing more than to be a simple bard.

Overall, I found the romance between Sage and Araphi…fine? Nice? It was enough to keep me reading throughout the book; but, unfortunately for me and my tastes in romance books, it felt like the vast majority of the feelings shared between the characters was lust rather than love. Unlike the authors’ previous book which took place over the course of many months, the majority of the plot of this one happens over a few weeks; and even then, the two main leads don’t actually seem to talk to each other all that much. Instead, most of the romance is driven by mutual attraction, which is fine, but didn’t convince me particularly why they love each other rather than just want to bang, you know? While I generally liked them together, I really wish that there was more to it. While the book does just its runtime to try to convince the reader that its deeper than that, I just wish it spent more time showing that to me on the page. Thankfully, I did like each character individually; they were each compelling enough in their own right that it made me interested to see how the book would work out.

As for the overarching plot—similarly, it was good enough to keep the book moving forward, but unfortunately hampered by a few strange moments, especially at the book’s climax. There were a few moments that felt kind of trope-y for the sake of the trope (and, in particular, one that stood out was how whenever the characters did the do it often tended to be in a place where at least one other person comments about…knowing about it? Being around? Idk man, but that’s just not my jam in my fantasy romances), and the very end of the book that solves an overarching problem of the series was weirdly anti-climactic.

All in all…I don’t know. I didn’t hate this book; it was interesting enough to read on the plane or during the downtime of a vacation, and it was perfectly serviceable as a nice sapphic fantasy romance, but I just didn’t quite feel like the book did anything that’s going to stick with me. It was a good way to pass the time and an enjoyable enough book, but nothing about it particularly stood out to me. Ultimately, I’m giving it a 3.5 out of 5, rounded down. It’s fun enough, and I recommend it to readers seeking a cute sapphic romance.

Thank you to Del Rey for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[jayden abel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Possible Spoilers*

Homeward for a Spell will absolutely find its niche. The characters swashbuckle their way across lands, and find true love along the way. The book was more plot-driven than character-driven. As someone who prefers relationship building to world building, I found myself not really caring what happened to Sage and Araphi.

The story starts off with two unhappy misfits agreeing to retrieve treasure in return for a load of cash. Sage is an insecure adventurer set on making a name for herself. Araphi joins Sage’s party, mourning her impending loss of freedom. Instead of marrying for political gain, she secretly wants to play music. Over the course of weeks and then months, the two women gain foes and lose friends, but always find each other.

Sage reads like the knightly hero. She wants to prove herself. Running away from her problems just happens to be a bonus of living on the road. In meeting Araphi, she learns that it’s okay to love and be loved. That’s kind of her entire story arc. I’m not saying that the growth isn’t valid but it did feel like reading a sluggish European fairytale.

I liked Araphi’s family more than I liked her. Araphi’s mother is a retired musician who misses her art, but has accepted the role of a socialite. As a sort of defiance to her life, she teaches Araphi how to cast spells with music. Araphi gains an appetite for the arts; I’m shocked. Araphi’s aunt ends up being the final antagonist. Although selfish and after power, she sees the limit of being a rich man’s wife. She doesn’t want to end up like Araphi’s mother: complicit and powerless. So, she goes looking for a magic wielding relic. Araphi’s character doesn’t have the same complicated motive and backstory as her mother and aunt. She’s sort of just a young aristocrat who gets humbled by the world and falls for a poor traveler.

Araphi and Sage are cute together, if lacking self preservation skills. Where one goes, the other goes out of solidarity and bravery. There was a ridiculous amount of euphemisms used during the bedroom scenes. “...pearl” and “...the valley between her thighs” aren’t sexy allusions.

While definitely not for me, I think that this book will resonate with a lot of people. It’s an epic queer fairytale with likable supporting characters and a grandiose love story. Sage just lost my interest when she went to a brothel instead of a doctor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey and Random House Worlds for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Hamad Naif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey books for a chance to review this fun and cozy ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After Homegrown Magic showed just how well Pacton and Podos can balance humor with heart, this sequel builds on that foundation beautifully — and introduces two new leads you can’t help but root for.
Sage has built a solid reputation as a ranger, drifting between other people’s parties: skilled, reliable, and constantly underestimated. When she finally gets the chance to lead her own team, it comes with a major challenge — a journey into one of the kingdom’s harshest regions, with winter fast approaching. Meanwhile, Araphi has no interest in adventure whatsoever. All she wants is music, and one last chance to perform before her family’s expectations close in on her. Neither of them is prepared for how their paths; and their lives will collide.
The romance between Sage and Araphi is the kind of slow burn that truly earns its payoff. They want completely different futures, and being thrown together only sharpens that tension. Pacton and Podos take their time with it in the best way — the flirting is sharp, a little biting, and when the vulnerability finally breaks through, it really hits. By the time they stop circling each other, every moment feels deserved.
But Homeward for a Spell offers more than just its central relationship. The adventuring crew brings a found-family dynamic that’s both warm and genuinely funny. Everyone feels distinct, the banter carries a sense of shared history, and even the chaos of badly timed monster encounters somehow strengthens their bond. It’s the kind of world that feels good to return to — textured, playful, and thoughtfully built without ever slowing the story down.

What Pacton and Podos consistently get right is making comfort feel earned. This isn’t effortless cosiness; it’s carefully crafted. The stakes matter, the characters carry real emotional weight, and the happiness at the end feels like something hard-won.
Homeward for a Spell is a reminder that fantasy doesn’t have to be dark to be powerful. Sometimes, choosing warmth — and fully committing to it — is the boldest move a story can make. I can't wait to get the audio book!

[Emily Capri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou to NetGalley for the ARC!

Oh I absolutely LOVED Homeward for a Spell! We have Sage, a young adventurer keen to make a name for herself by leading her first adventure party to find a lost treasure. Then there's Araphi, a young bard looking to go on one last adventure before being tied down in a marriage she doesn't want but is being forced into because of powerful family politics. Sage assembles her chosen team of adventurers and what follows is a life-changing journey filled with crazy antics, dangerous creatures, new friendships, life lessons and growing romantic attraction.

I read this book in 24hrs, I couldn't put it down. It sucked me in right from the start and it didn't take me long to feel invested in the story and the characters. This book was like a queer Dungeons and Dragons sorta vibe and I absolutely loved every single second. I felt the world building was done beautifully and had me totally wrapped up and lost in it because of how well it was written. The world felt so vast and layered without being messy or difficult to understand.

The characters were so fantastically done! There was a lot of diversity and the authors spent time giving each character some depth and their own individual "moments". Sage and Araphi were so, so well written though. We gain such a huge amount of insight and understanding throughout the story as to who they are, their life experiences and their feelings and intentions. I teared up a couple of times because I could really just feel what they were feeling. The writing was so well done in this way.

One of my favourite parts of this book though was how queernormative it was. There were so many queer relationships of all different varieties. There were multiple non-binary characters. None of this was treated as anything special, just a normal part of life that no one so much as batted an eye at. As a queer, non-binary person myself, this just made my heart SO happy.

I loved this book so much and am so excited to recommend it to anyone and everyone who will listen! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I had no idea this was set in the same universe as another story, and I didn’t realize it until I was nearly halfway through the book when I saw that the other book existed. There were a few times throughout this book when I did feel like I was missing a little context (particularly around Margot), but nothing major, so you definitely don’t need to have read Homegrown Magic to read this one. I was also expecting this book to be more cozy than it was considering other reviews and the description, but I really didn’t find it to be cozy fantasy at all. Just flat out fantasy, which is fine for me, but not what I thought it was going to be.

Thankfully, I enjoyed both of the main characters; I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Araphi at first, but she very quickly grew on me. Meanwhile, I knew I was going to like Sage from the start. The tension between the two was perfect, and easily one of the best things about the book. I also enjoyed the rest of the adventuring party, though I did wish there were some more scenes with them so we could have gotten to know them a little better (like tell me more about this whole salmon god). I also wish we could have gotten more time in Arkney and gotten to know some of those people a little better as well.

I did mostly enjoy Homeward for a Spell, but the book wasn’t perfect. I thought the cabin thing was truly ridiculous and it had me repeatedly rolling my eyes. I also got really tired of them calling each other Ranger and Bard over and over again at a certain point. Also, some things also were a little too easy; almost a little deus ex machina. There were also points where the book just wasn’t keeping my attention very well for some reason, but I couldn't pinpoint why.

It wasn’t a bad book, though. As I said, I did mostly enjoy it, primarily because of Sage and Araphi. Probably somewhere around 3.75 stars for me, rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[ai lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Homeward for a Spell is a cozy fantasy with sapphic main characters. Sage is a ranger and professional adventurer with a bad habit of pushing people away. Araphi is an heir to a banking empire, secretly trying to have a bit of fun as a bard before her arranged marriage. The two are thrust back into each other's lives when Araphi auditions for an adventuring party that Sage is leading into the North. As their feelings for one another grow and begin to conflict with their mission, they must make a choice on what they want for their future.

This book is certainly cozy. While there is conflict, I felt pretty certain that no one was ever going to die or that things were going to end badly. Despite this, there were still enough twists and turns to keep me interested in the plot. That being said, the plot dragged a bit. Characters made decisions that felt out of character in order to set up more moments of pining or romantic encounters, and I found that a bit annoying. While I liked the premise, I felt that the world was thin and flat. I often struggle with DnD inspired fantasies, as they rely on the reader's prior knowledge of the game to get away with under explaining things. Homeward for a Spell makes an attempt at moving beyond this by explaining bard magic as working through pleasing listening magical entities, but it still felt too grounded in the DnD system to feel truly independent. Additionally, I felt that so much time was spent fleshing out Araphi and Sage that the side characters fell flat. I wasn't able to connect with the rest of the adventuring party, let alone the various other characters that were introduced along the way. While I wanted to enjoy this ARC, I couldn't quite settle into the world or characters, making it difficult to remain emotionally invested.

[Charlotte Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review (Net Galley)

I went into Homeward for a Spell completely unaware that it was connected to Homegrown Magic, so I didn’t realise I was stepping into a companion/sequel world. That definitely impacted my reading experience a little, as I think there are threads and emotional beats that would’ve landed stronger with the context of the first book behind me.

There’s a lot of promise within this series and I can absolutely see what it’s trying to do. The cosy fantasy adventuring vibe, the wintry quest setting, and the focus on found family and sapphic romance all have such a strong foundation. On paper, this should have been exactly my kind of read.

However, it just didn’t fully hit for me in the way I expected it to. I struggled to completely settle into the pacing and overall rhythm of the story, and I think part of that might be timing on my end—I had just come out of a more intense fantasy series, so the shift into a softer, more whimsical style of fantasy left me slightly disconnected at first.

I also found it took me a while to fully invest in the characters and their dynamic. While I appreciated what was being built between them, I never quite reached that emotional depth where I felt fully immersed in their journey. The adventure elements were fun and there were definitely moments of charm, but overall it stayed a little at arm’s length for me.

That said, I do think there’s real potential here. The world feels like it has more to give, and I’d be curious to see how the series develops, especially if read in order. I think for the right reader—particularly someone going in with the context of Homegrown Magic—this could be a really cosy, comforting fantasy experience.

For me personally, it was a solid middle-ground read: enjoyable in parts, but not one that fully captured me.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.75 Stars

Homeward for a Spell was exactly the kind of cozy fantasy I needed. It has been a long time since I read a fantasy novel that didn’t get so caught up in its worldbuilding and magical systems that it forgot about the people at its heart. While the world is charming, magical, and beautifully crafted, the real strength of this story lies in its relationships and emotional depth.

The story follows Sage and Araphi, two women who unexpectedly find themselves working together while both questioning the paths they thought they wanted in life. Their individual journeys of self-discovery felt authentic and relatable, and I loved watching them find comfort, understanding, and ultimately a sense of home in one another.

What stood out most to me was how effortlessly the book blended adventure, found family, romance, and personal growth. Even when the characters faced danger and uncertainty, the story never lost its warmth. There wasn’t a dull moment, every interaction felt meaningful, every development felt earned, and the pacing kept me invested from beginning to end.

For readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, slow-burn romance, found family, and adventures that focus just as much on the human experience as they do on magic, Homeward for a Spell is an easy recommendation. It’s a warm, heartfelt story that reminds us that sometimes the most important journeys are the ones that lead us back to ourselves, and to the people who make us feel at home.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[S.E. Bristow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of mixed opinions about this book. It was fun and cute and definitely a romance, though I hesitate to call it cozy—it was incredibly dark at times. It was very Bridgerton meets DND meets The Feywild job but with (dare I say) just a bit less charm.

We'll start with the things I liked:
- I LOVE a sapphic romance and a queer-normative world, and Araphi and Sage are just the cutest ever. Their romance is adorable and I love a bard x fighting type dynamic.
- It's a fun adventure story and the group itself is fun, if a little shallow. I especially loved Remy and would've liked to know a little more about him.

Things I didn't love:
- This book was probably about 100 pages longer than it needed to be. I found myself skipping through long stretches that were just mundane descriptions of them traveling and camping and traveling and camping again, it got dull.
- Perhaps this is a personal thing, but Phi and Sage's romance almost overshadowed the rest of the story to the point that it almost got irritating. Like why are you missing major dangers and plot developments because you're busy getting it on w/ your gf?
- The characterization of the group felt shallow, to the point that the major plot twist of the story was completely jarring (and not in a particularly enjoyable way) because we knew so little about the team's personalities and motivations beforehand.

This book had a lot of potential to be an enjoyable, cozy, romantic read, but for me personally it just dragged a bit too much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

[Lupin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the champions of sapphic cozy romance by far. The nerves of having a crush on each other, the natural flirting, and the undeniable passion/desire between the two fit the bill for anyone looking for a low stakes romance to sigh happily over. Sage and Araphi are like two magnets; you can see them pulling towards each other, and the moment they finally touch, you know they're never going to separate.

The mutual strong attraction to each other is what makes their interactions feel electric, because it's a constant game of watching one test the waters by flirting and seeing the other reciprocate further. They're (affectionately) a little cringey with how much they're like two rabbits and can't keep their hands off each other, but I think them being so freaked out for each other adds variety to the queer romance genre. There are so many spicy scenes between them. The euphemisms personally didn't take me out of the scene ("mound" or "pearl"), until it got rather vague when describing a climax ("letting go").

However, I did yearn for more side character development and screen time since there's an interesting cast in the party. I understood with how much time the leads take up that there wasn't going to be much, but it did make them feel flat in the latter half of the book. They felt less like side characters and began to feel more like vehicles for the romance.

Overall, I really liked the conclusion and seeing them develop. Their character arcs felt appropriately resolved and I really liked seeing them grow because of each other.

[đurđa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey publishing for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4,25 stars
Homeward For a Spell is a cozy, mid-to-low stakes fantasy drawing a lot of inspiration from the world of DnD. As someone who isn't very familiar with DnD, I really appreciated how some definitions were woven into the text in a way that felt natural.

We follow Sage, a ranger party leader with a bad case of avoidant attachment, an Araphi, a bard who is wrestling internally with what she actually wants and what her influential family wants her to be. Together with a ragtag party they set on a mission to retrieve a magical artifact for an anonymous patron.

I loved the character arcs both leads go through as the book progresses, Sage is someone who never works with the same people twice, she only ever feels comfortable if she is far away on the road, and by the end she is finally able to put to words what it is that she really is looking for; Araphi goes from being a sheltered rich girl with little practical knowledge and almost entirely resolved to her future unfulfilling life as the heir of her family to someone who knows that she can do the hard things, and be exactly who she wants to be. I really resonated personally with her struggles and was very glad to see her growth and how she overcame her impostor syndrome.

Their banter and the slow-ish burn of their romance was delicious. I'm a real sucker for serious and brooding x bubbly sunshine romances. The queernormative world was also very refreshing and heartwarming to read.

I only wish that we got to know the rest of the party a little bit better, especially Tea.

If you're looking for a cozy, comforting fantasy read that still has adventure and thrill, this will be perfect.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the invite to read this. This was a cozy and sweet sapphic romance. Sage is an adventurer trying to make a name for herself while always seeking new thrills/quest. Araphi just wants to be musician, but can't as she comes from a high class family who has arranged a political marriage for her. When Sage gets hired by Remy to lead a quest and find a missing artifact, she needs to build a team to help her. She finds a fighter, a healer, a spellcaster, and thinks her team is complete, when Araphi shows up. Sage and Araphi have a history of flirting that neither is sure how far to push. Araphi sees this as an opportunity to temporarily escape her family's plan and asks to get hired as a bard. As they go on their journey, we see Araphi and Sage get tested, flirt, prove their worth, fall in love, and decide what and who is important to them. This was an engaging and heartwarming story that had me constantly smiling while reading. I really liked Sage and Araphi and was constantly cheering them on and rooting for their HEA. They are both mavericks trying to find a place to call home where they can be themself. Their banter made their chemistry fun and tension packed leading to a fulfilling slow burn romance. I enjoyed seeing them let down their walls, reveal their past history/true self, and realize by loving each other they can grow and became stronger. If you like fantasy quest romances, this is the perfect read for you. :)

[The Lit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m giving this one a 2-star review and marking it as a DNF at 30%. ⭐⭐
​Sorry, but this one just wasn't doing it for me. Maybe it wasn't the right time to dive into this story, but I found the experience painfully slow, and I couldn't find the momentum to keep going.
​A thank you to NetGalley, the authors Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos, and the publisher for providing this ARC. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​Homeward for a Spell is marketed as a cozy fantasy romance with "many perils, plenty of taverns, and only one tent," which sounds like exactly my kind of read. Unfortunately, the execution didn't land for me this time. By the 30% mark, I realized I was struggling to stay engaged with the characters and the journey.
​The Good
​The concept of a "cozy fantasy" is always appealing, and the promise of classic tropes like the "only one tent" scenario is usually a winner. The cover art is also absolutely stunning and perfectly captures a whimsical, autumnal atmosphere that made me want to love the story.
​The Not So Good
​The pacing was the biggest hurdle for me—it felt painfully slow to the point where I found my mind wandering while reading. While "cozy" often implies a more relaxed pace, this felt like it lacked the necessary spark or hook to keep me invested in the characters' quest during the early stages

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

Thank you to the authors and Del Rey for the eARC in exchange for being on the street team! This comes out on August 18th.

Homeward for a Spell by Rebecca Podos and Jamie Pacton follows two members in a motley crew of adventurers, Sage and Araphi, as they confront monsters, hostile landscapes, and their growing attraction towards each other. It is set in the same world as Homegrown Magic but can be read as a standalone. (Though I highly recommend that book as well!) Sage is an experienced ranger who has been on countless adventures and Araphi comes from a wealthy family in which her love of music is treated as a passing fancy - not a career to pursue. Araphi, after accidentally auditioning for Sage’s adventuring party, decides to join as Sage’s bard despite her upbringing and familial expectations.

This a stellar sapphic romance with a fun and at times perilous adventure. Something that really impressed me was how Podos and Pacton managed to raise the stakes without taking away from the overall cozy atmosphere of the story. Sage and Araphi had great chemistry and their love story was truly a delight to read.

I love how queernormative the world is. For example, Araphi has two dads and a mom and this is treated as completely normal.

Araphi was a real stand-out character to me. I loved her journey to becoming a bard and rejecting the family members who mistreated her while keeping ties with the family members she loves, as complicated as those relationships may be.

I loved my time with Homeward and I’m crossing my fingers that there will be further books set in this world!

[ech0reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.

Homeward for a Spell is perfect for people who love DnD. The whole book feels like one big queer DnD campaign and it was so good.

I really liked how the world building was blended into the narrative, so it didn't feel like one big info dump of who the characters are and how they found themselves in their current situation. It made me warm up to them as I got to know them better and I found myself increasingly fond of Sage especially. I adore a rag-tag group of adventurers and it was so fun to read about the quest Sage and Araphi had been sent on with their companions, whilst hiding Araphi's identity, and slowly falling in love.

The stakes were relatively high in this but it felt incredibly cozy at the same time. Araphi was essentially running away from her duty and her contracted marriage, finding freedom in being just a bard for a little while, without all the other expectations put on her. Araphi's confidence grew the longer she was part of the group, especially around speaking up for herself and choosing how she wanted to live.

Ultimately, both Sage and Araphi's lives were being controlled by other factors and they broke free of them together.

I loved all the queer representation in this book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sometimes you have to do something bad to achieve something good."

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy!

We love a sapphic fantasy. I was delighted to get to be an ARC reader for this. It was a cute read, and ticked a lot of the boxes you want for a cozy (slightly spicy) read.

Sage and Phi are fun characters. They definitely took on the opposite roles that I had expected, but I think it was nice growth for both of them. And I really liked the dynamics of the adventuring party, even as it shifted and changed. None of them seemed to be a charicture, and we're nicely fleshed out.

I also liked that this wasn't just one problem to solve. Different issues kept rising that needed to be tackled.

There were a couple things that I felt were left unanswered. Maybe I missed it, but I don't understand the importance of Phi's lemon pendant. It's mentioned enough times that it seems like it should be explained. The acorn was, so why not the lemon? Also, I wanted some more world building explanation about family structure. I like that it's queer-normative, but we see several families that have multiple mothers or multiple fathers, or even like Phi, who has two fathers AND a mother.


Over all, it's a nice read!

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jamie Pacton, Rebecca Podos, and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am obsessed with Homeward for a Spell and this was easily a 5 star read for me. The setup of Sage, a ranger turned party leader, immediately hooked me, especially with the mix of questing, found family dynamics, and the promise of building an adventuring party from scratch. I loved how Remy, the Agent, added both tension and intrigue to the mission while still keeping the focus on the adventure itself.

The journey itself felt cozy but still had real stakes, from wolf attacks to supply losses to the larger mystery of the dragon relic they are searching for. By the end I was fully emotionally invested in Sage and Araphi and their relationship development, which felt well developed as they learned to trust one another with more than just their lives. The family magic and bard elements added such a unique emotional layer, especially with Araphi’s internal struggle over what she wants her future to look like. The ending left me smiling because it felt like a true adventuring happily ever after. I can’t recommend this immersive, character driven story enough!

[The Sapphic Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC ***

Right at the start, there are too many characters (Sage, Gaffa, Reece, Raisa, Jamile, Rosaria) who get introduced within the first 3 pages and I immediately struggled to remember who's who. By page 5, we've added Benyamin and Devyn to the list of names. Then it turns out, none of those characters - except Sage - actually matter. It would have been better to leave the old party members nameless and just describe them briefly instead.

My main issue is that Araphi and Sage call each other "Bard" and "Ranger" far too often. It's distracting and annoying. You generally don't say someone's name when you're the only two in a room unless it's to emphasize something, and an emphasis does not happen every single sentence. Nicknames are cute when used sparingly. I wish I was exaggerating, but they call each other by their nicknames at least every other sentence. It's painful, and the more I saw it, the more it irritated me. Maybe that's something that'll get edited out before release? PLEASE. I BEG THE EDITORS. CUT IT DOWN BY 90%. I don't know how the book made it this far without anyone editing those to a more reasonable amount.

Otherwise, the story is pretty smooth and moves along steadily. The romance is fun with all the flirting, and the side characters are pleasant enough. I wouldn't say any of it is particularly memorable, but if you're looking for a quick, easy romance read that's overall enjoyable, this will do the trick.

[CWilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Works, Inklore for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

In Homeward for a Spell, both FMCs find themselves unexpectedly working together while each is grappling with their next steps in life. Both Sage and Araphi are on paths that they thought was what they wanted, but are approaching a decision on whether the planned way forward still meets their needs. Each wrestling with their internal demons, they fall into their attraction for one another. Together, they find a resonance in each other that feels like home.

Despite sometimes dealing with danger and facing mortal peril, this story remained charming, whimsical, and warm. It also included a good amount of sex in the woods. Very unlike Sage and Araphi, I could not relate to having romps over the days/weeks with hygiene limited by living outside in a climate where unfrozen water is a premium, BUT, they didn't seem to mind and I don't judge.

The characters were beautifully grown, the world was quaint and full of magic, and I'd love to visit there again someday soon.

[Nicola Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a queer, romantic fantasy with very cosy vibes, as a group of adventurers go on a quest for a magical artifact.

Sage is hired as a ranger to lead a team on a mission to pursue a rare, magical artifact, in a notoriously dangerous part of the land - the Swallow. Sage is determined to complete the mission though! Phi is hired as the team's bard. She uses this as a way to briefly escape from her family and looming nuptials, and one last chance to play music for people.

This definitely delivered on being a cosy, romantic fantasy! I thought the story was so fun, I love a quest plotline, with different challenges across the way. The way Phi's magic worked was so interesting, and I thought her relationship with her family was nicely portrayed.

Unfortunately this book didnt land for me overall. I think the pacing was slightly off, especially the romance plotline. I couldn't get fully invested in the characters because of it, which was a shame as I really wanted to love this book! I definitely think this will appeal to other people though, and there's so many elements I enjoyed too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this ARC.

[Jayde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeward For a Spell is a charming, delightful romp of a book.

Pacton & Podos have done it again; they’ve crafted a wonderfully whimsical story brimming with found family vibes, sizzling chemistry and characters that almost leap off the page for how vibrant they are.

This reads very much like a D&D adventure with all of the action and excitement one would expect. It’s fast paced and addictive, with just enough stakes to keep you reading late into the night. The environment is rendered with enough detail to be compelling and I particularly enjoyed the characters and creatures our cast comes across on their journey.

I adored both Sage & Arapahi and once again, the character development was meticulously crafted. Watching Sage overcome her reticence and open up was just as rewarding as watching spoiled noble Araphi come into her own and start growing on her own terms beyond the reach of her overbearing family. The romance between them was a bit of a slow burn at first but it was more than worth the flames.

Thank you to NetGalley & Del Rey for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeward for a Spell by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos is a heartwarming cozy fantasy that blends adventure, found family, and slow-burn romance in a queernormative world. The story follows Sage, a determined ranger, and Araphi, a bard escaping their status quo, as they embark on a quest filled with magic, danger, and self-discovery. What makes this book special is its rich character dynamics—Sage and Araphi’s chemistry is electric, balancing humor, tension, and emotional depth as they navigate their differences and growing feelings.The world feels inclusive and natural, with queer relationships woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Fans of DnD-inspired adventures will love the group camaraderie and quest-driven plot, while the cozy, immersive writing makes it perfect for readers who enjoy warm, character-focused stories. The romance develops organically, adding sweetness without overshadowing the adventure.
A nice and slow read for cozy nights.

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and the publisher for the ARC.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This book felt like drinking a cup of tea in a cozy little magical town while fall leaves blow around outside. Perfect cozy fall read!

Homeward for a Spell is such a soft, comforting sapphic fantasy with witches, magic, complicated family dynamics, and a road-trip style journey that honestly just worked for me. The atmosphere was probably my favorite part of the whole book. It has that whimsical “found family + figuring yourself out + coming home to yourself” feeling that made me want to stay in this world longer.

I especially loved the queer rep and the relationship dynamics throughout the story. The magic felt warm and slightly chaotic in the best way, and the whole book had this nostalgic fairy-tale energy without feeling overly heavy or complicated.

If you love cozy sapphic fantasy, witchy vibes, magical journeys, found family, and books that feel like autumn in novel form… this one is absolutely worth picking up

[icantcomeimbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeward for a Spell was such a cozy and magical read. I went into this hoping for witchy small-town vibes and it honestly delivered exactly that.

The atmosphere was probably my favourite part of the whole book. Everything felt warm, comforting, and super immersive, and I loved the mix of magic, family dynamics, romance, and found family throughout the story. It had that perfect cozy fantasy feeling where you just want to stay in the world a little longer.

I also really loved the characters and how emotional their journeys felt. The relationships all felt genuine and heartfelt, and I got really attached to everyone by the end.

This was such an easy book to get lost in and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves cozy fantasy, witchy stories, magical towns, and comforting reads with heart.

Thank you so much to Jamie Pacton, Rebecca Podos, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.