A review by Nalini Haynes
The SpellShop is a cosy fantasy story where low stakes provide escapist comfort for readers struggling with the trauma of the real world. Kiela’s parents moved to the city when Kiela was a child because they wanted opportunities and variety their island home could not provide. They died, leaving Kiela alone. She survived as a librarian, eventually living in the library and rarely speaking to a living soul. Then MAGA-types revolt, burn the city and – alas! – burn THE LIBRARY.
She escapes in a boat, thanks to sailing skills learnt as a child and honed as a librarian who, periodically, transported books to other islands. Unsure of where to go, she returns to her childhood home, which she still owns. It’s almost like the beginning of the book reflects our lives then, with Kiela, readers escape to the island. The story is, I feel, an “enemies to lovers” where the island itself is Kiela’s romantic opposite and the inhabitants are (mostly) good-vibes small town types.
Outsiders still pose a threat, particularly because Kiela does not know who to trust. It’s also illegal for most people to read the spell books she rescued and stealing books from the library is a capital offence. Kiela worries that officials may not recognise her genuine efforts to rescue books, interpreting salvage as theft.
And also she’s using the books to create elixirs that she sells in her spellshop so there’s that.
The wrap
The SpellShop is an utterly charming comfort read for anyone who wants a safe retreat into cosy fantasy. The islanders’ acceptance of others regardless of species and sexual orientation is delightful, providing a beautiful oasis in the current political climate. Highly recommended for fans of Legends and Lattes.
