Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Title: The Spellshop

Date: 2024

Pages: 377

Genre: Fantasy

Sarah Beth Durst has written several fantasy books for all ages, and her newest release, The Spellshop, is a cozy retreat into a magical world of mythical creatures, spell books, and delightful baked goods. Kiela holds a prestigious position as a librarian in the Great Library of the city of Alyssium, taking care of the empire’s ancient and precious spell books. The empire has fallen prey to corruption, magic is outlawed, and rebels have attempted to take over the city. Amidst the chaos, the Great Library is set on fire, and Kiela manages to escape with several crates of spell books, along with her best friend Caz (a sentient spider plant!) in tow. Caz is the result of a spell gone awry, and the origins of his creation are shrouded in mystery. He’s a plucky, loyal, and loveable character, who can somehow see, hear, and speak despite not having eyes, ears, or a mouth.

Kiela and Caz make it to safety by sailing to a remote northern island, Caltrey–her birthplace and where her deceased parents’ cottage is located. The cottage has long since fallen into disrepair, the once-idyllic life on the island has disintegrated into a land of dying trees and crops, and wild magic storms pummel the land. Sorcerers were once common visitors to Caltrey, sent there as stewards to its citizens, flora, and fauna. But since magic is now illegal, sorcerers are forbidden, and the balance of magical forces has been thrown out of whack.

Kiela and Caz work to fix up the cottage, and they stash their spell books away under some blankets. Now that magic is forbidden, the books must be kept hidden at all costs. Nevertheless, the two friends work to perfect a spell to bring life back to the berry bushes, trees, and other plants near the cottage. When the spell proves to be a huge success, they devise a plan to help the island residents improve the health of their gardens and the various herds of magical animals they raise. With the berries harvested from their now prolific garden, they will open a jam shop from the cottage, but will also offer “remedies—” enchanted pinecones infused with the magic from their spells. The remedies will help the islanders heal their crops and bring prosperity back to their community. The people and creatures living on Caltrey welcome Kiela and Caz with open arms, and the jam/remedy shop begins flourishing. The plants and animals on the island benefit greatly from the remedies sold in the shop. Life on Caltrey seems almost utopian, until a visitor from Alyssium washes up ashore. Following this stranger’s arrival, the island’s newfound progress is threatened. It’s up to Kiela, Caz, and her new friends to protect what they’ve created from the risks posed by the empire.

The characters in this charming story are loveable, and the Durst’s world-building is vividly beautiful. This book is comforting, uplifting, and feels like a warm hug in book form.

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Emily Kosowicz

Concord Public Library