Book Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

May 12, 2025

I am not going to lie to you, I had a hard time getting into this book, not for lack of it being a cute and cozy book, but just because I was hitting a bit of a slump. This book had so many good reviews online, and it felt like the perfect transition into warmer weather and I am so glad I pushed though and read this delightful tale.

We follow the story of a bit of a loner named Kiela and her enchanted spider plant, Caz. When we meet the duo, we see Kiela’s devotion and love of her job at the library in Alyssium - the big city. She is busy organizing books when Caz announces that he can hear commotion and smell smoke and that the revolution made it to the library. She had a hard time believing it, and an even harder time leaving the walls she loved to be surrounded by in order to save the books that she had already stored in a boat to flee in. Without having any idea where they’re headed, they use the tunnels to sneak out of the city to safety. Terrified and devastated, Kiela sets sail and decides to head to the island she was born on - a small farming village not terribly far away, but far enough that she, the books, and Caz can all be safe. Her family had kept a cottage on the edge of the island, and she hopes she is still bale to make it inside, even just for the night. The island is filled with characters, some of which remember her from when she was little and before her parents had passed, but none of which she really cares to become friends with. Will the sweet town break her out of her shell? Will she find home amongst the people she has spent so much time away from? Will she find herself in the process?

I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with magic and love and friendship and felt like being wrapped up in a warm blanket and drinking a cozy cup of tea. I would suggest this book to all cozy fantasy lovers.