Audiobook Review: The Spellshop (Spellshop #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

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The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Narrator: Caitlin Davies
Series: Spellshop #1
Published by Macmillan Audio on July 9, 2024
Genres: Cozy Fantasy, Magic, Romantasy
Length: 12 hours and 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Source: Bought, Library
Purchase Links: Amazon, Libro, Kobo, Chirp, Audiobooks.com, B&N
Goodreads
three-half-stars

The Spellshop is a cottagecore cosy fantasy following a woman's unexpected journey through the low-stakes market of illegal spell-selling and the high-risk business of starting over . . .

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people, and as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she hasn’t had to.

She and her assistant, Caz, a sentient spider plant, have spent most of the last eleven years sequestered among the empire’s precious spellbooks, protecting the magic for the city’s elite. But a revolution is brewing and when the library goes up in flames, she and Caz steal whatever books they can and flee to the faraway island where she grew up. She’s hoping to lay low and figure out a way to survive before the revolution comes looking for her. To her dismay, in addition to a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor, she finds the town in disarray.

The empire with its magic spellbooks has slowly been draining power from the island, something that Kiela is indirectly responsible for, and now she’s determined to find a way to make things right. Opening up a spell shop comes with its own risks—the consequence of sharing magic with commoners is death. And as Kiela comes to make a place for herself among the quirky townspeople, she realizes that in order to make a life for herself, she must break down the walls she has kept so high.

Perfect for fans of Travis Baldree and TJ Klune, The Spellshop is a romantic and cosy fantasy.

I bought the hardcover on release day and pre-ordered the second novel. The covers are absolutely stunning! I eventually decided to switch to the audiobook, though, as listening is much easier for me these days than reading a physical copy.

The Spellshop is an enchanting debut that beautifully kicks off the Spellshop series with its sweet cozy romance and fantasy vibes.

The pacing is gentle—bordering on slow at the start—but it perfectly captures the heroine’s desire for a quiet life guarding the books she has sailed away with. Her return to her childhood island home feels like a ‘booklover’s dream,’ blending a magical library setting with cozy, cottagecore vibes. Despite the occasional drag in the plot, the atmosphere is so charming and immersive that it kept me hooked until the end.

As a librarian, Kiela’s deep love and protective nature toward her books shine throughout the story. You truly feel her drive to share the magical spells that the old government has kept hidden from the people. While her social aversion felt a bit intense at times, I found it quite relatable—as someone who isn’t much of a ‘people person’ and prefers quiet solitude over socializing, I could definitely understand her perspective.

Caz, the magically sentient spider plant, was absolutely fabulous! I loved him as a sidekick; he’s such an unusual companion who brought both humor and wisdom to the plot. The story is also packed with wonderful side characters, from the local villagers and the ‘hot bookshelf-building neighbor’ to the spirit animals and hidden magical creatures. Ultimately, it was Caz and Mep who truly carried the heart of the story.

Audio: This was my first experience with Caitlin Davies as a narrator, and I thoroughly enjoyed her rendition of this sweet cozy. Her performance is incredibly relaxed, capturing the essence of each character perfectly. Even when the story’s pacing slowed, Davies’ narration kept the cozy atmosphere flowing beautifully.

A heartwarming and cozy escape! While the pacing meant it wasn’t an instant hit for me, its magical atmosphere is undeniable. I’ll be back for the next installment and it’s well worth the listen for those that love Cozy Romantasy.

Rated: 3.5 Stars

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