I write in my books constantly, and I think everyone should. It is so fun to reread a book and see what you from X number of years ago thought reading the same passage. Why do you annotate?

What are your favorite spooky season reads? I need to add more to my collection. Bonus points if they are queer!!!

This books so perfectly balances all the things that make a cozy fantasy engaging but comforting. I'm really interested to hear what other people think makes it so good/what makes a good cozy fantasy. I read a ton of self-proclaimed cozy fantasies, but I'm still not sure what exactly makes The Spellshop so exemplary. My current hypothesis is as follows. The stakes aren't world ending, but they're significant. Both Kiela's personal concerns and the island's feel extremely important. The third act doesn't drag on, so there isn't enough time to really dread things going wrong. The romance is charming -- I love how Kiela is not starry eyed or insta loving, but something that makes sense and that you root for without being instantly gratified grows. The sense of community is also key. Knowing quickly that in this place, people look out for one another prevents unnecessary tension from growing. It is also very well-written, and the characters are all loveable. What does everyone else think?

This books so perfectly balances all the things that make a cozy fantasy engaging but comforting. I'm really interested to hear what other people think makes it so good/what makes a good cozy fantasy. I read a ton of self-proclaimed cozy fantasies, but I'm still not sure what exactly makes The Spellshop so exemplary. My current hypothesis is as follows. The stakes aren't world ending, but they're significant. Both Kiela's personal concerns and the island's feel extremely important. The third act doesn't drag on, so there isn't enough time to really dread things going wrong. The romance is charming -- I love how Kiela is not starry eyed or insta loving, but something that makes sense and that you root for without being instantly gratified grows. The sense of community is also key. Knowing quickly that in this place, people look out for one another prevents unnecessary tension from growing. It is also very well-written, and the characters are all loveable. What does everyone else think?

So far I am enjoying the world building, but the narrator of the audiobook isn't my favorite. I am going to keep listening and will switch to reading an ebook if the audio keeps bothering me.

So far I am enjoying the world building, but the narrator of the audiobook isn't my favorite. I am going to keep listening and will switch to reading an ebook if the audio keeps bothering me.