Review: Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Breanne Randall has done it again! Her latest novel, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, delivers an enchanting blend of magic, heart, and sisterly bonds. While it doesn’t quite reach the spellbinding heights of her debut, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic, it’s still a delightful escape into a world of light and shadow.
The Setup: A Tale of Light and Shadow
At its core, this is a story about three sisters caught in a conflict between Lightcrafters and Shadowcrafters, a rivalry steeped in mystery and intrigue. Randall crafts a world brimming with whimsy, yet grounded in the emotional complexity of sibling relationships. Think bittersweet family secrets, magical dilemmas, and moments that tug at your heartstrings.
But not everything in this spellbinding story comes together perfectly. Some details—like the sisters’ mother’s disappearing act and the enigmatic spell she cast—felt rushed, leaving me hungry for more answers. What exactly did she do before vanishing? Why did she vanish? The sisters seemed to understand, but I was left scratching my head. That said, the world Randall builds is vivid enough to keep you turning pages, eager to uncover more.
The Characters: Complex, Charming, and Chaotic
Let’s pause for a moment and talk about Lucien. This Shadow Daddy is everything—brooding, mysterious, and just the right amount of morally gray to keep things interesting. And then there’s Grim, a scene-stealer with her sharp wit and unexpected depth. Randall’s talent for creating compelling, multi-faceted characters truly shines here.
However, while the cast dazzles, some of their stories wrap up a bit too conveniently. Lucien’s coven drama, for example, feels like it deserves a deeper dive. The stakes are high, but the resolutions often feel just a little too neat for a tale of such complexity.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re a fan of whimsical, heartfelt fantasy with a touch of darkness, this book is for you. It’s the kind of story that pairs perfectly with a cozy blanket and a steaming mug of your favorite tea. Randall’s prose brims with charm, and her exploration of sisterly love and self-discovery is both tender and resonant.
While it’s not without its flaws, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a testament to Randall’s ability to weave magic, emotion, and relatability into a story that stays with you long after the last page.
Reader’s Corner
Have you ever read a book that made you wish you could linger in its world just a little longer? That’s how I felt after finishing this one. Which whimsical fantasy books have swept you off your feet lately? Share your recommendations in the comments.
Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things will be out on March 4th, and you can pre-order your copy now on Bookshop.org.
