I’m always looking for a new fantasy author and books that can re-capture the magic I found when I first read Tolkien or Gaiman. I remember reading The Hobbit and Neverwhere and not being able to put the book down and reading until the wee hours.

I’ve read a series of fantasy books and while they were good, none of them dragged me into their world. Many of the books seem to place the primary focus on world building, mythology, and chronicles of the setting. One thing I appreciated about Tolkien and Gaiman was the art of introducing characters and the world that always made you wanting to learn more. There was a mystery about the characters and world that compelled you to read chapter after chapter. (BTW, this also is a sign of a good video game…)

There was a homey, warm, and welcoming atmosphere to the story,

I recently discovered that feeling again when I picked up “The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst, She introduces the characters gently and makes you want to learn more and more about them. She slowly tells you about the world, piece by piece. She also has a masterful way of introducing comedy without making the story silly.

It is a wonderful story about magic, finding your way back home, love, and family. Sarah Beth Durst has a style that is easy to read while she paints vibrant pictures in your mind of the settings, encounters, and the characters.

Perhaps one of the most original aspects of the world is how magic works and is controlled in The Spellshop – it felt genuine and novel. The story also doesn’t centre around a magic acolyte, but rather a dedicated librarian whose love of books sets Kiela on an epic adventure.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I devoured in two days. I have since ordered Sarah Beth Durst’s trilogy “The Queens of Renthia”

If you are looking for the warmth, humanity, and emotion you felt as you first read Tolkien and Gaiman, I would highly recommend you pick up a copy.

Just make sure you have a couple of days free. You will need it.