Book Review: Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things
When I first caught wind of Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall, I was immediately intrigued by a world where magic comes at the cost of memory. As a book blogger who often revels in tales of enchantment and sisterly bonds, I was eager to dive into the life of Calliope and her sisters, hoping for a delightful mix of cozy vibes and magic. However, after experiencing this story through an advanced reader copy (thank you, NetGalley!), I found my heart a bit heavier than I expected.
At the core of this tale is Calliope, a young Lightcraft witch grappling with the long shadows of her mother’s disappearance. Alongside her sisters, Thalia and Eurydice, they run a quaint tea and bookstore in their hometown—an engaging setup that promises comfort and camaraderie. But it’s not all tea leaves and spells; their magic comes with a painful twist: every incantation they utter erases a fragment of their memories. This curious premise held such promise for rich emotional stakes but ultimately felt sidelined as the plot unfolded.
While the enemies-to-lovers trope has a cozy charm, the execution here felt disjointed. Calliope and Lucien’s relationship hinged more on contrived circumstances than genuine growth, making it hard for me to engage. Their dialogues fluctuated between awkward banter and heavy, formal magic-speak, resulting in a fractured reading experience. I often found myself questioning, “Who talks like this?” The characters—especially Calliope—were frustratingly two-dimensional. For someone characterized as stubborn and overly talkative, I wished for her depth to match her fervor.
Pacing was another issue that kept me from sinking into the narrative. Moments of intense action were rushed, glossing over crucial developments, while quieter beats dragged on interminably. This imbalance left me feeling whiplashed rather than invested. I would have liked to see the characters’ highs and lows more evenly paced to foster empathy for their struggles.
The romance developed into an odd affair, with intimate scenes feeling forced and devoid of meaningful lead-up. Instead of drawing me in, they often left me pondering their relevance. The catchphrase “Little Muse” also lost its charm when repeated to the point of irritation. As we navigated through heavy plot twists—one revolving around some aunts—I noted a frustrating abundance of convenient resolutions that detracted from the overall narrative cohesiveness.
Yet, amidst my gripes, I found a glimmer of hope towards the end—an attractive chemistry developed just when I had almost given up. This subtle shift hinted there could be a stronger story lurking beneath the surface, one I wish had come to life sooner. While I understand that more books are planned in this series, I’m afraid I won’t be following along.
For readers drawn to cozy fantasy with an intriguing premise, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things might strike a chord. However, if you crave fully realized characters and a fluid narrative, this one might be a miss. Alas, while I appreciate the journey into Breanne Randall’s vision, it ultimately didn’t resonate with my expectations. I hope others find joy in their own magical read, though!
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