Book Review: A Fragile Enchantment by Alison Saft

About the Book:

Title: A Fragile Enchantment

Author: Allison Saft

Page Length: 384

Publication Date: Jan. 2, 2024

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Synopsis: Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland.

But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Transporting readers to a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance threaded with intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a love story for the ages.

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon

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My Review:

A Fragile Enchantment is a spellbinding story that takes place in a Regency England-inspired fantasy world where love, magic, court intrigue, and scandal intertwine. From the very first page, I was immersed in the story, which follows Niamh Ó Conchobhair, a magical dressmaker with a unique ability to infuse emotions and memories into her work, though this very gift is also the source of her impending doom.

When Niamh agrees to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the kingdom of Avaland, it propels her into a world she’s never known, and it gives her the opportunity to help her family. However, Avaland turns out to be far from the fairytale she imagined, with social unrest brewing, and a reluctant groom, Kit Carmine, who is being used as a political pawn. Niamh won my heart with her unwavering determination to secure a better future for her family and her unflappable drive. She’s a fantastic protagonist!

Niamh’s magical talent is fascinating, and I love the scenes where others experience her magic, especially the brooding Kit Carmine. Ugh, I adore him so much!! Kit appears prickly and abrasive at first, and it’s clear he’s unhappy with his situation. His reluctant journey to the altar reveals so much about his character, his honor, and his sense of duty. I couldn’t help but root for him throughout the story because underneath his curmudgeonly demeanor is a deep and complex and likable man who is very different than he professes to be. And his magical ability is amazing! It’s totally the one I’d want to have if I lived in this world.

Other characters are equally interesting and complex. Kit’s friend Sinclair is fabulous, and I love the friendship he develops with Niamh. Rosa, Kit’s intended, is a mystery that I wanted to solve, and her maid is delightful. I also was really intrigued by Jack, Kit’s brother, because he definitely acted like he had something to hide! Though they are secondary characters in the novel, they are all pivotal to the plot and add so much depth to the story with their varied pasts, goals, relationships, and responsibilities. I found myself as invested in their stories as I was with Niamh and Kit’s, and when Niamh is blackmailed because of her growing feelings for Kit, I definitely wondered if one of them, or someone close to one of them, was involved. It was an intriguing mystery, with a surprising revelation that kept me riveted.

Of course, for me, the heart of this story lies in the swoon-worthy romance between Kit and Niamh. They have my whole heart!! This pair has incredible chemistry, and I just adored their enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance. And the way they pine for each other as they slowly become closer and closer – Swoon!!!! The sparks between them are palpable, and their banter is brilliant. I love how their forbidden love blooms in the most delightful and unexpected ways.

The story also weaves layers of social and political tension that simmer just below the surface of the glittering court life, highlighting the effects of colonialism, the struggles for workers’ rights, and the quest for equality. The unrest among the working class and the growing disparities in society added even more dimension to the story, making it not just a romance but a powerful commentary on the challenges that real-world societies have faced throughout history. I’m always so impressed with the author’s ability to infuse depth and substance into her work, creating a story that is not only captivating but also thought-provoking and relevant.

Like all of my reviews of Saft’s books, I could go on and on. There’s so much I want to say about the characters, plot, and storytelling. I just love the author’s immersive writing style. In A Fragile Enchantment, Saft has masterfully crafted a love story that is both tender and profound, characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, a magical world so enchanting it’s impossible to forget, and messages that resonate in fantasy and reality.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The romance

• The characters

• The magic

• EVERYTHING!

Tropes:

• enemies to lovers
• grumpy – sunshine
• slow burn romance
• court intrigue