Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Book: A Fragile Enchantment
Author: Allison Saft
Number of pages: 370
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fiction
Attended Audience Age: Young adult
Medium Type (physical, digital, audio): physical
Book rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
Niamh O’ Conchobhair’s magic wielding ability to stitch emotions and memories in clothing has been sought after the royal kingdom of Avaland for the princes wedding. Upon her arrival, Niamh is introduced to the seemingly unkind but handsome prince, Kit Carmine and his brother John Carmine, heir to the throne. Disgruntled about his politically orchestrated wedding with the beautiful but powerful Infanta Rosa, and Niamh’s ability that makes him feel confusing emotions, Kit is difficult to cooperate with. More confusing are the political unrest in the kingdom of Avaland, spreading rumors from the anonymous Lovelace, and secrets John Carmine is willing to bury. Despite such differences and petty rumors, Kit and Niamh find themselves in need of each others company.
Qualities:
Prose: The novel is written in strikingly lyrical detail with a strong emphasis of old English tone and grammar.
Character Development: The novel follows Niamh's journey to Avaland and experiences with the kingdom and its occupants, specifically the protagonists and antagonists like Kit and John Carmine, Infanta Rosa, Gabriel Sinclair, Lovelace, and others. The novel mostly follows Niamh but introduces the other characters with a third person perspective.
World Building: The world building is vast but primarily centered around the kingdom of Avaland and the neighboring continent Machland, where Niamh is from. The novel introduces different places around the kingdom and their beauty.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a light fantasy romance with strong old English vibes and magic. This unique storyline somewhat mimics the novel and television show, Bridgerton. It also has similar vibrancy to the Powerless series. The characters are dynamic and have a deep story of their own, emphasizing their importance to the story and the authors vision for the novel. On another note, given how many different aspects were at play within the world and its characters, I think the novel would have benefited from being a series. Much of the other characters and the politics that have such a unique impression on Niamh and the book did not have enough coverage and this especially shows nearing the end of the novel.
Notable Quotes:
- “Infanta Rosa’s rented townhouse reminded Niamh of a cake: a narrow slice of white brick, iced with elegant pediments and garnished with fragrant wisteria” (p. 111).
- “I am afraid that I will fail, despite all the pains I have taken. I am afraid I will let everyone down. And deep down, I am afraid I am horribly, irredeemably selfish because I am so afraid that I will die without having let myself live at all” (p. 201).
- “Love is what makes life worth living. Love is what makes us act when we most need to. That’s what your legacy is. It’s how you love the people around you, not how much you’ve sacrificed for them” (p. 307).
Related Music:
- The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift
- Roses by The Chainsmokers
- Mystical Magical by Benson Boone
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