Absolutely loved the setting, plot, and characters. Such a fun and whimsical read!! I can't wait for more releases in the future from the author!

Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Niamh isn’t just a superb seamstress– she can literally imbue the fabric she sews with emotions by draining her own energy. She’s the girl who sewed a dress so beautiful it netted a woman a duke for a husband. Now, offered a position to create the wedding wardrobe for an Avaland prince and his bride, she’s filled with hope at the possibility of escaping poverty in her native country and taking her family with her. But her arrival in the capital city of Sootham is nothing like what she expects. The city is wracked with political turmoil while the nobility indulges in decadence. The king is strangely hands-on with the most minor of affairs in the palace. And the Avaland prince, Kit, is an utter prick. But as Niamh and Kit gradually become friends, Niamh finds herself closer and closer to understanding why the kingdom of Avaland teeters on the precipice as her own health does the same.

This is a cute fantasy with a welcome portrayal of chronic illness and the lightest brush of anticolonialism. Because there are descriptions of beautiful clothing and an anonymous gossip columnist who plays an important role, it gives off some Bridgerton vibes. There’s some very lovely imagery at points.

But as much as I occasionally like a fluffy light fantasy, the setting and romance were insubstantial and I didn’t find either compelling. Suspension of disbelief is definitely necessary here. The world is based on a very slightly reskinned version of England and Ireland politics, I kept getting caught up by how there’s no way an entire country, much less an estate, could be run like this. The magic system doesn’t seem to have much of a foundation. The romance is mostly insta-love on Niamh’s part, but I’m a bit of an idiot and was briefly confused for a while that this was a het romance at all because Niamh alludes to liking girls when Sinclair discloses he doesn’t want to court women (‘“we are of a kind”, she said’ after remembering kisses with a pretty girl named Erin).

3.5 stars. Allison Saft crafts an enchanting fairytale that's atmospheric, whimsical and swoon worthy. A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT is giving Bridgerton, royal romance and well tailored aesthetics worthy of any YA romantasy lovers.

What a cute book! I enjoyed the story and I love the names the author used. They are so beautiful! The characters were adorable. I wish the writing had been a little more polished but other than that, I enjoyed the book.

Unfortunately, this just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I have tried several times since receiving this ARC to read it, and every time I find myself becoming bored and wandering within the first few chapters. I was hopeful it was a moodreading issue, and that trying again would work well for me as it normally does, but the premise just isn't living up to what I hoped it would be.

This book was another amazing romantic fantasy from Allison Saft. While I think A Far Wilder Magic remains my favorite of her books I've read so far, this one is still one of the best YA romances I have read. Saft is a master at yearning and longing and you could really feel that in the characters in these books. I also enjoy the themes of justice and belonging that she weaves into her books.

I went into this with kind of low expectations because I wasn’t that big of a fan of Alison’s last book, but A Fragile Enchantment blew me away. The writing was stunning, the plot was easy to follow along and not dull, and I loved this cast of characters! Niamh is such a caring gem, and Kit, the typical moody prince boy was fun to crack open.

I also loved the little side plot of figuring out who the mysterious columnist was and the was this unraveled reminded me a bit of the anonymous writer in Bridgerton.

Anyways, I just really enjoyed the writing style, I can’t say that enough. It was gorgeous and I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy!

This was a lovely story. It leans more romance than fantasy. I think a some of the magic and world building could have been a little more in depth. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the experience. The idea around Niamh's magic is really creative. Enchanting clothing she makes with feelings and other magical elements was really enjoyable to read through.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review. Though I’m for sure going to buy a copy for my personal library.

The story is original. I’m in love with the characters. The writing is to die for. I cannot say one negative thing about this book.

For every Cinderella or Princess Diaries fan with Magic. Truly an instant classic. You will not be disappointed by this fairytale romance.

A delightful fairy tale with the most sarcastic, biting yet lovable cast of characters. This was so fun!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

I am so sad I had to DNF this book halfway through. I loved the idea of the trope, the magic, and the romance. Unfortunately every time I sat down to read I ended up falling asleep after barely finishing one chapter. I think the story dragged a bit. I knew there was so much that still needed to happen according to some reviews and halfway there was barely a connection between the FMC and the MMC. I am truly sad I couldn’t finish. Maybe one day I’ll start again and see if I can connect more with the story.

My first by Allison Saft, and it will not be my last. I loved the magical realism touch and political intrigue. The communication between our love interests could've been better, but I see the point the author wants Kitt to come off as. The ending did seem a bit rushed, but overall, it was romantic.

3.5, maybe 4 stars read

I absolutely loved this book so much! What a perfect read to add to my collection of historical romantasys! Definitely a new favorite!!!

A Fragile Enchantment was an absolutely beautiful and magical book. It was so unique with its magic, the fmc is able to weave emotions into clothing and fabric and it was so cool and amazing. I loved that aspect so so much. The relationship between Niamh and Kit was so beautiful, I absolutely loved their bickering and flirting and romantic moments. Literally every main character in this was a fav of mine. Sinclair, Rosa, Niamh, Kit, and Miriam were all absolutely perfect.

This book was a romantasy that followed the regency time period and as an avid fan of Bridgerton this book was the perfect embodiment of all the drama, gossip and scandal. Even with its own scandal sheet. If Bridgerton was fantasy this book would be it. Not to mention the book used the fantasy world to discuss real life situations/issues such as underpaid workers/middle class and class divisions. While some may have not liked the ending I really enjoyed it. It ended the love story perfectly while still alluding to working towards a better future for all characters.

Every scene in this book was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. I would love a Novella about some of the other characters or even a second book.

Also this book had great LGBTQ+ representation! So many of the main and side characters were represented with this and I think the author did a good job executing it. Like I mentioned before I would love to read novellas of another book about the side characters in the future.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend to those who are looking for a magical and swooning romance and those who, like me, have grown to love historical romantasy.

Excited to read more by this author in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books and the author, Allison Saft, for an E-ARC of this book!

"A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft captivated me from the very first page, weaving a spellbinding tale of romance set against a backdrop of fantasy that left me utterly enchanted.

The fantasy elements in the story add a layer of intrigue and magic, elevating the narrative beyond a typical historical romance. Saft's world-building is meticulous, creating an enchanting and immersive setting.

What sets "A Fragile Enchantment" apart is its romance and the underlying themes of resilience and self-discovery that thread through the narrative. The characters grapple with challenges that extend beyond matters of the heart, adding depth and complexity to their journeys. Saft seamlessly weaves themes of love, duty, and the pursuit of one's true self, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

As a fan of the Bridgerton series, I appreciated the nod to the Regency romance genre while reveling in the fresh and imaginative twists that Saft brings to the table. The novel is a delightful blend of the familiar and the fantastical, creating a reading experience that is both comforting and exhilarating.

In "A Fragile Enchantment," Allison Saft has crafted a novel that lingers in the heart long after turning the final page. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of romantic fantasy, offering readers a captivating escape into a world where love knows no bounds and magic is a force to be reckoned with. This novel is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a romance and enchantment tale.

At some point, probably after I read A Dark And Drowning Tide, I need to decide this author's books just aren't for me. This book had the hints of an interesting world, and a great cast of characters, but was bogged down by a weak plot and a hevay focus on a romance I just wasn't invested in.

Niamh is Machlish, which I presume here is fantasy Irish, and there's an ongoing protest outside the castle walls for whatever it is the Royals are doing. I didn't feel the story really cared to go into much depth about that, and I ended up feeling disappointed that Niamh's family stayed as mentioned background characters throughout.

I guessed the mysterious Gossip Girl style column writer within 30 pages, and I can't feel smug about that because they were just so blindingly obvious. They even talked the same as the writer. I felt the ending scenes were quite frankly ridiculous, and this story overall strongly reminded me of The Selection.

iamh is a seamstress who can sew emotions in fabric. When she's asked to make all the clothes for an upcoming royal wedding in a nearby kingdom, she knows that this opportunity will allow her to take care of her family. The groom, Kit Carmine, is immediately unlikable. He's harsh and unkind, and Niamh can't stand him, but after time, the two grow closer despite the fact that Kit will be married soon.

I loved Allison Saft's previous book set in this same world, A Far Wilder Magic, and I had such high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, I had a hard time with this book. For starters Niamh is unbelievably whiny and spends most of the book in a perpetual state of "woe is me." Kit is equally unlikable, treating Niamh like trash for too much of the book to bear. So if I didn't like both of the mains, who's left? A minor character? Not really. In the end, I decided that this just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

this had more romance than fantasy which i enjoyed. the writings was good and it felt very fast paced!

"A Fragile Enchantment" proved to be a delightful and rejuvenating literary experience for me. Prior to engaging with this book, I found myself in a considerable reading slump, yearning for narratives that would captivate my attention. This particular work successfully lifted me from my slump, demonstrating the power of a well-crafted story, even if the plot is straightforward and predictable, which, in this instance, did not diminish its entertainment value.

While acknowledging the book's categorization as Young Adult, where intricate plots may not be a prerequisite, I couldn't help but desire a slightly more nuanced narrative. Nevertheless, the book adeptly navigates themes of hypocrisy, loyalty, family, and duty, enriching the characters' depth and rendering them more authentic.

The intentional portrayal of hypocrisy among the characters added a layer of realism that I particularly appreciated. Niamh's self-sacrifice for family duty, the king's destructive actions driven by his sense of duty, and Kit's deliberate defiance of his obligations all contributed to a thought-provoking exploration of conflicting values. The evolving dynamics between Kit and Niamh, where their feelings and commitments underwent a significant reversal, added an intriguing dimension to the storyline.

However, I must express two notable reservations. Firstly, the characterization of Kit and Niamh as enemies seems somewhat misplaced, as Kit's behavior, though brash, did not necessarily equate to animosity. Niamh's initial misinterpretation of Kit's personality and distrust as hatred added complexity to their relationship, but the label of 'enemies' might be a stretch.

Secondly, Sinclair's conclusion felt unsatisfying, as he appeared to lack a genuinely happy ending. His actions, especially divulging his friend's private matters to the public, challenged the notion of unwavering loyalty. This departure from the proclaimed 'loyalty to a fault' was a narrative choice that I found discordant with Sinclair's character and the overall theme of the story.

Moreover, while "A Fragile Enchantment" provided a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience, it left me with a sense that there is untapped potential within the narrative. The characters and their intricate dynamics hinted at deeper layers waiting to be explored. Given the foundation laid by the book, I find myself hopeful for the prospect of it evolving into a series in the near future. Expanding on the existing themes and delving further into the complexities of the characters' lives could contribute to a richer and more immersive literary journey. This potential for expansion leaves me eagerly anticipating the possibility of future installments that may delve into uncharted territories, enriching the world and its characters even more. In doing so, the story could reach new heights and offer readers a more comprehensive and gratifying experience.

Picture Bridgerton with magical powers in this romantasy from Allison Saft. Niamh, the clumsy and blunt main character, is a magical seamstress who can imbue her fabulous outfits with feelings and special effects. Want to come across as confident to all who behold you in the magic dress? Or make people think of happy childhood memories when they see you? She can make that happen. Niamh is hired to make outfits for a royal wedding, and becomes immediately entangled in some politics and personal drama within the royal family. Not to mention she finds herself drawn to a prickly and handsome prince, Kit, who just happens to be the groom.

I think that the magical element in this book is unique and fun. I love the idea of magic combining with dressmaking, to where each garment can be custom tailored for you in looks and mood. The royals have some magical powers too. I didn't understand why Niamh's powers were slowly draining the life out of her while that didn't seem to be a problem for other characters. I appreciated how Niamh was so honest and straight forward throughout the entire book. I found it much harder to get to know Kit and look past his hostile personality, even when we delve deeper into his past and get to know why he is the way he is, it was still a bit off-putting. It almost seemed like there was no slow buildup to their romance, he went from being completely rude to Niamh to into her almost instantly. Almost like how Niamh arrives in the kingdom as a commoner, from a place that is scorned by many nobles, and is immediately in the middle of all the royal family's private and heated conversations. My favorite characters were Sinclair and Rosa, who both had the most personality in the book.

I thought this was a fun and quick read. It was very "opposites attract" romance with a sweet overall feel. There is a bit of spice but it's very tame, definitely geared towards YA. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my opinions.

3.5 Stars rounded up