I’ve never read a book by Allison Saft but I’ve heard such good things about this book that I just had to see what all the excitement was about. This book was an utter delight. Her writing is so good and addictive. She set the tone so well and this book had such a gothic feel to it. The author also does a great job of setting the pace. It was to the point and I didn’t feel like she wasted time on other plots that didn’t really impact the story. All the characters had such great depth and I was intrigued by every one.

A very fun read, I finished it it in two days! Saft's world building is immersive and you truly care about each of the characters.

Somehow this author has managed to get away with blatantly stealing plot lines and characters from existing stories. Take the anonymous gossipmonger of Bridgerton, the small-town seamstress for royalty from Dragon Slippers, throw in a discount April Ludgate, and you’ve got “A Fragile Enchantment.” To add to the issues, it’s extremely inconsistent and poorly paced. The aforementioned gossip columnist is introduced as a major plot point early on and then left unmentioned for almost half the book. Similarly, our main character Niamh seems to routinely forget that she does in fact have a family, and for such an accomplished dressmaker, seems to spend an astonishingly little amount of time actually working in the few weeks leading up to a royal wedding. She’s also dying slowly as a result of using her magical abilities, which is another plot line that’s frequently dropped. It was painfully easy to predict Lovelace’s true identity. I also found only one of the three romances depicted worth rooting for, and that one was pushed so far to the side that it barely even present.
While there was a plethora of queer representation, it was all done without real nuance. Similarly, the author’s attempt at telling stories about power dynamics and political oppression was half-baked at best. I don’t think a single detail about sewing or dressmaking made sense. This whole book was poorly researched, executed, written, and paced. It really felt like it was so bad I couldn’t look away.

A Fragile Enchantment is best described by the term romantasy, as it is equal parts fantasy and romance. This novel focuses on Niamh, a magically-gifted seamstress from a conquered country who is hired to create the wedding garb for the prince of Avaland, the country that conquered her own, and the princess of Castilia - a political marriage between royals, neither of whom is particularly interested in the other beyond the political alliance their marriage will bring. After arriving in Avaland to begin creating the appropriate garments - imbued with her own special form of magic, which enhances the appearance and appeal of the clothing - Niamh finds herself rejected by one man well above her station, while she is attracted to another, all while remembering the young woman she left behind in Machland, her home country, where such relationships are more accepted.

The relationships in this novel get a bit complicated, as everyone appears to attracted to at least one person considered to be unacceptable for at least one reason - station, gender, societal expectations, and so on. Niamh's attraction to her own gender is important to the plot in the beginning, but appears to be forgotten - or at least discarded - as the book progresses, without any explanation; it is simply discarded, which creates discontinuity in the plot and undermines her support by a different character, another issue that is never mentioned once it's passed, despite its importance in the early portion of the book. Despite these issues, this is an entertaining novel that I enjoyed reading. Recommended for high school and adult readers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an earc of this book.

A Fragile Enchantment is optimal cozy fantasy, with added romance and regency to spice it up. And obviously we can't forget the wonderfully delicious pining that seeps into every page. Reading this book felt like Niamph had woven her enchantments into the book itself to provide feelings of comfort and to make you long with the characters.
Speaking of characters, they all had so much depth and were intriguing to read about. The development of Kit and Niamph's relationship was done beautifully, and the slow burn of it really just made it feel more rewarding at the end.

All of the characters are flawed in ways that don't make you dislike them, but rather understand them. They're all human and therefor make mistakes that any human would.

I described this book on instagram as "Bridgerton if the people had magical powers and daddy issues".

Review publishes on January 17th, 2024

A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT is an emotional story of complicated paths to happiness, featuring a seamstress who falls in love with the prince whose wedding clothes she's designing. With much to prove and everything to lose, Niamh tries to hide her feelings in order to not make a volatile political situation even worse by upending the upcoming wedding. But, as they spend more and more time together, her feelings become impossible to hide, and his protectiveness is starting to include her wellbeing.

The worldbuilding is excellent, working with the characterization to set up a fantasy version of regency England (Avaland), complete with a magic-fueled but no less terrible history with fantasy Ireland (Machland), including calling out this fictional version of the potato blight and contributing policies as genocide. One of the core tensions in the book is that Kit's brother and current regent, Jack, is ignoring the frustrated calls for better treatment and redress of concerns from the Machlish. Niamh is a Machlishwoman, invited to Avaland for her magic and skills as a seamstress. She finds herself falling in love with Kit when she's supposed to be making the clothes for his wedding and the formal appearances leading up to the bit event. Rosa, his betrothed (from what I'm pretty sure is fantasy Catalan or perhaps Spain), is as personally uninterested in the wedding as Kit is, but they are both going through with the political union for the sake of others. This leads to a very fun narrative space where Niamh is trying to navigate her feelings for Kit, but isn't automatically breaking someone else's heart in pursuing her own happiness. The mysterious gossip columnist, on the other hand, keeps having something to say about it, driving the threats of scandal even if the parties directly involved don't see it that way.

I love Kit and Niamh's chemistry. I'm a sucker for most variants of grumpy/sunshine, and especially for brooding (masc) characters who get pulled out of their shell, and this one is excellent. As the story unfolds, Kit's initial combativeness and disdain makes much more sense. I laughed and laughed when I got to the part with the very first item Niamh made for Kit. It's such a fantastic bit of characterization and plot, just the idea of that coat as his first real introduction to her skill in a public-facing setting. They've both become used to putting aside their own wants and needs in order to sacrifice for others, but each of them has been going about it in different ways. Kit has been floundering and frustrated because none of his direct attempts make it through to his brother and he's oscillating between desperately trying and abandoning all hope. Niamh is using up her time and body by being reckless with her energy when she has a hereditary chronic illness which will eventually turn terminal. They've both been trading pieces of themselves to help other people, and their relationship is the first positive and selfish thing either of them has attempted in a long while.

I'm very pleased with the ending, it's even better than I could have hoped for and more than any of the characters dared to dream. I'm looking forward to what this author does next.

This book was lovely and delightfully queer! From main characters to side characters! I really liked the magic system as well as the politics, though I could have used a little more detail about the politics in general.

I think standalone fantasies are hard to do in terms of world building and plot/resolution but I was really satisfied by this book!

It did get a bit YA-dramatic in the third act but I loved the ending - there are a couple of times in the last act that you wonder how our characters are going to get their happy endings, but rest assured that they do!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was initially interested in this book for a few reasons: 1) the cover is beautiful (yes, I judged the book by its cover); 2) the plot sounded interesting; 3) it's fairy tale-like. I'm usually a fan of YA fantasy, but unfortunately, I couldn't really get into this one. It was a did not finish for me. Considering what I read though, I appreciate the details in the fantasy elements.

Just because this wasn't for me, doesn't mean that other readers will not enjoy it. Maybe I'll try to give it another read in the future.

(4.5 stars)
thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending this book for me to review. all opinions are my own!

this is a cozy, whimsical, and low stakes political fantasy stand-alone, with a grump x sunshine romance AND bisexual rep! (we love to see it) and i would definitely recommend to fans of Stephanie Garber and Margaret Rogerson

the romance is quite slowburn, and it's very character based! if you love Stephanie Garbers' writing in ouabh, and adore Evangeline Fox, the heroine in this book reminds me a lot of her.
our main girl can stitch memories and feelings into fabric, which is something i have never read before, and it added a lot to the story! the magic system is not very thoroughly described, especially our heros' but it's not complicated magic so it works out.

like i said above, this fantasy romance is VERY character based. it's more focused on the romance rather than the "fantasy" aspect of things. our hero is a very grumpy and awkward prince, and our heroine is a hopeless romantic trying to keep her family well and taken care of.. and their banter was perfect. this book was so so cozy, and the characters our heroine meets along the way are all very unique and intriguing. it's also very descriptive which leads to a very vivid read (which are the best kind)

this is my second book by this author and both of the books i've read have given such a cozy warm feeling <3

Bridgerton with magic. It drew me in, twirled me around in strong arms and ended with all the warm fuzzies I needed. A great romantasy story!

A sweeping fantasy full of magic and romance! I loved the world building, and can't wait to see more from this author! Will absolutely add to my list of recommendations.

This was a sweet story full of all kinds of love and romance, balanced by hardships, secrets, and a kingdom on the edge of ruin. I really liked Niamh with her magical seamstress gifts. I would love to be able to see one of her creations and feel the emotion she put into it. I liked that there were no real villains, just people who didn't always make the best choices. That is part of what made this a nice cozy fantasy love story. I got to see the characters learn to rely on each other and see love blossom with a sweet and happy ending.

This was a fun read and I am thankful NetGalley and the publisher gave me a chance to savor this story!

3.5 stars!

I really enjoyed this book. It felt enchanted, the writing was lyrical and beautiful, I loved the Irish names. The general premise is what hooked me and had me request the arc, because what a predicament to be in! Though I deducted stars because it felt very, very slow at times and I was often bored while reading. But still, it was interesting enough that it kept my attention.

Kit Carmine is our main attraction here. He is grumpy! But I thought the progression of his meanness/grumpiness toward Niamh turning into affection was done phenomenally. By halfway through the book, Niamh is only beginning to consider him somewhat of a friend. I thought the pacing with that was great. His lore was most interesting to me. they're only like, what, eighteen? And he had alcoholism issues? The conflict between him and Jack added a lot of tension to the story. The scene when they're in jack's study??? please my heart was racing. Also "You're incredible" like ??? HELLO

Niamh is a bobblehead if I'm honest. She's clumsy, she startles easily. She's like a deer in the headlights constantly... And while she's kind and nice and brings out the light in people as Sofia said, I really feel like the author hated her character to make her so bland. She works works works, which is great and I understood why, and she has a chronic illness (maybe?) which is turning her hair gray (or was that from all the enchantments?) but other than that, I don't know much about her and I've finished the whole book. Her character arc was learning to do things for herself and not others so it makes sense that for majority of the book she is not focused on herself. However, that makes for a boring main character especially when her POV is the only POV we get.

The wedding felt rushed, though I understood they already had all of the arrangements made, it would have been a waste otherwise. But one minute they're about to duel, then they're getting married... With how trudgingly long the first 60% of the book is, this particular part felt rushed. And then it slogged on for another four or five chapters afterwards before the epilogue.

The politics were basic of a fantasy novel. The conflict it added to everyone's relationships was intruiging. The magic was fun and whimsical. Kit being able to grow flowers in his wake or wilt them, or being able to summon vines just out of nowhere?? It was cool. Rosa's magic affected the weather which I liked. she was honestly a fun character too. A black wedding dress, she hates the sunlight, hates colors. Like this girl is just like me! I'm happy that the author decided NOT to make Rosa have a problem with Kit and Niamh because that would have been overkill. I think my favorite part was when Kit put on his wedding jacket and all of Niamh's enchantments and emotions and memories that she stitched into it hit him like a bus. The ability to watch those memories flood Kit was so special. It really felt so magical! And of course she falls again (because why the hell not?)

Overall, I did really enjoy this book but I would say that it can be quite slow. But it was a cozy read.

I really enjoyed this! It’s like Bridgerton but with magic and a ton of politics. Avaland is definitely a stand-in for England with Machland as Ireland. It reimagines the great Irish potato blight as magically caused by an evil Avalish king and shows the fallout years later for both countries. You’ve also got a lovely slow burn grumpy sunshine/class difference romance. Kit is honestly hard to like for a large portion of the book. But the more you learn about his past, the more you feel for him despite how much he lashes out at those around him. Niamh is self-sacrificing to a fault so her journey to be a little more selfish was also rewarding. The side characters are all great too with their own hidden agendas and tribulations.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced look at the book to review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for an eARC of A Fragile Enchantment!

Allison Saft creates a dreamy romantasy setting with Bridgerton vibes in A Fragile Enchantment. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and, with a dash of magic, I was pleasantly sated while reading this book. The characters are easy to fall in love with and the worldbuilding is done very seamlessly.

This book was the absolute perfect balance of whimsical storytelling, magic, forbidden romance, and enemies to lovers. I loved the Bridgerton vibes featured in this story so much, and the magic system was so unique and intriguing.

I loved the characters so much. Niamh and Kit’s story from start to finish was so captivating. It was so special to watch their relationship blossom. In addition, Sinclair, Rosa, and Miriam were such incredible side characters and truly added so much to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! This was my first Allison Saft book but it definitely won’t be my last! Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley, and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC!

I liked that this book had a new spin on magic. It was very subtle and not the major piece of making this fantasy and it played a minor role in the story, but it was so unique and interesting that it really made this book memorable.

The ability to weave emotions and feelings into clothing is something I find to be incredibly interesting! I love fashion and I think being able to evoke emotion on top of the incredible clothing itself is something I wish I could have in real life!

I loved Kit! I loved how he fought so hard to protect others and was ok with making himself seem like the bad guy. I loved his relationship with Niamh and how he truly saw and understood her and was able to push back and make her want to love herself more.

I didn’t really care for the side friendships all that much with Rosa and Miriam but I did enjoy Sinclair and his surprise role at the end!

Overall definitely enjoyed this book and the character development and would recommend.

Thank you for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. This is my first read by Allison Saft and I look forward to checking out more of her work. Niamh's ability to sew feelings into her garments is really interesting. It's very reminiscent of how a writer puts their thoughts and emotions into their story. I was really surprised to find out who Lady Lovelace was. I had two theories of who it could be, but they both proved to be wrong. Rosa reminded me a lot of Catherine of Aragon, though I wouldn't say the story is reminiscent of that time period. The story has elements of Bridgerton to it, with magic weaved into it.

“Determination burned up all of her fear, and all that remained, smoldering within her, was the need not only to prove herself—but to prove Kit wrong.”

Thank you so much to Allison Saft for including me on the Avlish Court, the street team for this beautiful book. From the chronically ill protagonist to the prickly withdrawn prince, I felt each character’s pain so deeply, especially their tendency to live for others/duty. The slow burn romance swept me away, and the mysterious identity of the columnist kept me guessing! I teared up quite a few times, with quotes like these:

“She had always believed life was what slipped through her fingers while she was idle. That life was something she wasted, not something she had.”

This story was very sweet! The story is set in a regency-style fantasy world where the main character can sew emotions into the clothes she designs and is swept into court intrigue when she agrees to make the prince's wedding clothes. The anonymous gossip columnist terrorizing the court, and later exposing the growing tension between the main character and the prince, reminded me of Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton if she was focused more on politics. I really enjoyed the tension between the characters and the political intrigue. The LGBTQ rep was also great and I was really enjoying the first half of the book. Most of the second half of the book's pacing felt odd, and it dragged until everything was quickly wrapped up at the very end of the story. It was a little anti-climactic and felt like the author was trying to do too much social commentary and lost the plot a bit at the end. But, overall, I enjoyed the story, and it was a quick and sweet read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.