I am grateful to netgalley for letting me review this book - but unfortunately, it was not for me.
Any comparison to Bridgerton is supremely misguided, there is none of the charm, wit, and passion in A Fragile Enchantment that there is in the beloved series. To begin with the writing is very, very young YA, with short, simple sentences, and there is no subtlety or complexity to anyone's thoughts or actions. I liked the idea of the magic system but I would say that is just about the only thing I enjoyed. The setting is an AU of Britain and Ireland, with the same resentment that has existed historically between the two lands, and I wished that the author had made more of an effort with world building - either make it Britain and Ireland with magic, or do more than just change a few names but leave everything familiar.
The main characters are both incredibly dull - Niamh is so uninteresting that I would have been fine if she went back to her little village life and was never heard from again. Kit was boring and rude, and the relationship between them comes out of nowhere.
The problem might be that there is too many bits and pieces going on and none of them get developed enough - let's see, there is some LGBTQ+ thrown in, problems between the Avlish (British) and the Machlish (Irish), Lady Whistled- I mean, Lovelace and the Tattler, the blackmail plot, magic that affects the health of the heroine, class tensions, and a large, Bridgerton-esque cast that makes for too much covered in too shallow a manner.
This is an excellent first draft of a story - even if geared toward a very young YA audience, it should have gone through several rounds of editing in order to be a better story.

This was a cute enemies to lovers! Unique and quirky. I really enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for something with a fun magic system that’s a bit more light hearted!

"A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft is a captivating romantic fantasy of manners that transports readers to a beautifully crafted world filled with magic, intrigue, and love. Set against the backdrop of a Regency England-inspired setting, this novel weaves together elements of enchantment, political intrigue, and forbidden romance to create a story that is both immersive and enchanting.

The protagonist, Niamh Ó Conchobhair, is a talented dressmaker who possesses the rare ability to weave emotions and memories into fabric. Her magical gift, however, comes with a heavy price—her own life. Determined to secure a better future for her family, Niamh seizes the opportunity to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland. What follows is a tale of unexpected friendship and burgeoning romance with Kit Carmine, the groom of the royal wedding.

Saft's writing is exquisite, capturing the essence of a bygone era while infusing it with magical elements that create a unique and enchanting atmosphere. The chemistry between Niamh and Kit is palpable, and their evolving relationship is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The novel beautifully explores themes of societal class divide, political maneuvering, and the sacrifices individuals make for their loved ones.

As Niamh and Kit navigate the complexities of their feelings and the secrets that surround the royal family, readers are treated to a story filled with twists, turns, and moments of emotional resonance. The mysterious gossip columnist adds an element of suspense and intrigue, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.

"A Fragile Enchantment" is not only a romance, but also a tale of empowerment and resilience. Niamh's determination to create a better life for her family, even in the face of her own mortality, is inspiring and adds a layer of depth to her character. The world-building is rich and immersive, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Avaland.

Overall, "A Fragile Enchantment" is a beautifully written and enthralling novel that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. Allison Saft's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating tale, making it a delightful read for fans of historical fantasy and romantic fiction alike.

Thank you netgalley for an ARC of this book!

I really tried to get into this book because the synopsis made it seem right up my alley. Unfortunately it was really slow paced for me and I did not connect with the characters at all.
I think this book definitely could be for some people, but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is a really charming book! I loved the writing and the magic system, enjoyed the characters and the romance was really cute (and the side couple, that i wish i had more of them!). There was not much i really disliked about it (mostly just some actions of some characters at the end) but i feel like there was still something missing for me to truly feel attached to the story. Maybe i just didnt read it at the right moment.

Overall, it was a fun read that i would recommend to anyone who likes a cozy romantic fantasy. And i will definitely pick other books from the author! Really looking foward her next release.

It was a cozy and sweet romance. Kit and niamh have a slow but steady chemistry, and though I admit I expected rose the princess to be in love with someone the fact that it was her hand maiden was a sweet twist.
To me rose was the perfect romantic rival for this story you don’t meet many romantic rivals who do not care about the same man they’re competing about

Review: A Fragile Entanglement
Author: Allison Saft

Rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 3/5

This was a truly beautiful story. It was captivating, and lovely.
I would describe this as Bridgeton with magic. The only thing I struggle with was I felt like it was a little to long, and yet the ending wrapped up a little to quickly.
I loved Niamh and Kits romance, I thought it was emotional and engaging- but the stories that surrounded it lacked the same draw.

All things considered- I did enjoy this book and I thought it was truly beautiful in many ways.

A Fragile Enchantment is everything I never knew I needed but now can't live without. The romantic tension of Bridgerton meets whimsical, unique magic in this swoon-worthy story about a young woman who is desperate to save her family -- even at the cost of her own happiness. While I absolutely adored the romance and high-society setting in this, what really resonated with me was the deeper emotional themes of self-discovery and self-love in this book.

I'm 10000% convinced I will never ever ever dislike a book written by Allison Saft, and I can't wait to read her future work!

I loved the drama this book brought. I loved the almost fork in the road situation where it's either do what's in your brain or in your heart. I loved the ending though.

Allison Saft is an instant buy/read for me. While this book was very good, it was not one of my favorites from her.

To start, Saft is excellent at creating amazing and unique magical worlds. It almost makes me sad that her books are standalone because they’re so enticing I want to read about all the angles of the magic system and political strife. She also creates incredibly deep, unapologetic and flawed characters. While I felt the character Kit was much like this and true to his brooding, I was sad to feel that Niamh felt generic and cookie-cutter for a female lead in a fantasy.

In fact, the entire book felt simpler. Most of Saft’s books are complex and almost cinematic in the writing. Whereas this one, the writing felt much simpler and breezy. Not saying that’s a bad thing, just not what I typically expect from an Allison Saft book.

Overall, my main complaint is with the ending. After Saft built up all these gripping storylines, it felt like we breezed past the issues a little too easily to reach a conclusion. There were even some conflicts that didn’t even seem addressed at the end.
However, I still enjoyed my time and will be recommending it to others.

I really enjoyed A Far Wilder Magic, so I was looking forward to this one! My favorite part is definitely Niamh as the main character. I love how she's feminine and caring yet strong. Her magic is such an interesting ability, and it’s fun to read about. Princess Rosa is also a character that really intrigued me, and I like the way Saft characterized her. I also like the Ireland vs England inspired conflict/worldbuilding, though I wish Saft had put a little more of a fantasy spin on it.

Unfortunately, I just really don’t like Kit as a character or a love interest, which kept me from really enjoying the romance aspect. I usually like the stern characters that actually have a heart of gold, but I didn't really see Kit's heart of gold. He’s just so cold and rude that when he had rare glimpses of good, it just didn't make up for it for me. I felt like I was being told, "He's actually kind!" all the time without ever actually seeing it. I know so many people loved this book, but because I couldn't get behind the romance, it was just okay for me.

Netgalley gave me a digital copy of this book (thanks guys!) so here are my thoughts on it:

Wasn't really my jam tbh. Very romance-led, not as many fantasy elements as I had hoped for. That said, I didn't want to give this book a one star rating only due to it not matching my personal tastes and it did have some good aspects that I enjoyed.

What I liked:
The setting and magic system- pretty cool and interesting to read about. I wished there was actually more of the magic enveloped in the story and more/better explanation about the war with Machland. Plus, she had such a cool type of magic, threading literal feelings/memories into clothes, i was kind of hoping for some other unique types of magic but was kind of let down. A map would have been helpful too. The setting felt very Jane Austen to me which was cool but also felt inconsistent at times with the way they spoke. Like sometimes they sounded very posh and formal and others a bit too modern to match. I was worried this was gonna feel like a pride and prejudice redo kind of deal but it felt very different and fresh; I think the magic and political elements definitely helped.

Infanta Rosa- I think she was the only character I truly liked. She was funny but actually smart and I just like hearing her point of view through her dialogue.

What was eh:
the characters- maybe it was just me but I wasn't a huge fan of any of them. Like Niahm (I probably spelled it wrong I'm soooorry) was fine but made a lot of dumb choices. And Kit was just...I don't know, kind of boring. He was grumpy and moody at first and then gets totally mushy but it still felt boring. Too sudden, I think. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the super slow build romances that take like three books to develop but i just wasn't feeling it with this one. To be fair, I did dip out of this one early, it got a little too risque for my taste (heads up for others who aren't into reading that stuff either: there's at least one explicit scenes, im not sure if there's more or to what degree because I stopped reading but I read up to around 70% of the book before it got there) so that was also disappointing for me too. I guess I thought it would be safer in that route due to the setting and vibe I got from the description but oh well.

Anyways, overall I just didn't feel totally connected with the characters and found the romance between the two mcs to be bland.

This book is perfect if you like forbidden romance with a magical twist.
Niamh is a magical seamstress who is commissioned by the Prince Regent to make attire for the royal wedding. She attracts the attention of a notorious gossip columnist because of her chemistry with the groom, Kit. The columnist threatens to expose her, unless she can learn some secrets about the royal family. As Niamh learns more, she discovers the secrets go deeper than she thought.
I would absolutely recommend this book to other people and will be getting a copy for myself when it is released. I loved everything about this book. The characters had good dialogue and were not annoying. The plot was really good and I loved the fantasy aspect and how the author incorporated it into the story. There wasn't anything about this book I didn't like. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Gorgeously written, magically tender, this story now has a permanent spot in my heart. Allison Saft is an automatic buy author for me. Allison could write my eviction notice and I would frame it on my bedroom wall. A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT is the historical fantasy of my dreams. There is nothing I love more when two characters butt heads but everyone around them exchange looks between them because they know, they KNOW there is something going on there and yet the two are so busy bickering they don’t KNOW so yes, this, THIS IS PERFECTION IN ALL OF THE WAYS. Niamh is my sweet child and I saw myself in her in so many different ways that I had to pause a few times while reading just to reevaluate my life. The lessons she learned are ones I need to apply myself, ASAP lol. I will also never get over Allison’s description of light, like how? HOW ARE YOU SO GOOD AT PAINTING SUCH A GORGEOUS VIVID PICTURE AND MAKING DUST MOTES SOUND BEAUTIFUL?? The talent is unreal. Anyway. I love this book with my whole heart and cannot wait to have my own copy in my hands and on my bookshelf because please have you seen the cover??? I was smiling and giddy when I finished this story <3

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read an early copy!

A Fragile Enchantment follows Machlish seamstress Niamh, who can weave feelings and memory into fabric. She is hired by the Crown Prince Jack for his brother, Kit’s, upcoming wedding to the Infanta Rosa—an arranged match between Avaland and Castilia. The first meeting between Niamh and Kit is disastrous and his disdain for her is immediate—which, of course, leads her to retaliate in creating a sinister coat that may just, well… hate him. The two continue to snipe at each other but eventually fall into an unlikely mutual attraction that just may jeopardize everything.

I found myself really enjoying the story in the second half and loved the edition of a secret gossip columnist akin to Bridgerton. The world building felt neglected and I wish that part of the story was more fleshed out as it was definitely important. However, I still feel this was a solid read and I did love the relationship between Niamh and Kit. The supporting cast was also quite good!

Thank you Wednesday books for the opportunity to read early.

A Fragile Enchantment is a regency style historical romantic fantasy - a fascinating genre that was unexpected and delightful! Niamh, a magical dressmaker with a strong sense of duty to her family, is commissioned for the royal wedding. Part of the Macklish people, she is seen as less-than by the kingdom of Avaland. Kit, the groom, is clearly not looking forward to his politically arranged marriage, and makes Niamh's job extremely difficult. As she seeks to break through his rough exterior, they develop a friendship....and maybe more? But when an anonymous gossip columnist starts writing about their chemistry, Niamh is faced with a dilemma - following her heart or playing it safe.

What I liked: I enjoyed the world that the author built, it had a regency inspired feel, with a touch of magic. The politics, conflicts between classes, and LGBTQ themes all added to the complex love story. The supporting characters were developed and added a wonderful layer to the story. The pacing of the story was spot on - it never felt too slow or too rushed.

What I didn't like: This was a slow burn and I would have liked to see just a touch more romance. I felt like all that tension built but we didn't get enough out of it.

This is the second historical romance that I have read this year that I've very much enjoyed - I think I should probably give a chance to more of them!

If you like fantasy, historical romance, or regency themes - I think this is one you'd enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the chance to read this book!

4.5 stars

Christmas came early this year when I received the ARC for this magical Bridgerton spinoff in book form. I can't believe I let this sit on my shelf for as long as it did because it was such a delightful little treat.

Our story follows a talented tailor and Niamh O'Connor (I am pronouncing it as "nymph" and I will not take any judgement) who is on commission to create all of the clothes for the prince (Christopher, but he goes by Kit) and his bride (princess from neighboring kingdom) at the royal wedding. Niamh is no ordinary tailor though, and she can weave emotions and memories into the clothes she sews because she has divine blood. The problem is, she is from a country called Machland which was previously a colony of the prince's kingdom, Avaland. The book follows the forbidden romance between Kit and Niamh as well as the political unrest and discrimination because of the whole Machlish/Avlish situation. Oh, and it's also important to note that the royals have divine blood too and Kit, in particular, can control plants with his hands like a Marvel superhero.

The writing was absolutely phenomenal and I now feel the sudden urge to run the library and pick up every book Allison Saft has ever written. It was whimsical and inspiring and absolutely perfect for the regency-esque setting.

The world-building was extremely unique and original (I won't go into much detail because it could get a little confusing) and it was just complex enough to sustain the story. This was especially something that I loved in this book because romantasy usually cuts corners in this department (*cough* my 6th grade bookshelf) which was not the case at all. I loved all of the mythology and lore attached the magic systems and all of that.

And the ROMANCE. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but the romance was actually good. Now, maybe Kit had the upper hand here because of that absolutely wonderful name (you all know how I feel about the name Kit) but that doesn't matter. Did someone say duels, interrupted weddings, and tragic rainstorm scenes (a true Mr. Darcy moment)? Yes.

Even the platonic relationships were just so good. Throughout the book, we're introduced to more and more characters which added to the complexity of the story. Niamh befriends Kit's bestie Sinclair at the beginning and later Rosa (the princess that's supposed to marry Kit) and Mariane (I think that that's her name?) and the five of them become an iconic duo-trio- group. Rosa is tons of fun because she has lightning powers like Mare from Red Queen accept she's actually likable and has a normal blood color. Oh, and I also can't forget Kit's annoying brother Jack who has daddy issues and anger issues and lots of issues. There's a bunch of stuff that happens with him and politicky things but that's boring so let's move on.

I also forgot to mention that a huge plot point revolves around Lady Whistledown- I mean Lovelace. Lovelace is the anonymous scandal-sheet author who's an anti-monarchist (kind of?) and a Machlish sympathizer. They're lots of fun and we have a nice blackmail situation that stirs the pot a bit for our two mcs.

My really only complaints with A Fragile Enchantment were that it was pretty predictable and felt kind of instalovey at times (I'm unapologetically petty about this, sorry). I wish that more of the romance took place a little later in the book instead of having the climax of their relationship happen around the 50-60% mark.

Overall, this was such a delightful book and I can't wait to read more from Allison Saft. If you liked Divine Rivals, this is a must read. 4.5 stars.

**Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granted me this ARC in exchange for my honest review

This book was disappointing to me because it seemed to be very different than all the blurbs I read about it. It just wasn't my style.

Cozy readers rejoice! In her upcoming novel, A Fragile Enchantment, Allison Saft brings us a Regency-inspired romance that combines the dramatic flair of Bridgerton with a heaping dose of magic, a dash of intrigue, and a touch of spice.

Niamh Ó Connor is a seamstress with the ability to stitch memories and emotions into the garments she creates. But her magic comes with a cost – with every passing day, she is slowly succumbing to a mysterious illness that has plagued her family, and she knows eventually her time will run out. So when she is invited to design the wedding wardrobe for the prince of Avaland, a neighboring kingdom, she sees a way to keep her family afloat long after she is gone.

But when Niamh arrives in Avaland, she finds herself swept up in a world far more complicated than she had anticipated. Because despite the elegant garden parties and the appearance of luxury, Avaland is a kingdom on the brink of collapse. Tensions are high between the working and upper classes; the Prince Regent’s grip on the throne is tenuous at best; and the anonymous gossip columnist, Lovelace, is bent on revealing the corruption within the royal family.

So how does an unassuming seamstress get involved in the political intrigue of the court? By befriending the cantankerous, irritatingly handsome prince, Kit Carmine, and maybe, accidentally, falling in love with him…no matter that his marriage is around the corner, and his bride has commissioned Niamh to make her wedding dress as well. And when Lovelace gets wind of this blossoming, forbidden romance, Niamh finds herself backed into a corner – either support the cause of her own oppressed people and betray the man she loves, or turn her back on who she really is.

This is my first time reading one of Saft’s novels, and I absolutely adored every second of it.

Was it a little simple in some aspects? Yes. The primary conflict of the plot (i.e. civil unrest between the Machlish and the Avlish peoples) is obviously based on the treatment of Irish immigrants by the English. It’s a historical event that everyone is (or should be, anyway) familiar with, but rather than coming across as unoriginal, it really works for this novel. Because at the end of the day, A Fragile Enchantment is a romance, not a historical drama or political thriller. The familiar setting allows us to keep our attention on the characters, and not be distracted by what’s happening in the background.

While the world building might not be the most unique, Saft more than makes up for it with an intriguing magic system and a delightful cast of characters.
Beautiful, compassionate, and hardworking Niamh is a classically likable heroine; her naivety seems to put her at a disadvantage when surrounded by the vipers of the court, but she makes it clear that she does not need to prove anything to anyone. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if that means crossing paths with Kit’s brother, the Prince Regent. And though her illness threatens to keep her down, she is not weak, nor will she allow it to control her life.

Niam’s magical gift is one of my favorites. Thread magic is such a neat concept, and while it isn’t new by any means (see Sophie in The Unraveled Kingdom or Sandry in The Circle of Magic), to me it can never be overdone. I love taking an ability that is historically seen as “women’s work” and making it powerful. And Niam is powerful. She might not be able to conjure fire, or strike someone down with a wave of her hand, but her talent allows her to cut at the heart of a person. In my opinion, being able to influence feelings and thoughts with a dress would make a person far more dangerous than they might appear.

It’s through her magic that Niamh first makes an impression on the glowering groom-to-be. And what Regency romance would be complete without a brooding love interest? Kit Carmine is the perfect package: handsome, angsty, and determined to hate everyone and everything, despite being a cinnamon roll on the inside. The enemies to lovers trope is strong in this one, my friends, and I am here for it.

But just as Niamh must contend with her illness, Kit has demons of his own, and Saft’s portrayal of Kit’s struggles with mental health is both sensitive and raw. And this is what makes Saft’s world so believable: she seamlessly weaves representation of a variety of modern issues and marginalized communities into a tale that would otherwise be a bland retelling of the heterosexual love story we’ve all heard before.

So, to wrap this up, if you’re in the mood for a romance that’s all the way sweet and just a little bit spicy, then A Fragile Enchantment should be added to the top of your TBR. It’s a fun, easy read, and one to look forward to as the temperatures begin to cool and we dream of cozy nights filled with hot cocoa and fuzzy blankets.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my early release e-copy!

A Fragile Enchantment releases on January 30, 2024.

This book wound romance and magic and politics together in such a creative way, and I really did enjoy it. I feel like there could have been more backstory that would have made the magic system make more sense. That part of the story, while adding interest and drama, mostly left me with questions.

This book was labeled as YA, but does contain an open door scene, as well as language. I would not pass this book off to my teen for those reasons.