Pretty sure Allison Saft wove enchantments into this book because I am obsessed. Truly, I've loved her books, but she outdid herself with this one.

If your favorite Bridgerton couple is Kate and Anthony, this is the book for you.

From the first page, I was invested in Niamh's desperation to impress the Avlish royal family, so she could save her mother and grandmother from poverty back in Machland. And wow, Saft wasted no time setting up the conflict with that goal from the first second we met Kit. Rude, aloof, and undeniably hiding more beneath his thorny exterior, I was right there with Niamh needing to learn all his secrets.

As with all her characters thus far, Saft excels at writing their "emotional baggage" in a way that gives them incredible depth (even the side characters), so you can't help but feel their pain as you get to know them. Even our "sunshine" Niamh is carrying some dark (and truly heartbreaking) clouds below the surface, which brings me to my next point.

I loved how she wove the limitations/costs of Niamh's magic into a chronic illness/disability rep (read to me like Niamh has RA). It was seamless (haha, see what I did there?) in how it logically fit within the world instead of feeling like she inserted it solely for the sake of adding diversity. There's also a very diverse LGBTQIA cast (I think most of the characters fit under that umbrella, including Niamh and Kit).

The world she created was very interesting too, with its chief tension point based on the Irish-English conflicts in the 19th and early 20th century (to include the uprisings, potato famine/immigration waves, and fight for home rule). Again, that she includes themes to give her books more of a historical fantasy feel isn't new, but I love how well she does it.

My only complaints? I want more! Like her other books, I feel like there are enough not-fully-wrapped-up ends that could easily lead into a sequel, which I, of course, would devour. Even if it's something short along the lines of what Margaret Rogerson did with Mysteries of Thorn Manor, I would inhale it.

The second thing–I was dying for Kit's POV. She gave us POVs for both Margaret and Wes in A Far Wilder Magic, so we got to cackle along once they entered the "idiots to lovers" phase, and my goodness I wanted to be in Kit's head when he started to realize how unhinged he was for Niamh.

All in all, one of my favorite books I've read this year, which will absolutely be on my shelf when it's out in January. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for making me literally do a happy dance with the advance copy!

I read Saft's debut back in 2020 and didn't like it. This one is an improvement, but I still think it's boring.

It's just nineteenth century fantasy Britain and Ireland. Besides changing British/Britain to Avlish/Avaland and Irish/Ireland to Machlish/Machland, everything was the same regarding history and socioeconomics (i.e. the Avlish colonizing the Machlish, Avlish people calling Machlish people "lazy", renaming the Great Famine as the Blight, etc.) There's nothing clever, no twists, nor any elements that made Saft's made-up ethnicities distinct from their real-life counterparts apart from people having magic. I probably would have been more behind this book if they were British/Irish but kept the magic system. It still would have worked.

As for the primary aspect, the romance, I didn't care. I found both Niamh (Who I kept calling Nimh like Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH) and Kit (The worst nickname for a Christopher, in my opinion) equally bland and stale. There were so many moments in the beginning where Niamh forced herself to stand beside Kit despite how uncomfortable it was. I just don't get it. If I was Niamh, I would've walked away so fast. I also don't really like hate-to-lovers romances, either, so there's that.

All in all, this wasn't for me. From the look of the other reviews, this book has its audience; I'm just not one of them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars. Easy read with season two Bridgerton vibes that was hard to put down.

Allison Saft has absolutely done it again!!! I loved her first two books, and this one is no different.
First of all, her characters. There are a few main ones to know, mostly Niamh, a magical seamstress in charge of the wedding garb for the wedding of Kit, the usually-reserved prince. I loved them both and the friends they made, and both seemed to tower off the page. I really got a sense of everyone's motivations and what made them tick to the point where I felt the blows that were aimed at them.
In terms of relationships, there are a couple major friendships and romantic relationships. I absolutely adored Kit and Niamh, and they were so sweet that I was swooning whenever one of them spoke to the other. With the others, I really got a chance to look inside each friendship or romance and see what was keeping them apart yet drawing them together. Some of the background relationships got less attention, but everyone still seemed to get their moment in the spotlight.
With plot and world-building, this is mainly inspired by British history a bit and historical romances from what I can tell, which brought both fun and some plotlines related to politics. It had hints of those period drama elements we all love and scandal, but also brought forth conversations about rebellion, the ignorance of royalty in the face of the plight of others, and more. I really loved the balance here, and the politics were pretty easy to follow in their sensibility, which was nice since I was in romance mode for most of the reading process.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the genre more than A Far Wilder Magic, so this might be my favorite Saft book now? Either way, this is such a great book for fans of media like Bridgerton or other period romances, and general YA romance and historical romance fans won't be disappointed. Give me the next Allison Saft book ASAP!!!

A magical dressmaker is invited to create wedding wardrobe for a thorny prince but when her tender touch melts his hostile demeanor, the secrets they both hide threaten to upend their lives.

Written in lyrical and expressive prose that never falters, Allison Saft's newest YA is another heartfelt and romantic story that focuses on the power of kindness, vulnerability and the courage it takes to truly open your heart to someone

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters were so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

Omg. 4.5 enchanted stars.

Between illustrious writing, a moody love interest, and fairy tale vibes, this had me kicking my feet and giggling. And in awe at the writing style!

Not only did I love the writing but I LOVED THE CHARACTERS. Kit, our prince (yet not princely) love interest; Rosa, the stoic princess of Castilia (I LITERALLY LOVE HER), Sinclair my love. Niamh also made for a wonderful protagonist, and I loved her role as a tailor. In this world, some people have the power to use enchantments--Niamh's power is to be able to infuse her clothing creations with emotions! It's rad.

I did have a few small issues which is the reason I knocked off .5 star... mostly because I felt like there was something about Niamh that wasn't resolved by the end. I also enjoyed the first half much more than the second half, but I don't know if that's the fault of me orrrr idk!

I really wanted to love this more than I did. A fantasy version of Bridgerton? What is there not to like? However, it was a bit too heavy on the court politics for my taste. I wanted more of a focus on the romance. I also never started liking Kit. He was an arrogant jerk and never really got better. It just seemed to drag for me. I found myself wanting to skim and hurry to finish. The whole weaving spells into the wardrobe was an interesting aspect, but I found myself not really caring about all the little tiny details of fabrics and all that. I related to Kit in that aspect. I'm sure if you like fantasy that is pretty heavy on the politics and scheming and drama, you'd probably like this. But it just wasn't my style.

This is the Cinderella retelling you've been waiting for!!!!!!! I would give more stars if I could. This book has all the feels, all the character arcs and growth, and a beautifully and expertly crafted plot!

You will literally swoon over the male main character, Kit. Niamh is a relatable, fearless, and refreshing female main character. And that KISS. Y'all, I loved the spice in this book. It was as sweet and sincere as the MCs, and it was everything!

The plot was complex, believable, had me guessing, and was SO WORTH THE PAYOFF! This book hit ALL the plot pacing points beautifully. The dialogue was believable and BRILLIANT. I really really cannot say enough good things about this book! Anxiously awaiting it's release so I can add it to my bookshelf!

I LOVED the respectful and believable LBGTQ+ representation! I don't want to spoil the plot points there, but I have a feeling you will love this representation as well. 💕

Content Warning: so. much. TENSION. Nine instances of strong language. Mostly closed door spice.

I would definitely let my oldest child read this book once she turns 14 year old and would HIGHLY recommend this book to all my friends!!!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and insights expressed in this review are my own.

Be still my aching heart!

A Fragile Enchantment is so wonderfully curated to the YA audience; however, it would easily suite anyone's romance palette. There are elements of the printed correspondence in Bridgerton with Lady Whistledown, whimsical magic, enemies-to-lovers, overcoming forbidden love, and so so SO much more.

I was blown away with the writing style of this book. If any of Saft's other stories are anything like this, she very well may become one of my favorite authors. The story, the characters, the tension... everything was so enticing, I read this in one go and I mean that entirely. I could not put this book down.

If I could give it more stars. I would. Highly recommend for all the feels--from elation all the way down to wistfulness.

I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Allison Saft for the opportunity to read this treasure!

I truly wish I could rate this book higher, but I just could not connect with Kit, the main male protagonist. I found him to be obnoxious and not sympathetic, though I think that was the author’s intent. The premise was really interesting and I loved Niamh’s talent of weaving enchantments into her designs. The history and world building was interesting, but about halfway through, I just couldn’t abide the romance plot. It felt very unromantic and forced. I found myself skimming to get to the end. I seem to be in the minority, though so if you like fantasy, romance, and a bit of political history this one could fit the bill. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s whimsy. It’s romantic. It’s just enchanting! I can’t wait for the world to meet Niamh and Kit.

Allison Saft threads such a beautiful story in this grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, forbidden love fairytale.

A Fragile Enchantment follows Niamh, a magical dressmaker commissioned for the royal wedding, and Kit the reluctant political princely pawn of a groom. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry…scandalous!

Thank you to Allison Saft, St.Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy. A Fragile Enchantment comes out January 30th. Add this to the preorder list!

P.S. For the Swifties, it feels like I Can See You meets Ivy.

I really wanted to love A Fragile Enchantment because it’s honestly a really beautifully written story, but I do feel like in order to wrap up the ending, there was a lot of unanswered questions sacrificed. I am not sure if there’s going to be a sequel of some sort and that is why the ending was so open, but I do hope that is the case, I feel like after the set up of the first book, a second book could be a stronger story and I would look forward to reading that. Overall, I really did enjoy reading this story, I just wish there was a little more.

3.5 stars

TW: mention of self harm, homophobia, addiction

I have conflicted feeling about this. Although I did enjoy the book, this fell flat for me. The romance was great, and I don’t fault that. The fantastical world building was part of this book that frustrated me. The magic systems from both main characters were interesting but for a long while, it seems like the reader has to wait to get an explanation of anything from how it works. The soft magic systems for me didn’t really work especially from the hero’s side of the story. Also there is something that just pulled me immediately out the story that made me question the world building of this story ( spoiler: There was some random Spanish thrown in there that just threw me off questioning if there was any people or nations that spoke Spanish besides the hero’s arranged marriage fiancé and her servant.)

The royal politics were fascinating to learn about, but after awhile, the story dragged on for a little too long. The ending felt that too cookie cutter for my liking leaving too many things open ended. This sucks that book ended up that being for me but I do hope that someone else will enjoy.

A Fragile Enchantment consumed me from the start. It has such lovely nuanced writing; beautiful without being overly lyrical. I absolutely loved the regency fantasy genre this sits in. I need more or those in my life.

We follow Niamh, a Machlish seamstress with the magic to weave enchantments into her designs. She received a letter, before the start of the narrative, from the Prince Regent of Avaland inviting her to be the designer for the royal wedding between his younger brother Kit and Infanta Rosa, the princess of Castilia. As a lowly Machlish laborer Niamh jumps at the opportunity to provide for her family with the added benefit that when her designs are seen she’ll get more work.

There is political unrest brewing in Avaland and Niamh must contend with her need to support her family and the connection that is blooming between herself and Kit.

There is a gossip columnist, Lovelace, that very much evokes Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton but the author put some additional detail into the gossip column’s content that sets Lovelace apart.

Kit was prickly and heavily flawed but you could sense the unrest he was feeling inside himself. He was pretty rude and never really changed his abrasive attitude but he was pleasant enough by the end that I could accept the HEA.

I find it comforting when a main character has a job I fully understand. I can sew and I loved the adoration with which Niamh spoke of her craft. She puts little pieces of herself into her work and they evoke the feelings she weaves into the patterns. I wasn’t confused by any terms used and that was a pleasant experience.

I sincerely hope that there will be a pronunciation guide in the final form of this book. We get a lot of names thrown at us in the beginning exposition so I think it would help.

I’m conflicted about this book being YA. There is plenty of cursing and one fairly explicit scene. Even though there is little detail, you get the point very clearly about what is happening. Don’t get me wrong I loved the more adult content I just wanted to give a heads up for the content within.

All in all an excellent read. It dragged a bit at certain points but the plot would pick back up again and I was fully engrossed, And that cover? Simply gorgeous. I await with bated breath to get my hands on a hard copy of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

If you love fantasy and regency romance, LOADS of mutual pining, and court politics, A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is the book for you.

With a swoon-worthy love story full of delicious tension, A Fragile Enchantment delivers in the romance department. I fell in love with Niamh and Kit, both as complex magic wielding individuals from different worlds, and as a pairing.

The cast of characters in A Fragile Enchantment were well fleshed out, each having their own complexities and arcs. I greatly enjoyed watching each and every one of them grow and change as the plot progressed.

The magic system that took this tale from regency romance to fantasy romance, was unique and made the story one I won’t soon forget. I loved how the characters’ magics complimented their personalities and and mirrored their struggles.

The intermittent use of modern language and words like “clout” was the only aspect of the story that pulled me out of immersion. I would come across language that made me confused as to the time period the story is supposed to take place in. It didn’t happen often, but this for me, is one of my few pet peeves in fiction. I understand that this is a fantasy, but I personally prefer a consistent time period language style.

All in all, I absolutely adored A Fragile Enchantment. 4 stars. A Fragile Enchantment is a wonderful comfort read full of love and gentle reminders that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.

thank you to netgalley for this arc!

a fragile enchantment quickly and easily became one of my favorite books!!

initially i was intrigued by this book because of the cover, and the blurb sounded incredible. "a magical dressmaker commissioned for a roval wedding" had me hooked before i even began.

the magic system was fascinating and i was immediately engrossed in the story and everyone’s magic abilities (ESPECIALLY niamh's) the characters were so charming and the romance was passionate and so so intimate. i was happy to see Igbt rep also!!

the only grievance i have with this book is i thought everything was wrapped up too fast, and at the end was wanting a bit more from a final chapter. but that was small and didn't take away anything from what i had already read.

if you love the regency era, and books so full of longing you can feel it flying off the pages, you'll love this enchanting tale allison saft has woven.

So the cover drew me in bc.. yeah I judge books by their covers Im SORRY but..

You know those books where you go through every emotion possible? THIS WAS IT FOR ME AND I LOVED IT.
Every trope I love? present. It was an iconic read, Im not a good writer (hence why I read so much) but i try and do my best to express how each book made me feel in my reviews and this just made me FEEL everything. This is my first historical romance which I didnt think would be my vibe and I was proven SO wrong!

The Bridgerton vibes made me absolutely fall in love with the story

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this beautiful book :)

"Recency England-inspired fantasy world'" yes please! Great read. Be sure to check out Saft's other books as well. A Far Wilder Magic is worth the read. whoever does these covers is amazing. They always catch my eye.

This was magical. I’ve loved each and every one of Allison’s books so far, but this was one was by far my favorite. She knows how to write this delicious aching tension that makes this one of the best romances I’ve read in a awhile. The FMC does have that trope-y trait of being clumsy, but it’s not enough to be distracting. There is intense chemistry between the main characters from the start, but Saft does a masterful job building the tension and relationship so it feels earned and deserved and never rushed or shallow.

The story carries the plot forward, but felt secondary for me as this is a book about character development and relationships.

I appreciated the splash of politics, and the world building is good with a real sense of place. There were sometimes when the Gaelic-inspired words confused me a bit, but it was minor. I felt rooted in the British Isles even though it was a fictional location and that added great atmosphere.

Can’t wait to see what the author does next, she’s a must-buy for me.