I realize that it’s been a while since I’ve released any book reviews. It’s certainly not for the lack of content. In fact, there’s countless books I’ve read that I look forward to bringing to your attention.
But something has held me back. I’ve been struggling to write such long-form book reviews recently. I don’t have the time, nor the memory to come up with paragraphs and paragraphs to say about every book I read, especially at the rapid rate at which I rotate through books.
Therefore, I have decided to try a new format of book reviews. It will be somewhat similar to my recent post about what books not to read, while including elements from my other form of book reviews. Let me know in the comments below which format of book review you prefer!
I have for you below two heart-shattering, soul-filling, achingly beautiful books.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine
Lindsay Franklin
A shattered heart, a fate foretold. The world undone by tales of old.
Emlyn DuLaine just wants to know what happened to her sister, Camille, seven years ago, on the fateful day she vanished–literally. Emlyn witnessed Camille unravel and disappear, but no one believes her. Since they think she’s crazy, the least the cops could do is solve Camille’s case. Is a little closure too much to ask?
But Emlyn’s life is upended when she is pulled through a portal into the fantasyland of her childhood imaginings–a magical library holding the story worlds of every book ever published. And trouble is brewing in the land of Rivenlea. Rogue characters threaten their plot lines, and broken classics are beginning to crumble, but Emlyn only wants to find Camille.
As she searches for her sister, Emlyn begins to learn the reality of Rivenlea and her own origins. A nefarious plot is afoot, and the line between fact and fiction is becoming hopelessly blurred. The truth threatens the story worlds, Rivenlea, and Earth–the fabric of creation, itself.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is snarky and profound all at once, combining the struggles of a (mostly) normal teenage girl with the fantastic, spellbinding, stunning world of Rivenlea, where everything comes with a twist.
Lindsay Franklin’s skill as a writer has only grown since her last trilogy. (The Story Peddler, The Story Raider, and The Story Hunter.) Lindsay Franklin has become one of my new favorite authors through her heartbreaking yet hope-infused writing and characters that despite their fantastic powers are grounded in the grit of reality. I can’t wait for book two (The Restitching of Camille DuLaine) to release on February 10 of 2026.
Content Warnings:
Violence, flirting.
Ratings:
Appropriate content: 5/5
Story construction: 5/5
Writing skill: 5/5
Ethics: 5/5
Other Information:
Christian: Yes
Point of view: First person
Tense: Present tense
Romance: Yes
Series: Yes
Age recommendation: Fourteen and older can best appreciate this novel, but it’s appropriate for all ages.
A Study of Shattered Spells
Josiah DeGraaf
Only teachers know what really happens at a magic school…
Chintor Academy is celebrated as the place where the best music mages are forged. But beneath the surface, bullies rule with cruelty, teachers scheme against each other, and the student destined to save their nation is far from ready.
Kalina didn’t know what she was getting into when she agreed to teach at Chanter. Now, as a first-year teacher, she’s tasked with finishing the training of this prophesied violinist. Their actions sworn enemies are nearing victory, and she has mere months to prepare him before their country collapses.
When Kalina uncovers the abuse of a vulnerable student, she’s thrust into a dangerous dilemma. Exposing the school’s underbelly means she’ll be fired and unable to prepare their hero. Keeping quiet means her students will suffer.
The fate of the nation–and her soul–hangs in the balance.
While technically written for adults, I as a teenager enjoyed A Study of Shattered Spells and I believe other older teens will as well.
Gut-wrenchingly beautiful and profound, this novel tells the story of an inexperienced teacher fighting against prejudice and tradition to forge a new way–the only way–to survive the war rampaging across their land. Yet hers is not a land open to change. A Study of Shattered Spells is masterful writing on the part of Josiah DeGraaf. This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a long time.
Content Warnings:
Mentions of abuse and hints of sexual activity, all portrayed in a negative light. Violence. Bullying.
Ratings:
Appropriate content: 3.8/5
Story construction: 5/5
Writing skill: 5/5
Ethics: 5/5
Other Information:
Christian: Yes
Point of view: Third person limited
Tense: Past tense
Romance: Yes
Series: Yes
Age recommendation: 16+
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