A Spellbinding Promise That Missed the Mark: A Review of Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things
There’s something undeniably enchanting about books that promise a mix of magic, sisterhood, and a touch of romance—especially when a story promises a modern twist on beloved genres. Breanne Randall’s Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, the first of the Sisters of Light series, caught my eye with its intriguing premise of young witches grappling with the cost of magic and the shadows of their past. However, my excitement quickly dimmed, and I must offer an honest reflection based on my experience with this advanced reader copy, courtesy of NetGalley.
The story revolves around Calliope, a young witch still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her mother fifteen years prior. Together with her sisters, Thalia and Eurydice, they manage a cozy tea and bookstore while navigating the complexities of their magic—a magic that, unfortunately, comes at the cost of painful memories. When a Shadowcrafter named Lucien enters the picture, promising upheaval in their lives, the mix of duty, conflict, and burgeoning romance unfolds.
However, as enticing as the concept was, I found myself wrestling with various elements that made Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things hard to enjoy. The magic system, which initially sparked my interest, was marred by clichés and a tendency toward over-explanation. It felt like Randall was trying to mesh a formal, magic-infused language with contemporary dialogue, leading to some jarring moments that pulled me out of the story. Several times, I found myself wondering, "Who talks like this?"
Calliope, meant to be our compelling protagonist, often came across as frustratingly stubborn and overly self-centered, while the more intriguing characters—Thalia, Eurydice, and Lucien—seemed sidelined. Their layered personalities had the potential to elevate the narrative, but often they felt more like ornaments than integral parts of the plot. The pacing also swung wildly between rushed plot points and drawn-out moments that left little room to delve into character development, leaving me disappointed that I wasn’t rooting more for their journey.
One of the biggest letdowns was the romantic aspect. While I appreciate chemistry in enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the forced moments of intimacy felt out of place, almost as if they were shoehorned in to fulfill a quota rather than serving the story. The smuttier scenes, while well-written, felt disconnected from the emotional arcs established, reducing Calliope’s relationships to mere plot devices rather than genuine connections.
As for the writing style, it had its moments of clarity and eloquence, but the reliance on established tropes and the overuse of nostalgia-driven comparisons led to a sense of missed originality that I found frustrating. The narrative felt like a patchwork quilt of popular themes without a cohesive vision, leaving me longing for more depth and originality.
Yet, in the final chapters, there was a flicker of what might have been—a glimpse of authentic characterization and chemistry that made me curious about a different story that could have been crafted.
In conclusion, while I can’t wholeheartedly recommend Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, I recognize that many readers might still find joy in its magic and romance. If you’re drawn to light fantasy, sisterly bonds, and explore the push and pull of love, you might find it an engaging read. As for me, this journey didn’t align with my hopes, but I truly hope others can find what I could not. Perhaps I’ll seek my magic elsewhere.
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