Early Reader Review: A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft 

Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date:  January 2, 2024

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland.

But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Transporting readers to a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance threaded with intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a love story for the ages.

Review: 

This was an interesting concept.  Niamh is a magical clothing maker, hired by the interim king to dress his younger brother for his upcoming wedding and events. Kit, the younger brother, is different but also magical. He has been away from the kingdom for some time and is being forced into a marriage for politics. Niamh is very emotional, clutzy, and always in her own head. Kit is self-loathing and in a way this book read like an ememies to lovers but more. 

There was a political side to the story between Kit and the King, and the fiance coming in as well. There was racism of the court and essentially this was a class crossing friendship that turns to more. 

There was a lot to break down here - the romance, the politics, the racism, the past of the kingdom that lends to events 'today'. The king is keeping secrets and so are Kit and his Fiance. This book tried to throw it all at the reader - maybe too much, too fast. there was character rep, which I liked, the setting was just OK, I wanted more backstory about past times and the current political view, that said the overall story was good. 

I liked that Niamh's magic is fed by her emotions, I liked how emotional she was and that was not only her, but part of her work. That said, I wanted more about her illness that she brings up a few times but details were lacking. 

Overall, this was a light, romantic, swoony read. The other parts of the story were interesting but not fleshed out enough really.