Magic In The Middle Grade Stacks: Spindleheart

Hey Bookworms, today’s review is for middle grade readers as I got the chance to read Spindleheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool. Be on the lookout as it comes out soon, on April 26, 2024!

Thanks to T.I. Avens and BookSirens for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

When Wynn fails to protect The Spindlechest, her village’s most valued artifact, she’s forced to journey to faraway lands to retrieve it. She fears the danger her village would be in if the magic-wielding thief ever manages to open the chest. In the meantime, Calla, a flower-elf, is eagerly studying to become a magic caster. When she’s suddenly thrust into a mystery involving her family’s past, she has to put her studies aside and travel to the most dangerous parts of the Agrestal Lands. As Calla’s path converges with Wynn’s, they each realize that the only path forward is to confront the very things they’re running from.

Spindleheart Review

I’ll be honest, the cover is what drew me to this book; I was in a middle grade mood and it looked adorable! The cute little critters from the cover are my favourite element of this story: there are “larks” which are anthropomorphic animals or plants, and then there are “wilders” which are the wild animals and pets of this world. Sometimes it’s tiring to read about the same fantasy creatures in every story and the creativity of the types of characters here was a breath of fresh air. I was utterly charmed by the beings that inhabit this world but I especially loved the twig-trots which are small mischievous bushes 😆.

I have a few things I didn’t particularly love so my review will make a sandwich and tuck all my complaints between the positives. My first niggle has to do with the way Wynn compared her life experiences to her passion for theatre—that in itself was endearing because she drew a ton of courage and conviction from the heroes of her plays. However, the part that annoyed me was the amount of name-dropping of imaginary plays that the reader knows nothing about.

“‘Venture Smitten’ was a harsh word saved for folks who daydreamed a lot but did very little.”

Spindlegheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool, T. I. Avens

Generally, I found I was more invested in Wynn’s storyline and more elements about Calla’s frustrated me. Calla has a cool innate nature-based magic called Frond Magic that allows her to conjure with buds, fronds, roots, and other greenery. Sadly I felt that it wasn’t used in a way that added much to the plot progression and I wished it was more relevant. Although I appreciate the inclusion of a sibling relationship (with Calla and her sister Saffron), I didn’t quite enjoy how their sisterly tension was presented. Saffron is her older sister, and when their mom disappeared she moved to another village so the sisters now have a strained relationship—which is understandable. However, the resolution of their issues is questionable. They apologized to each other but didn’t meaningfully discuss their differences and I can’t tell if that’s purposeful or not. Likely it’s to leave space for growth in the continuation of the series, which I understand but I wanted more from their sibling dynamic than just bickering.

Okay, back to a positive! In her travels, Wynn meets some bug-larks and they reluctantly travel together. I enjoyed the banter, interactions and the way their friendship grew. I appreciated some wholesome messaging in their adventures too as they learn that not every problem is best solved through fighting but rather through making a well-thought-out plan and outsmarting the enemy. Valuing your friends’ unique talents, abilities, and knowledge, even if they’re not flashy or expected, is exemplified through Wynn’s character arc. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

Final Thoughts & Rating

I will warn that it ends on a Cliffhanger, so be ready to wait to continue the adventure. I’ll eventually pick up the next one in the series but I won’t necessarily rush for it. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a middle-grade that’s a fun action adventure and wants to read about different creatures you haven’t seen before!

This book fulfills the prompt: “Book You Did Not Pay For” for the Spring Equinox Magic Readathon.

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