Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young Published by Delacorte Press on 27 September 2022
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism
Format: eARC
Source: Delacorte Press, Netgalley
Buy on Bookshop.org
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young is an atmospheric read that pulls you into the mystery till the very last page.
It’s been 12 years since August has set foot on Saorise. Twelve years since he left Emery and all he knew behind. His mother’s final wish is to be buried on Saorise, but August’s return to the island brings up secrets from the past. Secrets that some want to stay buried. Follow the story of August, Emery, and Saorise Island and try for yourself to unravel the magical mystery that is the Spells for Forgetting.
Spells for Forgetting brings us just off the coast of Seattle to an island steeped in mystery, folklore, and history; Saorise island holds a magic all its own.
I had a wonderful time reading this book and if not for adulting I would’ve gladly read this book in a single sitting. Adrienne Young has a beautiful writing style and I truly believe this book is one of the best she has written. I know it’s definitely at the top of my list and in the running for my favorite book of 2022.
I’m a very visual person so one thing that is important for me is always the setting and imagery. In Spells for Forgetting, Adrienne Young gives just the right amount of imagery. The kind that makes you wish you were there walking the Main Street shops or picking apples at the orchard. The descriptions of the weather, buildings, and topography of Saorise let your mind create vivid pictures of what it would be like to visit or live in this small island town. Adrienne Young’s writing truly sets the scene from chapter to chapter in such a way that the island itself becomes a character.
The plot in this book gives a mix of mystery- thriller and a dash of second chance romance. I had so much fun with my friend as we buddy read trying to guess the outcome of the book. Sometimes throwing each other off with outrageous ideas if one got further ahead. Be prepared for a twisty ride! While I had inklings here and there on the outcome, I wasn’t ready for the end of this book!
I can’t leave this review with writing about what really makes a book for me. The characters. Spells for Forgetting while mostly narrated by August and Emery gives us a taste of each character with one-off POV chapters of most, if not all the integral players. One POV, in particular, sent shivers down my spine and it was definitely one of my favorite chapters. I think it would be interesting to see this story all from this character’s POV, but I’ll let you guess who I mean when you read the book because of SPOILERS.
Overall, Spells for Forgetting is a book you do not want to miss and it comes out at the perfect time. This book is out NOW! Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or purchase it online. The cozy autumn vibes this book lends are something you do not want to miss. I already want to plan a reread on a rainy autumn day! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing / Ballantine-Delacourte Press for the digital copy of Spells for Forgetting in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I also want to give a very warm congrats to the author, Adrienne Young on this magically mysterious book!
Have you read Spells for Forgetting? Leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts, but I ask you to keep them as spoiler free as possible!
I hope you all have enjoyed this review of Spell for Forgetting by Adrienne Young and thank you for supporting Whimsical Narratives!
Take Care and Happy Reading,
Kimberly
Whimsical Narratives
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