
Member Reviews

"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....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."
YESSSS!!! I ate this story up!! As another reader described it perfectly, it is like a YA Bridgerton with fantastical elements!
I look forward to more by this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy.
I really have enjoyed Allison Saft’s previous novels, so I am always excited when I get to read a new one. This was a fun story about a magical girl who is hired to make the wedding clothes for a prince. It ended up being just okay for me, though. There were times that I enjoyed the dynamic between Kit and Niamh, and others where I wasn’t super invested. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed and left a lot of things unresolved. Overall, it was a cute story, though. Fans of Bridgerton may enjoy this romantic fantasy.

Beautiful writing and interesting story, but there was something missing in the world building and I didn’t feel the chemistry between the lead characters. The side characters are fantastic though. I still look forward to reading more from this author.
3.5 out of 5 wine glasses

One of my favourites from Alison Saft. I first read A Far Wilder Magic, and adored it. From then on I knew Allison Saft would become an auto-buy author for me. I’ve read all of her books and they are all amazing. This story was beautiful, her writing is beautiful. Everything about this book is perfect.

In general, I really like Allison Saft's books because they all have such a romantic air about them and it's so potent that it's impossible not to be thoroughly immersed in these characters and their stories. A Fragile Enchantment is romantic and lovely and the heart within the story is utterly perfect. I still think I liked A Far Wilder Magic a little more, but overall, this is such a gorgeous book!

A romantic fantasy that many will find incredibly endearing. Magic, romance, tension, and banter make for a delightful read!

If you’re into the Bridgerton romance you will love this ! I loved the overall vibe of the story, forbidden romance / enemies to lovers. Sign me up

I wanted to like this book, it had everything anyone could want a unique magic system, forbidden romance, but everything was just…lacking.
The magic system?
One word confusing. So, Niamh has a streak of white hair because she uses her magic, and because she uses her magic a lot it’s slowly killing her? But it’s only affecting her, because it never mentions it affecting other people or that this is an issue with other magic users.
The romance?
The first time Niamh and Kit meet, Kit says something mean to Niamh that just left a bad taste in my mouth with really no explanation as to why he was so rude to her, like you just meet her and your being unreasonably rude. After that meeting it’s just a roller coaster of emotions his nice one minute and mean the next. This was marketed as enemies to lovers, but they were only enemies when Kit was mean to Niamh.
The other characters just weren’t developed enough for me to care for them.
Honestly could have benefited by being a dialogue just for the purpose of developing the world building and characters.
Solid 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! I love the unique magic system this book has, and that the magic actually takes a physical toll/emotional toll on some of the characters. I loved the Regency-era storyline, and watching two main characters fall in love so passionately. It's like magic and Bridgerton combined!
The cover is beautiful, the potential for novel-study is also incredibly refreshing. Discussing Fantasy as well as classism, duty, honor, etc., would be a great conversation in a classroom or book club for this novel.
I wish Kit had a bit more explanation or three dimensional characteristics, because Niamh was so well-developed. But overall, I really enjoyed this!

Wasn’t a fan of the ending (rushed/sloppy decisions made by the characters, not sure how it really solved things), and I wanted more magic, but I adored the romance. It’s swoony and cutesy and gives me butterflies. I love the way Saft writes relationships!

Beautiful writing with an enchanting story. I enjoyed both the plot and the characters in this novel. The blending of Regency England with a fantasy world was seamless and lovely (not something I feel many books released recently are able pull off successfully). I loved all of the character arcs and the plot twists. This was my second Allison Saft book and cemented her addition to my must read list.

I received an e-arc of A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Allison Saft doesn't disappoint. NiamhKit has my whole heart.
The tension and longing between them and the Regency-inspired setting was giving big Bridgerton energy. I was giggling and kicking my feet, I love them so much.
4.5 stars.

As of today the St. Martin's Press boycott is still ongoing as SMP has chosen to still not address islamaphobic and racist remarks made by a member of their team.
The boycott of St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and other related imprints is a direct response to the publisher’s lack of accountability regarding statements made by an employee in their marketing department and their failure to respond to concerns about possible systemic issues within the department.
I will post my review as soon as the boycott ends and SMP speaks up regarding this issue.

I really enjoyed this book and the magic system in it! The progression of the characters and the way that we gradually learned more about their backstories was well done and I especially loved how Kit, Niamh, Sinclair, Rosa and Miriam interacted within their little group. I thought that the kingdoms could have been modelled a bit more subtly off of England and Ireland, but the palace intrigue was interesting and I wanted to learn more about what the characters were going to do to solve the many governmental and social problems. I will definitely read another Allison Saft book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5/5 rounded down. Let’s start with what I did love in this book which was some of the side characters and the magic battles! Rosa and Miriam were by far my favorite characters and I loved Rosa’s sassy attitude and weather magic. I would read an entire book about Rosa and Miriam’s back story! I also love that Saft is inspired by real historic events and incorporates them into her fantasy worlds. In A Fragile Enchantment, she was clearly inspired by the historic subjugation of the Irish by English government and the prejudice of the English people towards them as well as the 1845-52 potato famine in Ireland.
In the end though this book was just ok for me. And that may be a mostly me thing. This book definitely suffered from its proximity in time to my reading A Far Wilder Magic which became an all time favorite of mine. I also tend to be put off by books that are set in a time period, in this case it was billed as a Regency Romance, where the characters use very modern vernacular. The modern language really took me out of the setting. I did not care for the FMC or the MMC and found the MMC to be borderline abusive in the way he spoke to the FMC at times. It felt as if she was in her “He is really good underneath but acts this way because he’s hurting and I can change him” era. Consequently the love story fell flat for me. I also either don’t remember or it was never mentioned why the main character’s magic was killing her. Did I forget? It was a major open loop in my brain when I finished this book.
In the end this book just wan’t my cup of tea. Your mileage may vary. If you are looking for something like Bridgerton, you may love this one!

I am a sucker for enemies to lovers and broody boys paired with fierce, optimistic girls. I thoroughly enjoyed sinking into the pages of this sweet, romantic fantasy. I've seen some reviewers comp this to a magical Bridgerton, but I think this one is more along the lines of a magical Jane Austen/Pride and Prejudice. This is absolutely a book you'll want to read under cozy blankets with a hot cup of tea.

"A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft offers a refreshing blend of romance and political intrigue that kept me engrossed from start to finish. Saft skillfully balances these elements, creating a story that is both unique and thoroughly enjoyable. What struck me most was the seamless integration of themes surrounding chronic illness and mental health, which were portrayed with sensitivity and depth. As a talented dressmaker grappling with her own mortality while navigating a forbidden love affair, Niamh's journey resonated with me on a profound level.
The relationship between Niamh and Kit Carmine, the groom of the royal wedding, is a captivating one, filled with emotional depth. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of societal unrest and hidden secrets within the royal family, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. Saft's exploration of their connection, along with larger themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, is a testament to her storytelling prowess.
Overall, "A Fragile Enchantment" is a compelling read that seamlessly combines romance, fantasy, and political drama. Saft's adept storytelling and well-crafted characters create an immersive experience that will linger with readers long after turning the final page. It is highly recommended for fans of intricate world-building and nuanced relationships.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
This one is for lovers of classic fairy tales and believers of magic.
I loved the magic system used here with our FMC literally infusing clothing with enchantments that illicit emotion.
I loved the banter, the forbidden love, the real stakes for our two MC and I so, so enjoyed it!
This one is YA so the spice is light but it was so sweetly done and I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy!

This YA novel felt very whimsical and light. It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I loved the light magical elements presented from the seamstress FMC. Overall a delight to read. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy on this one!

I am slightly conflicted. I had high hopes for this book and the tropes were there, but it was a little too trope-y for my liking. I had a difficult time finishing it, but wanted to review that it was a well created world, it's just the romance aspect that seemed to struggle the most.