I loved the overall message of the book about love and acceptance and healing from generational trauma, but I don’t think I’ll be reading the rest of the series. It’s just not for me, but I am interested in seeing what else Breanne Randall writes because I loved The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.

In Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, both of the main characters felt significantly underdeveloped and 2D to me. I never wanted to root for them as individuals or as a couple. Both of them annoyed me through the first 80% of the book. I almost DNFd it about four times. If the first 3/4 were as good as the last quarter, this might’ve been a five star read for me.

This is the second book I've read by Breanne Randall, and I am a huge fan of her writing style. I really liked the way this story focused more on the bonds between the sisters, and how important it was for Calliope and her sisters to repair their relationship, than it did the rising attractions between Calliope and Lucien.

That being said, some areas could have been a little better. I think the magic system of LightCrafter vs Shadowcrafter has very "Jedi vs. Sith" vibes - and I feel like it could have been more fleshed out. It also feels very heavily inspired by Charmed, and the arc with Cole, but I have to say I much prefer the way Lucien was portrayed.

The book does end on a cliffhanger, so I am looking forward to the next to see how everything plays out!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this arc for an honest review!
Some themes in this book are: magic, cozy, witches and small town vibes! All the themes I love! This book was fun! This book is about light and dark and how there is a cost when you use magic,
precious memories. What happens when a witch strings her self to a wizard but they have opposite magic systems? Chaos! I like the small town vibe and the sisters keep the secret the are witches. If you like early 2000's witchy movies then this book is for you!

Calliope Petridi must sacrifice her memories in order to practice her witchcraft. A curse that was bestowed on her family years ago, that no one knew how to break. Another thing that was bestowed on her family: all shadow crafters are bad. However, when Calliope accidentally finds herself bound to one - she must either learn to trust him or risk losing her family forever.

The good: I loved the storyline between Calliope and Lucien. I also loved that he called her "Little Muse" and his banter with her.

The bad: I did not like that Calliope did not seem to ever have a problem with sacrificing her memories. She gave them up easily and willingly instead of ever working to find a solution.

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things had a concept that immediately caught my attention—magic, lost memories, and a mysterious family history—but unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired.

The pacing felt off from the very beginning. The first half of the book dragged, weighed down by constant repetition. We’re told again and again that the main character's mother left and that memories were sacrificed, but these elements were hammered home so often that it became tiresome rather than impactful.

The main character herself was difficult to connect with. I found her unlikeable and flat, which made it hard to care about her journey or relationships. The magic, which should have been the heart of the story, felt rudimentary and fake—it never really pulled me in or felt convincing in the world Randall was trying to build.

Then came the "bad boy" love interest, who felt pulled straight out of a YA enemies-to-lovers template I’ve seen far too often. Even the pet name and his signature scent gave off déjà vu from another book I’ve read. It was formulaic in the worst way.

And just when I thought I had a handle on the tone, the steamy scenes arrived—jarringly placed and at the most inappropriate times, completely disrupting the flow and mood. It was like the book couldn’t decide what audience it was writing for.

On top of that, the witchy elements felt more like tired cliches than creative worldbuilding. There were so many missed opportunities to make this story shine, but in the end, it read more like a disjointed YA novel with misplaced spice and underdeveloped magic.

This had the bones of something special, but it ended up being a frustrating read with little payoff.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is like if a modern style of pride and prejudice meets the Charmed sisters! Calliope and Lucien had insane chemistry from the start, the push and pull of their attraction and connection was palpable from the pages. I did have two issues that just unfortunately fell a bit flat for me, which is the cause of the three stars: I felt the magic system became a bit cliche, and dragged on for a bit too long, making many parts of this feel a bit dull. But that aside, I truly fell in love with every single character on page, and as an eldest sister of three, the sisters really put me in my feels. Highly recommend for a fun witchy and paranormal read with twists that will really hit ya!

An absolutely luscious slow burn. Definitely a very fun easy read that kept the pages turning. Just enough plot twist to keep you wanting more. My heart was broken at the end so grateful for the epilogue. Loved the little tea shop and book combo that belong to the three sisters. Definitely gave a “Charmed” vibe. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

“For it was said that whoever opened a witch bell-adorned door without causing the bell to ring would be an important person in the lives of those who hung the bell in the first place.” -Calliope

“Everything goes dark and silent and lifeless the closer you get to the Dark Oak” -Malik

Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall deserves credit where it's due. I appreciated the diversity in the cast with ethnically inclusive and LGBTQ+ representation. The magic system was probably my favorite part: Lightcraft vs Shadowcraft witches, with the Petridi sisters’ curse requiring sacrificed memories to fuel their spells. The mystery of their mother and her self-inflicted dementia riddled mind peaked my curiosity, even as other parts of the story lost me.

I have to be honest, a lot of the book didn’t work for me. The nicknames were out of control. Every character seemed to have one and it got to the point where I needed a cheat sheet to keep track—Opie, Dissy, Roz, Luce, Mari. Don’t get me started on Lucian constantly calling Calliope “Little Muse.” It went from cute to unbearable fast. Speaking of Roz, her storyline completely threw me. It was left field and honestly, I liked her character better before the big reveal (IYKYK).

There were so many two-dimensional side characters. I get concept of a small-town where everyone knows everyone, but the sheer number of briefly introduced townsfolk left me confused. They blurred together and none felt particularly memorable. Lastly, Calliope is around 25, but she often read like a moody teenager. Maybe it’s because Thalia treats her like one, but either way, it didn’t help me connect to her. Overall, while the premise had promise, the execution left me more frustrated than enchanted. Positive side, I finished the book and would recommend it to someone who wanted a more YA read with some spice, or inclusive characters.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and compiled in an academic writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to honestly review.

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall is a captivating and spellbinding novel that beautifully weaves together themes of family, magic, and self-discovery. Set in the quaint town of Gold Springs, the story follows Calliope Petridi, one of three sisters with the powerful ability to manipulate magic—though at a cost. To wield their family’s magic, the Petridi sisters must sacrifice precious memories, a concept that becomes all the more poignant as Calliope navigates a world filled with both wonder and danger.

The novel’s allure lies in its rich, atmospheric writing. Randall masterfully builds a world where magic feels both enchanting and dangerous, drawing readers into a story filled with ancient spells, hidden secrets, and the complex dynamics of family. Calliope’s journey, filled with both heartache and hope, is made all the more compelling by her connection to Lucien Deniz, the mysterious leader of a rival coven. Their evolving relationship, filled with tension and chemistry, adds a thrilling layer to the narrative.

What truly sets Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things apart is its emotional depth. Randall expertly explores the cost of magic and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The characters are richly developed, each with their own desires, flaws, and struggles, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their fates. The book balances its magical elements with relatable human experiences, making it a satisfying read for fans of both fantasy and character-driven stories.

For those who enjoy enchanting tales of magic, romance, and the complexities of family, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a must-read. Randall has crafted a truly immersive experience that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

You know, I don't think I was prepared for the charmed and gilmore girls vibes, even though that was obvious. I never have actually watched Charmed and the older I get the more annoyed I am with Glimore Girls characters. The plot pacing was a little off and I felt that the spice was forced and not super organic. I was not the target audience, but I am sure others will love it.

3.25⭐️s rounded down for Goodreads
Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things was cozy-adjacent, cute, and a bit spicey. I love a witchy read. We've got a Rivals to Lovers trope, a sister dynamic (is this where the trilogy comes in, following each sister?) that throws down fun nods to greek mythology. The memory magic felt original and was a favorite plot point for me, along with Lucien.
However, there were approximately 3 too many "Shadow Daddy" remarks for my taste (I have a delicate constitution when it comes to cringe nicknames, regardless of sarcasm😬). I also felt like there could have been more 'Show' versus 'Tell' when it came to the actiony bits.
Overall, I definitely had a good time and will continue with the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the eARC!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! I loved Breanne Randall’s first book and was so excited to get to this one. While I loved certain aspects of the book, it fell short. I think the potential is there and I will definitely keep reading since it feels like this could be a trilogy. This story was overly descriptive, absolutely did not give pride and prejudice vibes, had an overly used nickname (little muse), and had some pretty annoying and unlikable characters. I also felt like it dragged a bit at times. Like I said, I’ll definitely continue reading if there are more books because I see so much potential. This book just fell short.

I went into Spells, Strings, & Forgotten Things feeling hesitant - my first cozy fantasy read was somewhat of a miss, but this book completely redeemed the sub-genre for me! From the very first page, I was hooked by the magic, mystery, and most of all - the heart. Set in the charming small town of Gold Springs, this story follows the three Petridi sisters. Calliope - the reckless, emotionally guarded young witch who casts spells using the most personal of her currencies - her own memories. Thalia - the fiercely protective eldest & head of family. And finally, Eurydice (Dissy) - the sweet, peacekeeper. Calliope must navigate a resurgence of ancient dark magic, the reawakening of old wounds, and a very inconvenient bond to a frustratingly attractive rival witch from a power-hungry coven.

What makes this book shine is the balance between cozy and compelling. Yes, it's filled with all the warm, magical vibes you'd expect from the genre, but there are real stakes here too - secrets unravel, relationships crack, and the plot moves with both tension and momentum. I found myself thinking about this story every time I had to put it down, eager to return to it. Someone said this was Practical Magic meets Charmed, and I totally got that vibe—down to them swapping midnight margaritas for lemon basil martinis. It’s got all the witchy warmth and charm you’d expect, but what really sets it apart is how deeply it explores sisterhood, loss, and the resilience it takes to rebuild what's been broken. It's about the ways trauma can fracture relationships, and the fierce love it takes to put those pieces back together. The romance was definitely a swoony subplot I adored, but it was the connection between the sisters—each scarred and flawed in their own way—that gave this story its real magic.

Every element—plot, characters, setting—just worked. The small-town atmosphere felt alive with quirky, lovable side characters and rich magical lore. The witchy vibes were strong, but never surface-level. The stakes felt real, and the emotional moments hit hard. This book is equal parts heartwarming and haunting, with just the right amount of spice, sass, and spellwork. It reminded me why I love magical stories—because at their best, they don’t just enchant you, they move you.

I enjoyed the unique magic system in "Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things," particularly how it tied into memories and Greek culture. The charming small-town setting and emphasis on family bonds added to the story's appeal. While the plot could have been tighter, I found the central romance intriguing, and the ending, though bittersweet, was thought-provoking. Despite some uneven pacing and occasionally unnatural dialogue, the book's imaginative premise and heartwarming moments made it an enjoyable read.

Overall, this was a decent cozy paranormal romcom. I will say this is outside of my typical genre but it sounded so good! The magic system was my favorite part of the entire book, second only to the focus on family and the bonds they have with one another.

I really did not enjoy the plot. It felt choppy and not fluid. The part that bothered me the most though was the dialogue. It did not feel authentic.

The book has good bones but it could have used some more work.

I listened to this on the PRH app. The narration was good, and I enjoyed the experience for the most part. However, the story drags in several places and I found myself frustrated by Calliope. She expects Lucien to have told her everything despite them being from opposing sides of a divide, but is inconsistent with her own information. I yelled at her a lot. It's also super-uncomfortable to have Lucien - an otherwise generally respectful fellow - taking notes from Edward Cullen and popping into Calliope's bedroom after she told him not to.

Overall, I feel like the pacing could have been a lot tighter; shaving 2 hours off the audiobook would result in less back-and-forth among the characters. Usually this genre is my jam, but there are bound to be some that don't do it for me.

A big thank you to Random House for the opportunity to have read this ARC! I am always so grateful!

As always this review will not contain spoilers and will be all my honest thoughts:

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5

***Please note that the only reason that this review is late because I originally soft DNF'd due just not being in the headspace to originally read it when I received it, and not because of the book itself***

Review:
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This is the first time I've been introduced to Breanne's writing and I absolutely adored her style of writing and how immersive you're able to be in this world! You could smell, hear, feel EVERYTHING. I also loved the how the magic worked by using memories, that is something I've never seen and I thought it was such a fun (albeit dark) twist!

Calliope our FMC is one of three Petridi sisters, of which are Lightcraft witches is a little chaotic and headstrong while simultaneously being unsure of herself and her abilities as a witch. And while trying to convince her sisters of the looming doom of their world, she accidentally binds herself to her enemy – Lucien who is a Shadowcrafter!

The MMC Lucien, he was my favorite kind of brooding/mean/sarcastic MMC and I loved the rivals/enemies portion of this story. They way they bantered had me giggling!! I somehow just need MORE of them together!

The only things I will say that the only "issues" I had with this story was that it just took me a little longer to get into the story than usual (for me). I did love the prose, but in the beginning it did give me pause but after the 30/35% mark it picked up and kept me engaged and the ending was both devastating and beautiful at the same time.

I got to 40% and decided to DNF this book.
The writing, the plot, the magic, and the characters feel disconnected. No idea what’s happening or why I should care. I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

While I loved the character development, the unique magic system, and the small-town charm, what will truly stay with me are the deeper reflections this book inspired.

The concept of sacrificing memories for magic made me think about how, in real life, we often trade time with loved ones for work or set aside the things that bring us joy in favor of daily obligations. If memories shape who we are, then every moment we experience is important for growth. Being present and truly cherishing time with those we love matters more than chasing the illusion of something greater.

The love story between Calliope and Lucien was both complicated and beautiful. Lucien begins the story driven by duty and a relentless pursuit of his goal, but as the story unfolds, we see his edges soften. Through Calliope, he rediscovers not just love, but the possibility of a future unchained from old wounds. His journey is a reminder that even when we are weighed down by regret or loss, there is always a path forward if we allow ourselves to take it.

I really wanted to love "Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things." Normally there's a lot that I can look past in this sort of witchy paranormal rom-com. Unfortunately, this one just didn't land with me.

Let's start with the things I liked about the book. I loved the cozy vibes of the town of Gold Springs and learning about the community and its inhabitants. I really liked the focus on the importance of familial, and specifically sibling, bonds. I really loved how in the magic system magic is stronger when connecting to the culture of your ancestors. Leading from that, I loved all of the references to Greek culture in the book.

Onto what didn't work for me. First and foremost, the plot just kind of felt all over the place. I never really knew what was happening and plot elements just kind of seemed thrown at the wall without explanation. While I wouldn't necessarily call the book confusing, I was never really sold by what was happening. Moments that were meant to be a large emotional beat (like the death of a loved one) were passed by so quickly by something else that they didn't have their intended effect.

A lot of the dialogue in the book, especially from Lucien, didn't feel like something a person would actually say, leading me to cringe a lot. I was never super sold on the romance. I mean, did these two even really know each other? While I'll give points to the ending for being interesting (and risky), I would have liked a little more resolution from it. <spoiler> Like, she gave up all of her memories of him and then Lucien just waits around until she finds him again? What was he even up to? What gives?! </spoiler>

So much potential in this one, I think it just needed a little more time in the oven.

2.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Dell for the eARC. All opinions are my own.