The Keeper of Magical Things was everything I love in a cozy fantasy book. The world building was there but not so over the top that the plot was lost or I felt like I would need a glossary to keep up.
This was like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, perfect to lift anyone's spirits.
The romance was both cute and believable and I found myself rooting for our couple the entire time.
And what's a good cozy fantasy without some sort of mystical creature causing adorable chaos? Hope was everything I needed in an animal addition.
For anyone who is a fan of cozy fantasy, or needs something that is just going to make them laugh and feel good, this is the book for you.

What a wonderful and enchanting book. I could not have loved this story more. The Keeper of Magical Things is the epitome of a cozy fantasy read. I could not get enough of this sweet story. All the elements I love were in this gem: a magical setting, gentle non violent magic, a loveable upbeat main character who find themselves stuck with a much more serious companion, sweet villages with quirky residents and the bonus... a dragon winged cat. It doesn't get a better. I would absolutely love to see more from this world, these characters. The ending was extremely satisfying and I closed the book with a big smile. Absolutely magical!

This novel is a stand-alone book set in the same world as Julie Leong's previous book, "The Teller of Small Fortunes." I really enjoyed that book a lot, and at first I was slightly dismayed to have totally new characters in this book, but take it from me--you'll quickly come to love these characters even more. Certainty Bulrush is an outgoing and friendly, if not very talented, novice in magical guild's school, and has been for six long years. She's given a seemingly final chance to earn her full magehood on an unusual distant assignment. She must travel to a distant small town along with Mage Aurelia, a young noblewoman turned mage her own age known to all as "the ice witch." The two couldn't be more different, and yet, Certainty's future depends on completing this assignment, despite her prickly, unfriendly sole companion and supervisor.

These two characters--and all the characters in the small town of Shpelling--are so perfectly created. I felt immediately connected to Certainty, and all her fears and hopes and dreams. And Aurelia, standing in her way and needlessly complicating things, was a mystery, yet compelling even while she was being a pain in the butt! And that's before all the fun antics begin.

Honestly, this was just the book I needed to relax with in the evening, and I was compelled to finish it fast, in 3 too-short stints, because I couldn't bear to put it down. Now I just need to find a way to move to Shpelling myself. (If I do, I bet I'll find you there, too!)

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an eARC.

This was even better than The Teller of Small Fortunes. It's a great cozy fantasy book -- has heartwarming elements and a purpose (somewhat low stakes ofc). I really liked Certainty, Aurelia and their dynamics. It took me a while to warm up to them but it was worth it. I also loved the writing and the world-building, especially the purposes of the minor magical artifacts. The found family element in Shpelling was also done quite well -- I definitely need a sequel though. I quite liked the ending as well. It would have been nice to have seen some character connections from the first book, but maybe that's for the sequel (if there's one...fingers crossed). Overall, it's a great cozy fantasy novel if you're looking to relax with a wholesome read.

I really liked this book up unto a point, and then it just lost me. I think I am just not the right reader for this book! If you want your sapphic romances to be lower stakes and sweeter, this is great. But I like a bit more thrill and adventure, and ultimately this just didn't work for me. It's not bad, but I'm not a cozy person and this just was tooooo sweet.

The biggest compliment I can give a book? I wish it didn’t end. And The Keeper of Magical Things absolutely earns that praise 💗 I need ten more books in this world, please! If this ever becomes a series, I’m first in line. 🫶🏻

I already adored Julie Leong’s debut for its cozy charm, but this second novel completely stole my heart. It’s a warm hug of a story brimming with whimsy, heart, and gentle magic. From a cat-sized dragon named Hope 🐉, to magical artifacts that help people in unexpected ways, to the grumpy-but-sweet Gertha (my new favorite “no-nonsense” character), everything about this book enchanted me.

The found family trope shines here 🏡 - vulnerable, supportive, real. Add to that a tender sapphic romance, clever dialogue that made me both laugh and adorably cry, and food descriptions so vivid I could practically smell the garlicky pasta 🍝🧄😮‍💨 this book is a feast for the senses.

Leong’s writing is effortlessly engaging; I flew through the pages, completely immersed in this cozy village where magic quietly weaves through everyday life. The pacing is just right, the characters feel like friends, and the emotional moments land beautifully.

Highly recommended if you love:
🌿 Cozy fantasy with a magical twist
❣️ Grumpy x sunshine trope
🏡 Found family and village charm
📚 Stories where you root for everyone
🌈 Sapphic romance
💫 Characters that feel real and full of heart

This is the kind of book you want to curl up with, cup of tea in hand, and never leave. An absolute delight. ☕️✨

What a cozy, delightful read! I’ve been working my way through a lot of cozy fantasy lately, and while many have been charming, they’ve also leaned a bit too far into “cozy” and ended up feeling a little dull. The Keeper of Magical Things is not one of those. It’s adorable, quirky, genuinely funny, and has a refreshingly engaging plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I was completely absorbed and always eager to dive back in to see what kinds of magical mishaps Certainty and Aurelia would get into next. The worldbuilding is whimsical and warm—I truly wish I could pack my bags and move to Scheplling.

The story follows novice Certainty and seasoned mage Aurelia, who are assigned the odd task of transporting and organizing a collection of leftover magical artifacts in a remote, little-known village. They start off at odds but are forced to work together, navigating both their assignment and the quirky villagers around them. Certainty’s magical gift—being able to speak with objects—was one of my favorite parts, especially her hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt conversations with inanimate things. The cats? An absolute bonus.

I haven’t read Julie Leong’s first book yet, but that’s changing immediately. I can’t wait to return to this world, and I sincerely hope she gives us more stories set in it. Highly recommend if you're craving a cozy fantasy that doesn’t skimp on fun!

What a cozy, great time! I've been reading a lot of cozy fantasy lately and most of the books have been a little boring, cozy but a little boring. And The Keeper of Magical Things is NOT boring! It's adorable, cute, fun, FUNNY, and has a super interesting plot!

I was engaged the entire time reading and was always looking forward to going back and finding out what other shenanigans Certainty and Aurelia were getting up too. The world was very cute and I really wish it was real and I could move there.

Novice Certainty and mage Aurelia are tasked with taking left over minor magical artifacts to a random village no one has heard of and storing and sorting them there. The two don't get along at first and have to work together to get their assignment finished and get along with the locals in the village of Scheplling. I enjoyed Certainty's magic ability of being able to speak to objects and the conversations she would have with them. The cats in the story were an added bonus! I also just loved how funny the book was!

I haven't read the first book Julie Leong has written but I am picking it up ASAP so I can return to the world! I hope she writes more of this world for us to enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

3.5★ Second book I’ve read from this author and I found it to be a sweet, comforting read. The wide, quirky cast of characters brought a lot of charm, and I especially enjoyed the village of Shpelling; watching it grow and change was a highlight. The magical abilities the author includes felt fresh and creative, and the talking magical objects were such a fun touch.

The central romance developed slowly, starting as a genuine friendship, which I appreciated. The romantic element was also very light which was refreshing. That said, the direction of the relationship was quite obvious from the beginning.

Overall, the plot was fairly simple and didn’t have a lot of strong conflict or direction. I found myself wishing for a bit more tension or urgency to really pull me in. Still, the story had a nice vibe throughout, and the epilogue wrapped everything up in a satisfying and heartwarming way.

Great if you’re looking for something low-stakes and cozy with magical charm.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

From the dedication, I knew I was going to love this book.

And the opening scene involves a cozy quilt who doesn't wish to be laundered.

".What objects wanted, above all else, was to be used. To fulfill the purposes for which they had been made. To be VALUED."

Certainty is a new favorite character. Aurelia is a close second - I mean, she smells like library books and soft florals.

And when Certainty has to work with Aurelia? Sparks fly. I mean, after all, what're you supposed to do with leftover unnecessary magic?

I think my favorite thing about this particular story is the idea that having accepting, understanding parents - and love from found family - can make all the difference in making tough decisions. And in growing into your power.

"None of that matters, do you understand? All that matters is that you're happy."

Cozy fantasy is quickly becoming my favorite genre. Although this book is cozy dark academia. Which should definitely be a thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC—all thoughts are my own.

Julie Leong’s debut novel, The Teller of Small Fortunes, was one of the biggest cozy fantasy releases of last year and put Leong on the map as a fresh new voice in the genre. Just under a year later, Leong returns with a new cozy fantasy set in the same world. Oh, and it’s sapphic. The Keeper of Magical Things is an all-around delight to read, drawing on Leong’s talents for intimate, lower-stakes conflicts, big-hearted protagonists, and of course, whimsy.

The novel follows Certainty Bulrush, a novice in the Guild of Mages who desperately wishes for a chance to earn her magehood, and Aurelia Mirellan, a seemingly cold-hearted mage protégé known by her peers as “the ice witch,” as they set out on a task to transport minorly magical artifacts to Shpelling, the dullest, least magical village around (and whose name happens to be the geographical equivalent of a sneeze.)

I’ll always have a weakness for the unapproachable but secretly misunderstood love interest. There’s always something so satisfying about a protagonist who manages to break through or melt the defensive layer of an aloof, lone wolf. If you’re a fan of stories that pair a ray of sunshine with the human equivalent of a raincloud, you’re going to like the romance in The Keeper of Magical Things.

As a cozy fantasy, The Keeper of Magical Things treads familiar waters and deals in genre mainstays. We have protagonists who are forced out of their comfort zone and sent to a suitably non-thriving village, where they quickly discover that they have the tools to help rebuild the community and restore the village to its former glory. As they slowly acclimate to their new surroundings, the protagonists discover that true happiness is perhaps much simpler than they’ve ever imagined.

If you’re expecting any kind of twist on this formula, you’re going to be disappointed. The Keeper of Magical Things is a polished rock of a novel. It knows what it sets out to do and does it well. Certainty and Aurelia’s motivations are unfortunately relatable (trying to do right by your family, trying to be worthy of love), and the novel isn’t afraid to challenge them when it needs to. The world-building is consistent, if occasionally mined for a gag, and there’s a fair amount of imaginary fantasy politics to spruce up the stakes.

Most importantly, I was invested in the story. I was never bored, even when I thought I knew how events were going to unfold. And there were moments, especially near the end, where I genuinely didn’t know how the story would resolve itself, where the stakes became much higher than I ever anticipated. I liked both protagonists (a rarity!) and thought their interactions were adorable. Certainty, especially, engendered a sort of hope that I endeavor to find in more literary works.

If you like reading cozy fantasy or don’t mind dabbling in it, you’re probably going to enjoy The Keeper of Magical Things. While the story can at times feel excessively positive, that’s the sort of thing I try to be aware of when I’m reading in the genre. In an era where we’re losing our third spaces and town squares faster than ever, it’s already a sort of fantasy to imagine a world where people reclaim communities for themselves.

How much I enjoy a book can be measured in how many hours of my day I am willing to give it; I spent most of my day with my kindle in hand, because I needed to keep reading.

The first chapter didn't truly hook me. I worried it would be a bit too silly for my tastes, a problem I often have with cozy fantasy. By chapter 2, I couldn't stop, and it ended up being the queer cozy romantasy I have been waiting for. Like <i>Legends & Lattes</i>, but 200% better.

Certainty had me so invested in her story that I felt my stomach twist when things got bad, cried when she talked to her parents, and gnawed my knuckle to keep from grinning like a fool at every interaction she had with Aurelia. Aurelia's characterization and their developing relationship were written so well, it was some of the best chemistry I've seen in a long time.

I would have liked a bit more lore and worldbuilding, especially on the Mage Wars that was the basis of so much residual conflict in the story, but all-in-all I was very pleasantly surprised with this. One of my favorite reads of the year so far.

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book—I absolutely loved the first one, so I dove into this sequel the moment I got it. And I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.

Characters & Plot

Certainty Bulrush is a farmer’s daughter with an unusual but seemingly insignificant ability: she can communicate with inanimate objects. Despite years of effort, she hasn’t shown any real magical talent.

Mage Aurelia is a powerful, highborn scholar—book-smart, cold, and aloof, but also a total nerd.
Together, they’re sent on a mission to a small, remote, magicless village. Though neither of them is thrilled about it, the task turns out to be essential for both of them.

Review
This is a warm, charming, and utterly cozy fantasy. Like The Teller of Small Fortunes, it centers on the theme of understanding and connection between people from vastly different backgrounds. The story is full of delightful side characters: a kindhearted farmer, a gruff-but-golden-hearted old woman, and of course, the fan-favorite—an adorably mischievous, sugar-loving catdragon. Their interactions are funny, touching, and brimming with heart. Small, thoughtful details throughout the book help bring the world to life and make the story feel incredibly grounded and real.

The romance here is very subtle, but sweet and determined, especially in the final scenes.

I found the pacing slower compared to Book One. In the first book, the characters were constantly on the move, being pursued by the Mage, which kept the momentum high. This installment, however, leans more into a cozy, Legends & Lattes-style vibe. The characters remain mostly in one location, gradually building relationships with a familiar group of people.


A Note on Book One
Sadly, Tao and her companions don’t appear in this book—only brief mentions here and there. I would have loved to see interactions between Tao and Certainty, or Laohu and the Catdragon. Hopefully, we’ll get that in a future installment!

Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley, for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion.

A big thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for letting me read this ARC.

What a lovely book! I feel like a lot of authors lately have jumped on the bandwagon with the success of "Legends and Lattes" by Travis Baldree, but few have been able to capture such an overwhelming cozy feeling. This book in particular is incredible for that. It's relatively low - stakes, almost an enemies to lovers as a sub-plot, and a huge portion of cozy and heartwarming. I was really impressed how cleverly funny the book was too - the main character, Certainty, was very likeable and hilarious.

I kept reading and was wondering what would happen next, as there was still so much of the book left, and the pacing was done really well for a short read. I also liked that the main plot had to deal with a sort of "misfit" theme of magical worlds - when enchantments go wrong or don't work as intended.

I can't wait to recommend this to a lot of my friends and patrons! It's an easy read without huge stakes and too much "world lore dumping" that you can sometimes get from high fantasy. This book is a win for all lovers of even small scale fantasy and magic.

I was so excited to read another book set in Margrave, and this one did not disappoint! It was just as sweet and wonderful as The Teller of Small Fortunes. The relationship between Certainty and Aurelia was so genuine, and the funny magical items and the hilarious personalities of the residents of Shpelling (what a funny name for a town!) were just icing on the cake! I loved this book so much and can't wait to read more from this fantastical world!

In this sequel set in the same world as The Teller of Small Fortunes, Certainty Bulrush is a novice mage in the Guild of Mages with the affinity to talk to inanimate objects. After six longs years of not being able to advance because her magic is so minor, she's given the task of escorting carts of minor magical objects to the most magic-less town on the map and catalog them. If she can do this, she will finally be able to be a full mage and support her family the way she's always wanted to. The catch? Another mage is joining her, and Mage Aurelia, nicknamed the "Ice Queen" is a no-nonsense strict woman that threatens to turn this trip into a nightmare.

This is definitely a new favorite cozy read! The premise and setting of this book is so whimsical and sweet that I was hooked from page one! I loved watching Certainty and Aurelia face weird challenge after weird challenge and learn and grow together. The found family and friendship was so beautiful and I loved meeting each new, fleshed out character.

The sapphic romance was a sweet slow burn and I loved watching the grumpy x sunshine trope grow into mutual admiration and love. The romance weaves into the main story line sweetly and adds an additional layer of feel-goodness.

Each cozy element was well thought how and harmonized beautifully into the overall story; chatty teapots, cat dragons, magical pasta makers - all contributed to make this feel like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate while snuggled under your favorite blanket. I absolutely love this world and can't wait to see more stories in it!

I really enjoyed this book. I found Certainty very relatable - she just wants to help her family as best she can. Aurelia was harder to get until you learn more about her and her history. I really liked how their dynamic developed as they got to know one another. There were a few scenes that had me laughing out loud and a few that had me tearing up. Highly recommend this book!

What an adorable, heartfelt cozy fantasy. Two women (light enemies), one an apprentice mage, another a full mage, are sent to a town to investigate occurrences of “extra” magic which is wreaking havoc in the main city. The town they end up in is less than welcoming, having been harmed by mages in the past. One of them has weak magic, the other is struggling with hers. They must band together in order to help the struggling town. In the process, as you would expect, they discover magic that isn’t just within themselves, but between each other.

Full of adorable creatures and items, this is fun while also being serious. Hearing the thoughts of certain items creates chuckle-worthy moments, and watching these two rise up into their own power is inspiring. I loved getting to live in their world for a little while and rooting for them. Even if I wanted them to kiss already!!!

Wow! The Teller of Small Fortunes was such an amazing book that I had high hopes for this one that did not disappoint! I loved all of the magical artifacts that were within the book, such as the paste-a maker and the talking tea pot (I would love one for myself!) and a catdragon! Hope was such a cute and fun addition. I fell in love with Shpelling while reading through this book and hope that others will as well! It was a beautifully written and cozy story as well as a great adventure getting to dive back into Eshtera and learn more of the word that was created!

I loved the practical use of magic in this story. When incorrect storage of magical artifacts at Certainty's school causes havoc Certainty is tasked with taking certain magical items to be stored offsite with Mage Aurelia. Certainty's magic is not a strong type of magic her magic lies in being able to talk to magical items so she is stuck as a novice level mage. Both Certainty and Aurelia are a bit prickly around each other but they have to work together and in the town of Shpelling they work hard to fulfil their tasks of cataloging the magical items. I came to really like both characters. I liked how practical Certainty was. She was born to a lower class family and she had a very practical mind and she came to love sharing with the townspeople of Shpelling the magical items to help them improve their town and lives. Aurelia was born to a higher class family and she did not have the same practical mindset as Certainty but she came to see that what power that she had was put to better use to help the people that did not have magical powers the way that she did. I loved the worldbuilding and the magic in this story. I fell in love with Shpelling and the small town politics. Absolutely wonderful read.