Spells for Forgetting Review

Hello, all!

Friends, if you've been craving a book with slight witchy vibes for your fall TBR's, look no further than Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young.

Pub Date: 9-27-22
Adult - Fantasy

Emery Blackwood’s life changed forever on the night of her high school graduation when her boyfriend, August, was accused of murdering her best friend, Lily. Even though there wasn't enough evidence to convict August, he and his mother still fled the rural island they called home, leaving Emery more alone than ever. Now, years later Emery is stuck in the life she was so desperate to run away from living on Saoirse Island and tending her late mother's tea shop. Saoirse Island is known for being rooted in magic and tradition, so when it starts acting strange, Emery knows something big is coming. 

August Salt knows he's not welcome on Saoirse Island. On his last night there, a fire tore through his family's orchard, and the body of Lily Morgan was found drowned in the middle of the woods. The community of Saoirse was never a fan of August or his family, so despite having an alibi, August was branded a murderer. August swore he would never step foot on the island again, but when his mother passes, her last wish is to be buried at home, leaving August no choice but to face the same people who turned on him all those years ago. But when August arrives, he discovers there's more to the town's hatred of him than meets the eye. He knew coming back would be a mistake, and he'll have to work with Emery to uncover the truth about that night if he hopes to leave the island alive.

I've only read one other book by Young that was YA, so I was eager to jump into her first adult novel, and wow, I loved this. Based on her other books, I was expecting it to be a fantasy, but I would categorize it more as a mystery with magical realism aspects. The atmosphere was stunning, and the setting of this remote island in the PNW added to the overall tone and feel of the book. I loved the subtle magic embedded into the island and how the women have ways of harnessing it. The mystery side was also very well done. I liked following along with Emery and August as they uncovered all these secrets. We follow a lot of different POVs, and the pacing is slow at times, but I think it worked to help build the tension and make it more suspenseful. If you're looking for an immersive, engaging read that is perfect for the fall, I would highly recommend checking this one out.

Rating: 4/5