Review by Library Journal Review
As a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, Terlu Perna knew she was breaking the law by casting a spell to create a sentient spider plant, but her loneliness outweighed everything she was taught. As punishment, she was transformed into a wooden statue, to forever stand as a reminder in the North Reading Room--but then Terlu wakes up, finding herself in the midst of winter, surrounded by hundreds of greenhouses. Wandering the endless paths through the greenhouses, she discovers a winged cat and Yarrow Verdane, the grouchy sole gardener on the secluded island of greenhouses. When Terlu discovers that the magic protecting the greenhouses is failing and killing everything inside them, she is determined to help, no matter the law of the land. With Yarrow, the cat Emeral, and a sentient rose, Terlu attempts to find truth within the cryptic notes of a long-dead sorcerer and save the island. VERDICT An entertaining cozy fantasy that stands alone but is connected to Durst's 2024 novel The Spellshop. The detail-rich setting and fun characters will have readers dreaming of enchanting flowers and honey cake.--Kristi Chadwick
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