I LOVE that we've gotten a book about Marin the supply runner!

The book spans across the story lines of The Spellshop (a little) and The Enchanted Garden (mostly), but it also works well as a standalone I think.

Marin comes across as so confident and sure of herself when she pops up in the other books, I've loved reading and learning more about her in this book.

We start off with Marin realising the man she was with is actually a complete arsehole, manipulative and mean-spirited and who's caused her and her family a lot of pain. She's on her boat putting as much distance from him as possible. Then two years later, the story starts proper.

I liked how [even though 2 years have passed, the impact of the hurt and broken trust left by Marin's ex is STILL being felt. I thought that was very realistic and I liked that it wasn't just magically wiped away while she was at sea. Marin has been hugely hurt by that broken trust, and as a result doesn't trust her own judgement anymore even after so long since they split up - I totally feel that! (hide spoiler)]

But along the way, Marin - who's so far been very determined she's sailing by herself (well with Perri the sea serpent) - meets Ree the sentient plant who wants to learn to be a sailor, and Dax an incredibly talended musician who wants to explore the world and the music out there.

Marin's journey across the sea through the Crescent Islands was complete escapism - with merhorses, dragons, winged-cats, crystal trees - it's felt like this book has added a lot more to the world-building of this series, which I really loved.

I think this is my favourite of the three books so far!

This book was everything we expect from Sarah Beth Durst. It's cosy fantasy, a bit of romance, lots of found family / community and realisations about one's self; and 100% escapism.

I love what Sarah Beth Durst wrote at the end in her acknowledgement - "I have always loved imaginary worlds."
It really comes through in this book. When she name drops places like Tortall (Tamora Pierce), Newford (Charles De Lint), Ingary (Diana Wynne Jones), Damar (Robin McKinley), Pern (Anne McCaffrey) - I've loved all these worlds / authors for decades and they've also been my go-to stories for escapism and I think those influences really came through here.

I am actually OBSESSED with Sea of Charms and anything Sarah Beth Durst writes!!! This book completely swept me away and refused to give me back 😭✨

From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the atmosphere. The ocean setting feels so vivid and alive, it’s magical and a little eerie and just full of wonder in that very specific way that makes you feel like anything could happen. Sarah Beth Durst has this incredible way of making her worlds feel both whimsical and dangerous at the same time, and I ate up EVERY SECOND of it.

The characters??? I LOVED them. The found family has my absolute heart and soul!!!! So much growth, and the relationships absolutely carried this story in the best way. Don’t even get me started on Perri and Ree!!! There’s such a strong emotional core running through everything, friendship, loyalty, courage, and it all felt so genuine. I was rooting so hard for them the entire time 🥹

Also can we talk about the pacing?? I flew through this. It’s one of those books where you say “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through at 2am with zero regrets.

By the end I was emotional, satisfied, and already wanting MORE from this world. If you love magical adventures, found family vibes, and a setting that completely immerses you, PLEASE pick this up!!!

Five stars, no notes, would happily get lost at sea with this book again 🌊💙✨

Thank you so much to Sarah Beth Durst, Pan Macmillan, and NetGalley for the eARC!!

Returning to the world of the SpellShop series felt like coming home. Sea of Charms was everything I hoped for in the third installment — cosy, magical, emotional, and filled with the characters I’ve grown so attached to throughout the series.

I absolutely loved being back with this cast. The friendships, the charm of the setting, and the warmth woven through every page made this such a comforting and addictive read. There’s something so special about the way this series balances heart, magic, and humour while still keeping me fully invested in the story.

This book reminded me why I fell in love with the series in the first place. It felt nostalgic while still bringing fresh twists and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages. If you’ve loved the previous books, this is such a satisfying return to this enchanting world.

A magical and heartfelt continuation that left me smiling the entire way through.

Book three in the Spellshop series and another hit. This time we follow Marin and her crew across the oceans in the aftermath of events in the first books. I loved the little Easter eggs for the previous books and also for the next one (unicorn cheese anyone?) I love this world and can’t wait to read more adventures within it! Thank you so much for the advanced copy, I can’t wait to share it with my customers.

This is my first book by Sarah Beth Durst and I loved it. Sea of Charms sits within the world of her other books The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse but it works well as a standalone and does not matter if you haven't read those. This book follows supply runner Marin on her journeys across the sea with her crew - sea serpent Perri, sentient plant Ree and gifted composer Dax. The blossoming friendships and relationships are a joy to follow in this cosy, heartwarming whimsical story. I cannot wait to read more books by the author.