The Keeper of Magical Things, by Julie Leong

An almost-mage discovers friendship—and maybe something more—in the unlikeliest of places in this delightfully charming novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Teller of Small Fortunes.

Certainty Bulrush wants to be useful—to the Guild of Mages that took her in as a novice, to the little brother who depends on her, and to anyone else she can help. Unfortunately, her tepid magic hasn’t proven much use to anyone. When Certainty has the chance to earn her magehood via a seemingly straightforward assignment, she takes it. Nevermind that she’ll have to work with Mage Aurelia, the brilliant, unfairly attractive overachiever who’s managed to alienate everyone around her.

The two must transport minorly magical artifacts somewhere Shpelling, the dullest, least magical village around. There, they must fix up an old warehouse, separate the gossipy teapots from the kind-of-flaming swords, corral an unruly little catdragon who has tagged along, and above all, avoid complications. The Guild’s uneasy relationship with citizens is at a tipping point, and the last thing needed is a magical incident.

Still, as mage and novice come to know Shpelling’s residents—and each other—they realize the Guild’s hoarded magic might do more good being shared. Friendships blossom while Certainty and Aurelia work to make Shpelling the haven it could be. But magic is fickle—add attraction and it might spell trouble.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

A lovely, warm, cozy sapphic fantasy about kindness, community, and learning to be your true self

Given how much I enjoyed The Teller of Small Fortunes, Julie Leong’s debut novel, I had high hopes for The Keeper of Magical Things, and I was not disappointed. Leong’s second book is a lovely, warm, cozy sapphic fantasy. Set in the same world as The Teller of Small Fortunes, Keeper is about kindness, community, and learning to be your true self. I connected immediately with the main character, Certainty, a novice mage whose talent is small but turns out to be more useful than she imagines…especially when combined with an impulse to help others. It took a little longer for me to warm up to Mage Aurelia, but as I got to know something of her backstory, I began to realize that her cool, ice-queen persona is masking someone both kinder and less confident than she appears. Watching the two of them slowly make their way to one another while bringing a village back to life was as heartwarming as the villagers’ growing appreciation and support for the young women and for one another.

Leong includes a number of delightful, whimsical touches. Cats with wings seem suddenly popular in fantasy these days (I have to wonder how many young authors read LeGuin’s Catwings as children!), and this one is a charmer when she’s around. The talking teapot reminded me of Mrs. Potts from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and there were other moments of joy and humor scattered throughout the book.

Of course, any romance or coming-of-age story (and The Keeper of Magical Things is arguably both, albeit with adult main characters) has an obligatory roadblock or setback to overcome, and this book is no exception. When disaster struck, it was sudden and unexpected. My heart ached for both Certainty and Aurelia, but I was comforted by the deep love and support of Certainty’s family, and her own determination. Rest assured that everything does work out eventually; if The Keeper of Magical Things is anything, it is hopeful: about the essential goodness within most people, about our ability to make connections and help one another, about the value and strength of community. I would love to see more gentle, optimistic stories set in this world, and I look forward to seeing what Leong has in store for us next.

If you are looking for a cozy fantasy to counteract the cold and darkness of the coming winter (or the current times), pick up The Keeper of Magical Things. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Challenges: COYER 2025: Out to Lunch; NetGalley & Edelweiss Challenge 2025

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• COYER 2025: Out to Lunch
• Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2025

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