Book Review: Spells for Forgetting: A Novel by Adrienne Young
Introduction
Adrienne Young, known for her YA fantasy series like Fable and Sky in the Deep, makes her adult fiction debut with Spells for Forgetting (2022). At ~351 pages (Delacorte Press), this atmospheric standalone blends magical realism, mystery, small-town secrets, and second-chance romance. Set on the fictional Saoirse Island in the Pacific Northwest, the novel explores an unsolved murder, ancestral magic tied to apples and the land, and the enduring pull of first love. A Book of the Month pick with strong BookTok buzz, it earned praise for its moody fall vibes, lyrical prose, and emotional depth. In 2026, it remains a cozy yet haunting read for fans of witchy mysteries (The Ex Hex, The Witches of New York) or atmospheric thrillers with romance.
Content and Structure
The story is told in dual timelines and perspectives, alternating between the present (2010s) and the past (1990s). In the present, August Salt returns to Saoirse after fourteen years to scatter his mother’s ashes. The island—once thriving with Salt family orchards—has turned hostile; residents still blame August for the death of Lily Morgan, Emery Blackwood’s best friend, on the night a fire ravaged the orchard.Emery, now running a small apple shop and quietly grieving, is drawn back into the past when August’s arrival unearths buried truths. As the island’s trees mysteriously change color overnight (a sign of old magic stirring), old letters and secrets surface. The narrative weaves flashbacks to their teenage romance—young love, forbidden by family feuds—and the night everything shattered. Present-day chapters build suspense as August and Emery confront accusations, lingering feelings, and the island’s hidden magic: spells tied to apples that can mend or break, forget or remember.The structure is non-linear but seamless—past chapters reveal what happened, while the present uncovers why. The tone is melancholic and evocative, with rich sensory details (crisp air, orchard scents, stormy seas) enhancing the island’s almost sentient presence.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Central is the impossibility of true forgetting: trauma, love, and guilt linger like spells. Themes include second chances, the weight of community judgment, ancestral magic as both curse and comfort, and the cost of secrets in tight-knit places. Young explores how grief and betrayal shape identity, and how love can endure despite pain. The magical realism is subtle—spells tied to apples and the land feel organic, not overt—adding wonder without overpowering the mystery and romance.
Strengths and Criticisms
Strengths: The atmosphere is immersive and fall-perfect—moody, beautiful, and haunting. Emery and August are complex and compelling; their slow-burn reconnection feels earned. The mystery unfolds satisfyingly, with emotional payoff and a touch of hope. Prose is lyrical and evocative, making the island a character. Many praise its balance of romance, suspense, and subtle magic.Criticisms: Pacing can feel slow, especially early on, with some finding the non-linear structure confusing or the magical elements underdeveloped. The murder mystery resolves predictably for some; others wanted more overt magic or higher stakes.
Conclusion
Spells for Forgetting is a beautifully crafted tale of love, loss, and lingering magic—perfect for cozy autumn reading or fans of atmospheric mysteries with heart. Young delivers a poignant adult debut that lingers like the island’s fog. Rated 4.3/5 for vibes, characters, and emotional resonance. If you enjoy small-town secrets, witchy realism, and second-chance romance, this one casts a spell worth savoring.