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A Spell at Sea
War in Barria is nothing new. The island’s tribes have fought for generations, but this time is different. One leader has found a way to cast magic without ageing, the usual cost of power, and he won’t stop until he controls everything.
Headmaster Theodore Flax of Torr University has seen the threat firsthand. If he doesn’t find Talented children in time, the war will reach them all.
Sixteen-year-old Shaylin rarely sets foot on land. Raised aboard Trader One by the ship’s captain and first officer, she serves as the vessel’s Swordfish, taking on one of the most dangerous roles at sea. The crew is her family, and the ocean is the only home she has ever known.
But something is beginning to change. A voice follows her in quiet moments, and she can’t be sure whether it’s madness, magic, or something divine. As the world shifts around her, Shaylin’s next steps may determine more than just her own future.
A Spell at Sea is a gripping YA fantasy about courage, discovery, and the dangers that surface when magic and war begin to collide.
Headmaster Theodore Flax of Torr University has seen the threat firsthand. If he doesn’t find Talented children in time, the war will reach them all.
Sixteen-year-old Shaylin rarely sets foot on land. Raised aboard Trader One by the ship’s captain and first officer, she serves as the vessel’s Swordfish, taking on one of the most dangerous roles at sea. The crew is her family, and the ocean is the only home she has ever known.
But something is beginning to change. A voice follows her in quiet moments, and she can’t be sure whether it’s madness, magic, or something divine. As the world shifts around her, Shaylin’s next steps may determine more than just her own future.
A Spell at Sea is a gripping YA fantasy about courage, discovery, and the dangers that surface when magic and war begin to collide.
361 pages, ebook
Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 20, 2025
A spell at sea is a really interesting book with a unique take on magic!
"A Spell at Sea" throws you into a world where magic isn't a gift, but a dangerous curse that can only be held at bay by constantly casting spells. Imagine the pressure! The idea that you'd age if you use magic is a fascinating twist.
The concept of controlling emotions and energy to stay alive also sounds super compelling. It makes you think about the discipline and focus it would take. The secret of rose crystals being the key to this age-saving magic adds a layer of mystery and intrigue.
The story follows Shaylin, a sixteen-year-old living on a ship, which already creates a vivid and adventurous setting. The fact that the ocean is her only home makes her character even more intriguing. On top of that, a war is brewing because one leader has figured out how to use magic without aging – a discovery that threatens everything. Headmaster Theodore Flax is racing against time to find magically talented kids before the war consumes them. And Shaylin herself starts hearing a mysterious voice, hinting at a bigger destiny than she could have imagined.
This book seems like a gripping young adult fantasy that blends a high-stakes adventure with a really clever magic system. The themes of courage, discovery, and the dangers of unchecked power sound like they'll make for a captivating read. If you enjoy fantasy with original magic and a strong sense of adventure, "A Spell at Sea" definitely sounds like one to check out!
"A Spell at Sea" throws you into a world where magic isn't a gift, but a dangerous curse that can only be held at bay by constantly casting spells. Imagine the pressure! The idea that you'd age if you use magic is a fascinating twist.
The concept of controlling emotions and energy to stay alive also sounds super compelling. It makes you think about the discipline and focus it would take. The secret of rose crystals being the key to this age-saving magic adds a layer of mystery and intrigue.
The story follows Shaylin, a sixteen-year-old living on a ship, which already creates a vivid and adventurous setting. The fact that the ocean is her only home makes her character even more intriguing. On top of that, a war is brewing because one leader has figured out how to use magic without aging – a discovery that threatens everything. Headmaster Theodore Flax is racing against time to find magically talented kids before the war consumes them. And Shaylin herself starts hearing a mysterious voice, hinting at a bigger destiny than she could have imagined.
This book seems like a gripping young adult fantasy that blends a high-stakes adventure with a really clever magic system. The themes of courage, discovery, and the dangers of unchecked power sound like they'll make for a captivating read. If you enjoy fantasy with original magic and a strong sense of adventure, "A Spell at Sea" definitely sounds like one to check out!
June 22, 2025
A Spell at Sea is an ambitious and atmospheric start to what promises to be a compelling fantasy series. With multiple interwoven storylines and a richly imagined world, the book offers readers a broad view of its magical universe—though it does ask you to stay alert as the perspectives shift frequently.
We follow Shaylin, a teen who’s spent her life at sea, enduring the harsh reality of a job that seems uniquely survivable only by her. Her storyline is both tragic and gripping. Meanwhile, Jack and Owen embark on a journey to find others with a rare, Jedi-like connection to magic—an intriguing system that’s hinted at more than fully explained, but full of potential. We also get glimpses into the minds of royalty and the antagonistic forces at play, creating a layered narrative with many moving parts.
The world-building is a standout. I particularly enjoyed how different cultures within the book approach and interpret magic, adding depth and variety to the setting. While it can be challenging at times to keep track of all the characters and subplots, everything starts to come together as the story progresses.
Note: there are brief mentions of sexual assault and violence, so sensitive readers should be aware.
Overall, A Spell at Sea is a promising foundation for a series with a lot of heart and vision. I’m curious to see how the threads introduced here will develop in the next book of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We follow Shaylin, a teen who’s spent her life at sea, enduring the harsh reality of a job that seems uniquely survivable only by her. Her storyline is both tragic and gripping. Meanwhile, Jack and Owen embark on a journey to find others with a rare, Jedi-like connection to magic—an intriguing system that’s hinted at more than fully explained, but full of potential. We also get glimpses into the minds of royalty and the antagonistic forces at play, creating a layered narrative with many moving parts.
The world-building is a standout. I particularly enjoyed how different cultures within the book approach and interpret magic, adding depth and variety to the setting. While it can be challenging at times to keep track of all the characters and subplots, everything starts to come together as the story progresses.
Note: there are brief mentions of sexual assault and violence, so sensitive readers should be aware.
Overall, A Spell at Sea is a promising foundation for a series with a lot of heart and vision. I’m curious to see how the threads introduced here will develop in the next book of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review contains serious spoilers, so read at your own risk!
This book starts off slow, but in the best kind of way—giving you time to settle into the world and get to know the characters. I wasn’t expecting to get so invested, but by the time the action started ramping up, I was completely hooked.
Owen and Jack easily stole my heart. Their bravery, banter, and the way they carry the emotional weight of the story made them instant favorites for me. Their heroics felt genuine and earned, not just thrown in for spectacle. Their values are deeply rooted and it's easy to understand.
And then there’s Shaylin—mysterious, compelling, and someone I absolutely need to know more about. Every scene with her added another layer of intrigue, and I’m dying to find out what’s really going on with her and her Talent.
There is one character death that I’m still feeling torn about. I really wanted Shaylin to find some peace, maybe even a real friendship and some hope for her belowed profession. That said, I understand why it had to happen—it was a pivotal moment for Shaylin’s arc, and it did feel meaningful.
Overall, A Spell at Sea grew on me page by page. It’s a story that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after. Can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.
This book starts off slow, but in the best kind of way—giving you time to settle into the world and get to know the characters. I wasn’t expecting to get so invested, but by the time the action started ramping up, I was completely hooked.
Owen and Jack easily stole my heart. Their bravery, banter, and the way they carry the emotional weight of the story made them instant favorites for me. Their heroics felt genuine and earned, not just thrown in for spectacle. Their values are deeply rooted and it's easy to understand.
And then there’s Shaylin—mysterious, compelling, and someone I absolutely need to know more about. Every scene with her added another layer of intrigue, and I’m dying to find out what’s really going on with her and her Talent.
There is one character death that I’m still feeling torn about. I really wanted Shaylin to find some peace, maybe even a real friendship and some hope for her belowed profession. That said, I understand why it had to happen—it was a pivotal moment for Shaylin’s arc, and it did feel meaningful.
Overall, A Spell at Sea grew on me page by page. It’s a story that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after. Can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
A Spell at Sea by P.W. Browning is a YA novel about magic as a curse and that is a new and interesting concept. It took me some time to get into the story. It started a bit slow. The magic is unique and I loved the world-building. The characters come across well and the book has a good plot and story-lines, as there are several, which made it more interesting.
A Spell at Sea is a good start of an interesting and magical YA fantasy novel.
A Spell at Sea is a good start of an interesting and magical YA fantasy novel.
May 12, 2025
I singed up as an ARC reader for this book and was excited to read it, I’m glad to say it has met and excided my expectations.
The story and characters are well written, with excellent world building. While one or two plot points I could see coming it did not take away from the overall impact of the story.
I would recommend giving it a read and I am excited for the story to continue.
The story and characters are well written, with excellent world building. While one or two plot points I could see coming it did not take away from the overall impact of the story.
I would recommend giving it a read and I am excited for the story to continue.
May 22, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my first time reading this author. I will say this book caught my attention with all the characters and the war being waged throughout the book. I personally loved that Shalin was raised at sea and then discovers she has magic. Watching her develop in the book was great. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
April 19, 2025
An interesting premise, wonderful world building. A great start to the series with well developed characters. A fun adventure. I'm looking forward to see what comes next
May 26, 2025
This was an absolute delight to read! The magic! It is so uniquely written and it's not seen as a gift. I enjoyed this book so very much!
June 1, 2025
I don't know. It started off too slow. By the time it picked up, I just couldn't get into the storyline. Which is my own issue.
That being said ... Jack and Owen were great. They had some emotional spots that you could really feel. And the banter between them was top-notch. I'm still not sold on Shaylin, but I feel that she could grow and redeem herself. The magic is what kept me reading. It's not a gift but a curse. You have to be disciplined. Use it a certain way. Not too much. You have to control yourself. You have to use just enough so as not to become too charged and dangerous.
That being said ... Jack and Owen were great. They had some emotional spots that you could really feel. And the banter between them was top-notch. I'm still not sold on Shaylin, but I feel that she could grow and redeem herself. The magic is what kept me reading. It's not a gift but a curse. You have to be disciplined. Use it a certain way. Not too much. You have to control yourself. You have to use just enough so as not to become too charged and dangerous.
May 11, 2025
I was generously given the opportunity to review A Spell at Sea of my own accord, through being offered an eARC.
This book was full of delightfully detailed world building. Starting off slow to bring you into this world.
Owen and Jack’s adventures brought nuance to the story.
Throughout there were also interesting side characters and other story lines.
However, I found myself mostly wanting to learn more about Shaylin and eagerly awaited her storyline at every turn.
All aspects created a wonderful reading experience and I sincerely can’t wait for the next books in this series.
This book was full of delightfully detailed world building. Starting off slow to bring you into this world.
Owen and Jack’s adventures brought nuance to the story.
Throughout there were also interesting side characters and other story lines.
However, I found myself mostly wanting to learn more about Shaylin and eagerly awaited her storyline at every turn.
All aspects created a wonderful reading experience and I sincerely can’t wait for the next books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews