The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

✦ BLURB ✦

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 safe: Shpelling, the dullest, least magical village around. There, they must fix up an old warehouse, separate the self-turning butter churns from the kind-of-flaming swords, 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.

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✶ PRE-READING ✶

Julie's first book, The Teller of Small Fortunes, was one of my top books last year. As soon as I heard Julie was releasing another set in the same world, I couldn't wait to read it. Julie is one of my top two cosy fantasy writers and I was thrilled to be swept away in her world again. I was hoping it would have the same feeling of found family, found homes, and gentle, unobtrusive magic as Teller.

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✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought... it's amazing. It's a slower start than Teller, with the emphasis more on community than the family oriented feel of the first one, but it's every bit as warm and gentle. Certainty is an amazing heroine, taking on the burdens of everyone around them, and Aurelia makes a wonderful, slowly defrosting foil for her.

It surprised me by... the wider feel. Although Teller covered more ground, the focus was always on the core group of characters. Keeper is set in one place, but it feels more expansive, with a larger group and a more complicated web of relationships. There's romance in this one, but it's not overwhelming; this is cosy with a hint of romance, not a cosy romance.

Readers, please note that you can read this without ever going near Teller: there's some very minor character crossover, but the stories are unrelated.

Julie, to answer question 9 of the reading guide; absolutely, and how about a visit to Shinara?

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✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

Book Recommendation: Spellsong by Sarah Beth Durst - another cosy fantasy focusing on rebuilding a community with love and jam.

TV Recommendation: Merlin, a BBC show from some years ago. A young Merlin arrives in a Camelot where magic is banned and finds his destiny is to protect the young and arrogant Prince Arthur. Pulling freely from the legends, this series shows Merlin's found family slowly assembling and guiding him to become the wizard of legend. Be warned; the last episode will rip your heart out.

✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦

Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.

🎵 Featured Song: “The Reason” – Hoobastank
This one belongs to Aurelia. It captures the quiet intensity of someone realising they want to change, but don’t quite know how to say it yet. Earnest, a little awkward, but heartfelt to the core - just like her.

🎶 Vibe Album: *“My Morning Jacket” – The Waterfall
Dreamy, slightly folky rock with warm instrumentals and reflective lyrics. Perfect for the slower pace of the story, with moments of growth and unexpected beauty rising through the mellow tones.

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Sara Bareilles
For her ability to layer sincerity and emotional clarity in gentle, piano-driven melodies. Think “Brave” for Certainty’s steady courage, or “Let the Rain” when you want a dose of soft strength.

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✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

A colour palette: periwinkle, copper kettle, warm clay, and buttercream
A soundtrack: soft piano with birdsong and the clink of teacups in the background
A season: early autumn - brisk mornings, warm afternoons, and a sense of settling in
A mood: quietly hopeful, gently transformative, a little awkward and very sincere
A scent: old books, honeyed oatcakes, and a hint of lavender from the garden

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★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

Two of Pentacles – Everyday Witch Tarot
This card shows a young witch balanced on a seesaw, effortlessly juggling two pentacles above her head in the shape of an infinity symbol. A black cat watches nearby, adding a note of whimsy - and in this case, a clever tie-in to a minor plot point. It captures the heart of Keeper of Magical Things: a delicate balancing act between responsibilities, emotions, and personal growth. Like Certainty herself, the figure on the card is doing her best to keep everything aloft, even when the ground under her feet shifts. The tone is light but determined, reflecting the book’s mix of quiet struggle, humour, and hope.

The Keeper of Magical Things publishes on the 14th of October, 2025 in the US (current image) and on the 16th of October, 2025 in the UK (no image yet but I'll add it when it's available.) I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.