Rating: 4.25⭐️

Honestly, it had me at a librarian who’s going to restore a magical library.  I’m in. 

I kept hearing a certain librarian saying “I am a librarian “ as I was reading the story. And being completely delighted by such whimsical fantasy creatures as neglected tiny free libraries who hopped on their stakes like wooden puppies when seeing new books.  The joy flew off the page and made these little decrepit boxes full of life and wonder.  They became one of my favorites here. 

Among so many offerings found in the abandoned Misty Mountain Library’s shelves, and now alive characters of the books that live on the shelves.  Tiny dragons and knights, amongst them. 

All waited for years for someone to return to help them. 

Ah what a journey and a struggle for librarian Nyssa to get the library to forgive and accept her. And then another battle with the town that the old library up the mountain is as magical and beautiful as anything else around. 

This is an imaginative, fantasy story that has so many great elements to it. Storybooks and their characters come to life, a library that has feelings and has been not just neglected but hurt. And a librarian returning home. 

It’s not perfect. There’s several things that need more attention or exploration of their history to feel complete. Mostly it’s the secondary human characters who come off as one dimensional , especially when the little free magical libraries are so small and lively that they are more credible, adorable, and funny. I want one. 

The second novel features a one of the characters from the books that were waiting for the librarian when she came up the Mountain. He’s quite the personality.  Looking forward to reading his novel. 

Beautifully illustrated and rich in detail. I love these covers. 

Cover Design: The Book Brander Boutique 

Interior Illustrations: Della Claire

Legends and Librarians (2 book series):

Legends and Librarians #1

Myths and Manuscripts #2

Buy link

        Legends and Librarians: A Cozy Fantasy Bound with Love

    

Blurb 

At the Misty Mountain Library, stories don’t just sit on shelves—they leap right off the page.

When Nyssa returns to the magical library she adored as a child, it’s not quite how she remembered it. A wild magic storm has brought the books to life, leaving her to repair the library while wrangling tiny dragons, even tinier knights, a grumpy demon lord, and so much more.

With the Tales and Tomes Festival just around the corner, Nyssa needs the library ready for its grand reopening or it might disappear for good. But with the story spirits causing playful chaos, and the townsfolk convinced it’s haunted, she’ll need help bringing the magic back.

Roan, a wandering adventurer, takes the job expecting danger but instead finds himself charmed by the library and by Nyssa. As they prepare for the festival, they’ll learn that restoring the library isn’t just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about building something new, together.

Legends and Librarians is a cozy fantasy full of found family, whimsical magic, and the warm feeling of discovering where you truly belong.