Julie Leong’s sophomore novel, The Keeper of Magical Things, weaves a spell that’s both delicate and profound, delivering exactly what readers loved about The Teller of Small Fortunes while carving out its own distinct magical territory. This is comfort fantasy at its finest—a story that prioritizes emotional resonance over explosive action, character growth over world-shattering stakes, and the quiet magic of human connection over flashy spellcasting. Though some plot threads could have been woven more tightly, Leong’s gift for creating authentic, lived-in worlds and characters you’d gladly share tea with makes this a worthy companion to her debut.
A Tale of Minor Magic and Major Heart
The Setup: Certainty Bulrush stands on the precipice of failure. After six years as a Guild novice, her magical abilities remain stubbornly weak—she can chat with quilts and convince teacups to behave, but casting even simple spells leaves her drained and disappointed. When the High Mage offers her one final chance at earning her magehood through a seemingly straightforward assignment, Certainty grasps it with both hands, despite the catch: she must work alongside Mage Aurelia Mirellan, the brilliant and notoriously difficult “ice witch” who has managed to alienate nearly everyone at the Guild.
Their mission sends them to Shpelling, a forgotten village where they must establish a storage facility for the Guild’s overflow of minorly magical artifacts. What should be a simple cataloging job becomes something far more complex as the two women discover that Shpelling harbors decades-old wounds and that their magical cargo might hold the key to healing more than just overcrowded Guild vaults.
Characters Who Feel Like Real People
Leong’s greatest strength lies in creating characters who breathe with authentic complexity. Certainty emerges as a protagonist who feels genuinely relatable—her struggles with self-worth and magical inadequacy never tip into self-pity, and her determination to help others stems from genuine compassion rather than martyrdom. Her ability to communicate with objects through touch becomes both a metaphor for her empathetic nature and a clever plot device that never feels forced.
Aurelia proves to be far more than the expected “ice queen with a heart of gold” trope. Leong carefully peels back her layers of defensiveness to reveal someone grappling with her own magical blockages and family expectations. The slow-burn development of her relationship with Certainty feels earned and natural, built on mutual respect and understanding rather than mere attraction.
The supporting cast of Shpelling villagers—from the gruff but caring Gertha to the optimistic innkeeper Ferdinand—could easily have been stock fantasy village folk, but Leong imbues each with distinct voices and believable motivations. Their collective trauma from past magical warfare and their cautious hope for renewal creates genuine emotional stakes.
A World That Invites You to Stay
The magical system in The Keeper of Magical Things operates on delightful whimsy rather than rigid rules. Gossipy teapots, paintbrushes that choose their own colors, and a mirror that opens onto otherworldly beaches create a sense of wonder without overwhelming the story’s intimate scale. Leong wisely keeps the focus on how magic affects daily life rather than getting bogged down in elaborate explanations.
Shpelling itself becomes a character in the story, transforming from a place of stagnation and garlic farms into something vibrant and alive. The village’s renewal parallels the personal growth of both protagonists, though this symbolism occasionally tips toward the heavy-handed.
Romance That Blooms Naturally
The romantic development between Certainty and Aurelia unfolds with patience and authenticity. Their initial professional friction gives way to mutual understanding as they work together, face challenges, and see each other’s vulnerabilities. Leong avoids the common pitfall of instalove, instead building their connection through shared experiences and gradual trust.
The LGBTQ+ representation in The Keeper of Magical Things feels organic to the story rather than performative. The world appears to treat same-sex relationships as unremarkable, allowing the focus to remain on the characters’ emotional journey rather than external prejudice.
Where the Magic Occasionally Falters
While Leong excels at character work and world-building in The Keeper of Magical Things, some plot elements feel underdeveloped. The antagonist Tobias, while effectively slimy, remains somewhat one-dimensional compared to the richly drawn protagonists. His motivations, while clear, lack the complexity that would make him truly compelling.
The pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly in the middle section where the artifact cataloging process, though charming, sometimes slows narrative momentum. Some readers may find the stakes feel too low compared to epic fantasy expectations, though this seems intentional for the cozy fantasy subgenre.
The resolution, while satisfying emotionally, ties up certain plot threads with perhaps too neat a bow. The magical solution to the village’s problems and Certainty’s personal growth feel somewhat rushed after the careful build-up.
Themes That Resonate
Beneath its warm surface, The Keeper of Magical Things explores weighty themes about self-worth, the nature of different kinds of strength, and how institutional power can harm communities. Certainty’s journey from feeling magically inadequate to understanding her unique value speaks to anyone who has felt overlooked or undervalued by traditional metrics of success.
The story also thoughtfully examines how past traumas affect communities across generations and how healing requires both acknowledgment of harm and active efforts toward restoration. The Guild’s relationship with Shpelling serves as a subtle commentary on institutional responsibility and the importance of listening to marginalized voices.
Writing That Sparkles With Gentle Humor
Leong’s prose maintains the same warm, accessible tone that charmed readers in her debut. Her dialogue crackles with personality, and she has a gift for finding humor in everyday moments without undermining emotional sincerity. The magical artifacts provide numerous opportunities for whimsical comedy that never feels forced.
The author’s background in economics subtly informs the story’s attention to practical details—how magic affects local economies, the logistics of Guild operations, and the real-world implications of magical interference in rural communities.
A Worthy Addition to the Cozy Fantasy Canon
For Readers Of: If you enjoyed The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, The Once and Future Witches by the same author, or The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska, The Keeper of Magical Things will likely enchant you. Fans of Becky Chambers’ cozy science fiction or Sarah Beth Durst’s magical realism will also find much to love.
- Content Considerations: The book maintains a gentle tone throughout, with minimal violence and no graphic content. Some emotional intensity around themes of self-worth and family disappointment, but nothing that would trouble most readers.
Similar Magical Reads to Explore
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – Another cozy magical romance featuring found family and gentle world-building
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – For readers who enjoy portal magic and lyrical prose
- The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska – Slavic-inspired fantasy with strong female friendships and magical coming-of-age themes
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – The gold standard for feel-good fantasy with heart
- Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy – Academic magical setting with romantic tension and magical academia vibes
Final Thoughts: Magic Worth Believing In
The Keeper of Magical Things succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: create a magical world where kindness matters more than power, where healing happens through community rather than heroics, and where love grows through understanding rather than destiny. While it may not convert readers who prefer high-stakes fantasy adventures, it will thoroughly enchant those seeking stories that prioritize emotional depth and character growth.
Leong has established herself as a voice worth following in the cozy fantasy space. Her ability to find profound meaning in everyday magic, combined with her skill at crafting relationships that feel genuine and earned, marks her as an author whose future works deserve eager anticipation.
Recommended for: Fans of cozy fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance, found family narratives, and anyone who believes that sometimes the most powerful magic is simply being seen and valued for who you are.
