STARRED Book Review: Spindleheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

A woodland fairy tale filled with mysticism, mystery, and some seriously cool forest creatures

The woods are a place filled with mystery and wonder, even in the tiniest of places. Author T.I. Avens brings us down much closer to the earth with Spindleheart. 

Flower elves and chipmunk-like creatures take center stage in this fictional fairyland for a thrilling yet relaxing reading experience, especially if you’re into gorgeous woodland settings. With nature themed prose, breathtaking imagery, and adventure at every turn, Spindleheart takes readers on two separate journeys with a pair of lovable leading ladies. 

Spindleheart is told from two perspectives, that of a flower elf named Calla and a swirlear named Wynn. Calla is eager to be accepted into a school for magic casters when trouble begins to follow her. As she and her magic are tested, she gets sidetracked by a mission that brings her closer to family secrets and her sister Saffron. 

Wynn is a young swirlear creature who is determined to right her wrongs by recovering the lost spindlechest, a powerful family heirloom that was stolen while under her watch. With guilt pushing her forward, she aims to hunt down the dangerous culprit of this crime with the help of two unsuspecting friends. With danger lurking at every turn they’re forced to battle their way to their lost possessions, and they won’t be returned to them without a fight.

There is a constant threat of danger as mysterious deaths are taking place among the villages in this mystical world. What elders suspect is a case of a poisonous plant making its way through certain species ends up being something a lot more ominous than they could have ever imagined. And while Calla and Wynn have different reasons for their respective journeys, both end up crossing paths with this mysterious evil that no one can pin down. 

Avens seamlessly weaves these two narratives together to create one cohesive, entertaining tale of determination. And it’s chock-full of female empowerment! Both main characters are so brave and accomplish much more than what their fellow creatures expect they’re capable of. When faced with the possibility of defeat, they charge through their fears and continue on the path they set for themselves. 

Though these stories take place in different areas and the main characters don’t interact, their stories always feel so close and therefore there is no difficulty in adjusting to the frequent change of settings. I was equally as excited to return to each characters’ storyline. I raced through this book in anticipation of what would happen next. If not just for the adventure, young girls will love Spindleheart because it follows two such inspiring lead characters. 

I also loved the displays of sisterhood in Calla’s chapters. Calla and Leigh’s friendship is a safe space for Calla, which greatly differs from her relationship with her sister Saffron. Still, you can see that there is strength behind Calla and Saffron’s relationship despite their bickering and that it has the potential to be something great if they can take the time to understand each other better. While Wynn is focused on her goal of getting the spindlechest back, she also learns what it means to rely on people and build relationships that will last forever. 

I left this ending totally satisfied and equally as excited. It sets up a second installation so well. I can’t wait to see where these characters go from here.

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Thank you for reading Jaylynn Korrell’s book review of Spindleheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool by T.I. Avens! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.