As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling Gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Wormwood Abbey isn’t just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family’s legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap…and some of them have teeth.

Cozy fantasy and I have a complicated relationship. Sometimes the pacing feels too slow for my taste. But every now and then, a story comes along that completely wins me over. This novel was absolutely one of those rare gems. It was charming, enchanting, and delightfully atmospheric, with a historical backdrop and gentle Gothic undertones that added depth without overwhelming the cozy tone. I also appreciated that it was entirely clean, with no language and no spice.

This was my first experience with this author, and it certainly will not be my last. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator delivered a beautiful performance that elevated the story even more. She captured the mood, the humor, and the tension so well that the world felt vivid and alive. Listening to this felt like stepping into Victorian England with dragons woven seamlessly into the setting. The descriptions were lush and immersive, creating a rich sense of place that lingered long after I stopped listening.

The plot was full of engaging twists that kept things interesting without sacrificing the cozy feel. I quickly grew attached to the characters, especially Edith, Gwendolyn, and Drake. Gwendolyn stood out with her layered backstory and the quiet complexity of her hopes and fears. Drake carried an air of mystery that made him compelling from the start. I am especially eager to see how his character develops in the rest of the series.

Edith, our main character, was a joy to follow. As a writer herself, she felt instantly relatable to me. I almost always connect with stories that feature creative heroines, and Edith was no exception. What made her journey even more meaningful was the support she received from her family, which felt both refreshing and heartwarming given the time period. Although the book is not marketed as Christian fiction, there are thoughtful faith elements woven naturally into the story.

The adventure truly begins when Emily travels with her family to Wormwood Abbey after inheriting the ancestral castle. Returning to this historic place becomes more than just a relocation. It becomes a journey of identity, courage, and self-discovery.

If you are searching for a clean, entertaining fantasy that pairs perfectly with a warm mug of tea and a cozy blanket, this is a wonderful choice. And if you love classic literature but would enjoy seeing those influences blended into a fantasy setting, this book will likely be a great fit. I especially enjoyed the many literary nods, including references to Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, the works of William Shakespeare, Treasure Island, and even Greek mythology. It felt like a love letter to readers who treasure both fantasy and the classics. Highly recommend!