Second place, Science Fiction Novel, 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards
Misshelved Magic is a recipient of the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval
“I'm always on the lookout for fantastic, faith-filled fantasy, and all the better if there's a swoon-worthy love story. In Misshelved Magic, S. R. Crickard delivers everything I wanted and more. 'What more?' you ask? Two words: magical library. What more could a book lover want than a fantastic world with a historical feel, where words and writing and books are the makers of magic? In Crickard's world, this magical library is under the guard of mysterious creatures called the cerveras, and the un-magical librarian heroine does what no one else ever thought to do--investigates them. And in doing so, she changes everything. I absolutely loved the way the author handled the differences between those who are capable of magic and those who aren't in this world, and even more, how her allegorical treatments point their way to the Creator, to the very Word who indeed gives us life and breath and being. This is a book I still think about as I'm perusing my home library, wishing I could see books winging their way to and fro overhead like in her world. Full of high stakes, self-sacrifice, and a twist as satisfying as the romance, this one's a keeper!" — Roseanna M. White, bestselling, Christy-award winning author
“Misshelved Magic is as surprising as the library within its pages, by turns whimsical, mysterious, and startlingly profound. A charming academic fantasy romance that also offers a nuanced meditation on living and dying well, this book will have you cheering (and crying) with Adelina, Leon, and the cervara until the very last page.” —Mary Jessica Woods, author of Markmaker
“Magic lovers, look no further! Misshelved Magic is an amazing tale about a young librarian, her beau, and a magical library with something dark and sinister lurking between the shelves. Full of Edwardian romance, political intrigue, and a smidge of horror, you will be swept off your feet. It’s like The Rithmatist for book nerds.” —Erin Broestl, author of God Made the Moonlight
“Misshelved Magic drew me in with its charming prose and compelling storyline. This novel has it all: magical beings, sweet romance, and insightful commentary on the human condition. S.R. Crickard has penned a delight well worth reading!” —Antony Barone Kolenc, award-winning author and law professor
Adelina is content to be a humble librarian with no magic, organizing ordinary books and leaving the magical section of the library to the management of the mysterious creature called a cervara…until she finds a misshelved spellbook that refuses to stay in its proper place. Despite warnings from the College of Magic and her superiors, she decides to return the book to the magical section, where she meets the mysterious creature. Contrary to what she’s been told, the cervara is trying to protect humanity from dangerous magic by hoarding it in the library. But is it also hiding an even greater danger?
Leon is a mage in his final year at the college who needs to write something impressive for his final thesis. But when he befriends the charming Adelina, and she confides her discovery to him, Leon’s world turns upside down. He’s forced to try to mediate between the mysterious creature and the power-hungry magi who surround him, all while trying to pursue his favorite librarian.
Can Adelina and Leon protect the cervara from the world—and the world from the dangers of the library? Or will both sides be destroyed by the secrets they hide and the greed that drives them to seek forbidden knowledge?
Second place, Science Fiction Novel, 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards
Misshelved Magic is a recipient of the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval
“I'm always on the lookout for fantastic, faith-filled fantasy, and all the better if there's a swoon-worthy love story. In Misshelved Magic, S. R. Crickard delivers everything I wanted and more. 'What more?' you ask? Two words: magical library. What more could a book lover want than a fantastic world with a historical feel, where words and writing and books are the makers of magic? In Crickard's world, this magical library is under the guard of mysterious creatures called the cerveras, and the un-magical librarian heroine does what no one else ever thought to do--investigates them. And in doing so, she changes everything. I absolutely loved the way the author handled the differences between those who are capable of magic and those who aren't in this world, and even more, how her allegorical treatments point their way to the Creator, to the very Word who indeed gives us life and breath and being. This is a book I still think about as I'm perusing my home library, wishing I could see books winging their way to and fro overhead like in her world. Full of high stakes, self-sacrifice, and a twist as satisfying as the romance, this one's a keeper!" — Roseanna M. White, bestselling, Christy-award winning author
“Misshelved Magic is as surprising as the library within its pages, by turns whimsical, mysterious, and startlingly profound. A charming academic fantasy romance that also offers a nuanced meditation on living and dying well, this book will have you cheering (and crying) with Adelina, Leon, and the cervara until the very last page.” —Mary Jessica Woods, author of Markmaker
“Magic lovers, look no further! Misshelved Magic is an amazing tale about a young librarian, her beau, and a magical library with something dark and sinister lurking between the shelves. Full of Edwardian romance, political intrigue, and a smidge of horror, you will be swept off your feet. It’s like The Rithmatist for book nerds.” —Erin Broestl, author of God Made the Moonlight
“Misshelved Magic drew me in with its charming prose and compelling storyline. This novel has it all: magical beings, sweet romance, and insightful commentary on the human condition. S.R. Crickard has penned a delight well worth reading!” —Antony Barone Kolenc, award-winning author and law professor
Adelina is content to be a humble librarian with no magic, organizing ordinary books and leaving the magical section of the library to the management of the mysterious creature called a cervara…until she finds a misshelved spellbook that refuses to stay in its proper place. Despite warnings from the College of Magic and her superiors, she decides to return the book to the magical section, where she meets the mysterious creature. Contrary to what she’s been told, the cervara is trying to protect humanity from dangerous magic by hoarding it in the library. But is it also hiding an even greater danger?
Leon is a mage in his final year at the college who needs to write something impressive for his final thesis. But when he befriends the charming Adelina, and she confides her discovery to him, Leon’s world turns upside down. He’s forced to try to mediate between the mysterious creature and the power-hungry magi who surround him, all while trying to pursue his favorite librarian.
Can Adelina and Leon protect the cervara from the world—and the world from the dangers of the library? Or will both sides be destroyed by the secrets they hide and the greed that drives them to seek forbidden knowledge?
