Frostbeard Studio Review: Bookish Candles for Cozy Adventures

In my quest to make my home feel more like part of the fictional worlds I like to visit, scent plays a powerful role. Recently, I added several bookish candles from Frostbeard Studio to my growing collection of fantasy-inspired scents.

As my stash of these small-batch soy candles has expanded, I wanted to gather my thoughts on every Frostbeard Studio candle I’ve tried so far. Each one draws inspiration from literature, fictional worlds, and the quiet magic of reading. They appeal to anyone who enjoys scented candles, but especially for writers, readers, and anyone who wants their space to have a more creative atmosphere.

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Frostbeard Studio offers a referral program, which means I receive a small store credit and you receive a discount if you use my referral link. I only recommend products I genuinely enjoy.

Frostbeard Studio: Scents I’ve Tried

I admit I previously found the scents in my very first order a little overpowering and perfumey, but I’ve since realized the candles only needed to be aired out for a few minutes. Once they’ve had a chance to breathe, the individual scent notes are clearly discernable.

Babylon Candle

Living up to its namesake, Babylon Candle proves the fastest way to travel is by candlelight. Cool, moody incense notes hit first, setting the tone of watching a storm roll in from the safety of your home. The stargazer lily adds a bright floral lift that hints at sunny spring days breaking through the rain. Earthy moss anchors everything in place, acting as a bridge between rain-soaked darkness and emerging warmth.

Atmospheric without feeling heavy, this scent is perfect for anyone who wants an immersive fantasy candle that creates a feeling of moving between two places.

Wandering Woods (formerly “The Old Forest”)

Wandering Woods captures something wilder than your typical green candle. Instead of leaning on something predictable, like cedar, Frostbeard Studio layers rosewood with spiced earth, giving it depth without overpowering the senses. Fig lightens the mood with a juicy sweetness that keeps the forest from feeling dense or shadowed. The result is woodsy but open, like sunlight filtering through tall trees.

Among bookish candles I’ve tried, this one feels especially suited to adventures that take you across the map to new places.

Grimoire

Grimoire is one of those special fantasy-themed candles that brings you into a mystical moment, not just a place. The first impression is cool and musty, like opening a cellar door and stepping toward a dark, narrow stairwell. Then the incense emerges along with the warm, grounding scent of leather like an old book cracked open after a long rest.

It all works together to bring a sense of discovering a hidden ritual mid-incantation. For fans of darker fantasy or occult-inspired aesthetics, this Frostbeard Studio candle fully commits to the mood.

Rainy Day Reads

I don’t know how Frostbeard Studio captures the scent of fresh rain so convincingly, but Rainy Day Reads delivers exactly what it promises. Lavender softens the petrichor effect, creating the sensation of lying your head on the cool side of a pillow that’s dressed in clean sheets. Ginger adds just enough warmth to keep the scent from feeling too airy or like laundry day.

It’s cozy without being sweet, making it one of the most comforting bookish candles I’ve collected. This would be my top recommendation as a gift for any reader, no matter what their favorite genre is.

Sassenach

Basil, lavender, and thyme combine in a way that feels unexpectedly invigorating. The lavender prevents the herbs from tipping into savory cooking territory, while still avoiding a soapy floral profile. The result is fresh and green, almost mint-adjacent in its cooling effect, but without the sharp chill.

Clean, lively, and energizing, it’s an ideal companion for a daytime writing session or casual reading.

Holiday Hygge

A delicious candle for winter, Holiday Hygge leans fully into the comforts of the season. Sugar plum brings a rich, gently mulled sweetness, while subtle ashy undertones bring you closer to the hearth than the kitchen. A hint of Earl Grey tea adds a familiar warmth, like bringing a book to your favorite local cafe.

For me, this is the Frostbeard Studio candle that most clearly transforms a room into a reading nook. Maybe that’s because I always have a cup of Earl Grey nearby when I sit down to read.

Wizard’s Tower

Pine and rosemary rise first, creating an incense-like impression that feels right at home in a wizard’s study. Blackberry stays subtle in the background, adding depth without turning the blend fruity. The overall effect remains botanical and ritualistic.

More of an overtly fantasy-forward scent, Wizard’s Tower is an excellent addition to any library—arcane or otherwise.

Closing Thoughts

Frostbeard Studio is one of the most affordable fantasy and bookish candle brands I’ve tried, making them an excellent place to find gifts for all the book-lovers in your life. They’re cute and it’s hard not to love how the color on the label perfectly matches the color of the candle inside.

What really sets Frostbeard Studio apart is their selection includes many scents inspired by favorite reading places, not just genres. Among others, there’s Bookstore, Oxford Library, Reading at the Cafe, Stay Home and Read, and Brunch Book Club (a very tempting combination of peach bellini and crumble cake that I hope to try in a future order). That means there are bookish candles for readers who prefer non-fiction.

Another thing Frostbeard Studio does that I appreciate: you can view all their seasonal scents whenever you want. That makes it easy to browse what will be available and plan ahead. It’s a refreshing change from other candle brands that urgently push you to buy their seasonal collection before they’re gone…shortly after they were announced.

Finally, you can browse their less popular scents that aren’t currently available and submit a request for a limited run. That’s true dedication to make sure you get your Fairy Tale Ending—or whichever candle catches your eye.

Overall, Frostbeard Studio strikes a great balance between affordability, creativity, and genuinely atmospheric scents. If you’re looking for bookish candles that feel thoughtful rather than gimmicky, they’re absolutely worth trying.

If you decide to explore their bookish candles, you’re welcome to use my Frostbeard Studio referral link. It gives you a 20% discount on your order, and I’ll receive a small store credit in return. I only share links for brands I personally enjoy, and Frostbeard Studio has earned a permanent place in my reading routine.