You can make your own spell book no problem. 
And yes the turn counter should never be closed, I noted this specific issue in the help file that comes with the module, under Help, How to use this module. (though I doubt many people ever look at that)
I’ve made a thread about possibly getting the turn counters functionality changed to make it more similar to a private window in how vassal handles its opening and closing, but have not gotten a response yet.
If people really find it to be an annoying problem, then I’ll add a button that can toggle the turn counter on and off.
Both players channeling/hit points/status boards are both viewable to both players by simply clicking the Status button, and then selecting the player whose board you wish to view. You cannot move the pieces on your opponents board and vice versa. As well all changes on a board, both yours and your opponents, are reported in the main chat window for ease.
Id hate to say this but this is the opponents wanted forum, and I already have a thread for general discussion of the module itself here: https://forum.vassalengine.org/t/new-mage-wars-module/6469/1
So if it isn’t too much trouble further post concerning general talk of the module would be nice to have there instead, thanks. 