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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Tale of Mirth & Magic follows Elikki and Barra, two unlikely traveling companions. When elf Elikki runs into trouble while selling her jewelry, half-giant Barra steps in. Elikki brushes off his help, intent on independence and using her sometimes unreliable magic. When it turns out that they’ve angered a noble, both Elikki and Barra go on the run. Bounty hunters, magical jewelry, and romance ensues.
This was a fast-paced and magical romance. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. Barra and Elikki are both great characters, who uncover a lot about each other as they are forced to travel together. I struggled somewhat with the pace that their romance unfolded (parts felt a little too fast), but overall enjoyed it. I liked the magical world-building and side characters, especially the couple that runs the inn. Looking forward to seeing what Kristen Vale writes next!
Thank you to Kristen Vale, Forever, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fast-paced and magical romance. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. Barra and Elikki are both great characters, who uncover a lot about each other as they are forced to travel together. I struggled somewhat with the pace that their romance unfolded (parts felt a little too fast), but overall enjoyed it. I liked the magical world-building and side characters, especially the couple that runs the inn. Looking forward to seeing what Kristen Vale writes next!
Thank you to Kristen Vale, Forever, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
This book was fun. It is very sexy, and the romance is honestly not that deep. I didn't love the female main character, but I didn't dislike her enough for it to impact my enjoyment of the book. It helped that I liked the male main character enough to make up for her flaws. This book isn't WILDLY spicy, but it is spicy fast. Not a slow burn lol. Door "wide open". I enjoyed it, but I won't be thinking about it for long.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, for my copy of “ Tale of Mirth & Magic.” This was a great fantasy. I love both characters. It's a sweet love story
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
A horny elf pressures an adorably shy half giant into sex as they meander around the countryside evading a man who got embarrassed that a woman stood her ground. I had such high hopes for this story but it really fell flat for me. Even as a bodice ripper the scenes weren’t capturing me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio and Kristen Vale for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Here it is, friends. Here's what needs to be on your cozy magic season TBR. If you loved the vibes of Legend and Lattes but craved more.. intimacy. Detail. Spice. Then you need to walk right through the open door of this hot (and cozy!) fantasyland!
Narration was really well done. I would definitely listen to both of these narrators again!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Falls rather flat of the promised intrigue. I thought there would be more sudden misses with the bounty hunters. This is just a lot of angst in between rounds of sex
Pub Date 8/5/25
Pub Date 8/5/25
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well this book is an absolute delight!
A Tale of Mirth & Magic is just such a fun read (or listen)! The stakes are low, the characters are cute, the inns are very hospitable, and while the musicians aren't great, they try their best. Add in some spice? Give me 10 more just like it and I'll be a happy camper.
Also, love a cozy, fantasy world where characters are queer and that is just the norm!
I also have to say the audiobook edition was excellent. I can be a little picky when it comes to narrator but had absolutely no qualms. The narrators switching as perspectives shifted in the book was also really appreciated.
No notes. I hope there are more book like it forthcoming from Kristen Vale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this one early in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic is just such a fun read (or listen)! The stakes are low, the characters are cute, the inns are very hospitable, and while the musicians aren't great, they try their best. Add in some spice? Give me 10 more just like it and I'll be a happy camper.
Also, love a cozy, fantasy world where characters are queer and that is just the norm!
I also have to say the audiobook edition was excellent. I can be a little picky when it comes to narrator but had absolutely no qualms. The narrators switching as perspectives shifted in the book was also really appreciated.
No notes. I hope there are more book like it forthcoming from Kristen Vale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this one early in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.