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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
Thank you Forever and Hachette Audio for the gifted copies. This is very spice-forward. The first open-door scene takes place within the first 25%. I usually prefer a slower burn romance. I just don’t think this one is for me.
I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out next week. This was deliciously entertaining. I really loved the fmc. Books need more fat rep.
I didn’t love the insta lust and honestly I didn’t like the mfc very much
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, and Kristen Vale for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!
I honestly don’t read enough cozy fantasies and that’s a darn shame because I almost missed out on this gem! We’ve got fantastic queer representation, inter species relationships, a sprinkle of action, and a plus size sex positive FMC!
A Tale of Mirth and Magic follows Elikee, a half elf jewelry maker who’s had a bit of a rough go in life thanks to her non committed parents. When she gets into trouble after dealing with a rude and handsy customer, she ends up on the run with a seven foot tall half giant named Barra. Together they travel to different towns to escape the bounty hunters all while developing quite the crush on each other. But both have their hesitations about relationships albeit for different reasons. Will they be able to resolve their differences?
This was such a fun read. I absolutely loved the world, all the unique characters, the queer community, and just the overall coziness of the story. No too high stakes or heavy drama, just two characters falling in love while on an adventure.
Barra was absolutely adorable. So caring and kind to everyone but especially Elikee, even if he was scared to show it. I do wish we got to see some more confidence with him as I found myself getting a little frustrated with his constant negative self talk and pushing his desires away.
Elikee was a freaking powerhouse and the way she’s described reminded me of myself so it was easy to connect with her. I loved that she could hold her own but also that she appreciated the help that Barra was willing to give (after some thought of course). Similar to Barra, Elikee’s reluctance to let things progress was irritating. She’s had her struggles sure but I felt so bad for Barra when she kept pushing him away or not telling him the truth.
The story itself was well paced, although I honestly forgot that this all happened over the span of week so I guess I can’t be too upset with the characters not making up their mind about each other. It was fun having a little bit of action with the bounty hunters and Elikee’s metal magic, and watching her confidence grow with her magic was done really well.
Overall, besides the personality irks and slight miscommunication trope, this book was so cute and fun and one that I wouldn’t mind picking up again as a comfort read. I hope to see more from this author for sure!
I honestly don’t read enough cozy fantasies and that’s a darn shame because I almost missed out on this gem! We’ve got fantastic queer representation, inter species relationships, a sprinkle of action, and a plus size sex positive FMC!
A Tale of Mirth and Magic follows Elikee, a half elf jewelry maker who’s had a bit of a rough go in life thanks to her non committed parents. When she gets into trouble after dealing with a rude and handsy customer, she ends up on the run with a seven foot tall half giant named Barra. Together they travel to different towns to escape the bounty hunters all while developing quite the crush on each other. But both have their hesitations about relationships albeit for different reasons. Will they be able to resolve their differences?
This was such a fun read. I absolutely loved the world, all the unique characters, the queer community, and just the overall coziness of the story. No too high stakes or heavy drama, just two characters falling in love while on an adventure.
Barra was absolutely adorable. So caring and kind to everyone but especially Elikee, even if he was scared to show it. I do wish we got to see some more confidence with him as I found myself getting a little frustrated with his constant negative self talk and pushing his desires away.
Elikee was a freaking powerhouse and the way she’s described reminded me of myself so it was easy to connect with her. I loved that she could hold her own but also that she appreciated the help that Barra was willing to give (after some thought of course). Similar to Barra, Elikee’s reluctance to let things progress was irritating. She’s had her struggles sure but I felt so bad for Barra when she kept pushing him away or not telling him the truth.
The story itself was well paced, although I honestly forgot that this all happened over the span of week so I guess I can’t be too upset with the characters not making up their mind about each other. It was fun having a little bit of action with the bounty hunters and Elikee’s metal magic, and watching her confidence grow with her magic was done really well.
Overall, besides the personality irks and slight miscommunication trope, this book was so cute and fun and one that I wouldn’t mind picking up again as a comfort read. I hope to see more from this author for sure!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was sweet in concept and all of its failing points were in execution.
The successful parts were all around the development of longing for the MMC.
Otherwise the characters lacked dimension and development beyond their either avoidant or anxious attachment demonstrations.
The magic was an afterthought and came up when convenient but had no weight to the plot, romance, or character development.
The FMC had a lot of promise but ended up reading like a caricature of a woman.
The world was impossible to discern and the fantasy elements were few and far between.
The spicy scenes were a lot of talk without a lot of development of emotional stakes or even arousal.
Ultimately this was disappointing, but otherwise a fast read for a romance.
This book was sweet in concept and all of its failing points were in execution.
The successful parts were all around the development of longing for the MMC.
Otherwise the characters lacked dimension and development beyond their either avoidant or anxious attachment demonstrations.
The magic was an afterthought and came up when convenient but had no weight to the plot, romance, or character development.
The FMC had a lot of promise but ended up reading like a caricature of a woman.
The world was impossible to discern and the fantasy elements were few and far between.
The spicy scenes were a lot of talk without a lot of development of emotional stakes or even arousal.
Ultimately this was disappointing, but otherwise a fast read for a romance.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Intro/synopsis:
“A Tale of Mirth and Magic” by Kristen Vale was set in a magical world of elves, dwarfs, humans and giants. Elikki is a jewelry maker who travels from town to town selling her metal jewelry forged by her magic and skill. Barra is in town on business for his families armoury business. He is taken by Elikki and steps in to help when a customer tries to take advantage of her. They both find themselves on the run and forced to rely on each other despite trust being difficult for both of them based on past trauma. Soon the chemistry between them starts to bridge some of that hurt and bring healing. How long can that last under such stressful circumstances and with their days together potentially numbered?
My thoughts:
I really liked the magical world Vale created. Barra was such a great MC, kind and gentle. He was focused on trying to be fair with Elikki while protecting himself as well. The writing style was fluid and easy to read. I really liked the secondary characters that added a lot to the plot and the storyline was original and fun. I didn’t mind Elikki most of the time but I found her emotional immaturity hard to bear at times especially in contrast to Barra. A good story but not one I am likely to pick up a second time.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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
A light-hearted spicy adventure for any fan of cozy romantasy! I love a standalone romantasy and this met it on all fronts. The characters were well rounded and had complete selves. They grew and matured through the story instead of just having the adventure happen to them. I love a healthy romance and this met all my expectations!
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Huzzah! An cozy fantasy adventure awaits in A TALE OF MIRTH AND MAGIC!
This world is delightful! Each character is so vividly alive, the scenery lush, and the joy palpable. Elikki and Barra's adventure takes through bustling fantasy towns to cozy inns and intimate road side stops along the way. But it's their emotional journeys that kept me turning pages. And their chemistry?!? Hotter than a metalsmith's forge!
A TALE OF MIRTH AND MAGIC is an immersive, inclusive fantasy romp you're sure to love.
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing | Forever for the advance copy to read and review.
This world is delightful! Each character is so vividly alive, the scenery lush, and the joy palpable. Elikki and Barra's adventure takes through bustling fantasy towns to cozy inns and intimate road side stops along the way. But it's their emotional journeys that kept me turning pages. And their chemistry?!? Hotter than a metalsmith's forge!
A TALE OF MIRTH AND MAGIC is an immersive, inclusive fantasy romp you're sure to love.
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing | Forever for the advance copy to read and review.