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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
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:
Complicated
The Teller of Small Fortunes is a book full of growth, comfortable settings, and a family found.
This book was just what I needed. The books I've read in the past year or so have been full of intense fantasy with high stakes and casts of characters that grew so large it was difficult to keep track of. This book, though, was the opposite of all that and it was a wonderful read to cleanse my palette.
I'd say that growth and family were the main themes of the book and they were constantly on show. Our main character, Tao, changes as she grows close to her friends and she goes to great lengths to protect them and help them achieve their goals. Her status as an immigrant in Eshtera is so real and we can see the hardships and struggles that she has endured in the real world around us. Mash does not have some breakthrough growth moment, but he doesn't need it as his purpose is simple; finding his daughter. Though, we do see Mash lighten up as the book goes on and he is constantly the first to stand by his friends side whenever threatened. Silt, I feel, has the most growth throughout the book as he is constantly being pushed by himself and others about who he is and who he wants to be. Kina, when we first see her is meek and unsure about her baking skills and by the end of the book, I won't specify due to spoilers, but she can puff out her chest and be proud of how far she's come.
The worldbuilding was nothing to write home about, we didn't really stay in one place long enough to get to know anything about the physical world, but I really can't judge that too harshly as Tao is a travelling fortune teller and so it makes sense that we are constantly travelling. We did feel the effects of what was going on internationally, with Eshtera and Shinara on the brink of war, but once that was brought to the forefront it was resolved relatively quickly.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read that made me regret not owning a physical copy for the gorgeous cover art! ★★★★
This book was just what I needed. The books I've read in the past year or so have been full of intense fantasy with high stakes and casts of characters that grew so large it was difficult to keep track of. This book, though, was the opposite of all that and it was a wonderful read to cleanse my palette.
“The four of us here, we’re no mercenary troop, that’s for sure—but we are something. And so if there’s anything you ever wanted to talk about, with your fortunes and your magic and the Guild,” said Mash, “well, I reckon we could help carry the load.”
I'd say that growth and family were the main themes of the book and they were constantly on show. Our main character, Tao, changes as she grows close to her friends and she goes to great lengths to protect them and help them achieve their goals. Her status as an immigrant in Eshtera is so real and we can see the hardships and struggles that she has endured in the real world around us. Mash does not have some breakthrough growth moment, but he doesn't need it as his purpose is simple; finding his daughter. Though, we do see Mash lighten up as the book goes on and he is constantly the first to stand by his friends side whenever threatened. Silt, I feel, has the most growth throughout the book as he is constantly being pushed by himself and others about who he is and who he wants to be. Kina, when we first see her is meek and unsure about her baking skills and by the end of the book, I won't specify due to spoilers, but she can puff out her chest and be proud of how far she's come.
“I think you have changed,” said Tao. “In enough small ways that you just don’t quite notice it while it’s happening, but then you look in the mirror one day, and you’re altogether different. That’s how it was for me, anyway.”
The worldbuilding was nothing to write home about, we didn't really stay in one place long enough to get to know anything about the physical world, but I really can't judge that too harshly as Tao is a travelling fortune teller and so it makes sense that we are constantly travelling. We did feel the effects of what was going on internationally, with Eshtera and Shinara on the brink of war, but once that was brought to the forefront it was resolved relatively quickly.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read that made me regret not owning a physical copy for the gorgeous cover art! ★★★★
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A very cozy fantasy with lovable characters and the right amount of plot to keep you invested as you read about Tao and company’s adventures. I really enjoyed the themes of identity and belonging explored through each of the characters’ unique backgrounds. The idea of found (and re-found) family wrapped it all up beautifully as well. This read tugs at your heartstrings at times, but ultimately leaves you feeling warm and thinking about your own found family
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I feel like nothing is happening and I am not invested at all
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love this concept - small fortunes, a cozy traveling troupe, cats, baked goods and lots of love. There were a few moments that fell flat for me the whole thing with Jacapo was weird and out of place, it felt like it was trying to be meta but was just strange , but overall I enjoyed this cozy tale!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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:
No
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cozy fantasy? Sounds right.
Eh, I enjoyed it--like a marshmallow-soft D&D one shot for beginners. Criticisms of other reviews are valid.
A pleasant read, anyway; a welcome break from the drama in real life and several starting points for the sequel
Eh, I enjoyed it--like a marshmallow-soft D&D one shot for beginners. Criticisms of other reviews are valid.
A pleasant read, anyway; a welcome break from the drama in real life and several starting points for the sequel
adventurous
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