Reviews with content warning for Vomit - A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking

The novel blurb may lead you to believe that the crucial element is the dead body but that plays a small small roll in the actual plot. There are some rather unbelievable but still enjoyable elements-

The leaders of the land relying on a 14 year old and her friend to make sense of political issues and power grabs

- is a key example.
I adored the sentient bread and the relatively well-thought-out magic system. There was realism in the magic and non-magic relations that could be compared to relations between groups in the real world.
There was a MacGuffin element at the end of the book in the form of a specific character but said character wasn't wholly involved otherwise. The young characters accurately and often criticize that the heroism fell to them to do and pointed out multiple adults who failed in their jobs and caused this. A refreshing take amongst all the young adult fantasy characters that exist. There is also a brief criticism in how wars function in regards to those in the wars.
There is a little judgment on the form of magic characters are able to do and a sort of hierarchy in terms of abilities. There is also very much a class system ("useless" magickers and the destitute are relegated to 'the rat's nest' and slums in a specific part of the land) and several important characters have ties to the lowest seen parts of the system.
There is a lot of humor to lighten the tense moments but I do wish some of the tense bits had a but more gravity to them.

The dead girl in the bakery is found and when her brother comes to look for proof he does the majority of his grieving off page and in the next chapter is acting like his sister never really existed in favor of helping our lead girl escape persecution.

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kaylasbewks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

stars ,, 5.0
cawpile ,, 10.0

want to read about dancing gingerbread-man golems fighting mercenaries? ,, this is your book!

i honestly can't express how much i loved this book. it was so fun 'n sweet and i cried, genuine sobs! this book was everything i wanted and more, it wasn't even on my tbr, i just saw the title and went,, yep, reading that now. the characters were fantastic,, and made me cry ,, the writing was impeccable (to the point of me forgetting where i was in real life for a hot minute) and the plot itself was so fun! would definitely recommend this! ,, definitely getting a physical copy noooowww ,, <3

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thisbookisbananas's review

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I find this to be a beautiful bridge between T.Kingfisher’s middle grade writing(under her real name, Ursula Vernon) and her darker T. Kingfisher work. Who knew a YA fantasy could be zany, grotesque, bleak, cozy and hilarious all wrapped up into one beautiful bakery box?

I enjoyed Mona, her gingerbread golem, Aunt Tabitha, Spindle, and Knackering Molly. Is it just me, or has anyone else seen the hints Of What Feasts the Night in this storyline? I feel this is somehow perfect preparation for her upcoming book!

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macliffe's review

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Such a charming book! I loved every minute reading it. Just go in knowing it reads much more like middle grade than YA. I think even young children would enjoy it, as well as adults who want a cozy fantasy.

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