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ephemerily 's review for:
The Lord of Stariel
by A.J. Lancaster
I found this book charming. It was different from what I expected: it didn't have increasing levels of conflict, battles against fairies, and a protagonist who has to do everything to save everyone. Instead, it had interesting, non-clichéd characters with integrity who worked together even though they didn't like each other, all in a wonderful setting. It made me feel peaceful and happy to read it. I always appreciate fantasy stories that don't rely on violence to keep the plot moving.
I've never read a "cozy mystery" but it occurred to me that the story seems like it could be called a cozy mystery, but set in a fantasy world with magic. Numerous threads run through it as the characters try to figure out what's going on. Some threads turn out to be red herrings, whereas others are related but not necessarily in the way you think. I guessed about half of what was coming before the characters (which gave me that pleasant feeling of achievement that accompanies reading mysteries) but still had some surprises.
I've never read a "cozy mystery" but it occurred to me that the story seems like it could be called a cozy mystery, but set in a fantasy world with magic. Numerous threads run through it as the characters try to figure out what's going on. Some threads turn out to be red herrings, whereas others are related but not necessarily in the way you think. I guessed about half of what was coming before the characters (which gave me that pleasant feeling of achievement that accompanies reading mysteries) but still had some surprises.