A review by ulrikedg
The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell

relaxing slow-paced

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

4.75

This is cozy urban fantasy with a side of competence porn. I was a little worried at the beginning when the MC seems a bit sleazy, but that's a symptom of where he is mentally (bad place), rather than something that continues through the book. (I note that he doesn't act on these thoughts, and they aren't excused. Inside his head just isn't a great place to live at the beginning of the book.)

The world building is nice. The characters are interesting. Cozy SFF can be tough; balancing stakes while keeping the stress level down isn't easy. Lowell finds the sweet spot. The plot moved slowly but never seemed to drag. The little details in the MC's day & chores fleshed out the world without turning into Farmville TV.

Audiobook narrator Tom Taylorson does well with voices and pacing. I'm never surprised when I have to increase the speed on a cozy story with a slower plot, but Taylorson reads quickly (doesn't he realize he's being paid by the finished hour?). My only complaint is that he struggles with some pronunciations (rattan is one that stood out to me). Four stars for Taylorson.