Author: Julie Leong
Published: November 5, 2024 by Ace
Format: Kindle, Paperback, 336 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Blurb: Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
My Opinion: Reading this novel was like sipping a cup of lukewarm tea—pleasant for some, but not quite satisfying for me. I realized I’m just not the right fit for cozy fantasy books. A few have caught my attention, but most of the time, they leave me wanting more substance and excitement.
The story revolves around Tao, a fortune-teller determined to keep her secrets hidden while earning her keep by revealing just enough to get by. She’s part of a found family searching for a missing daughter, and during their search, they encounter curious people including a troll at a bridge and other fairytale touches. It had all the makings of an intriguing tale, but the pace was too slow, and the stakes never felt high enough to keep me fully engaged.
I think this book could be a great fit for someone new to fantasy or someone who prefers a gentle, low-stakes story. The narrative is a safe, comforting fairytale to help you unwind after a long day. For me, though, it was a reminder of what I look for in a story—a bit more tension, complexity, and depth. Cozy fantasy may not be my cup of tea, but I can see its appeal to others seeking a tranquil escape.
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
My Opinion: Reading this novel was like sipping a cup of lukewarm tea—pleasant for some, but not quite satisfying for me. I realized I’m just not the right fit for cozy fantasy books. A few have caught my attention, but most of the time, they leave me wanting more substance and excitement.
The story revolves around Tao, a fortune-teller determined to keep her secrets hidden while earning her keep by revealing just enough to get by. She’s part of a found family searching for a missing daughter, and during their search, they encounter curious people including a troll at a bridge and other fairytale touches. It had all the makings of an intriguing tale, but the pace was too slow, and the stakes never felt high enough to keep me fully engaged.
I think this book could be a great fit for someone new to fantasy or someone who prefers a gentle, low-stakes story. The narrative is a safe, comforting fairytale to help you unwind after a long day. For me, though, it was a reminder of what I look for in a story—a bit more tension, complexity, and depth. Cozy fantasy may not be my cup of tea, but I can see its appeal to others seeking a tranquil escape.
