Alright. This book was not a bad book per se. It just wasn’t an exciting one. I feel bad because I really did have high hopes for it, but it felt way too mundane for my tastes. Which, considering its topics, it shouldn’t feel mundane at all. I’ll get into all of my big problems below, but funnily enough, writing and characters were not the issue here. 

So, what exactly was my issue with this book? The plot. Everything about the plot felt so… languid I guess is a good way to describe it. I felt like I was floating along a peaceful river watching as Tao and her friends faced problem after problem. It wasn’t even a roaring river that I was floating on. It was legit an afternoon stroll. The way that the plot was set up felt like things were just happening to the characters, not like it caused any undue stress or pulled me in at all. It was like, “Oh, there’s an armed guard coming our way. Quick! Turn around!” And then that was it. Maybe other people might disagree with me, but the main plot felt like it was supposed to be Mash’s daughter, Leah, but it was more of a bunch of side quests that just happened to lead them to the ending of the book. It was highly anticlimactic and super disappointing. 

What did I like? Well, I loved all the characters. I loved the mismatch of personalities and talents and just overall coziness of their friendships. I think they were all well-developed and had reservations, hopes, and dreams just like any character should. I absolutely loved that they had a furry sidekick because it honestly completed their band of merry men (and women). I also really liked the writing style. I don’t think it fit for this story particularly, but Julie Leong has a very cozy and gentle writing style that almost feels like a warm hug. It would definitely be better suited for something that isn’t a fantastical quest, but I digress. 

Overall, I think this novel is cozy and sweet with it’s characters and writing style, it just wasn’t what I expected from a fantasy novel that’s supposed to have a quest with magical creatures, armed guards, and other perils. I think if you’re looking for a night in with a novel that won’t tax you too much, this book would be perfect for the job. It just wasn’t what I was looking for in a novel like this. 3/5 stars. 

Source: Book of the Month

(P.S. You can read this book for free by signing up for a free trial of Audible, which gives you two free audiobooks of your choice!)