fantasy

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

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A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Mandanna’s first book for adults, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, has been very popular with cozy fantasy readers since it was published in 2022. Fans will rejoice with this new book, not a sequel, but set in the same version of England. The British Guild of Sorcery in Northumberland has a council packed with conservative white witches from the top ten British witch families. They run a school for young witches, but fortunately also offers a homeschooling option.

We learn more about magic and witches, including some from Iceland. Witches have varying amounts of power, curses may backfire, and magic can be lost. Some old books of spells are in a restricted section of the Guild’s library, and Sera Swan has lost access to it.

Sera and her formerly late great-aunt Jasmine run the Batty Hole Inn, and the inn is largely held together with Sera’s magic. A recent spell lets only those who need the inn find it. Currently lodging with Sera and Jasmine are two non-magical guests: Matilda, who is obsessed with mushrooms and Nicholas, who works as a Knight at the nearby Medieval Faire. Theo, a young relative, is living there while homeschooling. Luke, a witch scholar, unexpectedly arrives with his young sister Posey, who has magic and autism. Roo-Roo, a zombie rooster, and Clemmy, a fox, also live at the inn. Found family is a major theme, and Sera tries to make the inn as welcoming as possible when apple tea may rain down on any given Sunday.

There are two possible romances developing, an ex-friend seeking forgiveness, a power-hungry wizard who will do anything to thwart Sera’s plans, and some adventure and danger in store. A delightfully creaky old house and a charming cast of characters greatly add to the story’s appeal.

Brenda

The Witch Roads

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The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott

Elen is a deputy courier, delivering messages to small towns and settlements along the same route each month. For part of the month, she’s back home in Orledder Halt, with her teen nephew Kem. Elen can detect and root out new irruptions of Spore. This time Kem is accompanying her on the route, to see if he also wants to be a courier. His Declaration Day is just around the corner. Kem’s mother Aoving died two years ago during an avalanche, while working as a midwife at the Heart Temple. The avalanche has cut Orledder Halt off from travel to the north, except for a secret pathway through the hills and across a canyon.

Two groups of important travelers arrive in Orledder Halt. From one, Kem learns that his father is a lord. The second group includes Prince Gevulin, who’s heading north. Kem, considering being a Warden, joins Prince Gevulin’s group, as does Elen, who knows the hazardous route. Kem is angry with Elen for keeping secrets from him, even after his mother’s death. A guardian statue’s spirit, or haunt, secretly joins the group. Elen has the lowest status of the group and often has to sleep and eat separately from the others. But a simple bed and a full belly remind Elen of the hungry years when Ao and El, orphaned child atoners, were always in danger of the Spore until their daring escape.

This is a memorable journey through an amazing world with many dangers, wonders, and not-quite-human beings. The land is so ancient that much of its history has become myth. Elen and the haunt have some very interesting conversations. I eagerly await Elen and Kem’s further adventures. Epic fantasy readers will likely enjoy this duology, to be concluded this November with The Nameless Roads. The author has two dozen other fantasy works, which I don’t think I’ve read, but look forward to sampling.

Brenda

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

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The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis

Hard to put down, this contemporary fantasy novel is full of drama, humor, suspense, and guilt. Vivian has felt guilty since she couldn’t prevent her daughter Aria becoming a werewolf. Vivian and Daniel have relocated to a mostly magical town in New England, where Aria is starting kindergarten at a private school. Daniel is still commuting to New York City by train while accountant Vivian is helping Aria adjust to her new surroundings and trying to fit in as a non-magical parent. Of course, Vivian ends up on the PTA board, trying to sort out the accounts from last year’s gala.

While Aria was granted a scholarship for kindergarten, Vivian is dismayed to learn that Aria must participate in three events to determine if she will qualify for first grade: a talent show, a sports day, and a research project. It is rather ridiculous to have a kindergartner be expected to do anything except learn to stay in her human form more often and not to be too hard on her clothes. Vivian is told that a consultant can help, if needed. Then there’s Daniel, who is ready to move the family somewhere more welcoming, if they can find the right place. Oh, and there’s an ominous prophecy that might involve Aria or Vivian. Aria is adorable, the community is quite interesting, and the reader hopes that Vivian will learn which parents can be trusted and welcoming.

An excellent, immersive read. I’m not sure if it would be quite as enjoyable for a PTA parent in a new town, but they might find it hilarious. I haven’t even described the over-the-top kids’ birthday parties, or the magical gala. And why have I never seen a book set at a magical school from the point of view of an ordinary parent, or even a magical parent?

Brenda

Swordheart

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Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

I’ve read a few other books by T. Kingfisher, but Swordheart, first published in 2018 and recently rereleased, was new to me. I listened to the audiobook, with an excellent narration by Jesse Vilinsky. The genre is fantasy, with humor, adventure, and a slow-burn romance.

Halla, a respectable widow, has been taking care of Uncle Silas for years until his recent death. Silas was her husband’s uncle, so it’s quite a surprise when Halla inherits the large house and its contents. Nasty Malva wants Halla to marry her son Alver so they can regain the inheritance, and won’t take no for an answer. Alver has clammy hands and won’t stand up to his mother’s demands, so Halla looks for another way out. When Halla draws a sword that’s been hanging on the wall for years, Sarkis appears. He is an immortal warrior, sworn to protect the sword’s owner.

To claim Halla’s inheritance, Halla and Sarkis travel from Rutger’s Howe to a temple where they employ Zale, a nonbinary lawyer priest. They travel back to the village in a wagon, driven by Brindle, a gnole, and his ox. Along the way, they have many adventures. Sarkis is grumpy and hiding secrets about his lengthy past, the ox is extremely slow, and Halla is very curious and asks innumerable questions. Readers of Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone are sure to enjoy. Daggerbound, featuring the Dervish mentioned in Swordheart, is expected to be published in 2026.

Brenda

The Tomb of Dragons

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The Tomb of Dragons: The Cemeteries of Amalo, Book 3 by Katherine Addison

Sometimes a novel is so satisfying to read that I don’t want it to end. Reading books by Addison is like that for me, and it’s a real treat to have such a good story to enjoy and savor. Katherine Addison is the pen name for Sarah Monette, and her Addison books are set in the world of Osreth, which has steampunk and fantasy elements. It’s a dark world, but full of ordinary people who are clever, kind, and sometimes heroic.

This is the last book in a trilogy featuring Thara Celehar, an elven cleric who is a Witness for the Dead. He investigates crimes, occasionally quiets ghouls, problem solves on special assignments, and, rarely, officiates at funerals. Unfortunately, his magic was damaged in the last book, so he is currently working special assignments. Thara feeds cats near his apartment, drinks a lot of tea and visits the opera house where his friend works. In his last book, his good black coat of office was damaged, and there’s a minor subplot to get him looking respectable (but not gaudy) again. He is mentoring a new Witness, a woman named Tomasaro, and also helping a cemetery administrator deal with a mountain of old paperwork. There is winter travel with a caravan, a scary dragon encounter in a mine, the acquiring of an intriguing guard, and a couple of encounters with the local prince and even the emperor. I wish there was a glossary, though I did find one on a fan wiki online. More books in this world, please, even if other characters take center stage.   

Brenda

Clouds & Curses

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Clouds & Curses: Tales of Rydding Village Book 3 by Shanna Swendson

Readers of cozy fantasy novels set in small villages will enjoy the Rydding Village series. In this novel, Ceri, Lady Parcells, comes back home after many years with her daughter, Lili. Ceri’s husband has died and left everything to his children from his first marriage. Ceri’s mother, Mistress Teague, is the most disliked lady in Rydding, and is a complete snob. Ceri was in love with Daryn as a teen, but her mother persuaded her to marry an older nobleman.

Ceri and Lili have an affinity for animals, and bring their cat and dog with them. Ceri can calm horses, though she doesn’t believe in magic. There is some mystery in Rydding. Lights are seen in the distant castle, but no one is ever there. The harvests the past several years seem to be cursed, with rain falling at the worst times. Wyn, the healer who runs a tea shop is slowly starting a romance with Bryn, who runs the small inn and studies magic. Mair, who runs the dairy and sells cheese, is not happy that Ceri is back in town, but Wyn, a newcomer, is more understanding. Ceri actually apologizes for her past mistakes.

Ceri meets Daryn again, and there are definite sparks. Could he still care for her after all these years? Together, the villagers try different methods to harvest the hay and wheat and save the crops. Ceri learns that she can stand up to her mother, especially concerning Lili’s future, and becomes more connected to the village. Some storylines have satisfying conclusions while others will be continued in the next Rydding Village book. The first novel is Tea and Empathy.

Brenda

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath

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To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

The First Book of Nampeshiweisit

This is the best fantasy debut I’ve read in years. 500 pages was not too long, and I eagerly await To Ride a Rising Storm, to be published this October. This novel is from 2023 and won the Andre Norton Nebula Award. Teen Anequs sees a dragon flying east from the island of Masquapaug, then finds a dragon egg. Her village gathers around the egg in celebration, and the hatchling dragon, Kasaqua, bonds with Anequs. Her brother Niquiat, working on the mainland, says that she must apply to attend the Anglish dragon academy with Anequs. No dragon has been seen in the islands for many generations. This alternate history fantasy with some steampunk elements is set in a version of the 1840s in which the Vikings rule eastern North Makeslund. The breath of a dragon can have both useful and destructive powers, so Anequs must learn skiltakraft, a combination of alchemy and chemistry. Having never attended a traditional school, she has some catching up to do.

As an indigenous islander and a girl, some of the academy staff look down on Anequs and her unpedigreed dragon. Only one other student is female, and Marta’s from a wealthy family. Anequs studies hard and speaks her mind, affecting the status quo, making connections at all levels of society. Her goal is to take her dragon and move back to the island, probably an alternate Nantucket, to use her new skills to help her village. Kasaqua, unlike dragons in books by some other writers, grows slowly and is not yet flying by the end of the book. This is listed as a readalike for the popular Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, beginning with Fourth Wing, but it sounds darker than To Shape a Dragon’s Breath. Moniquill Blackgoose is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe and lives in Rhode Island. Anequs is a memorable protagonist, and I loved reading about her world. Adult and teen fans of dragon fantasy books will likely enjoy.

Brenda

Spirit of the Wood

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Spirit of the Wood by Kristen Britain

It’s a lovely surprise when you find out that an author you like has a book that you’ve overlooked. This 2023 fantasy novella is a compelling read. This is not a cozy fantasy, but a more traditional epic fantasy. Britain is known for her Green Rider series, and this novella features a regular character in the series at an earlier time in her life. Laren Mapstone is assigned to take trainee Tavin Bankside on his first long ride. Tavin has recently been called to the Green Rider messenger service and is unsure of his magical gift. Inwardly, Tavin thinks of Laren as the Ice Lady, and she is mostly silent on their ride. When she is injured, Tavin and their two horses manage to get Laren to a warded waystation. A forest ranger and a hermit help him care for Laren. The hermit, who can only be found by seeking the spirit of the wood, helps Tavin control his magic, which is empathy. This appealing story is full of wonder, adventures, and danger, and includes a squirrel plus stories from the now conscious but still tart-tongued Laren. I just discovered that a new novel in the series, Falling in a Sea of Stars, will be published in September. The first book in the series is Green Rider.

Brenda

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

The sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea is a satisfying read. Six magical children live with Linus and Arthur on Marsyas Island. Originally an orphanage, Linus and Arthur want to officially adopt all the children. Arthur is summoned to give testimony to DICOMY, the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, and asked about his own unhappy childhood, and his magical powers as a very magnificent phoenix. After his testimony, Arthur and Linus visit a potential new member of their family, 10-year-old David, who’s a yeti.

David likes to act, especially classic private detective scenes. He also likes to scare people, but not to hurt them. Lucy, 7, loves music, including Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis, and learns that David does as well. Lucy is developing his skills and learning what makes him calm.

Miss Harriet Marblemaw is sent to the island to investigate conditions, but is being directed by Jeanine Rowder, friend to absolutely no one on the island, including Zoë, the sprite who oversees the island and village. Themes include found family, embracing diversity, a sweet romance between Arthur and Linus, fun adventures with the kids, and the growing acceptance of the villagers for the island’s children. The magical children continue to delight. This is a sure bet for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Brenda

The Teller of Small Fortunes

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The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

This is a delightful first novel that’s an Indie Next and a Library Reads pick. I love the book cover, which features a wagon, an Asian woman in a cloak, a cup of tea, and a cat. The book is recommended by other cozy fantasy writers, including Sangu Mandanna, Sarah Beth Durst, and Rebecca Thorne.

Tao is Shinaran, but grew up in Eshtara in her stepfather’s house. She once told a major fortune, but has resolved to tell only small fortunes. Small fortunes usually concern the near future and are about everyday happenings. She travels between villages with her mule, Laohu, telling fortunes by reading tea leaves, palms, or a set of Shinaran stones. When a large tree blocks the road, she meets Mash and Silt. Mash is a large ex-mercenary and poet while Silt is a reformed thief. A small fortune told for Mash has a huge effect, and the trio decide to travel together. Mash has been looking for his missing daughter for months.

Then apprentice baker Kina joins the found family. Kina’s pastries usually taste delicious but don’t look very appealing. She is happy to join them on the road, and they soon acquire another wagon and horse, along with a cat. The group encounters a troll and a phoenix on their travels. Tao finally sees her mother after a long separation, as well as her stepfather, and learns more about Eshtara’s Guild of Mages. This is a lovely tale that is heartwarming, a little sad, and occasionally funny. I enjoyed this story about a young woman who didn’t fit in anywhere finding her path and her people. Another book in the same world but with new characters is expected next year.

Brenda