Synopsis
A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.
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.
Mini Review
4,5 stars
“What was a home but somewhere you wouldn’t have to feel quite so alone?”
This was such a lovely cozy fantasy!
Not much angst here nor a lot of hate or negative feelings but rather friendship, courage, self-growth and adventure. Just what I needed these days.
Tao was a lovely heroine.
She is traveling slowly to every village in her wagon pulled by her faithful donkey, telling small fortunes for some coins. Will your neighbor sell his house? Will the crops be bountiful? All sorts of small fortunes.
It’s a lonely life but it’s a life of her choosing.
Avoiding the attention of the Mage Guild.
When she meets huge and strong Mash the ex-mercenary and theatrical Silt, the (ex) thief, her life will take on a new purpose as she will travel alongside them to find Mash’s missing little daughter.
Slightly annoyed to be disturbed in her routine at the beginning of their journey, she will soon come to love the companionship. And when Kina, an apprentice baker will join their quest, it will be the gift of a whole found family.
On their journey they will encounter magical and formidable beings, forging their path through kindness and love, hoping against all odds to reunite Mash with his daughter.
All of these characters will be changed, from Tao who won’t fear her power any longer to Kina morphing into a confident baker, even if her sweets are misshapen to Silt whose life will be most altered with a new purpose.
This was a sweet story with a peaceful pace filled with warm feelings and lovely characters. Something to read If you are in need of comfort on a hard day.
Thanks for reading.
Sophie
You pretty much nailed everything I loved about this book! I’m so glad you loved it
The found family trope is one of the best!
Agreed!
I loved this too, it was a nice change of pace, and there’s still a lot of tension even though it’s cozy
It’s exactly the book Tammy!
I am so glad you enjoyed this one! It is such a cozy and peaceful reading!
Exactly Susy!
I’ve got this to read! You’re way ahead of me on book box books!
I try to read them Caro! LOL