A Tale of Mirth & Magic

Vale’s cute debut is right at home in the current wave of cozy, Dungeons and Dragons-esque romantasy. Itinerant elven jeweller and metalsmith Elikki uses metalworking magic to help create her popular designs. When a minor noble attempts to assault her, the magic goes haywire defending her and the result is that Elikki needs to get out of town fast. Luckily, half-giant Barra and his enormous magical horse witness the whole thing, and though he and Elikki are total strangers, he immediately offers his help. On the run from the lord’s bounty hunters, they have plenty of time to get to know each other—and to decide if they want to act on their instant mutual attraction. Despite being very physically compatible, they find that Barra’s disastrous romantic history and Elikki’s difficult childhood serve as emotional roadblocks. Still, as they journey onward, they begin to see themselves differently through each other’s eyes. If they can stay out of trouble, they just might have a whole new life ahead of them. Vale offers plenty of excitement and a surprisingly high level of heat, coupled with a welcoming queer-normative fantasy setting that feels familiar and comfortable. Readers should grab a cup of tea and sink right in. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US. (Aug.)