Welcome to Mallard Pond by Taryn L. Wagner

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here. 

Everleigh Roberts has not had the easiest life, but she has begun to rebuild it piece by piece. One day, she finds out her estranged grandmother has passed and left her everything. Despite her mother’s ardent protestations, Everleigh decides to go see her grandmother’s cottage in a mysteriously small town called Mallard Pond. Having trouble even finding it, Everleigh turns to the man that her grandmother suggested she go to in the first of many writings she left Everleigh. His name is Jack Killian, and he leads her to the beautiful Mallard Pond. Everleigh quickly discovers that there is much more mystery to the town than just its location. She is drawn into Jack’s world of magic, warriors, and danger—but perhaps she had always been a part of this world.

Welcome to Mallard Pond by Taryn L. Wagner is the first in a mostly cozy romantasy series called Mallard Pond. While feeling like a cozy romance, it does have some dark moments when evil forces come for Everleigh and her powers. These elements are well-balanced, however. Nothing is too grim or gory nor are they overly saccharine to the point of cloying. Still, though, this book is best enjoyed by those looking for lighter fare.

While some mysteries in Welcome to Mallard Pond are welcomingly slow to unfold, others seem as though they unwound a touch too quickly. However, this does serve the book well for setting up a series as there is a lot to establish about the world and how magic plays a part so some of this rapid pace was necessary.

The romance between Everleigh and Jack is easy to root for. Everleigh’s dark past with an abusive partner and her purely caring nature make readers want her to find the good guy she deserves. Jack is the stand-up guy and literal knight who can protect her and help her protect herself and their community. They are an excellent match.

Taryn L. Wagner has crafted a charming introductory book to her new romantasy series, Mallard Pond. Wagner’s characters are easy to get behind and the mysteries of Welcome to Mallard Pond reveal themselves well, working together to establish a magical world.

Welcome to Mallard Pond by Taryn L. Wagner, Tellwell Talent