A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale

This review first appeared on Third Coast Review. Read the Third Coast Review article.

Elikki just broke a man’s wrist and she doesn’t regret it.

What?

He was being a creep and not backing down so the normally bubbly and lovely elf Elikki summoned her magic, poured it through the jewelry she was selling, and unleashed it on the scumbag. She didn’t even need the help of the incredibly tall—and incredibly hot—lavender-skinned half-giant Barra who tried to render her aid. Elikki may have been a bit snappish to Barra, but she tried to make up for it that night with a wink, a smile, and an invitation to her room.

(Somewhat) unfortunately, the aforementioned scumbag had a fragile ego and couldn’t let the broken wrist go. He comes looking for Elikki, but instead first finds Barra who helps Elikki get away and go on the run. Thus begins their forced-proximity adventure.

Soon, Elikki’s obvious interest and immense sexual appeal become too much for Barra and the two have a romantic tryst. But Barra wants to guard his heart and not fall too quickly. As for Elikki? She doesn’t want to fall at all.

As the sometimes lovers are stalked by bounty hunters, courted by musical troupes with little talent, and affected by their own complex past relationships, Elikki and Barra are drawn closer together. But can they find a way to be together that works for them both?

A Tale of Mirth & Magic is the debut romantasy novel by Chicago author Kristen Vale. It features a welcoming fantasy world where queerness is normative. This doesn’t mean the world is a utopia for all (as demonstrated by the creepy scumbag with the broken wrist), just that it is a breath of fresh air for those looking for cozier fare.

However, while warm and inviting—especially when it comes to descriptions of food and drink—A Tale of Mirth & Magic has well-paced stakes and plenty of spice. There are bad actors at work against the couple, and real danger lurks everywhere. What's more, Elikki and Barra’s intimacy is tantalizingly written and immensely well-placed in a plot that will surely be devoured by any eager reader.

The only change I would suggest is an appendix for the many mouthwatering recipes Vale writes so delicately about in this spicy and delicious romantasy.

A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale, Forever