Homeward for a Spell
by Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos
Blurb:
Sage has made her living as a ranger, moving constantly between adventuring parties, but has never had the chance to lead one. So when she’s offered the chance to hire a crew of her own in pursuit of a rare magical artifact, it seems a dream come true—until she learns that they’re headed into the most inhospitable part of the kingdom with winter looming. Still, it’s a chance to finally put her name on the map… and how bad could it really be?
Araphi has always loved music, in defiance of her powerful family’s priorities. All she wants is one last chance to perform before she’s married to a man she does not love for the good of the family. So when she sees a poster seeking a bard for a party, she eagerly sneaks away to audition. Only to discover that the party in question is no festival, but an adventuring party, led by a woman she’s been fascinated with since she first laid eyes on her. It’s an unexpected twist, but if she takes the job, she’ll still be back in time for her own wedding… and how bad could it really be?
What follows is a life-altering journey for them both, filled with danger and misfortunes as their ragtag band of adventurers—most of whom have just met—must learn to work together to overcome the many obstacles before them. Not the least of which is the explosive chemistry between the rugged party leader used to watching her own back, and the pampered city-girl bard who may be far out of her element but is beginning to feel at home for the very first time.
My Review:
A sapphic cozy fantasy that has absolutely
everything. Adventure, magic, monsters, emotional depth, character growth and
two women who are absolutely perfect for each other.
Sage is a ranger who has never led her own
party, until a dangerous winter mission to the Northlands finally gives her the
chance. She assembles her crew and that crew includes a bard she knows, a bard
she wants. Araphi is standing on the edge of an arranged marriage she never
agreed to, ready to claim one last adventure led by a woman she cannot stop
thinking about. A Ranger, a Bard, an Agent, a Healer, a Fighter and a
Spellcaster walk into the Northlands and what follows is an unforgettable
journey packed with misfortune, monsters, betrayal, battles, new friendships
and chemistry that refuses to be ignored.
Sage slowly lets someone in for the first
time and watching her walls come down little by little is such a joy. Araphi
steps into her own confidence and learns her worth, using her music to connect
with the world in the most beautiful way. Their dynamic is everything. The
teasing, the banter, the wolves, the protectiveness, the hot spring, the tent,
the ravens, the Swallow, the cabin, Arkney, the battle, the freedom. They
wanted different things and fell for each other anyway.
The world is queer-normative in the most
effortless and wonderful way and the plot carries real momentum beneath all the
warmth and heart. The crew is chaotic and lovable, though their backstories
deserved more space to unfold. Wren was an absolute standout and more of her is
needed. The only real criticism is that lust occasionally overshadowed
emotional depth, but the tender scenes more than made up for it. That scene
before the gates is permanently lodged in the heart.
A love story told with warmth, adventure and
a whole lot of soul. These two were made for each other and this journey was an
absolute pleasure to be on.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment