A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic Summary
Life is difficult for a magicless human in a land filled with elves, dwarves, and orcs. Arleta Starstone must work twice as hard as everyone else. She is looked down on by those with magic. But, anyone who has actually tasted her baked goods would insist she had enchanted them.
The elves are holding a baking competition, and though it is her dream to participate, Arleta doesn’t enter for fear of rejection for being magicless. Thanks to the sweet orc couple next-door sneaking her into the competition, Arleta finds herself on a journey that she never expected.
Gaining new friends, a romantic interest, and a sense of confidence in herself, Arleta uses her knowledge of apothecary herbs and tasty desserts to become a favorite in the baking competition. Yet, when the judges learn that she has no magic, she must face prejudice and discrimination. Arleta is faced with choices on following her baking dreams and doing what is right for herself and her friends.
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A Recipe of Cozy Fantasy Magic
Advertised as a combination of Ella Enchanted, The Hobbit, and The Great British Bake-off, this book definitely gives cozy vibes. A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic is sweet, fun, and wholesome. It’s a perfect read for when you need a break from all the dark fantasy. In fact, the author, J. Penner, says that she originally began writing dark fantasy but then needed something lighter for her mental health. While reading this book, you will want to curl up under a fluffy blanket by a fire, with a cup of tea and a yummy treat.
You’ll be in luck to find all of Arleta’s competition entry recipes at the end of the book. I personally loved the lemon bars with cardamom shortbread crust. The flavors are an interesting pairing. As you read, your mouth will water just thinking of the desserts. I really appreciated having the recipes to try on my own.
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Magical Relationships
The ending felt a bit abrupt when it came to Arleta’s relationship with Theo, her romantic interest. I would have liked to see a little more development between them before the book ended. But, A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic is more about the relationships between Arleta and her baking friends. It should be expected that the romance would not be the focus. It just felt as if there was a lot of time spent getting them together without enough “happily ever after” to feel satisfying.
I really enjoyed the subverted tropes. Magical creatures that are often used as mere monsters were fully developed characters in this story. Verdreth and Ervash are a same-sex couple of orcs. They are both calm and compassionate father figures to Arleta. I loved seeing their relationship with Arleta bloom because I adore found family stories, and having these orcs, who should be scary and intimidating, acting so gentle and loving made me feel all sorts of warm fuzzies.
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Would I Recommend It?
Yes, I enjoyed A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic and I want to share it with as many people as possible. Sometimes a cozy, light-hearted fantasy is just what your soul needs, and this book fills you with warmth. Even if all of the magical treats make you keenly aware of your empty stomach. You will be both satiated and left wanting more with A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic. Luckily, a sequel is set to release in November 2024.
A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic is out now on Amazon as an e-book, softcover, and hardcover.
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