A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Elikki, a feisty jewelry making elf with chaotic magic and commitment issues. Barra, a sweet half-giant who instantly falls hard for the emotionally distant Elikki. He should forget about her, but when trouble comes for her and she is forced flee, he can’t let her go alone.

I so wanted to love this book – it sounded amazing in theory, but in reality, it is a Dual POV, first person narrative with an instalust trope and not much more. To be fair, I don’t care for FPN, and I hate dual POV – it makes for a confusing read and pulls me out of the story with each change of view – so consider me bias. I also felt like this book was just too formulaic and the author was just checking off boxes; Magic – Check, Diversity Representation – Check, Spicy Love Scenes – Check, Miscommunication – Check, Happy Ending – Check. This book was just not my cuppa – I might have liked it more if it was written in the third person, but I doubt it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *