Category: First Person Narrative

A Tale of Mirth and Magic by Kristen Vale

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Tale of Mirth & MagicA 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. *

The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Quiet Side (Sage's Sanctuary #0.5)The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Sage’s Sanctuary, #0.5

Release Date: July 8, 2025

When the Sage of Wrath creates a magical dampening field, Kovan, the Sage of Resolve finds himself in the Quiet when he puts his trust in a Dragon. He is completely lost as he has no experience in taking care of himself and doesn’t know how to perform even the most basic of tasks, leaving him feeling hopeless and useless, which is in direct contrast to his magic. Luckily, he finds refuge with a Null named Tasa who is willing him to teach him how to survive in this new world.

Tasa has her own insecurities, as a Null she is without magic and nullifies magic around her, making her an outcast in this world. But with the dampening effect place on the island by the Sage of Wrath, she has an advantage for the first time and with her generous spirit she willingly offers to teach Kovan how to fend for himself.

I am torn about this book, while is a sweet story of healing and mutual support, I didn’t like the dual First-Person Narrative and didn’t feel as if the author gave me a clear understanding of the world or the romance she was building. I realize this is a prequel to a new series, but I felt like the author missed an opportunity to draw me in to this magical world. Overall, it was an OK read, and while I didn’t care for the writing style, if you like FPN, you might like this book more than I did.

*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. *