I went into this with low expectations. I actually love cozy fantasy, but I feel like people are getting a bit tired of it and I can understand why, I've read some sloppy cozy fantasy myself and it's easy to get put off by it. I kind of assumed this was going to be one of those cases where the story is too weak and the characters are too flat to squeeze any reaction out of me besides mild frustration. I listened on audiobook and the narrator also had me a bit worried, she can't really do any voices and sounds sort of like she's a young teacher reading a children's book to her class. Somehow, it worked. 

The writing and storytelling are fairly simple, reminiscent of being read a bed time story. The characters are distinct, even the ones that appear briefly, and they have just enough substance to them that I was charmed and invested. The plot is mostly slow paced, slice of life, but there are some heavier moments and brief action sequences. Again, it felt like just enough plot and intrigue to keep my attention. 

I do think things unraveled a little bit towards the end where I was kind of like "alright, I get it" as the author wrapped everything up both with montage-style glimpses at the side characters and being too drawn out with the final scenes of the main cast. I think the last couple chapters could have just used some tighter editing maybe and it would have landed with more impact. 

Overall, I do recommend if you like cozy fantasy and are looking for an easy feel-good read.