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bookswithlydscl 's review for:
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.25-3.50*
After a tough few years, comfort blanket reads have been my go-to so I've loved the rise of cosy fiction - be it mystery, science fiction or in this case, fantasy, I just can't get enough of low stakes, people driven stories.
In this addition to the subgenre we meet Reyna, a Queen's Guard and Kianthe, an all-powerful Mage who have run away together to set up their own bookish tea shop, far away from court intrigue and fighting. Along with a hardy band of supporting characters and loyal animal companions we go along with them on their adventures as they start their new lives together.
All the elements were there for me to have loved this book - books, tea, queer relationships, a great supporting cast of characters and adorable animal/creature sidekicks, but despite this combination there was something that fell a little flat and to be honest so whilst I liked it, I didn't love it. Also for me as a downside there was actually too much action for it to be truly considered cosy which is what I really wanted out of this.
I think at the core the relationship also didn't click in the way that others have in different books (i.e. in Legends and Lattes). A powerful mage and a queen's guard are two badass fantasy leads but their relationship lacked confidence and humour so the banter fell a bit flat and I felt that better connections were made with people like Tarly and Mathild. It did pick up towards the end but was a little bit too late unfortunately.
The world created however, is wonderful. It's vibrant and vivid with plenty of scope for further adventures in the future. The bookish tearoom is a wonderful idea and I loved when the book focused on them getting it fixed up and ready for business as that's when the story felt properly cosy and was exactly what I hoped for and wanted.
This was an ideal set up book for a series but doesn't read the best as a standalone. It's fun, with a fabulous setting and a lovely cast of characters. I wish it had clicked better for me but will still check out future instalments to see how the world develops and characters grow.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor for a digital review copy of "Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
After a tough few years, comfort blanket reads have been my go-to so I've loved the rise of cosy fiction - be it mystery, science fiction or in this case, fantasy, I just can't get enough of low stakes, people driven stories.
In this addition to the subgenre we meet Reyna, a Queen's Guard and Kianthe, an all-powerful Mage who have run away together to set up their own bookish tea shop, far away from court intrigue and fighting. Along with a hardy band of supporting characters and loyal animal companions we go along with them on their adventures as they start their new lives together.
All the elements were there for me to have loved this book - books, tea, queer relationships, a great supporting cast of characters and adorable animal/creature sidekicks, but despite this combination there was something that fell a little flat and to be honest so whilst I liked it, I didn't love it. Also for me as a downside there was actually too much action for it to be truly considered cosy which is what I really wanted out of this.
I think at the core the relationship also didn't click in the way that others have in different books (i.e. in Legends and Lattes). A powerful mage and a queen's guard are two badass fantasy leads but their relationship lacked confidence and humour so the banter fell a bit flat and I felt that better connections were made with people like Tarly and Mathild. It did pick up towards the end but was a little bit too late unfortunately.
The world created however, is wonderful. It's vibrant and vivid with plenty of scope for further adventures in the future. The bookish tearoom is a wonderful idea and I loved when the book focused on them getting it fixed up and ready for business as that's when the story felt properly cosy and was exactly what I hoped for and wanted.
This was an ideal set up book for a series but doesn't read the best as a standalone. It's fun, with a fabulous setting and a lovely cast of characters. I wish it had clicked better for me but will still check out future instalments to see how the world develops and characters grow.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor for a digital review copy of "Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.