Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong Narrator: Phyllis Ho
Published by Ace, Penguin Audio on November 5, 2024
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Science Fiction Fantasy
Pages: 336
Length: 9 hours, 57 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
I never know what I’ll get when reading a fantasy book. The Teller of Small Fortunes was described as cozy and that seems right. There isn’t a big war. The setting seemed rather historical as much fantasy does.
Our heroine, Tao, has a wagon with her treasured mule, as she travels around Eshtera. She is Shinn, from Shinara, but after her father died, her mother brought her here with her new husband. So while she is seen as of another country, she hasn’t been there since she was a small child and doesn’t really speak their language. She ran away from home when her parents wanted her to go into the magic gild. So she only tells small fortunes, using very little magic, to stay beneath the radar.
Her fortunes are true and people don’t always like that. Another reason to tell only small things. It is a lonely life until she meets two men. She tells one his fortune that he will give a kitten to a small girl, only to learn they are hunting for his lost girl. So Tao joins them in the search. A bit later, another woman who wants to see the world comes along. She is a baker. They become close and loyal friends as they travel. It’s not about romance.
The heart is about finding yourself and your purpose in life. Sometimes that requires striking out on your own or taking a risk and trying new things. Each of the four experiences some real growth and the joy of a found family.
The magic gild catches up with Tao. Her friends help her escape and when she is taken away by the gild, they go to rescue her again. Tao learns about the gild and why they want her. But she wants some thing from them as well.
I love this story and these characters. They were fun and thoughtful, loyal and hard-working. Anyone would want to travel with them!
Narration:
I haven’t listened to this narrator previously. I had to start at 1.3x to be able to comprehend the story at first. Later I was able to change to my usual 1.5x speed. I thought the voices of the characters were distinct and the performance enhanced my enjoyment.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
This sounds cute!
I really enjoyed this. A loner finds family.
This sounds wonderful! And I love stories about friendships over romance. I may read this next😁 Thanks for sharing, Anne!
I’d love to hear your thoughts when you read it. I found it to be so lovely.
Oh, this sounds like something just to listen to and enjoy. I love books like that.
I do think you would really like this one.
This is my speed of fantasy. I’ll have to add it to my list.
I think you would really like it.
Sounds like a unique story! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
It was sort of the opposite of Grimdark and I enjoyed it.
Wonderful review, Anne💜
Thank you. It’s the kind of fantasy I think anyone could enjoy.
I’ve got this and plan to listen soon. I am following my mood. Happy to see you enjoyed it!
I hope you love it as much as I did.
Oh this sounds gorgeous! It’s already on my TBR and now I’m so excited to read it. Great review!
I really enjoyed it and hope you do also!
Sounds like a wonderful story with awesome characters!
I would say awesome characters are the heart and foundation of a great story.