A Midwinter's Tail by Lili Hayward

Pages: 224 

Publisher: Sphere 

Released: 12th of October 2023 

It's nearly Christmas and committed Londoner, Mina Kestle, is close to signing a deal that will make her career and give her everything she's ever wanted. And then she receives a mysterious letter in the post along with an ancient key, sent by her long-estranged godfather . . .

Davy Penhallow is an artist who lives on the tiny Cornish island of Morgelyn with only his pet cat, Murr, for company. Mina hasn't seen or heard from him in decades, but now it seems he wants her to look after his cottage - and his cat - while he recovers from a stroke in hospital. Mina doesn't know why Davy has written after all these years, but she intends to do what's sort out the cottage and the cat and then get back to London in time for her career-saving meeting, before everything she's built comes crashing down around her.

But the more time Mina spends in the cottage, looking after Murr and remembering the magic of Cornish folklore, the harder it becomes for her to tear herself away. And when she discovers that a set of ruthless property developers are coming for Morgelyn, she realises she might be the only one who can stand in their way to save the island, Davy's cottage and Murr's home.

As Christmas draws ever closer and echoes of the past - her own and the island's - wash up in her memory, Mina begins to unravel a generation of secrets... and discover what it is she has truly always wanted . . .

What I Have to Say 

This was the perfect little story for Christmas. Steeped in Cornish legend, it had the warm cosy feel to it that you want from a nice Christmas read. It also had absolutely everything you get from a Christmas movie.  I do feel I read it a bit early to really get into the Christmas spirit, but I can't deny that it would be good to read on Christmas eve! 

I loved how much this book centred around the cat, Murr. And how right from the start Murr is set up as a mythical cat of the sea. Though the characters don't believe this, the book led me to believe in Murr's power right from the start and I loved the magical realism feel that it gave to the book. 

It was great for cat lovers and anyone interested in Cornish mythology or even just anyone who loves a good underdog fights against big developers story! 

4 stars 

My thanks go to Sphere and Netgalley for providing me with this gifted copy for review. 

Til Death Do Us Bard by Rose Black

Pages: 352

Publisher: Hodderscape 

Released: 21st of November 2023 

Marriage isn't always sunshine and unicorns... sometimes it's monsters and necromancy.

In a world of magic and adventure, Logan "the Bear" Theaker had hung up his axe and settled down with his sunshiny bard husband, Pie. But when Pie disappears, Logan is forced back into the world he thought he left behind.

The kingdom is in turmoil, and Logan must come out of retirement to save it. But first, he must save his beloved husband from whatever danger he's in. With the help of an old adversary and a ghost from his past, Logan discovers that Pie has been blackmailed into stealing a powerful artefact capable of creating an undead army.

The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance as Logan and his team set out to stop the brewing war and put an end to the king's ban on magic. But in doing so, Logan must confront his own hero complex and come face to face with the one man who's ever made him feel worthy of love.

Legends & Lattes meets Kings of the Wyld in this thrilling, queer, light fantasy. Follow Logan and Pie's journey as they fight to save their love and the kingdom they call home.

What I Have to Say 

This book was fun and light-hearted with a cast of character right out of a Dungeon's and Dragons adventure. I  really liked the queer romance and the found family feel to the cast of characters. It all felt right for the book. 

The only thing that put me off though, was this was quite obviously Witcher fanfiction. The author didn't seem to have done much to change it up. The main character was a grumpy monster hunter who was married to a man who is just everything a bard should be. I would have liked to see a bit more change in the characters to make it fresher. Though I have to say, I do love the Witcher so I didn't mind too much. 

I've seen a few people calling this low-stakes and I have to wonder what book they've been reading. This is not a Legends and Lattes style low -stakes book so please don't read it expecting it to be!! 

4 stars 

My thanks goes to Hodderscape and Netgalley for providing me with a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.