Book Review: “The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong

“The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong (2024)

Genre: Cozy, Fantasy, Fiction

Page Length: 336 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

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.

Review:

A traveling wagon?✔️
A group of rag-tag travelers?✔️
Whimsical magic?✔️
Cuddly animal companions?✔️

If you enjoy all of the elements above, you are sure to enjoy reading the adventures that await you in the pages of The Teller of Small Fortunes. Like most cozy fantasies this novel moves at a moderate pace where the overall story gives off a slow burn feeling. I appreciate that is balances the heartfelt cozy moments along with the heightened excitement surrounding the main characters escapades through the novel.

At its core, this fantasy is a story about overcoming grief and finding belonging. Tao, our main character, along with her newfound friends Kina, Mash, and Silt set off on a quest with a goal while also experiencing their own individuals growth. By coming together as a crew they become a family, but also help each other to realize their shortcomings and find ways to overcome the obstacles in their lives. I enjoyed the unexpected things that pop in the story during their journey along with the quiet, heartfelt moments of truth. It left me feeling comforted during my reading experience.

I liked the inspiration this drew from Asian cultures as a way of talking about identity, immigration, and more. The novel does give off it’s own special charm and reminded of watching some of my favorite Studio Ghibli films. I feel like this is a cozy fantasy that could benefit from a sequel to explore more of Tao’s world or seeing what transpires in a new quest for our characters. Definitely a recommended read!

Final Verdict: