This book was a delight. It’s a slice of life, gothic fantasy that feels cozy. The world is queernorm which is always lovely to read about, just no hassle. It’s also pretty short and a quick read.
We only follow one PoV, a young boy who lives in a seaside town and gets summoned up to a mysterious manor, which is buzzing with secrets, and bees. There’s even a bee companion, so neat! He tries to figure out what is up with the secretive Lord and Lady, the forbidden second floor & the beast prowling the grounds. Maybe he can also find his own place among the staff, and a bit of romance.
Most of the story is slice of life, doing work for the manor and getting to know the people there: mucking up stalls, collecting honey, sorting out rooms, helping in the garden and such. I’m personally very into that sort of thing, but it’s not a high-action book.
I loved the found family vibes at the manor, between the staff, and that’s what gives it the cozy vibe for me.
I really like the magic aspects, I found the mystery of the bees really unique and I’m all for more insects in fantasy, especially cute ones (I’m sorry Children of Time, I love you, but you’re not cute). We also have giants and mermaids and an interesting creation myth for humans.
Lovely, short, sweet, do recommend giving it a shot.
Bingo squares: Stand along, initials, published in 2022, self-published, shapeshifters, no ifs and or buts, family matters
I’ve never heard of this book before, but I’ll be adding it to my ‘to-read’ list pronto! I really like the cover art, but I’m not sure whether it’s a graphic novel or not. It seems like from the design that it might be.