Set in a fantasy world where the leaders of countries threaten war, and magic is either outlawed or mages are pressed to work for the Guild, this is a surprisingly warm and kind novel. Tao has fled her home and travels with her mule telling small fortunes, along the way she meets four companions and begins to form strong bonds of friendship, yet secrets from her past threaten them all. This has the feel of an epic adventure, and while the plot runs alongside a quest, the focus remains on the forming of family and friendship. Author Julie Leong has created characters with personalities that vibrate with authenticity, even if at first glance some may appear to be larger than life there are subtleties that ensured I felt connected to them all. It is the little things that really matter here, and they come together to form the most lovely story that attached to my heart and soul. The magic swims quietly in the background, ready to raise its head to remind you of its power. The unexpected heart-warming nature of this read ensured that I not only chose it as a Liz Pick of the Month, but also a LoveReading Star Book. Rewarding and oh-so satisfying The Teller of Small Fortunes is a gorgeously uplifting fantasy novel.
A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.
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 starts 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 close in-and she'll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
