by Cal Black

A Fantasy, 2022 by Bearberry Studios, 374 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

Some repetition. One example is a character who continues to call his daughter “storm cloud” for no reason (other than a nickname). Cute the first time but gets old fast.
Some of the romance sidelines were not needed, felt forced, and added nothing to the story.
Audiobook note: some of the voices used for children and women are over-the-top and grate the wrong way.

+Excellent opening chapter. Right away we get elves, dragons, and epic world building all while engrossed in a scene that feels right out of a western. It sets up the entire story well. If you’re on the fence about this one, see if it has a preview or look inside feature and check out that first chapter.
Banter. This can sell me on a book every time. Characters in this one, specifically Millie and Gil, have amazing banter that carry the story and make the reader laugh out loud.
Love the levels to the story. This has multiple characters in what initially feels like separate storylines but when it all crashes together, it’s beautiful.

Fantasy fans. The dragons, elves, and other fantasy creatures are just commonplace in this world. It’s wonderful!
Western fans. Of course, take that with a caveat of fantasy being included, but the plot to this one sings as a western.

When you combine 2 genres like this you take a risk that you’ll get both very wrong. But when it works and both genres can sing in harmony, it’s amazing.