Hello bookworms and bakers,

I hope you’re in the mood for another cozy fantasy, because today I’m reviewing my experience with A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher. 

If you know me personally, then you know I love bread! If I’m feeling down in the dumps, all it takes is a loaf of French bread and some butter for dipping to lift my spirits (don’t tell my doctor, will ya?).

So, how did this cozy book go? Let’s find out!

Blurb

Fourteen-year-old Mona isn’t like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can’t control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt’s bakery making gingerbread men dance.

But Mona’s life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona’s city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona’s worries…

GoodReads

Amazon

***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

I love, love, loved this book!

In this MG fantasy novel, we follow young Mona. An orphan, she works in a bakery with her aunt and uncle in a city where those who can perform magic are accepted. Her special talent is to influence bread, but despite her seemingly boring ability, when she discovers a corpse in her bakery one morning it takes her on a journey of magic, betrayal, and becoming.

I think what sold this story to me was the writing itself. From the very first line there was intrigue, and it didn’t let up for a second. The writing is smooth and that helped me speed along extremely quickly. I also loved the whimsical and funny metaphors used. It made Mona’s voice feel more authentic.

Mona herself was a great reluctant hero to follow around. She doesn’t want drama and prefers the safety of her bakery, so she grows quite a bit throughout her ordeal. I also loved her sidekick Spindle and his rambunctious attitude. It helped keep things lively when Mona wanted to play things safe or didn’t want to risk her neck. The Duchess, Oberon, and other characters each had different personalities that made them feel real.

As far as the plot goes, this was a roller coaster ride. Each chapter has lots of mystery, magic, and suspense with plenty of twist and turns to keep any reader engaged. I loved the themes presented throughout this book like how being a hero isn’t always a good thing, questioning authority, and believing in yourself.

Overall, if you love a somewhat cozy fantasy book, you’ve got to get your hands on this one. You’ll be glad you did!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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