cover image This Will Be Fun

This Will Be Fun

E.B. Asher. Avon, $17.99 trade paper (416p) ISBN 978-0-06-337136-1

In this cozy romantic fantasy, Asher, the collective pen name for Bridget Morrissey (That Summer Feeling) and the married team of Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (The Breakup Tour), both pays homage to and subverts epic fantasy sagas. Ten years ago, a quartet of champions saved the land of Mythria from a terrible evil. In the decade since, the three survivors have gone their separate ways, each dealing with their time as heroes in their own way: Beatrice uses her magic gift to dwell upon her memories of the quest; her former flame, ex-bandit Sir Clare, leans into celebrity; and emotion-sensing Elowen has spent years as a recluse. They reluctantly reunite for Queen Thessia’s wedding, reopening old wounds, especially when ex-assassin Vandra Ravenfall, Elowen’s ex-lover, reenters the picture. After the queen’s betrothed is kidnapped, this new foursome sets out to rescue him. The authors focus more on interpersonal dynamics than derring-do as their heroes struggle to overcome years of trauma and hurt. Throughout, fantastical takes on contemporary concepts such as soap operas, gossip magazines, and rideshares add a cheeky, anachronistic feel to the sweet story. The result is a fun romp perfect for fans of Veronica Roth’s Chosen Ones. (Sept.)