The Bartender Between Worlds

This gentle multiverse fantasy from Steuernagel (the Fractured Orbit series) highlights the power of friendship and booze. Emma Corvus is a Hunter of the Cursed, tasked with ridding her medievalesque world of magic alongside her partner and crush, Liam. Then she discovers powers of her own—she can create magic-infused cocktails—and she’s forced to flee Liam and her former life. In the remote village of Cuanmore, she meets fairy Vespa; Professor Aldrich, who insists his wild inventions are built on science rather than magic; and Aldrich’s “quantum accelerator,” which can communicate with Emma and quickly becomes fond of the nickname Demon Box. When Liam catches up to Emma, she, Vespa, and Aldrich use Demon Box to escape, transporting them to a series of parallel worlds that differ in their amount of magic and tech, and the nature of the relationships between fairies and humans. As they adventure through the multiverse, the three become fast friends and Emma realizes her true calling is to become a magical bartender. Without the alcohol theme (and a few included recipes), the interpersonal dynamics and worldbuilding would fit right into a middle grade novel. Still, there’s plenty here that adults will find charming. It’s a worthy addition to the growing trend of cozy fantasy. (Self-published)