This Will Be Fun by E B Asher

The Princess Bride meets People We Meet on Vacation in this cozy quest romantasy about a group of friends who once defended their magical land together but haven’t spoken since, reuniting to attend a royal wedding, and ending up on a new adventure to save the realm—and hopefully themselves.

Ten years ago, they saved the realm. It ruined their lives.

Everyone in Mythria knows the story of how best friends Beatrice and Elowen, handsome ex-bandit Clare, and valiant leader Galwell the Great defended the land from darkness. It’s a tale beloved by all—except the former heroes. They haven’t spoken in a decade, devastated by what their quest cost them.

But when they receive an invitation to the queen of Mythria’s wedding, it’s a summons they can’t refuse . . . and a reunion for the ages, with Clare secretly not over his long-ago fling with Beatrice, Beatrice fighting the guilt she feels over how everything ended, Elowen unprepared for the return of her former flame (the cunning Vandra), and all of them lost without Galwell’s presence. And if reuniting with old friends and lovers wasn’t perilous enough, dark forces from their past have returned, plotting a domination that only Mythria’s one-time defenders can stop. Maybe.

Dusting off old weapons and old instincts, they face undead nemeses, crystal caves, enchanted swords, coffee shops, games of magical Truth or Dare, and, hardest of all, their past—rife with wounds never healed and romances never forgotten.

This time around, will their story end in happily ever after?

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This Will Be Fun is a charming fantasy novel that blends the magic of adventure with the complexities of friendships and romance. It has a unique spin on the classic "heroes reunite" trope, featuring shifting narrators that give us fascinating perspectives on each character. Seeing the heroes through each other's eyes—justifying their own actions while often villainizing their companions—added a layer of depth to the story, making the relationships feel raw and authentic.

One of the most delightful aspects of the book is how EB Asher cleverly reimagines modern inventions to fit seamlessly into the fantasy world. Whether it's a magical version of Starbucks, enchanted soap operas, spell-cast facetime calls, or a mystical equivalent of Uber, these touches ground the fantasy in a way that feels fresh and inventive. Asher doesn't call them by their real-world names, but the influence is unmistakable, and the explanations fit perfectly within the established lore and rules of Mythria.

While the book has its spicy moments, the pacing is more relaxed, allowing readers to savor the details of the world and characters. It’s not the kind of read that will have you racing to the end in a frenzy, but rather one that draws you in slowly, encouraging you to linger on every interaction and revelation. By the time I finished, it felt like saying goodbye to old friends—ones I'd love to meet again in future stories.

If you’re looking for a fantasy that balances humor, heart, and a touch of romance with a gentle but immersive pace, This Will Be Fun is well worth your time.

Recommendations:

• Book: The Spellshop by a fellow author in the same whimsical genre, for its blend of magic, charm, and creative twists on familiar ideas.
• Movie: The Princess Bride—a classic that perfectly combines adventure, romance, humor, and a bit of meta-storytelling.

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This Will Be Fun publishes on the 24th of October, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest opinion.