Wednesday, 3 September 2025

A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons by J Penner



✦ BLURB ✦


Spilling the tea has never been so cozy... The second in a heartwarming cozy fantasy series by J. Penner.

In the quaint town of Adenashire, Doli Butterbuckle, a people-pleasing sunshine dwarf, is content with her simple tea magic and circle of friends. It's true she's never quite lived up to family expectations, but life is just fine—until her parents arrive with an inherited dragon egg and a charming gargoyle harboring a secret stroll into her life.

As Doli grapples with her newfound responsibility and discovers a long hidden side of herself, she must face an overbearing family, a sinister plot, and a mischievous dragon that refuses to stay out of trouble.

But with the help of her loyal friends and newfound love, Doli embarks on a heartwarming adventure, revealing that embracing her true self is the most enchanting path of all.

Spilling the tea has never been so cozy.


Pre-Reading Thoughts

More Adenashire? Don’t mind if I do. I was expecting more warmth, more baked goods, and hopefully a slightly magical library. Also, I’m intrigued by the promise of librarian gargoyles and dragon-related hijinks. Tea magic? Sold.


Post-Reading

As I thought...
This sequel keeps everything I loved about Bakers and Magic and adds more sparkle. Doli is the ultimate cinnamon-roll protagonist - bright, people-pleasing, a little bit unsure of herself, and completely lovable. The tea magic was so inventive, and the dragon is exactly the kind of adorable menace every cozy fantasy needs. Plus, the friendship circle remains strong and supportive, with just enough romantic sweetness to make you smile.

It surprised me by...
How it deepened the emotional core. Doli’s struggle with family expectations, identity, and the quiet pressure to be “nice” all the time hit home. There’s still comfort at every turn, but it’s paired with real vulnerability. Also? The gargoyle is absolutely my favourite. More grumpy magical creatures, always.


✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

📚 Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
📺 Hilda (the Netflix series - gentle, magical, and full of misunderstood creatures)

✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦

Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.

Featured Song: “Bloom” – The Paper Kites
Vibe Album: Ceremonials – Florence + the Machine (for the quietly epic emotional notes and mystical edge)
Artist Recommendation: Orla Gartland – for emotional honesty with a bit of sparkle


✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

Colour Palette: Lavender grey, moss green, tea-stained beige

Soundtrack: Pages turning, teacups clinking, dragon giggles

Season: Spring turning to summer - growth, blooming, messy joy

Mood: Self-acceptance with a spoonful of rebellion

Scent: Chamomile, vanilla, and a hint of ancient parchment

★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

Strength - Tarot Draconis

Strength is not just about physical strength. It's about knowing when to use your strength and when to use your strength of heart. Doli trusts in her heart and her instincts in this story, and it's a message we could all take to heart. 





A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons is available now. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.

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