4 Moss Cake Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5

I enjoyed this one, now - it's not as good as Forged in Magic BUT had a good mix of romance, and plot and felt like an adventure. Think of the likes of "Indiana Jones" where our Heroes are on a Treasure hunting mission but add in a little bit of a "Hunger Games" competition without the killing.

This is a standalone dual POV. Astrid is a dwarf who has been cursed to never be allowed to leave her home. She's essentially trapped under the mountain but it's not as scary as what Feyre had to deal with. So she has made herself comfortable surrounding herself with cosy blankets, multiple plants and all the chocolate she can get her hands on - all the while searching for the mysterious Everstone. A magical crystal which is rumoured to have the power to lift her curse. It just so happens that the annual tournament "Fittest Under The Mountain" is in swing and much to her inconvenience someone (much akin to Harry in the Goblet of Fire) put her name up for the competition. She has no choice but to participate or risk the wrath of Thor, while also being forced to deal with another inconvenience in the form of a pesky shadow demon who loves nothing more than to push her buttons. See Tormund knows Astrid is the best person to speak to, to find the Everstone - because he needs it for his own problem.

The banter between Astrid and Tormund was actually adorable. I kept having to remind myself that even though Tormund is a sexy shadow demon... HE IS NOT MORALLY GREY and is nothing but the sweetest gooest cinnamon roll. He is funny, goofy, brave, honourable and just wholesome. His interactions with Astrid just make you want to go awww at his actions because he is just an adorable character.

Astrid is stubborn, determined and strong-willed, but she is also really hard on herself. She constantly shoots herself down and doesn't believe that she is extraordinary and unique. It takes her continuous banter and interactions with Tormund to realise (as he shows her) how impressive and special she is because she is kind, generous and self-sacrificing and can do whatever she sets her mind to. Tormand just makes her believe in herself as every good partner should.

Tropes in this include:
▶ Cosy Fantasy
▶ Dual POV
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Enemies Rivals to Lovers
▶ Treasure Hunting Vibes
▶ Dragons
▶ Interracial/Multicultural Romance
▶ Banter

This book is definitely more action-packed than the others, with racing minecarts, obstacle courses, and giant spiders who like chocolate and dragons. It was cute, lighthearted and fun and a perfect little cozy read to pick up and pass the time.