In ‘The Teller of Small Fortunes’, we follow Toa, who is accustomed to travelling alone and telling ‘small’ fortunes. As Toa embarks on her latest adventure, she is surprised by the found family she encounters along the way. Together, we follow this unlikely group through a wholesome, if sometimes slightly stressful, journey.  

 

This book felt like a cosy one-shot TTRPG to me, which is the highest compliment, as it allowed me to become more immersed in the story and feel more invested in the outcome.  

 

However, some aspects of the book fell flat for me. While I loved each of the characters, I found myself yearning for deeper character exploration.  

 

This is very much a cosy, warm novel, so don't expect any high stakes or surprising plot twists. Personally, I would have loved to spend more time with this group to get to know them better and gain a broader sense of their lives outside what often felt like a snapshot of their story.  

 

It would have been perfect as a cosy TTRPG with friends, but for that very reason, I felt the book lacked some of the personality and depth of camaraderie that could have been built upon in a collaborative storytelling setting.  

 

Overall, ‘The Teller of Small Fortunes’ delivers as a cosy, low-stakes fantasy with a lot to love in its characters. I would recommend it if you're looking for a quick, comforting read to enjoy between denser books. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.