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SYNOPSIS
A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.
Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
READING EXPERIENCES
I’m truly grateful for all the book challenges out there — they’ve expanded my reading horizons in ways I never expected. If it weren’t for the Goodreads Reading Challenge — and my motivation to earn that 2025 Goodreads bookmark — it would’ve taken me much longer to pick up this book. So for that, again, I’m thankful.
At first, the story felt a little heavy. The English was formal, almost like reading a historical novel. As someone whose English isn’t very strong, it took me a while to adjust to the writing style. I often had to reread sentences two or three times and look up unfamiliar words. It was a challenge — but one that was deeply rewarding.
At its heart, this is a story about destiny — and how the choices we make determine whether that destiny becomes real. A single fortune-telling sets the plot in motion, but it’s the characters’ responses that truly shape the outcome. One character, for instance, initially sabotages his own opportunity, but ends up getting hired as an apprentice when he takes responsibility and chooses to make things right.
The book also handles LGBTQ+ themes with sensitivity and care. A young woman from a small town fears the judgment of others if they discover her preferences. Her journey to a nearby nunnery is not just an escape — it’s a step toward finding herself and a place where she belongs. It offers a message of hope for anyone feeling lost or uncertain.
I also appreciated the way the story explores war and politics. Big fortunes can go either way — and while some feared war was coming, it was ultimately avoided. This reminded me of Chinese history, where many conflicts come from within, often in pursuit of power. War brings nothing but suffering to ordinary people, even if it helps rulers claim what they desire.
One small but delightful touch: the mule named Laohu, which means “tiger” in Shin. That name felt symbolic — perhaps Tao named it in search of courage. In the end, she did find the bravery she was looking for. That realization brought a smile to my face.
Another theme that resonated with me was how outsiders are viewed with suspicion, no matter how big or small the village. People are often wary of strangers — especially those who seem to know too much. As a fortune teller, Tao treads a delicate line. In real life, we’re often afraid of being truly seen. What if someone could read our lives like an open book — would that feel intrusive or freeing?
I adored Kina’s growth. Through her journey, she gained confidence, perfected her baking skills, and even invented fortune cookies — how amazing is that? And Silt, who once believed he could never be noble because of his background, proved himself wrong. His transformation was beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier for him and Kina. They truly deserve one another.
Then there’s Mash, who was reunited with his daughter Leah — just as Tao had foretold. He brought her home to his wife, Anna. That reunion was one of the most heartwarming moments in the book.
This story also taught me something profound: sometimes it’s okay to step away from a problem — not to run from it, but to give yourself space to grow. Often, the answers we seek come naturally after we’ve gone on the journey we needed. Guilt can be heavy, but it gets lighter when shared with the right people — those who won’t judge, who help you move forward. And the people we take for granted? Sometimes it takes distance to truly appreciate their importance.
One part that deeply touched me was the reason behind Tao’s move to Estheran. She thought it was just about diplomacy and trade. But in truth, her mother, Shi-Wen, orchestrated it to protect her daughter from being executed for her magical powers. That’s motherly love — quiet, firm, and deeply intentional. Tao longed for her mother’s love, and she finally received it. They both got the chance to be part of each other’s lives. It was beautiful.
Another touching moment was when Silt stole the phoenix egg, only to later return it to the mother phoenix. Doing so meant possibly delaying or even losing Mash’s chance to reunite with his daughter — but they couldn’t bear to separate a parent from their child. That decision spoke volumes about who they were. All four of them showed their inner nobility, especially Silt, who had doubted himself the most.
At the beginning, Mash and Silt joined Tao for selfish reasons — they wanted to test her predictions. But in the end, they found something even greater: truth, friendship, and a sense of home. That was deeply moving.
One of the happiest parts? In the end, Mash and his family, Silt, Kina, and Tao all set off on a new adventure together! And Shi-Wen finally got what she longed for too — a room with a view of Lianghe, just as she had always dreamed. Everyone found a piece of happiness.
This story reflects the deep human longing for belonging, and shows how different life can look when we choose compassion, patience, and connection over fear.
This story filled me with a deep sense of warmth and calm. It made my heart feel full — so full. It’s truly a healing story, one that invites you to slow down and be present. My usual restlessness faded away as I read. It quieted my thoughts and soothed my soul.
Reading this was like a breeze — and I welcomed it wholeheartedly. I formed a deep connection with the story, and it touched me in ways I didn’t expect.
And finally, I’m proud to support an author with a Malaysian background — whoot!
My favorite quote from the book:
"Everyone deserves a home."
RATINGS
Hero rating: -
Heroine rating: 5
Sex scenes rating: -
Sex scenes frequency: -
Storyline concept rating: 5
Storytelling skills rating: 5
Story ending rating: 5
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5
Overall rating: 5★
Would I recommend this book: Definitely
Would I re-read this book: Maybe
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
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