This Will Be Fun

Ten years ago, four daring heroes arose to protect the realm with magic, steel, and love. At least, that’s what the plays and sonnets written about them say. After tragedy struck just as they fulfilled their quest, Elowen, Beatrice, Galwell the Great, and Clare have lived the last decade in the shadows of the heroes the grateful world believes them to be. When danger returns, the hermit, the divorcée, and the cad must face their failures and regain the hope they once had in themselves to save the day. Asher’s (a pen name for Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka) debut novel feels familiar in its charming take on a romantic comedy theme, returning to the scene of one’s youth as an older, wiser adult. The fantasy elements are less developed, so readers looking for a stronger sword and sorcery feel would be better served with titles such as Naomi Novik’s “Temeraire” series or Mercedes Lackey’s tales of Valdemar.