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Mapping Small Places
Jamie is a lonely, anxious kid when he has a run-in with a witch in a remote Somerset village. He’s almost forgotten about it thirteen years later when unpredictable storms and earthquakes hit England - and that’s the least of his worries. Suffering from anxiety, terrible flatmates and returning to his family home after his mother is diagnosed with cancer, he’s got a lot on his mind. But Melusine, the witch of flesh and blood, lures him back with the offer of cold, hard cash in exchange for his help investigating the source of the freak weather; something’s messing with the earth spirit, Gaia, and Mel means to find out who - or what - it is. As they work together, travelling to the bigoted Seelie Court and the paranoid Unseelie Court, meeting stoned fauns and beer-brewing trolls, Jamie must reconcile his feelings about the witch’s intentions and methods all while handling grief, life admin and one singularly uptight estate agent.
Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
45 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Samuels
6 books13 followersI'm Matthew Samuels, a science fiction and fantasy writer based in London, UK. I'm the author of Parasites and Dusk, solarpunk / hopepunk science fiction exploration novels and Small Places, an urban fantasy novel.
I'm currently working on the sequel to Small Places and another urban fantasy title.
I enjoy reading, gaming, walking and quiet.
I'm currently working on the sequel to Small Places and another urban fantasy title.
I enjoy reading, gaming, walking and quiet.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
spfbo7
September 25, 2021Read this as a guest judge (With FanFiAddict) for SPFBO 7.
August 6, 2021
Read my review here: https://fanfiaddict.com/2021/08/05/bo...
The first thing to know about SMALL PLACES is that this is a short novel; while the page count comes in at 300+ plus, the book itself is small with formatting that probably would make it more of a 150-175 page book were it a standard size. I bring that up just to say that the number of pages combined with Samuels’ smooth writing style made this a quick, easy, light read for me. I really enjoyed that, especially as a bit of a buffer between epic fantasy reads. Kind of a cream filling between layers of cake, if you will.
That is not to say Small Places does not stand on its own merits, because it absolutely does. In spite of having a name that evokes visions of cramped settings, it is very much a character-driven novel. Written in first-person (I know, controversial, but I am good with it) from Jamie’s point of view, it would be difficult to be anything but. I think the author made the right choice with respect to perspective, because as a reader I enjoyed seeing things through Jamie’s eyes as he experiences new worlds, creatures, and adventures. There are too many of those to name them all, but Jamie encounters faery worlds full of trolls, elves, giants, Orcs, centaurs, and even different combinations of all of the above en route to trying to save the world.
Did I mention there are witches? I did not, because they deserve their own paragraph. There are a few present in the book, but Melusine (“Mel”) is the main one. Mel is the one who convinces Jamie to join her on this journey to the faery realm (and more, besides). She is funny and snarky and OLD and is not here to take crap from anyone, especially not some 20-something who knows jack about the world outside of his box. She is not afraid to say so, either. The dynamics between Mel and Jamie (and Mel and everyone/everything else, honestly) kept me going, even when there were lulls in the story. She definitely steals the show.
There is a lot to like about this book. Small Places is fun and well-imagined, with interesting characters and themes that hold up well in today’s world (climate crisis, acceptance, gender dynamics). I recommend it for fans of fantasy, especially those of urban fantasy – a category which fits this book quite well.
The first thing to know about SMALL PLACES is that this is a short novel; while the page count comes in at 300+ plus, the book itself is small with formatting that probably would make it more of a 150-175 page book were it a standard size. I bring that up just to say that the number of pages combined with Samuels’ smooth writing style made this a quick, easy, light read for me. I really enjoyed that, especially as a bit of a buffer between epic fantasy reads. Kind of a cream filling between layers of cake, if you will.
That is not to say Small Places does not stand on its own merits, because it absolutely does. In spite of having a name that evokes visions of cramped settings, it is very much a character-driven novel. Written in first-person (I know, controversial, but I am good with it) from Jamie’s point of view, it would be difficult to be anything but. I think the author made the right choice with respect to perspective, because as a reader I enjoyed seeing things through Jamie’s eyes as he experiences new worlds, creatures, and adventures. There are too many of those to name them all, but Jamie encounters faery worlds full of trolls, elves, giants, Orcs, centaurs, and even different combinations of all of the above en route to trying to save the world.
Did I mention there are witches? I did not, because they deserve their own paragraph. There are a few present in the book, but Melusine (“Mel”) is the main one. Mel is the one who convinces Jamie to join her on this journey to the faery realm (and more, besides). She is funny and snarky and OLD and is not here to take crap from anyone, especially not some 20-something who knows jack about the world outside of his box. She is not afraid to say so, either. The dynamics between Mel and Jamie (and Mel and everyone/everything else, honestly) kept me going, even when there were lulls in the story. She definitely steals the show.
There is a lot to like about this book. Small Places is fun and well-imagined, with interesting characters and themes that hold up well in today’s world (climate crisis, acceptance, gender dynamics). I recommend it for fans of fantasy, especially those of urban fantasy – a category which fits this book quite well.
June 1, 2022
(4.75 rounded up)
This was so enjoyable! If you're looking for an urban fantasy that is quick, whimsical, and full of magical beasts and creatures, then I highly recommend this book.
It's a mix of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland, and D&D. I loved so many aspects about this book, and these characters all have a special place in my heart.
That ending was unexpected and I hope it means we're getting a second book ❤
This is truly a fairytale for the adults who still have childlike wonder in their hearts.
This was so enjoyable! If you're looking for an urban fantasy that is quick, whimsical, and full of magical beasts and creatures, then I highly recommend this book.
It's a mix of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland, and D&D. I loved so many aspects about this book, and these characters all have a special place in my heart.
That ending was unexpected and I hope it means we're getting a second book ❤
This is truly a fairytale for the adults who still have childlike wonder in their hearts.
September 7, 2021
I struggled to get into this at first, but I persevered and then the whole thing fell into place and I ended up romping through to the end.
Definitely worth a read.
Definitely worth a read.
July 1, 2021
“They’re inside faery magic, in what is best described as a small place. A place between places.”
Small Places is one of the books that FanFiAddict has been allocated for our SPFBO judging. This review is solely my opinion only and doesn’t represent the feelings of our team as a whole.
I was really charmed by this book! I thought it was so cozy and easy to settle into. I’ve read Samuels’ YA book, Parasites, and you can definitely see the way he has cultivated his writing since then. Parasites was a YA Sci-Fi book and Small Places falls under the adult category. What I like about it is that it is definitely suitable for people that are looking to dip their toes into the adult fantasy category. It’s more adult in content but not graphic enough to turn stomachs. The humor is cheeky and tasteful, I found myself chuckling aloud often.
“‘Buying drugs? No, never,’ she says, turning back to the kettle, pouring boiling water into a mug and flicking a teabag into the back room. She hands me the mug. ‘I was selling them. It’s amazing what you people will buy online.'”
This will take you back to the mystical books that first made you love fantasy settings; a magical door leading to a witch, the adventure of a lifetime, and mischievous creatures. I loved the different courts, the wild fauns, and drunken trolls. Instead of the usual sword as a weapon, Jamie has a pair of guns with various charmed bullets. This was a nice change of pace from the usual dark fantasy that I’ve been reading. Even though our main character’s mother is struggling with cancer and there’s grief throughout the novel, it still had a light tone. I found this to be such an easy and quick paced read. I don’t think it will be for every fantasy reader because some people are looking for more complexity or darker themes, but I enjoyed it.
The book is wrapped up nicely but right at the end, Samuels throws us a twist. He leaves it open for the reader to ponder this revelation, but there’s definitely room for a sequel if he so chooses. Super happy I had the opportunity to read this cozy book, stay tuned for an interview with Matthew Samuels.
“Get a handle on, Jamie, I think to myself. You’ve got weird shit to do.”
Small Places is one of the books that FanFiAddict has been allocated for our SPFBO judging. This review is solely my opinion only and doesn’t represent the feelings of our team as a whole.
I was really charmed by this book! I thought it was so cozy and easy to settle into. I’ve read Samuels’ YA book, Parasites, and you can definitely see the way he has cultivated his writing since then. Parasites was a YA Sci-Fi book and Small Places falls under the adult category. What I like about it is that it is definitely suitable for people that are looking to dip their toes into the adult fantasy category. It’s more adult in content but not graphic enough to turn stomachs. The humor is cheeky and tasteful, I found myself chuckling aloud often.
“‘Buying drugs? No, never,’ she says, turning back to the kettle, pouring boiling water into a mug and flicking a teabag into the back room. She hands me the mug. ‘I was selling them. It’s amazing what you people will buy online.'”
This will take you back to the mystical books that first made you love fantasy settings; a magical door leading to a witch, the adventure of a lifetime, and mischievous creatures. I loved the different courts, the wild fauns, and drunken trolls. Instead of the usual sword as a weapon, Jamie has a pair of guns with various charmed bullets. This was a nice change of pace from the usual dark fantasy that I’ve been reading. Even though our main character’s mother is struggling with cancer and there’s grief throughout the novel, it still had a light tone. I found this to be such an easy and quick paced read. I don’t think it will be for every fantasy reader because some people are looking for more complexity or darker themes, but I enjoyed it.
The book is wrapped up nicely but right at the end, Samuels throws us a twist. He leaves it open for the reader to ponder this revelation, but there’s definitely room for a sequel if he so chooses. Super happy I had the opportunity to read this cozy book, stay tuned for an interview with Matthew Samuels.
“Get a handle on, Jamie, I think to myself. You’ve got weird shit to do.”
August 6, 2021
“Humans and your binary categories,” she says, sounding disgusted. “Them and us, him and her. There’s more than just that, Jamie - why do you think the world falls so neatly into your little boxes?”
Small Places was an entertaining and fast read. It's urban fantasy told in first-person, we follow Jamie, who now lives in the city but needs to go back to their little village when he found out that his mom has cancer. In his return, he met Melusine (Mel in short) again. She's a blood and flesh witch with a snarky attitude and the real star of the story. Mel asked Jamie to help her in saving Gaia, the Earth spirit, in exchange for cash and a special medicine for his mom.
Set in the modern world where magical doors lead to faery land AKA small places. It briefly reminded me of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland. Jamie's adventure started in the real world which made the readers focus more on the characters. The author mixed the modern world with magic smoothly. As the story progresses, it slowly inches towards similar worlds yet different from us. I really like that Small Places combines the ordinary with the unexpected. We get to meet the usual creatures such as witches, elves, orcs, centaurs, and large spiders!! Some quirky, unique, and nasty ones that are a combination of anything. And there are definitely creepy creatures.
Jamie and Mel are the most unlikely duo but they work really well. Jamie, a young man in his twenties, is a little bit lost and dealing with grief. He's a likable and realistic character. Then we have Mel, she's sarcastic and jaded with life. I guess that's the cost of living too long. She's my favorites character and she's the one that keeps the story going. Their banters are really funny and informative. we also have a non-binary side character, Merovech. An inventor who tends to build dangerous things.
Matthew Samuels' writing style is easy to follow and straightforward. It deals with serious themes such as grief, acceptance, and gender dynamics while adding humor giving a light tone to the story. The novel is steadily paced throughout the whole book. All the characters are well fleshed out and seeing Jamie's growth under Mel's guidance is satisfying.
Small Places is a breath of fresh air and provides a great escape from the dark fantasy I've been reading lately. Imaginative, well-written, and quirky filled with lovable characters, adventure, and classic and unique creatures. The end ties up nicely with enough room for a sequel.
Big thanks to Matthew Samuels and Storytellers on Tour for my review copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
August 4, 2021
This book heavily reminds me of Narnia, Harry Potter, LOTR, and Percy Jackson with a Lemony Snicket narration, but in a modern setting. Is that too much? I don't think so. It was a fresh and fun read. I absolutely love the Lemony Snicket type of narration where there seems to be someone telling you a story rather than simply narrating.
It was fast-paced but not to the point where you will question things. The world building is amazing! I love the fact that after reading I'll just be there thinking, "What if small places exist? What if its really there?"
Small Places is a page turner with lovable characters. Jamie is someone you could relate to especially when you struggle with life or you are transitioning through it. Mel's character, on the other hand, mystifies me but she's the character I will surely be furious if something terrible happens to her (next to V, ofcourse)
Overall, it was a great way to start my August read.
It was fast-paced but not to the point where you will question things. The world building is amazing! I love the fact that after reading I'll just be there thinking, "What if small places exist? What if its really there?"
Small Places is a page turner with lovable characters. Jamie is someone you could relate to especially when you struggle with life or you are transitioning through it. Mel's character, on the other hand, mystifies me but she's the character I will surely be furious if something terrible happens to her (next to V, ofcourse)
Overall, it was a great way to start my August read.
July 27, 2021
Thank you to the author for #gifting me a finished copy of the book.
I really enjoyed this book, from the beginning with Jamie’s first interaction with the magical world and then his adult life and further forays into the magical world.
Yet another book where the magical world inside of the real world is so tangible you can believe that this sort of thing really does happen every day, all around you.
I loved the interactions between the characters, which sometimes caused me to laugh out loud and uncontrollably 🤣
The balance between the humour and the daily human struggles is done to perfection. I never felt like I needed to hurry the book along at any point.
Not ever question is answered at the end of the book and I am hoping that means a book 2? (insert begging face 🥺)
Definitely a great read for those who already love the Fantasy genre and those first dipping their toes into the genre.
I really enjoyed this book, from the beginning with Jamie’s first interaction with the magical world and then his adult life and further forays into the magical world.
Yet another book where the magical world inside of the real world is so tangible you can believe that this sort of thing really does happen every day, all around you.
I loved the interactions between the characters, which sometimes caused me to laugh out loud and uncontrollably 🤣
The balance between the humour and the daily human struggles is done to perfection. I never felt like I needed to hurry the book along at any point.
Not ever question is answered at the end of the book and I am hoping that means a book 2? (insert begging face 🥺)
Definitely a great read for those who already love the Fantasy genre and those first dipping their toes into the genre.
August 6, 2021
“I look around…Purple flowers litter the forest floor, contrasting with the bright green grass…I feel…amazing, suddenly noticing all the little insects scurrying around on the leaves, how elaborate the bird song is. I could practically skip.” - Matthew Samuels, Small Places
I enjoyed reading Small Places by Matthew Samuels. It was a very different twist on magic and urban fantasy. We follow the main protagonist, Jamie, through his first-person narrative of his adventures to heal, Gaia, the Earth Spirit. We see him as a young boy, white hair that makes him stand out, with his best friend, Sam in a small English village. They are asked to get medicine for a sick village man. Little do they know they would be entering a realm with magic, and meeting Melusine, the witch of flesh and blood, who gives them the medicine. While it is a jarring experience for the two young children, Jamie feels a connection to the vivid and magical world he has entered. As he grows up things change, as it does for all of us. Sam has moved on and Jamie works in London. Melusine is a long past memory, until Jamie must go home to see his mother, who is dying of cancer. A card from Melusine asking to meet him changes his life forever.
There are so many different twists on stories of magic and fantasy. When Jamie meets Melusine (Mel) again, she needs his help and will pay him. Gaia is in trouble, wreaking havoc on Earth. The only way to stop it is to get the fey, both from the Seelie (think of them at the “good” fey) and Unseelie (the “bad” fey who practice dark magic) courts to help her. The two courts do not trust each other, so it will be no small feat to accomplish. And she needs Jamie. Why exactly she needs Jamie is something we really don’t know, but she is willing to take him on as an apprentice. He has no magical ability, which is very interesting. In just about all fantasy books, the main protagonist has some magical ability. Jamie has none that he demonstrates nor any affinity for it. Mel’s explanation about why she needs Jamie boils down to this:
“Gaia,” she says slowly. “The earth spirit. She who gives life. Jamie, I get that this is going to be strange for you…but I don’t have time for any training montage bullshit, ok? I need your help for about 2 weeks…No questions, keep your eyes open and do what I say…” - Matthew Samuels, Small Places
The characters in this story were a very strong point. The banter between Jamie and Melusine made me laugh out loud at times. It is sarcastic, witty and poignant all at the same time. Their strong connection and chemistry made for a very enjoyable story. The fey are little uptight, as Mel would say, and she is not exactly welcome. But it doesn’t stop her sarcastic and witty exchanges with them.
The story is wild ride from the 2 realms of the fey courts, making alliances and trying to help Gaia. The pacing is good, although I did feel quite a bit of the main action happened at the end. However, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. This is in large part due to the excellent character development. The reader is so engrossed in Jamie listening to Mel’s interactions with other magical beings, it moves the story along at a good pace. I would highly recommend Small Places.
The Characters
Jamie: The story is told from Jamie’s perspective. He is very relatable. His parents divorced, he went through a rough time, he has a job he is merely satisfied with, and flatmates that are getting on his nerves. I could see so many people in him and the everyday, sometimes mundane things we go through. He is introverted and doesn’t seem to do much outside of work. When Mel asks for his help, he feels “alive” again. He loved returning to her hut in the forest, the memories of the joy coming back. As he helps her, he begins to realize his own strength. Being with Mel in the different realms makes him feel like he belongs there.
Jamie and Mel’s conversations are brilliant. They trade barb for barb, neither one really getting the upper hand. They were two characters whose chemistry on the pages made for a very entertaining story.
Melusine: It was a really great choice to make Mel look like a “typical” witch. When she goes out with Jamie, she is dressed in regular clothing. It’s a great juxtaposition. The reader can relate to her on 2 levels: as the typical stereotype of a witch, but also as a witty, sarcastic and sometimes, grumpy person. After a while, her appearance fades into the background. Mel is great and I loved her character. Her quick comebacks and sarcasm often had me laughing out loud as she dealt with every character she encounters. In an encounter with a human jogger who stares at her, Mel retorts:
“You can fuck right off, Lululemon,” Mel mutters, her face contorting with anger momentarily. She makes a sharp gesture with her right hand and there’s a sudden cry from the girl behind us….
“My foot!” she complains… “I think I’ve got a blister!”
“Several.” Melusine cackles softly as she hurries along. “And more to come, I promise you that.” - Matthew Samuels, Small Places
Jamie almost plays the straight man to her comedic remarks. You just have to love Mel and their relationship!
Other Characters
There are many other characters in the story. There is gender fluidity representation in this book, as Mel tells Jamie there are no binary categories, there is more to it than that. Merovech Drake is the magical quirky little inventor. They are the opposite of Mel. They always have a smile on their face and is happy to see everyone. In the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, there are fae that Mel has dealt with for hundreds of years. She deftly navigates both, thinking the Seelie are “prissy” and Unseelie are paranoid. Jamie manages it all, without any magic. At first, he is in awe of all he sees, but after a time, he not only gets used to it, but feels it is where he belongs. He interacts with the fae, the fauns and other magical creatures as if it were second nature.
Overall Thoughts
Small Places is fun, albeit sometimes gritty, ride from start to finish. While the pacing was a little slow at first and quite a bit happened towards the end of the book, it is off-set by excellent character development. Jamie and Melusine are not only well-developed characters, they interact on a realistic level. They are a perfect complement to each other, she the witch of blood and flesh, and he the human with no magical ability save his courage and loyalty. The fae are interesting in that the Seelie and Unseelie courts are the exact opposite, one prissy and aloof, the other paranoid and dangerous. All of these characters put aside their differences for the greater good of saving Gaia. The story of saving Gaia, the earth spirit, can almost be a metaphor for us and how we are treating this planet. A small group of magical beings and one human save the earth. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. Small Places is an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre and I highly recommend it.
See Review on my Website: https://bookandnatureprofessor.com/20...
I enjoyed reading Small Places by Matthew Samuels. It was a very different twist on magic and urban fantasy. We follow the main protagonist, Jamie, through his first-person narrative of his adventures to heal, Gaia, the Earth Spirit. We see him as a young boy, white hair that makes him stand out, with his best friend, Sam in a small English village. They are asked to get medicine for a sick village man. Little do they know they would be entering a realm with magic, and meeting Melusine, the witch of flesh and blood, who gives them the medicine. While it is a jarring experience for the two young children, Jamie feels a connection to the vivid and magical world he has entered. As he grows up things change, as it does for all of us. Sam has moved on and Jamie works in London. Melusine is a long past memory, until Jamie must go home to see his mother, who is dying of cancer. A card from Melusine asking to meet him changes his life forever.
There are so many different twists on stories of magic and fantasy. When Jamie meets Melusine (Mel) again, she needs his help and will pay him. Gaia is in trouble, wreaking havoc on Earth. The only way to stop it is to get the fey, both from the Seelie (think of them at the “good” fey) and Unseelie (the “bad” fey who practice dark magic) courts to help her. The two courts do not trust each other, so it will be no small feat to accomplish. And she needs Jamie. Why exactly she needs Jamie is something we really don’t know, but she is willing to take him on as an apprentice. He has no magical ability, which is very interesting. In just about all fantasy books, the main protagonist has some magical ability. Jamie has none that he demonstrates nor any affinity for it. Mel’s explanation about why she needs Jamie boils down to this:
“Gaia,” she says slowly. “The earth spirit. She who gives life. Jamie, I get that this is going to be strange for you…but I don’t have time for any training montage bullshit, ok? I need your help for about 2 weeks…No questions, keep your eyes open and do what I say…” - Matthew Samuels, Small Places
The characters in this story were a very strong point. The banter between Jamie and Melusine made me laugh out loud at times. It is sarcastic, witty and poignant all at the same time. Their strong connection and chemistry made for a very enjoyable story. The fey are little uptight, as Mel would say, and she is not exactly welcome. But it doesn’t stop her sarcastic and witty exchanges with them.
The story is wild ride from the 2 realms of the fey courts, making alliances and trying to help Gaia. The pacing is good, although I did feel quite a bit of the main action happened at the end. However, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. This is in large part due to the excellent character development. The reader is so engrossed in Jamie listening to Mel’s interactions with other magical beings, it moves the story along at a good pace. I would highly recommend Small Places.
The Characters
Jamie: The story is told from Jamie’s perspective. He is very relatable. His parents divorced, he went through a rough time, he has a job he is merely satisfied with, and flatmates that are getting on his nerves. I could see so many people in him and the everyday, sometimes mundane things we go through. He is introverted and doesn’t seem to do much outside of work. When Mel asks for his help, he feels “alive” again. He loved returning to her hut in the forest, the memories of the joy coming back. As he helps her, he begins to realize his own strength. Being with Mel in the different realms makes him feel like he belongs there.
Jamie and Mel’s conversations are brilliant. They trade barb for barb, neither one really getting the upper hand. They were two characters whose chemistry on the pages made for a very entertaining story.
Melusine: It was a really great choice to make Mel look like a “typical” witch. When she goes out with Jamie, she is dressed in regular clothing. It’s a great juxtaposition. The reader can relate to her on 2 levels: as the typical stereotype of a witch, but also as a witty, sarcastic and sometimes, grumpy person. After a while, her appearance fades into the background. Mel is great and I loved her character. Her quick comebacks and sarcasm often had me laughing out loud as she dealt with every character she encounters. In an encounter with a human jogger who stares at her, Mel retorts:
“You can fuck right off, Lululemon,” Mel mutters, her face contorting with anger momentarily. She makes a sharp gesture with her right hand and there’s a sudden cry from the girl behind us….
“My foot!” she complains… “I think I’ve got a blister!”
“Several.” Melusine cackles softly as she hurries along. “And more to come, I promise you that.” - Matthew Samuels, Small Places
Jamie almost plays the straight man to her comedic remarks. You just have to love Mel and their relationship!
Other Characters
There are many other characters in the story. There is gender fluidity representation in this book, as Mel tells Jamie there are no binary categories, there is more to it than that. Merovech Drake is the magical quirky little inventor. They are the opposite of Mel. They always have a smile on their face and is happy to see everyone. In the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, there are fae that Mel has dealt with for hundreds of years. She deftly navigates both, thinking the Seelie are “prissy” and Unseelie are paranoid. Jamie manages it all, without any magic. At first, he is in awe of all he sees, but after a time, he not only gets used to it, but feels it is where he belongs. He interacts with the fae, the fauns and other magical creatures as if it were second nature.
Overall Thoughts
Small Places is fun, albeit sometimes gritty, ride from start to finish. While the pacing was a little slow at first and quite a bit happened towards the end of the book, it is off-set by excellent character development. Jamie and Melusine are not only well-developed characters, they interact on a realistic level. They are a perfect complement to each other, she the witch of blood and flesh, and he the human with no magical ability save his courage and loyalty. The fae are interesting in that the Seelie and Unseelie courts are the exact opposite, one prissy and aloof, the other paranoid and dangerous. All of these characters put aside their differences for the greater good of saving Gaia. The story of saving Gaia, the earth spirit, can almost be a metaphor for us and how we are treating this planet. A small group of magical beings and one human save the earth. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. Small Places is an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre and I highly recommend it.
See Review on my Website: https://bookandnatureprofessor.com/20...
June 26, 2021
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I have so many questions... Small Places is a fantastic book that crosses the magical and the mundane beautifully. In this story, we follow Jamie who has returned to his childhood home after finding out that his mother has cancer. Despite having to deal with real world grief and everything that comes with organising a loved ones life, he manages to get himself entangled in a deal with a witch. Enter Melusine, a grumpy and sarcastic witch who has seen and done it all. Despite her standoffish ways, her character is fantastic and I really enjoyed reading about her.
There were plenty of points throughout this book where I chuckled out loud at the dialogue between characters. I think crossing 'human' ways of life such as brewing alcohol and being stoned with magical creatures is something I never knew I needed until now. I will definitely be checking out past and future works from Matthew and although it did take me a little longer than I would have liked to be pulled into the story, I am so glad I read this amazing book.
I have so many questions... Small Places is a fantastic book that crosses the magical and the mundane beautifully. In this story, we follow Jamie who has returned to his childhood home after finding out that his mother has cancer. Despite having to deal with real world grief and everything that comes with organising a loved ones life, he manages to get himself entangled in a deal with a witch. Enter Melusine, a grumpy and sarcastic witch who has seen and done it all. Despite her standoffish ways, her character is fantastic and I really enjoyed reading about her.
There were plenty of points throughout this book where I chuckled out loud at the dialogue between characters. I think crossing 'human' ways of life such as brewing alcohol and being stoned with magical creatures is something I never knew I needed until now. I will definitely be checking out past and future works from Matthew and although it did take me a little longer than I would have liked to be pulled into the story, I am so glad I read this amazing book.
July 5, 2021
3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I don't normally go about looking for urban fantasies but after this, I might just wanna reconsider.
Jaime is a guy struggling to become a man as he grapples with his mother dealing with cancer. He finds himself meeting a witch who he once met in his childhood and who potentially might have something that can help his mother's health. But the witch has her own stuff going on which she needs to investigate. She asks Jaime to join her and int return she'd help him out. Desperate and wondertsuck, Jaime goes on an adventure in the mundane world which can be best described as unusually unique, if not rave and weird.
Since this was a fantasy book, let's start by talking about the worldbuilding and writing. I would first like to highlight that I found the writing to be extremely easy to follow. This meant, the worldbuilding was also quite easy to understand and get into. I think Samuels did a great job at setting up what's different an yet so similar to ours in the magical world that he has painstakingly created. I am not sure why but reading this book made me want to revisit Narnia even though the stories/themes are quite different.
I enjoyed Jaime's character quite a lot. The choices he made weren't always the best ones but it did make sense. The witch was also fun to follow around. I have to admit, throughout the book I kind of kept debating when there would be a plot twist and we'd find out - EVERYTHING YOU KNEW WAS A LIE - about the witch and I quite glad that the story doesnt necessarily choose to take that road.
I enjoyed the setting and found the book to have certain places that really struck a chord with me especially how cancer and its progression/treatment is handled in the book. It raw, honest and unapologetically itself.
I wish the side characters either had a better purpose or that they had more nuance.
Now, coming to the points where I felt the story could have been better or where it kinda struggled:
~ The pacing. The start was fine until the child you meet in Chapter One turns into an adolescent guy in one line and by the next page, he is an adult. From there on the book kinda moves in a bumpy fashion. Parts of it are okay but others kinda struggle.
~ Jaime never actually discusses his mother's cancer with the witch. Or does he? Because I do not really remember reading a full-fledged conversation. He has a lot of ideas of why he is helping the witch - to get the cancer cure - but never truly seems very committed to that?
~ The purpose of Jaime helping the witch at its core is supposed to be about the cancer treatment right? But I am not sure. Jaime's motivations felt all over the place. At one point, I thought I think he has forgotten he even has a mother to look it for.
~ The separation between the parents is very abrupt and not well explained. This was an issue for me because, from the place where I read it, I got the impression that they were one big happy family when Jaime was young. Of course, things can go wrong and the couple can part but I am still not 100% on how it was executed.
~ The female friend who you meet right in the beginning doesnt show up until 55% into the story if not later and by the time her plot picks up again - I was confused at first who the fuck is she until I relaised that oh, the girl from chapter one. I think the the execution largely faultered there as well.
Having said all that, I feel that this book had its moments and I kind of enjoyed it despite its many shortcomings.
If you are someone who enjoys books that have urban setting in fantasies or the ones that take you on an adventure that isn't always all about the 'romance' then this might just be the book you are looking for!
Thanking the author for sending across an early proof of the book!
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I don't normally go about looking for urban fantasies but after this, I might just wanna reconsider.
Jaime is a guy struggling to become a man as he grapples with his mother dealing with cancer. He finds himself meeting a witch who he once met in his childhood and who potentially might have something that can help his mother's health. But the witch has her own stuff going on which she needs to investigate. She asks Jaime to join her and int return she'd help him out. Desperate and wondertsuck, Jaime goes on an adventure in the mundane world which can be best described as unusually unique, if not rave and weird.
Since this was a fantasy book, let's start by talking about the worldbuilding and writing. I would first like to highlight that I found the writing to be extremely easy to follow. This meant, the worldbuilding was also quite easy to understand and get into. I think Samuels did a great job at setting up what's different an yet so similar to ours in the magical world that he has painstakingly created. I am not sure why but reading this book made me want to revisit Narnia even though the stories/themes are quite different.
I enjoyed Jaime's character quite a lot. The choices he made weren't always the best ones but it did make sense. The witch was also fun to follow around. I have to admit, throughout the book I kind of kept debating when there would be a plot twist and we'd find out - EVERYTHING YOU KNEW WAS A LIE - about the witch and I quite glad that the story doesnt necessarily choose to take that road.
I enjoyed the setting and found the book to have certain places that really struck a chord with me especially how cancer and its progression/treatment is handled in the book. It raw, honest and unapologetically itself.
I wish the side characters either had a better purpose or that they had more nuance.
Now, coming to the points where I felt the story could have been better or where it kinda struggled:
~ The pacing. The start was fine until the child you meet in Chapter One turns into an adolescent guy in one line and by the next page, he is an adult. From there on the book kinda moves in a bumpy fashion. Parts of it are okay but others kinda struggle.
~ Jaime never actually discusses his mother's cancer with the witch. Or does he? Because I do not really remember reading a full-fledged conversation. He has a lot of ideas of why he is helping the witch - to get the cancer cure - but never truly seems very committed to that?
~ The purpose of Jaime helping the witch at its core is supposed to be about the cancer treatment right? But I am not sure. Jaime's motivations felt all over the place. At one point, I thought I think he has forgotten he even has a mother to look it for.
~ The separation between the parents is very abrupt and not well explained. This was an issue for me because, from the place where I read it, I got the impression that they were one big happy family when Jaime was young. Of course, things can go wrong and the couple can part but I am still not 100% on how it was executed.
~ The female friend who you meet right in the beginning doesnt show up until 55% into the story if not later and by the time her plot picks up again - I was confused at first who the fuck is she until I relaised that oh, the girl from chapter one. I think the the execution largely faultered there as well.
Having said all that, I feel that this book had its moments and I kind of enjoyed it despite its many shortcomings.
If you are someone who enjoys books that have urban setting in fantasies or the ones that take you on an adventure that isn't always all about the 'romance' then this might just be the book you are looking for!
Thanking the author for sending across an early proof of the book!
August 4, 2021
I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by The Storytellers on Tour. Special thanks to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. This was such a delightfully unexpected story and I’m so glad that it was put on my radar thanks to this tour! 4 stars
Check out more reviews on my blog!
Small Places is an absolutely charming story that mixes the magical and mundane in a funny, captivating and entertaining way. Prior to Jamie returning to the village as an adult, we only get a few glimpses of the magic in small places, but only once Jamie and Melusine reunite does the adventure really begin! And from there we experience the wonderfully weird, hilarious and often quite scary world of magic. Who knew that stoned faun, beer-brewing trolls, an eccentric (and adorable) inventor of deadly machines, and gun-toting elves, orcs and banshees would be the combination of characters I'd need right now? It just works! 😍
I thought this was a well-written story and despite a somewhat slow start and a slightly rushed ending, it was well-paced. Samuels managed to create an interesting combination of the real and magical worlds that juxtaposed quite nicely! I feel like this is one of those fantasy stories that you just have to let wash over you without questioning too many of the smaller details, and if you can manage to do that you'll have a really pleasant ride.
Melusine and Jamie make such an unlikely team but despite their differences (especially in personality), they make a fantastic duo! Melusine is a witch that’s frightening in appearance and is rather crotchety—though I guess living for hundreds of years in a small village would make anyone that way. She was sarcastic, slightly bitter and jaded, and I wasn't sure if I would like her character at first, but the more she interacted with Jamie, the more she grew on me! I loved her wittiness and she often had me laughing out loud. In total contrast, Jamie is probably the epitome of a good guy. He hasn't had the best upbringing and returning to his small-town home to care for his dying mother has left him feeling even more adrift and uncertain about where he belongs or what he's doing with his life. He was such an empathetic character and it made it so easy to feel connected to him. I don't know how I would react in Jamie's shoes but he accepted the existence of the magical world so casually and it was often quite funny to watch him process the madness! 😂
Aside from these two, there is a rather large cast of characters that we mostly only meet in passing but I did hope for just a little bit more character development at times. The 'culprit' was also a little bit of a surprise twist because I didn't see it coming at all, and I might not have been entirely convinced by Jamie's deduction when it was first revealed. At the same time, I found the wrap up to be a little too rushed and I had hoped for more of a conclusion for certain characters, but it didn't really detract much from my enjoyment of the story overall. I would most definitely read more books with Jamie, Melusine, and V (and Dakyid and Balthamel)!
Check out more reviews on my blog!
Small Places is an absolutely charming story that mixes the magical and mundane in a funny, captivating and entertaining way. Prior to Jamie returning to the village as an adult, we only get a few glimpses of the magic in small places, but only once Jamie and Melusine reunite does the adventure really begin! And from there we experience the wonderfully weird, hilarious and often quite scary world of magic. Who knew that stoned faun, beer-brewing trolls, an eccentric (and adorable) inventor of deadly machines, and gun-toting elves, orcs and banshees would be the combination of characters I'd need right now? It just works! 😍
I thought this was a well-written story and despite a somewhat slow start and a slightly rushed ending, it was well-paced. Samuels managed to create an interesting combination of the real and magical worlds that juxtaposed quite nicely! I feel like this is one of those fantasy stories that you just have to let wash over you without questioning too many of the smaller details, and if you can manage to do that you'll have a really pleasant ride.
Melusine and Jamie make such an unlikely team but despite their differences (especially in personality), they make a fantastic duo! Melusine is a witch that’s frightening in appearance and is rather crotchety—though I guess living for hundreds of years in a small village would make anyone that way. She was sarcastic, slightly bitter and jaded, and I wasn't sure if I would like her character at first, but the more she interacted with Jamie, the more she grew on me! I loved her wittiness and she often had me laughing out loud. In total contrast, Jamie is probably the epitome of a good guy. He hasn't had the best upbringing and returning to his small-town home to care for his dying mother has left him feeling even more adrift and uncertain about where he belongs or what he's doing with his life. He was such an empathetic character and it made it so easy to feel connected to him. I don't know how I would react in Jamie's shoes but he accepted the existence of the magical world so casually and it was often quite funny to watch him process the madness! 😂
Aside from these two, there is a rather large cast of characters that we mostly only meet in passing but I did hope for just a little bit more character development at times. The 'culprit' was also a little bit of a surprise twist because I didn't see it coming at all, and I might not have been entirely convinced by Jamie's deduction when it was first revealed. At the same time, I found the wrap up to be a little too rushed and I had hoped for more of a conclusion for certain characters, but it didn't really detract much from my enjoyment of the story overall. I would most definitely read more books with Jamie, Melusine, and V (and Dakyid and Balthamel)!
August 6, 2021
Small Places by Matthew Samuels plodded along at a slow but comfortable pace that suited the quaint characters. If you're looking for a book that'll grant you time to appreciate the magical, charming atmosphere and settings the author created, you'll probably love this. Though I expected more action sooner, many other facets of the story held my interest well, including the exciting, otherworldly scenes, the mystery aspects of the work, and the splendid world-building. I adored the assortment of unique characters, especially the nonbinary character, Merovech. There's some profanity and mild gore, so I think Small Places is more suitable for mature young adults and older audiences.
Matthew Samuels told the story from Jamie's first-person perspective, but while Jamie was a decent, sympathetic main character, a few other characters stood out to me more. Jamie's palpable grief added extra heaviness to the work, but it was balanced out well by a good amount of humor. Despite an epic climax, the abrupt conclusion felt somewhat incomplete. Jamie's arc seemed clipped, as I was left wondering what he'd end up doing with his life. At the same time, since my other questions were answered and I could infer what wasn't explicitly stated, the ending was satisfying enough. All in all, Small Places was a delightful, imaginative urban fantasy read that I recommend to lovers of the genre.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Storytellers On Tour for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: Strong language and violence throughout, with some graphic injury detail, scenes of involuntary restraint, giant spiders, dead animals, implied cruelty to animals, some fantastical creatures of a horrifying nature, cancer, mention of previous self-harm, and an instance of a drink being tampered with.
Matthew Samuels told the story from Jamie's first-person perspective, but while Jamie was a decent, sympathetic main character, a few other characters stood out to me more. Jamie's palpable grief added extra heaviness to the work, but it was balanced out well by a good amount of humor. Despite an epic climax, the abrupt conclusion felt somewhat incomplete. Jamie's arc seemed clipped, as I was left wondering what he'd end up doing with his life. At the same time, since my other questions were answered and I could infer what wasn't explicitly stated, the ending was satisfying enough. All in all, Small Places was a delightful, imaginative urban fantasy read that I recommend to lovers of the genre.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from Storytellers On Tour for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: Strong language and violence throughout, with some graphic injury detail, scenes of involuntary restraint, giant spiders, dead animals, implied cruelty to animals, some fantastical creatures of a horrifying nature, cancer, mention of previous self-harm, and an instance of a drink being tampered with.
August 2, 2021
My two favorite kinds of urban fantasy are any stories that feature faeries or witches. So, it came as no surprise to me that I thoroughly enjoyed Small Places; both of those elements were central to the plot in this book.
I loved Samuels’ interpretation of all the different magical beings in the story. His take on the Seelie and Unseelie Courts was particularly interesting. I liked his descriptions of how one entered those realms, and I liked how he worked classic creatures like the banshee into the book.
As for his presentation of witches, I quite liked it. I normally prefer either soft, cottage-core vibes or dark, dramatic plots when it comes to witch stories, but Small Places had something a little different, which I appreciated. It wasn’t quite in between those two things, but it also was, in a way, so.
Of course, I also enjoyed the general plot of the book. It had a lot of excitement, for sure, but Samuels also spent a good amount of time fleshing out the magical world. The story also had some pretty surprising twists that I didn’t see coming, which I obviously loved.
Plus, I can’t say I disliked any of the characters; they were all relatively well-written and I enjoyed reading about them. Obviously, there were those characters who didn’t have much screen time and therefore had less development, but that’s to be expected in any story. And even those characters intrigued me; I’d give a lot to read a spin-off about any one of them.
So, in the end, I definitely recommend reading this one; fans of urban fantasy will almost certainly enjoy it.
I loved Samuels’ interpretation of all the different magical beings in the story. His take on the Seelie and Unseelie Courts was particularly interesting. I liked his descriptions of how one entered those realms, and I liked how he worked classic creatures like the banshee into the book.
As for his presentation of witches, I quite liked it. I normally prefer either soft, cottage-core vibes or dark, dramatic plots when it comes to witch stories, but Small Places had something a little different, which I appreciated. It wasn’t quite in between those two things, but it also was, in a way, so.
Of course, I also enjoyed the general plot of the book. It had a lot of excitement, for sure, but Samuels also spent a good amount of time fleshing out the magical world. The story also had some pretty surprising twists that I didn’t see coming, which I obviously loved.
Plus, I can’t say I disliked any of the characters; they were all relatively well-written and I enjoyed reading about them. Obviously, there were those characters who didn’t have much screen time and therefore had less development, but that’s to be expected in any story. And even those characters intrigued me; I’d give a lot to read a spin-off about any one of them.
So, in the end, I definitely recommend reading this one; fans of urban fantasy will almost certainly enjoy it.
August 3, 2021
Surprise! We’re back with my favourites, Storytellers on Tour. Thank you to them for this tour and to the author for my gifted copy (and cute print!).
This is an urban fantasy that’s easy to read. The plot isn’t complicated or convoluted and so I would recommend this both to a firm fantasy fan, or anyone who wants to get into this genre but is maybe a tad afraid to!
Immediately I was charmed by the descriptions. With a wonderful village setting and fun, comedic writing, the friendships are great and I easily sped through reading. V has my whole heart.
“Great. Just what I need. The jaunty undead.”
When he’s young, Jamie and his friend Sam meet a witch in the woods. They go through a magic door on an errand and, in what feels like a terrifying journey to their ten year old selves, they meet Melusine and hot foot it out of there.
We then fall back into this world when Jamie is pulled in as an adult, trying to do what he can to help his poorly mother. We get to meet an array of monsters, good and bad, whilst travelling to see both the Seelie and Unseelie court.
I loved how there’s a moment where you think, oh, this is the end of the book. But it isn’t! And we get to have more adventure and that brought me so much joy. But then it ends abruptly! How dare you Matthew I thought to myself. There better be a second book please and thank you.
This is an urban fantasy that’s easy to read. The plot isn’t complicated or convoluted and so I would recommend this both to a firm fantasy fan, or anyone who wants to get into this genre but is maybe a tad afraid to!
Immediately I was charmed by the descriptions. With a wonderful village setting and fun, comedic writing, the friendships are great and I easily sped through reading. V has my whole heart.
“Great. Just what I need. The jaunty undead.”
When he’s young, Jamie and his friend Sam meet a witch in the woods. They go through a magic door on an errand and, in what feels like a terrifying journey to their ten year old selves, they meet Melusine and hot foot it out of there.
We then fall back into this world when Jamie is pulled in as an adult, trying to do what he can to help his poorly mother. We get to meet an array of monsters, good and bad, whilst travelling to see both the Seelie and Unseelie court.
I loved how there’s a moment where you think, oh, this is the end of the book. But it isn’t! And we get to have more adventure and that brought me so much joy. But then it ends abruptly! How dare you Matthew I thought to myself. There better be a second book please and thank you.
August 13, 2021
I’m an absolute sucker for UK urban fantasy. I love the Greta Helsing and Ben Aaronovitch series, so when the opportunity to join the book tour for Small Places by Matthew Samuels came my way, I jumped up and down!
Small Places is a brilliant book with LOTS of feels.
I’m especially talking to all my lovelies out there who think fantasy isn’t for them. This is the gateway dru...err book for you.
This means YOU, lovely.
No. STOP. Don’t scroll on. I’m talking to YOU.
I know you love feelgood books. This is one of them.
Jamie is a young man desperate to help his mum who’s dying from cancer. He’s moved away from his village home to London and lives in a crappy flat with crappy flatmates. As his mum gets sicker, he has to go home and get her affairs in order.
There, he’s drawn into helping a strange old woman from his childhood, Melusine, who’s a whizz with herbs (she sells cures on the darkweb) in exchange for a tincture that eases but not cures his mum’s cancer.
Help turns out to be a step into the world of the fae - the Seelie and Unseelie Courts and a desperate mission to save Gaia, the earth spirit.
I’m not going to give any more of the plot away, you’ll just have to read this for yourself. I’ll warn you there’s a curveball ending and new take on the wicked witch trope.
Apart from playing with a lot of well-trodden urban fantasy tropes, Small Places has a real cozy mystery feel - although it’s a bit darker than most cozies I’ve read.
I loved Jamie’s character, the setting, the humour, and especially Melusine the not-so-wicked, internet savvy witch.
Many thanks to Matthew Samuel and Story Tellers on Tour for the ARC.
Small Places is a brilliant book with LOTS of feels.
I’m especially talking to all my lovelies out there who think fantasy isn’t for them. This is the gateway dru...err book for you.
This means YOU, lovely.
No. STOP. Don’t scroll on. I’m talking to YOU.
I know you love feelgood books. This is one of them.
Jamie is a young man desperate to help his mum who’s dying from cancer. He’s moved away from his village home to London and lives in a crappy flat with crappy flatmates. As his mum gets sicker, he has to go home and get her affairs in order.
There, he’s drawn into helping a strange old woman from his childhood, Melusine, who’s a whizz with herbs (she sells cures on the darkweb) in exchange for a tincture that eases but not cures his mum’s cancer.
Help turns out to be a step into the world of the fae - the Seelie and Unseelie Courts and a desperate mission to save Gaia, the earth spirit.
I’m not going to give any more of the plot away, you’ll just have to read this for yourself. I’ll warn you there’s a curveball ending and new take on the wicked witch trope.
Apart from playing with a lot of well-trodden urban fantasy tropes, Small Places has a real cozy mystery feel - although it’s a bit darker than most cozies I’ve read.
I loved Jamie’s character, the setting, the humour, and especially Melusine the not-so-wicked, internet savvy witch.
Many thanks to Matthew Samuel and Story Tellers on Tour for the ARC.
August 4, 2021
What an absolute page turner! Fast paced and fresh to read. World building is not complex but absolutely magical. The characters were charming, quirky and lovable. The story has a solid plot and I thought Samuel has done an amazing job creating this magical world. Well written and easy to follow the storyline.
I loved everything about this book and I really hope tbe second book comes very soon. If you love urban fantasy, this is definitely for you.
I loved everything about this book and I really hope tbe second book comes very soon. If you love urban fantasy, this is definitely for you.
Read
July 11, 2021Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
While this wasn't up my street, this will be a nice little introduction to urban fantasy for someone who's new to the genre. At just over 300 pages it'll be easy to digest.
While this wasn't up my street, this will be a nice little introduction to urban fantasy for someone who's new to the genre. At just over 300 pages it'll be easy to digest.
July 27, 2021
This was such an adventure and immersive read! Full review will be on here and on the blog on August 4!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a signed copy of the book - it is a prized possession for many reasons.
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a signed copy of the book - it is a prized possession for many reasons.
August 9, 2021
Love it! I’m a huge fan of urban fantasy & fantasy horror. Author’s prose has an incredible accessibility to it—makes you forget that you’re reading a novel, which is all I ever really want from a novel! Fans of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments will love it.
June 18, 2021
"Small Places" is about a young man called Jamie, who simultaneously has a lot and very little going on in his life. He's in the middle of selling him mother's house, when he's roped into saving the Earth spirit Gaia by a cranky old witch, Melusine, in exchange for cash and medicine for his dying mother. Together this unlikely pair sets out to travel to the different fantasy realms in England - these "small places" that the title refers to - to figure out what's harming Gaia and the planet.
As I'm trying to form my opinion on this book, there are many factors to consider. Let's start with the main characters:
Jamie is a young man with an office job in London. He lives with two flatmates, one of which is his college friend turned drug addict. He has naturally white hair and was considered a freak as a child, so he grew up quite lonely. His parents divorced when he was younger and now his mother is terminally ill with cancer. His past relationships haven't really worked out. In the beginning of the story, he travels to his childhood home to sell his mother's house, reluctant to be back in the small village, but also relieved to leave London and its problems behind him.
Melusine, also known as Mel, is a (probably immortal) blood and flesh witch with a sharp tongue and cranky attitude. If you expect her to be sexy, you will be disappointed - this old lady has warts. She's very good at what she does. She's also hilarious. Mel is the true protagonist of this story - Jamie is just our human window into it.
Honorary mentions of some fun supporting characters:
- Brian the cursing frog, Mel's familiar
- Merovech, AKA V, the non-binary steampunk inventor and Mel's neighbor
- Dion, the faun, probably high as a kite and not better for it
So Mel is really the one driving the plot forward and holding the ropes. Jamie helps the reader get into the world of "Small Places", but he doesn't have much at stake and several time contemplates leaving his mission. His only reason not to turn his back is that he's promised a few thousands cash and some medicine that helps with his mom's cancer, but can't cure it. He's a bit anxious, possibly depressed, obviously dealing with the grief of his mother and feeling the effects of having a lonely childhood. Even though it's not ever spelled out, his obvious reason to agree to Mel's proposition to help save Gaia is that he wants something else than his current life offers. Mel offers him an escape from the real world, from both London and the small village, and Jamie takes it.
Which brings me to my next point: This book is definitely an addition to the New Adult genre. I think the appropriate age for a reader is sixteen and up, but I think any adult reader can get a kick from it. Warnings for foul language, body horror and large spiders.
As I said, Jamie doesn't really have anything at stake. At any point he could pull out, but his wish to experience something more, a vague hope to find a cure for his mom and some money urges him to stick with Mel. The plot moves forward without too many hiccups. It almost looks like Mel will reach her goal - until the best part of the story is rolled out. I sat glued to the book for the sixty last pages or so. But not everything is smoothly resolved and the end of the book comes quite abruptly. Questions are left unanswered and it makes you wonder if there's a sequel to follow.
The technical stuff: the pacing of the book is steady, but toward the end it kicks up a few notches and leaves parts of the subplots hanging. Stylistically, there's noticeably amount of filler words and meta text that only serves to direct the reader's attention and could've been more effectively used.
So, let's round up the pros and the cons:
Pros:
- Fun characters, if not downright hilarious (this goes out to you, Brian the frog)
- Good references, humorous tone mixed with serious topics and struggles
- Interesting plot, good world-building (though it's unclear if these things only apply to Britain or if all magic in the world revolves around the Queen's good country)
- Non-binary gender representation, some great commentary on masculinity (Jamie is a chill guy)
- There's a bit of a mystery to it all, which I personally find cool
- Nice book cover
Cons:
- The writing itself could be more concise, some minor confusion in the plot
- Some subplots and questions go unanswered. Possibly answered in a sequel?
As for rating... I can't decide if I want to rate "Small Places" 3 and 1/2 stars or 4 stars, so I'm standing somewhere in-between there.
I received an early reviewer's copy of this book and my opinions are my own.
As I'm trying to form my opinion on this book, there are many factors to consider. Let's start with the main characters:
Jamie is a young man with an office job in London. He lives with two flatmates, one of which is his college friend turned drug addict. He has naturally white hair and was considered a freak as a child, so he grew up quite lonely. His parents divorced when he was younger and now his mother is terminally ill with cancer. His past relationships haven't really worked out. In the beginning of the story, he travels to his childhood home to sell his mother's house, reluctant to be back in the small village, but also relieved to leave London and its problems behind him.
Melusine, also known as Mel, is a (probably immortal) blood and flesh witch with a sharp tongue and cranky attitude. If you expect her to be sexy, you will be disappointed - this old lady has warts. She's very good at what she does. She's also hilarious. Mel is the true protagonist of this story - Jamie is just our human window into it.
Honorary mentions of some fun supporting characters:
- Brian the cursing frog, Mel's familiar
- Merovech, AKA V, the non-binary steampunk inventor and Mel's neighbor
- Dion, the faun, probably high as a kite and not better for it
So Mel is really the one driving the plot forward and holding the ropes. Jamie helps the reader get into the world of "Small Places", but he doesn't have much at stake and several time contemplates leaving his mission. His only reason not to turn his back is that he's promised a few thousands cash and some medicine that helps with his mom's cancer, but can't cure it. He's a bit anxious, possibly depressed, obviously dealing with the grief of his mother and feeling the effects of having a lonely childhood. Even though it's not ever spelled out, his obvious reason to agree to Mel's proposition to help save Gaia is that he wants something else than his current life offers. Mel offers him an escape from the real world, from both London and the small village, and Jamie takes it.
Which brings me to my next point: This book is definitely an addition to the New Adult genre. I think the appropriate age for a reader is sixteen and up, but I think any adult reader can get a kick from it. Warnings for foul language, body horror and large spiders.
As I said, Jamie doesn't really have anything at stake. At any point he could pull out, but his wish to experience something more, a vague hope to find a cure for his mom and some money urges him to stick with Mel. The plot moves forward without too many hiccups. It almost looks like Mel will reach her goal - until the best part of the story is rolled out. I sat glued to the book for the sixty last pages or so. But not everything is smoothly resolved and the end of the book comes quite abruptly. Questions are left unanswered and it makes you wonder if there's a sequel to follow.
The technical stuff: the pacing of the book is steady, but toward the end it kicks up a few notches and leaves parts of the subplots hanging. Stylistically, there's noticeably amount of filler words and meta text that only serves to direct the reader's attention and could've been more effectively used.
So, let's round up the pros and the cons:
Pros:
- Fun characters, if not downright hilarious (this goes out to you, Brian the frog)
- Good references, humorous tone mixed with serious topics and struggles
- Interesting plot, good world-building (though it's unclear if these things only apply to Britain or if all magic in the world revolves around the Queen's good country)
- Non-binary gender representation, some great commentary on masculinity (Jamie is a chill guy)
- There's a bit of a mystery to it all, which I personally find cool
- Nice book cover
Cons:
- The writing itself could be more concise, some minor confusion in the plot
- Some subplots and questions go unanswered. Possibly answered in a sequel?
As for rating... I can't decide if I want to rate "Small Places" 3 and 1/2 stars or 4 stars, so I'm standing somewhere in-between there.
I received an early reviewer's copy of this book and my opinions are my own.
August 21, 2021
A delightfully original fantasy about a guy returning to his hometown to care for his ailing mom and the "witch" he'd come across as a kid. Turns out, there was more truth to his childish imaginations than he had realized. He steps into another world, becomes embroiled in something that could have repercussions for his own, teams up with an unlikely trio, and unearths a traitor. I really enjoyed reading this book. If depictions of violence don't bother you much, I'd recommend this book!
June 15, 2021
Smart and funny, Small Places is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre. The book follows Jamie, a man who has just found out that his mom has cancer. He goes back to their little village to see how he can help, and falls into an unexpected adventure. As he tries to juggle the ordinary stress with the “what on earth is happening” stress, Jamie is thrown into one logic-defying situation after another. Buckle up, everyone. This is going to be a rave.
I loved everything about Small Places! From the story arc to the characters, everything was fantastic. Author Matthew Samuels has crafted a genius story, one that immediately drew me in. His cast of characters were quirky and creative. There were some of the more common fantasy creatures, but every single one subverted stereotypes and became creative twists on the norm, unique and different. Some were definitely creepy, and others made me laugh way too hard. I ended up reading snippets out loud to explain the snort-laughing. There’s a particular conversation involving vaping that had me rolling on the floor…
Jamie is one of the most likeable main characters I’ve read who also happens to be believable. A little lost, and inundated with some of the harder things in life, Jamie is just trying to make it through, taking each day one situation at a time. He gets drawn into a problem of the fae variety when he agrees to help a witch in exchange for a potion that might help his mom’s health.
The witch in question, Melusine, is cantankerous and snarky. She also kept the story moving smoothly, giving information in a way that made sense but felt natural. There was no dreaded info-dump; instead, knowledge is given throughout the book as needed, which is how I prefer it. I loved her slippery view of morality. I never knew where she would land on any given issue, or how far she was willing to go to achieve her goals.
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My favorite character, though, is Merovech. A tinkerer with a child-like sense of wonder, and a penchant for inventing dangerous gizmos; they packed an emotional wallop. I loved every single scene they were in. They also caused what might be my favorite quote in the book (which I will not spoil by sharing here, don’t worry).
I loved the combination of ordinary and flat-out bizarre, the day-to-day grind and the unexpected. In fact, it probably would just be easier to say that I loved everything about Small Places. I am desperate to read book two, and I’m rather peeved that I have to wait (patience is not a virtue that I have in abundance). Matthew Samuels is a talented writer and Small Places is an excellent book.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
I loved everything about Small Places! From the story arc to the characters, everything was fantastic. Author Matthew Samuels has crafted a genius story, one that immediately drew me in. His cast of characters were quirky and creative. There were some of the more common fantasy creatures, but every single one subverted stereotypes and became creative twists on the norm, unique and different. Some were definitely creepy, and others made me laugh way too hard. I ended up reading snippets out loud to explain the snort-laughing. There’s a particular conversation involving vaping that had me rolling on the floor…
Jamie is one of the most likeable main characters I’ve read who also happens to be believable. A little lost, and inundated with some of the harder things in life, Jamie is just trying to make it through, taking each day one situation at a time. He gets drawn into a problem of the fae variety when he agrees to help a witch in exchange for a potion that might help his mom’s health.
The witch in question, Melusine, is cantankerous and snarky. She also kept the story moving smoothly, giving information in a way that made sense but felt natural. There was no dreaded info-dump; instead, knowledge is given throughout the book as needed, which is how I prefer it. I loved her slippery view of morality. I never knew where she would land on any given issue, or how far she was willing to go to achieve her goals.
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My favorite character, though, is Merovech. A tinkerer with a child-like sense of wonder, and a penchant for inventing dangerous gizmos; they packed an emotional wallop. I loved every single scene they were in. They also caused what might be my favorite quote in the book (which I will not spoil by sharing here, don’t worry).
I loved the combination of ordinary and flat-out bizarre, the day-to-day grind and the unexpected. In fact, it probably would just be easier to say that I loved everything about Small Places. I am desperate to read book two, and I’m rather peeved that I have to wait (patience is not a virtue that I have in abundance). Matthew Samuels is a talented writer and Small Places is an excellent book.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
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