Chocolates and Claws: Spring Festival

by Claire Mavis

After living through a world in collapse, Garnet finds the true sweetness of life in a new realm. Friends, a chocolate shop, and its adorable owner.

As a refugee gargoyle, his needs are simple: restful sleep and a full belly. Always adrift, he never suspected he would meet someone like Wyn, a fairy living on the outskirts of town.

Amidst the forest and flowers, Wyn waits to teach Garnet a new trade—one he would never have dreamed of: making chocolate. Though Garnet loves chocolate from the first bite, such luxuries don't exist in his home world, and the tiny shiny pieces test his patience.

However, with all his gargoyle strength and determination, he is set on conquering the delicate art of chocolate-making. And at the end of the day, this lost gargoyle and sunshine fairy may have found in each other the perfect balm for their loneliness.

"Chocolates and Claws" is a slice-of-life, cozy fantasy novella that will transport you to a magical world filled with delicious food and found family. Enjoy the sweet desserts and the even sweeter characters!

Genres: Cozy, Cozy Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fae, Wholesome

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy but sweet and fast read. Gargoyle and Fairy becoming friends? This was an original and refreshing storyline. You definitely get all the world building details!

I have received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read that I saved it especially for a short plane ride. It has this beautiful attention to detail that you feel immersed into the world and wonderful characters that are so soft and sweet.

I will say I felt the conversations felt at points unnatural - hard to tell if this was intended or not...

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy novella was so cute and enjoyable to read. It entails allll things sweet, loving and is truly a feel good story. Throughout this novella you will read about overcoming hurt, having hope and making new friends!

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little story about a refugee gargoyle and a fairy finding friendship. Wyn (the fairy) took in Garnets (the refugee gargoyle) when he was looking to find a new place to set roots and find a job. They quickly took to each other and found what each could bring to this new friendship that was budding. Each taught the other strengths they didn't know they had and soon found a new understanding of life.
This is a 3 1/2 star rating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

Cozy fantasy is on the rise and I’m so grateful for it. This book takes full advantage of the subgenre with a strong emphasis on setting and characters. Special care is given to make each environment feel real and welcoming. I felt like I was waltzing through an old town in the country for this entire book.

Garnet is a real gem and makes for a wonderful main character. He’s full of doubts and uncertainty which makes him question what he’s doing, if it’s worth it and interprets others’ actions or words in interesting ways.

It’s his interactions with Wyn, who is giving him a place to stay and teaching him a trade that make this book. Their personalities are so wonderful to see together. Wyn is so patient, so willing to listen and share but has his own doubts that Garnet helps him see.

It’s such a pleasant thing to see a friendship given central focus. I adore friendship but it gets so little limelight. I was absolutely giddy. I hope we hear more about them.

[Emma Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garnet is a shy gargoyle who’s only known devastation and post-war desolation in his world, that is until he replies to an ad requesting an apprentice in a chocolate shop. There, delicious chocolate delicacies, the owner Wyn’s warm friendship and his cousin Prim’s exuberance restore Garnet’s self-confidence and hope.

This was AMAZING and so soft and sweet. Everyone is so kind to Garnet who’s always afraid of messing up because he looks scary and is clumsy. This has the best things:

- delicious descriptions of chocolate and chocolate making
- a purring cat named Cocoa
- a festival, a marketplace full of spices and laughter
- a bakery with decadent pastries
- characters you want to hug forever
- the cosiest, warmest scenes of friendship, trust, acceptance

This is a gem of cosy fantasy, I loved it!

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely scrumptious! A cozy fantasy filled with delicious chocolate?? 100% yes!

Chocolates and Claws is a super sweet and heartfelt cozy fantasy centered around kindness, love, hope and starting over after immense loss. We follow Garnet who is a refugee Gargoyle trying to find his place in this new world and Wyn a local chocolatier set on helping him.

Full of love, found family, chocolate and all the cozy slice of life vibes - Chocolates and Claws is a great read!

Thank you to Claire Mavis for the advanced copy!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could live in a cozy fantasy, I absolutely would. This story in particular may be my favorite cozy fantasy yet. The juxtaposition of delicate chocolate making and a big strong, sharp clawed gargoyle made for a fabulous story. I loved the world building and magic systems. I loved the low stakes. I would love to read more works by this author set in this world.

[Stephanie Frankson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cozy fantasy.
This book is a short little read but all the cozy vibes. Snuggle up with your favorite drink, blanket and candles and read this book!
You will not be disappointed.

Ps. Obsessed with the cover!

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this ARC to read and review

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and fun-to-read cozy fantasy.. Fitting in and making a new life.. Endearing characters..

[Shy Mysterious · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍫✨ "Chocolates & Claws" by Claire Mavis: A Magical Wonderland of Imagination 📚

Hey, fellow book lovers! 📖✨ I've got something absolutely delightful to share with you today, and it's not just about the mouthwatering chocolates in the title. First and foremost, a huge shoutout to Booksprout for making this magical journey possible, and heartfelt thanks to Claire Mavis for gifting us the enchanting world of "Chocolates & Claws." 🌟

Now, picture this: You're transported to a town teeming with fantastical creatures and races, and right at the heart of it all is Garnet, a gargoyle with a heart as immense as his impressive claws. He's a curious soul, cautious yet eager to embrace every moment in this enchanting realm where magic is as common as the air we breathe. 🌍

But wait, there's more! Let me introduce you to Wyn, a character as warm-hearted as a cup of cocoa on a winter's day. Wyn becomes Garnet's guiding light, illuminating his path through this extraordinary world. Their friendship blossoms like a rare flower, and the way they support each other is nothing short of heartwarming. And oh, the chocolate! Garnet's journey into the delectable world of chocolate-making is a tale in itself, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking forest. 🍫🌲

Now, let's dive into the enchanting storytelling prowess of Claire Mavis. Her words weave a vivid and imaginative world that springs to life right before your eyes. The town and its inhabitants are described in such intricate detail that you'll feel like you're wandering its cobblestone streets and making friends with its quirky denizens. 🏘️👫

And let's talk about the dialogue, shall we? It's like listening to a symphony of voices, each note perfectly tuned to capture the essence of the characters. The conversations not only reveal their personalities but also deepen the bonds between them. You'll laugh, you'll empathize, and you'll root for them with every turn of the page. 🗣️❤️

In a nutshell, "Chocolates & Claws" is like a warm, cozy hug from a dear friend on a chilly evening. It's a delightful, feel-good tale of friendship, wonder, and the sweetness of life. It's the perfect escape when you want to immerse yourself in a world of magic and joy. So, go ahead, savor this delightful journey, just as Garnet savors the art of chocolate-making. 🍫📚

I'll catch you in the next chapter, fellow adventurers!

Yours Truly,
Mysterious Shy 📖💫

[Olivia Ganzenmuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. I knew it wasn't for me by 20% mark, so I don't know everything that happens in this book, but here is what it sounds like and here is who I think it'd best be targeted at.

It's advertised as a Cosy Slice Of Life fantasy and it's exactly that. It's set in a high fantasy world with villages with mythical creature instead of humans. Garnet is a gargoyle from another realm, and Wyn is a fairy of some description.

Chocolate and Claws has low stakes, charming characters, and beautiful descriptions. It has a light atmosphere and every interaction is very positive. The main character, Garnet, is full of wonder. Despite coming from a war torn world, he's humble and looks at this new world with open adorning eyes. Wyn is our other main character and someone who has taken Garnet into his home and wants to teach him about his passion for chocolate and desserts. They're relationship is supportive and non-judgemental. Of what I read it's a very consistent atmosphere.

I'm didn't finish it because (1) it's a bit verbose, (2) the type of Third-Person perspective used was different from what I'm used to, and (3) there's not enough micro tension or conflict to keep my interest such as misplaced worries or clear (physical or emotional) obstacles that are in the way of what character/s want. Potential conflicts are resolved very quickly leading to a stress-less and agreeable read.

Given these elements I think this cosy fantasy would best be suited to children being first introduced to fantasy, likely more girls than boys given the lack of action. However, keep in mind I don't know if this is a romance or family friendship arc, so check with other reviews who've finished it. Other than that, it might be suited to somebody who just wants to see some nice things in the world. Even though I'd recommend it for children, the complexity of the writing style and it's voice is mature and is on par with most YA and NA fantasy, so don't hesitate to give it a go if you think this is your thing.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I just loved it. It is well written and easy to read. This is the story of Garnet the gargoyle and Wyn the fairy. As this is the first book there is a lot of world building that beautifully describes the world through the eyes of Garnet. He has left his world behind as was dying. Destroyed through wars and loss of magic. Wyn has volunteered to house one of the first refugees and is quite excited about it. Even better, he is a chocolatier and plans to teach Garnet to work alongside of him. Garnet is overwhelmed by Wyn's kindness and warmth. Having the added bonus of having a new job is more than Garnet had hoped for. As Wyn guides Garnet through his new world, we see how the two slowly form a friendship. Two lonely souls who are learning about each other. This is their story. I loved seeing how they relationship grew. I am enthralled with their new world and look forward to the next book by this author. This book is a quick read as it is a novella but it is like receiving a book hug by the time you are finished reading it. I really loved this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our story starts with Garnet, a gargoyle without a home, having fled his slowly dying world, drained of magic, in search of a place he can start a new life. Thanks to a portal between worlds, he finds himself at the cabin of Wyn, a friendly and welcoming fairy who has agreed to take in a refugee.

From there we see the struggles Garnet faces - from learning about different foods, navigating the area, and trusting people not to take advantage of his lack of knowledge but all the while Wyn is by his side, willing to help and ease Garnet into his new life.

It's a sweet tale of acceptance, found family, magic, and the power of kindness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Regan Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chocolate & Claws was a short and sweet novella about a gargoyle who goes in search of a new life after his old world fell to ruin. He finds this in learning to make chocolate with an elf named Wyn, who becomes a great friend. For those who like the slice of life genre, this is a fantastic quick read! It's a fantastic palette cleanser if you read darker romances and need a little break, like me. Overall, the book was extremely descriptive and I was having a very easy time picturing the story with Claire's descriptive ability. The dialogue often had me cracking a smile. The budding friendship of Wyn and Garnet was lovely to see.

[Ingrid Spera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! This is very much a "slice of life" story about a refugee gargoyle and his budding "friendship" with his fae roommate. It's soft and sweet and touches on insecurities and family and finding a place to call home. Very low angst and low drama, this is the perfect opening to a feel good world. The world building has been carefully constructed with beautiful details and bits of community that definitely make me want to go live there!

All around a wonderfully fun and heartwarming read.

[z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dive into this magical world of cuteness and chocolate. Ironically chocolate is made by the big strong gargoyle. This was a fun and cozy read, I read it in one sitting in my blanket with a cup of pumpkin spice latte. The world building is so interesting with the addition of magics and the characters have such sweet moments!

Recommend this one if you want the sweet cozy moments of friendship, love and family and its low spice but the cute moments makes up for it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful fantasy novella - really fun to read, cosy and comforting. Food was a big theme, as it was about a chocolate shop. It was very scrumptious and sweet.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute & cozy story about finding your place in the world and making friends.
I loved how different it was from typical monster stories. Really heartwarming. It's well written & easy to binge read in a single sitting. Something to read while enjoying your fall drink.



I received an ARC in exchange for leaving an honest review.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than I expected

This is very well written story full of love and caring. Although it was obviously written for very young adults, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are fantasy creatures, but very relatable to us humans. I highly recommend this book for all ages.

[Dianem · Rating 5 out of 5]

charming

What a lovely little glimpse into a new world, a new life and a new friendship. This book has only one flaw. . .it will ruin your diet with the evocative descriptions of the chocolate treats Wyn and Garnet create.

[kaka H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and fluffy. Nicely written. The book is just as advertised—this book is tailor-made for cozy fantasy lovers. You can tell that the author made a conscious effort in ticking off the checklists of cozy fantasy must-haves.

[Ribbon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garnet is from a world with no luxuries, so every chocolate and pastry and other pleasant thing is described from the perspective of someone who's never experienced it before. The dialogue is sometimes awkward but descriptions of the world and foods are great.

[Tennyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and cozy and I like the characters. Nothing really happens, though. I feel like it was all about world building and introducing the characters. Felt more like a prequel than a standalone book.

[What_Ash_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet. Super cozy.

[Tumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but sweet. Now I'm craving chocolate at 8AM 🙂