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Folkloric #1

Folkloric

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Creatures from folklore can be pretty gruesome. Good job they’re not real, and I definitely haven’t just slept with one of them.

Same old sleepy small-town France. I spend my days serving patisserie badly to the outlandish crowd at the café, and writing folklore research papers that will never, ever be published.

That’s until my clanger of a drunken hookup with the town’s hot new doctor, who turns into a hideous drac and eats Grampi’s favourite goat. Oh, and not to mention, a troop of ragtag fae storms my home, a fatal illness devastates the town, and a fae curse threatens Grampi’s life.

I may be having trouble accepting this new and delightful side of reality, but my knowledge of folklore means I have a shot at sorting this whole mess out before the town and everything I love is destroyed. The only thing is, I’ll have to work with the devious, scumbag doctor (he’s still picking goat out of his teeth). And he just might be the biggest challenge of all.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2024

1095 people are currently reading
739 people want to read

About the author

Karenza Grant

8 books73 followers
Karenza Grant writes folklore-inspired fantasy of all kinds, often with delectable slow-burn romance.

Her early years in Cornwall were largely the source of her fascination with all things mysterious. She lived below a hill reputed to be the Cornish residence of the Unseelie Court, and the local myths got their claws in. Now she’s inspired by a broad range of creators, from Jim Henson and Arthur Rackham to a whole host of amazing contemporary authors.

She has three black cats known as The Three Guardians, and a crazy lab x spaniel who is just about the only thing that can extract Karenza from her writing desk—if the pooch isn’t walked, the legions of hell will be released.

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5 stars
227 (40%)
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191 (33%)
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101 (17%)
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26 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Ame.
Author 1 book
June 7, 2024
I do not understand why this English author didn't just write what she knows and set this story in England. The language/slang used does not match a very small French village setting. The FMC is an idiot. She spends a huge portion of her time and energy researching folklore but then goes into complete denial about its existence when it's right in front of her literally destroying her home. The FMC comes across as a "serious folklorist" in the same way Lara Croft or Indiana Jones is a "serious" archaeologist - only she is nowhere near as badass or open to the fantastic as those characters.
Profile Image for Anthony.
81 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2024
After receiving an ARC copy from the Author - I dove right in.

It was definitely a good read. I finished it quite quickly over a few nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author, Karenza, wrote a fulfilling plotline and really invited the myself in to the world without a huge knowledge of the fey realm, I easily was able to follow on. Not many authors can do that.

The language and the writing style is simple and easy to follow and does not limit the story in any way.

The boutique French cafe, the DnD kids in the corner - it had everything that appealled to me. Gave off murder mystery vibes too. Overall a good read and a cosy read.

Would recommend any one to pick this one up - even if it is not your usual forte.
Profile Image for Selina.
81 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2024
I really wanted to love this series. The synopsis sounded so great and alluring. Alas, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. The MC was such a whiney annoying brat. All she cares about was her "grampi" and ensuring she wasn't anyone's partner. I thought I was getting another badass, strong, and intelligent MC. What I got was a whiney, weak, and annoying one. DNF.
Profile Image for Diane Lynn.
772 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2024
Camille is an imbecile. Book had promise but the MFC was still refusing to believe anything she could see and touch with her own eyes at 25%.
Profile Image for Emma Goldman.
303 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2024
I received this book as an advance copy from the author, and I am delighted that I did. As an avid fan of folklore I know a lot about British lore, but none from France. This book starts my education.

Camille is devoted to two things, her elderly Grampi who she lives with and cares for, and local folklore, the tales and legends that her neighbours still believe as true.
Camille rejected further education as Grampi needed her help with the farm and the goat herd, and also looking after him and the house. She has a job with the local patisserie, run by Ines, an expert and skilled baker, and her daughter Alice, Camille's best friend. The job suits her, and she enjoys it, despite the meddling and nosy mayor, Rene, who is a thorn in Ines' flesh, and one of the customers, Max, huge, rude, misogynist - who keeps telling her that her folklore research is worthless.
She has worked hard to write up all the research she has done, but publishers are uninterested, and it's far too expensive to self publish. Things seem to have ground to a halt, but the arrival of the new local doctor, Lucas, is about to turn her world upside down.
As she has a few drinks in the nearby bar to recover from Max's latest comments, the doctor joins her for a drink and conversation. But quite a few more drinks together, and they end up in Lucas's bed! When she wakes, she is mortified, and wants to disappear at once, but a revelation is about to overwhelm her. She can see fae, creatures and animals from legend, and doctor Lucas is a drac, a flesh-eating succubus, who has given her a potion to see HIS reality - the fae world.
He tells her she has been chosen to be a Keeper of the bounds between the world of the fae and that of humankind, and must help him in his role also as a Keeper.
Camille is unconvinced, when he admits that what he gave her is hallucigenic, she believes everything she can now see is the resulting hallucination - a fae town next to the patisserie, Max is a troll, there is a god of goats passing by.
Despite her doubts, both in fae and in Lucas, she agrees to accompany him to the borders, because with her new ability to see fae things, she recognises that Grampi has a severe infection, that without a cure, might kill him. She will help him with this quest in return for a cure for Grampi.
It's a pity that Lucas, over self confident, thinks he can tell her what to do......
Profile Image for Paula.
38 reviews9 followers
March 5, 2024
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'll start with my summary even though the blurb is fabulous. We start with Camille conducting an interview. She is collecting the folklores from the locals in the small French town where she lives. One thing leads to another, and she finds herself seeing things. All of a sudden, the creatures in the folklore that she studies but disbelieves are unveiled. Oh, and she now has a job that she isn’t even sure that she wants and a partner she isn't sure she likes but she does want to save her grandfather and protect the townspeople, so she agrees to work while she decides.

I recommend giving this series a try. The world building here makes the first half of the book move at a slow pace. This is a good thing because this world is complex without being confusing. I mean, it's full of fae who live by different rules, so I'd expect no less. However, in the second half, it speeds up. The best part is that the end is satisfying even though there are future books in the series. I got enough answers to avoid that cliffhanger feeling even though there are still plenty of unknowns. All in all it’s a solid story and a great introduction to a new series. This is definitely a world I'd revisit, especially since there is so much potential for future entries.

I did read the prequel, and I recommend it. The story there made me feel like I was missing something, but those missing pieces are here in the world building, and it does add to the overall storyline. It's where you get the details of Camille's job interview that they mentioned, and she forgot.
Profile Image for Darin Roodman.
119 reviews3 followers
February 29, 2024
Camille would love nothing more than to be published for her extensive knowledge and work in the discipline of folklore, especially French folklore. As this hasn’t happened yet, she spends her time working days at the patisserie owned by her friend's mom, Ines, alongside her friend, Alice, Ines's daughter. The rural township where they live is beautiful, steeped in history and myth, a stone's throw away from Toulouse (a city known for Tarrasque problems in an imPerfect world, some would say).

Camille has been studying myth and folklore her whole life, riveted by the stories, the beasts, and the heroes, but it's not real, just really cool. Her dreams and imagination are steeped in the creatures and stories of folklore, 100% filled with them. But they're just dreams, right? Faeries aren't real, right? Goblins? No way! ...right? But things have started happening around her. Creatures from folklore keep appearing in the corner of her vision. Maybe she’s been reading too much lately. Better get some sleep…

A phenomenal introduction to the world of Folkloric, Folkloric is an attention-grabbing first volume introducing the reader to this new world and setting the stage for an epic series. The prose is on point, the characters, endearing, and the plot... thickening! A really enjoyable read, with great world-building, great characters, and an honest-to-goodness MUST READ!

I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
March 6, 2024
Oh my goodness.

I have another favorite author.
"Folkloric" is the first book I have read by Karenza Grant.. it certainly will not be the last.
Loved the characters, the descriptions everything about the book.
Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nicole Talbot.
182 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2024
I devoured this book and it was so good!! Great world and character building and so many different folklore characters that have come to life! Some are as expected and some are not. Camille lives on the boundary of fae and despite her love of folklore being thrust into a world she never really believed was truly real is a joy to watch. The story develops as the world and character building evolve and it blurs the line of reality you draw in your mind. I highly recommend this book and I hope the next one is not far behind!!.

1,159 reviews35 followers
April 23, 2025
Now available in book and audiobook form, both entertaining. Urban (French mountain village) fantasy. I read this book in one go. Loved it from first page to last. Easy read, lots of snarky humour, some magic, Fae and Gods, and maybe a bit of romance in the fresh mountain air. Camille is living in her home village, researching and writing about folklore while working in the patisserie. But there is so much more going on than she has aver imagined. Eyes opened she finds that cakes can be helpful and dangerous, sharp swords are definitely helpful and dangerous and that a maybe romance with the handsome new local doctor is not such a good idea after all. Thank you to Karanza Grant for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Profile Image for Chasing Silhouettes.
242 reviews26 followers
April 15, 2025
"The stories you collect are more important than you know. Tales of fae help humanity remember the other parts of themselves—help them remember us.” (ch 22)

Folkloric (Book 1) by Karenza Grant (released: 03.10.2025), 8 hours 9 mins, Audiobook Review.

Camille is obsessed with folklore and hopes to publish a paper on it. For her research, she eagerly interviews locals for their stories despite their belittling attitudes toward her. Of course, she doesn't really believe that fae and the creatures in the folklore really exist. She finds out soon enough after a night of drinking and a one-night stand with the town's new doctor, Lucas... That one night opened her eyes to not just him, but to the world of fae that had been right under her nose her entire life!

She's catapulted into this world, a little disoriented, and has to adapt fast. Her grampi's life is endangered due to an unknown fae curse, and she has to find the cure. Plus, she's reluctantly tasked to become a Keeper of the borderlands that lay between the human and fae realms... in partnership with Lucas, of course.

I decided to read the book while listening to it, which I think was ideal! This story is beautiful and well-written. Enjoyed the narrator, too. Love the world the author built with memorable characters (Mushum is just adorbs!) and fumbling heroic journey. I enjoyed it immensely and has to be one of my favorite fantasy reads/listens this year! Just got the audiobook for book 2, so am looking forward to seeing what's in store next!!!

FYI, this isn't really a romantasy. It's more of a fantasy adventure mystery. If you like Fantastical Beasts and Where to Find Them (J.K. Rowling 2016 film) you might like this book.

Audiobook review. The author provided me with a reviewing copy of this audiobook, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tracey.
68 reviews
March 22, 2024
I received an ARC from the author, but this review is my own.
Starting a new series by a new to me author was a little scary, but there was nothing to worry about. This book was great.
We get to meet Camille, a kind lady who sees the best in everyone, she's been researching folklore for some time and while she's very interested in hearing people's stories about it, She learns first hand that it's all true and not just myth and stories.
She dives head first into this new way of seeing things as she decicates herself to helping the town and her beloved Grampi, from things she thought weren't real.
This book is fun in all the right ways. A great start to a new series, and I now look forward to seeing how Camille's story unfolds in future books.
Profile Image for Jo.
Author 2 books
March 3, 2024
“Alright!” I yelled. “Either stop what you’re doing, or the knicker thief gets it.”

Folkloric centres around Camille, a would-be folklore academic; except she thinks it’s a purely academic interest but turns out everything is real. After a disastrous one night stand with the doctor, a whole new world comes to light. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for an honest review.

Folkloric is well written and moves along at a quick pace. There’s interesting folklore and a few mysteries to unravel. I definitely enjoyed the book, though I didn’t enjoy the main male character. His personality left a lot to be desired and because of that I didn’t really connect with him or Camille’s relationship with him.

Fae, cake and lots of goats. An enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Yael.
219 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2024
This was a fun read that drew me in from the beginning and I had a hard time putting the book down. I loved the world and setting Karenza Grant created; with the quaint town, cozy cafe, mouth watering patisseries, and all the creatures from the local folklore. The characters are well written and bring the story to life. Can’t wait to read what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rosemarie Roberts.
85 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2024
Sentational first book. Very strong characters. The story moves along at a good pace. If you like Feisty, sarcasm, humour great build up to an explosive end then look no further, you are in for a real treat. A great read 10/10
Profile Image for Kris Cobb.
170 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2024
(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)

Camille Amiel is having trouble adjusting to her new vision of reality. She realizes early on that she had been to the Fae side of town early in her life. She did not remember seeing the fae before as they were, though.

We follow Camille as she learns of the fae-related problems in her town and tries to solve them, with help from the doctor, who doesn't always communicate freely with her, and a few others.

Expect a few twists and turns in this engaging book. Fae are good at dragging people in and confusing them!
Profile Image for Janine Barnard.
102 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
This was an awesome read and I enjoyed it so much I'm a fantasy nut so all these books are super don't want to give spoilers just read it.

In the beginning world building make it slow but absolutely loved it the series will be on my tbr list.

As a chance to be reviewer on this book on booksprout being ARC reading enjoyed it it
Profile Image for Shamell Klinger.
144 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2024
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A well-written, interesting book, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Easy read, lots of snarky humour, some magic.
it’s a solid story and a great introduction to a new series
Would recommend any one to pick this one up
4 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2024
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a wonderfully written exploration of the Fae realm right in the main character's everyday life. Camille has researched Fae all of her life. Now she gets to experience it for real. Following her through the revelation of it all was unique and fun. She meets many that she had only dreamed were possible. I am eagerly awaiting her next adventure.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
524 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2025
*3.5 stars

Given the plot summary has the main character introduced to the “reality” of the folklore, I went in expecting this to be more of a fantasy romance. Maybe that’s my fault for reading too much into that, and maybe the romance develops more later in the series, but in this one it’s flirting and implied sex (they were both black out drunk) in the very beginning and not much else throughout the rest of it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, just as long as your expectations are managed.

The premise is great and there’s a whole slew of characters we are introduced to, both human, fae, and animal. I adored the cafe’s resident D&D group, the little pastry obsessed goblin and the Men of Bedeilhac to name a few favorites. There’s no denying that Grant has a deep well of knowledge of folklore and I very much enjoyed being introduced to many that were unknown to me.

All that being said, I can see how for some readers the amount of characters and world building may be overwhelming. While I’m used to large casts of characters, I also found myself at some points questioning whether one was THIS character or THAT character until I got it straight in my mind.

A rather large problem for me was the way it was written. It felt very incongruent to the setting. It is supposed to be set in France, but other than the French names of places and foods, it didn’t really FEEL like we were in France or any of the people were French. It felt very British. I know the author is British and I understand she wanted to make the setting France due to her love of France and the French folklore that we’re exploring, but it didn’t work for me. I think it would have bothered me less if the main character in whose voice we are reading was written as a British ex-pat rather than a French local as it would have felt more true to the style of writing.

Once I adjusted my expectations, I did enjoy myself overall. I do think it’s a good start to a new series, although apparently there’s a prequel (that I did not read) that may be a better introduction.
Profile Image for Lillie.
401 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2024
Thank you to Karenza Grant for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. Let me start off by saying that I loved this book. It gave me that feeling of first getting into fantasy, especially urban fantasy. And it did not disappoint with its story, how it presented the characters, and the creatures. This book had me engrossed within its story, and it still has me wanting to read more. This is one of the best urban fantasy reads that I've read in quite a while. I would highly recommend this to anyone who's looking for a good, imaginative read.
251 reviews
August 25, 2024
I really disliked the FMC. Apart from loving and caring for her grandfather, it doesn’t seem like she’s a particularly open or kind person. She’s really judgemental. Given that, I really couldn’t get into the story very well. Then the next book she opens with more hateful judgements. So no. I’m done.
Profile Image for Cassie.
137 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2024
5 stars and I wish I could give more!! I can’t believe this is the first novel of a series. It is so well written, the characters so deep, and such a detailed world I can envision it.

I absolutely loved this story and world!! The MC is a regular person trying to get through the life she’s been dealt. Yes, she’s been chosen…but only because she was the only slightly qualified candidate and not because she’s special. It’s so nice to have an average MC with flaws. Also, I love her Grampi and all the goats! Lucas, her new partner, seems like an ass but not enough to take me out of the story.

I love all the Fae and the details that make it seem so real! Even though I read a lot of faerie fantasy most of these fae were new to me. It’s so much fun learning about new types of Fae. And the setting of a small mountain town in France is just lovely. I now feel like I have to go to the Pyrenees to see this magic for myself!

Folkloric is a full length novel. Lately I’ve mostly been coming across quick reads, books I can finish in an afternoon, and it is so refreshing to read a book that takes me more than a day. The details, the fully fleshed out world and characters makes this such a satisfying read!! I can’t wait for more books in this world!

Noting this book is written in British English, so some phrasing may be new or take a second read to get the context. Not at all a detriment, but something to be aware of
Profile Image for Penny.
3,131 reviews85 followers
March 1, 2024
I just finished this book, and I am quite satisfied with how the book was. I had read the prequel, but I am a little ashamed to admit I don’t remember much about it. No worries because it took no time at all to get back into this universe. Camille is an interesting character, although at times in the beginning she annoyed me, but by the end she didn’t. Now, the doctor still annoyed me at the end. I didn’t warm up to him much, but I’m hoping that’ll change in the next book. A well-written, interesting book, and I’m looking forward to the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
829 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2025
This was a absolutely Wounderful book to listen to. The Author's writing and the various characters are so well described and the depth of their personality well done.
I like this Audible book so much that I can't wait to start the next one. Narrator does such a good job of keeping you listening that you do not want to stop listening!
Profile Image for Raven Grant.
131 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2024
I got to be an ARC reader for this book and I definitely recommend it. I finished the book fast as the story and plot flowed well. Anything folklore and or related is up my alley. I can't wait for the second book as I wanted to start it as soon as I finished the first one.
Profile Image for chesirern.
862 reviews18 followers
March 26, 2024
Folkloric by Karenza Grant is a book about a book just kidding kind of. Seriously though it is a fun story about Camille who writes books about local folklores. She does not believe in them, well until the local creatures of folklore legend make themselves known to her. The world building in this story is wonderful and I love the characters. There is romance, adventure and the supernatural all wrapped up into one. I definitely would recommend this book to others and hope to read book 2 when it comes out!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
March 27, 2024
Folkloric . . .

Camille couldn’t attend college, so she instead became a folklore expert, despite not believing any of it is true. She is researching and writing a book on folklore with the hope of getting it published. How will she react when she finds out the stories are actually true? You will meet amazing characters in this story as you are swept along on her adventure.
Profile Image for Pippa Humphries.
44 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
Folkloric is the first book in the Folkloric Series by Karenza Grant, and it’s a fantastic introduction to Camille and her life in a small town in the Pyrenees.

Camille waits tables in a cafe run by her best friend’s mother, and lives in a loft on her grandfather’s goat farm, but the one passion in her life is folklore. Unfortunately no one really takes her passion seriously, she’s unable to get any of her papers published, and some of the locals take joy in ridiculing her about it any chance they get.

After a particularly trying day Camille decides to drown her frustrations at the bistro in town, where she’s joined by the town’s enigmatic new doctor, Lucas. A booze-filled evening ensues and Camille wakes the following morning with a hangover and, after a morning walk up into the hills, she shocked to find her world view changed beyond all comprehension.

Camille has to find a way of juggling coming to terms with what has changed, her grandfather’s suddenly ailing health, and feeling like she’s being a bad friend and employee to her best friend Alice. Not only that, but people in the town are getting sick, very sick…

In order to save the town from this mysterious sickness, cure her grandfather’s illness and resolve her issues with the new doctor, Camille is going to have to confront her overwhelming fears about death and gore and dead things…

This is an amazing story full of myths-made-real, small town life and a strong FMC growing into her own identity. Camille is great and I felt she’s written very authentically, along with the other characters in the story.

It was also exciting to delve into the world of French myth. The author brings the unusual fae creatures to life with colour and depth and it really brings the story to life.

I definitely recommend Folkloric and I’m looking forward to seeing how the series develops. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest, freely-given opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews

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