Sometimes, the best adventures come in the form of a good book and the perfect cup of tea.
Mahkai, a neurodivergent, bookish minotaur, has never quite fit in with his battle loving clan. He much prefers drinking tea in peace and sketching his ideas and discoveries in his notebooks. After missing an important family event and nearly destroying a neighboring clan's camp in his pursuit of answers to his never-ending questions, he embarks on a journey to gather honey for his tea rather than face his family's ridicule.
Caught in a storm while out gathering supplies, he stumbles into the cave of an ancient librarian dragon, unleashing a chain reaction of unexpected events. With the help of the dragon, a quirky fairy, a shifter, and a tiny tea-drinking owl, Mahkai learns sometimes family is not what you are born into, but who you choose.
Under mounting pressure from his family to return home, Mahkai must choose to accept himself as he is or give up his love of learning and tea and return home to be his father's son.
That ending was happy tears but leaving like that?? :( I wanted to see certain scenes happen but I'm going to make it canon in my head when it did.
I don't have the words for how much I loved this book... I couldn't get my mind off it after reading the description and downloaded it a few days later when I got paid again 🙃.
This story felt like it reached inside me to pull out everything I had thought and couldn't put into words... I'll keep saying it but it so wonderful to feel seen in a book and know you part of a community of sorts ❤️
Mahkai and I would get along just fine 🙂 I've had the same thoughts as the quotes I've shared on status updates and many things I haven't. I wanted to highlight the whole book 📖 ✨️!
It was sort of like looking at yourself from above while still in your body if that makes sense. Considering yourself as you usually don't think about...
Definitely BookFamily :) Really hope we get to see more of Mahkai and the gang... missing them already 😢.
This would be good for all ages methinks and also one of the books I would recommend if you want your family to understand you better and words aren't easy for you to find (the others are A Little less broken by Marian Schembari and What I Mean When I say I'm autistic).
This was absolutely adorable! Adrienne Hiatt has brewed up a truly unputdownable tale! The characters are lovable, the vibes are bookishly cozy and the tea is steeped in friendship. 10/10 recommend checking out this fantastical read!
🫖 Cozy Fantasy ✨ Magic 📜 Recipes ☕️ Tea 🧠 Neurodivergent 🌲Treehouse 🦉 Friendship 🫶🏼 Found Family 🔍 Mystery 🧭 Finding Yourself 🥐 Snacks 🗺️ Adventure 🐉 Dragon Librarian
Tea With a Minotaur was such a delightful novel and I can’t wait to see what Adrienne Hiatt has in store for us next!!
I was grateful to receive an arc of this curtesy of the author.
The best way to describe this book is it’s like getting a hug. Mahkai is a character you want to root for and hope he will get the best out of life. The entire cast of characters is easy to fall in love with from funny and quirky Harley, shy and kind Mahkai, to Bree who’s a bit blunt but cares more than you know. This journey follows Mahkai discovering who is and who he truly wants to be. I highly recommend giving it a read if you’ve ever felt out of place or need a new bookish friend.
This lovely book will be out in the world April 2024.
I absolutely loved this! I read this with my child and he loved being able to join me in reading one of my books. This is enjoyable for all ages and has so many life lessons about relationships and finding yourself! Great Cozy Fantasy with fantastic characters!
Cozy fantasy about a Minotaur who isn’t a typical Minotaur. He’d rather drink tea, read books, and go on adventures than play war games. He meets an interesting cast of characters on the way. Cute idea, but the plot is all over the place. It’s a series of vignettes, not so much one story/adventure.
Tea With a Minotaur follows a neurodivergent minotaur who prefers tea and learning over the battle-training preferred by his brothers and his clan-chief father. Struggling to find his place in the world, he embarks on a journey to find honey for his tea only to encounter much more than he would have thought possible. This was a sweet exploration of family, friends, and how much you are willing to fight for what you want. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am fast becoming a huge fan of cozy fantasy.
Mahkai is the main character in the story and is very different from his minotaur brothers who prefer to train and fight in simulated battles to prepare for invasions. The memory of past battles is still fresh in everyone's mind and being prepared is a huge motto of the clan. The problem: Mahkai wants nothing to do with battles and training. He gets in trouble constantly for asking too many questions, always seeking answers to problems and to things he doesn't understand. Because of this, his brothers and other family members don't understand him, so he doesn't feel like he fits in with his baattle-loving clan. Mahkai's character development was very well done, and it was fun to see him grow into a more confident person, one who appreciated his own talents, one who stood up for himself and his friends. I loved how he was always asking questions as the author used this concept to give the reader some insight into the world, something I thought was quite clever.
One of my favourite characters was Gwen, a little owl companion that Mahkai rescues during one of his adventures. She was so sweet and I loved the descriptions and interactions between them. In fact, I enjoyed all of the characters and thought they had distinct voices and personalities of their own.
The plot was decent and I definitely like the themes in this book. Delving on the topics of friendship, loyalty, family, self-confidence, and self-worth, there were some moments that really made you think about your own family and your place within it. Both Hartley and Mahkai were struggling with family members who didn't understand them and didn't appreciate them, and their heartwarming talks and support of each other actually brought tears to my eyes. The story did struggle with some pacing and transition issues however, as there were times when I thought the author was setting up a certain scene only to shoot you a couple of days into the future with the event being completed and you didn't get to see it. I actually wondered if my book was missing a scene or two. The book is interspersed with tea recipes and they actually matched what was happening in the story and gave hints as to the personalities of the characters as well. I thought they were a nice addition to the story.
Tea With a Minotaur was a sweet story about a minotaur who finds his way in the world through some misadventures and I was happy to be there for his journey. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought the development was good. Despite the pacing and transition issues, I still enjoyed the overall story. If you are looking for a fun cozy fantasy novel, then I highly recommend this book for you.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author.
Adrienne Hiatt’s Tea with a Minotaur is a heartwarming and whimsical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and family. The story centers on Mahkai, a neurodivergent, bookish minotaur who never quite fits in with his battle-loving clan. Preferring tea and sketching over combat, Mahkai embarks on a journey to gather honey for his tea, inadvertently stumbling into an adventure that changes his life.
Caught in a storm, Mahkai seeks refuge in a cave, only to discover an ancient librarian dragon. This encounter sets off a series of unexpected events, leading him to new friends, including a quirky fairy, a shifter, and a tiny tea-drinking owl named Gwen. Together, they help Mahkai realize that family is not just about blood but about those who understand and support you.
Opinion:
Tea with a Minotaur is a delightful exploration of finding one's place in the world. Mahkai’s journey from feeling like an outcast to discovering his true self is beautifully portrayed. His character development is well-crafted, showing his growth in confidence and self-worth. The author cleverly uses Mahkai's constant questioning to provide insights into the world, adding depth to the narrative.
The supporting characters, especially Gwen the owl, are charming and distinct. Their interactions with Mahkai add warmth and humor to the story. The plot, while engaging, does suffer from some pacing and transition issues. At times, scenes jump ahead abruptly, leaving readers feeling like they missed important moments. Despite this, the story’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-acceptance are powerful and moving.
The inclusion of tea recipes that match the events in the story is a lovely touch, enhancing the cozy atmosphere of the book. These recipes also reflect the personalities of the characters, adding another layer to the storytelling.
Overall, Tea with a Minotaur is a sweet and touching tale perfect for fans of cozy fantasy. It’s a story about embracing who you are and finding your true family. Despite some minor flaws, it’s a debut novel that shows promise, and I look forward to seeing what Adrienne Hiatt writes next.
Overview If you’re craving a low-stakes fantasy where the magic is subtle, the characters are queer and neurodivergent, and the plot feels like a warm hug wrapped in flannel, Tea With a Minotaur is your next comfort read.
The story follows Mahkai, a reclusive, bookish minotaur with social anxiety and a deep love of routine and quiet. He runs a tea tavern in the mountain town of Morstone—a place where people come to heal, reflect, and sip enchanted chamomile while they work through their trauma.
When a mysterious traveler arrives in Morstone, Mahkai is pulled into an unexpected friendship (maybe more?) and a softly unfolding emotional mystery about connection, grief, and what it means to feel safe.
🫶 What I Loved ✅ Mahkai himself – One of the most tender portrayals of a neurodivergent character I’ve read in fantasy. His inner world is rich, complex, and achingly relatable. He’s kind, awkward, and trying so hard—and you root for him with your whole heart.
✅ The tone – Quiet. Cozy. Emotional. It’s like The House in the Cerulean Sea met a slice-of-life anime and brewed tea together.
✅ Queer & neurodivergent representation – Done with care and softness. Nothing feels like a “lesson” or a stereotype—it’s just lived experience, thoughtfully told.
✅ The town of Morstone – Full of magical realism vibes: doors that hum, rooms that adjust to your needs, and people who honor boundaries. You’ll wish you could move there.
🤏 What Could Be Stronger ➖ Plot-lite pacing – If you’re looking for a high-action fantasy, this isn’t it. The story is more character study than epic quest, so the stakes are emotional, not world-ending. (But honestly? That’s part of the charm.)
➖ A few emotional beats feel understated – Some deeply poignant moments could’ve used just a bit more room to breathe, but the restraint fits the tone.
💬 Final Thoughts Tea With a Minotaur is the perfect read when you need to feel safe, feel seen, and feel soothed. It’s about healing, slowness, choosing trust, and finding love in quiet, respectful spaces. If you're burnt out on battles and betrayals, let Mahkai make you a cup of lavender tea and help you breathe again.
This is a 3.75 for me. This was a heartwarming story of a minotaur growing up feeling the outcast among his family and clan going on a journey of self-discovery while also at times struggling with staying true to himself and not giving into the demand's others place on him as well as the grief of losing a family member. It was a very sweet story with touching moments of not just finding yourself but finding those who understand you and support, and they become your family. Overall, I loved Mahkai and loved seeing him come into his own and I loved a lot of the supporting characters as well. Overall, the story was a decent plot, but I will say there were a few moments where I think the transitions to the next scene could be worked on. To offshoot off of that there would also be moments in the story line where I thought she was setting up the next scene but that didn't happen and instead we jumped a couple days in the future. An example is Mahkai is returning from a mission with a friend and has to return something to a dragon who is sort of in hiding. They talk about how this will be the first time the friend is to meet the dragon and how excited she is to meet a real-life dragon but wonders if it will be ok without permission and mahkai goes well only one way to find out. So, I thought the next scene would be the meeting of the dragon but instead we jump ahead a couple days. Just left me wondering why even set up the scene and not do it. This happened more towards the end so for me the end did feel a little rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Overall, this was a sweet story that I enjoyed. It definitely met the parameters of being a cozy fantasy with no romance or spice. This is the author's debut novel and I do think there are small areas that will be worked out as she writes more. I am curious to see what she writes next.
I received a free arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is a cute story and the message of accepting each other for who we are is very positive. That said, I felt the story wanted to do too much, like if it was a vignette of stories all muddled together, rather than ONE concrete story, which made the story feel disjointed, rather than having all the side tales support the main plot. Some things feel rushed and others incredibly slow. It is a sweet short story but I would have liked to know more about the characters because other than their "uniquenesses" we do not get to "know" them. Therefore, it was hard to build a rapport or care for them. I would have also liked more of the "adventuring" part. I do hope there is a continuation to the book and it turns into an adventure series while they look for more ingredients for their tea :) Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
I got the privilege to read an advance copy of this book and I loved it. The main character Mahkai reminds me of the story of Ferdinand the little bull who refuse to fight and just wanted to smell the flowers. I love how Mahkai grows throw the book and becomes strong being himself. With the help of his friends he was able to show his dad who he was. Reading the book made me want to sit with a nice cup of tea and just disappear into the words on the page. I look forward to more books from this author. #teawithaminotaur
Tea with a Minotaur... perfectly described as a cozy fantasy. I love the tea recipes between all chapters. Some of them got a giggle even. Even so, Mahkai is a young Minotaur who doesn't fit in to what his clan expects him to be. He ends up finding those who do accept him, and it gives such good feelings. He finds friends, and he starts to accept himself and stand up for that. I felt such pride for him. You find characters lovable, frustrating, and all of the above. The bonus chapter gives you a bit of a cliffhanger... so, yet again, Adrienne leaves me wanting more of her writing.
This is a book for every Neurospicy outcast, the black sheep or calf even in your own family. As someone with Aud-ADHD and RSD in this book i have never felt more seen in my life. This is written in the exact way I experience the world. It's not that I am lost it's just that you can't see my winding path through life. This journey of self love and discovery is not without its emotional moments despite being cozy the author doesn't shy away from real visceral emotions raw and unyielding. Don't let that hold you back from this amazing inclusive read!
"Tea with a Minotaur" is a delightful and cozy read that will appeal to readers of all ages. One of the things I loved most about this book was its cozy vibe. The author does a wonderful job of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The characters in "Tea with a Minotaur" are all incredibly lovable and well-developed. The story itself is heartwarming and full of adventure.
Overall, "Tea with a Minotaur" is a delightful and cozy read that I highly recommend to readers of all ages. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of friendship.
Tea With A Minotaur was a truly mystical, cozy read. As a member of the autistic community it really resonated as I watched Mahkai go through similar struggles as what I’ve faced. From feeling misunderstood in my own family, to finding family through the hardships I feel as though I’ve found a friend in the characters of this book. If you like Lengends & Lattes this should be next in your cozy fantasy repertoire.
A seriously underrated cozy read! The chapters are short and somewhat episodic, which makes this great for light, quick reading. It definitely nails the cozy elements, as tea is a big part of the book (and I loved the recipes at the end of each chapter). It’s a soothing, almost slice-of-life-like fantasy that’s slow paced and whimsical with interesting worldbuilding. Love the premise of a sensitive minotaur who doesn’t fit in with his battle-hardened family. Great read!
Omg as someone with adhd, this book could not be more relatable! This cozy fantasy reminded me of Legends and Lattes, but make it neurodivergent. It was so nice to see everything I go through put into a book, and I felt so seen! And the friends Mahkai meets along his journey reminded me that there are others out there who understand me. And dang if I don't wanna try some of the teas.
The cutest, coziest fantasy in book form. I loved the neurodivergent representation. Mahkai is not like the other minotaurs in his clan. He doesn't hold the same interests. He just wants to discover new things and rewrite about them while enjoying a nice cup of tea. There is a recipe for a cup of tea after each chapter. The tea names are adorable and punny.
This book was delightful 🫖 if you enjoy cozy fantasy’s that also have a fun adventure plot you’ll love this book. Also I love tea and at the beginning of each chapter they had tea recipes ☕️
When I first started this book it reminded me of the children story Flowers For Ferdinand in all the best ways. I fell in love with the main character Mahkai. He loves tea, books, and all things cozy. He doesn’t feel connected to his Minotaur clan because they enjoy fighting and war.
Thank you Adrienne for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cozy fantasy! If you like Legends & Lattes you will love this! The characters are really loveable, adorable little adventures and selfjourney. I also really liked the little detail with the tea recepies in between the chapters.
3.75 ⭐ This was a really cute and comforting read. The storyline itself was a little bit disjointed but it was really lovely spending more time with this beloved character from Osrealach.
This was a sweet friendship and self development story about a Minotaur. I enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it. Theirs no romance and definitely no spice but we have beautiful friendships and a beautiful world building.
A beautiful cozy tale filled with mystery, tea, and finding ones own place in the world. what is a young minotaur supposed to do, when he's never felt at home in his clan? when his differences make it impossible for him to fit in? well, you run away to adventure of course. Following a curious path, Mahkai finds his way into a new way of life, and a new home, but not is as peaceful as it seams, as there is growing threats in the world that inflict themselves onto his home. worst of all, his father can't seam to stop interfering in the things that make Mahkai happy.
this is a charming tale that makes you feel all warm and cozy while you read it. there are mysteries to untangle as you read, but not all answers can be found. what Mahkai doesn't know, you don't know either, but that only lends to the charm of the tale. Filled with a colorful cast of characters you can't help but to love, this is absolutely a must read if your a fan of books like Legends and Lattes, The House Witch, or Can't Spell Treason without Tea!
This cozy fantasy follows a neurodivergent minotaur who has a fascination with learning and exploration. Minotaur in Mahkai's clan care about their ability to succeed in all things battle and war. Mahkai cares about tea. Everyone knows Mahkai is different, and Mahkai becomes tired of living his life for the purpose of everyone else's comfort and expectations of what it means to be a minotaur. He IS a minotaur regardless of what he enjoys.
This story was very very sweet. Bree was my favorite character in this story, and I really enjoyed the recipe entries at the beginning of every chapter. It added a nice little touch to show glimpses into different characters personalities. This is an easy to read story that I think anyone with a neurodivergency could relate to.