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Minor Works of Meda
She’d be the most gifted witch in centuries, if she had an ounce of power in her veins.
With weak magic and no social graces, Meda’s dreams of becoming a great witch are impossible. It doesn’t matter how much harder she works than her rival, she'll never win. The heartless half-faerie has so much magic that just being near him makes her blood sing.
When an ancient Ward-spell falters, a wave of devastation crashes across the islands of the Protectorate. If the spell fails for good, they’ll be at the mercy of the cruelest fae lord their world has ever seen. But if Meda can translate the ancient spell fast enough to understand who is destroying it, and how, she won’t just save the isles. She’ll finally prove her worth.
Meda’s sharp mind isn’t enough to win against an unknown enemy. She’ll also need Kalcedon’s endless well of power. And as they travel the Protectorate's islands, navigating grief and racing against time, she begins to see a new side to the half-fae. Behind his cruel words, there may be a battered heart more human than Meda dares admit… and a man who will do anything to keep her safe.
…Even if it costs the whole world.
With weak magic and no social graces, Meda’s dreams of becoming a great witch are impossible. It doesn’t matter how much harder she works than her rival, she'll never win. The heartless half-faerie has so much magic that just being near him makes her blood sing.
When an ancient Ward-spell falters, a wave of devastation crashes across the islands of the Protectorate. If the spell fails for good, they’ll be at the mercy of the cruelest fae lord their world has ever seen. But if Meda can translate the ancient spell fast enough to understand who is destroying it, and how, she won’t just save the isles. She’ll finally prove her worth.
Meda’s sharp mind isn’t enough to win against an unknown enemy. She’ll also need Kalcedon’s endless well of power. And as they travel the Protectorate's islands, navigating grief and racing against time, she begins to see a new side to the half-fae. Behind his cruel words, there may be a battered heart more human than Meda dares admit… and a man who will do anything to keep her safe.
…Even if it costs the whole world.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2024
15 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 4, 2024
Read this if you like:
- Older characters (30s)
- Independent/experienced FMCs without recycled snark
- Queernormative worlds
- Creepy faeries
- Cozy fantasy
I had a great time with this book until the 40% mark and then got a little bored. This is not the book's fault, though, I simply failed to realize it's a cozy fantasy before requesting the ARC, and I'm not much of a cozy fantasy enjoyer. I still think it's a good book. My only con is I wish the romance .
- Older characters (30s)
- Independent/experienced FMCs without recycled snark
- Queernormative worlds
- Creepy faeries
- Cozy fantasy
I had a great time with this book until the 40% mark and then got a little bored. This is not the book's fault, though, I simply failed to realize it's a cozy fantasy before requesting the ARC, and I'm not much of a cozy fantasy enjoyer. I still think it's a good book. My only con is I wish the romance .
June 21, 2024
"Minor Works of Meda" is an adult fantasy written by Juliette Caruso.
This book captivated me from the moment I saw it, partly because of the intriguing plot and partly because of the stunning cover. I had rather high expectations and jumped into the reading with great enthusiasm, but in the end I admit I came away rather disappointed.
The light and effervescent writing, the fast and brisk pace, and the short chapters are the elements I enjoyed most. Seriously, I devoured it in a matter of hours, unable to tear myself away from the pages, despite the fact that it did not convince me.
The story takes place in the Cachian Protectorate, a group of islands diverse in economy, society, and geography. An area shrouded by a powerful magical ward that protects the inhabitants from the cruel fae who dwell beyond the perimeter, preventing fae and those with traces of fae blood in their veins from crossing it, unless they want to die. I found it a simple, concise world building, limited to the bare minimum so as not to get lost. No details are given, many things remain unexplained, and at times this left me a bit puzzled. The magic system based on symbols to be engraved on fixed surfaces or drawn in the air via hand gestures intrigued me a lot, as did the cost that each spell requires and the fact that magic is the prerogative of those with fae blood in their veins. I repeat, it is all really very concise, but overall I was satisfied!
The story proceeds between travels, searches, chases, in an atmosphere that I found lacking in urgency or pathos. During the reading I never sensed any real danger, any real threat, since the problems are solved far too easily and far too quickly. I perceived numerous situations of convenience, various plot holes, with scenes inserted here and there a bit at random, just to push the narrative in the chosen direction. The ending then seemed to me rather rushed and chaotic! I also admit that I did not feel particularly engaged with the book. Yes, I read it with pleasure, but it did not convey anything to me and above all it did not move me.
Meda, protagonist with her only first person pov, left me rather lukewarm. On paper she had all the potential to win me over, but in practice she didn't. I don't know, I found her superficial and cold at times. Not in terms of personality, but in terms of writing. Kalcedon unfortunately follows the same fate, although I admit I found him a bit more interesting than Meda. Obviously my inability to bond with the characters affected the romance in a negative way, and I am so sorry! The relationship that develops between Meda and Kalcedon is a rivals to lovers (especially on Meda's part!) mixed with a grumpy x sunshine (actually a grumpy x grumpy/sunshine), tropes that I love so much! Only here they have not won me over and I am so sad about it!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book captivated me from the moment I saw it, partly because of the intriguing plot and partly because of the stunning cover. I had rather high expectations and jumped into the reading with great enthusiasm, but in the end I admit I came away rather disappointed.
The light and effervescent writing, the fast and brisk pace, and the short chapters are the elements I enjoyed most. Seriously, I devoured it in a matter of hours, unable to tear myself away from the pages, despite the fact that it did not convince me.
The story takes place in the Cachian Protectorate, a group of islands diverse in economy, society, and geography. An area shrouded by a powerful magical ward that protects the inhabitants from the cruel fae who dwell beyond the perimeter, preventing fae and those with traces of fae blood in their veins from crossing it, unless they want to die. I found it a simple, concise world building, limited to the bare minimum so as not to get lost. No details are given, many things remain unexplained, and at times this left me a bit puzzled. The magic system based on symbols to be engraved on fixed surfaces or drawn in the air via hand gestures intrigued me a lot, as did the cost that each spell requires and the fact that magic is the prerogative of those with fae blood in their veins. I repeat, it is all really very concise, but overall I was satisfied!
The story proceeds between travels, searches, chases, in an atmosphere that I found lacking in urgency or pathos. During the reading I never sensed any real danger, any real threat, since the problems are solved far too easily and far too quickly. I perceived numerous situations of convenience, various plot holes, with scenes inserted here and there a bit at random, just to push the narrative in the chosen direction. The ending then seemed to me rather rushed and chaotic! I also admit that I did not feel particularly engaged with the book. Yes, I read it with pleasure, but it did not convey anything to me and above all it did not move me.
Meda, protagonist with her only first person pov, left me rather lukewarm. On paper she had all the potential to win me over, but in practice she didn't. I don't know, I found her superficial and cold at times. Not in terms of personality, but in terms of writing. Kalcedon unfortunately follows the same fate, although I admit I found him a bit more interesting than Meda. Obviously my inability to bond with the characters affected the romance in a negative way, and I am so sorry! The relationship that develops between Meda and Kalcedon is a rivals to lovers (especially on Meda's part!) mixed with a grumpy x sunshine (actually a grumpy x grumpy/sunshine), tropes that I love so much! Only here they have not won me over and I am so sad about it!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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June 22, 2024i started this book feeling it could be a new favourite. that feeling still remained by the end of it -- that is, i think that many will find joy and comfort in meda's (and kalcedon and oraik, my sunshine bisexual) journey/misadventure. all the right ingredients are there: found family; rivals to lovers (there's a cool as heck dynamic between them that you'll have to read and see); beautiful magic system; and finally a compelling underdog story in meda. i would definitely encourage everyone to enter this world and see it for yourself.
personally, i found myself growing more and more indiference towards this book the more pages turned. by the end, i just... didn't care? the pitfall for me was the central relationship between kalcedon and meda. frankly, they were WAY more interesting as individuals, especially meda with her ambition. i did not want to root for them as a couple at all T__T; their bickering was cute for a bit, only a bit. meda spent more time ranting about how kalcedon was misusing his power than developing attraction for him (most of said attraction happened before this story even started), and when something inevitably sparked between them, i was the opposite of excitement. () i must give it to oraik, however. the dude charmed me the first moment he appeared and continued to entertain me for the rest of it. he was the perfect sunshine to meda and kalcedon's grumpiness and i would not be able to survive those two without him. i would love to come back to this world if there's a book about him and his lover. the queernormative world totally caught me offguard and i loved that it existed!
all in all, this was just fine for me. i hope that everyone else will have a better time than i did.
thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC!
personally, i found myself growing more and more indiference towards this book the more pages turned. by the end, i just... didn't care? the pitfall for me was the central relationship between kalcedon and meda. frankly, they were WAY more interesting as individuals, especially meda with her ambition. i did not want to root for them as a couple at all T__T; their bickering was cute for a bit, only a bit. meda spent more time ranting about how kalcedon was misusing his power than developing attraction for him (most of said attraction happened before this story even started), and when something inevitably sparked between them, i was the opposite of excitement. () i must give it to oraik, however. the dude charmed me the first moment he appeared and continued to entertain me for the rest of it. he was the perfect sunshine to meda and kalcedon's grumpiness and i would not be able to survive those two without him. i would love to come back to this world if there's a book about him and his lover. the queernormative world totally caught me offguard and i loved that it existed!
all in all, this was just fine for me. i hope that everyone else will have a better time than i did.
thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the E-ARC!
June 19, 2024
GENRE: Cozy Fantasy (to me at least)
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Would I recommend to others?: YESS! Minor Works of Meda has made it to my roman empire books list and I honestly loved this book. I loved everything about it, from the characters to the vibe to the story to every plot twist. So, yes, read it please
Review:
Minor Works of Meda is a fantasy book in which we follow the journey of Meda & Kalcedon and them attempting to fix the ward-spell faltering before their world is gone due to cruel faes. We get to know Meda as a witch and one who is clever but does not have the required power to achieve her dreams. However, her companion and rival, Kalcedon, has all the power she could ever wish but no desire to hone it and learn powerful skills.
We follow their journey and we get to know Meda more. Meda is a neurodivergent FMC who is a mixture of grumpy x sunshine. Kalcedon is also grumpy as well. This is one of my favourite trope (grumpy/sunshine x grumpy). Throughout the book, I could 100% relate to Meda and found myself thinking things like "I do that too Meda!!". I honestly loved getting to know Meda and thought that she was ambitious and never gave up on her goal. Kalcedon, on the other hand, is grumpy and is meant to be her rival. However, you can tell that he feels for Meda and she doesnt quite realise it (Come on MEDA!! He clearly has feelings for you).
Minor Works of Meda is a journey and a story in which we see character development and watch the characters begin to learn to trust themselves and learn how to find love & friendship in a world that has cast them away and labelled them as "different". We come to love Meda & Kalcedon and come to understand the world from their view.
While I do label this book as cozy fantasy, it is filled with adventures and we go through many plot twists throughout the book and reach a satisfying ending. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the world that Minor Work of Meda is based in but most of my questions were answered by the end of the book.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to beta read this book in exchange for my honest opinion and reviews.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Would I recommend to others?: YESS! Minor Works of Meda has made it to my roman empire books list and I honestly loved this book. I loved everything about it, from the characters to the vibe to the story to every plot twist. So, yes, read it please
Review:
Minor Works of Meda is a fantasy book in which we follow the journey of Meda & Kalcedon and them attempting to fix the ward-spell faltering before their world is gone due to cruel faes. We get to know Meda as a witch and one who is clever but does not have the required power to achieve her dreams. However, her companion and rival, Kalcedon, has all the power she could ever wish but no desire to hone it and learn powerful skills.
We follow their journey and we get to know Meda more. Meda is a neurodivergent FMC who is a mixture of grumpy x sunshine. Kalcedon is also grumpy as well. This is one of my favourite trope (grumpy/sunshine x grumpy). Throughout the book, I could 100% relate to Meda and found myself thinking things like "I do that too Meda!!". I honestly loved getting to know Meda and thought that she was ambitious and never gave up on her goal. Kalcedon, on the other hand, is grumpy and is meant to be her rival. However, you can tell that he feels for Meda and she doesnt quite realise it (Come on MEDA!! He clearly has feelings for you).
Minor Works of Meda is a journey and a story in which we see character development and watch the characters begin to learn to trust themselves and learn how to find love & friendship in a world that has cast them away and labelled them as "different". We come to love Meda & Kalcedon and come to understand the world from their view.
While I do label this book as cozy fantasy, it is filled with adventures and we go through many plot twists throughout the book and reach a satisfying ending. I would have loved to learn a bit more about the world that Minor Work of Meda is based in but most of my questions were answered by the end of the book.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to beta read this book in exchange for my honest opinion and reviews.
August 1, 2024
I'm OBSESSED with this book.
This book is a freaking delight. It blends cozy fantasy and high-stakes. The story revolves around Meda, a stubborn and underpowered witch, and Kalcedon, her powerful yet lazy and broody half-faerie rival. Meda's lack of strong magic and social skills makes her quest to become a great witch seem unattainable, but she has the SKILLS if not the magic. When the magic powering the ancient spell protecting the islands of the Protectorate begins to fail, they are caught in a race against time to figure out what's happening.
The relationship between Meda and Kalcedon is beautifully executed, showcasing a complex and evolving relationship. The dynamic of two grumpy characters with a friend-sunshine element was wonderfully done. I'm really attached to these characters and I want so much more of them. The grief representation was also phenomenal and speaks to my own experience. Caruso has a way of writing that just CLICKS with my brain.
The magic system and world-building are standout elements, with unique concepts like the life-threatening use of magic and the ability to steal it from others. While the book is a standalone and suffers from VERY minor pacing issues, particularly with some plot points advancing too quickly and the ending feeling slightly rushed, these are small quibbles in an otherwise exceptional story. Mostly I just want more of these characters and their world.
Minor Works of Meda is a captivating story filled with rich characters, an intensely gripping romance, and an imaginative magical world. Caruso has crafted a story that feels personal and engaging, making it a must-read for fans of cozy fantasy with substantial emotional depth. SO FREAKING GOOD.
Thanks to the author, booksirens, and BOMM for the copy and opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
This book is a freaking delight. It blends cozy fantasy and high-stakes. The story revolves around Meda, a stubborn and underpowered witch, and Kalcedon, her powerful yet lazy and broody half-faerie rival. Meda's lack of strong magic and social skills makes her quest to become a great witch seem unattainable, but she has the SKILLS if not the magic. When the magic powering the ancient spell protecting the islands of the Protectorate begins to fail, they are caught in a race against time to figure out what's happening.
The relationship between Meda and Kalcedon is beautifully executed, showcasing a complex and evolving relationship. The dynamic of two grumpy characters with a friend-sunshine element was wonderfully done. I'm really attached to these characters and I want so much more of them. The grief representation was also phenomenal and speaks to my own experience. Caruso has a way of writing that just CLICKS with my brain.
The magic system and world-building are standout elements, with unique concepts like the life-threatening use of magic and the ability to steal it from others. While the book is a standalone and suffers from VERY minor pacing issues, particularly with some plot points advancing too quickly and the ending feeling slightly rushed, these are small quibbles in an otherwise exceptional story. Mostly I just want more of these characters and their world.
Minor Works of Meda is a captivating story filled with rich characters, an intensely gripping romance, and an imaginative magical world. Caruso has crafted a story that feels personal and engaging, making it a must-read for fans of cozy fantasy with substantial emotional depth. SO FREAKING GOOD.
Thanks to the author, booksirens, and BOMM for the copy and opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
September 27, 2024
Update: 5 stars because I can’t stop thinking about it. This was a uniquely captivating story with a fascinating magic system. Meda is a misunderstood and very neurodivergent witch in a land where magic is scarce. Everything is protected from the fae outside by a massive magical shield. All remaining magic comes from those with distant fae relatives- witches. Except for Kalcedon, the prickly half-fae that works with Meda.
The magic system is truly unique! Magic is referred to in terms of heat. Those with high amounts of magic are hot, but using magic makes you cool. If you run cold, you die. And magic is (mostly) performed with hand movements (much like weaving) and sigils. Scrying is an accepted form of magic among witches. Magic has a language. It’s all so different from anything I’ve read before.
The plot was good, but felt rushed towards the end. I felt like the end could have gone slower- I wanted to know so much more about everything. I enjoyed the three main characters so much. Meda’s neurodivergence is the cause of so much miscommunication, but the “miscommunication trope” isn’t typical. The author does an excellent job of portraying Meda’s autism, especially how she thinks. The romance was so sweet. Oraik was wonderfully naïve. Kalcedon was so complex.
Overall, this was absolutely wonderful. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about it when I had to put the book down. I would be at work trying to riddle out what would happen next since I couldn’t read. My biggest issue is the rushed ending.
I received an eARC for free from booksirens. All opinions are my own.
The magic system is truly unique! Magic is referred to in terms of heat. Those with high amounts of magic are hot, but using magic makes you cool. If you run cold, you die. And magic is (mostly) performed with hand movements (much like weaving) and sigils. Scrying is an accepted form of magic among witches. Magic has a language. It’s all so different from anything I’ve read before.
The plot was good, but felt rushed towards the end. I felt like the end could have gone slower- I wanted to know so much more about everything. I enjoyed the three main characters so much. Meda’s neurodivergence is the cause of so much miscommunication, but the “miscommunication trope” isn’t typical. The author does an excellent job of portraying Meda’s autism, especially how she thinks. The romance was so sweet. Oraik was wonderfully naïve. Kalcedon was so complex.
Overall, this was absolutely wonderful. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about it when I had to put the book down. I would be at work trying to riddle out what would happen next since I couldn’t read. My biggest issue is the rushed ending.
I received an eARC for free from booksirens. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2024
My ARC reads have been absolutely on 🔥🔥 lately! And I was screaming when I found out the FMC/MMC are in their 30s! Absolutely superb book, gorgeous writing, & lush world building. I enjoyed this read immensely!
🔆standalone book
🤎romantic fantasy
🔆rivals to lovers
🤎cruel faeries
🔆30+ fmc & mmc
🤎autistic rep
🔆touch her & die
🤎one bed
🥀What's love without a little blood sacrifice?
🔆standalone book
🤎romantic fantasy
🔆rivals to lovers
🤎cruel faeries
🔆30+ fmc & mmc
🤎autistic rep
🔆touch her & die
🤎one bed
🥀What's love without a little blood sacrifice?
June 27, 2024
A feel good story about a young witch discovering herself and finding love
4/⭐
1.5/🌶️
-Enemy to lover
-Fantasy
-Fae
-Witchcraft
ARC Netgally
Story:
Meda is an apprentice/assistant from a seer together with a half fae named Kalcedon.
When the ward breaks and their "teacher" dies. Our witch with almost no power is trying to figure out why the ward stones break and save her human world from the dangerous fae the wards protect them from.
What i loved:
-The main characters-
Their are 3 main characters in the story with an unique relatip
Meda: a slightly moody insecure witch that grows in to a more happy and proud person.
her character development in the story is beautifully written and is really relatable for me. Not fitting in anywhere directly and in general a smart introvert person
Kalcedon: a grumpy/moody character that learns that he can show/feel his emotions
The relationship with Meda gives a set of funny discussions.
Oraik: A rich prince that doesn't want anything more than to go on an adventure and have fun, see the world and make friends, he loves social contact and is over trusting bringing him into difficult situations. His friendship with Meda is beautiful and forgiving.
-a feel good story-
It really is a feelgood story with short chapters. It really reads easy even after a difficult day at work and i just really like the writing style.
-world-
I loved the world they were in, i even wanted to know more about it
The small villages, the history, ...
What i missed/liked less
-the end-
The end was beautiful but i wanted more chapters, building more tension before the story unfolds itself and this is the reason it is not a 5star for me
-more background -
I still have some questions left
What happened after the wards went back up ? And what happened when they fell besides wat was already in the book was there only damage to 1 city ?
What do they do to bring the wards back up ? Can they come down again in the same way ?
How do the sigets look on paper ?
I want to see the castle the dad lived in
How old do the fae get ?
Will Kalcedon also become very old and outlive Meda ? ....
So moral of the story:
I love this book and i need a prequel and probably also a sequel 😉
If you need a feelgood fantasy story with love, a bit of passion and a beautiful friendship this is for you!
4/⭐
1.5/🌶️
-Enemy to lover
-Fantasy
-Fae
-Witchcraft
ARC Netgally
Story:
Meda is an apprentice/assistant from a seer together with a half fae named Kalcedon.
When the ward breaks and their "teacher" dies. Our witch with almost no power is trying to figure out why the ward stones break and save her human world from the dangerous fae the wards protect them from.
What i loved:
-The main characters-
Their are 3 main characters in the story with an unique relatip
Meda: a slightly moody insecure witch that grows in to a more happy and proud person.
her character development in the story is beautifully written and is really relatable for me. Not fitting in anywhere directly and in general a smart introvert person
Kalcedon: a grumpy/moody character that learns that he can show/feel his emotions
The relationship with Meda gives a set of funny discussions.
Oraik: A rich prince that doesn't want anything more than to go on an adventure and have fun, see the world and make friends, he loves social contact and is over trusting bringing him into difficult situations. His friendship with Meda is beautiful and forgiving.
-a feel good story-
It really is a feelgood story with short chapters. It really reads easy even after a difficult day at work and i just really like the writing style.
-world-
I loved the world they were in, i even wanted to know more about it
The small villages, the history, ...
What i missed/liked less
-the end-
The end was beautiful but i wanted more chapters, building more tension before the story unfolds itself and this is the reason it is not a 5star for me
-more background -
I still have some questions left
What happened after the wards went back up ? And what happened when they fell besides wat was already in the book was there only damage to 1 city ?
What do they do to bring the wards back up ? Can they come down again in the same way ?
How do the sigets look on paper ?
I want to see the castle the dad lived in
How old do the fae get ?
Will Kalcedon also become very old and outlive Meda ? ....
So moral of the story:
I love this book and i need a prequel and probably also a sequel 😉
If you need a feelgood fantasy story with love, a bit of passion and a beautiful friendship this is for you!
July 20, 2024
I was sent an ✨️arc✨️ in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting romantasy that delved more into the fantasy and adventure aspects.
I think the biggest issue i had with the book had to do with the characters and the pace of the story
In regards to characters, I couldn't relate or empathize with any of them.
Another thing was that Meda was emotionally immature and judgemental of Kalcedon - and some other characters too for no reason at all - even after living under the same roof as him. Her critiques about him were based on rumors and gossip from others. In my head, Meda was smarter than that, and so it just read out of character for me.
I also think characters lacked urgency in some detrimental plot developments, and these affected the overall pace of the book. When something remotely interesting happened, I expected that pace to pick up but most of the time, it didn't. It made things dull.
In regards to romance, I'm not into 'he bullies her and calls her names because he's secretly in love with her' trope. I do think some scenes between them were sweet, but the whole name calling ruined a couple of those moments for me. They just didn't read like a couple.
I liked the magic system. It reads simple but it required skill, and it also felt like an entity of its own.
I also think it was very ingenious of the author to write short chapters. It helped move things along up to a certain point.
All in all, if you like cozy fantasy with tons of adventure, you might enjoy this book.
This was an interesting romantasy that delved more into the fantasy and adventure aspects.
I think the biggest issue i had with the book had to do with the characters and the pace of the story
In regards to characters, I couldn't relate or empathize with any of them.
Another thing was that Meda was emotionally immature and judgemental of Kalcedon - and some other characters too for no reason at all - even after living under the same roof as him. Her critiques about him were based on rumors and gossip from others. In my head, Meda was smarter than that, and so it just read out of character for me.
I also think characters lacked urgency in some detrimental plot developments, and these affected the overall pace of the book. When something remotely interesting happened, I expected that pace to pick up but most of the time, it didn't. It made things dull.
In regards to romance, I'm not into 'he bullies her and calls her names because he's secretly in love with her' trope. I do think some scenes between them were sweet, but the whole name calling ruined a couple of those moments for me. They just didn't read like a couple.
I liked the magic system. It reads simple but it required skill, and it also felt like an entity of its own.
I also think it was very ingenious of the author to write short chapters. It helped move things along up to a certain point.
All in all, if you like cozy fantasy with tons of adventure, you might enjoy this book.
June 25, 2024
Minor works of Meda captivated me with its unique story. The idea was really nice, world where she has big ideas but isn’t strong enough to bring them to life. Kalcedon on the other hand has too much power but not much reason to use it (if Meda isn’t there)
First half of the book is interesting, then it starts to repeat outcomes and fade.
First half of the book is interesting, then it starts to repeat outcomes and fade.
July 16, 2024
This book was a bit of a roller coaster. I sped through some of it, just absolutely needing to know what was next, then other parts fell flat. The characters were amazing which helped pull me through the duller sections.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
A 31 year old woman is a very talented witch, but everyone around her underestimates her intelligence. In the land where she lives, Meda needs another witch with more power to enact the spells she KNOWS how to cast. Meda is drawn the most to her fellow Witch-in-Training, Kalcedon. However, Kalcedon has some kind of chip on his shoulder, because he’s constantly verbally abusing her. Meda, just lets his verbal vitriol flow right off her. When the ward protecting her land briefly falls apart, she must team up with Kalcedon to stop the rest of the ward from falling.
Here’s what I loved about this book:
-Non teenage FMC, bonus points for being over 30
-MMC is almost 40
-Grumpy vs Sunshine
-Fae & Witches
-Diverse characters, including LBGTQ, Autism spectrum, other mental health issues
-Touch her/him and Die
-Island hopping, some pirates
-Found family
-So. Much. Action. :)
-Mostly everything!!!
Here’s what I didn’t like:
-The verbal abuse, but there was a trigger warning and I guess that’s what makes him morally grey.
Basically, I LOVED THIS BOOK. Originally, I was glad it was a standalone, because I needed a break from series’. HOWEVER, when I was getting closer to the end, I was sad that I would have to leave this world and these characters. If there is ever a sequel or sequels, LET ME KNOW! You have a forever fan Juliette Caruso!
This book is PERFECT for fans of:
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Disclaimer: Thank you to BookSirens & Juliette Caruso for sending me an ARC for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Here’s what I loved about this book:
-Non teenage FMC, bonus points for being over 30
-MMC is almost 40
-Grumpy vs Sunshine
-Fae & Witches
-Diverse characters, including LBGTQ, Autism spectrum, other mental health issues
-Touch her/him and Die
-Island hopping, some pirates
-Found family
-So. Much. Action. :)
-Mostly everything!!!
Here’s what I didn’t like:
-The verbal abuse, but there was a trigger warning and I guess that’s what makes him morally grey.
Basically, I LOVED THIS BOOK. Originally, I was glad it was a standalone, because I needed a break from series’. HOWEVER, when I was getting closer to the end, I was sad that I would have to leave this world and these characters. If there is ever a sequel or sequels, LET ME KNOW! You have a forever fan Juliette Caruso!
This book is PERFECT for fans of:
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Disclaimer: Thank you to BookSirens & Juliette Caruso for sending me an ARC for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
A huge thank you to Juliette Caruso (through Booksprout) for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Minor Words of Meda is a standalone fantasy (with romance) about a passionate witch with one goal: to be sent to the Temple to study magic, and to show everyone she's more than she appears. But that's difficult to accomplish when your mentor already has an apprentice, who vastly surpasses you in innate magical capacity. And he's also a half-fae with a cantankerous attitude that's almost always directed at you.
When the protection ward around the Protectorate begins to briefly and mysteriously fail, it's up to Meda to puzzle out the cause. And if she can do that, then maybe the Temple will see her as someone worthy of their tutelage.
Sometimes you read a book that is exactly what you need at the right time. I found it quite easy to pick up, and fairly difficult to put down. Caruso weaves beautiful images of Mediterranean-like islands, and the small simple villages that inhabit them. The magic system is interesting (sigils fingered into the air and held/released, magic being drained from personal life sources) and I found how Meda interpreted spells on her own to be quite inventive. Overall, this book is exactly up my alley.
I had many moments of comfort, where the part of me that grew up on Clare B. Dunkle, Tamora Pierce, and Cynthia Voigt felt quite at home. Imperfect heroines who never gave up, magical fae with dubious intentions, misunderstood characters fighting against the prejudice set against them, and simple lifestyles romanticized to evoke comfort in the reader.
It also approached a romance in a way I haven't read before. Something different, and even though it may not have been what I was rooting for (because I tended to like Meda by herself), I ended up enjoying the end for all parties involved. I wish I could say more, but I definitely don't want to give anything away.
If I’m being honest, the idea of a standalone book is terribly appealing. I don't have to worry about cliffhangers, and hopefully everything gets wrapped up nicely at the end. However the reality, when you really adore the world and characters, is more than a little bit sad.
I will absolutely be ordering a physical copy when Minor Works of Meda is published. The cover is stunning, the map inside is spectacular, and I have a feeling I’ll be itching to pick this book up more than once.
Minor Words of Meda is a standalone fantasy (with romance) about a passionate witch with one goal: to be sent to the Temple to study magic, and to show everyone she's more than she appears. But that's difficult to accomplish when your mentor already has an apprentice, who vastly surpasses you in innate magical capacity. And he's also a half-fae with a cantankerous attitude that's almost always directed at you.
When the protection ward around the Protectorate begins to briefly and mysteriously fail, it's up to Meda to puzzle out the cause. And if she can do that, then maybe the Temple will see her as someone worthy of their tutelage.
Sometimes you read a book that is exactly what you need at the right time. I found it quite easy to pick up, and fairly difficult to put down. Caruso weaves beautiful images of Mediterranean-like islands, and the small simple villages that inhabit them. The magic system is interesting (sigils fingered into the air and held/released, magic being drained from personal life sources) and I found how Meda interpreted spells on her own to be quite inventive. Overall, this book is exactly up my alley.
I had many moments of comfort, where the part of me that grew up on Clare B. Dunkle, Tamora Pierce, and Cynthia Voigt felt quite at home. Imperfect heroines who never gave up, magical fae with dubious intentions, misunderstood characters fighting against the prejudice set against them, and simple lifestyles romanticized to evoke comfort in the reader.
It also approached a romance in a way I haven't read before. Something different, and even though it may not have been what I was rooting for (because I tended to like Meda by herself), I ended up enjoying the end for all parties involved. I wish I could say more, but I definitely don't want to give anything away.
If I’m being honest, the idea of a standalone book is terribly appealing. I don't have to worry about cliffhangers, and hopefully everything gets wrapped up nicely at the end. However the reality, when you really adore the world and characters, is more than a little bit sad.
I will absolutely be ordering a physical copy when Minor Works of Meda is published. The cover is stunning, the map inside is spectacular, and I have a feeling I’ll be itching to pick this book up more than once.
September 17, 2025
Overall: 2.5 stars
Meh. It's not bad, but it's not great. It's fine.
I didn't really care for this, and I'd really been hoping I would.
Despite being an "adult fantasy" with adult characters, this book just felt YA to me. I think it's because the romance between our heroine Meda and the hero Kalcedon felt so immature. Their "enemies to lovers" romance mostly consists of them throwing juvenile jibes at each other in an "anything you can do, I can do better" sort of way and then intermittently making out between wanting to fight each other. This does not sell a slow burn sizzler of a romance to me.
In addition, I didn't really care for the characters all that much. Kalcedon is another fae princling sort of character, all powerful and hot, surrounded by mere humans. It's a trope I'm kind of tired of. And Meda is a hot shot, eager to prove herself, and while this arrogance and ambition fuels her at first, she sort of runs out of steam after a bit and ends up not moving the plot but being moved by it. That's fine and all, but since I didn't find the plot all that compelling, I was left going "eh."
Also also. There's a third friend character named Olraic who's described as a big chubby man with lots of jewelry, and he's kind of amazing and I'm super bummed he wasn't the love interest - or at least that this wasn't poly. THAT would have injected some life into this limp story.
Meh. It's not bad, but it's not great. It's fine.
I didn't really care for this, and I'd really been hoping I would.
Despite being an "adult fantasy" with adult characters, this book just felt YA to me. I think it's because the romance between our heroine Meda and the hero Kalcedon felt so immature. Their "enemies to lovers" romance mostly consists of them throwing juvenile jibes at each other in an "anything you can do, I can do better" sort of way and then intermittently making out between wanting to fight each other. This does not sell a slow burn sizzler of a romance to me.
In addition, I didn't really care for the characters all that much. Kalcedon is another fae princling sort of character, all powerful and hot, surrounded by mere humans. It's a trope I'm kind of tired of. And Meda is a hot shot, eager to prove herself, and while this arrogance and ambition fuels her at first, she sort of runs out of steam after a bit and ends up not moving the plot but being moved by it. That's fine and all, but since I didn't find the plot all that compelling, I was left going "eh."
Also also. There's a third friend character named Olraic who's described as a big chubby man with lots of jewelry, and he's kind of amazing and I'm super bummed he wasn't the love interest - or at least that this wasn't poly. THAT would have injected some life into this limp story.
July 25, 2024
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.
The Minor Works of Meda is a captivating fantasy novel; cosy, while still managing to have some actual stakes and tension.
Meda is an interesting character; in the beginning I found myself quite confused by how much she missed, about her love interest specifically. He’d say things that were clearly romantic, despite his grumpy attitude, and there would be very little reaction from her. She cared more about her reading, her work.
Then I realised that it’s like looking in a mirror. Meda is just like me.
I loved Kalcedon, unexpectedly. I’m getting so used to the grumpy Alpha male toxic love interest trope- and Kalcedon was anything but that. Despite his grumpy attitude, despite the fact that his love language is insulting Meda whenever he can; it’s very clear to the reader that he’s a softie. (He’s just so babygirl.)
The plot was always moving - fast, not overly complicated. I could’ve done with the world building being a bit more thorough in the first half of the book, I didn’t feel like I had a true grasp on it until halfway through.
Overall, a fantastic book, I look forward to a possible sequel!
The Minor Works of Meda is a captivating fantasy novel; cosy, while still managing to have some actual stakes and tension.
Meda is an interesting character; in the beginning I found myself quite confused by how much she missed, about her love interest specifically. He’d say things that were clearly romantic, despite his grumpy attitude, and there would be very little reaction from her. She cared more about her reading, her work.
Then I realised that it’s like looking in a mirror. Meda is just like me.
I loved Kalcedon, unexpectedly. I’m getting so used to the grumpy Alpha male toxic love interest trope- and Kalcedon was anything but that. Despite his grumpy attitude, despite the fact that his love language is insulting Meda whenever he can; it’s very clear to the reader that he’s a softie. (He’s just so babygirl.)
The plot was always moving - fast, not overly complicated. I could’ve done with the world building being a bit more thorough in the first half of the book, I didn’t feel like I had a true grasp on it until halfway through.
Overall, a fantastic book, I look forward to a possible sequel!
July 23, 2024
What a beautiful standalone fantasy! I loved the world-building and magic system in this captivating tale. Juliette Caruso’s writing style definitely fit the vibes. Short chapters and a feel good story left me satisfied. Though I did feel the ending to be a bit rushed.
What to expect:
🌙 found family
✨ slow burn, rivals to lovers
🌙 atmospheric writing
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What to expect:
🌙 found family
✨ slow burn, rivals to lovers
🌙 atmospheric writing
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2024
OMG, I couldn't get enough of this story! From the unique world building and fascinating magic system to the Grumpy/Grumpy rivals to lovers relationship between Meda and Kalcedon. The whole story and writing style just came to life in my head!
Meda, who I'm quite positive, is a neurodivergent witch, is also a very weak witch trying to achieve what others consider to be impossible. But she isn't phased because she knows better. And then Kalcedon, a half human/half fae witch who is a rather crotchety fella, is trying to keep Meda alive on this quest.
It's found family, rivals to lovers, sigil magic, high stakes yet cozy fantasy, and absolutely brilliant!
Meda, who I'm quite positive, is a neurodivergent witch, is also a very weak witch trying to achieve what others consider to be impossible. But she isn't phased because she knows better. And then Kalcedon, a half human/half fae witch who is a rather crotchety fella, is trying to keep Meda alive on this quest.
It's found family, rivals to lovers, sigil magic, high stakes yet cozy fantasy, and absolutely brilliant!
July 2, 2024
4 stars! I think Minor Works of Meda is perfect for someone who enjoys a grumpy x grumpy romance and cozy fantasies.
I knew from the first chapter that I would like this book. It has several of my favorite tropes: rivals-to-lovers romance, witty banter, wicked fae, and a fantasy world you can escape to. There's also an academic element and a slower-paced plot, which I think creates the perfect foundation for a cozy fantasy! I haven't had a chance to read many cozy fantasies, but after finishing this book, I understand the hype. I can't wait to read more books in this subgenre.
The worldbuilding plays a HUGE role in this story, and I like how the setting is easy to visualize and unique to the story. Most of the story takes place along a series of islands. A magical dome surrounds the islands, killing anyone with fae blood who touches it. The dome has kept the islands safe for centuries. Unfortunately, an evil faerie king has decided to destroy the dome... and he doesn't care how many humans die in the process.
Enter our unlikely trio: a runaway prince, a half-blooded fae, and a bookish witch with little actual magic. I think the author does an amazing job distinguishing the characters' voices and giving them well-rounded personalities. I also LOVE the trio's witty banter and reluctant alliance. I was a little concerned their relationship dynamics would edge into love-triangle territory (a trope I despise), but the author establishes a platonic friendship with one of them instead. I feel like we don't see enough platonic friendships between male and female characters, and I'm really happy it's shown in this book! As for the romance...
This book DELIVERS on its slow-burn, rivals-to-lovers romance. There's sooo much tension between the love interests! There's also a grumpy x grumpy element to their relationship, which is a trope I didn't know existed and now feel desperate to read more of.
If you couldn't already tell, I love this story! The only reason I'm giving it four stars is because it feels a little slow at times. However, I think that's part of what makes this book a perfect cozy fantasy. I can see someone enjoying this if they like that genre or are looking for a cure for their book hangover.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
I knew from the first chapter that I would like this book. It has several of my favorite tropes: rivals-to-lovers romance, witty banter, wicked fae, and a fantasy world you can escape to. There's also an academic element and a slower-paced plot, which I think creates the perfect foundation for a cozy fantasy! I haven't had a chance to read many cozy fantasies, but after finishing this book, I understand the hype. I can't wait to read more books in this subgenre.
The worldbuilding plays a HUGE role in this story, and I like how the setting is easy to visualize and unique to the story. Most of the story takes place along a series of islands. A magical dome surrounds the islands, killing anyone with fae blood who touches it. The dome has kept the islands safe for centuries. Unfortunately, an evil faerie king has decided to destroy the dome... and he doesn't care how many humans die in the process.
Enter our unlikely trio: a runaway prince, a half-blooded fae, and a bookish witch with little actual magic. I think the author does an amazing job distinguishing the characters' voices and giving them well-rounded personalities. I also LOVE the trio's witty banter and reluctant alliance. I was a little concerned their relationship dynamics would edge into love-triangle territory (a trope I despise), but the author establishes a platonic friendship with one of them instead. I feel like we don't see enough platonic friendships between male and female characters, and I'm really happy it's shown in this book! As for the romance...
This book DELIVERS on its slow-burn, rivals-to-lovers romance. There's sooo much tension between the love interests! There's also a grumpy x grumpy element to their relationship, which is a trope I didn't know existed and now feel desperate to read more of.
If you couldn't already tell, I love this story! The only reason I'm giving it four stars is because it feels a little slow at times. However, I think that's part of what makes this book a perfect cozy fantasy. I can see someone enjoying this if they like that genre or are looking for a cure for their book hangover.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the author and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the idea of this book, it was everything that I was looking for from a fantasy romance element. The witches were unique and enjoyed how the rival to lovers worked in this plot. It had that world element that I was expecting and thought the romance worked in a realistic way. Juliette Caruso wrote this in a way that wanted me to read more and why I enjoy the genre. I loved the cover and how beautifully this was done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
Love an adult-cast romantasy with characters who have actual personalities
July 1, 2025
got me in a reading slump but it was worth it
August 20, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, this is my unbiased review!
I'm usually one to dip my toes in a story, I give myself time to form an opinion to not get ahead of myself, but this time I was hooked from the very first line: "Fortune save me from the incompetence of men".
That's one hell of a shared statement, so I knew I was in for a ride, and so it was!
The world building was very interesting, and I love watching an MC figure out ways to move in a reality that is personally challenging for them: Meda dreams of becoming a powerful witch, but she hasn't been graced with powers, or social skills for that matter. She's extremely smart, but severely underestimated despite showing her resourcefulness.
I would classify this as a cozy fantasy, and I'm a sucker for the platonic relationships weaved into the story, the way they were built and how it showcases Meda's progress through the story. Oraik was a personal favourite, I really loved his development.
Overall, it's definitely a recommended read, the writing style was fascinating and pleasant, the character's personalities well crafted, and the dialogues really fun to follow.
I believe the author did a great job in depicting emotions and all the intricate consequences they can have on people, as well as in combining everything into a colourful and fascinating world. The only element that doesn't make this book a 5star read is the pacing, I found that after halfway it felt a bit off, almost like the book could use an extension into a duology because of the many elements to consider and plot lines to solve, but overall it was a great book and I think I will be buying a physical copy!
I'm usually one to dip my toes in a story, I give myself time to form an opinion to not get ahead of myself, but this time I was hooked from the very first line: "Fortune save me from the incompetence of men".
That's one hell of a shared statement, so I knew I was in for a ride, and so it was!
The world building was very interesting, and I love watching an MC figure out ways to move in a reality that is personally challenging for them: Meda dreams of becoming a powerful witch, but she hasn't been graced with powers, or social skills for that matter. She's extremely smart, but severely underestimated despite showing her resourcefulness.
I would classify this as a cozy fantasy, and I'm a sucker for the platonic relationships weaved into the story, the way they were built and how it showcases Meda's progress through the story. Oraik was a personal favourite, I really loved his development.
Overall, it's definitely a recommended read, the writing style was fascinating and pleasant, the character's personalities well crafted, and the dialogues really fun to follow.
I believe the author did a great job in depicting emotions and all the intricate consequences they can have on people, as well as in combining everything into a colourful and fascinating world. The only element that doesn't make this book a 5star read is the pacing, I found that after halfway it felt a bit off, almost like the book could use an extension into a duology because of the many elements to consider and plot lines to solve, but overall it was a great book and I think I will be buying a physical copy!
July 13, 2024
Where do I even start with this story? It's been an honour to be an Arc reader for Juliette, and to experience this book before its release. You are all absolutely in for a TREAT!
This may actually be a new found favourite for me and I may just have to add it to my Roman Empire list. The story starts with our introduction to Meda, who is an apprentice/assistance for a seer in a village, with a half-fae named Kalcedon. Constantly referred to as a 'weak witch' Meda has constantly been seen less than when it comes to magic. One late evening the magic wards break, and their teacher gets caught in the crossfire and dies. Nobody knows when the wards have broken, or who could be behind it - given they have protected all the lands for so long. Meda makes it her mission to uncover the meddlesome magic, in order to prevent more of the wards falling and save her human world from a dangerous Fae invasion.
I read this in a little under 24hrs, I just couldn't put it down. It's been a while since I've had a page turner of a book that drew me in and made me feel so quickly for all the characters and what they were going through. The way Juliette depicts and talks about grief in just so wonderful, for a subject that can be, as we understand it - quite raw.
I absolutely fell in love with Minor Works of Meda for many reasons; Having main characters who were over 30, the grumpy vs sunshine dynamic, Fae & Witches, interesting twists and turns, Diverse characters including LGBTQ+ and representation, strong characterisation and the endearing personalities of the characters, an intriguing magic system that was well explained and much much more. Overall, I just loved how 'difference' was celebrated in this book and how there was a message in there of 'it's okay to be different'. Additionally, I felt that any flaws that the characters had were completely justified and really added to their character development on a whole.
I loved that Meda was such a relatable FMC, her justifications of why she didn't certain things - her being completely oblivious to Kalcedon's love for her, her fixation on wanting to solve problems, her wanting to see the good in people, the moments that she really struggled to get to know others, her sometimes brash and not thought out decisions, her thirst for knowledge etc - As a neurodivergent person this really felt very comforting to see a character like her, I actually felt quite seen. She was just such a compelling protagonist.
The world building plays a HUGE role in the storytelling in MWOM and I feel like we get to indulge in all the rich details. We learn about the differences between the islands and the roles they play - despite all the traveling (as quite a bit of traveling occurs in this story) I still felt I could visualise all the places we went to and explored.
There are some books that oversell the tension between the MC and the love interest, but I have to say Juliette gets the tension between Meda and Kalcedon JUST right. There are moments of second guessing, Meda not being sure whether feelings being reciprocated, Kalcedon trying to express how he feels, and really emotional moments that bring their connection with each other alight and make it electric. There is this growing mutual respect and affection that develops in such a natural way between them.
I really appreciated the touch around uncovering ancient language and how Meda made it her mission to understand it and put all her effort into deconstructing and researching. It made for such an intriguing part of the story. There were also so many moments of laughter that caught me off guard, especially in scenes with Oraik. I found his humour, wit, and also his openness about mostly being quite coward like really endearing. I absolutely loved his character development though, and how his belief in himself grew throughout the story.
The most difficult part about this book? accepting it's over. The things I would DO for Juliette to make this into a series?! Whilst I feel like we definitely tied up the loose ends - I'd LOVE for us to have more from the troublesome trio in the future! (please!)
This may actually be a new found favourite for me and I may just have to add it to my Roman Empire list. The story starts with our introduction to Meda, who is an apprentice/assistance for a seer in a village, with a half-fae named Kalcedon. Constantly referred to as a 'weak witch' Meda has constantly been seen less than when it comes to magic. One late evening the magic wards break, and their teacher gets caught in the crossfire and dies. Nobody knows when the wards have broken, or who could be behind it - given they have protected all the lands for so long. Meda makes it her mission to uncover the meddlesome magic, in order to prevent more of the wards falling and save her human world from a dangerous Fae invasion.
I read this in a little under 24hrs, I just couldn't put it down. It's been a while since I've had a page turner of a book that drew me in and made me feel so quickly for all the characters and what they were going through. The way Juliette depicts and talks about grief in just so wonderful, for a subject that can be, as we understand it - quite raw.
I absolutely fell in love with Minor Works of Meda for many reasons; Having main characters who were over 30, the grumpy vs sunshine dynamic, Fae & Witches, interesting twists and turns, Diverse characters including LGBTQ+ and representation, strong characterisation and the endearing personalities of the characters, an intriguing magic system that was well explained and much much more. Overall, I just loved how 'difference' was celebrated in this book and how there was a message in there of 'it's okay to be different'. Additionally, I felt that any flaws that the characters had were completely justified and really added to their character development on a whole.
I loved that Meda was such a relatable FMC, her justifications of why she didn't certain things - her being completely oblivious to Kalcedon's love for her, her fixation on wanting to solve problems, her wanting to see the good in people, the moments that she really struggled to get to know others, her sometimes brash and not thought out decisions, her thirst for knowledge etc - As a neurodivergent person this really felt very comforting to see a character like her, I actually felt quite seen. She was just such a compelling protagonist.
The world building plays a HUGE role in the storytelling in MWOM and I feel like we get to indulge in all the rich details. We learn about the differences between the islands and the roles they play - despite all the traveling (as quite a bit of traveling occurs in this story) I still felt I could visualise all the places we went to and explored.
There are some books that oversell the tension between the MC and the love interest, but I have to say Juliette gets the tension between Meda and Kalcedon JUST right. There are moments of second guessing, Meda not being sure whether feelings being reciprocated, Kalcedon trying to express how he feels, and really emotional moments that bring their connection with each other alight and make it electric. There is this growing mutual respect and affection that develops in such a natural way between them.
I really appreciated the touch around uncovering ancient language and how Meda made it her mission to understand it and put all her effort into deconstructing and researching. It made for such an intriguing part of the story. There were also so many moments of laughter that caught me off guard, especially in scenes with Oraik. I found his humour, wit, and also his openness about mostly being quite coward like really endearing. I absolutely loved his character development though, and how his belief in himself grew throughout the story.
The most difficult part about this book? accepting it's over. The things I would DO for Juliette to make this into a series?! Whilst I feel like we definitely tied up the loose ends - I'd LOVE for us to have more from the troublesome trio in the future! (please!)
July 23, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 4/5
I really enjoyed this book. It's got faeries, a very interesting premise, highly enjoyable characters, a very engaging mystery, and a really intriguing magic system. I primarily read fantasy and wasn't really sure how much romance would be involved from the blurb, so I was a little surprised when the majority of the book read like a fantasy novel with only a couple of the scenes/chapters' writing changing tone to be more like a romance novel. If you're looking for romance with a fantasy backdrop, this won't scratch that itch... but if you're looking for a really well-written, fantasy adventure with a romantic relationship on the side and a cozy ending, you will very likely enjoy this story.
The vast, vast majority of the story focuses on the fantastical adventure the 3 protagonists undertake, while the few entirely romantic/sexual scenes feel a little out of place pacing-wise. The slight rivals-to-lovers romance between Meda and Kalcedon was alright, but like others have said, the romance doesn't really develop much during the actual story and much of their falling in love happened off-page during the three years prior to the story's start. The book talks a lot about Meda being drawn to Kalcedon's innate magic and the warmth of his aura, and I know that them being rude to each other is part of the rivals-to-lovers trope, but I just don't feel like it worked for me. I found myself more interested in them as individuals or how they interacted through magic than their romance.
The plot had me gripped for the majority of the book. I really enjoyed the fae being a large part of the world, and I think the Ward being devoid of fae entirely made for a really interesting source of conflict as the outside world slipped through the failing ward. The way magic works in this world was simple but very interesting. It's a language of its own, made of symbols that are combined together in phrases to manipulate the world in the way the caster wants. These are drawn on surfaces or sketched in the air and take power from the caster's magic in their blood . Meda is a true underdog, a very clever and gifted witch but without much magic to cast her own spells. I loved how it was possible for her to borrow or "steal" magic from other characters, that made for an interesting dynamic between her and Kalcedon, as well as leading to an interesting fight later on in the book.
The opening to the book is incredibly strong and starts with the Ward shattering and a tragic personal incident that sets Meda and Kalcedon. Oraik is a fantastic third character, his positive nature and perspective a welcome foil to the gloomier natures of Meda and Kalcedon, and his introduction is nice. The story is heavy on chasing the trail of the mystery, be it rushing to the next part of the stone or trying to hunt down an important character. I liked the action, but the cozy nature of the story meant that it got to a point in the story where I realized that the stakes weren't very high because basically every situation was resolved quickly and wrapped up neatly in a nice bow without lasting damage to the characters or world. I didn't hate it, but it did make the ending a little unsatisfying.
Overall it's a well-paced, well-written, and enjoyable read. Definitely recommend it to anybody who's got an itch for a feel-good, self-contained story!
Rating: 4/5
I really enjoyed this book. It's got faeries, a very interesting premise, highly enjoyable characters, a very engaging mystery, and a really intriguing magic system. I primarily read fantasy and wasn't really sure how much romance would be involved from the blurb, so I was a little surprised when the majority of the book read like a fantasy novel with only a couple of the scenes/chapters' writing changing tone to be more like a romance novel. If you're looking for romance with a fantasy backdrop, this won't scratch that itch... but if you're looking for a really well-written, fantasy adventure with a romantic relationship on the side and a cozy ending, you will very likely enjoy this story.
The vast, vast majority of the story focuses on the fantastical adventure the 3 protagonists undertake, while the few entirely romantic/sexual scenes feel a little out of place pacing-wise. The slight rivals-to-lovers romance between Meda and Kalcedon was alright, but like others have said, the romance doesn't really develop much during the actual story and much of their falling in love happened off-page during the three years prior to the story's start. The book talks a lot about Meda being drawn to Kalcedon's innate magic and the warmth of his aura, and I know that them being rude to each other is part of the rivals-to-lovers trope, but I just don't feel like it worked for me. I found myself more interested in them as individuals or how they interacted through magic than their romance.
The plot had me gripped for the majority of the book. I really enjoyed the fae being a large part of the world, and I think the Ward being devoid of fae entirely made for a really interesting source of conflict as the outside world slipped through the failing ward. The way magic works in this world was simple but very interesting. It's a language of its own, made of symbols that are combined together in phrases to manipulate the world in the way the caster wants. These are drawn on surfaces or sketched in the air and take power from the caster's magic in their blood . Meda is a true underdog, a very clever and gifted witch but without much magic to cast her own spells. I loved how it was possible for her to borrow or "steal" magic from other characters, that made for an interesting dynamic between her and Kalcedon, as well as leading to an interesting fight later on in the book.
The opening to the book is incredibly strong and starts with the Ward shattering and a tragic personal incident that sets Meda and Kalcedon. Oraik is a fantastic third character, his positive nature and perspective a welcome foil to the gloomier natures of Meda and Kalcedon, and his introduction is nice. The story is heavy on chasing the trail of the mystery, be it rushing to the next part of the stone or trying to hunt down an important character. I liked the action, but the cozy nature of the story meant that it got to a point in the story where I realized that the stakes weren't very high because basically every situation was resolved quickly and wrapped up neatly in a nice bow without lasting damage to the characters or world. I didn't hate it, but it did make the ending a little unsatisfying.
Overall it's a well-paced, well-written, and enjoyable read. Definitely recommend it to anybody who's got an itch for a feel-good, self-contained story!
September 30, 2025
Sometimes I read a story that feels like it is on the cusp of greatness, but it falls short due to a desire to fit too much into just one book. This book has excellent world building, a unique magic system that exemplifies the MC’s unique skills that set her apart, interesting characters, and some great moments of conflict sprinkled throughout. Unfortunately, this book suffers from a major pacing and character development problem.
In some parts of the story, we rush through events at breakneck speed, and at others it feels like we are dragging out the moment when the characters should be racing to the next objective. Sadly, the moments that are rushed are the ones most relevant to the overall plot, especially at the ending. There is so much crammed into the last 50 pages that I feel the author could have extended it into at least an additional 200 pages. A major issue with this pacing is that most of the problems which arise toward the end are resolved within a few pages. So, the stakes of the climax feel low at a point in the story where stakes should be at an all-time high. Then, after the climax, a final new conflict is presented which undermines the relationship that is meant to anchor the whole story; a conflict which is then only half-solved by the end of the book a few short pages later. This ending for the main relationship of the book felt a little mean spirited and a bit like it was tagged on to the end for shock value.
I also felt that the characters barely had any character development throughout the story. There are three main characters, and they sadly remain mostly unchanged from beginning to end. This made it difficult to make emotional connections to them, because we don’t get to see them grow through conflict and self-reflection. They tend to make a mistake and apologize, only to make the same mistake again a few chapters later. Meda doesn’t reflect before she speaks, Kalcedon keeps being mean to the person he’s supposed to care about, and Oraik continues to put his comfort ahead of his (and others) safety. This lack of character development also had a hand in dulling the believability of Meda and Kalcedon’s relationship. Kalcedon is thoroughly mean to Meda throughout the book, despite being obviously in love with her, and Meda excuses his behavior as “that’s just how he is” saying that others just don’t understand him like she does. Then, when Oraik calls Kalcedon out on his nastiness; Meda acknowledges that Kalcedon is unnecessarily mean to her only to make excuses for him a few pages later when his behavior doesn’t change. By the end of the book, Meda and Kalcedon feel no closer than they did at the beginning and left me feeling rather disappointed and unconvinced of their romance. This lack of character development is also present in the main antagonist of the story. For most of the story, there is a major antagonist who’s villainy exists mostly off-page. This makes the final confrontation with this antagonist feel anticlimactic and hollow. I would have liked to have seen the antagonist play a more involved role in the story to make their eventual defeat feel satisfying.
It is frustrating to read something that I know could have been an easy 5-star book for me but only ended up being a 2.5-star due to a lack of plot and character development. If the author were ever to re-work this book, I would read it again as I can see the story has a lot of untapped potential left to explore.
In some parts of the story, we rush through events at breakneck speed, and at others it feels like we are dragging out the moment when the characters should be racing to the next objective. Sadly, the moments that are rushed are the ones most relevant to the overall plot, especially at the ending. There is so much crammed into the last 50 pages that I feel the author could have extended it into at least an additional 200 pages. A major issue with this pacing is that most of the problems which arise toward the end are resolved within a few pages. So, the stakes of the climax feel low at a point in the story where stakes should be at an all-time high. Then, after the climax, a final new conflict is presented which undermines the relationship that is meant to anchor the whole story; a conflict which is then only half-solved by the end of the book a few short pages later. This ending for the main relationship of the book felt a little mean spirited and a bit like it was tagged on to the end for shock value.
I also felt that the characters barely had any character development throughout the story. There are three main characters, and they sadly remain mostly unchanged from beginning to end. This made it difficult to make emotional connections to them, because we don’t get to see them grow through conflict and self-reflection. They tend to make a mistake and apologize, only to make the same mistake again a few chapters later. Meda doesn’t reflect before she speaks, Kalcedon keeps being mean to the person he’s supposed to care about, and Oraik continues to put his comfort ahead of his (and others) safety. This lack of character development also had a hand in dulling the believability of Meda and Kalcedon’s relationship. Kalcedon is thoroughly mean to Meda throughout the book, despite being obviously in love with her, and Meda excuses his behavior as “that’s just how he is” saying that others just don’t understand him like she does. Then, when Oraik calls Kalcedon out on his nastiness; Meda acknowledges that Kalcedon is unnecessarily mean to her only to make excuses for him a few pages later when his behavior doesn’t change. By the end of the book, Meda and Kalcedon feel no closer than they did at the beginning and left me feeling rather disappointed and unconvinced of their romance. This lack of character development is also present in the main antagonist of the story. For most of the story, there is a major antagonist who’s villainy exists mostly off-page. This makes the final confrontation with this antagonist feel anticlimactic and hollow. I would have liked to have seen the antagonist play a more involved role in the story to make their eventual defeat feel satisfying.
It is frustrating to read something that I know could have been an easy 5-star book for me but only ended up being a 2.5-star due to a lack of plot and character development. If the author were ever to re-work this book, I would read it again as I can see the story has a lot of untapped potential left to explore.
June 25, 2024
Minor Works of Meda by Juliette Caruso
4.5 ⭐
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: July 15, 2024
I knew from the first sentence alone that I was going to love this book. It has all the elements I enjoy: an interesting magic system, adventure, an incredibly smart and feisty FMC, a grumpy-but-fine-I’ll-help-you-anyway MMC, a very loveable side character, and banter that is so fun and engaging to read. Also, there is a slow, simmering romance that I found quite delicious and absolutely happy-squeely-little-feet-kicks-inducing 😉 I read this book for hours, even stayed up until 2 AM because I could not put this book down!
Minor Works of Meda is set in the Calachian Protectorate, a large group of islands that are under the protection of a Ward, a shield that has protected them from the Fae for over 300 years.
Meda is an ambitious witch, highly skilled in sigils and spellwork, but her magic is weak. She can only do the most basic of spells before she is in danger of using up all her energy and dying. Kalcedon, her rival, is half-Fae. With magic running so strongly in his veins, he is a powerful witch in ways that Meda can only dream about. Meda and Kalcedon both work for the seer Eudoria, with Kalcedon as her apprentice, and Meda as her assistant.
Then one day, the Ward falls, causing accidents all over the Protectorate. This spurs Meda and Kalcedon on a quest to figure out what happened to the Ward-spell, and whether there is anything she can do to fix it before the Ward falls for good and the Protectorate is left open to the merciless fae lord ruling just outside their borders.
✨
The characters are such a loveable bunch. Meda really reminded me of Emily Wilde. They have the same brilliant mind, a thirst for knowledge and research, a stubborn and focused determination to achieve their goals. Both are also socially inept, preferring to focus all their attention on the one thing they really care about (magic for Meda, Faeries for Emily Wilde). I love her. Kalcedon, my grumpy little half-fae. He’s a grumpy boi with a soft spot for Meda. And that’s a dynamic I always adore in fantasy! And Oraik, the carefree soul that just wants to see and experience everything the world has to offer. Their trio dynamics were so fun to read.
This book is fast paced, but Juliette Caruso writes it in such a way that still gives you a lot of rich details. The world-building is done well, with a lot of established lore that affects the characters in the present. Each island also had a distinct culture, and I never felt lost, despite the characters doing a lot of traveling across the Protectorate. The magic system is unique as well, with clear in-world rules and consequences. The characters feel fleshed out, with their unique set of flaws, history, dreams, and goals. I felt the weight of their position in the world, and how that has affected them and influenced the way they are.
I absolutely loved this book. If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, magic, and rivals-to-allies with a dash of romance and spice, then you should definitely read Minor Works of Meda.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author Juliette Caruso for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 ⭐
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: July 15, 2024
I knew from the first sentence alone that I was going to love this book. It has all the elements I enjoy: an interesting magic system, adventure, an incredibly smart and feisty FMC, a grumpy-but-fine-I’ll-help-you-anyway MMC, a very loveable side character, and banter that is so fun and engaging to read. Also, there is a slow, simmering romance that I found quite delicious and absolutely happy-squeely-little-feet-kicks-inducing 😉 I read this book for hours, even stayed up until 2 AM because I could not put this book down!
Minor Works of Meda is set in the Calachian Protectorate, a large group of islands that are under the protection of a Ward, a shield that has protected them from the Fae for over 300 years.
Meda is an ambitious witch, highly skilled in sigils and spellwork, but her magic is weak. She can only do the most basic of spells before she is in danger of using up all her energy and dying. Kalcedon, her rival, is half-Fae. With magic running so strongly in his veins, he is a powerful witch in ways that Meda can only dream about. Meda and Kalcedon both work for the seer Eudoria, with Kalcedon as her apprentice, and Meda as her assistant.
Then one day, the Ward falls, causing accidents all over the Protectorate. This spurs Meda and Kalcedon on a quest to figure out what happened to the Ward-spell, and whether there is anything she can do to fix it before the Ward falls for good and the Protectorate is left open to the merciless fae lord ruling just outside their borders.
✨
The characters are such a loveable bunch. Meda really reminded me of Emily Wilde. They have the same brilliant mind, a thirst for knowledge and research, a stubborn and focused determination to achieve their goals. Both are also socially inept, preferring to focus all their attention on the one thing they really care about (magic for Meda, Faeries for Emily Wilde). I love her. Kalcedon, my grumpy little half-fae. He’s a grumpy boi with a soft spot for Meda. And that’s a dynamic I always adore in fantasy! And Oraik, the carefree soul that just wants to see and experience everything the world has to offer. Their trio dynamics were so fun to read.
This book is fast paced, but Juliette Caruso writes it in such a way that still gives you a lot of rich details. The world-building is done well, with a lot of established lore that affects the characters in the present. Each island also had a distinct culture, and I never felt lost, despite the characters doing a lot of traveling across the Protectorate. The magic system is unique as well, with clear in-world rules and consequences. The characters feel fleshed out, with their unique set of flaws, history, dreams, and goals. I felt the weight of their position in the world, and how that has affected them and influenced the way they are.
I absolutely loved this book. If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, magic, and rivals-to-allies with a dash of romance and spice, then you should definitely read Minor Works of Meda.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author Juliette Caruso for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 12, 2024
Meda is striving to become the best and most powerful witch, especially when she’s a bit lacking compared to surly Kalcedon, a half-fae man who has a lot of power, but doesn’t seem to care.
When the Ward of Tarelay comes down, everything changes. Eudoria, Meda’s teacher, dies and now Meda doesn’t know what to do. So, she sets off to the Temple determined get in.
When she arrives, they turn her away. Meda begs them to let her join them, so, they give her a task to prove herself. Find out why or how the Ward fell and they’ll let her in.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I felt so annoyed through this book and yet strangely enjoyed it at the same time. I really cannot explain how I felt about this book. What I will say is that I didn’t love it nor did I hate it. It’s literally just in between for me, a solid 3 ⭐️ read.
This is an inspiring story. Meda just wants to prove herself, even though she’s quite annoying at times, but she’s just determined and stubborn to prove herself and it’s admiring. She’s one of the reasons I was annoyed because she was just plain annoying, but I still liked her. I admired her tenacity and her unwillingness to give up.
Kalcedon is grumpy and I mean like mean grumpy 😆 and I liked him, but then he would say something and I wanted to smack him.
Basically, I didn’t enjoy the characters individually, but when they’re together, the banter is entertaining and it worked with the two of them, and I sort of enjoyed the romance. It was actually sweet and a slow burn because they’re both idiots and won’t communicate, but in the end, I did enjoy the romance for the most part 😅
Oraik is seriously the best character in this book. He’s charming with that innocent boyish charm that you can’t help but love and I loved his overly dramatic reactions to everything, it was hilarious and he was such a breath of fresh air every time he was there and spoke. He really helped me get through this book 😆
One thing that really annoyed me was the world. The world sounds interesting and there’s brief random times when it explains some history or random thing about the world, but it’s not detailed or extensive enough for me to understand the world and its history. I would have liked more detail. There’s a Ward that was put up by a fae to protect one person, but then humans outside of the Ward blame the witches inside saying they could bring it down any time to help those who need help on the other side. There were just a lot of questions I had about the world and would have liked to understand it better. And I don’t understand the magic system like at all.
The ending is also super anti-climactic. The entire book is rather slow going and the ending is just so fast and too easy.
So, I have such mixed and confused feelings about this book. I again didn’t hate it and just didn’t love it. I did enjoy it, and was annoyed at the same time 🤣 I would definitely recommend it because I think a certain type of reader would really enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy more character building and more plot focus, almost no world building and less of everything else.
I received a free digital copy to read(thank you to BookSirens). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the Ward of Tarelay comes down, everything changes. Eudoria, Meda’s teacher, dies and now Meda doesn’t know what to do. So, she sets off to the Temple determined get in.
When she arrives, they turn her away. Meda begs them to let her join them, so, they give her a task to prove herself. Find out why or how the Ward fell and they’ll let her in.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I felt so annoyed through this book and yet strangely enjoyed it at the same time. I really cannot explain how I felt about this book. What I will say is that I didn’t love it nor did I hate it. It’s literally just in between for me, a solid 3 ⭐️ read.
This is an inspiring story. Meda just wants to prove herself, even though she’s quite annoying at times, but she’s just determined and stubborn to prove herself and it’s admiring. She’s one of the reasons I was annoyed because she was just plain annoying, but I still liked her. I admired her tenacity and her unwillingness to give up.
Kalcedon is grumpy and I mean like mean grumpy 😆 and I liked him, but then he would say something and I wanted to smack him.
Basically, I didn’t enjoy the characters individually, but when they’re together, the banter is entertaining and it worked with the two of them, and I sort of enjoyed the romance. It was actually sweet and a slow burn because they’re both idiots and won’t communicate, but in the end, I did enjoy the romance for the most part 😅
Oraik is seriously the best character in this book. He’s charming with that innocent boyish charm that you can’t help but love and I loved his overly dramatic reactions to everything, it was hilarious and he was such a breath of fresh air every time he was there and spoke. He really helped me get through this book 😆
One thing that really annoyed me was the world. The world sounds interesting and there’s brief random times when it explains some history or random thing about the world, but it’s not detailed or extensive enough for me to understand the world and its history. I would have liked more detail. There’s a Ward that was put up by a fae to protect one person, but then humans outside of the Ward blame the witches inside saying they could bring it down any time to help those who need help on the other side. There were just a lot of questions I had about the world and would have liked to understand it better. And I don’t understand the magic system like at all.
The ending is also super anti-climactic. The entire book is rather slow going and the ending is just so fast and too easy.
So, I have such mixed and confused feelings about this book. I again didn’t hate it and just didn’t love it. I did enjoy it, and was annoyed at the same time 🤣 I would definitely recommend it because I think a certain type of reader would really enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy more character building and more plot focus, almost no world building and less of everything else.
I received a free digital copy to read(thank you to BookSirens). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
Title: Minor Works of Meda
Author: Juliette Caruso
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: 15th July 2024
What first called out to me was the stunning cover! As you all now, imagine a sucker for amazing covers.
However putting the cover aside, this tale of an underdog witch with a sharp mind and a half-faerie rival with immense power is a delightful escape into a richly imagined world.
Meda dreams of becoming a great witch, but with weak magic and no social graces, her aspirations seem impossible. Her rival, Kalcedon, a heartless half-faerie, has so much magic that just being near him makes her blood sing with envy.
However, when an ancient Ward-spell starts to fail, threatening the Protectorate with devastation at the hands of the cruelest fae lord ever known, Meda finds herself with a chance to prove her worth. If she can translate the ancient spell and figure out who is destroying it and how she can save the isles—and maybe her dreams along the way.
What I Loved:
1. Compelling Protagonist: Meda is a wonderfully relatable character. Despite her weak magic, her determination and intelligence make her an inspiring heroine. Her journey from self-doubt to self-discovery is beautifully portrayed.
2. Rival-Turned-Partner Dynamic: The tension between Meda and Kalcedon is electric. Their rivalry evolves into a partnership filled with banter, mutual respect, and growing affection. Kalcedon’s transformation from a seemingly heartless rival to a protective ally adds depth to the story.
3. Rich World-Building: The Protectorate’s islands are vividly described, creating an immersive setting. The magic system, the ancient spells, and the looming threat of the fae lord enhance the world’s allure and complexity.
4. High Stakes Adventure: The plot’s urgency, with the failing Ward-spell and the race against time, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The balance of action, mystery, and emotional moments makes for a well-rounded narrative.
Meda’s attempts at translating the ancient spell provide a unique and intriguing aspect to the story. Her meticulous work with dusty tomes and cryptic languages adds an intellectual challenge to the adventure, making her triumphs feel well-earned and satisfying.
"Minor Works of Meda" is a magical journey that celebrates the power of determination and the unexpected alliances that can change everything. Juliette Caruso has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling, with characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
This book is perfect for fans of fantasy who enjoy a mix of magic, adventure, and slow-burn romance. Meda’s quest to save her world and prove her worth is a tale that will enchant you from beginning to end.
Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | ,The Author Juliette Caruso & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Juliette Caruso
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: 15th July 2024
What first called out to me was the stunning cover! As you all now, imagine a sucker for amazing covers.
However putting the cover aside, this tale of an underdog witch with a sharp mind and a half-faerie rival with immense power is a delightful escape into a richly imagined world.
Meda dreams of becoming a great witch, but with weak magic and no social graces, her aspirations seem impossible. Her rival, Kalcedon, a heartless half-faerie, has so much magic that just being near him makes her blood sing with envy.
However, when an ancient Ward-spell starts to fail, threatening the Protectorate with devastation at the hands of the cruelest fae lord ever known, Meda finds herself with a chance to prove her worth. If she can translate the ancient spell and figure out who is destroying it and how she can save the isles—and maybe her dreams along the way.
What I Loved:
1. Compelling Protagonist: Meda is a wonderfully relatable character. Despite her weak magic, her determination and intelligence make her an inspiring heroine. Her journey from self-doubt to self-discovery is beautifully portrayed.
2. Rival-Turned-Partner Dynamic: The tension between Meda and Kalcedon is electric. Their rivalry evolves into a partnership filled with banter, mutual respect, and growing affection. Kalcedon’s transformation from a seemingly heartless rival to a protective ally adds depth to the story.
3. Rich World-Building: The Protectorate’s islands are vividly described, creating an immersive setting. The magic system, the ancient spells, and the looming threat of the fae lord enhance the world’s allure and complexity.
4. High Stakes Adventure: The plot’s urgency, with the failing Ward-spell and the race against time, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The balance of action, mystery, and emotional moments makes for a well-rounded narrative.
Meda’s attempts at translating the ancient spell provide a unique and intriguing aspect to the story. Her meticulous work with dusty tomes and cryptic languages adds an intellectual challenge to the adventure, making her triumphs feel well-earned and satisfying.
"Minor Works of Meda" is a magical journey that celebrates the power of determination and the unexpected alliances that can change everything. Juliette Caruso has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling, with characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
This book is perfect for fans of fantasy who enjoy a mix of magic, adventure, and slow-burn romance. Meda’s quest to save her world and prove her worth is a tale that will enchant you from beginning to end.
Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | ,The Author Juliette Caruso & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2024
✨ Thank you to the author and BookSirens for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
If you've been searching for a novel that has faeries, pirates, and witches, and has an addictive, fast-paced storyline, then look no further because Minor Works of Meda has all of this and more! For all lovers of the rivals-to-lovers trope, as well as a well written grumpy x grumpy(/sunshine?) romance, this fantastical novel really does have it all.
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters that aren't all in their late teens or early twenties. Not only this, but our trio of heroes - Meda, Kalcedon, and Oraik - were the perfect blend of chaotic and heroic. Juliette Caruso has truly crafted some of the wittiest banter between these characters. There were moments that had me laughing out loud because of some of the things that were coming out of their mouths! I enjoyed getting to see faeries that are more of the traditional faeries that are written about in lore, as opposed to what has been written in fantasy novels over the recent years. These characters were all so creative and relatable, which made this story even more enjoyable.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was able to read this book in two sittings. There is so much fast-paced action and I simply could NOT put it down. The chapters were short and often ended on cliff hangers, which contributed to my accelerated reading pace. My only critique would be that I would have liked to have seen the magic system fleshed out a little bit more. Whenever Kalcedon used his powers, it was described as him "sending out power," but for me, I like the power to be specified. Is it associated with one of the four elements? Shadows? Weather related powers like lightning or the sun? However, the plot as a whole was well written, easy to follow along, and always left you on the edge of your seat.
Setting⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The setting gave me those coastal, Pirates of the Caribbean vibes. The story takes place across an archipelago, enclosed in a dome-like Ward. There are many cities, towns, and cozy fishing villages that are explored throughout the novel (my favourites being the fishing villages). They are all described so well, to the point where you feel like you can hear the ocean lapping against the docks, and smell the vendors selling their various wares. All of the necessary details are carefully and exquisitely described. It will leave you wanting to head for the ocean!
Minor Works of Meda was a journey with so many unexpected twists and turns. Following around these characters, even for just the course of a standalone novel, was a delight. I look forward to reading Juliette Caruso's other works!
If you've been searching for a novel that has faeries, pirates, and witches, and has an addictive, fast-paced storyline, then look no further because Minor Works of Meda has all of this and more! For all lovers of the rivals-to-lovers trope, as well as a well written grumpy x grumpy(/sunshine?) romance, this fantastical novel really does have it all.
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters that aren't all in their late teens or early twenties. Not only this, but our trio of heroes - Meda, Kalcedon, and Oraik - were the perfect blend of chaotic and heroic. Juliette Caruso has truly crafted some of the wittiest banter between these characters. There were moments that had me laughing out loud because of some of the things that were coming out of their mouths! I enjoyed getting to see faeries that are more of the traditional faeries that are written about in lore, as opposed to what has been written in fantasy novels over the recent years. These characters were all so creative and relatable, which made this story even more enjoyable.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was able to read this book in two sittings. There is so much fast-paced action and I simply could NOT put it down. The chapters were short and often ended on cliff hangers, which contributed to my accelerated reading pace. My only critique would be that I would have liked to have seen the magic system fleshed out a little bit more. Whenever Kalcedon used his powers, it was described as him "sending out power," but for me, I like the power to be specified. Is it associated with one of the four elements? Shadows? Weather related powers like lightning or the sun? However, the plot as a whole was well written, easy to follow along, and always left you on the edge of your seat.
Setting⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The setting gave me those coastal, Pirates of the Caribbean vibes. The story takes place across an archipelago, enclosed in a dome-like Ward. There are many cities, towns, and cozy fishing villages that are explored throughout the novel (my favourites being the fishing villages). They are all described so well, to the point where you feel like you can hear the ocean lapping against the docks, and smell the vendors selling their various wares. All of the necessary details are carefully and exquisitely described. It will leave you wanting to head for the ocean!
Minor Works of Meda was a journey with so many unexpected twists and turns. Following around these characters, even for just the course of a standalone novel, was a delight. I look forward to reading Juliette Caruso's other works!
July 11, 2024
🌟🌟2.5 Stars
🌶️ 1 smut-meter
*Very light spoilers - beware!*
Minor Works of Meda follows our characters Eudoria, Kalcedon, Oraik, and of course, Meda. Eudoria, Kalcedon, and Meda are witches who live in a tower separate from everyone else, until one day the Ward protecting the world comes down for a brief moment. After this, Kalcedon and Meda have to figure out how the Ward is coming down, and who is doing it.
We go on a very long adventure with pirate-like themes, as well as an “enemies to lovers” type trope, one bed, forced proximity.
The journey feels very fast-paced, and we don’t stop much along the way. There are so many different locations the three main characters go throughout the book, so we aren’t in any spot long enough to get world building details or cultural aspects.
Unfortunately, I really was not able to get behind any of the characters/build a relationship with them. Meda felt very emotionally immature, Kalcedon was incredibly vile at times, and Oraik was honestly just kind of existing.
Our girl Meda really thought two ravens dive bombing her was how she was going to die (this was before she even knew they were shape-shifting fae).
The romance really felt out of the blue/not natural. There was a definite lack of chemistry, and I wasn’t really rooting for them throughout the book. Meda saying she loved Kalcedon to Oraik truly came unexpectedly, as the characters are so at odds with each other for the first big chunk of the book, and then suddenly something changes. Kalcedon says he has loved her for years when they lived back in the tower, but his actions don’t prove that true to me.
Overall, the plot was confusing to me. At first, it felt like the book was going to be about Meda joining the Temple and strengthening her magic. Then, it felt like it was Oraik’s story and we were trying to keep him from getting captured (and thought maybe we would have some big fight at the end with him in the middle). But then, the true plot twist came when Kalcedon was abducted behind the Ward, only to discover his father was the SorrowLord. The plot twist felt disconnected from the rest of the story.
I think this book has a lot of potential to be something, but it just was not for me. I think if you are new to fantasy or like fantasy that does not have complex world building, this might be for you. It has magic, a little bit of faeries, pirate/sea themes, and a tiny bit of spice.
Thank you so much to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this ARC!
🌶️ 1 smut-meter
*Very light spoilers - beware!*
Minor Works of Meda follows our characters Eudoria, Kalcedon, Oraik, and of course, Meda. Eudoria, Kalcedon, and Meda are witches who live in a tower separate from everyone else, until one day the Ward protecting the world comes down for a brief moment. After this, Kalcedon and Meda have to figure out how the Ward is coming down, and who is doing it.
We go on a very long adventure with pirate-like themes, as well as an “enemies to lovers” type trope, one bed, forced proximity.
The journey feels very fast-paced, and we don’t stop much along the way. There are so many different locations the three main characters go throughout the book, so we aren’t in any spot long enough to get world building details or cultural aspects.
Unfortunately, I really was not able to get behind any of the characters/build a relationship with them. Meda felt very emotionally immature, Kalcedon was incredibly vile at times, and Oraik was honestly just kind of existing.
Our girl Meda really thought two ravens dive bombing her was how she was going to die (this was before she even knew they were shape-shifting fae).
The romance really felt out of the blue/not natural. There was a definite lack of chemistry, and I wasn’t really rooting for them throughout the book. Meda saying she loved Kalcedon to Oraik truly came unexpectedly, as the characters are so at odds with each other for the first big chunk of the book, and then suddenly something changes. Kalcedon says he has loved her for years when they lived back in the tower, but his actions don’t prove that true to me.
Overall, the plot was confusing to me. At first, it felt like the book was going to be about Meda joining the Temple and strengthening her magic. Then, it felt like it was Oraik’s story and we were trying to keep him from getting captured (and thought maybe we would have some big fight at the end with him in the middle). But then, the true plot twist came when Kalcedon was abducted behind the Ward, only to discover his father was the SorrowLord. The plot twist felt disconnected from the rest of the story.
I think this book has a lot of potential to be something, but it just was not for me. I think if you are new to fantasy or like fantasy that does not have complex world building, this might be for you. It has magic, a little bit of faeries, pirate/sea themes, and a tiny bit of spice.
Thank you so much to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this ARC!
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