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Princes of Toval #1
The Chef
Char is a level one chef, capable of imbuing magic into his cooking. Offered a job in a new city where he can further develop his skills and grow toward his goal of one day owning his own restaurant, Char undertakes a dangerous journey through the Spikehorn Mountain pass. However, deadly beasts, thieves, and dodgy recipe ingredients aren't the only challenges in the mountains. When the mercenary group he travels with is attacked and killed, Char wows their killers with his skills and chooses to join them instead of being left to travel on his own.
Figuring out how to cook over a campfire with only salted and dried ingredients is a unique challenge for Char, but the fighters promised to deliver Char safely to his new job once their own task in the mountains is complete. But the new fighters aren't everything they appear to be, especially Captain Fen, who makes Char think about something other than cooking for the first time in years. Surviving the mountain crossing was supposed to be tough, but surviving this new journey might prove impossible.
Figuring out how to cook over a campfire with only salted and dried ingredients is a unique challenge for Char, but the fighters promised to deliver Char safely to his new job once their own task in the mountains is complete. But the new fighters aren't everything they appear to be, especially Captain Fen, who makes Char think about something other than cooking for the first time in years. Surviving the mountain crossing was supposed to be tough, but surviving this new journey might prove impossible.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2024
26 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
69 books279 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 12, 2024
Chef meets royalty MM romantasy
Wow, I’m so glad I randomly decided to try a new author! I don’t even know why I clicked on this one when it popped up in my recommendations, but, once I read the sample, it was an auto-click buy, I didn’t want to stop reading. This is some fun worldbuilding and storytelling. It won’t be for everyone—this is a very low-steam, sweet kisses, close-the-bedroom-door entirely story without a lot of development of back story or wider world. But what’s here is just SO much fun. And there are recipes at the end for MC Char’s brownies and mac n cheese. Mmm.
You know those books that immerse you from jump and you look up, disoriented, hours later and realize you forgot where you are? This was one of those for me. The author’s voice and style worked for me, and while usually I like more focus on the romance in my reads, this still worked for me because it was a lot about chef Char and Commander Fen who turns out to have another role too being hella competent at their jobs and admiring that in the other. Competency and strong moral codes are sexy AF.
We’re mainly in Char’s POV, and I hate cooking, but, I loved seeing him cook and figure out how to use the ingredients on hand and wield his magic and just…yeah, in general, be supremely competent to the point of overshadowing all others. This guy is talented, smart, and crafty in that way that helps him overcome a-holes with nefarious agendas in wildly entertaining and sometimes hilarious ways.
And Commander Fen is fascinated! His interest is subtle and organic, but you can tell he’s just all-in over this person he and his troop picked up on their mission after slaughtering the mercs Char was cooking for and traveling with to the kingdom of Toval. The nuances were terrific and strong, and his plan for keeping Char in his orbit once they reach the kingdom of Toval was masterful. And appreciated by Char! This guy was smooth in a great way.
Other characters are well drawn and burst to life on the pages, adding layers and complexity to this deceptively simple tale of spies and treachery and loyalty and love. We do get two “Interludes” in Fen’s POV that helped to reveal more about him and his family, plus one additional Interlude in another character’s POV that I pray is setting up the next book. It does, after all, say PrinceS of Toval. More please!
I wish there’d been a story thread about Char and his actual family who work in the Toval palace. That connection fell by the wayside, which seemed a missed opportunity to develop more about Char. We also don’t learn much about the source of the danger and political intrigues that are the root cause of much of the action. But the characters we do meet and get to know added fun twists to the story, so…oh well.
HEA, magic, chef and royal, sweet/close the door sex content, romantasy, tons of cooking. No cheating or others in any way, shape, or form, entirely safe for me. Highly recommended.
Wow, I’m so glad I randomly decided to try a new author! I don’t even know why I clicked on this one when it popped up in my recommendations, but, once I read the sample, it was an auto-click buy, I didn’t want to stop reading. This is some fun worldbuilding and storytelling. It won’t be for everyone—this is a very low-steam, sweet kisses, close-the-bedroom-door entirely story without a lot of development of back story or wider world. But what’s here is just SO much fun. And there are recipes at the end for MC Char’s brownies and mac n cheese. Mmm.
You know those books that immerse you from jump and you look up, disoriented, hours later and realize you forgot where you are? This was one of those for me. The author’s voice and style worked for me, and while usually I like more focus on the romance in my reads, this still worked for me because it was a lot about chef Char and Commander Fen who turns out to have another role too being hella competent at their jobs and admiring that in the other. Competency and strong moral codes are sexy AF.
We’re mainly in Char’s POV, and I hate cooking, but, I loved seeing him cook and figure out how to use the ingredients on hand and wield his magic and just…yeah, in general, be supremely competent to the point of overshadowing all others. This guy is talented, smart, and crafty in that way that helps him overcome a-holes with nefarious agendas in wildly entertaining and sometimes hilarious ways.
And Commander Fen is fascinated! His interest is subtle and organic, but you can tell he’s just all-in over this person he and his troop picked up on their mission after slaughtering the mercs Char was cooking for and traveling with to the kingdom of Toval. The nuances were terrific and strong, and his plan for keeping Char in his orbit once they reach the kingdom of Toval was masterful. And appreciated by Char! This guy was smooth in a great way.
Other characters are well drawn and burst to life on the pages, adding layers and complexity to this deceptively simple tale of spies and treachery and loyalty and love. We do get two “Interludes” in Fen’s POV that helped to reveal more about him and his family, plus one additional Interlude in another character’s POV that I pray is setting up the next book. It does, after all, say PrinceS of Toval. More please!
I wish there’d been a story thread about Char and his actual family who work in the Toval palace. That connection fell by the wayside, which seemed a missed opportunity to develop more about Char. We also don’t learn much about the source of the danger and political intrigues that are the root cause of much of the action. But the characters we do meet and get to know added fun twists to the story, so…oh well.
HEA, magic, chef and royal, sweet/close the door sex content, romantasy, tons of cooking. No cheating or others in any way, shape, or form, entirely safe for me. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
heyy this was cute!! i actually loved the food and cooking descriptions, it made me so hungry lmao. plus i find it really funny and sweet that char and the royal guards kept randomly picking up stray orphan kids 😭
unfortunately the writing was dry and i couldn't really feel the chemistry; i also think the pacing was kinda fast like so many things happened within weeks, it felt rushed 😢
still deserves 3.5 stars tho!!
unfortunately the writing was dry and i couldn't really feel the chemistry; i also think the pacing was kinda fast like so many things happened within weeks, it felt rushed 😢
still deserves 3.5 stars tho!!
May 12, 2025
I have read a few Mell Eight stories and on the whole I have loved them. Stealing the Dragon is still my very favourite dragon story, so I had high hopes for this one.
Sadly they were not lived up too. I did love the idea of cooking magic but was disappointed in the execution. The magic seemed only to work by making the skin immune to heat or knife cuts and making the food unable to be poisoned. I guess I was expecting it to work more like making small amounts go further or making bland food tastier that kind of thing. I just feel the magic idea was wasted.
I never felt the connection between Char and Fen either, maybe because most of the story was centered on cooking and recipes rather than romance, and to be honest it became a little boring.
The other side of the story didn't really work for me either. The mystery/intrigue was not that interesting. it all felt too disjointed, and
Another problem for me was the world and age this was set in, mostly it felt medieval but then some places felt modern, mostly with the kitchens.
Overall while I could finish the story and there were aspects I enjoyed, this one failed to hit all the notes that I have come to expect from this author.
Sadly they were not lived up too. I did love the idea of cooking magic but was disappointed in the execution. The magic seemed only to work by making the skin immune to heat or knife cuts and making the food unable to be poisoned. I guess I was expecting it to work more like making small amounts go further or making bland food tastier that kind of thing. I just feel the magic idea was wasted.
I never felt the connection between Char and Fen either, maybe because most of the story was centered on cooking and recipes rather than romance, and to be honest it became a little boring.
The other side of the story didn't really work for me either. The mystery/intrigue was not that interesting. it all felt too disjointed, and
Another problem for me was the world and age this was set in, mostly it felt medieval but then some places felt modern, mostly with the kitchens.
Overall while I could finish the story and there were aspects I enjoyed, this one failed to hit all the notes that I have come to expect from this author.
dnf
April 4, 2025DNF @ 25% Seems like this one would work well for a reader who's more into a focus on descriptions of food and cooking than on plot, characters, or romance. Unfortunately that reader is not me.
March 28, 2025
This was unexpectly perfect. I loved Chars focus on cooking - really, just the first scene is perfect. and as I love cooking myself all the details about his dishes were fun.
I would have loved to see a bit more of his and Fens relationship - but it was good as it was.
not sure about the next one - but I think I will read it.
what I really want is this as an audiobook .... pretty pretty please
I would have loved to see a bit more of his and Fens relationship - but it was good as it was.
not sure about the next one - but I think I will read it.
what I really want is this as an audiobook .... pretty pretty please
September 12, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
The Chef is the first book in the Princes of Toval series. It’s … I suppose “cozy” is a word for it. The focus of the story is Char and his cooking, with some excitement happening in the background and a romance somewhere along the side. There are cute kids, cooking, depictions of cooking, explanations of cooking, and an interesting magic system hiding behind the condiments.
If this were a recipe blog, with small vignettes of a fantasy cook, I’d be charmed. However, what might make an engaging recipe blog doesn’t make for an interesting book. Without the detailed cooking, this would be a short story; without the short story, this could be a cookbook. Together, they almost work, but this is instead two things that are neither truly complemented by the other.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
The Chef is the first book in the Princes of Toval series. It’s … I suppose “cozy” is a word for it. The focus of the story is Char and his cooking, with some excitement happening in the background and a romance somewhere along the side. There are cute kids, cooking, depictions of cooking, explanations of cooking, and an interesting magic system hiding behind the condiments.
If this were a recipe blog, with small vignettes of a fantasy cook, I’d be charmed. However, what might make an engaging recipe blog doesn’t make for an interesting book. Without the detailed cooking, this would be a short story; without the short story, this could be a cookbook. Together, they almost work, but this is instead two things that are neither truly complemented by the other.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
November 20, 2025
4,75⭐
Everything in this book is just so nice, from the world building to the characters, I just wish we spent more time with some of them.
I thought the traipsing-through-the-mountains-and-feeding-people part of the book would be longer and the romance would develop there, which it technically did? We just don't see the characters having enough meaningful interactions/conversations for me to think "yessss I can't wait to see them together". Which is a damn shame because even like this their relationship was really sweet and I loved it. I really wish we saw more of them together actually building their relationship
still loved the book though
Everything in this book is just so nice, from the world building to the characters, I just wish we spent more time with some of them.
I thought the traipsing-through-the-mountains-and-feeding-people part of the book would be longer and the romance would develop there, which it technically did? We just don't see the characters having enough meaningful interactions/conversations for me to think "yessss I can't wait to see them together". Which is a damn shame because even like this their relationship was really sweet and I loved it. I really wish we saw more of them together actually building their relationship
still loved the book though
May 11, 2025
A chef on a spy mission. What else could you ask for?
The premise of the story, at least in the first part, reminded me so much of an Isekai anime called "Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skill". It focused on cooking a lot, which I enjoyed so much. Though, I'd say I prefer watching than reading it.
Char was a fascinating character. His focus was solemnly on cooking whenever or wherever he was. To the point that everyone could be dying and fighting for their lives, and he would be cooking. He took cooking seriously, no death would change that. I loved how he views things positively. His excitement when faced with a new challenge was so inspiring.
Fen, commander of the royal guard and the fourth child of King Aurelius and Queen Trina of Toval, was not given enough chances to fully get to know. What we did know was he was the youngest captain to ever be made commander. He was a great leader and a great lover. I liked how Fen was so soft and gentle when dealing with Char. I hope there were more POVs of him in the story.
Char and Fen were what you called a career-oriented couple. They knew what their priorities were. As much as I Ioved romance, I didn't want the characters to be blinded by it. Realistically, it was off-putting. So for them to actually know when to be sweet and lovey-dovey was an A-plus. I hope there was more in the relationship development, but it was good nonetheless.
The story was lighthearted and easy reading. The pacing was just right. I hope they prolong the first part. The use of food as a metaphor was a nice touch as well. Overall, it was a fun adventure.
The premise of the story, at least in the first part, reminded me so much of an Isekai anime called "Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skill". It focused on cooking a lot, which I enjoyed so much. Though, I'd say I prefer watching than reading it.
Char was a fascinating character. His focus was solemnly on cooking whenever or wherever he was. To the point that everyone could be dying and fighting for their lives, and he would be cooking. He took cooking seriously, no death would change that. I loved how he views things positively. His excitement when faced with a new challenge was so inspiring.
Fen, commander of the royal guard and the fourth child of King Aurelius and Queen Trina of Toval, was not given enough chances to fully get to know. What we did know was he was the youngest captain to ever be made commander. He was a great leader and a great lover. I liked how Fen was so soft and gentle when dealing with Char. I hope there were more POVs of him in the story.
Char and Fen were what you called a career-oriented couple. They knew what their priorities were. As much as I Ioved romance, I didn't want the characters to be blinded by it. Realistically, it was off-putting. So for them to actually know when to be sweet and lovey-dovey was an A-plus. I hope there was more in the relationship development, but it was good nonetheless.
The story was lighthearted and easy reading. The pacing was just right. I hope they prolong the first part. The use of food as a metaphor was a nice touch as well. Overall, it was a fun adventure.
April 3, 2025
Char is a chef, highly trained and extremely focused on his cooking. He needs to cross a very unsafe mountain territory to get to Etoval, where his cousin has offered him a job. To do so, he's hooked up with group of mercenaries, who agree to escort him across the mountain and in exchange he'll feed them. When the book begins, he's busily making breakfast - oatmeal, and ignoring the mercenaries battling intruders around him. When the fighting stops, the new group surround him, with Captain Fen aiming a sword at his throat, and demand to know his association. Once they believe him, they offer him a job, accompany them on their mission, feed them for the next couple weeks, and they'll escort him where he's going. Except their mission isn't going to be easy.
This was a quick read. There were two drawbacks in it, though. First, the chapters were fulled with minute details of the food Char was cooking, and if that had been condensed down, this probably would have been novella length. Second, I thought the relationship between Char and Fen was very rushed. This could have been deepened instead. Most of the novel focuses on Chars POV, but occasionally switches to Fen.
Rating: somewhere around 2.5 stars. Overall this was okay, not great but not awful.
This was a quick read. There were two drawbacks in it, though. First, the chapters were fulled with minute details of the food Char was cooking, and if that had been condensed down, this probably would have been novella length. Second, I thought the relationship between Char and Fen was very rushed. This could have been deepened instead. Most of the novel focuses on Chars POV, but occasionally switches to Fen.
Rating: somewhere around 2.5 stars. Overall this was okay, not great but not awful.
January 5, 2025
Food magic
A fascinating story of a world with different strains of magic and a chef who is looking to get a job in a new city but to have his plans get waylaid.
Char is a chef of one of the highest orders and he is travelling to get to a job his cousin has offered him in Etoval. It requires travelling through a dangerous mountain pass so he contracts to cook for some mercenaries for protection on the way. The mercenaries get attacked by another party and Char finds himself getting contracted by a new group on a secret mission. Their captain, Fen, intrigues Char which is surprising since not much outside of food usually interests him. Through the trials of the mission the two are drawn together but life in the city and their respective positions make imagining a future difficult.
This was a well written and detailed book, with plenty of rounded characters coming in at different stages of the story. The politics are interesting and can lead to more story going forward. The two leads in this story were great, with a very sweet and compelling if a little unconventional romance. What was surprising was how much was devoted to descriptions of cooking in this story. It fit well with the story and really did flow along well in the plot, but there were such detailed descriptions from flavour combinations to meal plans to preservation that it was enough to make one hungry! Well written and intriguing story, especially from this unique viewpoint of a chef. Looking forward to more from this series!
A fascinating story of a world with different strains of magic and a chef who is looking to get a job in a new city but to have his plans get waylaid.
Char is a chef of one of the highest orders and he is travelling to get to a job his cousin has offered him in Etoval. It requires travelling through a dangerous mountain pass so he contracts to cook for some mercenaries for protection on the way. The mercenaries get attacked by another party and Char finds himself getting contracted by a new group on a secret mission. Their captain, Fen, intrigues Char which is surprising since not much outside of food usually interests him. Through the trials of the mission the two are drawn together but life in the city and their respective positions make imagining a future difficult.
This was a well written and detailed book, with plenty of rounded characters coming in at different stages of the story. The politics are interesting and can lead to more story going forward. The two leads in this story were great, with a very sweet and compelling if a little unconventional romance. What was surprising was how much was devoted to descriptions of cooking in this story. It fit well with the story and really did flow along well in the plot, but there were such detailed descriptions from flavour combinations to meal plans to preservation that it was enough to make one hungry! Well written and intriguing story, especially from this unique viewpoint of a chef. Looking forward to more from this series!
September 4, 2024
This was delightful - I'm so glad I got distracted by the blurb while searching for a completely different book. Our main character is Chan, a chef who loves cooking above everything else. There is so much cooking in this book, it surpasses even the Nero Wolfe detective stories, which is just fine with me.
Chan is traveling home to take a prestigious job with his cousin, and on the way he joins up with a handsome captain and his band of mercenaries. Soon, he is swept up in royal intrigue, street urchins, and his very own kitchen. Also love, which only includes a little angst.
There is no heat in this story, just somme kissing and a couple of mentions of Chan enjoying his captain (or whatever he is) very much.
Chan is traveling home to take a prestigious job with his cousin, and on the way he joins up with a handsome captain and his band of mercenaries. Soon, he is swept up in royal intrigue, street urchins, and his very own kitchen. Also love, which only includes a little angst.
There is no heat in this story, just somme kissing and a couple of mentions of Chan enjoying his captain (or whatever he is) very much.
March 15, 2025
If it weren’t for my cat I would have finished this in one sitting - instead it was finished in two. I don’t write reviews very often but thought I should considering how much I enjoyed this book. Our main characters are so great and wholesome - if you’re a fan of found family you’ll adore this book😊 Sometimes there’s quite a bit of detail about food, but instead of being bored I found myself really invested. It’s great to read the passion and skill that our MC Char exudes when he’s cooking, and I found myself getting sooo hungry🥲 Our ML Fen can be compared to a golden retriever when we really get to know him - I love the bond he and his family share🥹 There are also so many laugh out loud moments so that was a very nice surprise - definitely a lighthearted read that I can see myself revisiting. Super excited to read the sequel and check out the author’s other books!💜
April 7, 2025
The story is solid and I read the whole book because the premise was interesting (and I love baking, myself). The writing sounded like an author’s first attempt at a novel and probably self-published but I admit tl;dr. In the first few chapters, there are many details that are unnecessary and/or repetitive. —He did this, then he did this, then he did this, then they did this. Listing the herbs and spices the chef uses in his recipes was nice and lent realism, but it didn’t need to be explained every time he cooked or baked something. So I liked the story, but a good editor and some beta readers might help with the writing. I’ll probably be tempted to give Book 2 a chance if I can get it from the library, but I wouldn’t purchase it.
April 4, 2025
So, I'm only four chapters in, and I might not finish this. Which is bad, of course, and really rare for me, so I'll explain why. If I do finish this, which I'm going to try to do, I'll come back if my review changes.
This isn't really a spoiler, since this happens right there at the beginning of the book: you have a character that poisons the camp's food. This is great! The person who did it is one of the very few established characters, and it's already sort of a slap because it's a character that was set up to be a favorable side character, someone you'd think Char would become relatively close to, and the fact that we already had some trust for her so quickly is great. Then on top of that, the poison is supposed to be some kind of powerful one, killing everyone—even better. THEN the fact that "No one poisons my food," and we learn that Char meant that literally— his magic will make poison ineffective, but it does mess with the flavors which simply just pisses him off —FANTASTIC. That's beautiful, it really is. The idea that he doesn't get slightly worried, and he's not even really upset that this already established possible confidant and friend of his betrayed and tried to kill him? Perfect. I love the idea of him feeling more betrayed that she made the meal he cooked taste off, and that he gets mad that if he had only tasted it beforehand, he could have fixed the flavor? Really, I love that.
Here's the thing…
"Her smile grew as she looked around at them, particularly at the fighters who had started to cry." … Um, what?
"... Jeorgi tried to joke, his voice stifled by the tears wetting his cheeks." Oh, actually crying?
" … and both had tear tracks drying on their cheeks. They weren't alone, Char realized as he glanced around. Most of the group had cried at some point, or still had pinched looks that said they were fighting not to." Right.
Listen, I am a very big advocate for crying. I am. I'm not someone who thinks that big, bad soldiers should only be allowed that 'one manly tear' in an emotional scene. But this was just SO out of place.
We first met this group of around 12 people because they were killing other people. We've just been with them for days as they made very rough travel through a mountain pass, long days with little to no breaks. These aren't just soldiers or mercs—they're spies at that.
Should they be upset that a member of their group just tried to kill them? Yes. But the entire scene is so fast—an alert from Char that the food is poisoned, the confession, and then abruptly, Char's food can't be poisoned. The emotional roller coaster in such a short period could earn a few tears, okay, I'll give you that, but only in maybe one character? Not an entire group of experienced fighters and spies, around 12 of them. And they all break down and cry, or almost do? Just like that? None of them had any other emotion?
You cannot tell me that a group of experienced fighters all wear their hearts so loosely on their sleeves. In fact, I would argue NONE of them do. I would argue that NONE of them just start crying on the spot like that. If they cry, and someone you trusted trying to kill you is worthy of crying, it would be later, after the fact, once the trauma of that finally kicks in. If they broke down and cried the moment a dangerous situation happened, they wouldn't even be on this quest of theirs. For fuck's sake—there is the other side of that 'big, bad soldier only crying one manly tear'--they're TRAINED not to break down in those situations. FOR FUCK'S SAKE. Not one of these trained fighters tried to kill her? Not one of them picked up their weapon and snarled? There were no shouts and yelling? Just… weeping?
And if it was just that, I'd try to just shake it off, but I have a feeling that uncharacteristic, unrealistic 'soft'ish emotion is going to be throughout this.
For one, when Fendle accidentally insults Char just before this, he reaches out as if to almost hug Char. They don't really know each other, there's nothing here to really establish that kind of emotional reaction to Char, but okay, I'll roll with that.
But then Char isn't just mad his food was poisoned, he gets UNREASONABLY upset with himself for not tasting the food before serving it, becoming absolutely convinced that he should lose his tier standing, that he'd be stripped of it, that he should and would have dire consequences—which okay, dramatic Char, I'm here for it—but then FENDLE has to give him a long dialogue of comfort and a hug, in the midst of these crying fighters, and the weeping fighters THEMSELVES have to comfort him?
I just… no. If you want that level of an emotionally charged scene with a group of around 12 experienced fighters, someone should have had to be stopped from charging at the poisoner to kill her themself, someone could have thrown the food at her face, another one could have gotten into Char's face and blame him, too, making him earn the meltdown he had, and chaos should have erupted. Not just a group of trained fighters sitting around weeping then being like, 'Hey, man, it's not your fault' when Char has a meltdown.
And I am just so, so bitterly disappointed. Especially because this was such a good set up, and the writing is there, the dialogue is pretty good so far with some excellent lines, and I can even put up with the long prose about cooking because I love cooking myself. But the emotions are just so extreme, completely out of place, and really, really unearned. It's unrealistic softness that makes me feel these characters need an adult or some kind of supervision.
And I was so excited too. This book seemed like it would be right up my alley, and it was raining yesterday when it came in. I set aside time in my day, made myself a comfortable spot by the window, I was so ready, man…
I'll try to give this another chance with the hope that it's just this one scene, but so far, I'm not recommending it to anyone.
This isn't really a spoiler, since this happens right there at the beginning of the book: you have a character that poisons the camp's food. This is great! The person who did it is one of the very few established characters, and it's already sort of a slap because it's a character that was set up to be a favorable side character, someone you'd think Char would become relatively close to, and the fact that we already had some trust for her so quickly is great. Then on top of that, the poison is supposed to be some kind of powerful one, killing everyone—even better. THEN the fact that "No one poisons my food," and we learn that Char meant that literally— his magic will make poison ineffective, but it does mess with the flavors which simply just pisses him off —FANTASTIC. That's beautiful, it really is. The idea that he doesn't get slightly worried, and he's not even really upset that this already established possible confidant and friend of his betrayed and tried to kill him? Perfect. I love the idea of him feeling more betrayed that she made the meal he cooked taste off, and that he gets mad that if he had only tasted it beforehand, he could have fixed the flavor? Really, I love that.
Here's the thing…
"Her smile grew as she looked around at them, particularly at the fighters who had started to cry." … Um, what?
"... Jeorgi tried to joke, his voice stifled by the tears wetting his cheeks." Oh, actually crying?
" … and both had tear tracks drying on their cheeks. They weren't alone, Char realized as he glanced around. Most of the group had cried at some point, or still had pinched looks that said they were fighting not to." Right.
Listen, I am a very big advocate for crying. I am. I'm not someone who thinks that big, bad soldiers should only be allowed that 'one manly tear' in an emotional scene. But this was just SO out of place.
We first met this group of around 12 people because they were killing other people. We've just been with them for days as they made very rough travel through a mountain pass, long days with little to no breaks. These aren't just soldiers or mercs—they're spies at that.
Should they be upset that a member of their group just tried to kill them? Yes. But the entire scene is so fast—an alert from Char that the food is poisoned, the confession, and then abruptly, Char's food can't be poisoned. The emotional roller coaster in such a short period could earn a few tears, okay, I'll give you that, but only in maybe one character? Not an entire group of experienced fighters and spies, around 12 of them. And they all break down and cry, or almost do? Just like that? None of them had any other emotion?
You cannot tell me that a group of experienced fighters all wear their hearts so loosely on their sleeves. In fact, I would argue NONE of them do. I would argue that NONE of them just start crying on the spot like that. If they cry, and someone you trusted trying to kill you is worthy of crying, it would be later, after the fact, once the trauma of that finally kicks in. If they broke down and cried the moment a dangerous situation happened, they wouldn't even be on this quest of theirs. For fuck's sake—there is the other side of that 'big, bad soldier only crying one manly tear'--they're TRAINED not to break down in those situations. FOR FUCK'S SAKE. Not one of these trained fighters tried to kill her? Not one of them picked up their weapon and snarled? There were no shouts and yelling? Just… weeping?
And if it was just that, I'd try to just shake it off, but I have a feeling that uncharacteristic, unrealistic 'soft'ish emotion is going to be throughout this.
For one, when Fendle accidentally insults Char just before this, he reaches out as if to almost hug Char. They don't really know each other, there's nothing here to really establish that kind of emotional reaction to Char, but okay, I'll roll with that.
But then Char isn't just mad his food was poisoned, he gets UNREASONABLY upset with himself for not tasting the food before serving it, becoming absolutely convinced that he should lose his tier standing, that he'd be stripped of it, that he should and would have dire consequences—which okay, dramatic Char, I'm here for it—but then FENDLE has to give him a long dialogue of comfort and a hug, in the midst of these crying fighters, and the weeping fighters THEMSELVES have to comfort him?
I just… no. If you want that level of an emotionally charged scene with a group of around 12 experienced fighters, someone should have had to be stopped from charging at the poisoner to kill her themself, someone could have thrown the food at her face, another one could have gotten into Char's face and blame him, too, making him earn the meltdown he had, and chaos should have erupted. Not just a group of trained fighters sitting around weeping then being like, 'Hey, man, it's not your fault' when Char has a meltdown.
And I am just so, so bitterly disappointed. Especially because this was such a good set up, and the writing is there, the dialogue is pretty good so far with some excellent lines, and I can even put up with the long prose about cooking because I love cooking myself. But the emotions are just so extreme, completely out of place, and really, really unearned. It's unrealistic softness that makes me feel these characters need an adult or some kind of supervision.
And I was so excited too. This book seemed like it would be right up my alley, and it was raining yesterday when it came in. I set aside time in my day, made myself a comfortable spot by the window, I was so ready, man…
I'll try to give this another chance with the hope that it's just this one scene, but so far, I'm not recommending it to anyone.
September 15, 2024
Title: The Chef
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 978-1-64890-793-7
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Princes of Toval 1
Char is a level one chef, capable of imbuing magic into his cooking. Offered a job in a new city where he can further develop his skills and grow toward his goal of one day owning his own restaurant, Char undertakes a dangerous journey through the Spikehorn Mountain pass. However, deadly beasts, thieves, and dodgy recipe ingredients aren't the only challenges in the mountains. When the mercenary group he travels with is attacked and killed, Char wows their killers with his skills and chooses to join them instead of being left to travel on his own.
Figuring out how to cook over a campfire with only salted and dried ingredients is a unique challenge for Char, but the fighters promised to deliver Char safely to his new job once their own task in the mountains is complete. But the new fighters aren't everything they appear to be, especially Captain Fen, who makes Char think about something other than cooking for the first time in years. Surviving the mountain crossing was supposed to be tough, but surviving this new journey might prove impossible.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
All Char wants to do is grow his cooking skills to some day open his own establishment, but first he needs to get to a new city where his job is. He is forced to travel with a group of mercenaries that are attacked placing him in peril. It is his very cooking skills that not only save his life, but his magic that come into play ti save the day. Captain Fen vows protect and take him to his new home once they have completed their mission.
Thus begins an adventure that tests their loyalty to each other as danger lurks not only around every corner, but possibly from within their own ranks. Char may find a future and love he never expected.
This is a wonderful story and the series has just begun!
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 978-1-64890-793-7
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Princes of Toval 1
Char is a level one chef, capable of imbuing magic into his cooking. Offered a job in a new city where he can further develop his skills and grow toward his goal of one day owning his own restaurant, Char undertakes a dangerous journey through the Spikehorn Mountain pass. However, deadly beasts, thieves, and dodgy recipe ingredients aren't the only challenges in the mountains. When the mercenary group he travels with is attacked and killed, Char wows their killers with his skills and chooses to join them instead of being left to travel on his own.
Figuring out how to cook over a campfire with only salted and dried ingredients is a unique challenge for Char, but the fighters promised to deliver Char safely to his new job once their own task in the mountains is complete. But the new fighters aren't everything they appear to be, especially Captain Fen, who makes Char think about something other than cooking for the first time in years. Surviving the mountain crossing was supposed to be tough, but surviving this new journey might prove impossible.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
All Char wants to do is grow his cooking skills to some day open his own establishment, but first he needs to get to a new city where his job is. He is forced to travel with a group of mercenaries that are attacked placing him in peril. It is his very cooking skills that not only save his life, but his magic that come into play ti save the day. Captain Fen vows protect and take him to his new home once they have completed their mission.
Thus begins an adventure that tests their loyalty to each other as danger lurks not only around every corner, but possibly from within their own ranks. Char may find a future and love he never expected.
This is a wonderful story and the series has just begun!
December 7, 2025
An enjoyable book for the right person in a specific mood.
I’m surprised this book has over a 4-star average on Goodreads. I really liked it, but it feels like something that would only work for a niche audience. But clearly the author has found a small but engaged audience.
The characters in this book took a bit of time for me to connect with, but once I got a better sense of who they were, the book became exponentially more enjoyable. The descriptions of food and Char’s cooking process were A LOT, but it really worked for me. It was enjoyable to get lost in Char’s head as he was cooking.
The world was an interesting one, with interesting and novel types of magic. I loved that this was low angst, but also relatively low sweetness. The fact that both of the main characters were pragmatic and also committed to other things made them feel like more rounded characters. So while their romance was sweet, it wasn’t saccharine sweet. This book had absolutely no spice, but I wasn’t bothered because I think it would have been out of place for this specific story.
While I really enjoyed this book, I don’t know if I would recommend it to most people. It just has such a specific vibe. However, that vibe totally worked for me
I’m surprised this book has over a 4-star average on Goodreads. I really liked it, but it feels like something that would only work for a niche audience. But clearly the author has found a small but engaged audience.
The characters in this book took a bit of time for me to connect with, but once I got a better sense of who they were, the book became exponentially more enjoyable. The descriptions of food and Char’s cooking process were A LOT, but it really worked for me. It was enjoyable to get lost in Char’s head as he was cooking.
The world was an interesting one, with interesting and novel types of magic. I loved that this was low angst, but also relatively low sweetness. The fact that both of the main characters were pragmatic and also committed to other things made them feel like more rounded characters. So while their romance was sweet, it wasn’t saccharine sweet. This book had absolutely no spice, but I wasn’t bothered because I think it would have been out of place for this specific story.
While I really enjoyed this book, I don’t know if I would recommend it to most people. It just has such a specific vibe. However, that vibe totally worked for me
August 19, 2024
Char was a cook who just wanted to get through a dangerous mountain pass and he didn’t care escorted him there. When his party was attacked his neutrality is what saved him. Fen had his reason for attacking the mercenaries. Finding an excellent chef was an unexpected bonus.
As this book is titled The Chef, it’s all about the cooking. While the story centers on the cooking, it is so much more than that. It also has some action (and blood). A troop of loyal soldiers with distinctive personalities, intrigue, and a whole lot of heart.
The use of magic was interesting, specially in relation to cooking. Specific magic for fighting and healing.
The book takes place well before the Industrial age but still has a few modern touches.
Char and Fen’s romance was very sweet. Their developing feeling were what I call a slow burn. The physical part of the relationship was off page.
I liked this book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
As this book is titled The Chef, it’s all about the cooking. While the story centers on the cooking, it is so much more than that. It also has some action (and blood). A troop of loyal soldiers with distinctive personalities, intrigue, and a whole lot of heart.
The use of magic was interesting, specially in relation to cooking. Specific magic for fighting and healing.
The book takes place well before the Industrial age but still has a few modern touches.
Char and Fen’s romance was very sweet. Their developing feeling were what I call a slow burn. The physical part of the relationship was off page.
I liked this book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
August 28, 2024
One of the things I like about Mell Eight’s writing is their ability to create excellent worldbuilding and devise clever magic systems. Both are true of The Chef. With that title it was easy to guess one of the main characters and the series name The Princes of Toval indicated who the other MC would be, as well as who the future books will be about. That said, Char, the chef, is an exceptional character, both for his dedication to cooking and baking (making me hungry when I read the book), as well as his romantic inclinations running toward ace or aro, and the prince, Fen, is infatuated nonetheless. Fen is a robust character, balancing being prince with his duties to the Royal Guard. There is enough mystery and political intrigue to make for an engaging read. Note: spoiler ahead: I hope the children appear in the future books, maybe even star in one (or two). I received a free copy of the book from IndiGo Marketing and Design and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
Very slow-paced story, slice of life, and cooking-centered with a sprinkle of romance. Low angst too. So if you are looking for a slow-burning cooking romance, this is for you. If you want a high-adventure action story, this is not for you. I really enjoyed it, maybe because I love cooking :) A bit ridiculous, the whole "you need to come to work for us". I mean, even if the food is fabulous, it is a chef, so why try to kidnap them? Other than that, it was a very cute story and will make me go find other stories by the same author.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Very slow-paced story, slice of life, and cooking-centered with a sprinkle of romance. Low angst too. So if you are looking for a slow-burning cooking romance, this is for you. If you want a high-adventure action story, this is not for you. I really enjoyed it, maybe because I love cooking :) A bit ridiculous, the whole "you need to come to work for us". I mean, even if the food is fabulous, it is a chef, so why try to kidnap them? Other than that, it was a very cute story and will make me go find other stories by the same author.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
August 29, 2024
I liked it, but almost nothing I look for in a book was there.
• There was very little character development (if any at all).
• Basically no relationship progression.
• The plot wasn't fleshed out at all.
I loved the cooking part of the book, however. And it could have been 4 stars had the book just been a hundred pages longer and everything other than the kitchen work had been in a lot more detail.
• There was very little character development (if any at all).
• Basically no relationship progression.
• The plot wasn't fleshed out at all.
I loved the cooking part of the book, however. And it could have been 4 stars had the book just been a hundred pages longer and everything other than the kitchen work had been in a lot more detail.
October 19, 2025
A recipe book with a decent story in the background.
I’d rather enjoy the story, and unlike so many M/M novellas, not a whole lot of descriptive language about what happens in the bedroom. But there sure was plenty of descriptive language about what happens in the kitchen, lol. It felt more like I was reading a recipe book with a story in the background than it did a story with cooking in the background.
I’d rather enjoy the story, and unlike so many M/M novellas, not a whole lot of descriptive language about what happens in the bedroom. But there sure was plenty of descriptive language about what happens in the kitchen, lol. It felt more like I was reading a recipe book with a story in the background than it did a story with cooking in the background.
October 21, 2025
This book reminds me of those recipe blogs where you have to read through five paragraphs about their aunt who has long since passed before getting to the recipe. Except in Chef you are digging through extensive details of kitchen prep work to get to the story underneath. I think the kitchen details could have been halved and it still would be a very food focused cozy romance.
September 30, 2024
3.5 stars!!
This was a really cute read. Just a warning though that there is a lot of food description *cough food porn cough* but strangely I didn't mind it. But if that's not for you, then maybe don't read this book.
Other than that, an adorable read.
This was a really cute read. Just a warning though that there is a lot of food description *cough food porn cough* but strangely I didn't mind it. But if that's not for you, then maybe don't read this book.
Other than that, an adorable read.
January 27, 2025
Totally Absorbing. A really pleasurable read.
I loved this book. Everything about it, from the writing style to the content was enjoyable. I loved Shae. The plot was wonderful. It was incredibly well researched. Will definitely be doing a reread.
I loved this book. Everything about it, from the writing style to the content was enjoyable. I loved Shae. The plot was wonderful. It was incredibly well researched. Will definitely be doing a reread.
September 1, 2024
So good!!
November 18, 2024
I like a cozy book that includes detailed descriptions of cooking, but not when it takes over the entire book.
Read
September 6, 2025DNF 23%
Sadly it didn't work for me. I felt like it was a cookbook instead of book with story to tell.
Sadly it didn't work for me. I felt like it was a cookbook instead of book with story to tell.
Read
October 8, 2025Too much food, no plot.
Magic foodprep but no worldbuilding.
Swiss cheese, Shepherds pie.
Nope.
Magic foodprep but no worldbuilding.
Swiss cheese, Shepherds pie.
Nope.
December 30, 2025
Okay but not great. A charming premise, but there's not much depth to the characters or romance. A little bit of plot excitement, a *lot* of detailed description of cooking. I didn't mind the cooking minutia but I wish the author had applied similar effort to the rest of the book. A fun enough read, but wouldn't read again.
June 14, 2025
3.5 stars - An easy read, a sweet story and free recipes on top :P
Nothing special, but a nice story. I will continue the series.
Nothing special, but a nice story. I will continue the series.
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