Still Chosen: Another Unwanted Adventure

by Stephanie G. Olson

You’re still The Chosen One. If someone needs to face the new evil in the world, you’re it.

When Phoebe was sixteen, she died to save the world. Not ideal, but it was the only way to destroy the power-mad wizard who was ripping a hole in the universe. Besides, she came back to life, so it all worked out, right? Twenty years later, Phoebe is queen of the realm and while the kingdom is finally at peace, the routine of life has grown dull – until the divine messenger from her youth reappears with evidence of the dead wizard’s return and demands Phoebe stop him once again.

Phoebe has no interest in another harrowing adventure since her personal life fell apart after the last one: her old friends haven’t spoken to her in years, the “love of her life” is long gone, and she hasn't performed real magic in nearly a decade. But she knows if the wizard turns out to be alive it will be her fault for failing. Oh, and he’ll try to tear apart the universe again. Whatever the evil is, Phoebe needs to get strong enough to stop it from destroying everything she loves, because she’s the only one who can.

It turns out, once you’re The Chosen One, you’re always The Chosen One – and destiny is forever.


Cover Art by Greta Sandquist
Cover Design by Jason Norman - The Paper Prophet

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fiction, Magic, Adult

354 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Stephanie Olson (she/her) is a writer, horror movie enthusiast (especially the bad ones), and Halloween-all-year person. The first story she ever wrote was the gripping tale of a haunted bog. It was created in an attempt to scare her bunkmates at summer camp, and the result was so successful she was banned from writing any more stories that week. She’s been chasing that high ever since.

While horror is her first love, she also enjoys fantasy and mysteries.

Stephanie has a short story published in Spontaneous Combustion Volume II, by Sic Semper Serpent, and has written numerous episodes for the horror anthology podcast, Ghost Wax.

She lives in Minnesota with her husband and dog.

Reviews

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was refreshing. I loved reading from an older main character. At some points I did feel like some reactions were a little juvenile - until I realized that I myself, a 30 year old woman, have had panic attacks and gotten angry over far less. I guess it was a good reminder that while we get older, we are not always wiser and have plenty yet to learn. The side characters were also very enjoyable and I didn't see the big plot twist coming which is rare for me. The overall plot was also very fun- I loved watching the "old" characters reuniting and found myself intrigued by the back stories. Overall a really solid read. I would absolutely love to read the prequel even if I know how it ends!

[Peyton bookinhand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet and fun with a big heart!
I loved seeing an older FMC in this fantasy story! Mercury was hilarious and loved his comic relief. Going on an adventure with all the array of characters is just what I have been craving in my fantasy reads!
I can't wait to see what Steph does next! 🥰

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this debut novel by Stephanie G. Olson, our protagonist goes on a real journey of self-discovery, and we readers go along with her. I felt it was very close to me since the protagonist is 36 years old and we still see her on a journey of personal growth. If we think about our reality, we too are constantly looking for change, so this story, believe me, is a fantasy but very close to reality. If you like touches of magic and humor, this novel will undoubtedly win you over. Even as an adult, I really appreciated that the book was free of spicy scenes, and in my opinion, a book doesn't necessarily have to have those scenes to be intriguing. It was an incredible journey, and I can't wait to discover what Olson will write in the future.

[Ruth Jenkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise and the first Act or so. A thirty-something former Chosen One has to re-save the world, but she's grown complacent in the meantime and her magic is rusty.

There was a good exploration of the anxiety someone might develop having had to literally sacrifice themselves to save everyone at 16 years old.

But the supporting characters were flat, especially the love interest, and tensions between characters were resolved very easily. A big deal is made of Phoebe travelling in disguise, but there was never an issue whenever she revealed her true identity or was discovered. I would've liked more challenges along the journey apart from the battles with the bad guy.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoyed the premise of this book immensely and the plot was pretty interesting. i wish that there was more time to develop the side characters (particularly kitt since it feels like their relationship just goes 0-100). i liked the twist with the villain, even though i had inklings of something happening, the motivations and plan still felt surprising but understood. not as much action and romance as i was maybe expecting, but again, the idea was really interesting and i would say succeeded in its premise

[Charlotte Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun and witty. The plot and world are well built, pacing was great! Phoebe is a great protagonist and as a 30 y/o on a hiking trip while I started the read, I could relate to her knee pain all too well.
I took a star off because I don’t give 5 stars lightly and I still have some critique for the writing. I felt like the characters fell a little flat and sometime the obvious was spelled out for the reader- which wasn’t necessary.

All in all, the is an amazing first (INDIE!!) Novel that I would recommend to all my friends.

[Matt Cahoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell of a strong debut novel. The characters, story and setting are super fun. Very satisfying and yet you want another adventure when it's over.

[Zelina Pinkerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up, fun debut novel!

[Colton Mollerud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, adventurous adult fantasy novel centered on a 36 year old female main character. This was a really enjoyable read with a mix of lol moments, heartfelt moments and great character development. As someone who reads a lot of YA fantasy it was great to have a book that features a protagonist my own age!

[KMart Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add to your TBR if you love:
✨Chosen One... again
✨Found family
✨Snarky animal companion
✨Elemental magic
✨Humor
✨Mid-30s main character
✨Getting the gang back together

This 👏Was 👏 Delightful. 👏 It's funny, it's charming, it's bittersweet and it's honest about aging.

Starting with the main character dying heroically at sixteen is such an epic hook. It reopens 20 years later with her leading her kingdom as queen. That feisty, sassy, young heroine has grown up and grown into responsibility. This deals with the aftermath of being “the chosen one.” The world was saved, sure, but the people didn’t come out unchanged. There’s this bittersweet, almost quiet grief and nostalgia running through the entire story as you realize the “happily ever after” didn’t stay that way. The heroes grew up. They drifted. One died. And that lingering ache of love not always being enough really lands.

I also adored Mercury, the chaos gremlin ethereal winged cat entity who helped her as a young hero... and is back to let her know that she and her crew didn't quite save the world as thoroughly as they thought. He's the source of most of the humor in the story. Mercury was definitely one of those companions who steals the show, making comments about her aging (and completely mystified about it since he doesn't), not sure why she doesn't just take what she wants or harm anyone in her way. He's hilarious and inhuman and such a good friend and so understanding when she explains things.

I loved all of the characters in this. They're all so varied and I adored them, new and old companions all. But Phoebe was easily my favorite. She’s not that same young girl anymore, and she knows it. And she struggles with guilt and feeling like she disappointed her younger self and failed her people. It felt so real and I've never felt that I understood a character this much in a book.

There's a whole lot that's so special going on in this book. Funny, charming, and intensely character-driven. One of those books that feels like the people in it are real, despite the fantasy setting and honestly just really easy to sink into. It's surprisingly honest about what happens after the big heroic moment is over. I was hooked on this mix of nostalgia, humor, and that underlying sense that growing up changes everything…even for heroes.

Thank so much to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun and quirky this is what I want out of a fantasy childfree 30 plus gal being a baddie and having a romance and healing trauma yesss

[Sheryl Patricelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! I recommend it to EVERYONE who enjoys adventure stories. Especially adults who enjoy Fantasy without “spice”.

I loved how the story shows that friendships and relationships change naturally over the course of life and follows a strong woman learning to depend on and trust others.

The Characters are complex, world is built beautifully, I love the magic aspect. There were funny moments, sad moments, sweet moments. Couldn’t put the book down and hope there are more to come!

The one thing I noticed is just twice the wonderfully chaotic Ethereal creature was referred to with “He/Him” pronouns when the rest of the time it is “They/Them”. But I’m a nitpicker!

[Janice Armstrong · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited for an older FMC…but one who has all these gifts and basically forgets how to use them?!? That was annoying let’s be real if you had those would you really not practice? But my ultimate issue is with mercury as the character was probably the most entertaining the use of a fucking pronoun was like nails on a chalk board. As the reader every time I read “they” I had to keep thinking of what characters were around and yup it was just mercury. The pronoun was grammatically incorrect and ruined the vibe almost DNF it because of the annoyance of this. But I ain’t no quitter.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a love letter to every “Chosen One” story I grew up loving—but written for the version of us that is older, more tired, a little heartbroken, and far less enchanted by destiny than we once were. What instantly pulled me in was the premise itself: what happens after the grand victory, after the prophecy is fulfilled, after the world has already been saved? That idea alone made this story feel so fresh, and it delivered in such an emotionally satisfying way. Instead of giving us the bright-eyed teenage heroine at the beginning of her journey, this story gives us Phoebe twenty years later—a queen, a survivor, and a woman still carrying the emotional wreckage of the life she gave up in order to be “the one.”

What I loved most was how deeply human Phoebe felt. She is not the polished, endlessly brave fantasy heroine who is always ready to pick up a sword and sacrifice herself all over again. She’s exhausted. She’s resentful. She’s lonely. She’s someone who already gave everything once and has no desire to do it again—and honestly, that made her feel even more heroic to me. There was something so powerful about watching a woman who has already fulfilled her destiny be dragged back into it, not because she wants glory, but because she knows the consequences of turning away. That emotional tension made the story feel richer than a typical fantasy adventure. It wasn’t just about defeating evil again; it was about grief, responsibility, regret, and the painful realization that surviving the battle doesn’t always mean you get to keep the life you wanted.

One of the strongest aspects of the book for me was the way it explored the aftermath of being “The Chosen One.” So many fantasy stories end right at the victory, as if saving the world magically solves everything. But this book dares to ask the more interesting question: what did that victory cost? Phoebe may have saved the universe at sixteen, but the scars of that sacrifice are still shaping her decades later. Her broken friendships, the loss of the love she once held onto, her distance from magic, and the dullness of peace all gave the story a melancholy depth that I really appreciated. It felt bittersweet in the best possible way—less about the glamour of heroism and more about its emotional consequences.

I also really enjoyed how the story balanced that emotional heaviness with the classic fantasy stakes of a returning dark wizard and another looming apocalypse. There’s something undeniably compelling about a heroine being told, essentially, sorry, your shift isn’t over. And yet beneath all the danger and magical urgency, the story still felt deeply personal. Phoebe’s greatest battle didn’t just seem to be against the returning evil—it was against the version of herself that had long since stopped believing she still had anything left to give. Watching her reckon with her past, her power, and the people she lost along the way gave the story its heart.

Another thing I appreciated was how much this book seemed to trust its readers. It didn’t rely solely on nostalgia for old fantasy tropes; it reworked them into something more mature and emotionally layered. It felt like a fantasy for readers who once adored tales of prophecies and magical destinies, but who now crave stories that acknowledge the messiness that comes after the triumph. That’s exactly what made this stand out for me. It wasn’t just about destiny—it was about the burden of destiny, and how unfair it is that some people never really get to put it down.

That said, one of the biggest reasons I ended this book wanting more is because I would absolutely love to read the prequel to this story—the one that shows Phoebe’s first great victory. As much as I adored this book for focusing on the aftermath, I became so invested in the history behind it that I desperately wanted to see the original adventure unfold in full. I want to witness sixteen-year-old Phoebe at the height of that first battle, to see the friendships before they fractured, the love before it was lost, the magic before it faded, and the exact emotional and heroic journey that led her to die to save the world. This book gave us the echoes of that first story in such an intriguing and emotionally loaded way that now I genuinely need the whole thing. A prequel centered on the first rise of the wizard and Phoebe’s first legendary victory would be incredible, and I would read it without hesitation.

Overall, this was such a thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and clever fantasy read. It had the epic stakes I wanted, but what stayed with me most was its heart—the way it explored burnout, sacrifice, aging, and the loneliness of being the person everyone expects to save the world, again and again. Phoebe’s journey felt both magical and painfully real, and that combination made the story hit much harder than I expected. If you’ve ever loved fantasy stories about chosen heroes but wondered what happens after the ending, this book is such a rewarding read. And if this author ever writes the prequel about Phoebe’s first great victory, I’ll be first in line to pick it up.

[Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story.

Phoebe was only 16 when the Ethereal Mercury (a cat-like familiar to the goddesses) let her know that she was the Chosen One. The goddesses had blessed her with all four magical powers: ice fire, earth, and souls so that she could defeat Zaletor, the Eternal Emperor who had been ruling with an iron fist for 200 years and pawn of the disgraced goddess Kalexia. Mercury told her that she would sacrifice her life to defeat the evil Emperor and his dark magic. On their way to the wastelands where Zaletor had his castle, Phoebe and Mercury met Tristan, Axel, Jax and Becky, who joined them in their plans to destroy Zaletor. After a fierce battle, Phoebe gave her life to defeat Zaletor, accepting her sacrifice to save her new found family and protect the Kingdom. Only she had been unaware that Mercury requested the goddesses that Phoebe could be resurrected as a blessing for her bravery.

Twenty years later Queen Phoebe is now preparing for the 20th anniversary festival of their defeat of Zaletor, a festival she was quite tired of replaying year after year, when Mercury once again shows up to let her know that the goddesses have felt the dark magic once again out in the wastelands and that Phoebe needed to grab her friends and come defeat it. Phoebe said, "Thanks but no thanks. She already did that" but Mercury explained that "Once the Chosen One, always the Chosen One" and that she needed to step up.

Queen Phoebe, now the ripe age of 36, and her friends haven’t spoken in quite some time. Phoebe has spent the last 20 years as Queen, taking care of the people of the lands, not working her magic and preparing for battle. Sooo, Phoebe might’ve put on a little extra weight and gotten a little slower wielding her magic. But she does agree to sneak out of the castle with Mercury to investigate the dark magic. Once again, along the way Phoebe and Mercury meet new friends who joined her on her quest, but when they find that somebody is trying to resurrect Zaletor’s magic they go to find Tristan, Jax and Axel, so they can help Phoebe once again defeat and finish the job for real. The problem is that her friends have also moved on and aren’t thrilled to risk death to go battle evil once again. Phoebe is the Chosen One and she doesn't want to fight, so she gets it, but she really needs their help. She can’t let Zaletor resurrect. So what's an aging Chosen One supposed to do?

THOUGHTS:
I loved this premise, and I grabbed this as my next read because I really wanted to see what was gonna happen. Because saving the world for a 16 year-old is easy. At 36, not so much.

I really enjoyed the storytelling. It had some interesting thoughts. Phoebe and Tristan were teenage "great loves," but as time went on, and the battles were over, they started drifting apart. We find the Tristan has moved on and gotten married and had a family, but the people looked at Phoebe, wondering what she did to send Tristan away and waiting for her great love to return to her. Every time Phoebe tries to find a new romance, the people look at her with sad faces like she's unfaithful to her great love.

Years after the battle, Becky was killed after trying to defeat some pirates, the teens realized that they were simply mortal and it changed their family dynamic. They all started going their own way, leaving Phoebe sitting alone on the throne. She went from being a street kid to the queen, in a guilded cage, responsible for everyone in the kingdom. She did her best to try and take care of the poor and the orphans and give them all a better life than what she had known, but as she travels around on her second quest, she sees that there is still injustice and tyranny in the smaller cities. Her Council has kept this from her and she feels like a failure as the queen.

Of course, the best part of the story--as an older adult myself-- is the idea that all these grand adventures are featuring people in their teens and 20s. They learning to sword fight and use magic and battle evil with their young bodies and fearless minds. Two decades of sitting around and going to council meetings (or working in a cubicle) and you don't have the energy or the physical ability to wield a sword against your enemy for long without throwing your back out. At one point, Mercury tells Phoebe to backflip into the middle of the mob, and attack like last time, and Phoebe's like "ain't gonna happen."

This is the first novel by this author, so I will forgive some of the sections of the story that seemed glossed over or could’ve used more to fill in the storytelling. That will come with experience, but it was a very interesting idea, a well told story with memorable characters. Some of them could’ve been flushed out a little bit more but again for at first novel it was well done.

[whatnolareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Still Chosen by Stephanie G. Olson because I was curious how the story would handle life after everything is supposed to be over.

Most fantasy stories focus on the rise to power, but this one shifts the lens to what comes next. That alone made it stand out to me.

Phoebe is not trying to become the chosen one. She already is. Watching her navigate that reality, especially as someone carrying all four magical abilities, added a strong layer to her character. There’s a constant sense that she doesn’t get to step away from what she is, and that weight follows her throughout the story.

The pacing at the beginning pulled me in quickly, and I appreciated being dropped directly into her world without a long setup. The story balances its more serious elements with lighter moments that help break the tension without feeling forced.

One of the highlights for me was Mercury. That character brought a different energy into the story that kept things from feeling too heavy. The dynamic there added personality and made certain scenes more memorable.

That said, there were moments where I wanted the emotional depth to go a little further. The story sets up strong internal conflict, and while it’s present, there were times I felt like it held back instead of fully leaning into those heavier moments. I also noticed a few slower sections where the pacing dipped slightly in the middle.

Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read with a unique perspective on a familiar trope. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with a mix of responsibility, identity, and lighter moments woven in, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a buddy read! Phoebe is queen of the realm. She is the "chosen one" by the goddesses and has received all magical abilities, not just one like a usual gifted person. Because of this, she and her companions were the ones to save the realm from evil in the past. Appointed to queen and now a bit older, Phoebe is happy with her non-adventurous lifestyle. When a most mischievous figure from her past pops up and whisks her off on another adventure to save the realm, she is reluctant to pick up the mantle again. But once you're the chosen one, you're always the chosen one. We adventure along with Phoebe and companions, some old and some new, as she tries to figure out this new situation and keep her people safe once again. We are hit with some surprising twists and turns, and some emotional truths that could really resonate with readers. I love that we have an FMC in her late 30's in this one! That's my age range and something I rarely see, I feel like. There is a lot of wit and humor woven into the writing, which I enjoyed. Mercury is my favorite, IYKYK. It's a fun and entertaining adventure story, with some emotional depth and top-tier found family! I would say it's on the lighter side in terms of detailing, but sometimes you just want a quick, entertaining fantasy story that's not a 600-page tome with intricate detailing and world-building.  This is that. Great debut!

[evenromanceisnerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time with this one!

From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and kept my attention. I really loved being thrown into Phoebe’s world—especially getting to see what happens after the “chosen one saves the world” moment. Watching her navigate life as a queen, while being the only one blessed with all four magical abilities, added such an interesting layer to her character.

The premise felt fresh and fun, and I especially enjoyed the balance between the heavier stakes and the lighter, more humorous moments. Mercury, the ethereal winged cat who has so much sass, was honestly my favorite character, and I loved the humor they brought into the story—their presence added such a fun and memorable dynamic.

The story had a great sense of adventure, and I found myself genuinely invested in Phoebe stepping back into her role when she’s needed most.

Overall, this was such an engaging and enjoyable read that I’d definitely recommend to fantasy romance lovers looking for something a little different.

✨ Chosen One
🌸 Found Family
✨ Snarky Animal Companion
🌸 Elemental Magic
✨ 36 y/o FMC
🌸 Same-age Love Interest

Thank you to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the gifted physical copy! 🥰🫶🏼

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to point out how this cover looks like it was done with colored pencils or paint and looks so artistic. The fact that the paperback is a matte finish adds to this effect and I love the author for being able to have this for her book.

Despite this being a fantasy book, Phoebe felt so real and relatable in her struggle to be the hero she once was. 10 years is a long time to go without any conflict that needed her magical gifts, but now that she was queen, there were other obligations. Whenever it's mentioned how she couldn't do things like when she was younger was so relatable 😂 I felt this as an older woman myself so that wasn't hard to see in the book. This was very enjoyable to read and gave me a little LOTR vibes with the pacing and the traveling. I definitely kept the visuals of that vibe whenever there was an action scene. Yes, there is romance but no spice and it totally worked for this book. It very much kept more to the story in that way and that's another thing that worked so well for this book.

Thank you @HiddenHollowBookTours and @stephaniewritesstuff for the #gifted book

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little bland. I was hoping for a lot more witty humor. The way the blurb reads, I expected the main character to be either 1) a princess unwilling but forced to go on a second adventure, or 2) super jaded and tired of it all but just going through the motions. Either would have been great for comedic relief. We got neither. She was quite earnest, though incompetent with low self esteem. Combined with a rather lackluster plot, it made the book a little tedious.

The other characters weren't enough to carry it either. I think Mercury and Jax were the best. Kitt was straight up useless eye candy, I guess. Boring personality. Not sure why he was even in it. I got real excited when it was hinted he may have had a dark past... But then no. Sigh... In the end, everyone was black or white. No moral greys in this one, which again, just made it a bit tedious.

Part of me was kinda wishing the story had been about the first adventure. It almost seemed more interesting, with the wartorn world, and Becca and her complicated past. At least we could have gotten some flashbacks... Oh well.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique concept! I personally have never seen a book explore life after being the "chosen one" as a teenager and then being forced to be the chosen one again 20 years later.

I found that the characters came off as immature for 30 to 40 year olds. Maybe I'm not the best judge as a girl in her 20s but I would like to think I would be more emotionally mature in my 30s. I can understand why the characters drifted apart in the 20 years but the reason for her avoidance of Tristan was incredibly petty. I can understand why it would make her a little bitter, but i don't understand how that led to her lashing out whenever he was mentioned. Like he didn't do anything?? Girl pls grow up.

I also think characters could have had more depth? I felt like i got a shallow look into their personalities. And any info i got was like dumped on me through dialogue. It made the interactions bt characters feel unnatural. The story just felt a little simple. So as a result it was predictable. Maybe more time to world build and expand on characters would have helped?

Overall, it was still an enjoyable read! I enjoyed the concept and the execution wasn't bad.

[Christel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Chosen is one of those unassuming hidden gems you come across by chance and are so happy you do.

While scrolling reels (as one does), I stumbled on an unassuming video of Stephanie Olson outlining the summary of her novel about a 30-something former heroine being called on to save the world again, which appealed to my own 30-something year old’s soul. I downloaded the sample which, when I got around to reading it, immediately made me purchase the book. I have not regretted it for a single second.

The prose got me hooked, the pacing was perfect to me and the story is entertaining as hell - logical, unexpected at times and full of delightful twists. The main character is a woman after my own heart and the rest of the cast was just as endearing. Note that there’s also some bi rep which I always appreciate.

All in all, I would recommend this to anyone (especially if you’re in your 30s) who enjoys a good fantasy adventure and proper character development. 10/10, would read again !

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an underrated setting and while it keeps things fresh I really wish that there were more of them out there. The story starts off with the Chosen One at a youngish age and her triumph over the enemy (literally how the book starts). Then we get a time jump to the point of where she's quite older and a Queen and looks like the effort of beating the big bad was worth the hardship, after all how many times has the hero in books, movies, and other media get at most an estate or castle or just went back into obscure poverty? I like it best when the hard work leads to proper rewards. However a new/old issue pops up and Phoebe gets a new unexpected adventure and gets to see her friends again who for whatever reason hadn't stuck around after the first journey was done. I had an unexpectedly good time with this book as usually books tagged with the "romantasy" label doesn't often work for me. I really hope we get to explore this world in future books and look forward to seeing what this author will come up with next.

[A. Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing to read.

The entire concept of following the characters AFTER the showdown when they were teens is brilliant. I never see characters as adults, let alone in their 30s and I need more of this. I loved learning the background of each character that helped save the world the first time, along with understanding what each of them lost (or gained) over the years.

The romance was there as a supporting plot point but didn't take away from the story. I quite enjoyed that the romance was in the background and didn't suffocate the plot. However the love interest I very much enjoyed. All around great balance.

This story focused a lot on healing past trauma and exploring the new and old ties of friendship. It was hilarious at times and somber at others. The FMC was easy to root for and cheer on. The plot was easy to follow and understand and the pacing was well thought out.

This was a fantastic fantasy read I was able to lose myself in instantly. I will be reading anything Olson releases because this book was the perfect pick-me-up read.

[Kate Brasington · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Phoebe was only 16 she sacrificed her life for her kingdom and banished an evil wizard. Twenty years later and it seems the prophecy wasn’t fulfilled correctly and that same evil wizard might be making a come back.
With her hilarious divine side kick Mercury, Phoebe has to get her initial group of misfits back together to get rid of this wizard once and for all!
I flipping loved Mercury she had me cackling out loud and she’s this flying mist cat which I’ve never seen before! Also the MMC Kitt, who is new to the group, he’s totally giving off Kristoff from Frozen vibes especially with the way Phoebe meets him, am I crazy for thinking that?? I dunno if you’ve read this book too let me know if you had the same thought!
I think my favorite character is a tie between Jax and Mercury, I just love a comedic release! The action in this book was perfect and the romance is a subplot which is my personal favorite! All together this was a well rounded fantasy and adventure book!

[Tea_Reading_and_Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I guessed who brought back the bad guy but was very surprised by who did it!! The twist was very good and made me question my initial thoughts on the culprit. Overall the book was really good and kept me engaged the entire time. it's a pretty easy and quick read even being over 300 pages but was very enjoyable. Enjoyed the magic and the family she built with new and old friends and the prospect of finding her true Mate despite everything she's had to deal with. There were not a lot of fights but I did enjoy the few there was. The book felt more about dealing with how a person changes after they've fulfilled their destiny and refunding themselves in a way that shows they haven't changed that much and are actually able to improve themselves more and create a life they enjoy more with acknowledging the past as the past and not what they should live the future by. I would read this again in a heart beat and definitely want to read more by the author!

[Sushi Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with how enjoyable this book was. Surprised only because it is the first time I’ve bought and read a book from an author personally at a book fair. It is unique. And more realistic than other adventure stories in good ways. I like how it shows you having to relearn things as you grow older and the different difficulties of things that used to be easy. It shows how things change, and there’s still the “after” of an ending. I like the approach of it’s not always a happy ending but yet happiness can still be found, even when way later than what you’d expect. The plot twist at the end was also really well done! This is not a sequel, yet it takes place after the main character already saved the world. I did not feel confused or like I was missing something, the information needed to understand their past and important plot points were integrated seamlessly. I will definitely reread this in the future.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ree gustó este libro, me enganché desde el principio. El libro tiene una narración simple pero en ningún momento te agarra de boluda, no hay infodump y en vez de estar explicando todo, te lo muestra. Se ríe un poquito de la narración del romantasy contemporáneo y después toma su propio rumbo, con situaciones incómodamente simpaticas, pero que a quien le importa, la protagonista tiene 36 años y está entrando en esa etapa hermosa de que todo lo chupa un huevo, no tiene ganas de boludeces, y si cae en boludeces se da cuenta y deja de boludear. Hay magia, hay viajes, hay aventuras, hay un gato mágico ñañoso, un caballo que ama a quien este dispuesta a consentirlo con manzanas, hay giros inesperados de la trama (ok si lo esperaba pero me sorprendió ñorque no sabía de qué lado iba a llegar)
En resumen, fue un buen libro, y es el primero publicado de la autora (independiente) por lo que cuando lo compré tenía un poco de miedo... sin embargo me dió todo lo que prometía. Excelente lectura.

[Rae Vigil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book, and I think the handling of that concept in the story arc and plot was very fun.

I do think the prose was a little weak at times, and I found a couple typos that a couple more rounds of editing might have solved. Also the main love interest felt a little flat and 1 dimensional, and I would have liked to see him flushed out a bit more. The fact that he just kept agreeing with the main character in all of her actions, even when sometimes her lashing out seemed to be really hurtful, but he would just brush it off and didn't seem phased, which made it hard to see him as a genuine character. More a femanine wish fulfillment.

I do think she handled the trope of a character haunting the story really well, and the way that grief of losing someone impacts all the people in their life was probably the best part of the story.

All in all a fun story, just could use some polishing and refinement.

[Mel Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredibly fun ride this was! Fantasy fans are going to love this tale of adventure, friendship, laughs, and magic. In this debut novel from Stephanie G. Olson, our FMC goes through quite the journey of self discovery. It was so refreshing to read about a 36 year old FMC who is still on a journey of self discovery. We are constantly growing and changing so this story felt so relatable. I loved the touches of magic and humor woven throughout this story as well. While it reads slightly more YA as there isn’t spice (which who says it has to have spice to be considered adult?) it is truly an adult story with an incredible journey. I had so much fun reading this book and I cannot wait to see what Olson has in store for us next!

Stephanie G. Olson kindly gifted me a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thank you so much for this gift! My opinions are my own.