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Tanry Teneri's Manual for Young Ladies
When her brother unexpectedly dies, Tanry Teneri becomes the heir to a grand estate and an arcane machine that can tell absolute truth. She's happy being the richest heiress in the country until her father betroths her to an elderly Duke. Yet there's a loophole: if Tanry can find a husband of higher rank within two months, she can marry him instead, and Tanry is determined to choose her own husband.
Faced with the loss of her home and her freedom if she fails, Tanry travels to the royal palace to court Archduke Cezsario Boralda-Solkin, the exiled former heir to a country that has no further need of a monarchy. He has the archduke title, and that's all Tanry needs. He's a bore and hardly likes her, but Tanry is hardly deterred. She's after freedom, not love. She's determined to get her engagement no matter the cost, and no matter his feelings. She has a machine that, with the right prompt, can tell her all of the archduke's secrets, and he has plenty that Tanry can use against him.
Tanry Teneri's Manual for Young Ladies is a fantasy of manners novel and the first in a series (The Tales from Karda Ven), where each book is based around a different character.
Faced with the loss of her home and her freedom if she fails, Tanry travels to the royal palace to court Archduke Cezsario Boralda-Solkin, the exiled former heir to a country that has no further need of a monarchy. He has the archduke title, and that's all Tanry needs. He's a bore and hardly likes her, but Tanry is hardly deterred. She's after freedom, not love. She's determined to get her engagement no matter the cost, and no matter his feelings. She has a machine that, with the right prompt, can tell her all of the archduke's secrets, and he has plenty that Tanry can use against him.
Tanry Teneri's Manual for Young Ladies is a fantasy of manners novel and the first in a series (The Tales from Karda Ven), where each book is based around a different character.
- GenresFantasy
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 1, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to Ash Parker for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a Regency era-esque setting, with added alchemy and a magical machine that can answer questions.
I liked our main character Tanry, and enjoyed the quotes from in- world books at the beginning of each chapter.
There was a lot of scheming, and the secret identities plot that forms the backbone of the story was intriguing.
Overall a refreshing read that held my interest.
Thank you to Ash Parker for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a Regency era-esque setting, with added alchemy and a magical machine that can answer questions.
I liked our main character Tanry, and enjoyed the quotes from in- world books at the beginning of each chapter.
There was a lot of scheming, and the secret identities plot that forms the backbone of the story was intriguing.
Overall a refreshing read that held my interest.
February 19, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you to Ash Parker for reaching out to me and sending an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.
In this fantasy of manner's book we follow our FMC Tanry Teneri, the only daughter of a Duke who is set to inherit her father's estate since the death of her brother. The Duke, however, sets into motion plans for her to marry his friend, causing her to fear losing her freedom and independence. Tanry convinces her father to allow her time to find a better match that will allow her to keep living her life the way she pleases. She sets her sights on an exiled Archduke and, with her alchemic truth telling machine, sets off to put her plans into action. Along the way she uncovers secrets about the Archduke and his family that could change everything.
I'd like to start with what I really enjoyed about this book:
- The Regency Era style setting was a huge plus for me. It gave me Bridgerton vibes with fantasy elements thrown in there that kept me engaged as I read.
- I enjoyed Tanry as our FMC, she is completely self absorbed and not necessarily a good person but I'm all for a fun/morally grey main character.
- The fantasy elements were fun and the idea behind the truth telling engine was unique and interesting. Though, I do think that this could have been developed more.
Some things that I think could have been improved upon:
- Some scenes needed a bit more fleshing out. Sometimes I felt that we moved on too quickly from something with not enough explanation and the reader is left to fill in some of the gaps.
- I think the characters would have benefitted from further development to make them feel deeper. I struggled to connect with some of them as much as I would have liked.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and think that Ask Parker did a good job in telling this story. There is some great writing here that made for a fun reading experience.
In this fantasy of manner's book we follow our FMC Tanry Teneri, the only daughter of a Duke who is set to inherit her father's estate since the death of her brother. The Duke, however, sets into motion plans for her to marry his friend, causing her to fear losing her freedom and independence. Tanry convinces her father to allow her time to find a better match that will allow her to keep living her life the way she pleases. She sets her sights on an exiled Archduke and, with her alchemic truth telling machine, sets off to put her plans into action. Along the way she uncovers secrets about the Archduke and his family that could change everything.
I'd like to start with what I really enjoyed about this book:
- The Regency Era style setting was a huge plus for me. It gave me Bridgerton vibes with fantasy elements thrown in there that kept me engaged as I read.
- I enjoyed Tanry as our FMC, she is completely self absorbed and not necessarily a good person but I'm all for a fun/morally grey main character.
- The fantasy elements were fun and the idea behind the truth telling engine was unique and interesting. Though, I do think that this could have been developed more.
Some things that I think could have been improved upon:
- Some scenes needed a bit more fleshing out. Sometimes I felt that we moved on too quickly from something with not enough explanation and the reader is left to fill in some of the gaps.
- I think the characters would have benefitted from further development to make them feel deeper. I struggled to connect with some of them as much as I would have liked.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and think that Ask Parker did a good job in telling this story. There is some great writing here that made for a fun reading experience.
February 25, 2025
ITA
A seguito della morte del fratello Trevor, Tanry può ereditare la tenuta di Taltois e i beni della famiglia Teneri solamente tramite eventuale marito. Il padre, per questo, le comunica che ha preso accordi per combinare un matrimonio con un suo amico Duca.
Tanry rifiuta, ma gli propone di cercarsi un marito. Il padre accetta alla sola condizione che il marito che intende sposare Tanry abbia un titolo uguale o superiore a quello di Duca. Tanry, leggendo dei giornali di gossip, trova che a corte della principessa Athalie soggiornano i figli, sopravvissuti allo sterminio, della famiglia imperiale: due sorelle e un fratello, arciduchi.
Tanry insieme alla cameriera Caterina si dirigono a corte, portando la macchina della verità, ereditata da una zia.
La storia parte bene ed è, a mio avviso, abbastanza interessante fino a metà del secondo libro. Quando arriva a corte Tanry, infatti, si trova in mezzo a un enorme intrigo di corte seguita in continuazione da un “fantasma”. Poi però la storia diventa piatta, quasi la trama raggiunge un punto morto, sbloccato però nel finale.
Il personaggio di Tanry è interessante, per come si pone, per come ragiona: a volte sembra procedere in modo pensato, ha un piano, altre volte invece procede quasi a tentoni, in modo anche poco intelligente.
Il titolo, dal mio punto di vista, è un po’ fuorviante: mi aspettavo una storia principalmente romantica; il manuale per giovani signorine viene utilizzato come citazione all’inizio dei capitoli, e non c’è moltissimo romanticismo (ottimo!).
Se interessa seguire le avventure di Tanry e amici c’è “The Tales from Karda Ven” e in prossima pubblicazione “Princess Athalie treatise for absolute truth”.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione.
ENG
Following the death of her brother Trevor, Tanry can only inherit the Taltois estate and the Teneri family property through her eventual husband. Her father, therefore, informs her that he has made arrangements to arrange a marriage with a duke friend of his.
Tanry refuses but proposes that he seek a husband. The father agrees on the sole condition that the husband he intends to marry, Tanry, has a title equal to or greater than Duke. Tanry, reading gossipy newspapers, finds that at Princess Athalia's court are staying the children who survived the extermination of members of the imperial family: two sisters and a brother, Archduke.
Tanry, together with the maid Catherine, heads to the court, carrying the lie detector inherited from an aunt.
The story starts well and is, in my opinion, quite captivating until the middle of the second book. When Tanry arrives at court, in fact, she finds herself in the midst of a huge court intrigue followed continuously by a “ghost.” But then the story becomes flat, the plot reaches an almost dead end, unlocked, however, in the finale.
Tanry's character is entertaining in the way she poses herself, in the way she thinks: sometimes she seems to proceed in a thought-out way; she has a plan, and at other times she proceeds almost half-heartedly, even unintelligently.
The title, from my point of view, is a bit misleading: I expected a mainly romantic story; the young ladies' handbook is used as a quote at the beginning of the chapters, and there is not much romance (great!).
If interested in following the adventures of Tanry and friends there is “The Tales from Karda Ven” and forthcoming “Princess Athalie treatise for absolute truth”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A seguito della morte del fratello Trevor, Tanry può ereditare la tenuta di Taltois e i beni della famiglia Teneri solamente tramite eventuale marito. Il padre, per questo, le comunica che ha preso accordi per combinare un matrimonio con un suo amico Duca.
Tanry rifiuta, ma gli propone di cercarsi un marito. Il padre accetta alla sola condizione che il marito che intende sposare Tanry abbia un titolo uguale o superiore a quello di Duca. Tanry, leggendo dei giornali di gossip, trova che a corte della principessa Athalie soggiornano i figli, sopravvissuti allo sterminio, della famiglia imperiale: due sorelle e un fratello, arciduchi.
Tanry insieme alla cameriera Caterina si dirigono a corte, portando la macchina della verità, ereditata da una zia.
La storia parte bene ed è, a mio avviso, abbastanza interessante fino a metà del secondo libro. Quando arriva a corte Tanry, infatti, si trova in mezzo a un enorme intrigo di corte seguita in continuazione da un “fantasma”. Poi però la storia diventa piatta, quasi la trama raggiunge un punto morto, sbloccato però nel finale.
Il personaggio di Tanry è interessante, per come si pone, per come ragiona: a volte sembra procedere in modo pensato, ha un piano, altre volte invece procede quasi a tentoni, in modo anche poco intelligente.
Il titolo, dal mio punto di vista, è un po’ fuorviante: mi aspettavo una storia principalmente romantica; il manuale per giovani signorine viene utilizzato come citazione all’inizio dei capitoli, e non c’è moltissimo romanticismo (ottimo!).
Se interessa seguire le avventure di Tanry e amici c’è “The Tales from Karda Ven” e in prossima pubblicazione “Princess Athalie treatise for absolute truth”.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione.
ENG
Following the death of her brother Trevor, Tanry can only inherit the Taltois estate and the Teneri family property through her eventual husband. Her father, therefore, informs her that he has made arrangements to arrange a marriage with a duke friend of his.
Tanry refuses but proposes that he seek a husband. The father agrees on the sole condition that the husband he intends to marry, Tanry, has a title equal to or greater than Duke. Tanry, reading gossipy newspapers, finds that at Princess Athalia's court are staying the children who survived the extermination of members of the imperial family: two sisters and a brother, Archduke.
Tanry, together with the maid Catherine, heads to the court, carrying the lie detector inherited from an aunt.
The story starts well and is, in my opinion, quite captivating until the middle of the second book. When Tanry arrives at court, in fact, she finds herself in the midst of a huge court intrigue followed continuously by a “ghost.” But then the story becomes flat, the plot reaches an almost dead end, unlocked, however, in the finale.
Tanry's character is entertaining in the way she poses herself, in the way she thinks: sometimes she seems to proceed in a thought-out way; she has a plan, and at other times she proceeds almost half-heartedly, even unintelligently.
The title, from my point of view, is a bit misleading: I expected a mainly romantic story; the young ladies' handbook is used as a quote at the beginning of the chapters, and there is not much romance (great!).
If interested in following the adventures of Tanry and friends there is “The Tales from Karda Ven” and forthcoming “Princess Athalie treatise for absolute truth”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2025
How far would you go to defend what is rightfully yours?
Tanry Teneri is set to inherit the land of Taltois that she has tended to in place of her incompetent father and recently deceased brother. However, the conservative Duke Teneri has never considered her a possible heir and won’t give her nothing but a marriage with some old senile friend of his. Tanry, though, won’t accept defeat so easily. Her only option now is to find a husband herself who will unmatch her father’s choice. And where she can go hunting for a husband if not at the royal court?
This is how Tanry’s journey for her freedom started, accompanied by her witty maid Caterina, an ancient machine that never lies, and an ever-present scandalous breeze that always follow her.
🤍 The aspect that I loved most were the characters’ psyches and how they interacted with each other. It made me think of the complexity of human’s nature: there is no villain or hero in this story, just people who try their best to survive in an unkind word. Precisely for this, I sympathize with Tanry. She is wicked, immoral and unladylike but beneath the surface there is a vulnerable girl who never knew love and is still struggling with unresolved traumas. And the same goes for the other characters.
The reading was smooth, and the book doesn’t lack funny or moving moments, but one thing is certain: the final will leave you guessing until the end (at least it was true for me).
P.S. I wanted to thank Ash Parker for providing the ARC, I was so excited to receive it and now I can’t wait to read the next books!
Tanry Teneri is set to inherit the land of Taltois that she has tended to in place of her incompetent father and recently deceased brother. However, the conservative Duke Teneri has never considered her a possible heir and won’t give her nothing but a marriage with some old senile friend of his. Tanry, though, won’t accept defeat so easily. Her only option now is to find a husband herself who will unmatch her father’s choice. And where she can go hunting for a husband if not at the royal court?
This is how Tanry’s journey for her freedom started, accompanied by her witty maid Caterina, an ancient machine that never lies, and an ever-present scandalous breeze that always follow her.
🤍 The aspect that I loved most were the characters’ psyches and how they interacted with each other. It made me think of the complexity of human’s nature: there is no villain or hero in this story, just people who try their best to survive in an unkind word. Precisely for this, I sympathize with Tanry. She is wicked, immoral and unladylike but beneath the surface there is a vulnerable girl who never knew love and is still struggling with unresolved traumas. And the same goes for the other characters.
The reading was smooth, and the book doesn’t lack funny or moving moments, but one thing is certain: the final will leave you guessing until the end (at least it was true for me).
P.S. I wanted to thank Ash Parker for providing the ARC, I was so excited to receive it and now I can’t wait to read the next books!
February 20, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out to me about this book - I received an e-ARC in return for an honest review.
I think if you're a fan of gaslamp fantasy mixed with historical romances like Bridgerton, then you'll likely enjoy this read.
Fist off, the writing is impressive and engaging - you can tell a lot of time and effort has gone into perfecting the world and characters and I wanted to give credit where it's due! I do think there is some scope for detail, maybe adding in a little more, fleshing out some scenes and descriptions to make things a bit more cohesive and immersive. Some oarts felt rushed where I'd rather we lingered.
Tanry herself is a bit of an anti-heroine and I'd say she's a bit spiky - but I enjoyed having an FMC that differed from the norm. She's very self-assured and really knows what she wants. She's willing to use all sorts of nefarious means to meet her goals, and you have to respect that!
I noticed another reviewer picked up on some Anastasia parallels, and this definitely adds to the appeal.
I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys a regency inspired adventure story with some fantasy elements.
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out to me about this book - I received an e-ARC in return for an honest review.
I think if you're a fan of gaslamp fantasy mixed with historical romances like Bridgerton, then you'll likely enjoy this read.
Fist off, the writing is impressive and engaging - you can tell a lot of time and effort has gone into perfecting the world and characters and I wanted to give credit where it's due! I do think there is some scope for detail, maybe adding in a little more, fleshing out some scenes and descriptions to make things a bit more cohesive and immersive. Some oarts felt rushed where I'd rather we lingered.
Tanry herself is a bit of an anti-heroine and I'd say she's a bit spiky - but I enjoyed having an FMC that differed from the norm. She's very self-assured and really knows what she wants. She's willing to use all sorts of nefarious means to meet her goals, and you have to respect that!
I noticed another reviewer picked up on some Anastasia parallels, and this definitely adds to the appeal.
I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys a regency inspired adventure story with some fantasy elements.
March 1, 2025
Tanry is just your typical young woman just trying to live her life, until she's given a machine that can only tell the truth and her father tried to marry her off to a man his age. At this point the whole adventure begins. There are some lovable characters and some terrible ones. And even though Tanry doesn't always do the right thing she's still trying to care for everyone and be the adult.
I enjoyed the adventure and can't wait to see Tanry again in future books. She is my favorite character over all and even though I am routing the most for her happily ever after I am also hoping even the annoying characters do find their own moving forward. This is the first in the series but does end at a place that it could be a stand alone, which is nice since the rest of the series isn't out yet.
Some kissing and fade to black spice in the last quarter of the book but nothing graphic. This book does deal with loss and death a bit so check content warnings if you're concerned but it does it well and respectfully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the adventure and can't wait to see Tanry again in future books. She is my favorite character over all and even though I am routing the most for her happily ever after I am also hoping even the annoying characters do find their own moving forward. This is the first in the series but does end at a place that it could be a stand alone, which is nice since the rest of the series isn't out yet.
Some kissing and fade to black spice in the last quarter of the book but nothing graphic. This book does deal with loss and death a bit so check content warnings if you're concerned but it does it well and respectfully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
Firstly I’d like to thank the author Ash Parker and the Nerd Fam for this e-book ARC 🤍
When I read the blurb for this, it immediately stood out to me as having Bridgerton vibes and I wasn’t disappointed! Tanry Teneri is the daughter of a Duke who’s father insists she marries one of his old friends when her brother Trevor unfortunately passes away, Tanry makes a deal with her father that she can choose her own husband as long as he is a Duke or higher by title so Tanry goes off to court to find just that.
The intricacies of the court were well written and Tanry’s hands on, modern attitude really resonated with me and I loved her wild spirit. I also adored Caterina!
The book was well written and for the most part easy to follow, I removed a star because there were a couple of occasions where I had to circle back to the last page because the scenes changed so dramatically but overall I love this story of Lady Tanry Teneri and can’t wait for the second instalment in the series!
When I read the blurb for this, it immediately stood out to me as having Bridgerton vibes and I wasn’t disappointed! Tanry Teneri is the daughter of a Duke who’s father insists she marries one of his old friends when her brother Trevor unfortunately passes away, Tanry makes a deal with her father that she can choose her own husband as long as he is a Duke or higher by title so Tanry goes off to court to find just that.
The intricacies of the court were well written and Tanry’s hands on, modern attitude really resonated with me and I loved her wild spirit. I also adored Caterina!
The book was well written and for the most part easy to follow, I removed a star because there were a couple of occasions where I had to circle back to the last page because the scenes changed so dramatically but overall I love this story of Lady Tanry Teneri and can’t wait for the second instalment in the series!
February 26, 2025
3.5
I enjoyed the Edwardian-inspired setting of this cozy-ish fantasy novel, as well as its scheming trouser-wearing fmc, Tanry.
I found the structure and pacing to be a tad off at times. And sometimes scenes could have flowed more neatly into each other because at first I found it a little hard to get into and understand. But line by line the writing was good and witty. I particularly liked the made-up quotes at the start of each chapter.
Caterina and Tanry were the best characters (but I didn’t care for anyone else). While on the whole the fantasy elements were quite minor, I enjoyed Tanry’s arcane machine that tells truths.
Thank you to Ash Parker for providing me with an ARC for this book 🫶🏻
I enjoyed the Edwardian-inspired setting of this cozy-ish fantasy novel, as well as its scheming trouser-wearing fmc, Tanry.
I found the structure and pacing to be a tad off at times. And sometimes scenes could have flowed more neatly into each other because at first I found it a little hard to get into and understand. But line by line the writing was good and witty. I particularly liked the made-up quotes at the start of each chapter.
Caterina and Tanry were the best characters (but I didn’t care for anyone else). While on the whole the fantasy elements were quite minor, I enjoyed Tanry’s arcane machine that tells truths.
Thank you to Ash Parker for providing me with an ARC for this book 🫶🏻
March 9, 2025
Tanry Teneri’s Manual for Young Ladies is about Tanry, a feisty fireball of a woman who is on a mission to avoid the arranged marriage her father wants for her following the death of her older brother. She wants to keep control—of herself, her estate, and her life. And finding a husband is precisely how she plans to do so. When she seeks out an Archduke she ends up tumbling into a tangled web of lies she never expected.
This is a refreshing and fun read. It has the perfect spunky main female role with plenty of varyingly special and relatable characters along the way. The plot moves quickly along as she tries to find footing in her plan, and the added level of small magic behind the scenes is so intriguing yet rounds out the tale very well. A great novel.
This is a refreshing and fun read. It has the perfect spunky main female role with plenty of varyingly special and relatable characters along the way. The plot moves quickly along as she tries to find footing in her plan, and the added level of small magic behind the scenes is so intriguing yet rounds out the tale very well. A great novel.
February 25, 2025
A really fun book to read with a great, strong female MC that you only want to see more from!
I really liked this book, it took me by surprise in such a pleasant way. I was expecting Bridgerton but I got something completely different, yet still with the court life, royal intrigues and secrets, just with a added dash of the supernatural that keeps you on your toes.
I read this book so fast, and I will absolutely read more books in this series because I really liked the characters a lot!
I was part of the ARC-team for this book so a big thank you to the author for letting me read this before it’s published! ❤️
I really liked this book, it took me by surprise in such a pleasant way. I was expecting Bridgerton but I got something completely different, yet still with the court life, royal intrigues and secrets, just with a added dash of the supernatural that keeps you on your toes.
I read this book so fast, and I will absolutely read more books in this series because I really liked the characters a lot!
I was part of the ARC-team for this book so a big thank you to the author for letting me read this before it’s published! ❤️
February 23, 2025
3.75 stars overall 🩷 *no spoilers*
Firstly, thank you to Ash Parker for sending me an E-Arc for this book🥹 as always, I will review honestly🫶🏽
I really enjoyed the regency era of this book, it’s not like anything I’ve read before so it was completely new territory for me. It felt similar to Bridgeton but with some fantasy elements.
I felt like Ash did a great job writing this and should be so proud but I also felt like some parts could’ve done with more expansion.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the writing style makes it a very fun experience! It’s absolutely worth the read xx
Firstly, thank you to Ash Parker for sending me an E-Arc for this book🥹 as always, I will review honestly🫶🏽
I really enjoyed the regency era of this book, it’s not like anything I’ve read before so it was completely new territory for me. It felt similar to Bridgeton but with some fantasy elements.
I felt like Ash did a great job writing this and should be so proud but I also felt like some parts could’ve done with more expansion.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the writing style makes it a very fun experience! It’s absolutely worth the read xx
February 21, 2025
This genre is a bit different to me so I was worried that it wouldn't really be my thing but I really enjoyed this book. Tanry Teneri is a great, stubborn, stand-offish "young lady". For me personally, the pacing felt off at time, but I really enjoyed the story and the idea of the machine that tells the truth is so cool.
It took a little while for me to warm up to our main character but by the end of it I was really attached to her and what she was going to do that I just wanted more. I loved the ending and I would have happily had even more chapters following them. I'm so excited for the next book planned and to learn more about some of the other characters.
*arc review*
It took a little while for me to warm up to our main character but by the end of it I was really attached to her and what she was going to do that I just wanted more. I loved the ending and I would have happily had even more chapters following them. I'm so excited for the next book planned and to learn more about some of the other characters.
*arc review*
March 3, 2025
So grateful to have been an arc reader for this book! Loved the concept & the story, it was incredibly unique and unlike anything I have read before! So much scheming and twists & turns!! I think that the characters and certain plots points could have been given more depth, but despite this, I think it was still suitable for a 300 page read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews