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Adenashire #5
A Fellowship of Academics & Arts
What if sharing a cookie with your enemy made your dreams come true?
Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas.
Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship.
To pass the time, one of their friends asks Verdreth to tell the tale of how he and Ervash met. He’s reluctant, since they were very different orcs when they met over thirty years prior. But with Ervash’s permission, (and to help him calm his nerves) he starts at the beginning…
Since, in fact, it’s always a good place to start.
Escape to Adenashire’s past for a touching cozy fantasy story about family beginnings, new experiences and finding the people who bring out the best in you.
Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas.
Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship.
To pass the time, one of their friends asks Verdreth to tell the tale of how he and Ervash met. He’s reluctant, since they were very different orcs when they met over thirty years prior. But with Ervash’s permission, (and to help him calm his nerves) he starts at the beginning…
Since, in fact, it’s always a good place to start.
Escape to Adenashire’s past for a touching cozy fantasy story about family beginnings, new experiences and finding the people who bring out the best in you.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2026
About the author
J. Penner
10 books794 followersUSA Today bestselling author, J. Penner bakes a little magic into every page of her cozy fantasies which are filled with friendship, found family, good food and the sweetest romance. She lives in sunny San Diego with her family, and of course, her cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 25, 2026
A new baby is coming to Adenashire, and while everyone is waiting, orc partners and soon to be grandparents Verdreth and Ervash tell the meet-cute story of their romance. The epilogue hints that there may soon be a wedding in Adenashire. It's always enjoyable to revisit this village where so many different species live peacefully and happily together. Recipes are included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 5, 2026
I really enjoyed getting Ervash & Vedreth’s story in this one. So sweet and fun. Looking forward to Doli & Sarson’s wedding next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
I really wanted to like this one, I loved the other three in this series. I found Verdreth to be really whiny and over complicated everything. I wish we would have got both orcs POV instead of just one. verdreth overthought every little thing that happened, it got really annoying and made me lose interest, felt like a 16 year old girl talking.
Also felt like him going home only to leave agin right away was unnecessary.
Also felt like him going home only to leave agin right away was unnecessary.
July 19, 2026
J Penner's newest Adenashire story is sweet and so very cozy! Verdreth and Ervash are waiting impatiently for the birth of their grandchild, alongside their daughter's friends. So what better time to spill their meet-cute and subsequent love story? And what a lovely story it is!
Release Date: 11/24/2026
Release Date: 11/24/2026
April 3, 2026
Another sweet adenashire story. Liked getting to hear a bit of a prequel while still getting to peek at where the rest of characters are up to. Fun and lighthearted.
April 1, 2026
I’m disappointed in this one, this was really mundane. They could have focused on any other aspect of their relationship besides one calling the other a himbo and then deciding they’re mates.
March 24, 2026
this was a really cute one. can't wait until book 6!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
**Sometimes the person you least expect becomes the person you can't imagine living without.**
## ✶ PRE-READING ✶
Returning to Adenashire after a year away was a real pleasure, and I was particularly curious about *A Fellowship of Academics and Art* because it takes us backwards.
This is a prequel centred on Verdreth and Ervash, two characters we already know from Adenashire, and their first meeting takes place more than thirty years before the main story.
That makes this a rather different book from the others. Rather than the more ensemble-driven cosy fantasy of the main series, this feels much more like a traditional romance: a first meeting, misunderstandings, gradually changing opinions, growing affection and, naturally, a dramatic finale.
## ✶ POST-READING ✶
**As I thought...** this is a very different flavour of Adenashire, but it works well as a story about how two people who initially seem completely incompatible can gradually discover what they have in common.
Verdreth and Ervash begin from very different places, and their relationship has plenty of the classic romance beats: misunderstandings, unexpected moments of connection and the slow realisation that the person you thought you understood may not be anything like the person you assumed.
The fact that we're hearing the story while Arleta is about to give birth also adds a lovely framing device. Verdreth is nervous about becoming a grandfather, and telling the story of how he and Ervash met gives him something to focus on while also reminding him just how much his life has changed.
**It surprised me by...** how strange it feels to meet characters we already know in a story where we know the eventual destination. There are some interesting side characters along the way, but because we know they won't be part of the Adenashire we have already visited, I found it harder to become quite as emotionally invested in them.
That may simply be the consequence of reading a prequel after becoming attached to the main series, rather than a problem with the characters themselves.
The central relationship, though, is the reason to be here. There is something particularly satisfying about watching two people become important to each other long before we knew there was a love story to discover.
## ✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
**Book Recommendation:** *The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches* by Sangu Mandanna. It's a different sort of cosy fantasy, but it has the same warmth around relationships and the discovery that the people who become your family may not be the people you expected.
**TV or Movie Recommendation:** *The Princess Bride*. Romance, adventure, comedy, memorable characters and a story that understands that love can survive quite a lot of nonsense.
## ✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
**A colour palette:** coffee brown, parchment cream and deep artistic blue.
**A soundtrack:** warm strings, quiet piano and the gentle hum of a busy café.
**A season:** early autumn, when the days are shortening and everyone seems to have somewhere warm to be.
**A mood:** intimate, playful, romantic and nostalgic.
**A scent:** freshly brewed coffee, ink on paper and the heavy, slightly chemical smell of wet paint.
## ★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
**Two of Cups.**
This is a card of partnership, mutual recognition and the moment when two people realise that they can meet one another as equals.
That's the heart of Verdreth and Ervash's story. Their relationship doesn't begin with perfect understanding. In fact, it begins with plenty of reasons to think they have nothing in common. What matters is the gradual discovery that they can choose to understand each other.
The Two of Cups isn't about two people being identical. It's about two people looking across the distance between them and deciding to build a bridge.
## ✦ THE TRUE QUESTION ✦
**Can love grow between people who never expected to understand each other?**
Verdreth and Ervash's relationship begins with difference, misunderstanding and assumptions about who the other person is. What follows is the slow process of discovering that the person in front of you is more complicated—and more interesting—than the version you imagined.
Sometimes love isn't finding someone who fits perfectly into the life you planned.
Sometimes it's discovering that the person you never expected to choose has become the person you can't imagine choosing anyone else.
## Final Thoughts
*A Fellowship of Academics and Art* publishes on the **24th of November**. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
## ✶ PRE-READING ✶
Returning to Adenashire after a year away was a real pleasure, and I was particularly curious about *A Fellowship of Academics and Art* because it takes us backwards.
This is a prequel centred on Verdreth and Ervash, two characters we already know from Adenashire, and their first meeting takes place more than thirty years before the main story.
That makes this a rather different book from the others. Rather than the more ensemble-driven cosy fantasy of the main series, this feels much more like a traditional romance: a first meeting, misunderstandings, gradually changing opinions, growing affection and, naturally, a dramatic finale.
## ✶ POST-READING ✶
**As I thought...** this is a very different flavour of Adenashire, but it works well as a story about how two people who initially seem completely incompatible can gradually discover what they have in common.
Verdreth and Ervash begin from very different places, and their relationship has plenty of the classic romance beats: misunderstandings, unexpected moments of connection and the slow realisation that the person you thought you understood may not be anything like the person you assumed.
The fact that we're hearing the story while Arleta is about to give birth also adds a lovely framing device. Verdreth is nervous about becoming a grandfather, and telling the story of how he and Ervash met gives him something to focus on while also reminding him just how much his life has changed.
**It surprised me by...** how strange it feels to meet characters we already know in a story where we know the eventual destination. There are some interesting side characters along the way, but because we know they won't be part of the Adenashire we have already visited, I found it harder to become quite as emotionally invested in them.
That may simply be the consequence of reading a prequel after becoming attached to the main series, rather than a problem with the characters themselves.
The central relationship, though, is the reason to be here. There is something particularly satisfying about watching two people become important to each other long before we knew there was a love story to discover.
## ✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
**Book Recommendation:** *The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches* by Sangu Mandanna. It's a different sort of cosy fantasy, but it has the same warmth around relationships and the discovery that the people who become your family may not be the people you expected.
**TV or Movie Recommendation:** *The Princess Bride*. Romance, adventure, comedy, memorable characters and a story that understands that love can survive quite a lot of nonsense.
## ✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
**A colour palette:** coffee brown, parchment cream and deep artistic blue.
**A soundtrack:** warm strings, quiet piano and the gentle hum of a busy café.
**A season:** early autumn, when the days are shortening and everyone seems to have somewhere warm to be.
**A mood:** intimate, playful, romantic and nostalgic.
**A scent:** freshly brewed coffee, ink on paper and the heavy, slightly chemical smell of wet paint.
## ★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
**Two of Cups.**
This is a card of partnership, mutual recognition and the moment when two people realise that they can meet one another as equals.
That's the heart of Verdreth and Ervash's story. Their relationship doesn't begin with perfect understanding. In fact, it begins with plenty of reasons to think they have nothing in common. What matters is the gradual discovery that they can choose to understand each other.
The Two of Cups isn't about two people being identical. It's about two people looking across the distance between them and deciding to build a bridge.
## ✦ THE TRUE QUESTION ✦
**Can love grow between people who never expected to understand each other?**
Verdreth and Ervash's relationship begins with difference, misunderstanding and assumptions about who the other person is. What follows is the slow process of discovering that the person in front of you is more complicated—and more interesting—than the version you imagined.
Sometimes love isn't finding someone who fits perfectly into the life you planned.
Sometimes it's discovering that the person you never expected to choose has become the person you can't imagine choosing anyone else.
## Final Thoughts
*A Fellowship of Academics and Art* publishes on the **24th of November**. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
March 9, 2026
The fifth and final installment in the Adenashire series is just as wonderful as the books that came before it. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I’m so glad our beloved dad orcs finally got their own love story.
One of the most impressive things about this series is how consistently it delivers the cozy, found family magic that made the first book so special. Each installment builds on that warmth without ever feeling repetitive or losing its sense of heart. The characters continue to grow, their relationships deepen, and the sense of community at the center of the story remains as comforting as ever.
This final book feels like a perfect send off by celebrating everything that made the series so special while giving these characters the love and happiness they deserve. The Adenashire series truly stole my heart, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s rare to find a cozy fantasy series that maintains its charm and emotional core all the way through, but this one absolutely does. A series I’ll cherish forever.
One of the most impressive things about this series is how consistently it delivers the cozy, found family magic that made the first book so special. Each installment builds on that warmth without ever feeling repetitive or losing its sense of heart. The characters continue to grow, their relationships deepen, and the sense of community at the center of the story remains as comforting as ever.
This final book feels like a perfect send off by celebrating everything that made the series so special while giving these characters the love and happiness they deserve. The Adenashire series truly stole my heart, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s rare to find a cozy fantasy series that maintains its charm and emotional core all the way through, but this one absolutely does. A series I’ll cherish forever.
August 25, 2026
4.75 ⭐
It was fun to be back in Adenashire and see all the other characters from the previous books! This whole series is so cozy, and this book is too. I always feel that picking up these books can never go wrong, and that I'll always be in for a comforting read that brings all the warm feelings. I can feel the love the author put into the characters and the world. These books have their own special kind of feeling, which I love so much about this series.
I was happy to get to read Ervash and Verdreth's story. This book was wholesome, not too much drama, filled with cute moments, found family, and lots of descriptions about food. I loved the message about opening your heart to someone you love and following your dreams, no matter how scary or uncertain those might be. A small thing that irked me a bit, though, was how many times the author used ''(character name) gulped''. It became repetitive throughout the book and felt a bit overused.
This is my favorite from the whole series. I just adored Ervash and Verdreth! I can't wait to read more! :)
It was fun to be back in Adenashire and see all the other characters from the previous books! This whole series is so cozy, and this book is too. I always feel that picking up these books can never go wrong, and that I'll always be in for a comforting read that brings all the warm feelings. I can feel the love the author put into the characters and the world. These books have their own special kind of feeling, which I love so much about this series.
I was happy to get to read Ervash and Verdreth's story. This book was wholesome, not too much drama, filled with cute moments, found family, and lots of descriptions about food. I loved the message about opening your heart to someone you love and following your dreams, no matter how scary or uncertain those might be. A small thing that irked me a bit, though, was how many times the author used ''(character name) gulped''. It became repetitive throughout the book and felt a bit overused.
This is my favorite from the whole series. I just adored Ervash and Verdreth! I can't wait to read more! :)
March 20, 2026
Not the best in the series. Felt more like a “this was required to be written because all the other characters have books” rather than us getting a meaningful story. Perhaps it’s because we know Verdreth and Ervash have been together for decades so it was just a slow paced story with no tension because you know there are absolutely no stakes involved. You know the ending for their story from the very first book in the series so this just didn’t really feel impactful. I would have rather the book be spent on Arleta and Theo going through labor and bringing a child into the world than this. Or perhaps V and E’s experience at being thrust into parenthood when Arleta’s parents died. Instead we have a book that is redundant throughout and over 200+ pages to ultimately tell us what we already knew: V and E become a couple.
May 26, 2026
Everything I hoped for in the orcs' story!
This book series has quickly become my favorite cozy fantasy series. All of the characters are so nuanced. I identify with each of them in so many ways; it is like holding up a mirror to different parts of myself that I have often tucked away.
Verdreth's and Ervash's story was lovely, especially set in the backdrop of spending time with their chosen family and the birth of Arleta's child. I loved the theme of how wonderful life can be when you choose to let people in and let people know you for who you are. I absolutely cried at how wonderful the relationship between these two is. To find the person who can see your needs and fills them before you ask is so lovely. Once again, J. Penner hit it out of the park for me! Already looking forward to my next read-through of this series.
This book series has quickly become my favorite cozy fantasy series. All of the characters are so nuanced. I identify with each of them in so many ways; it is like holding up a mirror to different parts of myself that I have often tucked away.
Verdreth's and Ervash's story was lovely, especially set in the backdrop of spending time with their chosen family and the birth of Arleta's child. I loved the theme of how wonderful life can be when you choose to let people in and let people know you for who you are. I absolutely cried at how wonderful the relationship between these two is. To find the person who can see your needs and fills them before you ask is so lovely. Once again, J. Penner hit it out of the park for me! Already looking forward to my next read-through of this series.
April 2, 2026
J. Penner is uncannily talented at weaving a compelling story from really whiny and unlikeable folks. Verdreth is disagreeable, only thinking of his own reactions to literally everything, and overthinks every social interaction to an extraordinary degree. Despite not liking him in the least, I was drawn in and kept in the story, so four stars it is. The background event interested me, of course. This world is a good one to immerse oneself in, but I was abruptly pulled out of it (in all five volumes) when the author used the anachronistic (here I mean the wrong time period and place) "sh*t" as an expletive. It felt like we were yanked into modern day "real" world. Overall, the series was a pleasure to read. The author is a strong storyteller.
April 23, 2026
You know those classic TV shows where something big is happening like you’re stuck with the lights out or a baby is coming, and everyone just has to wait - so there are a bunch of flashbacks?
Yeah, that pretty much sums up this book.
We have a bunch of established and beloved characters, and in this story while we are awaiting a new arrival, we get to dive back in time to explore how the two orc dads got together. It is cozy because we know it all works out - and really not a lot happens but that is OK.
It was slow starting for me and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it … but around 25% in things really started to engage me more and I just loved it the rest of the way! Another great story in this lovely universe!
Yeah, that pretty much sums up this book.
We have a bunch of established and beloved characters, and in this story while we are awaiting a new arrival, we get to dive back in time to explore how the two orc dads got together. It is cozy because we know it all works out - and really not a lot happens but that is OK.
It was slow starting for me and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it … but around 25% in things really started to engage me more and I just loved it the rest of the way! Another great story in this lovely universe!
August 26, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
📚 academic
🎨 artist
❤️ love story
Review:
This was a lovely and heart warming story of how Verdreth and Ervash (Arleta’s dads) met and fell in love. It’s told via flashback which I thought was done really well. I loved how different they were and how Verdreth initially saw Ervash! Verdreth’s discussion with his parents about what he wanted was also handled in a positive and healthy way - I really liked seeing him stand up for what he wanted in life.
I loved the ending and the epilouge. Looking forward to the next book!
Thank you to J.Penner, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
📚 academic
🎨 artist
❤️ love story
Review:
This was a lovely and heart warming story of how Verdreth and Ervash (Arleta’s dads) met and fell in love. It’s told via flashback which I thought was done really well. I loved how different they were and how Verdreth initially saw Ervash! Verdreth’s discussion with his parents about what he wanted was also handled in a positive and healthy way - I really liked seeing him stand up for what he wanted in life.
I loved the ending and the epilouge. Looking forward to the next book!
Thank you to J.Penner, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
The Orcs backstory at last
The backstory of how the orcs met and became a couple is filled with sweet, sad and downright heartbreaking moments.
I loved learning more about these two, who've been such a grounding presence and Dad figures to all the other couples in these book. Their dynamic is so sweet and they bring out the best in each other. Even though I knew they'd been together for over 30 years the backstory was so well crafted I found myself forgetting that and became swept up in what appeared to be a story of unrequited love and heartache. This one definitely pulls on the heartstrings!
As usual, yummy recipes at the end!
The backstory of how the orcs met and became a couple is filled with sweet, sad and downright heartbreaking moments.
I loved learning more about these two, who've been such a grounding presence and Dad figures to all the other couples in these book. Their dynamic is so sweet and they bring out the best in each other. Even though I knew they'd been together for over 30 years the backstory was so well crafted I found myself forgetting that and became swept up in what appeared to be a story of unrequited love and heartache. This one definitely pulls on the heartstrings!
As usual, yummy recipes at the end!
July 25, 2026
From the very first page, this book completely drew me in with its warmth, humour, and heart. The characters felt genuine, and watching Verdreth and Ervash's journey unfold was both touching and unforgettable. I loved how it balanced cosy fantasy with meaningful themes of family, friendship, and acceptance. The storytelling is charming, emotional, and filled with moments that made me smile. An absolute five-star read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys heartfelt fantasy.
April 28, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
It’s a lovely story about the two orcs that are main characters in all the books meeting and falling for each other, filling in gaps that were not noticeable or missing but still nice to know, leaving enough expectations for another installment in the series. I’m certainly going to read that as well.
It’s a lovely story about the two orcs that are main characters in all the books meeting and falling for each other, filling in gaps that were not noticeable or missing but still nice to know, leaving enough expectations for another installment in the series. I’m certainly going to read that as well.
February 6, 2026
A cozy hug of a book; one that makes you feel all the hope and love in the world. I love love love this world so much and I'm so glad J. Penner continued this series to give us the story behind these two characters and their relationship; it felt like the final piece to the puzzle of this series. :)
February 19, 2026
Loveee
I love the way you wrote this one! Like a story, within a story! Cats, a baby, a love story including art. I absolutely loved Verdreth and Ervashs' story. This series never ceases to entertain me as I'm reading.
I love the way you wrote this one! Like a story, within a story! Cats, a baby, a love story including art. I absolutely loved Verdreth and Ervashs' story. This series never ceases to entertain me as I'm reading.
March 1, 2026
Sweet
Another sweet tale to add to the shelves. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The back-to-the-past was well handled and the shifts back to the present were fun. Looking forward to the next one.
Another sweet tale to add to the shelves. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The back-to-the-past was well handled and the shifts back to the present were fun. Looking forward to the next one.
April 16, 2026
a romance novel with a hint of Fantasy
This is the first one in the series that was just a romance novel - I’m not complaining thought I loved getting to know the history behind Verdreth and Ervash
This is the first one in the series that was just a romance novel - I’m not complaining thought I loved getting to know the history behind Verdreth and Ervash
June 18, 2026
I think out of the series, this one was definitely one of my favorites. I absolutely love Ervash & Verdreth's story. It was so sweet and at moments, had me tearing up. I can not wait for the next book to see what adventure's await us in Adenashire next!
February 9, 2026
3.5 stars
February 16, 2026
A love story with a cozy feel
Sweet story full of heart and charm. Very cozy, clean, and delightful. The story focuses on the orcs, Verdreth and Ervash, and their love story.
Sweet story full of heart and charm. Very cozy, clean, and delightful. The story focuses on the orcs, Verdreth and Ervash, and their love story.
March 3, 2026
I really liked the other books in the series, but this one was soooo slow! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
March 10, 2026
adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 26, 2026
I think this one is my favorite from this series, but maybe I say that every time! So there you have it, they're all great. Please read them all. Everyone needs a little adventure in their life.
March 30, 2026
Sweet, short and heart warming story. Loved it as much as the other books of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews