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The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26
BEHIND EVERY HERO, THERE'S A HISTORIAN
An ambitious young scholar is sent to research the mysteries of an adventurer's inn – only to uncover a centuries-old secret in this heart-warming and poignant fantasy.
Mount Vengeance is legendary, a monumental climb with a dragon at its peak.
For most, it’s an adventure, or a quest to prove themselves worthy of fame and glory.
For Ainsworth, it’s perfect thesis material.
Ainsworth Gladsly, ambitious young scholar, research fellow and up-and-coming historian is finally ready to make his mark on the world. When his supervisor learns of a rustic inn at the foot of the legendary Mount Vengeance, she send him to be the first to to document the exploits of the bold adventurers who face the perils of the mountain – and the dragon said to inhabit it.
But the inn is far from the sophisticated city life he’s grown to love, and even as he grudgingly warms to its rustic charm – and its lovely innkeeper, Honey – the mystery of the mountain refuses to reveal itself. Worse, Ainsworth can’t find evidence that anyone has ever undertaken the climb – every adventurer comes to the inn, stays for a single night, and then returns home.
And with Ainsworth’s reputation as an academic on the line, it’s a mystery he can’t allow to remain unsolved – even if he has to push the adventurers up the mountain himself.
An ambitious young scholar is sent to research the mysteries of an adventurer's inn – only to uncover a centuries-old secret in this heart-warming and poignant fantasy.
Mount Vengeance is legendary, a monumental climb with a dragon at its peak.
For most, it’s an adventure, or a quest to prove themselves worthy of fame and glory.
For Ainsworth, it’s perfect thesis material.
Ainsworth Gladsly, ambitious young scholar, research fellow and up-and-coming historian is finally ready to make his mark on the world. When his supervisor learns of a rustic inn at the foot of the legendary Mount Vengeance, she send him to be the first to to document the exploits of the bold adventurers who face the perils of the mountain – and the dragon said to inhabit it.
But the inn is far from the sophisticated city life he’s grown to love, and even as he grudgingly warms to its rustic charm – and its lovely innkeeper, Honey – the mystery of the mountain refuses to reveal itself. Worse, Ainsworth can’t find evidence that anyone has ever undertaken the climb – every adventurer comes to the inn, stays for a single night, and then returns home.
And with Ainsworth’s reputation as an academic on the line, it’s a mystery he can’t allow to remain unsolved – even if he has to push the adventurers up the mountain himself.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
30 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 25, 2025
My 1st ARC read did not disappoint 🥰
This book really felt like a journey, cozy one at that. Beautiful world building, nicely written characters, the mystery aspect was well crafted and the warm feeling I got throughout the story was refreshing 🖤 all I can say is good work and I can't wait to get my hands on physical copy 🖤🖤🖤
This book really felt like a journey, cozy one at that. Beautiful world building, nicely written characters, the mystery aspect was well crafted and the warm feeling I got throughout the story was refreshing 🖤 all I can say is good work and I can't wait to get my hands on physical copy 🖤🖤🖤
January 30, 2026
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rep: LGBTQ+ main characters
Tropes: slow burn, found family
Thank you to NetGalley & Del Rey for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book had all the elements of a great cozy fantasy. A wonderful inn filled with delicious food, good company, and a low stakes journey that was so fun to read about.
Ainsworth, our MMC, goes through the most amazing growth that he desperately needed & he came out the other side 100% better. The found family elements in this were equally touching & heartbreaking just to hear some of the backstories these characters possessed. I found myself loving every side character & wanting to know more about each of them. They all bring something different to the table, and they make each other better in all the ways I wish all families could.
The romance is such a sweet slow burn, and it was beautifully written. A love that is gentle & kind was the perfect cherry on top to this story. It also comes with a special twist you won’t see coming, but it’s worth the wait.
This book felt like a love letter to D&D & magic, and I could stay in this magnificent world forever.
Rep: LGBTQ+ main characters
Tropes: slow burn, found family
Thank you to NetGalley & Del Rey for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book had all the elements of a great cozy fantasy. A wonderful inn filled with delicious food, good company, and a low stakes journey that was so fun to read about.
Ainsworth, our MMC, goes through the most amazing growth that he desperately needed & he came out the other side 100% better. The found family elements in this were equally touching & heartbreaking just to hear some of the backstories these characters possessed. I found myself loving every side character & wanting to know more about each of them. They all bring something different to the table, and they make each other better in all the ways I wish all families could.
The romance is such a sweet slow burn, and it was beautifully written. A love that is gentle & kind was the perfect cherry on top to this story. It also comes with a special twist you won’t see coming, but it’s worth the wait.
This book felt like a love letter to D&D & magic, and I could stay in this magnificent world forever.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3⭐
This was a cozy fantasy, and while it did have a comforting atmosphere and a quiet sense of mystery, getting into it was a struggle.
The beginning was painfully slow. Nothing was happening, and it took me waay too long to feel even mildly invested. Then the middle dragged on as well, with scenes that felt repetitive and longer than necessary. I kept waiting for the story to pick up.
Thankfully, it does get better as it goes on.
One of the main reasons I didn’t DNF was Ainsworth. His character development was genuinely good. Watching him go from a snobby, self absorbed scholar to an actually kind hearted person felt natural and satisfying, and it easily became one of the strongest parts of the book.
Honey, our FMC and innkeeper, was also a highlight. She’s sweet, warm, and quietly strong, and I was completely engrossed in her story. I especially liked how the author created this ongoing sense of mystery around Honey. It always felt like she was hiding something, which kept me reading even when the pacing slowed.
The inn itself had strong cozy vibes, and the found family moments were comforting. I also really liked the ending. It felt satisfying and suited the overall tone of the book.
All things considered, the pacing issues definitely held this back from being more than a 3 star read for me, but it was still an enjoyable cozy fantasy with solid character growth, a sweet FMC, and a comforting conclusion.
Big thanks to Netgalley and the Del Rey Team for giving me the chance to review this book!
This was a cozy fantasy, and while it did have a comforting atmosphere and a quiet sense of mystery, getting into it was a struggle.
The beginning was painfully slow. Nothing was happening, and it took me waay too long to feel even mildly invested. Then the middle dragged on as well, with scenes that felt repetitive and longer than necessary. I kept waiting for the story to pick up.
Thankfully, it does get better as it goes on.
One of the main reasons I didn’t DNF was Ainsworth. His character development was genuinely good. Watching him go from a snobby, self absorbed scholar to an actually kind hearted person felt natural and satisfying, and it easily became one of the strongest parts of the book.
Honey, our FMC and innkeeper, was also a highlight. She’s sweet, warm, and quietly strong, and I was completely engrossed in her story. I especially liked how the author created this ongoing sense of mystery around Honey. It always felt like she was hiding something, which kept me reading even when the pacing slowed.
The inn itself had strong cozy vibes, and the found family moments were comforting. I also really liked the ending. It felt satisfying and suited the overall tone of the book.
All things considered, the pacing issues definitely held this back from being more than a 3 star read for me, but it was still an enjoyable cozy fantasy with solid character growth, a sweet FMC, and a comforting conclusion.
Big thanks to Netgalley and the Del Rey Team for giving me the chance to review this book!
January 31, 2026
This is such a cozy low stakes fantasy! I’m immediately taken by everyone at the Inn. You get a variety of characters with differing personalities. Everyone is so likable and welcoming except maybe for Ashe BUT she has her reasons. Honey, the owner of the inn, is just like her name, sweet. She is so kind and warm. Ainsworth has sooo much growth throughout the book. He’s had a rough life and he got dragged into being someone he’s not to fit in. Very relatable. My personal favorite character is, Ruraidh. After learning his story, I felt for him. I’m so glad he found a place like the inn. Even though this is low stakes, it has a great little mystery! I highly recommend this book! Perfect when you need something light and cozy between those heavy fantasy books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is peak cosy fantasy with a great twist. It's your typical D&D adventure... from the POV of an NPC.
The setting is where this book really shines. The worldbuilding is so good you can practically smell the stew simmering and hear the fire crackling. It's fun, cosy, mysterious, and heartwarming. The various races are given equal time and care, and the Scottish and Irish folklore woven throughout adds extra charm and richness to the world.
There are a lot of characters, and that felt overwhelming at first, but everyone's so unique that it never gets confusing or feels cluttered. Very quickly they start to feel less like characters on a page and more like friends you'd happily share a pint with. Asking me to pick a favourite is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child!
Ainsworth’s journey is lovely to experience. Watching him figure himself out and grow into who he’s meant to be is an emotional ride. There’s also a pretty solid mystery, though the pacing lags a bit in places when the story slows down to enjoy its own cosiness (which I didn’t really mind, tbh).
However, the writing itself isn’t always as on point as the vibes. Some sentences could flow better, and the prose can be a bit clunky and disjointed at times, which occasionally took me out of the story. But it's a minor complaint in what's otherwise a perfect book with a ton of heart: cosy fantasy meets mystery, D&D, found-family, richly lived-in settings... there's so much to enjoy here!
And there are recipes at the end! I'm a sucker for recipes and these are genuinely fantastic. Try the broth, you won't be disappointed! Just make sure to have a big plate of bannocks on the side for dipping
The setting is where this book really shines. The worldbuilding is so good you can practically smell the stew simmering and hear the fire crackling. It's fun, cosy, mysterious, and heartwarming. The various races are given equal time and care, and the Scottish and Irish folklore woven throughout adds extra charm and richness to the world.
There are a lot of characters, and that felt overwhelming at first, but everyone's so unique that it never gets confusing or feels cluttered. Very quickly they start to feel less like characters on a page and more like friends you'd happily share a pint with. Asking me to pick a favourite is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child!
Ainsworth’s journey is lovely to experience. Watching him figure himself out and grow into who he’s meant to be is an emotional ride. There’s also a pretty solid mystery, though the pacing lags a bit in places when the story slows down to enjoy its own cosiness (which I didn’t really mind, tbh).
However, the writing itself isn’t always as on point as the vibes. Some sentences could flow better, and the prose can be a bit clunky and disjointed at times, which occasionally took me out of the story. But it's a minor complaint in what's otherwise a perfect book with a ton of heart: cosy fantasy meets mystery, D&D, found-family, richly lived-in settings... there's so much to enjoy here!
And there are recipes at the end! I'm a sucker for recipes and these are genuinely fantastic. Try the broth, you won't be disappointed! Just make sure to have a big plate of bannocks on the side for dipping
January 23, 2026
Thank you to Del Rey Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced digital copy.
This was a very warm, cozy, cutesy read. It delivered a beautiful, strong underlying message that will resonate with most. It had a fun magic system and was full of interesting, diverse characters. I love the inclusivity that you will find here.
Best read wrapped up in a soft blanket while drinking a warm beverage.
This was a very warm, cozy, cutesy read. It delivered a beautiful, strong underlying message that will resonate with most. It had a fun magic system and was full of interesting, diverse characters. I love the inclusivity that you will find here.
Best read wrapped up in a soft blanket while drinking a warm beverage.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was terribly cute! A very cozy read, gently slow-paced and more focused on the journey rather than the destination.
The ending has a bit more "action" than most of the book, but some readers might guess the twist much earlier in the story - which isn't a bad thing at all, since it serves to highlight the evolution of the main character's perspective over the course of the story.
Definitely a 2026 new release to watch out for!
The ending has a bit more "action" than most of the book, but some readers might guess the twist much earlier in the story - which isn't a bad thing at all, since it serves to highlight the evolution of the main character's perspective over the course of the story.
Definitely a 2026 new release to watch out for!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance invites readers into a rich, magical world, full of charm, adventure, and cozy details that make you want to linger.
Ainsworth Gladsly, an ambitious young scholar, is sent to research the famed Misnich Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance. His goal is to document the heroic quests of adventurers who attempt the legendary mountain and its rumored dragon. But what he discovers is far more mysterious, most adventurers turn back the next morning, leaving Ainsworth determined to uncover why and to write the book that will make him famous.
The slow, immersive pace allows the world to shine. Ainsworth’s dynamic with Honey, the inn’s sweet but fierce keeper, is perfectly imperfect. At first, Ainsworth can be frustrating, but you quickly grow attached to his quirks and determination. Honey’s inn feels like a place you could spend a long winter’s night, cozy and inviting.
The plot twist is masterful, the characters are profound and touching, and the universe is beautifully realized. Every detail feels intentional, making this a book you can visualize effortlessly. I feel like if you enjoy Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fae, you’ll likely fall in love with this story too.
I devoured this book. It’s cozy, funny, and enchanting one of those reads that stay with you long after the last page. Highly recommended!
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance invites readers into a rich, magical world, full of charm, adventure, and cozy details that make you want to linger.
Ainsworth Gladsly, an ambitious young scholar, is sent to research the famed Misnich Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance. His goal is to document the heroic quests of adventurers who attempt the legendary mountain and its rumored dragon. But what he discovers is far more mysterious, most adventurers turn back the next morning, leaving Ainsworth determined to uncover why and to write the book that will make him famous.
The slow, immersive pace allows the world to shine. Ainsworth’s dynamic with Honey, the inn’s sweet but fierce keeper, is perfectly imperfect. At first, Ainsworth can be frustrating, but you quickly grow attached to his quirks and determination. Honey’s inn feels like a place you could spend a long winter’s night, cozy and inviting.
The plot twist is masterful, the characters are profound and touching, and the universe is beautifully realized. Every detail feels intentional, making this a book you can visualize effortlessly. I feel like if you enjoy Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fae, you’ll likely fall in love with this story too.
I devoured this book. It’s cozy, funny, and enchanting one of those reads that stay with you long after the last page. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was cute and cozy while also delving into surprisingly serious themes at times. It wasn't for me but I can see people that are more into cozy fantasy enjoying this.
I really liked how colourful and diverse Chiara Bullen's fantasy world is. All the characters are of different fantasy races, some can turn into animals, some have animal characteristics and looks, it's just very charming. I also liked the setup of an academic that wants to collect stories of adventurers braving the infamous, dragon-infested Mount Vengeance but finds out actually, for some mysterious reason no adventurer ever did brave that mountain. While he lives at the titular inn he meets all of the characters living there and forms bonds with them, especially the cute owner, while also learning more about himself and dealing with trauma he was refusing to have.
Found family is always nice, so is cute romance. I simply didn't find myself caring for any of the characters. I genuinely liked Honey, but she suffered immensely from being a really, really predictable character. The rest are nice enough, but mostly been there done that.
The pacing was at times glacially slow, and the structure didn't change things up at all. Ainsworth, our protagonist, basically gets to know these characters one by one like this: he meets them, he spends some time with each one individually so they can tell him their tragic life story and he can respond in the same way every single time, now they have a great bond, repeat with the next character. I was sadly bored because it was a whole mountain of telling and very little showing, which rarely works for me.
There's also an antagonist that is so incredibly onedimensional and clearly only exists to be evil and really mean to Ainsworth, and I did have issues with him because the topic he represents is an incredibly serious one. Because he's so obviously a bad, manipulative, abusive guy the whole topic of domestic abuse and different kinds of abuse in a relationship stays painfully superficial, and the resolution to it is quite the same. Now, I do appreciate it being in there because these topics should be talked about in this genre as well, but I didn't feel it was handled with enough care and depth.
Personally, I would have also kinda wished for a positive representation of a same-sex relationship somewhere in the side character mass, because while I wholly appreciate that most of the characters seem to be bi or generally queer, there's still always that bit of aftertaste to the only gay relationship on page being portrayed as an abusive terrible one. Though maybe that's just the political climate we're living in, the author is in no way to blame for that.
Also, yes, the big mystery of the book is so very, very predictable. It's a twist you can see coming very early on.
So yeah, I recommend you still give this book a chance and see if it's for you! I'm not the biggest fan of cozy fantasy and the book is simply written and structured in a way I personally didn't enjoy, and I might be expecting too much thematic depth when it comes to certain topics that the author didn't even intend to be in here and that's totally fine. Not for me, but might be for you.
Many thanks to Del Rey and Netgalley for the arc!
I really liked how colourful and diverse Chiara Bullen's fantasy world is. All the characters are of different fantasy races, some can turn into animals, some have animal characteristics and looks, it's just very charming. I also liked the setup of an academic that wants to collect stories of adventurers braving the infamous, dragon-infested Mount Vengeance but finds out actually, for some mysterious reason no adventurer ever did brave that mountain. While he lives at the titular inn he meets all of the characters living there and forms bonds with them, especially the cute owner, while also learning more about himself and dealing with trauma he was refusing to have.
Found family is always nice, so is cute romance. I simply didn't find myself caring for any of the characters. I genuinely liked Honey, but she suffered immensely from being a really, really predictable character. The rest are nice enough, but mostly been there done that.
The pacing was at times glacially slow, and the structure didn't change things up at all. Ainsworth, our protagonist, basically gets to know these characters one by one like this: he meets them, he spends some time with each one individually so they can tell him their tragic life story and he can respond in the same way every single time, now they have a great bond, repeat with the next character. I was sadly bored because it was a whole mountain of telling and very little showing, which rarely works for me.
There's also an antagonist that is so incredibly onedimensional and clearly only exists to be evil and really mean to Ainsworth, and I did have issues with him because the topic he represents is an incredibly serious one. Because he's so obviously a bad, manipulative, abusive guy the whole topic of domestic abuse and different kinds of abuse in a relationship stays painfully superficial, and the resolution to it is quite the same. Now, I do appreciate it being in there because these topics should be talked about in this genre as well, but I didn't feel it was handled with enough care and depth.
Personally, I would have also kinda wished for a positive representation of a same-sex relationship somewhere in the side character mass, because while I wholly appreciate that most of the characters seem to be bi or generally queer, there's still always that bit of aftertaste to the only gay relationship on page being portrayed as an abusive terrible one. Though maybe that's just the political climate we're living in, the author is in no way to blame for that.
Also, yes, the big mystery of the book is so very, very predictable. It's a twist you can see coming very early on.
So yeah, I recommend you still give this book a chance and see if it's for you! I'm not the biggest fan of cozy fantasy and the book is simply written and structured in a way I personally didn't enjoy, and I might be expecting too much thematic depth when it comes to certain topics that the author didn't even intend to be in here and that's totally fine. Not for me, but might be for you.
Many thanks to Del Rey and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengence" is perfect for fans of the cozy fantasy genre. The story follows a young scholar named Ainsworth, who has been tasked with researching an inn near the foot of a mountain said to be home to a terrifying dragon. The only thing is, every adventurer who has ever stayed at the inn has turned away from slaying the dragon at the last minute. As Ainsworth desperately tries to uncover the mystery of the inn, he starts to discover more about himself, while enjoying the company of a rather charming group of companions.
This book would be perfect for anyone who loves the cozy fantasy vibes, including a slow paced story where not much action happens, but full of found family, a sweet romance, and a charming cast of characters.
At first, I have to admit I thought this story was TOO slow and TOO long. Cozy fantasy is my favorite genre, and I almost put the book down in the beginning. However, as the story progressed, I came to love the characters and ended up enjoying much more than my first impressions led me to believe(this is why I never DNF a book. Most of the time, I truly just need to get far enough into it and then end up loving it, which was the case here!)
Something the initially deterred me was the main character Ainsworth, as he starts out quite self centered and rude at the beginning of the story. However, I was delighted to see him grow and come into himself as a character as the story progressed. By the end I was truly rooting for him to be successful, and after learning more of his back story I was able to understand how he came to be who he was at the start of the story.
One tiny thing that did continue to bug me throughout the story was the author made up a lot of fantasy races/monsters, and would only give half a description of what they were, so I really couldn't visualize them. I tried looking them up to see if they were "real" or just made up for the book, but did not get any results. This could have been improved upon so I could better imagine the characters I came to love by the end of the novel.
I also knew exactly what the ending would be 20% of the way through the book. If you do not like a super predictable book, I'd suggest skipping this one.
Despite the few things that didn't quite work for me, I ended up enjoying the novel. The things I liked most were the found family element, the LGBTQ+ cast of quirky characters, and the growth the main character goes through. I'd recommend this one to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy where you can be sure the main character gets a HEA, and nothing too intense happens. I also think this would be great for anyone teens and up, as there was nothing inappropriate, making it great for a wider age range.
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book would be perfect for anyone who loves the cozy fantasy vibes, including a slow paced story where not much action happens, but full of found family, a sweet romance, and a charming cast of characters.
At first, I have to admit I thought this story was TOO slow and TOO long. Cozy fantasy is my favorite genre, and I almost put the book down in the beginning. However, as the story progressed, I came to love the characters and ended up enjoying much more than my first impressions led me to believe(this is why I never DNF a book. Most of the time, I truly just need to get far enough into it and then end up loving it, which was the case here!)
Something the initially deterred me was the main character Ainsworth, as he starts out quite self centered and rude at the beginning of the story. However, I was delighted to see him grow and come into himself as a character as the story progressed. By the end I was truly rooting for him to be successful, and after learning more of his back story I was able to understand how he came to be who he was at the start of the story.
One tiny thing that did continue to bug me throughout the story was the author made up a lot of fantasy races/monsters, and would only give half a description of what they were, so I really couldn't visualize them. I tried looking them up to see if they were "real" or just made up for the book, but did not get any results. This could have been improved upon so I could better imagine the characters I came to love by the end of the novel.
I also knew exactly what the ending would be 20% of the way through the book. If you do not like a super predictable book, I'd suggest skipping this one.
Despite the few things that didn't quite work for me, I ended up enjoying the novel. The things I liked most were the found family element, the LGBTQ+ cast of quirky characters, and the growth the main character goes through. I'd recommend this one to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy where you can be sure the main character gets a HEA, and nothing too intense happens. I also think this would be great for anyone teens and up, as there was nothing inappropriate, making it great for a wider age range.
4/5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bullen has crafted a charming cosy fantasy, drawing on her academic background and her knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons and Scottish culture. Under the surface it critiques the elitist classism and snobbery rife in some academic circles, as well as exploring the often painful reality of peeling back the layers of inauthenticity that we can drown ourselves in if we’re not careful.
Our protagonist, Ainsworth Gladsly, arrives at the inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance himself cloaked in this same snobbery, unwilling to consider that any path other than the one he has chosen could possibly be worth pursuing. What is life for, if not gaining recognition and having a name worthy of being dropped into conversation? It seems unlikely that he’ll make welcome guest at the inn…
I absolutely loved the character of Ainsworth right from the start. A rather unlikeable and pompous individual, he very much reminded me of Derek Jacobi’s portrayal of Gilderoy Lockhart. His character growth over the span of the novel is heartwarming, and by the end I was rooting for him such that I was ready to grab pompoms and do a little dance to rally him on. The writing captured his voice perfectly for me. At times it feels as though there’s just a touch too much interiority, but when you remember that you’re in the head of a neurotic academic trying desperately to hold onto the accolades and status he’s managed to claw for himself and not let anyone see where he came from, it’s on point.
Bullen uses the cosy framework of the plot to hold up a mirror to a number of social issues. She delivers a scathing criticism of high-society, well-to-do folk who assume that everyone should want to aim for their lifestyle, as well as the cutthroat world of academia which often allows entry only to those who have the “right” background and network. She hones in on ambition and the toll it takes, and asks the reader to consider whether striving for excellence is truly worth it.
I really appreciated Bullen’s take on the genre, with little twists that make me laugh. Instead of a terrifying beast to face, Ainsworth is up against his great nemesis as an historian: damp. The novel is influenced by D&D, and I felt like I was listening to my favourite D&D players in a cosy campaign, with the DM narrating one character’s thoughts as well as the action. While my exposure to D&D is fairly limited, it very much informed how I heard Ainsworth and the other characters; I think that without it the fun I had on this adventure would have been curtailed.
This is a novel that will be adored by anyone into D&D, who loves their fantasy mixed with academia, or who finds the most joy in found family and character growth, although I would encourage anyone curious to take a trip to the inn and the foot of Mount Vengeance and see what they find there.
Our protagonist, Ainsworth Gladsly, arrives at the inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance himself cloaked in this same snobbery, unwilling to consider that any path other than the one he has chosen could possibly be worth pursuing. What is life for, if not gaining recognition and having a name worthy of being dropped into conversation? It seems unlikely that he’ll make welcome guest at the inn…
I absolutely loved the character of Ainsworth right from the start. A rather unlikeable and pompous individual, he very much reminded me of Derek Jacobi’s portrayal of Gilderoy Lockhart. His character growth over the span of the novel is heartwarming, and by the end I was rooting for him such that I was ready to grab pompoms and do a little dance to rally him on. The writing captured his voice perfectly for me. At times it feels as though there’s just a touch too much interiority, but when you remember that you’re in the head of a neurotic academic trying desperately to hold onto the accolades and status he’s managed to claw for himself and not let anyone see where he came from, it’s on point.
Bullen uses the cosy framework of the plot to hold up a mirror to a number of social issues. She delivers a scathing criticism of high-society, well-to-do folk who assume that everyone should want to aim for their lifestyle, as well as the cutthroat world of academia which often allows entry only to those who have the “right” background and network. She hones in on ambition and the toll it takes, and asks the reader to consider whether striving for excellence is truly worth it.
I really appreciated Bullen’s take on the genre, with little twists that make me laugh. Instead of a terrifying beast to face, Ainsworth is up against his great nemesis as an historian: damp. The novel is influenced by D&D, and I felt like I was listening to my favourite D&D players in a cosy campaign, with the DM narrating one character’s thoughts as well as the action. While my exposure to D&D is fairly limited, it very much informed how I heard Ainsworth and the other characters; I think that without it the fun I had on this adventure would have been curtailed.
This is a novel that will be adored by anyone into D&D, who loves their fantasy mixed with academia, or who finds the most joy in found family and character growth, although I would encourage anyone curious to take a trip to the inn and the foot of Mount Vengeance and see what they find there.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a cozy fantasy novel from the perspective of a self-centered scholar trying to make his way in the world. Ainsworth Gladsly was sent into the wilderness at the behest of his advisor, intent on discovering the mostly-unknown Mount Vengeance and the inn that sits at its base. Adventurers always set out intent on climbing the mountain, yet turn away at the last moment, and Ainsworth is determined to discover why. Along the way, Ainsworth learns about the meaning of life, the value of friendship, and the pursuit of small joys. He forms a new family, finds a romantic partner, and unravels the mystery behind Mount Vengeance and its mysterious protectors.
The setting of this book was delightful, and the real shine of this book. The author made extra care to describe not only the flora and fauna, the shapes of rocks and crags, but also the food to be consumed and the warm environment to be enjoyed. The found family in this book really adds to this warmth, with Ainsworth finding love and acceptance in stark contrast to his life as a scholar.
However, the beginning of this book was very hard for me to get through because of how entitled, ignorant and insufferable our main character is. Ainsworth has been indoctrinated into certain trappings and comforts and is deeply judgmental and unkind towards everyone he meets. Often he seems well natured in his ignorance, but his ability to offend is unparalleled. I understand that characters need to have character development, and be given the opportunity to grow, but it was hard to be in the head of someone so deeply obnoxious. The second half of the book was better, as he begins to grow and change for the better and therefore isn’t near as obnoxious. I didn’t enjoy a good chunk of the book because despite the cozy setting and curious mystery, Ainsworth was painfully rude to everyone around him. Ainsworth also reveals the details of his abusive relationship in small trickles, which makes him more relatable, but we as the audience recognize the abuse far before Ainsworth does.
Altogether, if you’re willing to start with an unlikeable main character, this book has a sweet setting, an encouraging message about self worth and burn out, and a delightful found family. The plot itself is enjoyable and low stakes. However, I couldn’t get around Ainsworth’s ignorance and arrogance, and it made the book feel far longer than it was.
A big thank you to the team at Del Rey for this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The setting of this book was delightful, and the real shine of this book. The author made extra care to describe not only the flora and fauna, the shapes of rocks and crags, but also the food to be consumed and the warm environment to be enjoyed. The found family in this book really adds to this warmth, with Ainsworth finding love and acceptance in stark contrast to his life as a scholar.
However, the beginning of this book was very hard for me to get through because of how entitled, ignorant and insufferable our main character is. Ainsworth has been indoctrinated into certain trappings and comforts and is deeply judgmental and unkind towards everyone he meets. Often he seems well natured in his ignorance, but his ability to offend is unparalleled. I understand that characters need to have character development, and be given the opportunity to grow, but it was hard to be in the head of someone so deeply obnoxious. The second half of the book was better, as he begins to grow and change for the better and therefore isn’t near as obnoxious. I didn’t enjoy a good chunk of the book because despite the cozy setting and curious mystery, Ainsworth was painfully rude to everyone around him. Ainsworth also reveals the details of his abusive relationship in small trickles, which makes him more relatable, but we as the audience recognize the abuse far before Ainsworth does.
Altogether, if you’re willing to start with an unlikeable main character, this book has a sweet setting, an encouraging message about self worth and burn out, and a delightful found family. The plot itself is enjoyable and low stakes. However, I couldn’t get around Ainsworth’s ignorance and arrogance, and it made the book feel far longer than it was.
A big thank you to the team at Del Rey for this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quick heads up: I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley. Big thanks to the publisher and author for letting me read this before release.
All opinions here are completely my own though. 🤍🤎
So My Take: This book landed a solid four stars from me, and I'm here to tell you why it earned every single one.🤩💫
It follows this uptight academic academic into a remote mountain inn thinking he's gonna knock out some boring historical research. Well —that’s not what happens. What starts as a simple work trip turns into this whole thing with hidden truths, people he actually starts caring about, and mysteries stacking up faster than he can handle them.
The setting is honestly one of my favorite parts. Can we talk about the inn itself for a second? Because it's giving major "I want to live here forever" energy. It's got that rustic charm that makes you want to grab hot cocoa and never leave. The kind of spot where you'd actually *want* to be snowed in.
Our main dude Ainsworth? Total transformation. Starts out as that person at a party who won't stop mentioning where they went to university. You know the type. Annoying as hell initially.
But stick with him—he becomes genuinely likable as the story unfolds. His evolution from pompous jerk to actual human being with feelings is probably the highlight of the whole book. And Honey (the person running the inn) is absolutely delightful. Their dynamic is really what drives everything forward. 🤭
The magic system is wild too. They don't spoon-feed you the rules upfront, so you're basically figuring it out alongside Ainsworth. Keeps things mysterious and honestly? The ending caught me completely off guard. Since you never quite know what's possible magic-wise, the conclusion feels earned instead of telegraphed from chapter one. Smart move by the author, honestly. Loved it!!!
Fair warning though—this isn't some epic battle saga. It's quiet, introspective, emotionally driven. Think campfire storytelling rather than blockbuster movie. Some parts definitely drag a bit if I'm being real with you. But that's kind of the point? It's meant to simmer, not explode.
Final verdict: If you're into stories where the characters matter more than the plot gymnastics, and you appreciate a setting that feels like a hug in book form, grab this one. It's got heart, it's got mystery, and it'll probably make you feel things. Solid recommendation from me.
All opinions here are completely my own though. 🤍🤎
So My Take: This book landed a solid four stars from me, and I'm here to tell you why it earned every single one.🤩💫
It follows this uptight academic academic into a remote mountain inn thinking he's gonna knock out some boring historical research. Well —that’s not what happens. What starts as a simple work trip turns into this whole thing with hidden truths, people he actually starts caring about, and mysteries stacking up faster than he can handle them.
The setting is honestly one of my favorite parts. Can we talk about the inn itself for a second? Because it's giving major "I want to live here forever" energy. It's got that rustic charm that makes you want to grab hot cocoa and never leave. The kind of spot where you'd actually *want* to be snowed in.
Our main dude Ainsworth? Total transformation. Starts out as that person at a party who won't stop mentioning where they went to university. You know the type. Annoying as hell initially.
But stick with him—he becomes genuinely likable as the story unfolds. His evolution from pompous jerk to actual human being with feelings is probably the highlight of the whole book. And Honey (the person running the inn) is absolutely delightful. Their dynamic is really what drives everything forward. 🤭
The magic system is wild too. They don't spoon-feed you the rules upfront, so you're basically figuring it out alongside Ainsworth. Keeps things mysterious and honestly? The ending caught me completely off guard. Since you never quite know what's possible magic-wise, the conclusion feels earned instead of telegraphed from chapter one. Smart move by the author, honestly. Loved it!!!
Fair warning though—this isn't some epic battle saga. It's quiet, introspective, emotionally driven. Think campfire storytelling rather than blockbuster movie. Some parts definitely drag a bit if I'm being real with you. But that's kind of the point? It's meant to simmer, not explode.
Final verdict: If you're into stories where the characters matter more than the plot gymnastics, and you appreciate a setting that feels like a hug in book form, grab this one. It's got heart, it's got mystery, and it'll probably make you feel things. Solid recommendation from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Inn At The Foot Of Mount Vengeance" mostly caught my eye thanks to its weirdly evocative title. It seemed very cozy, but with a slightly more edgy twist to it, which I thought could be something I'd enjoy. This is author Chiara Bullen's first published work, and... well... it isn't bad.
On a purely intellectual level, I can see most of what she was going for with this. It just never (or let's say "almost never") seems to fully succeed at that. It's about a scholar visiting the eponymous "Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance", in order to write a book about the adventurers attempting to brave that mountain (which is complicated a bit by the fact that... nobody actually does that, for some weird reason, every adventuring-party changes their mind and leaves after a night at the inn), and he's pompous and arrogant, but the quirky staff at this quaint place win him over over time, and he learns a valuable lesson about life, and maybe finds love... the book wants us to believe, but as said, while I understand that that's what's supposed to be going on here, I very rarely actually felt any of that while reading it.
Gladsly isn't as pompous and unlikeable as the book pretends he is in the beginning. The other characters aren't as enigmatic and intriguing as they should be. The mysteries aren't pronounced enough, the focus on them kind of lacking, the romance and life-changing revelations only truly work if you turn your head like this and squint a little... and all of that is a bit of a shame, because the whole thing is technically likeable enough and thought-through decently well (aside from one plot-development that is dropped semi-randomly into the last third of the book, and then suddenly it informs EVERYTHING that comes after), and occasionally, it made me feel the feels it probably wanted to make me feel more often.
So... it's okay. If you're really into this kind of thing and can therefore happily overlook the aforementioned flaws, you might get a bit more out of this than I did, but despite everything, I didn't have a bad time with it, and if Bullen polishes her next one a bit more, there might be something to like there. This is a 3/5 for me, some good ideas, but not quite there.
On a purely intellectual level, I can see most of what she was going for with this. It just never (or let's say "almost never") seems to fully succeed at that. It's about a scholar visiting the eponymous "Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance", in order to write a book about the adventurers attempting to brave that mountain (which is complicated a bit by the fact that... nobody actually does that, for some weird reason, every adventuring-party changes their mind and leaves after a night at the inn), and he's pompous and arrogant, but the quirky staff at this quaint place win him over over time, and he learns a valuable lesson about life, and maybe finds love... the book wants us to believe, but as said, while I understand that that's what's supposed to be going on here, I very rarely actually felt any of that while reading it.
Gladsly isn't as pompous and unlikeable as the book pretends he is in the beginning. The other characters aren't as enigmatic and intriguing as they should be. The mysteries aren't pronounced enough, the focus on them kind of lacking, the romance and life-changing revelations only truly work if you turn your head like this and squint a little... and all of that is a bit of a shame, because the whole thing is technically likeable enough and thought-through decently well (aside from one plot-development that is dropped semi-randomly into the last third of the book, and then suddenly it informs EVERYTHING that comes after), and occasionally, it made me feel the feels it probably wanted to make me feel more often.
So... it's okay. If you're really into this kind of thing and can therefore happily overlook the aforementioned flaws, you might get a bit more out of this than I did, but despite everything, I didn't have a bad time with it, and if Bullen polishes her next one a bit more, there might be something to like there. This is a 3/5 for me, some good ideas, but not quite there.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My thoughts
I gave this book four stars because it is a perfect example of a cozy romance. It is a "no-spice" story, focusing entirely on the atmosphere and the development of the characters. The pace of the book is quite slow and gentle, which I think fits this genre very well.
What I found most interesting was the character growth of the male lead, Ainsworth. In the beginning, he is a very haughty scholar who thinks he is better than everyone else. However, throughout the story, his attitude really changes. Through his relationship with Honey and the other people he meets, he transforms from someone who looks down on others into a sincere and helpful person. It was very satisfying to see him become part of the community at the inn.
The magic system in this world is also unique. The rules of magic are not explained right away, so both the reader and Ainsworth have to figure out how some of it works. This created mystery and led to a very surprising ending. Because the magical possibilities were unknown, the conclusion felt fresh and clever rather than predictable.
Conclusion
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a lovely, heartwarming read. If you enjoy low-stakes fantasy with a great character arc and a magic system that keeps you guessing, I highly recommend this book. It’s a very comfortable story that still manages to surprise you at the end.
My thoughts
I gave this book four stars because it is a perfect example of a cozy romance. It is a "no-spice" story, focusing entirely on the atmosphere and the development of the characters. The pace of the book is quite slow and gentle, which I think fits this genre very well.
What I found most interesting was the character growth of the male lead, Ainsworth. In the beginning, he is a very haughty scholar who thinks he is better than everyone else. However, throughout the story, his attitude really changes. Through his relationship with Honey and the other people he meets, he transforms from someone who looks down on others into a sincere and helpful person. It was very satisfying to see him become part of the community at the inn.
The magic system in this world is also unique. The rules of magic are not explained right away, so both the reader and Ainsworth have to figure out how some of it works. This created mystery and led to a very surprising ending. Because the magical possibilities were unknown, the conclusion felt fresh and clever rather than predictable.
Conclusion
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a lovely, heartwarming read. If you enjoy low-stakes fantasy with a great character arc and a magic system that keeps you guessing, I highly recommend this book. It’s a very comfortable story that still manages to surprise you at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cover was the first thing that enticed me to read The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance -- adorable! -- and the very interesting synopsis helped as well, so I was very happy when I got the opportunity to read the arc of this novel.
This is a perfect read for a rainy day, cuddled up on the couch, perhaps with a fire lit in the background to match the coziness of the book. The prose was lovely, as well as the characters, and everytime I had to put the book down for whatever reason I found myself thinking about the characters and what the rest of their story would be like. I honestly loved all of them (which doesn't happen too often) and how their relationship with Ainsworth grew throughout the book. Ainsworth himself grew as a character in a very believable way and I loved his voice and his journey.
The beginning of the book, the first half or so, is a slow read, but slow in a good way. It set up the world beautifully and reading it felt like I was playing Stardew Valley, sans the fantasy elements, and the hours simply flew by as I explored Misnich Inn alongside Ainsworth. The book made me very hungry as well, some of the food sounded amazing, so I was stoked to see that the author included recipes at the end!
I was hovering between 4 and 5 stars, landong on a 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. If you're looking for a cozy fantasy read, this is the perfect book for you!
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
This is a perfect read for a rainy day, cuddled up on the couch, perhaps with a fire lit in the background to match the coziness of the book. The prose was lovely, as well as the characters, and everytime I had to put the book down for whatever reason I found myself thinking about the characters and what the rest of their story would be like. I honestly loved all of them (which doesn't happen too often) and how their relationship with Ainsworth grew throughout the book. Ainsworth himself grew as a character in a very believable way and I loved his voice and his journey.
The beginning of the book, the first half or so, is a slow read, but slow in a good way. It set up the world beautifully and reading it felt like I was playing Stardew Valley, sans the fantasy elements, and the hours simply flew by as I explored Misnich Inn alongside Ainsworth. The book made me very hungry as well, some of the food sounded amazing, so I was stoked to see that the author included recipes at the end!
I was hovering between 4 and 5 stars, landong on a 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. If you're looking for a cozy fantasy read, this is the perfect book for you!
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an e-arc of this book.
This is a slow-moving, very low stakes cozy fantasy. From the first couple of pages I was hooked into the story that follows Ainsworth and the inn and mountain he has come to study. While there is not much happening in the book in terms of your typical fantasy action and magic, there is a ton of character growth, and thank goodness for it!
Ainsworth is a well-rounded character that changes a lot throughout the book. I thought we got just enough of his back story and personality to know who he is and his character arc was satisfying. The side characters that are featured a lot in the story were also well written. Not completely flat characters but not completely rounded either. There was just enough backstory for each and they were all unique enough that they became lovable pretty fast and I enjoyed all on page interactions between the characters.
There is a good balance here of description and dialogue. I appreciated the times we spent outside of the inn and would really like to get to know this world better in general. I do think the story moved a bit too slowly through the middle, but because it wraps up nicely at the end I didn't mind too much and anyway this was a really pleasant setting so one can just enjoy being there. Would recommend if you like slow moving cozy fantasy books.
TW: domestic abuse on and off page.
This is a slow-moving, very low stakes cozy fantasy. From the first couple of pages I was hooked into the story that follows Ainsworth and the inn and mountain he has come to study. While there is not much happening in the book in terms of your typical fantasy action and magic, there is a ton of character growth, and thank goodness for it!
Ainsworth is a well-rounded character that changes a lot throughout the book. I thought we got just enough of his back story and personality to know who he is and his character arc was satisfying. The side characters that are featured a lot in the story were also well written. Not completely flat characters but not completely rounded either. There was just enough backstory for each and they were all unique enough that they became lovable pretty fast and I enjoyed all on page interactions between the characters.
There is a good balance here of description and dialogue. I appreciated the times we spent outside of the inn and would really like to get to know this world better in general. I do think the story moved a bit too slowly through the middle, but because it wraps up nicely at the end I didn't mind too much and anyway this was a really pleasant setting so one can just enjoy being there. Would recommend if you like slow moving cozy fantasy books.
TW: domestic abuse on and off page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is such a warm, feel-good fantasy read. It follows Ainsworth, a historian who thinks he’s just going to this little rustic inn to do research on legendary adventurers… but instead ends up uncovering secrets, unexpected friendships, and way more mystery than he signed up for.
The setting is honestly one of my favorite parts. The inn feels so cozy and comforting, like the kind of place you’d want to curl up in with a blanket and stay forever. The characters are charming, especially Honey, the innkeeper, and I loved seeing Ainsworth slowly loosen up and grow.
The story leans more “soft and emotional” than big action fantasy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s heartfelt, a little mysterious, and surprisingly touching. My only small complaint is that the pacing can feel a bit slow at times — but if you love character-driven fantasy and cozy vibes, it totally works.
Overall, this is a sweet, engaging read with great atmosphere, lovable characters, and a really compelling mystery. I definitely recommend it!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley. I want to thank the publisher and the author for the opportunity to review this book before it is released..
The setting is honestly one of my favorite parts. The inn feels so cozy and comforting, like the kind of place you’d want to curl up in with a blanket and stay forever. The characters are charming, especially Honey, the innkeeper, and I loved seeing Ainsworth slowly loosen up and grow.
The story leans more “soft and emotional” than big action fantasy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s heartfelt, a little mysterious, and surprisingly touching. My only small complaint is that the pacing can feel a bit slow at times — but if you love character-driven fantasy and cozy vibes, it totally works.
Overall, this is a sweet, engaging read with great atmosphere, lovable characters, and a really compelling mystery. I definitely recommend it!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley. I want to thank the publisher and the author for the opportunity to review this book before it is released..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I requested this book because the cover gave me Mighty Nein (Jester & Traveler) fanfic vibes, but it turned out to be totally different in the best way!
I have read quite a few D&D-esque books this year, and this is one of my favorites (right after to Tusk Love). It has the familiar tropes of D&D adventuring (travel, taverns, inventory building, found family) but offers a refreshing take on it. Ainsworth is what I wish every D&D player would be -- someone who has a clear purpose and has agency, but also makes space for everyone else at the table, invites others to share their backstories, and genuinely listens as they share. Loved the found family, slice-of-life vibes.
I guessed the twist halfway through the book but the way it unfolded kept things interesting. The book did read like a debut (pacing was a lil off and things got repetitive at times), but what a strong debut! The author's background in academia and D&D came through beautifully, and I loved learning about Scottish culture through a D&D lens. Overall, highly recommend this charming fantasy!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have read quite a few D&D-esque books this year, and this is one of my favorites (right after to Tusk Love). It has the familiar tropes of D&D adventuring (travel, taverns, inventory building, found family) but offers a refreshing take on it. Ainsworth is what I wish every D&D player would be -- someone who has a clear purpose and has agency, but also makes space for everyone else at the table, invites others to share their backstories, and genuinely listens as they share. Loved the found family, slice-of-life vibes.
I guessed the twist halfway through the book but the way it unfolded kept things interesting. The book did read like a debut (pacing was a lil off and things got repetitive at times), but what a strong debut! The author's background in academia and D&D came through beautifully, and I loved learning about Scottish culture through a D&D lens. Overall, highly recommend this charming fantasy!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh wow, this was unexpected in the best way possible.
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a beautifully paced, low-stakes read that fits perfectly alongside cozy favorites like Legends & Lattes and The House in the Cerulean Sea.
True to the cozy genre, the heart of the story lies in its characters and the sense of found family they build. Ainsworth feels like a lot at first, but it’s worth giving him a chance. Beneath the arrogant facade lies a profoundly vulnerable and lonely character that is impossible not to root for. I did not expect to like him as much as I did, honestly.
For me, the highlight was the relationship between Honey and Ainsworth. Their budding connection actually feels organic, and I loved reading the little snippets of them slowly feeling more comfortable around one another, and trusting each other. There’s no spice, fyi.
If you’re in the mood to enjoy the atmosphere, character growth and slice-of-life story rather than a big, showy adventure, you should give this book a try. I’m certainly glad I did.
Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC.
4.5 stars
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a beautifully paced, low-stakes read that fits perfectly alongside cozy favorites like Legends & Lattes and The House in the Cerulean Sea.
True to the cozy genre, the heart of the story lies in its characters and the sense of found family they build. Ainsworth feels like a lot at first, but it’s worth giving him a chance. Beneath the arrogant facade lies a profoundly vulnerable and lonely character that is impossible not to root for. I did not expect to like him as much as I did, honestly.
For me, the highlight was the relationship between Honey and Ainsworth. Their budding connection actually feels organic, and I loved reading the little snippets of them slowly feeling more comfortable around one another, and trusting each other. There’s no spice, fyi.
If you’re in the mood to enjoy the atmosphere, character growth and slice-of-life story rather than a big, showy adventure, you should give this book a try. I’m certainly glad I did.
Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC.
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having been lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance, I was delighted that the book was everything I wanted it to be and more. While the setting and overall feeling of warmth throughout the book make it a lovely read, this is so much more than cosy fantasy. The characters, and Ainsworth in particular, take you on journeys of personal growth and struggle, and I particularly loved the theme of trying to compete and find your place in a competitive and often unsympathetic academic setting. Both the inn and surrounding mountains are described in a way that reminds me both of high fantasy and nature writing, and the unexpected themes of romance and overall character development meant I couldn’t put the book down. I particularly love how Bullen weaves larger more serious themes and beautiful (big) world-building around comforting fantasy tropes and descriptions of food and setting that transport you to the inn itself. For fans of fantasy, cosy fantasy, nature fiction, and academic fiction alike, this isn’t one to miss.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Ainsworth is an eager historian and is sent to a rustic inn near the legendary Mount Vengeance to document the exploits of adventurers rumored to face its dangers and its dragon. He struggles to adapt to rural life, but at the same time begins to become fond of the inn and its keeper, Honey. While conducting his research, he discovers a concerning truth: no adventurer has ever climbed the mountain—each stays one night and leaves. With his academic reputation at stake, Ainsworth becomes determined to uncover the mountain’s secret, even if it means forcing the adventure to happen himself.
I loved the world contained within these pages, and equally loved the well-written characters of Ainsworth and Honey. This is a book that focus on the journey itself, and it allowed for a slower, but nevertheless eventful, pace. I will take more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray/Random House Worlds/Inklore for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the world contained within these pages, and equally loved the well-written characters of Ainsworth and Honey. This is a book that focus on the journey itself, and it allowed for a slower, but nevertheless eventful, pace. I will take more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray/Random House Worlds/Inklore for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So lucky to get to read an ARC of The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance. This book is beautifully written, with the characters, locations and lives quickly drawing you into an realistic fantasy world. We meet our main character Ainsworth who frankly comes across as affected and pompous with no real thought about his life apart from achieving glory through his academic research! Ainsworth travels to the Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance determined to succeed and return to his former life in glory, however, once he meets the inn keeper Honey, and her wonderful 'found' family it turns out that what he has been striving for won't bring him happiness. I loved the characters, the scene setting and even the food at the Inn, it was very easy to immerse myself in. A really throughly good read, I was sad when I finished it, which is always the sign of a good book for me. Really looking forwards to reading whatever Chiara Bullen writes next.
January 23, 2026
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is one of the coziest fantasy novels I’ve read in quite some time. I was initially drawn to the book by its cover, but the story itself quickly captured my attention. The world-building is vivid yet gentle, creating a magical atmosphere that feels both immersive and comforting, so much so that it genuinely made me wish such an inn existed.
The found-family dynamic is handled with great care and emotional depth. I was also pleasantly surprised by the subtle mystery woven into the plot, which added another layer of engagement and will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy elements of both fantasy and thriller.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and it helped me understand why cozy fantasy has become such a beloved subgenre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey (Random House Worlds, Inklore) for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The found-family dynamic is handled with great care and emotional depth. I was also pleasantly surprised by the subtle mystery woven into the plot, which added another layer of engagement and will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy elements of both fantasy and thriller.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and it helped me understand why cozy fantasy has become such a beloved subgenre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey (Random House Worlds, Inklore) for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
Thank you to the author, Del Rey and Inklore for the opportunity to have an advanced copy of this book!
I think what strikes me the most about this narrative is seeing the characters, especially the ones who identify as male, allowed to so freely express emotion. No one bats an eye at the timid, or the tears, and of course definitely not at the indignation as that’s an emotion male folks are allowed to have.
There’s a humor in almost all of the characters too that makes it feel like a show you would want to watch! Especially as you get to know them more, and their personalities are shown more throughout the story.
Honey and Ainsworth as the main characters are really relatable; and Ainsworth especially goes through a grounding sort of self discovery that is really cool to be apart of.
Definitely would recommend this to anyone who likes to read fantasy, adventure, and enjoys great characters and a strong narrative.
I think what strikes me the most about this narrative is seeing the characters, especially the ones who identify as male, allowed to so freely express emotion. No one bats an eye at the timid, or the tears, and of course definitely not at the indignation as that’s an emotion male folks are allowed to have.
There’s a humor in almost all of the characters too that makes it feel like a show you would want to watch! Especially as you get to know them more, and their personalities are shown more throughout the story.
Honey and Ainsworth as the main characters are really relatable; and Ainsworth especially goes through a grounding sort of self discovery that is really cool to be apart of.
Definitely would recommend this to anyone who likes to read fantasy, adventure, and enjoys great characters and a strong narrative.
January 2, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I am an absolute sucker for a cozy fantasy book, and knew immediately that this would be right up my alley. I was right! I loved every charming second spent in the inn at Mt Vengeance.
I loved watching the characters grow and change, realising what they wanted out of life and who they wanted to share it with. I loved the atmosphere the whole way through. Honestly I could have spent longer in the world though, and I’m going to need more than just this book for a full immersive experience!
If you already love cozy fantasy then put this one on your radar, and if it’s new to you then this is the kind of experience you need. Five stars!
I am an absolute sucker for a cozy fantasy book, and knew immediately that this would be right up my alley. I was right! I loved every charming second spent in the inn at Mt Vengeance.
I loved watching the characters grow and change, realising what they wanted out of life and who they wanted to share it with. I loved the atmosphere the whole way through. Honestly I could have spent longer in the world though, and I’m going to need more than just this book for a full immersive experience!
If you already love cozy fantasy then put this one on your radar, and if it’s new to you then this is the kind of experience you need. Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a cozy fantasy about found family. This is the perfect book if you are looking for a light-hearted, feel good read. The story follows Ainsworth Gladsly as he tries to document the history of the Misnich Inn and the supposed dragon that lives at the mountain. At the beginning of the story Gladsly is a pompous jerk but his growth throughout the story is fun to follow. It's well paced and helps move the story along. Honey and the other employees at the inn are all great. I did find the first half of the story a little slow and the final growth of Honey's character a little rushed but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cozy adventure about an inn that borders a mountain adventurers plan to travel to. I usually read high-stakes adventures, but wanted a bit of a change after reading the synopsis. This story follows a researcher writing a book about Mount Vengeance and the adventurers who stop by the inn in anticipation of taking it on. The story has a strong cast of supporting characters who are interesting to learn about. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and if you like cozy stories with light romance and no spice, this would be great for you. Some parts of the story were a bit too slow for me personally, but that’s likely due to my usual reading preferences.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a wonderfully comforting, cozy read. Beautifully and poetically written, in an eloquent style with a cast of charming misfits. Ainsworth at first comes cross as pompous, and a bit of a snob, but I quickly warmed to him, and enjoyed the slow sloughing of his pretentious scholar personality. It soon becomes apparent that things that Ainsworth considered rosy in his life were, in fact, rather less than.
The story is slow-moving, and very much character driven, written in very close third person. We only get to know what goes on in Ainsworth's head: of his fears, his insecurities, the lover he left behind in the city. It is a story about rediscovering yourself, and about taking time to slow down and appreciate all that surrounds you. It did remind me a little of some of TJ Klune's better stories (Cerulean Sea, Whispering Door).
A lovely novel.
The story is slow-moving, and very much character driven, written in very close third person. We only get to know what goes on in Ainsworth's head: of his fears, his insecurities, the lover he left behind in the city. It is a story about rediscovering yourself, and about taking time to slow down and appreciate all that surrounds you. It did remind me a little of some of TJ Klune's better stories (Cerulean Sea, Whispering Door).
A lovely novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the incredible opportunity to review this book!
It has been so long since I've read a book that I could wholeheartedly describe as cozy, but this one did it🫶 It had so many great characters with rich backgrounds and personalities. I love that the world we are placed in has so many different kinds of people and settings.
I feel like Ainsworth's journey of self-discovery is truly relatable to the hustle and bustle that's popular in modern society. There is really something so healing about being away from noise and surrounded by not only nature, but a community who truly cherishes you for who you are.
It has been so long since I've read a book that I could wholeheartedly describe as cozy, but this one did it🫶 It had so many great characters with rich backgrounds and personalities. I love that the world we are placed in has so many different kinds of people and settings.
I feel like Ainsworth's journey of self-discovery is truly relatable to the hustle and bustle that's popular in modern society. There is really something so healing about being away from noise and surrounded by not only nature, but a community who truly cherishes you for who you are.
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