The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance

by Chiara Bullen

An ambitious young scholar is sent to research the mysteries of an adventurer's inn—only to uncover a centuries-old secret while finding true friendship and a new home in this heartwarming cozy fantasy.

Mount Vengeance is legendary. For most, it’s an adventure, or a quest to prove themselves worthy of fame and glory. For Ainsworth Gladsly, it’s the perfect thesis material.

Ainsworth is an ambitious research fellow and up-and-coming historian, finally ready to make his mark on the world. When his supervisor learns of the rumored Misnich Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance, she sends Ainsworth to be the first to document the exploits of the bold adventurers who seek to face the perils of the mountain and the dragon said to inhabit it.

The inn is far from the sophisticated city life he’s grown to love, but 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. Even the bravest warriors who stay at the inn turn away from Mount Vengeance the next day.

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Cozy Fantasy, Romance, Dragons, LGBT, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Ricarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I generally approve of the cozy magical inn trend that we seem to be getting this year, I can't say that this book did much for me personally. It was kinda missing a certain spark that made me fall in love with the characters and so I was reading a character focused story without ever caring about said characters. There was barely any actual plot that could have made up for this lack and so I didn't really have anything to look forward to with this book. I don't even think that this is a bad book, but I was just not clicking with it.

It's the story of Ainsworth Gladsly, a scholar who loves working behind his desk and not so much out in the field. Nevertheless, he was sent to a remote location many miles away from his home, and at the beginning of the book he grumpily arrives at the Misnich Inn at the foot of Mount Vengeance. The inn is the place every traveler passes when seeking adventure on the mountain notorious for its treasures and the dragon at its peak. Ainsworth wants to write down the history of the inn and collect accounts of successful adventures, but he soon learns that no one actually every makes it to the mountain. Everyone just makes up their mind and returns home, no matter how determined they were about going up and fighting the dragon. Without an actual task, Ainsworth more or less ends up cleaning out the attic and starts befriending the staff of the inn, including the mysterious innkeeper named Honey. I'm sure that the author was trying to go for a found family dynamic there, but I had major problems with the characters. On the one hand, I didn't like Ainsworth much. He was an incoherent character to me. He is supposed to be a passionate scholar on the hunt for knowledge, but he is so very disappointed when he learns that something isn't what he imagined. Like, shouldn't he be thrilled to learn how things actually are? He also has prejudices about the inn and everyone who lives in such a remote place, and that behavior was called out by the other characters, but it didn't make me root for him anyway. On the other hand, there were just too many random people living at the inn. Not even guests, but just the staff who is always there. Most of them got little backstories eventually, but it was so hard to care about them when they basically had their one moment with Ainsworth and then were sidelined again. Their different races didn't matter either, because the race would only be mentioned when a character is first introduced and never play a role again. All these points made this book an absolute slog to get through for me. Every scene and every talk went on for longer than necessary and turned weirdly repetitive instead of just ending when everything was said and done. It's not even a long book, but I guess any story can drag if you just can't get into it. Not for me, 2.5 stars.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Iz Leplenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🖤🖤🖤

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite out of all the cozy fantasy novels I’ve read recently. Who would have thought that a book about a seemingly pompous, self-absorbed scholar would turn out to be delightfully wholesome? Chiara Bullen’s debut quickly pulled me in. I had to really slow down towards the last few chapters because I just didn’t want to leave Misnich Inn!
Ainsworth Gladsly is a privileged historian that reluctantly pursues studying Misnich Inn at the foot of the fabled Mount Vengeance. Many people are rumored to seek the dragon that resides in the mountain, but there is absolutely zero literature about the mountain, the inn, or any successful adventurers. He soon discovers that no one ever actually climbs the mountain. Everyone miraculously goes back home after a stay at the inn. Ainsworth is determined to discover why.
Ainsworth’s antics initially pulled me in. Ainsworth is hilariously snobbish. Like, over the top in a way that has me giggling at just how ridiculous he is- like you know he just has to redeem himself. But other than that, the story of the eventual redemption kept me reading. This story explores the desire to belong and prove oneself, when in reality self worth doesn’t need to rely on other’s opinions. All the residents of Misnich have interesting histories, all finding the inn when the most need it. Quiddle and Ruraidh are my favorites. But let’s not forget Honey! She’s mysterious but you can tell there’s a burning fire underneath her sweet exterior. I love how Ainsworth is so delightful unaware, even naïve, of other’s (positive) feelings for him.
If you want a cozy fantasy heavy on self-actualization with dnd vibes and a pinch of mystery, then I HIGHLY recommend this!! I will be impatiently waiting for another book by Bullen.
Thank you DelRey for the gifted eARC!

[Renny · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a cozy fantasy romance that sounds like a little bit like a wholesome dnd oneshot, please read The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance. It’s a light, low stakes, comfort read with a slow burn romance and character arcs that feel genuine.

Ainsworth is a scholar who has lost himself within the prestigious world surrounded by the wrong people. When he is sent on a research endeavor to figure out the mystery of Mount Vengeance and the adventures who seek to take on the mountain, he makes his headquarters the Misnich Inn.

While there, both Ainsworth and the reader get to meet and befriend the staff who attend to the few adventures that stumble upon the sleepy little Inn. It is here that you really get to know the cast of characters, falling in love with each one as you get to know more about them. You get the cozy day to day at the Inn interwoven with the Mountain’s mystery.

A cozy fantasy about finding the things that TRULY make you happy, the things that really make you smile. The book takes a light read, but gives you more substance than is typical for the genre, providing you with rich characters and a sweet and slow journey to finding true happiness.

Thank you to the author, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the ARC :)

[Leah Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! What a cozy, high fantasy, low risk story full of adventure and discovery!

Ainsworth is a scholar from Skarrow’s Library on a journey to the Misnich Inn. He is off to find and document accounts of those who have traveled and bested Mount Vengeance. When he arrives and comes to learn that no one stays longer than a single night at the Inn, or even attempts to climb the mountain, Ainsworth starts wondering if the Inn is cursed.

While trying to befriend the owner and staff of the Misnich Inn, he comes to learn a lot about himself and how out of touch he really is. It’s a very heartwarming story of self discovery and friendship. Plus, the book ends with recipes!! How cute and fun!!

I really hope this also gets an audiobook! This would be the perfect book to listen to and craft. Listening to this story and putting a puzzle together, painting or crocheting ugh that would be so comfy cozy!! I felt inspired while reading this, and to have it in audio form would be amazing!

Big thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as a e-arc!!

[madi ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kayla Schmitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect read for a slow Sunday morning or whenever you feel like you need a hug 🤗.
Cozy fantasy at its finest.
Low stakes , big heart.

This book felt like a fluffy blanket keeping me warm on a cold winter day.

We follow Ainsworth, a scholar, travelling to the Misnich Inn to start his research on Mount Vengeance and tell the stories of the adventurers set to conquer it.
However, once there we discover that no adventurer actually gets to take on Mount Vengeance as they all feel compelled to abandon their plans - all of this making Ainsworth’s research plans take a different turn.

As we follow Ainsworth and the Inn inhabitants, we’re drawn into a beautifully crafted journey of self‑rediscovery, complete with memorable characters, mouthwatering dishes, intriguing mysteries, and thoughtful reflections.
The author also approaches serious topics —social struggles, toxic dynamics, and other serious themes - with remarkable sensitivity and care.

Happy debut to Chiara Bullen, I hope that many readers will be touched by this sweet and meaningful story!

Thank you Del Rey for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where do I start with this one?! I was so ready to have a cozy fantasy and one that explored the struggle with expectations from higher education? It healed a part of me! It wonderfully addressed the importance of friends & found family on recovery from social struggles, unhealthy dynamics, and (from my view) near burnout, as well as what does it mean to want something.

The story follows Ainsworth as he sets off on a new research project, which he hopes will bring him the recognition of his peers. It’s clear from the start that the staff at the Inn near Mount Vengeance don’t necessarily vibe with his impressions. However, the characters (and story) allow him to start a little prickly and slowly, but surely, warm up and win over everyone in the Inn, as he starts to question his own role in the friction and do some well rewarded self-reflection.

I was particularly drawn to the themes related to overcoming the trauma of a graduate education, and the unique perspective of achieving that when you don’t fit the standard (think first-gen college student in a PhD Program). I saw a lot of myself in his desire to meet the perceptions of his peers, and losing himself somewhat along the way toward a goal, and even, in his ability to course correct. His relationship with his advisor was particularly moving for me. The Inn turns out to be a soft place for him to land, allowing him to find his passion for research again, understand what it means to be seen for who he is, and how through safety and secure relationships, you can start to unpack some of the trauma of the past.

The story has elements of romance, which felt natural, as it started to develop after the main character started to recognize his own shortcomings, or even how he had shifted to fit a mold that he felt was predetermined upon entry into academia and started to address how he could reconnect with himself. Woven in with low-stakes mysteries and well-established side characters, the narrative allowed everyone a chance to shine, and I couldn’t ask for more. And to be clear, every side character had you wanting to know more, and excited to see them again.

I read this slowly, usually before bed, and the narrative was easy enough to follow that a day or two later, I could pick the story up and remember where we were. It also was easy to finish on a flight when I had 25% left. So if you're looking for something to take your time with or something to finish in a day, this is for you!

Bullen artfully brings us into the world, did not shy away from dealing with tough topics, and really showed what it means to lose yourself on your way to your goals, and made sure to remind us that it’s okay to take time to find your way back.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance
By Chiara Bullen
Format: eARC
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance follows Ainsworth Gladsly as he travels to the eponymous inn to record accounts of a known dragon there. The book is written from the MMC’s perspective. He is an arrogant, superior scholar and, for the first half of the book, was not likable at all. My fear was he’d have no character development. Gratefully, his character growth arc was steep and significant, and, by the end, I was fully rooting for him.

One of my sticky wickets in fantasy writing is when the author uses commonplace, real-world elements. The world is meant to be totally different from our own, but then you read about a toilet or modern foods or trend-specific clothing. Bullen did an excellent job of veering away from that pitfall, especially regarding food and creatures. Some context, however, would’ve been helpful at times to illustrate what the creature looked like or way the food tasted like, as it was not always obvious from the name alone. That being said, there were still some modern colloquial phrases that snuck in a few times.

Also, there are a lot of fictional place names and locations in approximation others. A map would serve this story very nicely. (Perhaps there will be one in the finished book, just not in the arc…?)

Still, this book was fun, cozy, and immersive. Cozy fantasy is a difficult genre to get right. You have to strike the appropriate balance between plot, ambiance, and characterization. I think the author did admirably well for a first attempt, and I can’t wait to read more from them.

Thank you, Del Rey, for the ARC.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy that completely surprised me in the best way.The story follows Ainsworth Gladsly an ambitious young scholar who’s sent to a rustic inn at the base of Mount Vengeance to document the stories of adventurers who attempt to climb it and face the dragon said to live at the top. It sounds like the perfect academic opportunity but once he gets there things don’t add up. No one actually completes the climb. Every adventurer comes back after one night and no one seems able or willing to explain why. As Ainsworth digs deeper, he finds himself pulled into the mystery, the inn’s charm and especially its innkeeper Honey. What starts as research slowly turns into something much more personal as he tries to uncover the truth behind the mountain.I really enjoyed this story because it feels different from your typical cozy fantasy. It’s not just about the adventure it’s about the people behind it, the stories we tell, and the ones we avoid. Ainsworth’s growth is one of my favorite parts watching him go from rigid and career focused to someone who starts to actually feel and question things was so satisfying.This is definitely one to add to your TBR if you love fantasy that leans more character driven with a touch of mystery. It’s important because it reminds you that not every story is about glory sometimes it’s about understanding, connection, and the quiet truths people carry. It’s thoughtful, a little emotional, and just really well done.Highly recommend if you want something magical and cozy.

[Sadie E · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy fantasy has a slow start, but it's worth it to stick with it!
Ainsworth's character goes through such growth throughout the story, and the supporting characters were all wonderful as well.
Ainsworth, a scholar, sets off to research Mount Vengeance, its dragon, and the adventurers who set out to conquer it. But when he arrives at the Misnich Inn, he learns that no one actually goes on the climb the mountain. Determined to unravel the mystery, Ainsworth also finds what's important to him and his place with a found family.
Perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes.
Thanks to Del Rey and Netgalley for an early copy for review.

[Brinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish id loved this but sadly it just wasnt my cup of tea. It took so long to get to any action, and I didnt connect strongly enough to any of the characters to care about their journeys. The romance (if you can even call it that) was lackluster, as was the mystery. Im normally a cozy fantasy person, so im not sure what went wrong here, but this wasnt something I found joy in reading.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Julia Pika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 20% of the way through.

This book is advertised as a cozy low-stakes fantasy story and the protagonist made the story so unbearable I had to drop it. Ainsworth is a self-centered moron. I couldn't stand him! I thought he was incredibly rude and oblivious and it made it really hard to enjoy the story. He gets a free room at this inn and he's whining and moaning about everything not being perfect...no wonder his boss sent him a million miles away, he's so annoying lol.

[Bridget Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[booksandjessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is SUCH a delightful book. I felt snug as a bug in a rug reading this.

There’s something about slow days filled with charm and magic that just hits. We get stories from the staff at the inn as Ainsworth looks to compile his field research, and I loved every moment of it. Their eccentricities, and the way they form this found family had me deeply invested.

I also adored watching Ainsworth’s character arc unfold. He comes to this inn as a stuffy and slightly insufferable scholar, and we get to see so much depth to him. It felt so satisfying to see how he evolves.

There’s even a bit of romance that I found so sweet 🥹💕

The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance is a lovely debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Chiara Bullen comes up with next!

Thank you to Del Rey, Chiara Bullen and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!

[Maude · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 Reading Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really really enjoyed this read. i absolutely loved the cozy vibes, and the found family that these characters have. this is the perfect mix between all pf my favorite genres, fantasy, romance and mystery can all be found in this book. but its the setting that i loved the most.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, good job to a debut author. Interesting world, delightful to focus on a scholar rather than the usual adventurer, glad to see the character growth as the story unfolds. I also liked the twist, even it felt like an inevitable conclusion.

On the other hand, it’s pretty slow moving, and unfortunately I just didn’t like most of the characters. I didn’t hate them, and I appreciated the unique races, but they never quite made it to feeling real to me. They got stuck about 3/4 of the way there.

It felt more like reading a decent D&D campaign than a fully fleshed novel. Hopefully the author’s next book crosses the line.

Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss.

[Katie Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a bit of trouble getting into this book at first, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it! While this book was a bit predictable and I did guess the big plot twist from the very beginning, I suppose that’s exactly what a cozy book should be. Loved these characters and the adorable inn!

Thank you NetGalley and DelRey for this arc!!

4 ⭐️

-also just found recipes included after the authors note which is an adorable addition!!

[BookishKB]

🏔️The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance 🏔️

📘 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Cozy fantasy
• Scholarly MC
• Found family
• Low stakes

📅 Pub Date: July 7, 2026
📝 Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Emma Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC. Firstly, I loved that the author Bullen appreciates Gaelic as an Indigenous language, and I also loved that she (Bullen) wrote out the food recipes the characters cooked throughout the book. That was a lovely surprise!

We begin our journey being introduced to Ainsworth who is an inspiring researcher who gets sent to Mount Vengeance to document the bold adventures who seek the mystery of the mountain, and the rumoured dragon who inhabits it. However, Ainsworth begins to find out that even the bravest adventures have never climbed the mountain, and turned away the next day at the inn below the mountain...

Honestly, as someone who does not read cozy fantasy. This was still a win for me to recommend to others who do read cozy fiction. And, for myself. I loved the ending of this book, and I have put the author's name down as an author to look out for in the future. Pick up this book today, and settle down for a cozy warm fantasy, the ending will leave you satisfied. 👏🏻🙌🏻🐉📚

Tropes:
✨ Magic village
✨ Tavern/ Inn
✨ Baking
✨ Described meals and recipes
✨ Dragons
✨ Academic
✨ Learning to belong somewhere
✨Soft romance
✨ Gives cozy autumn vibes

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of cosy books, I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

The beginning was a bit slow and it took me some time to get into the story but I love the atmosphere, academic setting and characters. There were so many varieties of characters too!

Seeing Ainsworth grow overtime was heartwarming and Honey was so kindhearted, sweet and patient. I always enjoy found family moments and I like how other side characters had their moments to shine too.

Big thank you to NetGalley and the Del Rey Team for giving me the chance to review this book!

[Svea · Rating 2 out of 5]

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!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a perfectly fine cozy fantasy. There are better ones out there; there are also worse ones out there. The titular inn is a lovely cozy setting, and I'm a sucker for any story where library research is a main plot point. It did feel a bit slow at times, but cozies often are; your mileage may vary on that. The main character is a researcher with no interest in fighting or violence as a means to solve his problems, which was a nice non-traditional approach to a fantasy protagonist.

I think my biggest problem was that I don't think Ainsworth, the main character, is nearly as stuck up and arrogant as the characters seem to view him and the book wants us to believe. Yes, he's ambitious, proud of his job, and likes fine clothes and food, but the other characters act like that automatically means he's some vicious snob. True, he's oblivious to the fact that not everyone knows his library or values public renown, and he can't understand why anyone would want to live in the country, but I think that's more lack of observation and maybe being a bit self-centered but nowhere near the nightmare they act like he is. I personally am not a "city person," and can't understand why some people love living in cities. That doesn't mean I think everyone who comes from the city and talks about how they like it better than the suburbs or country is an arrogant snob. There are some stories of mean things he did to people in the past, but we're told of it after the fact; we never actually see him be truly harsh to anyone in the "present day."

The story really tries to sell that it's this huge change and character growth for him to start being less stuck up, but even in the beginning he's not truly THAT rude to anyone. He's friendly and interested, if a bit uppity and yes, somewhat interested just for the sake of his research, but almost from the get-go he's befriending some the shyer residents of the inn. I felt like most of the characters were hypocritical; they were just as judgmental of Ains without knowing his story and background as he was of them, yet he was somehow terrible because of it and they weren't. One character, for example, initially refuses to let him in the door and leaves him standing in the pouring rain, yet somehow Ains is supposed to be the jerk in that situation.

The message initially seems to be that ambition, wanting to prove yourself, and exploration/striving are automatically bad, self-destructive things, and I don't think that's true. Those traits CAN be damaging, certainly, but hiding yourself away in a remote area can be too, and the book treats that as the best possible goal. That said, some of this is addressed at the end of the book - I can't say more without spoiling things - but for me the balance seemed off there.

If you are really into cozy fantasies it's nice to see a new voice here, but for me, the actual description of the main character's behavior didn't quite match up with what we were told about him. I didn't dislike the book, and never considered giving up on it, but it didn't draw me in either.

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance" by Chiara Bullen is a feel-good cozy fantasy inspired by Scottish culture and folklore, following a scholar who takes on a quest to prove himself worthy to his peers. And my, what a journey it turns out to be!

Ainsworth Gladsly is an aspiring human scholar with druid-blood lineage who is sent to research the mysteries of Mount Vengeance for his thesis. He stays at the Misnich Inn at the foot of the mountain, run by its innkeeper, Honey, and her staff. He hopes to document the journeys of the adventurers who come to conquer the mountain, and the dragon said to inhabit it.

Alas, none of the adventurers complete their quest. There seems to be a curse on the mountain, and Ainsworth is determined to uncover its secrets while recovering from an abusive relationship. He gradually warms to the charm of the inn and even befriends some of the staff. However, his academic status is on the line unless he finishes his research. Easier said than done.

I enjoyed this sweet, cozy fantasy. After a slow start, both the story and Ainsworth grew on me. I liked Ainsworth’s character development, from entitled and arrogant to more likeable and gentle. Like Honey, I wanted to give him a good shake now and then, and I was glad he finally grew a backbone. I also appreciated that he comes to understand that fulfillment takes many forms, and that there is more to life than status, glory, or the approval of others. One doesn’t need to show off to prove one’s mettle.

I also loved the diverse cast. It made the inn feel lively and full of personality. From a dwarf and an elf to a tortoise-mhith woman, an orc, and a Wildeshifter, the variety made the cast and guests fun to follow. While we don’t get an in-depth view of every character, there’s enough personality to make this such a great cast. We also have LGBTQ+ main characters, which adds to the inclusivity of the story.

The story touches on themes of found family, friendship, love, self-worth, and homecoming, all wrapped in a warm ambience. Last but not least, there is a slow-burn romance, though the focus isn’t on the romance. There is a somewhat stereotypical view of scholars, painting most with the same brush, and I guessed some of the twists, but this didn’t hurt my overall enjoyment. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to be drawn in. I could see myself visiting the inn and sharing an ale with its inhabitants.

This is a standalone, though another book set in the same world is expected next year, and I eagerly await it. I loved this book, small flaws and all, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy about healing, self-discovery, and character-driven stories. I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5. After all, sometimes a feel-good book is exactly what the doctor ordered.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[WS_BOOKCLUB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was fun. This is a gentle book with just a tint of mystery, although not the usual “who killed whom” kind. Ainsworth is an academic who finds himself out in the middle of nowhere, tasked with recording a history of the adventurers who stay at the out-of-the-way Misnich Inn before tackling Mount Vengeance. Unfortunately, every single adventurer who stays at the Inn finds themselves turning back before ever beginning their quest. This leaves Ainsworth stuck at the Inn, looking for a new angle of research and slowly warming to the Inn’s quirky staff. It also leaves him with a bite-sized mystery: Why does every adventurer suddenly up and quit after spending an evening at the Inn?

The premise is pretty straightforward, but it leaves plenty of room for exploration of a different sort. Throughout the course of the tale, the author finds ways to tackle more realistic themes, including finding oneself, discovering that happiness and others’ expectations don’t always match, and healthy relationships vs unhealthy ones. That last one surprised me a bit, and my hat is off to the author for the way she masterfully handled such a difficult subject.

Of course, these themes are combined with a comfy inn and good conversations. I loved seeing Aisnworth slowly come to appreciate the slower pace of the Inn as opposed to the competitive, fast-paced life he previously led. The odd group of characters that he encounters becomes a sort of found family. This is one of my favorite things to read in any sort of book, and I enjoyed the shifting relationship dynamics immensely. While the main relationship is between Ainsworth and Honey, the one that I really liked was Ainsworth’s friendship with Ruraidh, another of the Inn’s employees. Their friendship is what began to thaw Ainsworth’s initial snobbery, and I liked the shift.

The “mystery” wasn’t much of a mystery, but that was kind of the point. It’s a reason for Ainsworth to stay at the Inn long enough to form relationships and experience character development. I thought the final reveal was a little rushed compared to the rest of the book, but I think spending more time on it would have taken away from the real point of the story, so I’m not sure what could have been done differently. At any rate, the focus remained on the characters’ relationships throughout the story, with the rest of the plot adding multiple facets to their background.

The book’s pacing was slower, which matched the calmness of the story itself. While I do think that some of the parts could have been left out for a slightly better narrative flow, that was the only half-niggle I had. Other than that, The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance was exactly what I wanted: A gentle and sweet story with likeable characters

Thank you to Del Rey for providing me with an early copy of this book. My review is voluntary, and my opinions are completely my own. The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance will be available in June 2026.