Escala's Wish

by David James

Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
Kirkus "A classic quest narrative that lovers of fairy tales are likely to enjoy."

Booklife Review (Jan 2026) " A lively, touching bard’s tale of a faerie’s adventures in the mortal realm."

An action-adventure romantasy filled with intrigue, sharp banter, dangerous secrets, and real emotional stakes.

Escala’s Wish, the debut fantasy-romance novel by David James, launches the epic Tales from Valla series—where fey folklore, political tension, and forbidden love collide in a world shaped as much by choices as by power.

In the realm of Valla, immortal courts trade in secrets, bargains, and influence. Escala is a mortal caught between forces far larger than herself—drawn into a conflict of shifting loyalties, hidden agendas, and a connection she never expected to feel. As alliances fracture and betrayals surface, she must navigate deadly intrigue, unfolding destiny, and a slow-burn romance built on trust, loyalty, and longing—not cliché tropes.

This is a fresh, unique no werewolves, no vampires, no “bad boy” love interest, and no enemies-to-lovers arc. Instead, the romance is sweet, gradual, emotionally sincere, and reminiscent of classic fantasy love stories—an innocent slow burn that grows from shared trials and genuine connection.

The heart of her journey is forged in action, resilience, found family, and moments of warmth and wit with the unlikely allies who choose to stand beside her. It’s a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and love tested by impossible choices—where every decision carries a cost.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Fey / fae-inspired folklore worlds

• Slow-burn, emotionally grounded romance

• Political intrigue and action-adventure fantasy

• Found family, loyalty, and betrayal

• Sharp banter and character-driven storytelling

• Romantasy like A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince, and Fourth Wing


With its blend of adventure, political maneuvering, and forbidden affection, Escala’s Wish delivers a gripping romantasy where passion and peril walk hand in hand—and one mortal woman’s choices could change everything.

Step into Valla and discover how one kiss sets an entire world in motion.

662 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

About the author

David James (DJ) is an attorney and lives in Northborough, Massachusetts, with his wife, Tonya, who has somehow endured thirty years of his endless parade of ridiculous character voices echoing through the house. Together they’ve raised three wonderful children, now off conquering the world through college, law school, and Boston courtrooms.

When he’s not writing fantasy novels, designing campaigns, or crafting multi-page backstories, DJ records and publishes Christian hip-hop under the stage name “DJ the Not So Ordinary.” His music is available on all major streaming platforms.

DJ is the creator of his homebrew fantasy world Valla™ (www.vallaworld.com).

He is already hard at work on his second novel set in Valla, because, apparently, sleep is optional when your imagination won’t shut up.

Reviews

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true delight

I love a good "story within the story" set-up and “Escala's Wish" does that beautifully. In its first chapters we meet a delightful gnomish bard, Wigfrith, weaving his nightly tales at The Stag tavern. He promises his audience a new, never-before-told saga and delivers a fantasy story of epic proportions while they drink their fill of ale.

Composed of short, punchy chapters we readers get to flit between Wigfrith's narration of Escala's story, to Wigfrith's showmanship for the pub's patrons, and back again. This allowed for a very fun way to experience world building; as Wigfrith spins his yarn and educates the pub's patrons, so too do we readers learn the ins & outs of Escala's world.

As a main character, Escala was an absolute joy to experience. She is naive (but in the best way), insatiably curious, and determined to do the right thing... not just for herself but for everyone around her, be they strangers or her traveling companions & friends. Speaking of her companions; Escala is surrounded by a motley, but loveable, crew. There's a druidic frog, two human warriors with shadowy pasts, and the aforementioned bard, Wigfrith. Their interactions together and everything they teach Escala are just fabulous. There was just so much care and joy and love between them all.

And that's what this story is about: love. The love of your fellow man, the love of siblings, the love of friends and chosen family, and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the sake of those we love. It was a beautiful message all around.

This is also a clean romantasy, something I would be absolutely willing to share with the tweens and young adults in my life. While there is definitely peril (for our main characters and others), and some violence with bloodshed & death, there is zero spice. There is a love story, but it's a chaste and sweet experience that leaves the reader to imagine what happens off the page. As someone who reads plenty of spicy stories, I have to say this one did not leave me feeling like I'd missed out on anything. While "Escala's Wish" is part of a planned series, this installment ends wraps up beautifully with zero cliffhangers. A perfect escape!

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delight!

Told as a bard's song in a lively tavern, Escala's Wish unfolds piece by piece - a tale of magic, betrayal, and all the shapes love can take. I remained as rapt as the audience in the novel as Wigfrith takes us through a harrowing and fast-paced journey of a young fey, Escala, alone in a new realm after being banished from her home.

As a Dungeons & Dragons player, I was immediately swept up in the world of Valla. Though the setting was familiar, there was plenty of lore to keep me interested and paying attention.

The moment I got hooked?

"Morvena planned her revenge.
It would be slow, cold, and generational."

I read a lot of high fantasy and this book is very beginner friendly, especially for folks who play RPGs and as the magic system is similar to many popular games.

I recommend this book for people who like dragons, dynamic friendships, and a little bit of pixie dust. Escala's Wish is an excellent book for TTRPG players looking for other ways to engage with other roleplaying media!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

David James' debut novel, Escala's Wish, reads like an adult Disney movie--in all the best ways! This well-written tale is not only great storytelling but is also a wonderfully immersive experience. The epic adventure takes the reader into the fascinating worlds of "The Court of Dreams" and "Valla." The main character is a beautiful--and feisty--fairy princess whose whirlwind journey includes compelling villains, helpful friends, and a complicated love interest that will leave you cheering and wanting more. Lovers of fantasy and romance will love this book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

Escala’s Wish grabbed my attention right away and kept surprising me, especially as the story became more emotional and layered. The storytelling made me feel like I was walking with the heroine. Escala felt like a real person to me—curious, imperfect, and brave in ways that truly mattered. I liked how the relationships grew slowly, with trust and tension building naturally instead of feeling forced. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained; I cared about the world and couldn’t wait to see where these characters go next.

[Karen Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Escala, but is done in a clever way from a bard's point of view as he tells his tale, having met her. A book full of action and detailed imagery with a heartwarming story behind it. I loved the set up of the fairy world and the Court of Dreams and how the story incorporates aspects of love, vulnerability and sacrifice, all tied up wonderfully in Escala's fast-paced quest.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still working on reading but so far it is fantastic. I will come back and do a full review once I complete.

[Seta Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. What a delightful adventure!! I really enjoyed following Escala's story and loved that it was told from a Bairds POV. I also loved the theme of love and redemption. I encourage you to pick this.one up and go on this adventure with Escala and her friends.

[David James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner, PenCraft Best Book Award (Fantasy) - Winter 2026

Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026

Kirkus Review (Jan. 2026) "A classic quest narrative that lovers of fairy tales are likely to enjoy."

Booklife Review (Jan 2026) "A lively, touching bard’s tale of a faerie’s adventures in the mortal realm."

Foreword Review (January 2026): 4 out of 5

2nd place - Fantasy - International Firebird Award (Q4 2025)

The Chrysalis BREW Project Review (Jan. 8, 2026) 4.83 out of 5. "The pacing of Escala’s Wish is perfect. The narrative beautifully blends action, adventure, and romance. Though the novel is on the lengthier side, I never lost my interest for even a moment. I was hooked till the very end.

[Beatrice Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish reads exactly like the story it claims to be: a tale told late at night in a crowded tavern, where the ale is warm, the fire crackles just right, and the bard absolutely knows he has your attention. Wigfrith Foreverbloom, equal parts storyteller, showman, and menace to modesty, frames the entire novel with theatrical flair, and somehow, it works. What could have been a gimmick instead becomes one of the book’s greatest strengths.

At the heart of the story is Escala Winter, a faerie princess who never quite fit the shape her world demanded of her. Born with mortal blood in a realm obsessed with purity and order, she’s curious where others are cautious, emotional where others are restrained. Her fatal mistake isn’t rebellion but it’s wanting to understand love. That curiosity detonates everything: a life lost, a balance broken, and Escala stripped of her wings, her magic, and even her body, cast into the mortal world with nothing but guilt and a task she never asked for.

I love how little this book romanticizes that mistake. There’s no hand-waving, no easy absolution. Escala carries the weight of what she’s done in quiet, persistent ways. Her growth doesn’t come through grand victories or chosen-one theatrics, but through endurance, through continuing to move forward even when forgiveness feels out of reach.

The fey realm itself is beautifully unsettling. The Court of Dreams isn’t whimsical or benevolent; it’s rigid, political, and merciless in the name of “order.” Law matters more than mercy, and punishment is framed as necessity. The looming threat of erasure, of memory as much as life, adds a cold edge to everything, making the consequences feel permanent in a way fantasy worlds often avoid.

In the mortal realm, Escala’s path intersects with Roedyn, a quiet scout who very much did not sign up to care this deeply. Their relationship unfolds slowly and gently, grounded in trust rather than instant attraction. The romance is restrained, aching, and deeply human; less about destiny and more about choice. It’s also unapologetically doomed from the start, which gives every moment between them a bittersweet tension that lingers.

The bard’s narration adds humor and warmth, but it never undercuts the emotional core. Wigfrith may exaggerate, but the story he tells is sincere. You feel the fireside cadence in the prose, the pauses, the asides, the sense that this tale has been told before and will be told again. That performative energy won’t be for everyone; readers who prefer a neutral, invisible narrator may find it a little much at times. And the prose occasionally lingers where faster-paced readers might want momentum.

But for me, the personality of the telling is part of the charm.

Escala’s Wish is romantic fantasy with teeth. It’s about love, yes; but also about accountability, grief, and the cost of curiosity in a world that punishes deviation. Escala isn’t a flawless heroine, and that’s precisely why she works. She feels lived-in, like a character who existed long before the book opened and will continue long after it closes.

By the end, Valla feels like a world worth returning to. This is a strong, heartfelt opening to a series that understands both myth and consequence, and I’m genuinely curious to see how its stories continue to unfold.

If you like your fantasy lyrical, emotionally grounded, and told with a bit of theatrical flair, this one’s worth pulling up a chair for.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Un)sanction the heart

David James's Escala's Wish, the opening installment of the Tales of Valla series, is structured as an oral narration delivered by the bard Wigfrith Foreverbloom in a tavern setting. The novel adopts a self-conscious storytelling technique that foregrounds mediation, memory, and interpretation. At its center lies Escala Winter, a faerie princess marked by hybridity through her mortal lineage, whose transgressive curiosity precipitates a rupture in the metaphysical order governing the fey and mortal realms. Rather than treating this rupture as a simple moral failing, author David James constructs it as a problem of juridical abstraction: the laws of the Court of Dreams privilege systemic equilibrium over intention, rendering personal affect and ethical ambiguity largely irrelevant. This tension between individual motive and institutional judgment anchors the novel’s thematic inquiry into responsibility, justice, and exile.

James develops this inquiry through a character-driven arc that emphasizes gradual transformation over spectacle. Escala’s forced passage into the mortal world initiates a process of ethical and emotional recalibration, one that unfolds through encounters with provisional communities and constrained forms of care. The romantic subplot, centered on Escala and the mortal scout Roedyn, is deliberately restrained, emerging from shared vulnerability and sustained proximity rather than idealized immediacy. In this respect, the novel aligns more closely with slow-burn narrative traditions than with more formulaic more-recent iterations of the genre. The supporting cast—figures shaped by grief, loyalty, ambition, and loss—function less as archetypes than as ethical counterpoints, reflecting divergent responses to duty and attachment within rigid social systems.

Stylistically, ESCALA’S WISH balances tonal warmth with conceptual severity. The bardic frame provides levity and rhetorical flourish, softening but not obscuring the novel’s preoccupation with irreversible consequence. World-building is deployed selectively, privileging moral architecture over encyclopedic detail, and the pacing sustains narrative momentum without eclipsing character interiority. While the novel does not radically subvert the conventions of fantasy romance, it distinguishes itself through its sustained attention to the cost of curiosity and the asymmetries of power embedded in law, lineage, and love. As a debut, ESCALA’S WISH offers a cohesive and reflective foundation for its series, suggesting a sustained engagement with questions of belonging and ethical choice that extend beyond its immediate narrative horizon. Cheers, for more to come!

[litandcoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

James opens the Tales from Valla series with a single, impulsive act that ripples outward into devastating consequences. Escala Winter only wanted to understand love. One forbidden kiss leaves a mortal dead, her best friend lost, and a dangerous vengeance awakened. Exiled from the Court of Dreams, Escala is pushed into a dangerous new world, chased by enemies and bound to a task she never asked for. As fey politics grow more dangerous and old resentments return, Escala must reckon with the consequences of her curiosity before both worlds are lost. Can remorse lead to redemption?

Escala enters the story not as a chosen hero, but as a restless young pixie searching for something she cannot name. Her wish to understand love feels less like defiance than a response to what she has been denied. When that curiosity sets off a chain of irreversible harm, the novel offers no easy forgiveness. James handles her grief with notable restraint, allowing it to unfold in small, honest moments. Her growth comes quietly, shaped by persistence rather than victory.

The fey realm stands out as a fully realized presence rather than a decorative setting. The Court of Dreams, so often linked with beauty and harmony, is shown instead as rigid, political, and unyielding. Law is enforced without sentiment, justified as protection against chaos no matter the cost. The ever-present threat of the Wane—erasure of both life and memory—hangs over the story, turning justice into something chillingly precise. Power here is inherited and institutional, maintained under the language of order rather than mercy.

The novel approaches romance with a refreshing sense of patience. The bond develops slowly, shaped by trust and shared hardship rather than confrontation. This gentler approach gives the story emotional stability amid its darker turns. Throughout, the novel returns to relationships fractured by responsibility and grief. Escala’s relationship with her father is tender yet limited, a love he cannot fully honor without dismantling the system he believes in. That struggle defines the book’s central tension. In the end, the novel centers on accountability in a system that resists absolution. It explores whether redemption remains possible after real harm, and whether love can justify the consequences of breaking sacred rules. Readers who loved Uprooted by Naomi Novik and Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts won't want to miss this one.

[Books Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Editorial Review

Escala’s Wish is a fantasy novel that feels like a story you’re hearing in a crowded tavern, told by a bard who believes completely in his own charisma and in the power of the tale he’s about to share. That framing shapes the pacing, the humor, the emotional timing, and the way tension is built.

If you enjoy fantasy with a romantic core, Escala’s Wish delivers a relationship thread that matters. The romance makes the stakes feel personal, grounding the story’s larger magical consequences in longing, trust, and the price of choosing love in a world that’s ready to punish it. For romantasy readers who want heart alongside adventure and myth, this is likely to be one

of the book’s most satisfying elements.

At the heart of the book is a premise that treats the fey realm as beautiful and brutal in equal measure. The story leans into romance, court politics, and quest momentum, but what gives it real staying power is how emotionally rooted it feels. The author’s note makes it plain that Escala began as a long-lived role-playing character, and that history shows up on the page in a way that’s hard to fake. She has a defined spirit, a recognizable voice, and an emotional internal logic that keeps her from feeling like a generic fantasy heroine dropped into a set of fantasy events.

From a presentation standpoint, the book reads like something made with care. The formatting is clear, the structure is easy to follow, and the additional touches like Valla Maps and the professional cover design credits point to an author who understands that the reading experience includes the “object” of the book, not only the words inside it. This won’t be the perfect match for every reader. If you don’t enjoy a strongly voiced storyteller, or if you prefer fantasy that stays in a more neutral narrative lens, Wigfrith’s theatrical delivery may feel like too much presence at times. And if you like your fantasy prose lean and fast, some of the more expansive passages may slow your momentum. But if you enjoy fantasy with a performed, fireside energy, character-first emotion, and a world that feels influenced by tabletop storytelling while still standing firmly as its own novel, Escala’s Wish offers a memorable experience with real personality.

[Steve Exeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Escala’s Wish' is a long novel, but it earns that length by taking its time with both character and world. Escala is not a heroine who rushes from plot point to plot point. She makes mistakes, reflects on them, doubles down on them, and only slowly begins to understand the consequences of her choices. Her curiosity is the engine of the entire story, and I appreciated how consistently this trait shaped events rather than being forgotten when it became inconvenient.

The worldbuilding is expansive and clearly the result of long-term imagination. Valla feels layered, with histories, grudges, and rules that actually matter. The Court of Dreams is especially well realised, not just as a pretty fantasy location but as a place with power structures and expectations that quietly shape who Escala is allowed to be. When she is cast out, the contrast between that sheltered existence and the wider world gives the story real emotional weight.

Because of the book’s length, secondary characters get room to breathe. Some are warm and surprising, others unsettling in quieter ways. I enjoyed watching relationships evolve slowly, sometimes uncomfortably, rather than snapping into place. The romantic elements are woven into the story rather than sitting on top of it, and while romance is clearly important, it never feels like the only thing at stake.

There are darker threads running through the novel than I initially expected. Themes of exile, vengeance, forgiveness, and identity are explored with patience, and the consequences of magic are taken seriously. This is not a story where a single bad decision can be undone with a clever spell or a heartfelt apology.

That said, the pacing does occasionally stretch itself. A few sections linger longer than they strictly need to, and there were moments where I found myself eager for the story to move forward. But those same moments also deepened my understanding of Escala and her world, so it feels more like a stylistic choice than a flaw.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artistic, Suspenseful Glimpse of the Fabric of Reality

 Escala’s Wish is a December 2025, 655-page book by David James. The 109-chapter book is the first installment in the Tales of Valla series; it is a fusion of heroic fantasy, romantic fantasy, and action-adventure elements.

The main character is a curious and naughty pixie called Escala Winter, “from the Court of Dreams, whose single kiss nearly unmade the fey realm and set our world teetering on the edge of total destruction.” Thus, the book reveals secrets that nearly doomed the True Cycle of mortal lives.

Earlier on, Escala hovers over an adorable sleeping young man; despite her pixie companion Rihanna’s concerns of the Oath and need to return as “the crossing is closing soon,” Escala insists on “just a kiss, and no one has to know.” But her innocent kiss (to understand love) triggers a series of events: the eager man wakes up and touches her, prompting their loud objections that attract and result in a massive wolf attack that seriously injures her and claims Rihanna’s life.

Rescued by a cruel and mocking stepsister with false sympathy, Escala’s “intent doesn’t matter; consequences do.”

Facing trial, conviction and erasure for disrupting the True Cycle (including life’s quiet moments), the remorseful Escala sings thus: “…I wish that fate would let me mend; My mistake that cost you, my friend; I would trade my wings, embrace my fall; To bring you back—I’d give my all.”

But somewhere, an immeasurably powerful Dream Weaver is listening and hears her wish…and he does grant wishes. 

So, what happens next? Read this book to know how it unfolds. 

Artistic and suspenseful, the well-written Escala’s Wish questions the fabric of reality. 

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a refreshing entry into romantasy, blending action, political intrigue, and heartfelt emotion without relying on overused genre shortcuts. Rooted in fey folklore rather than flashy magic systems, the story feels grounded, immersive, and deliberately paced, allowing its world and characters to unfold naturally.

Escala is an immediately likable protagonist, resilient, thoughtful, and shaped by circumstance rather than destiny alone. Her emotional journey is one of the novel’s strongest elements, creating genuine investment as alliances shift and hidden motives surface. The supporting cast adds warmth and dimension, forming a compelling sense of found family that balances the higher-stakes conflict. Each relationship feels earned, reinforcing the theme that loyalty and trust are choices, not conveniences.

The romance is a true slow burn, favoring emotional connection over instant attraction. It unfolds gently through shared trials and quiet moments, echoing the tone of classic fantasy love stories. Rather than dominating the narrative, the romance complements the broader plot, enhancing the stakes without overshadowing the action and intrigue.

Pacing is another standout strength. While the story takes time to establish its political tensions and emotional threads, it remains engaging throughout, with enough momentum to keep pages turning. Escala’s Wish ultimately feels both familiar and fresh, a classic fantasy foundation with a subtle romantic edge. It’s an inviting start to the Tales of Valla series and a promising debut for readers who value character-driven storytelling.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

James launches his Tales from Valla series with a measured, traditionally structured fantasy that favors consequence over spectacle. Told as a tavern tale by the gnome bard Wigfrith Foreverbloom, the story uses familiar genre elements to examine curiosity, responsibility, and moral order. At the center of the novel is Escala Winter, a pixie of the Court of Dreams whose impulsive interference in mortal affairs results in exile. Sent into the mortal realm under a deliberately vague mandate, Escala is not propelled forward by destiny so much as by uncertainty. 

James allows her to move slowly through the consequences of her actions. Her curiosity remains the engine of the plot throughout, shaping events consistently rather than being set aside for convenience. The worldbuilding is expansive. Valla, with its histories, grudges, and rules that exert real pressure on the characters, is rooted in authenticity. The Court of Dreams stands out as more than an ornamental setting; its hierarchies and expectations quietly define who Escala is allowed to be, lending emotional weight to her banishment. The novel’s length allows secondary characters room to develop, and relationships evolve gradually rather than snapping into place. Romantic elements are integrated into the larger narrative and never presented as the sole source of tension. Themes of exile, vengeance, forgiveness, and identity are treated with seriousness, and the consequences of magic are not easily undone. This will appeal to readers who favor classic fantasy shaped by ethical tension and consequence. A page-turning debut that lays strong groundwork for what follows.

[Louisa Saloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I saw the cover, I was intrigued, and having the opportunity to read an advance copy of Escala’s Wish only deepened that curiosity. David James’s debut novel brings to life Escala, a mischievous pixie whose single, seemingly harmless choice sets off consequences far greater than she ever imagined.

While love is certainly a thread throughout the story, this book is about so much more than romance. It explores friendship, honor, sacrifice, loss, betrayal, and vengeance in ways that feel grounded and sincere. The story is told through the narrator’s perspective, guiding the reader through Escala’s journey with insight and intention and it unfolds in ways that aren’t always predictable.

One of the things I appreciated most was the humor and wit sprinkled throughout the book. The banter between characters feels natural and clever, providing moments of levity that balance the tension and emotional depth without ever feeling forced. The people who started off as characters feel like friends and people you could really connect with by the end of the book.

The worldbuilding is vivid without being overwhelming, and the characters feel purposeful rather than ornamental. I found myself genuinely invested in the outcome, which is not something I’ve experienced often with recent reads.

If you enjoy fantasy with heart, sharp humor, and well-crafted character dynamics especially stories involving magic, pixies, and meaningful growth, Escala’s Wish is well worth your time. This is a debut that feels thoughtful, immersive, and difficult to put down.

[C.M. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish surprised me in the best possible way. I went in expecting a light romantasy with fey elements and came out genuinely invested in the characters, the politics, and the emotional stakes of the world of Valla. The setting feels carefully built without being overwhelming, and the way the immortal courts operate through favors, secrets, and quiet power plays makes the intrigue feel grounded and believable. Escala is a refreshing protagonist. She is not overpowered or unrealistically fearless, and her strength comes from resilience, compassion, and the difficult choices she is forced to make. Watching her navigate forces much larger than herself made her journey feel personal and earned rather than convenient.

What really stood out to me was the romance. This is a true slow burn, built on trust, shared danger, and emotional connection instead of instant attraction or drama for the sake of drama. The relationship feels gentle and sincere, and it complements the story instead of overshadowing it. I also loved the sense of found family that develops through Escala’s interactions with the supporting cast. The banter adds warmth, and the quieter moments give the story space to breathe between action and political tension.

Overall, this book feels like a return to classic fantasy romance storytelling, thoughtful, character driven, and emotionally grounded. It has heart, intrigue, and a strong sense of purpose behind every choice the characters make. By the end, I felt genuinely attached to this world and very curious to see where the Tales of Valla go next.

[Levis Omondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESCALA’S WISH
This tale of a pixie princess's journey to redemption is a captivating adventure. Escala, now banished to the material plane, must navigate a world of mortals and full of monsters trying to restore balance to the sacred flow of life. Accompanied by a courageous warrior, Roedyn, the intelligent one, Harper, and a magical insect-eater, Sticky, Escala faced physical and emotional challenges that forced her to grow.

The storyworld creation is vivid and intense, with uncommon perspectives full of imaginative details. The prose is expressive and evocative, drawing the reader into Escala's world. The faerie realm is a wonder, with height measured in "two red apples and a green grape", like Escala's, and magic carefully woven into the very fabric of reality. On the other hand, the material world is detailed and real.

As Escala navigates the deceitful landscapes battling intimidating enemies, she discovers the value of teamwork, loyalty, and selflessness. Her relationships with her companions are heart-warming and authentic, her growth, satisfying. Her journey is engaging and filled with humour, heart, and excitement. The themes of sacrifice and redemption resonate with the reader, and Escala's story is a compelling transformation. Wigfrith's storytelling mastery adds a charming layer of depth, highlighting the heroism and companionship that define Escala's quest. Overall, this book is a charming fantasy that will appeal to readers who love tales of growth, friendship, and the power of redemption.

[Dahlia Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What hooked me early was the forbidden love thread. I love when characters choose someone they shouldn’t—not because it’s cute, but because it’s complicated. This story doesn’t pretend love fixes everything. The consequences matter, and sometimes the situation is so tangled that feelings aren’t enough to make it work cleanly. That tension felt honest.

The conflict stays alive thanks to a wicked stepmother dynamic that keeps squeezing the characters, and the found-family element adds real warmth without making the book feel soft. It’s a strong balance: comfort and belonging on one side, pressure and fallout on the other.

I also loved the worldbuilding. The author clearly put thought into the world, but didn’t drown the story in explanations. It trusts the reader and keeps things moving, which I really appreciate.

And the second half is where this book surprised me most. It wasn’t just “build to climax, wrap it up.” It turned into a roller coaster—twists, setbacks, momentum shifts—while still feeling grounded because the characters are realistic even in a fantasy setting. Yes, you’ll recognize some familiar tropes, but the characters aren’t cardboard. They’re complex, messy, and they make choices that feel human, which is exactly what makes the stakes land.

If you like fantasy romance with real consequences, strong conflict, found family, and characters that don’t behave like perfect heroes, this is a strong start to the series.

[Michelle James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Escala's Wish by David James. It's a fantasy romance that made me laugh, cry, and, at times, get really mad.

I loved that this was a story being told by a bard. Some of my favorite parts included the banter between the bard and his audience.

At the beginning, I was annoyed with Escala. She's impulsive and makes some frustrating choices. But you know what? That's actually what makes the story so good.

Also, the first part of the book is a bit slow. The author spends time building the world of Valla and the Court of Dreams, like the politics, the people, and explaining how the magic works. I was impatient to get to the action, but looking back, I'm glad he took the time.

There are side characters I absolutely fell in love with. Some of them I'd love to read entire books about! And the emotional range? Wow. There are funny moments, snarky dialogue, and then BAM—something happens that had me tearing up and getting mad.

What I really appreciated is that this isn't your typical fantasy romance. No werewolves, no brooding bad boy, no enemies-to-lovers drama. Just a sweet, genuine love story that develops naturally alongside a great adventure.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. But I also bought the book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish is a beautifully written and emotionally engaging fantasy novel that completely captured my heart. From the very first chapter, I felt immersed in the richly detailed world and deeply connected to Escala’s journey. She is a brave, determined, and compassionate protagonist, and following her growth throughout the story was incredibly rewarding.
What I appreciated most about this book is the perfect balance between action, emotion, and world-building. The fantasy elements felt original and well thought-out, while the emotional layers gave real depth to the characters. The pacing kept me turning pages, and every twist added meaning to the bigger picture. The themes of identity, resilience, and self-discovery were explored with great sensitivity and care.
The author’s writing style is lyrical without being overdone—there’s a natural flow that makes it easy to read and hard to put down. I also loved the relationships between characters, which felt authentic and added richness to the story.

I would highly recommend Escala’s Wish to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy, stories about personal growth, and magical adventures with heart. It’s a five-star read that leaves you inspired and longing for more.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series

[Select Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

David James’ “Escala's Wish” is Book 1 in the author’s Tales of Valla series. It is a romantasy of size and substance that takes place in 4853 in the town of Dunwell in the world of Valla.

There, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, Bard Medic of Misty Springs, invites readers to hear his tale about Escala Winter, a pixie from the Court of Dreams. After she breaks Valla’s rules by sharing a single kiss, she is banished from her home and exiled to the mortal world, where she is tasked with the near-impossible.

“Escala’s Wish” is rich in action and adventure, and laced with slow-burn romance. The book’s characters are very well-developed, as are its storyline and subplots.

Taking the reader well into the future, where a no-nonsense society severely punishes those who break its laws, the book frequently reads more like a folklore-rich, medieval novel than a futuristic tome. Perhaps what goes around does come around, even in a world the Great Bard, William Shakespeare, himself could never have imagined.

“Escala’s Wish” is imaginative, engaging, and entertaining. It is a book that should appeal to readers who want to explore future worlds, readers who want to be reminded of the distant past, and readers who simply want to enjoy a well-written novel, regardless of its timestamp.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Slow-Burn Fantasy Rooted in Heart and Humor

ESCALA'S WISH (TALES OF VALLA BOOK 1) introduces a romance fantasy that leans on character, consequence, and quiet emotion rather than spectacle. Escala’s fall from the Court of Dreams into the mortal world sets up a story driven by curiosity, regret, and the cost of choice. The world of Valla unfolds at a steady pace, with fey politics and old grudges revealed through action and conversation rather than exposition. Escala comes across as resilient and thoughtful, shaped by her mistakes as much as her hopes.

The romance develops slowly and naturally, grounded in trust and shared responsibility rather than instant attraction. Roedyn’s reserved nature balances Escala’s restlessness, and their connection grows through small moments that feel earned. Humor and warmth from the supporting cast add a sense of found family that softens the heavier themes. Overall, ESCALA'S WISH (TALES OF VALLA BOOK 1) feels like a thoughtful beginning to a series, offering emotional depth, gentle wit, and a world readers may want to return to.

[Iman Söderström · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, Banter, and a World Worth Exploring
Escala’s Wish is the kind of debut that instantly pulls you into its world and makes you want to stay. Valla feels alive—shaped by secrets, bargains, and shifting alliances rather than brute power. The political tension adds a constant undercurrent of danger, keeping the story engaging without overwhelming the emotional core.
Escala is a standout heroine, navigating forces far larger than herself with determination and heart. The supporting cast shines as well, creating a strong sense of found family and loyalty that anchors the narrative. Moments of light humor and banter provide balance, making the darker themes hit even harder.
The slow-burn romance is tender and believable, unfolding with patience and restraint. This book proves that romantasy can be exciting without sacrificing emotional depth. Escala’s Wish is a promising start to a series that feels rich with potential and genuine soul.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish is a richly imagined romantasy that blends classic fae folklore with political intrigue, emotional depth, and a refreshingly sincere slow burn romance. David James delivers a debut that feels confident and timeless one that honors traditional fantasy storytelling while avoiding overused tropes.

What truly sets this novel apart is its emotional grounding. The romance grows organically through trust, shared trials, and quiet moments of loyalty rather than shock driven plot devices. Escala’s journey is shaped by agency, resilience, and consequence, making her both relatable and compelling. The supporting cast adds warmth, wit, and a strong sense of found family, while the political tensions of Valla give the story real stakes and momentum.

With its Kirkus recognition and strong reader response, Escala’s Wish has all the elements of a standout series opener immersive worldbuilding, heartfelt romance, and meaningful choices that linger long after the final page.

[John Pryor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala's Wish is a YA coming-of-age story. A young faerie makes a terrible mistake and loses everything. Her family, her best friend, and her position at the faerie Court of Dreams are all gone. She is exiled to a strange land. And it all happened because she was curious about love. Given a terrible, mysterious quest, she stumbles trying to find her way in this new world that she does not understand. It is a challenge to survive and a bigger challenge to understand what love really is. To say more would involve spoilers. The main character is engaging, but sometimes clueless and naive even though she (almost) always has good intentions. This is a very interesting tale told by a bard who witnessed Escala's journey. The author is particularly good at describing scenes and characters. Highly recommended.

[Virginia Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! The characters, the narrator, the magical realm, the story and drama... all of it is simply enchanting! The author uses brilliant imagery to carry the reader into the Court of Dreams and the lives of the Winter family and their fey world. I truly enjoyed the "story telling" within the story, as the narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom - a gnome who earns his living as a bard - tells the tale of an adventure in which he is a participant. I love stories about faeries, pixies and magical realms, and was captivated and moved by the drama, the action, the struggle for power and the love story that is Escala's Wish. Readers, you will leave this tale with your heart a little fuller, a tear on your cheek and a smile on your face! Enjoy your adventure in Valla!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish is a beautifully crafted tale that blends adventure, family bonds, and cultural depth in a way that stays with you long after the final page. The characters are vivid and compelling — especially Escala, whose courage and vulnerability make her journey both inspiring and deeply relatable. The world-building is rich with tradition and atmosphere, grounding the fantasy elements in a sense of real emotional stakes, but what makes this story truly memorable is the character-building and character-driven storyline. At times, it feels less like a fantasy novel and more like a thoughtful drama or romance. I loved how the story balanced thrilling moments with thoughtful reflections on identity, loss, and hope. This is a memorable and moving read that will resonate with fans of character-driven fantasy.

[Teresa Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not my normal genre of reading and I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised! Even though it is fantasy, the characters have relatable emotions and you are easily drawn into the story.

I loved how James used Wigfrith, a gnome in a tavern, to narrate the story to a captive crowd. He was engaging and I felt like I was in the tavern with him. In a fun, twist part way through the book, Wigfrith actually enters the story. This explains how he knows the story so well.

The story takes many twists and turns. This is not a book that you have figured out by the the second chapter. It will keep you guessing to the end.

If you have never read this genre before, I would highly recommend that you start with Escala's Wish. I think you will soon forget that the characters are fairies, gnomes, elves, etc. and love the story that is being told.