Escala's Wish

by David James

-Winner, PenCraft Best Book Award (Fantasy) - Winter 2026
-Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
-2nd Place Fantasy - International Firebird Book Award (January 2026)Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
-Runner-Up (2nd Place) in Fantasy Romance 2025–2026 Indies Today Awards

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

536 pages, Kindle Edition

First 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

[Bookgirl_2026 · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐ 1 star

I really tried with this one… but it just didn’t work for me.

The idea of a story within a story caught my attention at first, and I was genuinely curious to see where it would go. Unfortunately, that initial interest faded pretty quickly. The pacing became very slow, especially in the second half, and it started to feel like a struggle to get through.

What made it harder was the writing style. It often felt overly drawn out, with repetitive phring and some unusual formatting choices. The frequent use of quotation marks in places where they didn’t feel natural was especially distracting and kept pulling me out of the story.

By the time I reached the halfway point, I was already losing interest, and I ended up skimming parts just to finish. There were moments where the concept still showed potential, but the execution didn’t keep me engaged.

Overall, this was a disappointing read for me.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - reviewer copy courtesy of DJ and NetGalley.

Escala’s Wish was a richly imagined tale that had me laughing and crying all at the same time. I loved the narration style with a story within a story - though sometimes it jarred me from the actual story.

What I loved: each character felt fully developed. I also enjoyed the romance and was glad it was more in the background and not a main focus. It made sense how it was developed, and didn’t feel forced. Morvenna was a delightful villain with relatable motivations - there were points that I agreed with her and was wondering if this would maybe be an antihero sort of story. I also loved the lessons on what love is - not just one thing, but many.

What I didn’t love: Victor fell flat for me as a villain. Jealousy over a woman you have never been with can only go so far. Also the book took quite a bit of time to get into and was very long. I felt there could have been quite a bit cut out and less background information that took me as a reader out of the story.

Overall, I loved this story and will be recommending it to all my fantasy loving friends.

[Lesley Odhiambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s wish is a tale told of the land of fairy. The book tries to show the meaning of if love as Escala a princes fairy tries to experience what love feels like. Escala is faced with trial after she broke the law and she is given a quest to be allowed back th the society.

She is sent to the land of mortals and she experienced the meaning of love as she found a team that was dedicated to help her fulfill her quest.

I have learnt the value of friendship and the importance of sacrifice when love is involved. The beauty of life is living a life of purpose and not by the achievements we make but the impact we make in other people’s lives.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish by David James is a romantasy based on love and sacrifice. Escala, a pixie who never fit in, wishes to experience the love her parents shared before their separation. Her curiosity costs her, yet her adventure builds her.

I truly found this to be interesting, filled with humor, magic, and adventure. I was emotionally invested. The story within a story was exceptionally executed as Bard narrates the story, bringing it to life. For a moment it felt as if I had joined the group of people in the tavern. Its richness and the message it portrays are sure to win lovers of both romance and fiction.

[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.

[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!

[Noha Badawi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something quietly alluring about Escala’s Wish; soft, a little thought provoking, and rooted in the idea that even the smallest choices can carry lasting consequences. And a simple curiosity can turn your life upside down. I enjoyed the journey, especially watching Escala grow from impulsively curious into someone who begins to understand the weight of her actions. That transformation felt true to herself, and the world itself had a dreamy, almost delicate quality to it that pulled me in.

At the same time, it didn’t fully wow me. I found myself wanting a bit more depth in certain parts of the story; whether emotionally or in the pacing, to really elevate it into something unforgettable.

[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.

[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.

[Madeleine Arnold]

Escala’s Wish is the type of book 13 year old me would have obsessed over! Fairies, realms, dragons, warlocks, true love - and all of it clean! Parents - you have nothing to worry about here - this is PERFECT for your YA reader. The audiobook makes it so much more fun.

[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.

[Sonia Rompoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author myself, I always appreciate fantasy that respects the reader enough to let the story unfold naturally, and this one does exactly that.

One of the first things I noticed, and genuinely appreciated, was the inclusion of a map. It's a small detail, but for epic fantasy, it makes such a difference. Being able to visualise the world and follow the characters' journey adds another layer of immersion, especially in a richly built setting like Valla.

David James has created a world that feels expansive without becoming overwhelming. The fae politics, mythology, and magic are woven into the narrative rather than delivered in heavy information dumps, allowing the reader to discover the world alongside Escala. As someone who writes, I know that's a balancing act, and it's handled well here.

Escala is an engaging protagonist whose curiosity and compassion make her easy to invest in. Her mistakes have genuine consequences, which gives her character arc emotional depth. Roedyn complements her perfectly. He's thoughtful, dependable, and refreshingly understated, and the relationship between them develops at a pace that feels authentic rather than forced.

One of my favourite aspects of the novel is the amount of dialogue. For a book of this length, it keeps the pacing lively and the characters constantly evolving through their interactions instead of relying on lengthy internal monologues or exposition. Before I knew it, I'd worked my way through hundreds of pages without feeling like the story was dragging.

If I had one minor criticism, there were a handful of scenes where the descriptions lingered just a little longer than necessary. However, those moments were brief and never diminished my enjoyment of the story.

Soooo, if you enjoy fantasy with strong character development, immersive world-building, and romance that grows naturally alongside the adventure, this is definitely a book worth giving a shot.

[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.

[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.

[Katrina Zarubinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

“Escala’s Wish” is a beautifully crafted fantasy that leans into storytelling in its purest form. I absolutely loved the overall narrative style—detailed, eloquent, and immersive, giving strong vibes of the best classic fantasy tales. The fact that the entire story is told by a gnome bard in a tavern, who coincidentally played a significant role in the events himself, adds a charming and engaging layer that makes the reading experience feel almost theatrical.

Escala is a wonderful protagonist. She begins as feisty and somewhat naive, driven more by curiosity than understanding, but as the story unfolds, hardship and the support of her companions shape her into someone far more grounded. Watching her learn to navigate the world—and ultimately understand the meaning of true love—feels natural and rewarding. The supporting cast is equally strong. Harper’s snarky remarks bring humor and authenticity, Sticky, the druid creature, adds both irony and an unexpected sense of dignity, and Wigfrith, the bard, truly brings the story to life. Roedyn, strong and reserved, stands out as well, evolving into a character worth rooting for, especially in his slow-building relationship with Escala.

This is not a fast-paced romance, as I’ve seen in many other books, but rather a deep and thoughtful story filled with kindness, compassion, and meaningful life lessons. At around 650 pages, it is certainly detailed, but for me, that was part of its charm—I genuinely enjoyed how the story unraveled at its own pace. I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate rich fantasy worlds, slow-burn romance, and a story with real emotional depth.

[Ree Culp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and was very satisfied with how it ended. I will admit that it took me a moment to immerse myself into this world because of the narration by the bard. I am glad I kept going because the world did pull me in. Escala and her quest will stay with me for a long time.

Without giving too much away, I will say Escala is a faerie who makes a huge mistake. As a result, she is tasked with finding "boulders" and removing them to bring balance. While on this mission, she learns about the mortal world, gains new friends, and most importantly, she learns about love.

Love is the central theme in this story- primarily through Escala's need to understand it, but also through the description of love's layers like friendship love, parental love, and romantic love. This isn't a typical romantasy though. It is a fantasy first, and a chaste love story second.

It is through love, though, that Escala is able to remove the largest boulder. Her love saves others, but at what cost? Just when you think the author will end the book one way, he circles back and gives more challenges to the characters, and more opportunities for resolution.

I am glad I read this story and I would recommend it to others.

[Pooja Bhamrrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't plan to stay up that late. This book has one moment of curiosity and suddenly two people are dead. What surprised me most is how the romance is handled. 500 pages sounds like a lot. it wasn't enough. This book is good for anyone who wants fantasy that earns its tears.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish

This fantasy tale has a bit of everything: magic, intrigue, battles, mystery, and love. Just when you think you can predict what’ll happen next, though, it surprises you.

While it has some familiar elements, and even rehashes certain scenes, it will subvert your expectations when you least suspect it.

Fantasy readers will love it.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[David James · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Mom’s Choice Awards® GOLD Recipient
- Winner, PenCraft Best Book Award (Fantasy) - Winter 2026
- Winner, Pencraft Best Book Award (Adventure) - Spring 2026
- Kirkus "GET IT" Award - January 2026
- 2nd Place Fantasy - International Firebird Book Award (January 2026)
- Runner-Up, Readers’ Choice Awards – Romantasy (February 2026)
- 2nd place - Fantasy - International Firebird Award (Q4 2025)
- First Place - Incipere Award - Adventure - (April 2026)
- First Place - Incipere Award - Adventure (Clean) - (April 2026)
- Second Place - Incipere Award - Fantasy (Clean) - (April 2026)

[Anonymous Reviewer · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be frank, I don’t understand the apparent popularity of this book, let alone the awards it has received.

Admittedly, I’m not exactly a fan of Romantasy as a genre. It tends toward overly trope-filled material that used to grace the shelves of your local Dollar General, the cheap “not-Fabio” picture on the cover fading from sun exposure. It’s everywhere now, and David James seem intent on riding that wave of popularity at the expense of authorial integrity.

On first skim, it claims to buck the trends that plague the genre, high atop its gleaming white steed of purity and superiority. A fantasy romance without the cheap smut and played out tropes? To fans of Romantasy, that could well be enticing, I suppose. The book is more chaste than Christ himself, but I’m sure there’s a market for that.

If this review seems mean-spirited, it’s only because I believe author David James did have a story he wanted to tell - and there are flickers of potential in the narrative early on. The strongest chapter is the book’s introduction - narrated by a stereotypically spoony bard. The narrator cracks jokes and gives insights into the world with the demeanor of your long-lost college buddy who stumbled into a local standup gig.

This narrator, Wigfrith, sets a reasonable bar for wit and prose that every single other character after him couldn’t even dream of reaching. I don’t mean the characters themselves, as one note as many of them are - I mean the way they’re written, and especially in the way they speak. This drop in writing quality happens so quickly that I began to suspect something that later findings in the book confirmed. Strangely repetitive descriptions of scenes, paragraphs written seemingly ignoring the continuity of the scene (early on a character is disarmed, only to be described as “tightening his grip on his staff” a mere paragraph later - oblivious to the fact that his staff was lost mere moments before), strange modern media references so stark that they took me right out of the book (there is a near verbatim “SpongeBob SquarePants” quote used in one section no serious author would ever just… insert into their work), and really quite bizarre formatting, grammatical and typographical errors that all led to the same conclusion:

Large sections of this book were written by AI.

I don’t make this claim lightly, and I wouldn’t say all of it was - but for someone who is even passingly familiar with how generative AI and LLMs tell and write stories, the alarm bells are practically screaming at a volume that would make one’s ears bleed.

David James is self-publishing, which immediately does set the bar lower, especially for a first novel - but even that low bar is far out of Escala’s reach, even if we pretend ChatGPT and friends weren’t dumping on the page for most of the run time of the novel. It’s entirely too long - common for first novels, especially if not judiciously edited. Large sections of the story drag on for no reason; many scenes contribute almost nothing to the story at hand aside from bloating the page count. The average chapter size seems to continually shrink, with an almost comical amount of them being a single page.

Why would someone write their story that way? Format it that way? Most wouldn’t - but an artificial intelligence given a specific prompt and a guideline on page and chapter count certainly would.

I will never claim to know David James’s rationale for doing this, but he’s hardly alone in the “AI-assisted Author” market - though the praise and awards the novel has claimed to have received concerns me greatly. Are our literary critics so blind as to not recognize what they’re reading? Did they even read it, or merely spit out a summation that could be gleaned from the first few chapters? I don’t claim to have the answer to that, either.

I would encourage our author to come clean about this - had he been honest about using these tools from the get go, and hired a competent editor to trim the fat while pointing out the obvious AI fingerprints, this story could’ve been something enjoyed by fans of the genre, who likely wouldn’t have cared about his tools. Instead, he’s choosing to play with fire - and that fire might incinerate his authorial ambitions to ash before he even manages to find his footing.

Reader beware; you’re in for a scare! The future of indie published novels is a dark one indeed.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a story whose prologue beautifully sets the solemn foundation upon which the whole narrative arc rests. We are taken ten years back to witness the cold, ceremonial judgement of a sprite of the fey realm named Teryn Lightwhisper, whose only crime was helping a child who had strayed through a hidden portal between the mortal world and the fey realm. His story establishes the story's setting as a realm governed by a code of ruthless consequence, one where compassion is an unforgivable crime, and one where every choice one makes begs a precedent.

We are introduced to Escala, the main character through the vivid recollection of our narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, bard of Misty Springs, who conjures her image to a tavern audience, one, as a golden-haired pixie princess of the Court of Dreams and two, as a flawed, deeply curious individual whose attempt to understand mortal love through a single, forbidden kiss leaves her facing a devastating consequence. We see Escala and her friend Rihanna at a hidden crossing between the fey realm and the mortal world. Here, we lean in with the tavern crowd as Escala leans down to plant that fateful kiss despite her friend's warnings. Suddenly, a sharp crack of a branch in a nearby bush, followed by the appearance of a monstrous wolf jerks us back to reality. A brutal struggle for survival follows, leaving two dead and one injured. Here, we are left wondering not just what Escala's fate will be, but the real reason why the wolf was there at that precise, devastating moment.

The story drags us before the merciless tribunal of the court of Dreams where a sentence is passed to Escala, in cold transformative magic- a permanent exile in a foreign body and foreign land, burdened with a paradoxical quest. The ground she is cast upon is literally stained with the memory of her failure. Every threat on her path feels like a threat that aims to ensure that her exile becomes a permanent grave. Here, we are not forced to care for her, rather, our emotional investment gets earned by the heartbreaking scale of her fall, which frames her fight as a classic underdog struggle to survive in a world that views her as expendable. I remember pausing here, not because the pacing slowed, but because the cost of that single choice had expanded so suddenly and so brutally that it needed a moment to settle.

This story is built upon well-structured themes that are not merely decorative or abstract. They rise from lived, painful realities, driving every twist of the plot and defining every character's choice. The consequence of choice is one of them, and it is well rendered to make the reader feel the weight of every decision. Equally, the theme of love is articulated through sacrifice and yearning, deepening the reader's emotional investment and contributing to a rich, resonant and deeply satisfying experience. Personally, I loved the character formulation and intricate dynamics that bring this story to life, ultimately making it unforgettable. Each figure, from the flawed young heroine to the vengeful Morvena, has been crafted with a compelling motivation. Even supporting characters such as Harper and Roedyn have been given room to endear themselves to the reader. I totally believe that it is these characters that the novel's themes are not just communicated but truly felt.

Quill says: Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is undoubtedly the perfect pick by readers who enjoy stories where personal growth, complex relationships and moral dilemmas drive the plot. It is a story that forces one to sit with questions of justice and mercy, as well as a wonder on what the value of a good heart really is, in a world that often punishes compassion.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your fantasy with a big “someone tell this chaotic gremlin to stop touching magical laws” energy, Escala’s Wish is a fun ride. The story has genuinely high stakes, with heart, jokes, and some genuinely high-stakes.

The whole story is framed like a live tavern performance, told by Wigfrith Foreverbloom, a bard who’s equal parts charming hype-man and messy gossip connoisseur. He’s pitching the tale to get people into The Stag (and keep them buying drinks), so you get this playful, conversational narration that leans into crowd-work humor while still delivering real plot and emotion. At the center is Escala Winter, a pixie from the Court of Dreams, who makes one reckless choice that spirals into tragedy and consequences. The fey legal system is intense, they’re not just worried about “don’t mess with mortals,” they’re obsessed with protecting the True Cycle, and the punishments (like the Wane) are nightmare fuel.

Instead of taking the obvious route, the story sets up a compelling “redemption quest” angle: Escala is sentenced to the material plane to “remove the boulders from the True Cycle,” which becomes this mix of literal helping-people moments and bigger moral/identity questions. And yes, there is betrayal, revenge, and court politics underneath it all. Morvena’s grudge is the slow-burn, generational kind, and it’s the sort of villain motivation that feels petty in a very fae way… until you realize how long she’s been planning.

The narrator is a blast. Wigfrith gives the book a “sit down, I’m about to tell you something wild” feeling, and it keeps even the lore-heavy parts moving. There are also some cool Fey mechanics plus consequences. The True Cycle / Wane / Court-of-Dreams justice system isn’t just set dressing; it drives choices and stakes. The quest has personality as well. Escala earnestly trying to get people to write down that she removed a “boulder” from their True Cycle is both funny and kind of sweet, like watching someone speedrun growth while still socially face-planting. When the story goes big, it really goes big. The latter set pieces feel cinematic: with a dark green vortex, and void-magic horror, party split, and a kind of everything-is-on-fire energy.

This is a lore-forward story. If you’re the kind of reader who wants the worldbuilding to chill for a second, there are stretches where Wigfrith explains fey society and cosmic rules pretty directly. Personally, I didn’t mind because the voice keeps it entertaining, but it’s definitely a style. The framing device is constant. You’re always in “tavern story time” mode, which is great if you like that theatrical feel, less great if you want a fully immersive close-third without commentary.

Under the jokes and action, the book keeps circling back to love as something you do, a choice with a cost, which lands well when everything hits the fan. And it gives Escala an arc that actually feels earned: she starts as reckless curiosity and ends up much more aware that actions have consequences.

Read this if you like fae courts, oaths, and “rules of magic” that actually matter. As well as found-family party dynamics (with banter), redemption arcs and morally loaded wishes, and fantasy that can be funny and go dark. It’s lively, cinematic, and built around a narrator with enough charisma to make you forgive the occasional lore-dump. If you’re into fae politics plus quest fantasy with a strong storytelling voice, I would heartily recommend this book to you.

[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!

[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.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish follows Wigfrith Foreverbloom, a gnome bard who lures a crowd into a Dunwell tavern and then spins the story of Escala Winter, a curious pixie from the Court of Dreams who breaks sacred fey law with one impulsive kiss. That small act ripples outward. A mortal dies, a friend dies, Escala faces the terrifying Wane, and the balance between the fey realm and the world of Valla starts to shake. What begins as a mischievous prank grows into a long quest involving dragons, scheming fey courts, found family, and a final choice where Escala decides what love, duty, and sacrifice really look like.

I had a lot of fun with the way this book is told. The whole thing runs through Wigfrith’s performance at The Stag, so the chapters swing between his patter with the audience and the “real” scenes of Escala’s journey. It feels like sitting in the tavern yourself. The voice is warm, cheeky, and sometimes very silly, then it suddenly hits you with an emotional punch. I liked that contrast. The world-building lands in the same way. There is a huge amount of lore about the fey, the True Cycle, and the different courts, and sometimes Wigfrith leans into full lecture mode, like his long explanation of fey origins and baby myths. Now and then, I felt the momentum slow during those digressions, yet the detail also made the setting feel thick and lived in, not just a backdrop for fights and quips.

On the character side, Escala hooked me more and more as the book went on. She starts as reckless and a bit selfish, chasing the idea of romance the way a magpie chases shiny things. By the end, she owns the damage she caused, and her final decision to become “the boulder” and pull herself out of the Cycle was emotional for me. The book keeps circling back to what love actually is. We see it in Rowan’s stiff loyalty to the law, in Teresa’s choice to leave, in Roedyn’s quiet, stubborn devotion, and in Escala’s own growth as she learns that love is not a feeling you chase but a choice you keep making. I found that theme surprisingly moving. The big set pieces around Blackthorn Tower and the Dream Weaver give those ideas a lot of weight, so the climax feels earned, not just flashy magic and explosions.

I came away feeling like I’d spent time in a full D&D table story, only with sharper emotional through-lines and a bard who never lets the room go quiet for long. The tone leans light and chatty, yet the losses are real, and the final chapters carry a nice ache. I would recommend Escala’s Wish to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, people who like fey politics but want humor to cut the gloom. If you want heart, banter, big feelings, and a pixie who grows into a queen, it is a very satisfying start to a series.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

David James’s Escala’s Wish is an epic fantasy told as a tavern performance: a gnome bard, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, promises his crowd a true story about a pixie princess whose impulsive kiss ripples outward until it nearly unthreads two realms. Escala Winter slips through a fey crossing, charms a mortal for the sake of curiosity (and vanity), and triggers a brutal chain of consequences, a wolf attack, blood on fern-fronds, and the death of her closest friend, Rihanna. The fey justice system is a cold machine, exile or erasure, and Escala is cast out with a maddeningly cryptic “quest” to remove “boulders” obstructing the True Cycle. What begins as a personal reckoning grows into a campaign of alliances, betrayals, and escalating Void-magic, ending in the shattered ruins of Blackthorn Tower and a final wish that costs her dearly while buying one fragile second chance.

What grabbed me first wasn’t the lore (though there’s plenty), but the audacity of the framing: the book keeps winking at the idea of story as currency, Wigfrith isn’t merely narrating, he’s working the room, shaping grief into something an audience can hold without dropping their mugs. That choice gives the novel a lively pulse: the big concepts, law, fate, the ethics of interference, arrive braided with humor and performance instead of dumped like a lecture. Even when the fey court’s rules turn severe, exile, the Wane, the pitiless weight of consequence, the voice keeps the pages turning, as if the book knows that dread lands harder when it’s delivered with a grin that’s one degree too bright.

My strongest reaction, though, was how insistently the story treats “love” as both weapon and wound. Escala’s first choice is selfish, almost childish; she wants to feel something, to test a myth with her own mouth, and the fallout is not abstract. Later, when the conflict widens into Void-storm spectacle and hard-won camaraderie, the book keeps tugging back toward the intimate costs: guilt that doesn’t wash off, loyalty that frays under pressure, and the particular cruelty of memory, what it preserves, what it erases, what it refuses to forgive. By the time the climax cracks open at Blackthorn Tower, the action is ferocious, but the emotional argument is sharper: power without care becomes hunger, and hunger becomes apocalypse.

Escala’s Wish is for readers who want epic fantasy, fae court intrigue, portal fantasy, and romantic adventure with a storyteller’s swagger and a moral spine, especially if you like your magic system half-mythic, half-legalistic, and always ready to bite. If The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss hooked you with its tavern-born narration and legend-making, Escala’s Wish offers a tale that knows performance can be a form of truth.

[LiteraryTitan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escala’s Wish is a fantasy novel with a strong romantic fantasy streak, but it also leans into adventure, court intrigue, and the old fairy-tale question of what love is actually worth. The book follows Escala Winter, a pixie from the Court of Dreams whose impulsive kiss of a mortal boy triggers death, exile, and a quest to “remove boulders” from the True Cycle. From there, the story opens outward into a larger struggle involving family secrets, betrayal inside the fey court, Victor Graves and Blackthorn Tower, and Escala’s growing bond with Roedyn as the fate of both the fey realm and Valla starts to come apart.

I was drawn to the author’s choice to make Escala both reckless and sincere. She is not a polished chosen-one type. She starts this mess because she is curious, vain, lonely, and hungry for something real, and that made her easier for me to care about. The book keeps circling questions of intent versus consequence, law versus love, and whether redemption means undoing harm or growing enough to carry it honestly. I think that is where the novel is strongest. It has the emotional logic of a fairy tale, but it also has the sprawl of a quest fantasy, with companions, monsters, royal blood, dragons, and a world-ending threat. There are a lot of characters, a lot of explanation, and a lot of movement. But even when it sprawls, I could feel the heart under it, and that goes a long way with me.

What I liked most is that the book really wants to tell a story. I know that sounds obvious, but as someone who loves fantasy novels, I felt that hunger on the page. The bard framing device gives the whole thing a fireside energy, and Wigfrith’s voice keeps the book lively even when the lore gets dense. Sometimes the novel is playful, sometimes raw, sometimes a little theatrical, but it rarely feels flat. I also liked that David James does not treat the fey as soft and harmless. This version of faerie life is beautiful, social, petty, strict, and often cruel, which gives the world some bite. The ideas around the True Cycle, the Wane, exile, and the different ways fey come into being give the setting a real identity.

I would recommend Escala’s Wish most to readers who enjoy fantasy that wears its feelings openly, especially readers who like romantic fantasy, fairy-court drama, and long quest stories where love and danger keep colliding. If you want something cool and distant, this may not be your book. If you like fantasy that is earnest, dramatic, lore-rich, and willing to be tender right next to brutal, you’ll love this novel. It feels like the kind of story written by someone who genuinely loves fantasy, and I think readers who love that same mix of wonder, heartbreak, and high-stakes magic will feel it too.