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Cinna and Hokuren #2
Silks and Stones
Cinna and Hokuren return! Their heartwarming, found-family relationship meets a twisty, character-driven mystery full of magical intrigue.
Hokuren's steady life in Velles, tracking lost pets through the bustling city with her street-smart assistant Cinna, is upended when a magically sealed letter arrives to inform her of her father's death. Hokuren is summoned back to the muddy provincial town she fled a decade ago and forced to confront the family business, tangled in smuggling, she tried to escape.
With Cinna at her side, Hokuren steps into a town falling further into gloom. Goblin raids grow bolder while the local militia, led by a witch thought to be dead, is clinging by a thread. Every clue Hokuren finds around her father's death points to a deeper conspiracy, and when she discovers his grave empty and herself framed for arson, she realizes someone is determined to keep the truth buried.
As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Hokuren must decide how far she'll go to claim her inheritance-not of property, but of family histories and dangerous magic long kept hidden. In a world where every ally could be a traitor and every answer leads to more questions, can Hokuren and Cinna survive long enough to uncover what really happened in Fondence to both her father and her mother?
A lighthearted and fast-paced fantasy mystery full of action, adventure and sly humor, Silks and Stones is also a touching exploration of staying true to oneself in the face of complicated family legacies.
Hokuren's steady life in Velles, tracking lost pets through the bustling city with her street-smart assistant Cinna, is upended when a magically sealed letter arrives to inform her of her father's death. Hokuren is summoned back to the muddy provincial town she fled a decade ago and forced to confront the family business, tangled in smuggling, she tried to escape.
With Cinna at her side, Hokuren steps into a town falling further into gloom. Goblin raids grow bolder while the local militia, led by a witch thought to be dead, is clinging by a thread. Every clue Hokuren finds around her father's death points to a deeper conspiracy, and when she discovers his grave empty and herself framed for arson, she realizes someone is determined to keep the truth buried.
As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Hokuren must decide how far she'll go to claim her inheritance-not of property, but of family histories and dangerous magic long kept hidden. In a world where every ally could be a traitor and every answer leads to more questions, can Hokuren and Cinna survive long enough to uncover what really happened in Fondence to both her father and her mother?
A lighthearted and fast-paced fantasy mystery full of action, adventure and sly humor, Silks and Stones is also a touching exploration of staying true to oneself in the face of complicated family legacies.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 9, 2026
This is such a great sequel! Everything I loved about Cinna and Hokuren has doubled.
Not much time has passed since we left them at the end of the first book. They're still the same seekers looking for new clients and saving cats all around Velles. Then suddenly, Hokuren receives a letter informing her of her father's death, meaning she has inherited the business she never wanted. She embarks on a journey to her hometown to face the past, with Cinna in tow. They soon reach Fondence, only to find more mysteries than sense. Goblin raids, rogue witches and wizards, old friends—conspiracy theorists galore!
This is a lovely cozy fantasy. There are some darker themes, certainly, but overall it's all about family, friends, and discovering the truth—all with a good deal of detective work and humorous banter. The new characters are colourful, with their respective backstories (properly interesting ones, not just background shadows!) tying in perfectly with the established world.
I would say this could be read as a standalone, but it definitely works better in tandem with the first book so you can pick up on the references here and there.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Not much time has passed since we left them at the end of the first book. They're still the same seekers looking for new clients and saving cats all around Velles. Then suddenly, Hokuren receives a letter informing her of her father's death, meaning she has inherited the business she never wanted. She embarks on a journey to her hometown to face the past, with Cinna in tow. They soon reach Fondence, only to find more mysteries than sense. Goblin raids, rogue witches and wizards, old friends—conspiracy theorists galore!
This is a lovely cozy fantasy. There are some darker themes, certainly, but overall it's all about family, friends, and discovering the truth—all with a good deal of detective work and humorous banter. The new characters are colourful, with their respective backstories (properly interesting ones, not just background shadows!) tying in perfectly with the established world.
I would say this could be read as a standalone, but it definitely works better in tandem with the first book so you can pick up on the references here and there.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
April 24, 2026
Well this is a barrel of fun! While it’s the second book in the series – it wasn’t until I was well into the book before I realised it. So if, like me, you haven’t yet read the first book, it won’t be a dealbreaker. That said, I’m definitely intending to do so, because I enjoyed this offering so much.
Cinna is tough. Brought up on the streets, she learnt early on that if she didn’t quickly gain great fighting skills, she probably wouldn’t survive long on her own terms. So she is very able in a fight, even against other trained fighters. I enjoyed the fights – Lawrence writes them well, with plenty of detail, so I knew blow for blow who was doing what to whom. Hokuren also has a disrupted family life. Her mother died when Hokuren was born, while her grieving father threw all his energy into keeping the family merchanting business going. Her brothers were much older, so weren’t really playmates with her – and then both died on a voyage. After that, her father’s interest in her revolved about wanting her to join the family business, which held no interest for her. So in the end she moved away to end the painful conflict that was constantly forcing them apart.
This makes her father’s death particularly difficult. Hokuren always hoped they would be able to patch things up, once her father accepted that she was building a financially secure business and leading a happy life. But now, she’ll never have that opportunity. Lawence manages to depict the regret and pain that coming home represents effectively, without slowing down the ongoing action, which is impressive. Because this book moves along at a reasonable clip.
I thought the mystery part worked really well. We quickly realise that something is off about Hokuren’s home town – but exactly what is wrong is harder to pin down. The answer is revealed in layers, as we learn one set of facts that lead onto another lot of problems in a steadily escalating manner that’s particularly well done.
All in all, the reveal of who is actually behind the whole business was a genuine surprise. This is a satisfying, immersive read that left me looking forward to reading the first book and hoping there are more to come. Highly recommended for fans of well-plotted murder mysteries in a high fantasy setting. While I obtained an arc of Silks and Stones from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Cinna is tough. Brought up on the streets, she learnt early on that if she didn’t quickly gain great fighting skills, she probably wouldn’t survive long on her own terms. So she is very able in a fight, even against other trained fighters. I enjoyed the fights – Lawrence writes them well, with plenty of detail, so I knew blow for blow who was doing what to whom. Hokuren also has a disrupted family life. Her mother died when Hokuren was born, while her grieving father threw all his energy into keeping the family merchanting business going. Her brothers were much older, so weren’t really playmates with her – and then both died on a voyage. After that, her father’s interest in her revolved about wanting her to join the family business, which held no interest for her. So in the end she moved away to end the painful conflict that was constantly forcing them apart.
This makes her father’s death particularly difficult. Hokuren always hoped they would be able to patch things up, once her father accepted that she was building a financially secure business and leading a happy life. But now, she’ll never have that opportunity. Lawence manages to depict the regret and pain that coming home represents effectively, without slowing down the ongoing action, which is impressive. Because this book moves along at a reasonable clip.
I thought the mystery part worked really well. We quickly realise that something is off about Hokuren’s home town – but exactly what is wrong is harder to pin down. The answer is revealed in layers, as we learn one set of facts that lead onto another lot of problems in a steadily escalating manner that’s particularly well done.
All in all, the reveal of who is actually behind the whole business was a genuine surprise. This is a satisfying, immersive read that left me looking forward to reading the first book and hoping there are more to come. Highly recommended for fans of well-plotted murder mysteries in a high fantasy setting. While I obtained an arc of Silks and Stones from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
May 5, 2026
Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence is a fantasy mystery about Hokuren and Cinna, a pair of investigators whose trip to Fondence begins as a family obligation and turns into a larger case involving smuggling, old secrets, goblins, a dangerous wizard, and the buried truth about Hokuren’s parents. The book sits comfortably in the fantasy genre, but it borrows a lot of its engine from detective fiction: clues, rumors, coded diaries, false assumptions, and the slow pleasure of watching pieces click into place.
What I liked most was how grounded the story feels even when the magical stakes rise. Lawrence opens with a cat rescue, which is funny, messy, and oddly perfect. It tells you right away that this is not a fantasy world built only for grand speeches and glowing spells. It has scratched-up tunics, unpaid bills, awkward clients, and people trying to make rent. That choice gives the book a warm, authentic texture. I also appreciated the rhythm between Hokuren and Cinna. Their partnership has the easy snap of a long friendship, but underneath the banter there is real care. Sometimes it is as simple as bandaging wounds that will heal anyway.
The author’s biggest strength is balancing humor with emotional weight. Hokuren’s grief over her father and her questions about her mother could have made the story heavy, but the book keeps moving through curiosity, action, and small comic turns. Cinna brings a blunt, physical energy that cuts through the sadness without cheapening it. I did occasionally feel the plot had a lot on its hands at once: family history, smuggling, wizard politics, goblins, coded writing, and the central relationship. Still, most of those threads feed the same larger idea, which is that knowing the truth about people can make them more complicated, not less lovable.
I’d recommend Silks and Stones to readers who enjoy cozy-leaning fantasy mysteries with heart, humor, and a strong central duo. It will especially work for people who like investigations in magical worlds, found-family dynamics, and stories where the emotional case matters as much as the criminal one. For a reader who wants a thoughtful adventure with wit, warmth, and a little mud on its boots, this book is easy to recommend.
What I liked most was how grounded the story feels even when the magical stakes rise. Lawrence opens with a cat rescue, which is funny, messy, and oddly perfect. It tells you right away that this is not a fantasy world built only for grand speeches and glowing spells. It has scratched-up tunics, unpaid bills, awkward clients, and people trying to make rent. That choice gives the book a warm, authentic texture. I also appreciated the rhythm between Hokuren and Cinna. Their partnership has the easy snap of a long friendship, but underneath the banter there is real care. Sometimes it is as simple as bandaging wounds that will heal anyway.
The author’s biggest strength is balancing humor with emotional weight. Hokuren’s grief over her father and her questions about her mother could have made the story heavy, but the book keeps moving through curiosity, action, and small comic turns. Cinna brings a blunt, physical energy that cuts through the sadness without cheapening it. I did occasionally feel the plot had a lot on its hands at once: family history, smuggling, wizard politics, goblins, coded writing, and the central relationship. Still, most of those threads feed the same larger idea, which is that knowing the truth about people can make them more complicated, not less lovable.
I’d recommend Silks and Stones to readers who enjoy cozy-leaning fantasy mysteries with heart, humor, and a strong central duo. It will especially work for people who like investigations in magical worlds, found-family dynamics, and stories where the emotional case matters as much as the criminal one. For a reader who wants a thoughtful adventure with wit, warmth, and a little mud on its boots, this book is easy to recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silks and Stones has that lovely, low‑lit atmosphere I always fall for — a story that moves quickly, but with a softness around the edges, as though the magic and the mystery are both breathing just out of sight. Hokuren and Cinna slip back onto the page with the kind of ease that makes you feel you’ve known them far longer than a single book. Their partnership is warm, wry, and quietly loyal, and it gives the whole story a heartbeat even when the world around them starts to tilt.
The summons home — a sealed letter, a father’s death, a past she never wanted to revisit — sets the tone beautifully. Fondence is muddy, gloomy, and full of old ghosts, and the book leans into that sense of returning to a place that remembers you a little too well. Goblin raids, a militia held together by fraying threads, a witch who shouldn’t be alive… it all creates a backdrop that feels lived‑in and slightly dangerous, without ever losing its spark of humour.
The mystery itself twists in satisfying ways. Every clue Hokuren uncovers seems to open another door: the empty grave, the arson accusation, the family business tangled in smuggling and secrets. There’s a lovely tension between the lightness of the banter and the weight of what she’s uncovering — a sense that the past is reaching out, insisting on being reckoned with. And through it all, Cinna’s sharp observations and dry wit keep the story buoyant, even when the stakes turn personal.
What lingers most is the emotional thread running beneath the action: a story about inheritance not as wealth, but as history — the kind we carry, the kind we try to outrun, and the kind we eventually have to face. Hokuren’s journey feels tender and believable, especially as loyalties shift and the line between ally and threat blurs.
Fast, funny, and quietly heartfelt, Silks and Stones is a fantasy mystery with real charm — full of magic, mischief, and the complicated pull of home. It left me fond of its characters and hoping they’ll find a little peace… though not before their next adventure.
With thanks to Quinn Lawrence, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The summons home — a sealed letter, a father’s death, a past she never wanted to revisit — sets the tone beautifully. Fondence is muddy, gloomy, and full of old ghosts, and the book leans into that sense of returning to a place that remembers you a little too well. Goblin raids, a militia held together by fraying threads, a witch who shouldn’t be alive… it all creates a backdrop that feels lived‑in and slightly dangerous, without ever losing its spark of humour.
The mystery itself twists in satisfying ways. Every clue Hokuren uncovers seems to open another door: the empty grave, the arson accusation, the family business tangled in smuggling and secrets. There’s a lovely tension between the lightness of the banter and the weight of what she’s uncovering — a sense that the past is reaching out, insisting on being reckoned with. And through it all, Cinna’s sharp observations and dry wit keep the story buoyant, even when the stakes turn personal.
What lingers most is the emotional thread running beneath the action: a story about inheritance not as wealth, but as history — the kind we carry, the kind we try to outrun, and the kind we eventually have to face. Hokuren’s journey feels tender and believable, especially as loyalties shift and the line between ally and threat blurs.
Fast, funny, and quietly heartfelt, Silks and Stones is a fantasy mystery with real charm — full of magic, mischief, and the complicated pull of home. It left me fond of its characters and hoping they’ll find a little peace… though not before their next adventure.
With thanks to Quinn Lawrence, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for kindly giving me an ARC.
This series truly brings me so much joy. I absolutely adore the found family dynamic between Cinna and Hokuren, the way Cinna protects Hokuren is so sweet, whilst Hokuren manages to ground Cinna, whilst offering her something she hasn't experienced before; the feeling of someone loving her unconditionally. Cinna is such a fantastic character. I love how she speaks her mind and can hold her own in a fight. She had a lot of character development since the first book, recognising the way that she was brought up had a negative impact on her, and refusing to train someone else the way she was trained. Hokuren is steafast in her determination to get to the truth, which proves to be difficult as this time the 'case' involves her own family. Trying to balance pragmatism with her sense of loyalty, she struggles to understand how someone she thought the world of has done the things her mother was accused of.
The mystery was incredibly intriguing. It had lots of different factors that were all wrapped seamlessly up into the overarching narrative. I really liked the magical aspect of this book. It was focused more around influence and manipulation, which is something that isn't often represented when showing magic in books.
This series balances humour and lighthearted storytelling, with darker elements so well. The contrast of Cinna being hilarious in her dialogue and then the Goblins saying they were influenced into wearing teeth necklaces because that's what people expect and how they're able to view them as monsterous is a perfect example of this. It works so well in this book and it adds a lot of depth and complexity to both the narrative and the characters.
The setting, narrative, and character dialogue and dynamics were all really well balanced. This was such a fun fantasy mystery!
This series truly brings me so much joy. I absolutely adore the found family dynamic between Cinna and Hokuren, the way Cinna protects Hokuren is so sweet, whilst Hokuren manages to ground Cinna, whilst offering her something she hasn't experienced before; the feeling of someone loving her unconditionally. Cinna is such a fantastic character. I love how she speaks her mind and can hold her own in a fight. She had a lot of character development since the first book, recognising the way that she was brought up had a negative impact on her, and refusing to train someone else the way she was trained. Hokuren is steafast in her determination to get to the truth, which proves to be difficult as this time the 'case' involves her own family. Trying to balance pragmatism with her sense of loyalty, she struggles to understand how someone she thought the world of has done the things her mother was accused of.
The mystery was incredibly intriguing. It had lots of different factors that were all wrapped seamlessly up into the overarching narrative. I really liked the magical aspect of this book. It was focused more around influence and manipulation, which is something that isn't often represented when showing magic in books.
This series balances humour and lighthearted storytelling, with darker elements so well. The contrast of Cinna being hilarious in her dialogue and then the Goblins saying they were influenced into wearing teeth necklaces because that's what people expect and how they're able to view them as monsterous is a perfect example of this. It works so well in this book and it adds a lot of depth and complexity to both the narrative and the characters.
The setting, narrative, and character dialogue and dynamics were all really well balanced. This was such a fun fantasy mystery!
May 8, 2026
Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence is book two in the Cinna and Hokuren series, though it can be read as a standalone. I'll admit, I'm glad I was able to read the first book in the series beforehand. While this sequel can be read as a standalone, I felt it helpful to already know the characters and something comes into play in book two that's from book one. It was good to know how and why that came to be.
That said, Silks and Stones is set in a different area with a brand new cast of characters (aside from Cinna and Hokuren, of course). In this delightful continuation of their story, we learn more about Hokuren and her backstory.
I definitely enjoyed this book more than book one. I was more into the magic system, and I adored all the supporting characters. (We must protect Jarmo at all costs!) Not to mention the mystery aspect of this cozy fantasy really held up. Without spoilers, I had my suspicions about some things and was pleasantly surprised during the times I was right, but also some of the times I was wrong. I enjoyed the twists.
Also, the author has a great writing style for the cozy genre. Yet there are quite a few action scenes and she does a wonderful job describing those fights. I think this book had more tension than the first and the characters were more fleshed out.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of mystery, then certainly pick up Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence.
Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence is a strong cozy fantasy with an intriguing mystery and a compelling magical system.
Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are honest and my own.
That said, Silks and Stones is set in a different area with a brand new cast of characters (aside from Cinna and Hokuren, of course). In this delightful continuation of their story, we learn more about Hokuren and her backstory.
I definitely enjoyed this book more than book one. I was more into the magic system, and I adored all the supporting characters. (We must protect Jarmo at all costs!) Not to mention the mystery aspect of this cozy fantasy really held up. Without spoilers, I had my suspicions about some things and was pleasantly surprised during the times I was right, but also some of the times I was wrong. I enjoyed the twists.
Also, the author has a great writing style for the cozy genre. Yet there are quite a few action scenes and she does a wonderful job describing those fights. I think this book had more tension than the first and the characters were more fleshed out.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of mystery, then certainly pick up Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence.
Silks and Stones by Quinn Lawrence is a strong cozy fantasy with an intriguing mystery and a compelling magical system.
Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 This is my favorite so far. This time, we're diving into Horuken's hometown, family, secrets, past, and unveiling a lot of it. Great cast.
Horuken gets a letter with her father's will and returns to deal with his passing, but instead of the sweet smalltown she remembers she finds aggressiveness and suspicion everywhere. Nothing was as she thought it to be, and people acted very differently from what she remembered. Conspiracies, power war, witches, magic, betrayals, puzzles to solve, and codes to unravel, adding to talking polite Goblins who want to eat with silver cutlery eheh plus mind-controlling worms. A cozy mystery with fantasy, action, and adventure elements.
The author balances the action, emotional moments, and humor well giving us an exciting adventure. I love Cinna's cavalier novels, and how she geeks about collecting the volumes. Very satisfying.
This can be read as a standalone.
Cinna and Horuken make a great team. They have different life experiences so they help each other to see through different perspectives and to be more empathic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Horuken gets a letter with her father's will and returns to deal with his passing, but instead of the sweet smalltown she remembers she finds aggressiveness and suspicion everywhere. Nothing was as she thought it to be, and people acted very differently from what she remembered. Conspiracies, power war, witches, magic, betrayals, puzzles to solve, and codes to unravel, adding to talking polite Goblins who want to eat with silver cutlery eheh plus mind-controlling worms. A cozy mystery with fantasy, action, and adventure elements.
The author balances the action, emotional moments, and humor well giving us an exciting adventure. I love Cinna's cavalier novels, and how she geeks about collecting the volumes. Very satisfying.
This can be read as a standalone.
Cinna and Horuken make a great team. They have different life experiences so they help each other to see through different perspectives and to be more empathic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the first book in the Cinna and Hokuren books and was very eager to read the second one.
The first book was a wild ride of different story lines that interwove more and more through the installment. The second book "Silks and Stones" is much more linear and exposes much of Hokurens past (after we learned a lot about Cinna in the first book that seems fitting). A lot of those things were grounded in more natural reasons (having money difficulties, getting into dealings with the wrong people ...), but mixed up with a lot of magic and manipulation.
Somehow it felt less interessting to me even as I cannot explain why. Cinnas soul still had an important role and I liked very much how she bonded with Jarmo. Also Hokurens story line was really interesting but the spark didn't catch this time like in the first book.
Still I would love to read more adventures with Cinna and Hokuren and look forward to everything Quinn Lawrence will write!
The first book was a wild ride of different story lines that interwove more and more through the installment. The second book "Silks and Stones" is much more linear and exposes much of Hokurens past (after we learned a lot about Cinna in the first book that seems fitting). A lot of those things were grounded in more natural reasons (having money difficulties, getting into dealings with the wrong people ...), but mixed up with a lot of magic and manipulation.
Somehow it felt less interessting to me even as I cannot explain why. Cinnas soul still had an important role and I liked very much how she bonded with Jarmo. Also Hokurens story line was really interesting but the spark didn't catch this time like in the first book.
Still I would love to read more adventures with Cinna and Hokuren and look forward to everything Quinn Lawrence will write!
Review of advance copy received from Author
There's always something beautiful about a found family, and Hokuren and Cinna embody this genuinely.
As circumstances take the pair on a journey neither would have chosen otherwise, threads of mystery, danger, hidden secrets, emotional baggage and more give them plenty to unpack.
True to form, they don't shy away from digging for the truth, even when it is inconvenient, risky or someone-else's problem.
With a colourful cast of characters, a contrasting village backdrop and plenty that is not quite what it seems, this second instalment of the series provides opportunities for growth for Hokuren, Cinna and their partnership.
Uncovering the motives of many involved was as interesting as solving the mysteries themselves!
I received an ARC copy from the author.
As circumstances take the pair on a journey neither would have chosen otherwise, threads of mystery, danger, hidden secrets, emotional baggage and more give them plenty to unpack.
True to form, they don't shy away from digging for the truth, even when it is inconvenient, risky or someone-else's problem.
With a colourful cast of characters, a contrasting village backdrop and plenty that is not quite what it seems, this second instalment of the series provides opportunities for growth for Hokuren, Cinna and their partnership.
Uncovering the motives of many involved was as interesting as solving the mysteries themselves!
I received an ARC copy from the author.
April 22, 2026
Book 2 of the Cinna and Hokuren series. Can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'A ighthearted and fast-paced fantasy mystery full of action, adventure and sly humor, Silks and Stones is also a touching exploration of staying true to oneself in the face of complicated family legacies.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and funny. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A ighthearted and fast-paced fantasy mystery full of action, adventure and sly humor, Silks and Stones is also a touching exploration of staying true to oneself in the face of complicated family legacies.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and funny. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
3.5 stars. Thank you to Booksprout for the advanced readers copy of this book. I didn't read the first book in the series but found there was nothing I missed as a result, so don't hold back reading this just because you haven't read the first book. This was a cozy book with an interesting concept strung throughout (witch vs wizard magic), goblins, elves, found family). While I finished the book, I didn't find myself reaching for it and never really got hooked. Still worth a read if you're looking for a light read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I was happy to read this one. Cinna and Hokuren are delightful together and I love the way they complement each other. It's great to read a found family book where the characters seem to fill each others needs so well. Cinna always makes me smile and this was no exception. Great characters, great storty. I truly enjoyed it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2026
She is happy with her life finding lost pets with her friend when she gets a letter posted by magic. Her father has died and she needs to go home, she is not happy about it but she will go. Her life will turn upside down when she is accused of arson and more secrets are uncovered. Someone does not want her to gain everything her father wanted her to have. Life is getting complicated
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fantastic read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fantastic read
April 22, 2026
This is the second book following Cinna and Hokuren. I really like how their friendship is still blossoming in the story. The way they can tease and communicate with each other. This follows the seekers when they have to fac Hokuren’s past. They quickly realize that all is it what it seems. I liked how this mystery played out. It was a very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An excellent mix of adventure, fighting, revisiting lost relationships, and connecting with the past!! I want backstory on Roz, as well as Hokuren’s mother’s early years. Cinna is for sure relatable with her love for pasties and pie. You could almost call this book Silks and Scones!! By far my favorite supporting characters are Jarmo and Lumi!!
May 16, 2026
ARC review- This was another wonderful cosy fantasy that didnt shy away from fight scenes or complex plots. It still felt like a warm hug, and I still adore Cinna and Hokuren's platonic relationship so much.
3rd Person POV
Found Family
Hidden Magic
Family Secrets
2 FMC main characters
No romance
FMC Hokuren is a seeker who works as a Private investigator. She is summoned home, and boy, I didnt see the twists coming. I loved her storyline.
Our second FMC Cinna is just so damn sweet and tough. I love her worldview, and I adored her relationship with a young guard in this book.
I adore the writing style and the relationship between Cinna and Hokuren without romance. If you're after a cosy, yet action-packed book that's easy to read and has great characters, then check this out.
3rd Person POV
Found Family
Hidden Magic
Family Secrets
2 FMC main characters
No romance
FMC Hokuren is a seeker who works as a Private investigator. She is summoned home, and boy, I didnt see the twists coming. I loved her storyline.
Our second FMC Cinna is just so damn sweet and tough. I love her worldview, and I adored her relationship with a young guard in this book.
I adore the writing style and the relationship between Cinna and Hokuren without romance. If you're after a cosy, yet action-packed book that's easy to read and has great characters, then check this out.
May 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this read, even without having read the first part of the series. I loved the soulmate type friendship between cinna and hokuren. They make such great characters and i love them. I think this adventure was also a very well thought oit plot and i was definitely pleasantly surprised.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews