Meliora

by Talli L. Morgan

Perfect for fans of beloved Studio Ghibli films like Howl’s Moving Castle, MELIORA is a story of love, self-discovery, and finding inner strength.

Winter Fae takes a job at the Summer Palace with two goals in mind: keep his sister alive, and keep his family’s secrets safe. He intends to keep his head down and avoid drawing attention, but that plan crumbles when he crosses paths with the notoriously reckless Prince Arturo, who’s last in line for the throne and would rather see the world than rule it.

Arturo claims he knows someone who can cure Winter’s sister for good, if Winter can trust him enough to travel across the country. But Winter’s family has attracted enough suspicion over the years, so he needs a damn good reason for disappearing with the prince.

And what’s a better excuse than elopement?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Transgender, Adult, Gay

ebook

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Talli is a writer, artist, and librarian who believes that books make some of the best friends. You can almost always find them buried in books (literally and figuratively), but they can also be spotted running around attempting to pet as many dogs as possible.

You can find Talli on Instagram @tallimorgan.books and visit them at tallimorgan.com.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

another win for cosy slice of life fantasy <3

[Talli Morgan]

Hi hello, here I am, leaving a review on my own book :3
This book, which started as a simple cozy romance, evolved into wider conversations about mental health, gender identity, and resisting oppressive systems. It surprised me at many turns while writing it, and I hope it can offer a little sunshine in your life.

While I'm here, I'll throw a few things out there:
- MELIORA is a New Adult (NA; 18+) novel
- Primary content warning for depictions of anxiety/panic attacks. Full list of CWs can be found on my website (tallimorgan.com)

Thanks for stopping by, and thank you for reading <3

[Tabitha O’Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, soft book with a lovely, low-conflict romance. Anxious MC Winter's struggles are mainly internal as he debates how much he should, and whether he wants to, trust the much more outgoing Arturo with his heart. He was very relatable, and his anxiety was sensitively handled both on a narrative level and by Arturo himself, and I loved every moment of their interactions as they grew closer and got to know each other more. This all takes place against the fun backdrop of a cross-kingdom journey, on which they both broaden each other's horizons.

Finally, I have to mention the pleasant surprise that both Winter and Arturo are trans! Arturo is transmasc and Winter is nonbinary, and their conversation about that was one of my favorite parts of the book. <3 All in all, a highly recommended cozy fantasy read.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very cute and soft and absolutely delightful. Loved the dynamics between Arturo and Winter, the casual queer rep, and all the road trip goodness. An absolute must on all the cozy fantasy rec lists.

[Josie Jaffrey]

A great cosy fantasy romance with a varied queer cast and disability rep for anxiety and chronic illness. An enjoyable, romantic, low-stakes romp.

[Anusha | espressokiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and I did not realize the day went by until I was shrouded in my dark room with only my computer screen being the source of light. This book holds to its title as a low-stakes book and after reading multiple books with high levels of angst, it was a breath of fresh air to not be tense while reading this book (despite being afraid something may go awry in some chapters). I cannot wait for the physical copy of this book to arrive as I know this is something I will pull out of my shelf to re-read and bask in the warmth that is this novel.

The dynamic between Arturo and Winter had me smiling throughout and I loved how dialogue came naturally between them, nothing forced. The descriptions of Winter’s baking had me feeling the toasty warmth of the oven and honestly I was having cravings to munch on something while reading. The magic system was intriguing despite not being touched on as often but it was perfect and realistic in the sense where it seemed simple and not complex the way some systems are created, it was ideal for this book.

This novel is a definite must read for readers who are suffering from book slumps and want something light and easy to read without the deep angst we are accustomed to!!

[Ribbon]

This is a nice little cozy adventure. Winter is a baker with panic attacks and a chronically ill sister. Arturo is a carefree prince who wants to help but is the youngest royal so has little political power. They go on a road trip!

The name "Winter Fae" bothered me every time it was said in full. It makes me think of fae of the winter court, which is totally unrelated! This doesn't hurt the story, it just annoyed me.

Representation: Trans, chronic illness, panic attacks

[Branwyn Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for a low stress summer read! A nice reminder of a time before I was so jaded about love.

[Jade Connery · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really cute book. definitely one of my favourites of 2023

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very lovely low stakes fantasy. I’m a sucker for adventure tales and this one hit that sweet spot. Loved the exploration of privilege and power on macro levels as a foundation for these two adorable folks bumbling their way through the tale.

[Rita Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and relaxing read. A perfect low-stakes, queer fantasy that tells us the story of Winter and Arturo and how an unexpected encounter in the middle of the night will alter their lives forever.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a talented baker named Winter (he/they) an enby, anxiety filled, sweetie that must be protected at all costs and Arturo (he/him), a transman prince who is 7th in line for the throne, and is bleeding to death when these two sweethearts meet. After patching Arturo up, he wants to make it up to Winter for helping him by helping him with their sister who is sick. This book will make you laugh! There is so much gossip and innuendo and when these two finally get together you're like "YES!". I whole heartedly recommend this book if you like romances with endings that make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. These two are so adorable. In the beginning i felt Winter was a bit rough on Arturo, but realistically it makes sense, but whenever Arturo had a blow up he was always in the wrong. Though Winter would patch up he had a right to be mad, I feel Winter got to project his anger more harshly at Arturo than vice versa. Other than that, really sweet relationship. It's not often you read a historical fiction where everyone is ok with LGBT+ relationships and identities. So no fear of phobia with this one.

[nikki | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊ ݁ . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

This was a very sweet, low angst read for Pride. A nonbinary new hire in the palace searching for a cure for his ill sister manages to get the aid of the youngest Prince (a trans man) and they run off under the guise of an elopement to find her a cure (hello fake dating, hello one bed). Mostly light, the book is set in a magical world and questions the monarchy's role, as well as its offensive wealth. The main character also has anxiety, so that is very much dealt with and explored. I think some improvements I think the book could've used was more time on the actual journey, which didn't start until more than 40% into the book. In the end, they've known each other for three months, but it's really only felt like 3 weeks. I would also have liked to see the magic in every day life more regularly in this whimsical world. More details could never hurt either, esp to really sell me on the Ghibli-esque factor.

[Erinn Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book best suited for people with soft, gooey, cinnamon bun hearts. I am not quite one of these people; in fact, when reading this book, I felt a bit like some cryptid creature who wandered out of the dark woods into an open, sunny pasture. This is by no means the fault of the author, however, who is cultivating a collection of soft, freshly baked fantasy titles for readers who enjoy that sort of thing.

So, if you like low-stakes fantasy and your heart is a warm, gooey cinnamon bun, consider giving this one a try.

[A.E. Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a darling, lovely read. If you're looking for something light and fluffy to curl up with on a warm summer evening, this one is for you! Main character Winter Fae is a baker who takes a job at the Summer Palace to earn money in the hopes of finding a cure for his sister's illness. Soon after starting his work, he comes across the dashing but reckless Prince Arturo... thus launching a relationship that will change their lives. Morgan delights readers again with fantastic world building and a tale that will keep you turning page after page. Very much recommend!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right so.... I honestly forgot about this book. Like, I set it down and then when I went into my kindle next I just started reading something else. Then I eventually remember I was in the middle of reading this one and was like... meh. Had no desire to get back to it. I think it was just a little boring for me. Seems like a sweet little story, though. Just not for me.

DNF

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!

This story was precious with lovable characters. Sometimes the dialogue or plot threads were brought up in a way that seemed out of place, and entire subplots were introduced that were never brought up again. However, as just a light ready for cozy fantasy lovers, it delivers!

[Jake Vanguard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meliora is such an incredibly sweet story. Despite Winter's anxiety and panic attacks, and secrets withheld from Arturo, there's still so much sweetness and lightness to be found.
It's a soft summer read, with mentions of finding one's gender identity, how to deal with anxiety and stepping out of the little bubble you know - maybe you'll find something amazing just behind the barrier?

[Kellen Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meliora was the softest, sweetest read I've had in a long time. The dynamic between the two main characters was slow and realistic, and exploring the world through their journey was equally delightful!

[Ada]

***who sucked me in***
Katy of Brightness Katy Reads on YouTube in their {insert video title} published on Friday 7 okt. 2022

I'm getting to be that sucker when I hear the words 'cosy fantasy '. Hearing that it is like 'a cosy fairytale' just makes me want to read it more.

[Kimberly Rouleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anymore, I just want to read low-stakes, cozy fantasy. This one hit the spot! I enjoyed the evocative imagery used throughout the book. I also enjoyed the two main characters very much. If you do enjoy a cozy fantasy, I would very much recommend this one.

[hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book, and I had a lot of fun reading! I didn’t realize how badly I needed more low stakes fantasy books until now!

[Nessa Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little queer book!

[Kattsbookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and tropey, mostly a road trip romance with some vague medieval fantasy elements thrown in. I found it rather superficial, the stakes are weirdly high but also unimportant, the characters one note and not very developed. But it's light and heartfelt. Winter's anxiety and panic attacks made it more angsty than I expected, and I liked that there is no magic cure for his sister's illness in the end. She is chronically ill, and manages it with medication and lifestyle changes, and that's not a tragedy.

[Yuuto · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I am deceased from the cute softness of this book. Also excellent anxiety rep, and I see that healthcare in fantasy worlds is just as bad as in the real world.

[Csenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute, sweet, feel-good story. It didn't want to be more than it was, kind of a low key cozy fantasy with two likable characters. It was indeed a cozy read.

[Raccoon in the Garage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute :)

[Dilliemillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An effortlessly queer normative world with magic and a cute romance. 🥰

Sweater Weather book club pick for October 2023

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice comfort read for me. Desperately need more fantasy books with trans mcs - I loved how naturally this was integrated into the story it was really nice to see.

Winter's character really resonated with me a lot and his development throughout was lovely to watch (very proud of this fictional person)

Loved Arturo too of course and the dynamic between him and Winter was wonderful :')

I was surprised the book ended with them not being able to find a cure for Meadow but the message that you can still live a fulfilling life despite having a chronic illness was such a breath of fresh air tbh.

As much as I love dark fantasy I really appreciate cosy stories too and I can definitely see myself rereading this if I just want something that'll make me feel good 💚