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Morcster Chef #3
Best Served Cold
The disaster at Red Mount has been averted, but the link between the monster horde and the Howler guild is too strong to ignore.
While Magus seeks to find concrete proof that can bring the guild down, the Happy Sunflowers set off to stay out of eyesight and relax. Unfortunately, the Blessed One curse has other ideas.
Growing stronger with every passing day, the compulsion threatens to draw Arek back into the life that he’s spent years trying to escape. There’s only one path forward – and that’s taking out the Howlers for good.
With the Adventurer’s Guild lagging behind, the Happy Sunflowers and their friends are the last things that stand between the Howlers and the lives of all the innocents they have cursed.
Best Served Cold is the 3rd and final book in a Fantasy / LitRPG lite series with a cooking element that's perfect for the Holiday Season. It contains status windows and other RPG elements, but it is not set within a videogame. It will appeal to anyone that enjoys reading a slice-of-life fantasy about a group of adventurers as well as fans of Food Wars!.
While Magus seeks to find concrete proof that can bring the guild down, the Happy Sunflowers set off to stay out of eyesight and relax. Unfortunately, the Blessed One curse has other ideas.
Growing stronger with every passing day, the compulsion threatens to draw Arek back into the life that he’s spent years trying to escape. There’s only one path forward – and that’s taking out the Howlers for good.
With the Adventurer’s Guild lagging behind, the Happy Sunflowers and their friends are the last things that stand between the Howlers and the lives of all the innocents they have cursed.
Best Served Cold is the 3rd and final book in a Fantasy / LitRPG lite series with a cooking element that's perfect for the Holiday Season. It contains status windows and other RPG elements, but it is not set within a videogame. It will appeal to anyone that enjoys reading a slice-of-life fantasy about a group of adventurers as well as fans of Food Wars!.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
93 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Actus
59 books197 followersActus has been writing fantasy stories since the age of twelve, and he's been telling them since he could talk. He's currently working on three main series - Morcster Chef, Steamforged Sorcery, and My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. You can find his works on RoyalRoad & Patreon as well as on Amazon.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 4, 2023
In this third and final installment of this series, the Happy Sunflowers prepare for the final confrontation against the Howlers, the guild that's been causing so much trouble for everyone from the shadows. The book is titled Best Served Cold, which is unfortunately an appropriate title, because it left me cold.
For the final book of the series, this was a disappointment. I thought it would be an epic adventure while also having a good deal of wholesome moments, but I was surprised by just how little happens in this book. A lot of the time is spent just walking, so it's pretty dull, and the one dungeon the team decides to clear out lasted a lot less than previous ones. And then comes the final battle, which involves rescuing many people from a curse that has also been afflicting Arek. It all feels very underwhelming, there's very little action, mostly a fight near the end that's pretty short against the big bad final villain, and even then the stakes just feel unimportant, in big part because this villain was barely in the whole story, as in barely any scenes in the entire trilogy. Add to that that we still have to put up with Ming; I honestly don't understand if the author wanted us to find her funny and charming or was trying to annoy the reader on purpose, but Ming is such a hideously awful character in every sense of the word, it's unconceivable to me that anyone would wanna spend more than five minutes in her presence, so her connection to the rest of the team feels weird and sometimes forced rather than genuine; and unlike the rest of the group, Ming never gets any kind of character development, being the same obnoxious windbag she was at the start of the first book.
The book had a couple of positives, at least. The early bits of the book revolve around the group getting a cart so Arek and Malissa can set up a food stand, which was pretty wholesome, and then later on, the group has a sort of unofficial fifth member joining them, which is a welcome change of pace and quite refreshing, especially since he was pretty likable. But those positives can't make up for what a letdown the book was as a whole, and even the ending feels rushed and unengaging. This series started with a lot of potential but unfortunately it ended the opposite way, which is a bummer, as it was a great concept.
For the final book of the series, this was a disappointment. I thought it would be an epic adventure while also having a good deal of wholesome moments, but I was surprised by just how little happens in this book. A lot of the time is spent just walking, so it's pretty dull, and the one dungeon the team decides to clear out lasted a lot less than previous ones. And then comes the final battle, which involves rescuing many people from a curse that has also been afflicting Arek. It all feels very underwhelming, there's very little action, mostly a fight near the end that's pretty short against the big bad final villain, and even then the stakes just feel unimportant, in big part because this villain was barely in the whole story, as in barely any scenes in the entire trilogy. Add to that that we still have to put up with Ming; I honestly don't understand if the author wanted us to find her funny and charming or was trying to annoy the reader on purpose, but Ming is such a hideously awful character in every sense of the word, it's unconceivable to me that anyone would wanna spend more than five minutes in her presence, so her connection to the rest of the team feels weird and sometimes forced rather than genuine; and unlike the rest of the group, Ming never gets any kind of character development, being the same obnoxious windbag she was at the start of the first book.
The book had a couple of positives, at least. The early bits of the book revolve around the group getting a cart so Arek and Malissa can set up a food stand, which was pretty wholesome, and then later on, the group has a sort of unofficial fifth member joining them, which is a welcome change of pace and quite refreshing, especially since he was pretty likable. But those positives can't make up for what a letdown the book was as a whole, and even the ending feels rushed and unengaging. This series started with a lot of potential but unfortunately it ended the opposite way, which is a bummer, as it was a great concept.
December 30, 2022
so the end of food has arrived
I'm sure Ming will continue eating anything in sight. Another series finished and a much shorter book than the others. I loved it but think it wrapped up to quickly and should of been longer
I'm sure Ming will continue eating anything in sight. Another series finished and a much shorter book than the others. I loved it but think it wrapped up to quickly and should of been longer
July 18, 2025
I'll keep it brief. I really enjoyed these series but it seems obvious that the author decided to rush a really unsatisfying ending. I don't have any information outside of the books themselves but the entire third book takes a sharp turn towards an ending that feels like it forces a lot of unanswered plot threads into fitting this one abrupt end, even when forcing them makes it nonsensical in some cases.
I'm not sure if the series didn't perform as well as they hoped or if they ran out of ideas (seems far more unlikely) but regardless of the reason for it this is just a really poorly written and disappointing ending.
Obviously my overwhelming disappointment in the ending is overriding my review but what else is there really to say? Due to the nature of this book there were fewer recipes and the ones that were there weren't interesting, even skipping the few opportunities that could have had some like the several weeks of cooking towards the end with ZERO elaboration. Hell, even the shallow epilogue was the final opportunity to do literally any recipe with no strings attached and could have given us one last meal but nope.
I was being overly generous when I started this review at 4 stars due to how much I liked the story up until now, with the wonderful characters and various fun and interesting cooking side quests they got up to in between dungeons and other dangers. Now that I'm intentionally thinking of stuff other than the series end though it's clear this book is by far the weakest link to the point of being bad. It really does just feel like the author gave up and it's depressing.
For some reason this is my first series by Actus despite sleeping on the Eldritch Horror series for so long when it seemed right up my alley but... now I'm really hesitant to start another. They are a great author and I even preferred the first 2 books over Legends and Lattes, which I assume most people can't help but compare due to I assume being the only 2 books about retired Orc adventurers in a litrpg adjacent fantasy worlds pursuing restaurant goals... anyway yeah, just really let down is all since they showed they are capable of much better. I honestly would have preferred an eternal hiatus with the possibility of more culinary adventures with the lovable crew but instead this feels like they killed them off.
Sorry, I just realized I claimed I would keep it brief but instead of getting overly specific about plot details it just turned into a rant...
I'm not sure if the series didn't perform as well as they hoped or if they ran out of ideas (seems far more unlikely) but regardless of the reason for it this is just a really poorly written and disappointing ending.
Obviously my overwhelming disappointment in the ending is overriding my review but what else is there really to say? Due to the nature of this book there were fewer recipes and the ones that were there weren't interesting, even skipping the few opportunities that could have had some like the several weeks of cooking towards the end with ZERO elaboration. Hell, even the shallow epilogue was the final opportunity to do literally any recipe with no strings attached and could have given us one last meal but nope.
I was being overly generous when I started this review at 4 stars due to how much I liked the story up until now, with the wonderful characters and various fun and interesting cooking side quests they got up to in between dungeons and other dangers. Now that I'm intentionally thinking of stuff other than the series end though it's clear this book is by far the weakest link to the point of being bad. It really does just feel like the author gave up and it's depressing.
For some reason this is my first series by Actus despite sleeping on the Eldritch Horror series for so long when it seemed right up my alley but... now I'm really hesitant to start another. They are a great author and I even preferred the first 2 books over Legends and Lattes, which I assume most people can't help but compare due to I assume being the only 2 books about retired Orc adventurers in a litrpg adjacent fantasy worlds pursuing restaurant goals... anyway yeah, just really let down is all since they showed they are capable of much better. I honestly would have preferred an eternal hiatus with the possibility of more culinary adventures with the lovable crew but instead this feels like they killed them off.
Sorry, I just realized I claimed I would keep it brief but instead of getting overly specific about plot details it just turned into a rant...
December 30, 2022
Here we have the third and final installment of Morcster Chef. I enjoyed books one and two, and while I never tried any of the recipes that are included with the book, the series was a nice mix of action, cooking, and dungeoneering.
After what happened in book two on the Red Mount, Arek, Ming, and all the rest know that the Howlers are getting closer to completing their plans. The curse Arek and Ming picked up in a dungeon in book 1 is getting stronger, and while Magus is doing everything he can to help, no one is sure it will be enough.
The Happy Sunflowers just might have to take matters into their own hands.
The antagonist behind what's been happening during this series I won't reveal, but I'll also say that it's not hard to figure out who it is. The book slowed down in the middle until pushing towards the inevitable ending.
The editing is tight, and the stats are there even if they're not shown very often. I did enjoy the stop in Brineview the most out of everything that happens, even if we don't get resolution as to why it was happening (or at least, I don't remember there being a resolution).
All in all, very enjoyable. I may try some of the author's other books in the future, but for now I've moved on to something else.
5/5* for the series, and 5/5* for book three.
After what happened in book two on the Red Mount, Arek, Ming, and all the rest know that the Howlers are getting closer to completing their plans. The curse Arek and Ming picked up in a dungeon in book 1 is getting stronger, and while Magus is doing everything he can to help, no one is sure it will be enough.
The Happy Sunflowers just might have to take matters into their own hands.
The antagonist behind what's been happening during this series I won't reveal, but I'll also say that it's not hard to figure out who it is. The book slowed down in the middle until pushing towards the inevitable ending.
The editing is tight, and the stats are there even if they're not shown very often. I did enjoy the stop in Brineview the most out of everything that happens, even if we don't get resolution as to why it was happening (or at least, I don't remember there being a resolution).
All in all, very enjoyable. I may try some of the author's other books in the future, but for now I've moved on to something else.
5/5* for the series, and 5/5* for book three.
June 10, 2025
While I'm glad I finally found this audiobook and finished the trilogy, I had to mention in my review that some of the dialogue made me uncomfortable.
At its core, this trilogy is about the joys of cooking with loved ones and feeding people.
You’d think the author or maybe the editor would've realized that including fat-shaming comments (directed at an annoying side character) kind of defeats that whole message.
I also felt icky that Ming's never-ending hunger was treated as a running joke right up until the epilogue, when it becomes clear that it stems from her food insecurity and trauma from starvation.
I dunno, maybe the author and the editor should’ve had this beta-read (if they didn’t), because as it stands, this story will not age well. Such a shame because it is an enjoyable read!
Another reason for my low rating is that I think the plot could've been outlined better.
The author should've focused on the conflict at the first half because the stakes are at their highest (because it is THE FINALE), then focus the second half on the fluffy slice of life chapters.
The epilogue was too abrupt and the time jump felt like a cop out to be honest skdkf
At its core, this trilogy is about the joys of cooking with loved ones and feeding people.
You’d think the author or maybe the editor would've realized that including fat-shaming comments (directed at an annoying side character) kind of defeats that whole message.
I also felt icky that Ming's never-ending hunger was treated as a running joke right up until the epilogue, when it becomes clear that it stems from her food insecurity and trauma from starvation.
I dunno, maybe the author and the editor should’ve had this beta-read (if they didn’t), because as it stands, this story will not age well. Such a shame because it is an enjoyable read!
Another reason for my low rating is that I think the plot could've been outlined better.
The author should've focused on the conflict at the first half because the stakes are at their highest (because it is THE FINALE), then focus the second half on the fluffy slice of life chapters.
The epilogue was too abrupt and the time jump felt like a cop out to be honest skdkf
July 2, 2024
Audio: 5 Stars, amazing work with SO MANY voices.
Story: Definitely disconcerted with this series. Started fun and interesting with a great balance between adventure, cooking and fight. But now is all about the guilds fighting and politics and unnecessary blah blah blah. So the series is ok if you have the time but despite the tittle, it is NOT about cooking. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: Definitely disconcerted with this series. Started fun and interesting with a great balance between adventure, cooking and fight. But now is all about the guilds fighting and politics and unnecessary blah blah blah. So the series is ok if you have the time but despite the tittle, it is NOT about cooking. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
January 1, 2023
It was great to come back to this series and it finished well. I didn't expect this to finish with just a trilogy, but good news mentioned in the afterword is that we can expect more nuggets with these characters.
I especially liked the crew setting up roadside cart for serving their dishes. And Ming continued to be my favorite character, I'd love a book/novella from her POV.
I especially liked the crew setting up roadside cart for serving their dishes. And Ming continued to be my favorite character, I'd love a book/novella from her POV.
March 25, 2025
Wonderful ending
The final chapter for the Happy Sunflowers has arrived. Arek and the rest of the team continue thier tight against the Howlers (of course they'd be just as happy if they could just relax instead but when you have enjoined life is interesting). Join them to see what the Blessed One curse is really about and what can be done for it.
The final chapter for the Happy Sunflowers has arrived. Arek and the rest of the team continue thier tight against the Howlers (of course they'd be just as happy if they could just relax instead but when you have enjoined life is interesting). Join them to see what the Blessed One curse is really about and what can be done for it.
January 1, 2023
A satisfying conclusion.
This is simple and fun. It goes back to the basics from book one and has a quick solution. Normally I do not like the latter, but given the context it works fine here.
This is simple and fun. It goes back to the basics from book one and has a quick solution. Normally I do not like the latter, but given the context it works fine here.
January 10, 2023
A nice end to the series. I was worried there wasn't enough time to finish the story but it didn't feel too rushed. I wasn't completely surprised with how neatly it ended but some of the details were definitely a bit of a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
Wonderful Ending To a Fantastic Story
Truly enjoyed the interactions between the main group each unique but fitting into a great team in war or food. Hope we do get some visits to catch up in the future.
Truly enjoyed the interactions between the main group each unique but fitting into a great team in war or food. Hope we do get some visits to catch up in the future.
February 24, 2023
Good book
I really like the stories about Arek and the Happy Sunflowers. I like the characters, they were interesting and a little quirky, and the story. A game but not a game? I would read more books about the characters.
I really like the stories about Arek and the Happy Sunflowers. I like the characters, they were interesting and a little quirky, and the story. A game but not a game? I would read more books about the characters.
July 13, 2023
Another good one.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. It seemed like a fitting end. This book is a must read.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. It seemed like a fitting end. This book is a must read.
May 30, 2024
This wrapped up the series very nicely. I do wish the baddies were a bit more complex or just had more going for them, but this was about focusing on the Happy Sunflowers as a party and their growth as a team, and that was done well. 👍🏽👍🏽
January 26, 2023
Delicious!
Puns intended, I devoured each book with relish! My ebookworm tummy is satisfied! Also wonderful editing job, don't recall any glaring typos.
Puns intended, I devoured each book with relish! My ebookworm tummy is satisfied! Also wonderful editing job, don't recall any glaring typos.
March 9, 2024
Nifty conclusion.
April 11, 2024
Certified hood classic
June 23, 2025
A very satisfying ending to the series.
December 8, 2023
I love spending any time with these characters, and the slice-of-life parts of these books are generally my favorite. This book is a bit heavier on plot, which I didn't personally appreciate just because of what I like most about these books, but I'm sure many readers love that.
This was a good ending to the saga.
Overall, I love this series and may read or listen to it again at some point.
This was a good ending to the saga.
Overall, I love this series and may read or listen to it again at some point.
January 24, 2024
Addendum: I just finished listening to the audio version and Yay it was great. There's no doubt that Actus and Peter Berkrot make a fine team!
I was gonna wait 'til the audio version was released but I truly couldn't hold on a minute longer. And true to their name the 4 adventurers the Happy Sunflowers started the book off with a lighthearted snowball fight. The book is is full of action and cooking with recipes. The recipes are simple, few ingredients but all delicious and even if you're camping and you forgot your bag of "colding" you could make 'em. All the while Arek and the Happy Sunflowers are dungeon crawling and trying to get evidence on the Howler guild.
So seize the book and watch the story unravel. With or without Peter Berkrot narration. The book is amazing!
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me.
“It can talk?” Arek asked dryly, predicting the guard’s words. “It can talk?” the guard mimicked, then clapped a hand over his mouth with a clang. “It’s psychic?”
“Butter knife launcher,” Belmont muttered to himself, nodding. “No. Do not make a butter knife launcher."
“Anything is edible once,” Malissa said with a smirk.
I was gonna wait 'til the audio version was released but I truly couldn't hold on a minute longer. And true to their name the 4 adventurers the Happy Sunflowers started the book off with a lighthearted snowball fight. The book is is full of action and cooking with recipes. The recipes are simple, few ingredients but all delicious and even if you're camping and you forgot your bag of "colding" you could make 'em. All the while Arek and the Happy Sunflowers are dungeon crawling and trying to get evidence on the Howler guild.
So seize the book and watch the story unravel. With or without Peter Berkrot narration. The book is amazing!
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me.
“It can talk?” Arek asked dryly, predicting the guard’s words. “It can talk?” the guard mimicked, then clapped a hand over his mouth with a clang. “It’s psychic?”
“Butter knife launcher,” Belmont muttered to himself, nodding. “No. Do not make a butter knife launcher."
“Anything is edible once,” Malissa said with a smirk.
November 7, 2023
When finishing a trilogy, you have to wrap it up with a bang: Actus managed to do this, ten times over.
Throughout this fun trilogy, we followed Alek and the Happy Sunflowers' stories. We got to see them grow, go through adventures big and small, and go through changes in character development. We got to read about their quests and their interactions with the supporting characters - allies and enemies alike.
The tone and writing style of the book remains similar to the previous lovable novels, maintaining the charm I came to fall for. The setting remains immersive and engaging, and once again, the recipes always remain a treat to look forward to!
I will always recommend the Morcster Chef trilogy to those I speak with, and I hope it gets all the love it deserves!
Throughout this fun trilogy, we followed Alek and the Happy Sunflowers' stories. We got to see them grow, go through adventures big and small, and go through changes in character development. We got to read about their quests and their interactions with the supporting characters - allies and enemies alike.
The tone and writing style of the book remains similar to the previous lovable novels, maintaining the charm I came to fall for. The setting remains immersive and engaging, and once again, the recipes always remain a treat to look forward to!
I will always recommend the Morcster Chef trilogy to those I speak with, and I hope it gets all the love it deserves!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews