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The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher
You're never too old for adventure.
When you’re a geriatric armed with nothing but gumption and knitting needles, stopping a sorcerer from wiping out an entire dragon-fighting organization is a tall order. No one understands why 83-year-old Edna Fisher is the Chosen One, destined to save the Knights from a dragon-riding sorcerer bent on their destruction. After all, Edna has never handled a magical weapon, faced down a dragon, or cast a spell. And everyone knows the Council of Wizards always chooses a teenager—like the vengeful girl ready to snatch Edna’s destiny from under her nose.
Still, Edna leaps at the chance to leave the nursing home. With her son long dead in the Knights’ service, she’s determined to save dragon-fighters like him and to ensure other mothers don’t suffer the same loss she did. But as Edna learns about the abuse in the ranks and the sorcerer’s history as a Knight, she questions if it’s really the sorcerer that needs stopping—or the Knights she’s trying to save.
When you’re a geriatric armed with nothing but gumption and knitting needles, stopping a sorcerer from wiping out an entire dragon-fighting organization is a tall order. No one understands why 83-year-old Edna Fisher is the Chosen One, destined to save the Knights from a dragon-riding sorcerer bent on their destruction. After all, Edna has never handled a magical weapon, faced down a dragon, or cast a spell. And everyone knows the Council of Wizards always chooses a teenager—like the vengeful girl ready to snatch Edna’s destiny from under her nose.
Still, Edna leaps at the chance to leave the nursing home. With her son long dead in the Knights’ service, she’s determined to save dragon-fighters like him and to ensure other mothers don’t suffer the same loss she did. But as Edna learns about the abuse in the ranks and the sorcerer’s history as a Knight, she questions if it’s really the sorcerer that needs stopping—or the Knights she’s trying to save.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2023
248 people are currently reading
21274 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Anderson
6 books239 followersE.M. Anderson (she/they) is the queer, neurodivergent author of The Lord of the Wood (Hanover Squre Press, 2026), The Keeper of Lonely Spirits (MIRA Books, 2025), and the now out-of-print The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher, as well as various short stories. It is their doom to one day vanish in the depths of a forest, never to be seen again, after ignoring the repeated warnings of the locals to stay out of the woods. Until that fateful day, you can find them on Bluesky or Instagram @elizmanderson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
November 17, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book, and I'm so excited that it will soon be on shelves. Few books have made me laugh and cry quite as hard as Anderson's debut offering, about a geriatric Chosen One named Edna who is forced to go on a quest where good and evil aren't as black and white as the legends promised.
There have been many straightforward and subverted takes on the Chosen One trope, but Edna breathes fresh air into the genre by reminding every reader that it's never too late to have that grand adventure. Considering we live in a world where society teaches us that 25 is already too late to achieve your dreams, Edna saving the world with gumption, knitting needles, and her nursing home assistant Benjamin behind her every limping step of the way is amazing.
Rounded out by a cast of diverse, queer, and colorful side characters (Clem! Kiernan! Amir! Beatrice!), as well as DRAGONS (someone please draw fanart of Edna on a dragon) and magic expertly woven into a contemporary setting, THE REMARKABLE RETIREMENT OF EDNA FISHER is an instant classic perfect for fans of Howl's Moving Castle, The Dragon Prince, and listening to grandma's wild stories about what she did at bingo last Sunday. (Although, to be fair, Edna hates bingo.)
There have been many straightforward and subverted takes on the Chosen One trope, but Edna breathes fresh air into the genre by reminding every reader that it's never too late to have that grand adventure. Considering we live in a world where society teaches us that 25 is already too late to achieve your dreams, Edna saving the world with gumption, knitting needles, and her nursing home assistant Benjamin behind her every limping step of the way is amazing.
Rounded out by a cast of diverse, queer, and colorful side characters (Clem! Kiernan! Amir! Beatrice!), as well as DRAGONS (someone please draw fanart of Edna on a dragon) and magic expertly woven into a contemporary setting, THE REMARKABLE RETIREMENT OF EDNA FISHER is an instant classic perfect for fans of Howl's Moving Castle, The Dragon Prince, and listening to grandma's wild stories about what she did at bingo last Sunday. (Although, to be fair, Edna hates bingo.)
May 30, 2023
I had the honour of reading an early version of this book, and it has lived rent-free in my head ever since. This is an incredible novel that will make you cry and laugh on the same page and stick with you long past the ending! This is a stunning debut; E.M. Anderson is a fabulously talented author and definitely one to watch in the future.
August 7, 2022
This book made me laugh and cry and everything in between. It was full of love, and I never got to a point where I was bored and wanted to put it down (and I lose interest in books pretty easily). This book got me out of my multiple year reading slump and I recommend it to literally everyone I know! I can’t wait to see what else comes from this gifted author!
May 25, 2023
This book nailed its own goals. What it set out to accomplish, it did. It just wasn't what I wanted it to do.
The premise is simple: an eighty-three-year-old woman is named the Chosen One, and she must venture forth to save the country from an evil dragon-riding sorcerer. She is accompanied by her orderly, the teenage girl who wanted to be Chosen One, and (unbeknownst to the group) one of the sorcerer's soldiers, tasked with bringing the Chosen One to his friend and leader. Over the course of the journey, the four grow closer and learn more about both sides of the conflict.
This is contemporary fantasy: the tongue-in-cheek opposite to urban fantasy. It is also cozy fantasy, despite the stakes. Our heroes experience more down time than not; it's based on characters and relationships rather than action and plot. It makes a light, quick, occasionally cheeky read. Understatement makes the emotional moments shine.
Unfortunately, it did vex me in a few ways. To be brief:
- Third person omniscient is my least favorite POV for a narrative, especially when, like this one, it bounces from character to character in rapid fire. You hear what every person is thinking in a scene.
- Characters were largely incompetent. There was a lot of bonding time and character development because they weren't doing much otherwise. Even the villain was inefficient.
- (Most incompetence was the result of disorders. They had anxiety or PTSD, which made them incapable of functioning when basically anything was happening. Excuse you?)
- The villain was right. They should have let him fix the real problem. Instead, they stopped him, and the real problem went blatantly unsolved. Not a happy ending.
More than anything, this book was about two things: the bonds we choose to form with the people around us, and the cycle of abuse with its many dangers. It's a book about found family and choosing to be better than the people who hurt you. Everything came cleanly around to those messages without hesitation. This book set out to do something and it DID it, with unwavering focus. The things I was left unsatisfied about were simply things that were not the book's priority. We have irreconcilable differences.
It's light, it's funny, and I did get emotional. But damn. [pokes characters with a stick] Do somethin'.
The premise is simple: an eighty-three-year-old woman is named the Chosen One, and she must venture forth to save the country from an evil dragon-riding sorcerer. She is accompanied by her orderly, the teenage girl who wanted to be Chosen One, and (unbeknownst to the group) one of the sorcerer's soldiers, tasked with bringing the Chosen One to his friend and leader. Over the course of the journey, the four grow closer and learn more about both sides of the conflict.
This is contemporary fantasy: the tongue-in-cheek opposite to urban fantasy. It is also cozy fantasy, despite the stakes. Our heroes experience more down time than not; it's based on characters and relationships rather than action and plot. It makes a light, quick, occasionally cheeky read. Understatement makes the emotional moments shine.
Unfortunately, it did vex me in a few ways. To be brief:
- Third person omniscient is my least favorite POV for a narrative, especially when, like this one, it bounces from character to character in rapid fire. You hear what every person is thinking in a scene.
- Characters were largely incompetent. There was a lot of bonding time and character development because they weren't doing much otherwise. Even the villain was inefficient.
- (Most incompetence was the result of disorders. They had anxiety or PTSD, which made them incapable of functioning when basically anything was happening. Excuse you?)
- The villain was right. They should have let him fix the real problem. Instead, they stopped him, and the real problem went blatantly unsolved. Not a happy ending.
More than anything, this book was about two things: the bonds we choose to form with the people around us, and the cycle of abuse with its many dangers. It's a book about found family and choosing to be better than the people who hurt you. Everything came cleanly around to those messages without hesitation. This book set out to do something and it DID it, with unwavering focus. The things I was left unsatisfied about were simply things that were not the book's priority. We have irreconcilable differences.
It's light, it's funny, and I did get emotional. But damn. [pokes characters with a stick] Do somethin'.
June 7, 2022
I had the honor of beta reading an early version of this, and it was a delight!! Cannot wait to read the latest version and add it to my shelves 💖 Elderly fantasy heroes? Yes, please.
June 9, 2022
A pleasure to read, truly. I'm glad I had the opportunity when I did. I don't find myself connecting with characters and their stories often, but this was different. It was a journey, and it's one I will be happy to go through again and again! I'm excited to see what else comes.
Want to read
July 29, 202228.07.2022 i get a feeling this is going to be sad and ghosty, which is great
June 16, 2022
I got to read an early draft of this and it was so good! I love the way the magic mixes with the modern setting, plus, dragons! Edna has my heart forever, her story is incredible <3 I will absolutely be preordering this book.
June 17, 2022
It's fire. You won't be disappointed
January 25, 2024
GERMAN BELOW / Deutsche Rezension unten
"The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" turned out to be a delightful surprise that captivated me from the very beginning.
I just stumbled upon this piece, because of a challenge and the point “a book with less than 1000 ratings on Goodreads”.
However, the 83-year-old protagonist, Edna Fisher, immediately piqued my interest. In a literary landscape often dominated by superpowered teenage heroes, Edna offered a refreshing perspective on life, retirement, and unexpected adventures.
The language used in the book is accessible and easy to understand, making it an enjoyable read even for non-native English speakers like myself. The simplicity of the prose doesn't diminish the depth of the story; rather, it enhances the overall reading experience.
One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the inclusion of queer representation in the story, particularly the natural and integral portrayal of an asexual character. It was the very first time I found myself represented in a book!
The introduction of magic and dragons in a modern setting provided a unique twist to the story, blending elements of fantasy seamlessly into the everyday lives of the characters. This modern AU (Alternate Universe) setting, coupled with the unexpected magical elements, added a layer of excitement and intrigue that kept me hooked until the very end.
The quirky cast of characters and the charming setting created a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves together humor, heartwarming moments, and a touch of magic to craft a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" surpassed my initial expectations and proved to be a hidden gem. It's a page-turner that effortlessly combines relatable characters, a touch of magic, and a heartwarming story of unexpected adventures in the golden years of life. Highly recommended for those looking for a unique and enchanting literary experience.
---
"The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" entpuppte sich als eine angenehme Überraschung, die mich von Anfang an gefesselt hat.
Ich bin über dieses Buch gestolpert, weil es eine Lese-Challenge gab, ein Buch mit weniger als 100 Bewertungen auf Goodreads zu finden. Die 83-jährige Protagonistin, Edna Fisher, hat sofort mein Interesse geweckt. In einer literarischen Welt, die oft von übermächtigen jugendlichen Helden dominiert wird, bietet Edna eine erfrischende Perspektive auf das Leben, die Rente und unerwartete Abenteuer.
Die Sprache im Buch ist einfach und verständlich, was es auch für nicht-englische Muttersprachler wie mich zu einem angenehmen Leseerlebnis macht. Die Einfachheit des Schreibstils mindert nicht die Tiefe der Geschichte; im Gegenteil, sie verbessert das Gesamterlebnis.
Eine angenehme Überraschung war die Einbeziehung von queeren Elementen in der Geschichte, insbesondere die natürliche und integrale Darstellung eines asexuellen Charakters. Es war das allererste Mal, dass ich mich in einem Buch repräsentiert fühlte!
Die Einführung von Magie und Drachen in einer modernen Umgebung verlieh der Geschichte eine einzigartige Wendung, indem sie Elemente der Fantasie nahtlos in den Alltag der Charaktere einfließen ließ. Diese moderne Alternativwelt (Alternate Universe, AU) zusammen mit den unerwarteten magischen Elementen fügte eine Schicht von Spannung und Intrige hinzu, die mich bis zum Schluss gefesselt hielt.
Die skurrile Besetzung von Charakteren und die charmante Umgebung schufen eine warme und einladende Atmosphäre im gesamten Buch. Der Autor verwebt gekonnt Humor, herzerwärmende Momente und eine Prise Magie zu einer Geschichte, die gleichermaßen unterhaltsam und nachdenklich ist.
Zusammenfassend übertraf "The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" meine anfänglichen Erwartungen und erwies sich als verborgener Schatz. Es ist ein Seitenwender, der mühelos nachvollziehbare Charaktere, einen Hauch von Magie und eine herzerwärmende Geschichte unerwarteter Abenteuer im goldenen Lebensabschnitt kombiniert. Sehr zu empfehlen für diejenigen, die nach einer einzigartigen und bezaubernden literarischen Erfahrung suchen.
"The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" turned out to be a delightful surprise that captivated me from the very beginning.
I just stumbled upon this piece, because of a challenge and the point “a book with less than 1000 ratings on Goodreads”.
However, the 83-year-old protagonist, Edna Fisher, immediately piqued my interest. In a literary landscape often dominated by superpowered teenage heroes, Edna offered a refreshing perspective on life, retirement, and unexpected adventures.
The language used in the book is accessible and easy to understand, making it an enjoyable read even for non-native English speakers like myself. The simplicity of the prose doesn't diminish the depth of the story; rather, it enhances the overall reading experience.
One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the inclusion of queer representation in the story, particularly the natural and integral portrayal of an asexual character. It was the very first time I found myself represented in a book!
The introduction of magic and dragons in a modern setting provided a unique twist to the story, blending elements of fantasy seamlessly into the everyday lives of the characters. This modern AU (Alternate Universe) setting, coupled with the unexpected magical elements, added a layer of excitement and intrigue that kept me hooked until the very end.
The quirky cast of characters and the charming setting created a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves together humor, heartwarming moments, and a touch of magic to craft a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" surpassed my initial expectations and proved to be a hidden gem. It's a page-turner that effortlessly combines relatable characters, a touch of magic, and a heartwarming story of unexpected adventures in the golden years of life. Highly recommended for those looking for a unique and enchanting literary experience.
---
"The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" entpuppte sich als eine angenehme Überraschung, die mich von Anfang an gefesselt hat.
Ich bin über dieses Buch gestolpert, weil es eine Lese-Challenge gab, ein Buch mit weniger als 100 Bewertungen auf Goodreads zu finden. Die 83-jährige Protagonistin, Edna Fisher, hat sofort mein Interesse geweckt. In einer literarischen Welt, die oft von übermächtigen jugendlichen Helden dominiert wird, bietet Edna eine erfrischende Perspektive auf das Leben, die Rente und unerwartete Abenteuer.
Die Sprache im Buch ist einfach und verständlich, was es auch für nicht-englische Muttersprachler wie mich zu einem angenehmen Leseerlebnis macht. Die Einfachheit des Schreibstils mindert nicht die Tiefe der Geschichte; im Gegenteil, sie verbessert das Gesamterlebnis.
Eine angenehme Überraschung war die Einbeziehung von queeren Elementen in der Geschichte, insbesondere die natürliche und integrale Darstellung eines asexuellen Charakters. Es war das allererste Mal, dass ich mich in einem Buch repräsentiert fühlte!
Die Einführung von Magie und Drachen in einer modernen Umgebung verlieh der Geschichte eine einzigartige Wendung, indem sie Elemente der Fantasie nahtlos in den Alltag der Charaktere einfließen ließ. Diese moderne Alternativwelt (Alternate Universe, AU) zusammen mit den unerwarteten magischen Elementen fügte eine Schicht von Spannung und Intrige hinzu, die mich bis zum Schluss gefesselt hielt.
Die skurrile Besetzung von Charakteren und die charmante Umgebung schufen eine warme und einladende Atmosphäre im gesamten Buch. Der Autor verwebt gekonnt Humor, herzerwärmende Momente und eine Prise Magie zu einer Geschichte, die gleichermaßen unterhaltsam und nachdenklich ist.
Zusammenfassend übertraf "The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher" meine anfänglichen Erwartungen und erwies sich als verborgener Schatz. Es ist ein Seitenwender, der mühelos nachvollziehbare Charaktere, einen Hauch von Magie und eine herzerwärmende Geschichte unerwarteter Abenteuer im goldenen Lebensabschnitt kombiniert. Sehr zu empfehlen für diejenigen, die nach einer einzigartigen und bezaubernden literarischen Erfahrung suchen.
August 7, 2022
I read an early version and you are in for a treat. What I love most is a the unexpected protagonist. It was great to see a character most writers would have on the side stating a few pearls of wisdom being the one to save the day.
April 11, 2023
This book is incredibly heartfelt, a wonderful and emotive journey from start to finish. The characters are rich and the world they inhabit both familiar and fantastical. I laughed, I cried, I would 100% read it again.
I stan Edna Fisher.
I stan Edna Fisher.
May 31, 2022
I CANNOT WAIT!!!!
Want to read
June 9, 2022I've always like the prompt where Granny was the chosen one and when I found out one of my friends knew of a book like that, that was coming out, I was so happy. I can't wait to get this.
April 5, 2023
When I saw the plot summary for this book, I knew that I had to read it. With the characters ranging from early eighties to late teens, there's someone here for everyone. Though I do have a soft spot for bad guys turned good guys and vengeful teens ready to burn down the world, Edna is by far my favorite and everything that I could hope to grow up to be.
Along with the humor and fun come a few heavier topics, like the cover-up culture that runs rampant in so many fields, as well as dealing with grief and loss. While characters are given the space to deal with these, they're also reminded that your pain can be a reason for your actions but not an excuse to hurt others. It nicely balances love and support with accountability and action, encouraging characters to make amends for their wrongs, rather than simply writing them off as no good.
Along with the humor and fun come a few heavier topics, like the cover-up culture that runs rampant in so many fields, as well as dealing with grief and loss. While characters are given the space to deal with these, they're also reminded that your pain can be a reason for your actions but not an excuse to hurt others. It nicely balances love and support with accountability and action, encouraging characters to make amends for their wrongs, rather than simply writing them off as no good.
June 4, 2023
I was hoping for a reinvented “chosen one” story whose plot was not moved forward by the actions of an immature, petulant child. With this book, we are introduced to Edna, a mature nursing home resident who is told that she is the chosen one and must undergo a quest to save a magical world from a dragon-riding bad guy. Although Edna herself does indeed bring a new less able-bodied perspective to an otherwise stereotypical journey, all the usual troupes are still here, many covered by her younger entourage and with most of the plot movement inspired by…an immature, petulant child. Sigh.
Beatrice, the magical flying carpet with a personality, is the underutilized bright spot in this book.
Beatrice, the magical flying carpet with a personality, is the underutilized bright spot in this book.
April 15, 2023
I was so excited for the opportunity to be part of the street team for The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher and have a chance to read an ARC before publication.
If you were on my corner of the internet several years back, you might remember a meme going around wondering why the chosen one was always a teenager rather than someone with time on their hands like a grandmother. If you were, then the premise for Edna will probably sound familiar. The moment I saw the publication announcement for Edna, I was salivating at the chance to get to read it. And let me be the first to say, it did not let me down.
Some friend groups have the mom friend. Edna's has the grandma friend, who fills the same role but with more compassion (and a lot more aches and pains). On the surface, Edna's story is that of a chosen one, destined to put an end to villainy and save the world. At it's heart, Edna's story makes you question who the real villain is. It's about finding hope, belonging, and a really good mobility aid. It's about second chances and reunions. It's about pulling off the scooby doo mask and realizing that the villain has been living with you this whole time.
I had such a good time reading this and if you need me, I will be protecting Kiernan at all costs. (Edna can take care of herself and keep the others in line).
If you were on my corner of the internet several years back, you might remember a meme going around wondering why the chosen one was always a teenager rather than someone with time on their hands like a grandmother. If you were, then the premise for Edna will probably sound familiar. The moment I saw the publication announcement for Edna, I was salivating at the chance to get to read it. And let me be the first to say, it did not let me down.
Some friend groups have the mom friend. Edna's has the grandma friend, who fills the same role but with more compassion (and a lot more aches and pains). On the surface, Edna's story is that of a chosen one, destined to put an end to villainy and save the world. At it's heart, Edna's story makes you question who the real villain is. It's about finding hope, belonging, and a really good mobility aid. It's about second chances and reunions. It's about pulling off the scooby doo mask and realizing that the villain has been living with you this whole time.
I had such a good time reading this and if you need me, I will be protecting Kiernan at all costs. (Edna can take care of herself and keep the others in line).
May 2, 2023
I went into this novel knowing that I’d enjoy it but somehow not really expecting HOW MUCH I would really LOVE it. E.M. Anderson is such an amazing writer. I’ll be keeping this story in my heart forever.
The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher is about an 83-year-old chosen one as she navigates the aches and pains that come with the role as well as her old age. She follows the path expected of a chosen, acquires a weapon, collects helpful friends along the journey and sets out to defeat the villain. But what E.M. Anderson has done is subvert those tropes refreshingly at every stage, with humour and cheek.
I always pay attention to characters in novels and this one especially had a stand-out cast, with so much lgbtq and diversity rep. It was truly a story that epitomised the found family trope, with every single character developing nicely and naturally. They all felt really human and wonderful. I feel that I’ll be keeping these characters in my heart forever. I loved Edna for her cheerfulness but also her vulnerability when there was nothing left to be cheerful about. I loved Benjamin for his strength and loyalty despite his anxiety and his excited and academic personality. I loved Clem for being vibrant. She was the kind of character who rushed out to fight first without thinking, but also a character who was brutally honest and said what’s what. I think amongst the found family, my favourite character was Kiernan. There was something about his cool personality and the contrast between that and his deep-seated grief that I found really appealing.
There are so much to love in this novel and I 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to see chosen one trope subverted along the way. Although, I would describe it as quite cosy and a comfort read, it was also an emotional rollercoaster in a lot of ways, touching on quite a lot of issues surrounding grief, abuse, and trauma, to name a few. These made it a particularly heartrending reading. There were many moments that I felt seen and perceived, and many more where I was touched, shocked, and really emotional.
It was truly a beautiful read! I’m so glad that I had a chance to read it and I’ll definitely be treasuring the unforgettable journey I went along with the characters and keeping them all in my heart forever.
The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher is about an 83-year-old chosen one as she navigates the aches and pains that come with the role as well as her old age. She follows the path expected of a chosen, acquires a weapon, collects helpful friends along the journey and sets out to defeat the villain. But what E.M. Anderson has done is subvert those tropes refreshingly at every stage, with humour and cheek.
I always pay attention to characters in novels and this one especially had a stand-out cast, with so much lgbtq and diversity rep. It was truly a story that epitomised the found family trope, with every single character developing nicely and naturally. They all felt really human and wonderful. I feel that I’ll be keeping these characters in my heart forever. I loved Edna for her cheerfulness but also her vulnerability when there was nothing left to be cheerful about. I loved Benjamin for his strength and loyalty despite his anxiety and his excited and academic personality. I loved Clem for being vibrant. She was the kind of character who rushed out to fight first without thinking, but also a character who was brutally honest and said what’s what. I think amongst the found family, my favourite character was Kiernan. There was something about his cool personality and the contrast between that and his deep-seated grief that I found really appealing.
There are so much to love in this novel and I 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to see chosen one trope subverted along the way. Although, I would describe it as quite cosy and a comfort read, it was also an emotional rollercoaster in a lot of ways, touching on quite a lot of issues surrounding grief, abuse, and trauma, to name a few. These made it a particularly heartrending reading. There were many moments that I felt seen and perceived, and many more where I was touched, shocked, and really emotional.
It was truly a beautiful read! I’m so glad that I had a chance to read it and I’ll definitely be treasuring the unforgettable journey I went along with the characters and keeping them all in my heart forever.
May 26, 2023
I really wanted to like this book more, I really did. My opinion may be skewed by the fact that the past few books I have read have had a great premise but was then undermined by a love story, which sadly was the case for me. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good love story, but that’s not what I came here for. Granted the summary says it’s a love story, but I assumed it was a love story between Edna, herself, and her journey. I came here for an older woman who is deemed the Chosen One. I wanted to see growth in an older character, a look into the inner self on what she’s capable and not capable of, how society treats her, what elements of ageism and ableism she would have to overcome, etc, ON TOP OF a dragon army.
I just felt there was so much that could have been done with these themes and much was overshadowed by other characters, who I mostly liked, but I could read in any other book and find the same group dynamics. I just didn’t care about them in this book.
If you were in a world where a dragon army could destroy your city, and the person chosen to defeat this threat is 83, wouldn’t you have doubts? I know I would! So how would that affect her? What choices would she make? Where would she mess up?
Ultimately not a bad story, but I think what I’ll remember most is what I wish it could have been rather than what it turned out to be. Still worth a read just had me wishing there was more.
I just felt there was so much that could have been done with these themes and much was overshadowed by other characters, who I mostly liked, but I could read in any other book and find the same group dynamics. I just didn’t care about them in this book.
If you were in a world where a dragon army could destroy your city, and the person chosen to defeat this threat is 83, wouldn’t you have doubts? I know I would! So how would that affect her? What choices would she make? Where would she mess up?
Ultimately not a bad story, but I think what I’ll remember most is what I wish it could have been rather than what it turned out to be. Still worth a read just had me wishing there was more.
March 14, 2023
I was blown away by this book. It's a queer cozy fantasy novel in which the Chosen One is an elderly woman named Edna as chosen by a council of wizards and their new computer algorithm for picking heroes (which some of the wizards agree with and others accept only begrudgingly). Edna uses her wits and bravery to make the best of the situation with friends old and new. A compassionate, unique story and setting, with characters who you will think about and hope are doing alright long after you've read the last page.
June 28, 2023
There is danger in the land: uncontrolled acts by rogue Knights on dragons, thousands hurt or dying....a hero is desperately needed. And she is found. She's an unconventional and totally unexpected choice by the .
Enda Fisher is in her eighties, with numerous aches, not great mobility, a lover of pranks, and also with incredible kindness and compassion for others.
When she is very unexpectedly designated as the Chosen One, even she thinks this is weird, as usually, it's a teenager. But, Edna gamely takes on the mantle, and with her friend, and former orderly at her nursing home, Benjamin, they search for the Sword of Destiny, and find other companions (a teen who thinks she should be the Chosen One, and an elf) along the way, making an odd but oddly effective group. Together, they fight dragons, reveal terrible lies and abuses about their society, and find themselves in the process.
This book is soft, compassionate, and funny, all while dealing with such weighty things as loss of a loved one, living with anxiety, institutional abuse and bullying, imperialism, and uncontrolled anger. It's also a terrific sendup of the idea that a Chosen One should always be a teen with limited life experience and potentially rocky emotions.
Enda Fisher is in her eighties, with numerous aches, not great mobility, a lover of pranks, and also with incredible kindness and compassion for others.
When she is very unexpectedly designated as the Chosen One, even she thinks this is weird, as usually, it's a teenager. But, Edna gamely takes on the mantle, and with her friend, and former orderly at her nursing home, Benjamin, they search for the Sword of Destiny, and find other companions (a teen who thinks she should be the Chosen One, and an elf) along the way, making an odd but oddly effective group. Together, they fight dragons, reveal terrible lies and abuses about their society, and find themselves in the process.
This book is soft, compassionate, and funny, all while dealing with such weighty things as loss of a loved one, living with anxiety, institutional abuse and bullying, imperialism, and uncontrolled anger. It's also a terrific sendup of the idea that a Chosen One should always be a teen with limited life experience and potentially rocky emotions.
March 2, 2024
3 stars for the novelty of the plot. Little underwhelmed on the execution - some characters felt a little too one dimensional and the plot a little predictable. But a quick read and a nice stand alone fantasy novel.
September 29, 2025
English version below
****************
Der Klappentext klang so wahnsinnig vielversprechend.
Eine 83-jährige Bewohnerin eines Pflegeheims wird zur Auserwählten ernannt, um einen bösen Zauberer auszuschalten, der die Menschheit mit feuerspuckenden Drachen angreift. Dabei kann sie ohne Rollator kaum laufen.
Erwartet man da nicht Humor und Spannung?
Und bekommt man Humor und Spannung? - Eher nicht.
Unsere Protagonistin, die titelgebende Edna Fisher schart wie üblich nach dem Found Family Konzept ein paar Leute um sich. Da ist zum einen ihr Pfleger aus dem Pflegeheim, ein netter junger Mann, der ständig Liebesprobleme hat. Dass er schwul ist, spielt eigentlich keine Rolle, wird aber ständig besonders betont. Dann treffen sie auf ein ziemlich unausstehliches Mädchen. Ja, ok, sie hatte es nicht leicht, dennoch ist sie unausstehlich. Und dann kommt noch ein Halbelf dazu, der zum einen wahnsinnig gut aussieht, aber zum anderen ein Agent des bösen Zauberers ist (was die drei anderen nicht wissen, ihnen aber hätte auffallen können, wenn sie ein wenig aufmerksamer gewesen wären).
Außerdem hätte dem Buch eine weniger starke Konzentration von Schwulen gut getan, denn ich wollte kein Buch über die Probleme schwuler Menschen lesen, sondern eher eine unterhaltsame Fantasy.
Wie auch immer: Nach der Hälfte hatte ich die Nase voll. Das war nichts für mich.
Ich bin sehr enttäuscht.
-----------------
The blurb sounded so incredibly promising.
An 83-year-old nursing home resident is chosen to defeat an evil wizard who is attacking humanity with fire-breathing dragons. But she can barely walk without her walker.
Wouldn't you expect humour and excitement?
And do you get humour and excitement? Not really.
Our protagonist, the eponymous Edna Fisher, gathers a few people around her, as is usual in the found family concept. First, there is her carer from the nursing home, a nice young man who constantly has love problems. The fact that he is gay doesn't really matter, but it is constantly emphasised. Then they meet a rather obnoxious girl. Yes, okay, she hasn't had it easy, but she's still obnoxious. And then there's a half-elf whois craily handsome, but is also an agent of the evil wizard (which the other three don't know, but could have noticed if they had been a little more attentive).
In addition, the book would have benefited from a less strong focus on gay characters, because I didn't want to read a book about the problems of gay people, but rather an entertaining fantasy novel.
Anyway, halfway through, I'd had enough. It wasn't for me.
I'm very disappointed.
****************
Der Klappentext klang so wahnsinnig vielversprechend.
Eine 83-jährige Bewohnerin eines Pflegeheims wird zur Auserwählten ernannt, um einen bösen Zauberer auszuschalten, der die Menschheit mit feuerspuckenden Drachen angreift. Dabei kann sie ohne Rollator kaum laufen.
Erwartet man da nicht Humor und Spannung?
Und bekommt man Humor und Spannung? - Eher nicht.
Unsere Protagonistin, die titelgebende Edna Fisher schart wie üblich nach dem Found Family Konzept ein paar Leute um sich. Da ist zum einen ihr Pfleger aus dem Pflegeheim, ein netter junger Mann, der ständig Liebesprobleme hat. Dass er schwul ist, spielt eigentlich keine Rolle, wird aber ständig besonders betont. Dann treffen sie auf ein ziemlich unausstehliches Mädchen. Ja, ok, sie hatte es nicht leicht, dennoch ist sie unausstehlich. Und dann kommt noch ein Halbelf dazu, der zum einen wahnsinnig gut aussieht, aber zum anderen ein Agent des bösen Zauberers ist (was die drei anderen nicht wissen, ihnen aber hätte auffallen können, wenn sie ein wenig aufmerksamer gewesen wären).
Außerdem hätte dem Buch eine weniger starke Konzentration von Schwulen gut getan, denn ich wollte kein Buch über die Probleme schwuler Menschen lesen, sondern eher eine unterhaltsame Fantasy.
Wie auch immer: Nach der Hälfte hatte ich die Nase voll. Das war nichts für mich.
Ich bin sehr enttäuscht.
-----------------
The blurb sounded so incredibly promising.
An 83-year-old nursing home resident is chosen to defeat an evil wizard who is attacking humanity with fire-breathing dragons. But she can barely walk without her walker.
Wouldn't you expect humour and excitement?
And do you get humour and excitement? Not really.
Our protagonist, the eponymous Edna Fisher, gathers a few people around her, as is usual in the found family concept. First, there is her carer from the nursing home, a nice young man who constantly has love problems. The fact that he is gay doesn't really matter, but it is constantly emphasised. Then they meet a rather obnoxious girl. Yes, okay, she hasn't had it easy, but she's still obnoxious. And then there's a half-elf whois craily handsome, but is also an agent of the evil wizard (which the other three don't know, but could have noticed if they had been a little more attentive).
In addition, the book would have benefited from a less strong focus on gay characters, because I didn't want to read a book about the problems of gay people, but rather an entertaining fantasy novel.
Anyway, halfway through, I'd had enough. It wasn't for me.
I'm very disappointed.
June 8, 2023
A new spin on the “Chosen One” tale! Especially in the beginning, the book was quite funny. There was a great juxtaposition of the magic and the mundanity (I highlighted the mention of a “reasonably priced pocket dimension” for a storage space) for comedy’s sake. Overall, there were also plenty of wry or outright humorous lines that kept the mood up, especially considering I didn't realize the magic was set in our world. I think the story melted well enough into a more serious and tired tone later on, but I did kind of miss these flashes of humor once we really got going (or else my amusement turned into irritation).
I found the teenage character genuinely frustrating—she's been through terrible things, and I can see the outlines of messages about caring for young people and extending empathy even when they lash out, but man, I did not enjoy her character at all. She read more like twelve than sixteen. A good chunk of the middle portion was repetition of something like “teenager does something impulsive and hurts others. Main character has to go after her because she's just a kid and doesn't admit the consequences of her actions. Repeat.”
Also, I think this was an editing issue, but there were a few sentences that just didn't make grammatical sense and a few typos. There were also some moments that seemed off or weren't really explained (like our main character saying there was no reason to lie about their quest after a whole bit about why they were choosing to lie in the previous section?), which overall gave the feel that just one more pass was needed to smooth everything over.
My final points are spoiler-y, although not specific.
I found the teenage character genuinely frustrating—she's been through terrible things, and I can see the outlines of messages about caring for young people and extending empathy even when they lash out, but man, I did not enjoy her character at all. She read more like twelve than sixteen. A good chunk of the middle portion was repetition of something like “teenager does something impulsive and hurts others. Main character has to go after her because she's just a kid and doesn't admit the consequences of her actions. Repeat.”
Also, I think this was an editing issue, but there were a few sentences that just didn't make grammatical sense and a few typos. There were also some moments that seemed off or weren't really explained (like our main character saying there was no reason to lie about their quest after a whole bit about why they were choosing to lie in the previous section?), which overall gave the feel that just one more pass was needed to smooth everything over.
My final points are spoiler-y, although not specific.
January 8, 2025
Edna often forgot about Google. In her defense, magic had been around a lot longer than the internet.
This book has been on my radar for a bit and I'm really glad @Netanella nominated it for our book of the month because I had so much fun reading it! This book is based on a simple premise... what if The Chosen One was an 83-year-old woman? The result is as funny as you might expect but it's also serious, exploring some heavy subject, so don't expect this to be a cozy read!
The strongest suit of this book are probably the characters. We have Edna Fisher the titular 83-year-old Chosen One with bad hip and never-ending stash of handkerchiefs even though she never packed any. (There is also a hint she might be demisexual.) Benjamin one of the nurses from Edna's nursing home and arguably her best friend, also constantly anxious and gay. Clem(entine) is who you would expect to be the Chosen One in Edna's stead - she's fiery and magically talented, although her spells don't always work as she intended, she's latinx, queer and asexual and there is high probability that readers would find her annoying, not me though! Kiernan was my fave though... elf coming from Ethiopia, in constant turmoil about his life choices. And you guessed it He's also... the type of character that thinks he could reason things away and to a certain amount he can and that just feels relatable to me and slightly neurodivergent? Like, this is what I'm talking about:
Anyway, this story was a lot and I really loved it although looking back at it there are some things I really wished were addressed. Like But when I was in the flow of things, it just seemed really great, the topics it explored were handled great and I was worried about the ending quite a lot, but I think anderson pretty much nailed it.
So yeah, this was great, definitely would recommend!
4,5⭐
BRed at WBtM: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
For personal take on disability representation in this book check out this review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 4, 2024
So fun and approached all the emotional turmoil/trauma of the characters in such a tasteful and genuine way. And of course we love a found family story.
April 20, 2023
***Thank you for providing an ARC in exchange for a review!***
This book. This book is magic.
From the title, cover, and premise, you know right away you're in for a fun adventure with loads of humor, joy, and whimsy, and it absolutely delivers. But there's also a really profound heart at the core of the book. EDNA is the kind of story that takes you by surprise with its subtly woven wisdom and themes. It's an expert twist on the "chosen one" trope, where good and evil aren't strictly drawn lines, and it's a powerful reflection on forgiveness, grief, and power dynamics, all accompanied by the most lovable cast of characters (trust me, you WILL love them. Even the villain. ESPECIALLY the villain.)
EDNA will sneak into your heart the way HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and the Taylor Swift songs "Marjorie" or "Long Live" do. Grab tissues (for happy AND sad tears) and pick this book up.
This book. This book is magic.
From the title, cover, and premise, you know right away you're in for a fun adventure with loads of humor, joy, and whimsy, and it absolutely delivers. But there's also a really profound heart at the core of the book. EDNA is the kind of story that takes you by surprise with its subtly woven wisdom and themes. It's an expert twist on the "chosen one" trope, where good and evil aren't strictly drawn lines, and it's a powerful reflection on forgiveness, grief, and power dynamics, all accompanied by the most lovable cast of characters (trust me, you WILL love them. Even the villain. ESPECIALLY the villain.)
EDNA will sneak into your heart the way HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and the Taylor Swift songs "Marjorie" or "Long Live" do. Grab tissues (for happy AND sad tears) and pick this book up.
June 3, 2023
[DNF @ 54%]
(I swear to god if Goodreads keeps crashing when I’m in the middle of writing a review… 😤)
I was looking forward to a fun and quirky book, but I can’t keep going anymore.
I strongly dislike almost all of the characters. Edna is okay, Clem is over-the-top terrible, and the rest are full of eye roll moments every time I have to read what they’re thinking or saying. The budding romance between Benjamin and Kiernan is super cringey.
The shifting viewpoints that happen out of nowhere are very disorienting. I don’t need the book to be limited to Edna or even for the swaps to happen strictly at chapter skips. But shuffling between three or four characters within a single conversation so you can get the extra details from their thoughts hurt more than it helped.
And almost all of the ace (and other queer) representation felt very forced to me. Like “oh hey, here’s a new character and, by the way, they aren’t interested in sex or don’t think about it very much! 😬👍” I liked the interaction between Clem and Edna; the rest just didn’t seem natural. It was almost like the author wanted to be patted on the back for including so many, but maybe that’s just me. 🤷🏻♀️
(I swear to god if Goodreads keeps crashing when I’m in the middle of writing a review… 😤)
I was looking forward to a fun and quirky book, but I can’t keep going anymore.
I strongly dislike almost all of the characters. Edna is okay, Clem is over-the-top terrible, and the rest are full of eye roll moments every time I have to read what they’re thinking or saying. The budding romance between Benjamin and Kiernan is super cringey.
The shifting viewpoints that happen out of nowhere are very disorienting. I don’t need the book to be limited to Edna or even for the swaps to happen strictly at chapter skips. But shuffling between three or four characters within a single conversation so you can get the extra details from their thoughts hurt more than it helped.
And almost all of the ace (and other queer) representation felt very forced to me. Like “oh hey, here’s a new character and, by the way, they aren’t interested in sex or don’t think about it very much! 😬👍” I liked the interaction between Clem and Edna; the rest just didn’t seem natural. It was almost like the author wanted to be patted on the back for including so many, but maybe that’s just me. 🤷🏻♀️
March 11, 2025
DNF at 35%.
I'm annoyed by the idiotic teenager. I'm annoyed by the temper tantrum of the bad guy. I want to see the octogenarian save the day, but so far its all been pretty mundane. Running after the teenager mostly. According to the reviews, it's not getting any better, but what a pity. This could have been wonderful.
I'm annoyed by the idiotic teenager. I'm annoyed by the temper tantrum of the bad guy. I want to see the octogenarian save the day, but so far its all been pretty mundane. Running after the teenager mostly. According to the reviews, it's not getting any better, but what a pity. This could have been wonderful.
April 23, 2023
Enjoyed it, but… if you’re expecting something in the vein of Jasper Fforde/Terry Prachett/Neil Gaiman, this isn’t your book. Fairly standard Chosen One type adventure, just she’s elderly.
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