A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale Book Launch

Celebrate the release of A Tale of Mirth & Magic by local author Kristen Vale! For this event, Kristen will be joined in conversation by Leah Rachel von Essen.

Please note: This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

A maker of magical jewelry finds her life turned upside down when she ends up on the run with a half-giant in this spicy and cozy fantasy romance—perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and The Spellshop.Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.

Kristen Vale writes queer cozy fantasy romcoms filled with sweetness & spice. When not reading or writing, she can usually be found thrifting, playing D&D, or staring lovingly at trees. She lives in Chicago with her partner and her frenemy black cat, Opal. A Tale of Mirth & Magic is her first novel.

Leah Rachel von Essen is a book reviewer, writer, and editor based on the South Side of Chicago. She is the founder of blog While Reading and Walking, a contributing editor for Booklist, and a frequent contributor to Book Riot and Chicago Review of Books. You can find her talking about books in translation, climate fiction, sf/fantasy, chronic illness, and more at whilereadingandwalking on Instagram.

Accessibility: This event is hosted at the bookstore, which is a wheelchair accessible space. Masks are still required for our in-person events. We have three HEPA air filters that run throughout the store. If you would like to request ASL-interpretation for this event, please email ZXZlbnRzIHwgd29tZW5hbmRjaGlsZHJlbmZpcnN0ICEgY29t at least 14 days before the event. For other questions and acess needs, email ZXZlbnRzIHwgd29tZW5hbmRjaGlsZHJlbmZpcnN0ICEgY29t.

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