What a fun book! This fed the part of me that is still sad that Galavant got cancelled (to no ones surprise, but my disappointment). This story is basically, what if the main character of the heroic action movie died?

Apparently, everything falls apart. Ten years after they save the kingdom and Galwell's death, Beatrice is going through a divorce, Elowen lives in a tree, and Clare is trying to stand in as the hero everyone wants. When they're called to the palace for the queen's wedding, they all go (mostly) reluctantly.

I found the sad sack heroes to be so funny, but I also loved their vulnerabilities that made them relatable. The imposter syndrome Clare has, the fear of love Elowen deals with, and the survivor's guilt Beatrice battles made them so human. I enjoyed the banter and the soft moments, as I grew to love these deeply flawed characters who are so lost but also so full of heart.

I will say that I docked a star because they spent ten years avoiding their problems and that led to a lot of miscommunication and a lack of communication throughout the story. It was frustrating at times, because I really wanted to just yell at them to talk. I ended up tearing up during those harder conversations, when they eventually happened, but it was frustrating for a good chunk.

This is not a hero's journey, or even really a romantasy (at least not how I'd qualify a romantasy). It's a character-driven adventure, set in a mixed modern/medieval fantasy world, with romance. Again, think more Galavant or Princess Bride - very much more focused on banter and relationship development of all the characters. The romance is a big focus, but also still felt like a subplot.

As a whole, I loved this book. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished, I just loved the world and magic so much. The stakes never felt high and I kind of loved that vibe of meandering their way through potentially world-ending quests. Like, same lol.

TW: violence, death, war, manipulation, injury detail, sexual content, isolation, survivor's guilt, alcohol consumption; mentions kidnapping, death of a sibling, infidelity

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Harper Collins Canada in exchange for an honest review.