I knew I was going to be introduced to a new fantasy author, but beyond the basic somewhat vague synopsis, I had no idea what I would be listening to. It turned out to be a very enjoyable - although SHORT listen.
‘Tucked Away’ is basically a prologue with a dash of prequel in my opinion. It’s setting us up for the real story which is soon to follow. In fact book 2, ‘Emerge’ is already out, and readily available.
‘Tucked Away’ is a rather delightful whimsical and emotionally rich YA fantasy tale, but with somewhat slower pacing than I am used to. Old secrets lay covered in dust and laden with curses just waiting to be discovered, much as the hidden family members do. There are Mer people, Trolls, magic, and as I’ve mentioned, curses.
A great deal is also left to the imagination, which is fine as I like to give mine the exercise. There is some great character and world building going on, however, so many of the characters have such similar names that it can get a trifle confusing now and again.. There’s also numerous backgrounds and places. I honestly found myself hitting the back button, or just dancing back a chapter or two to clarify things in my mind.
Abraxos, the Master of Asulon Mansion, is the central character around whom all the darkness and the whimsy dance. He began as a surly figure, rather reclusive and definitely not what one would call friendly. That all changes the night an old lady arrives on the doorstep with a wee bundle in her arms. Delivering it to the Master before getting a night’s sleep and returning from whence she came.
Poor Abraxos’ life suddenly takes a drastic change, for what his servant and seemingly only friend would call for the better. It will most certainly never be the same again.
Mel Parrish’s writing is solid and creative, quite enjoyable for the most part. With Tom Fairfoot narrating, it’s a rather cozy fantasy that I look forward to completing with book 2! Thanks NetGalley for this delightful, although occasionally confusing listen!
#Mel Parrish
#Lives Entwined in Kind
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