The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance

Bullen’s cozy debut takes place in a snug inn where, according to lore, adventurers gather on their way to challenge a dragon. These rumors draw budding scholar Ainsworth Gladsly, seeking to uncover the Misnich Inn’s true history on behalf of the prestigious Skarrow Library in the capital. Ainsworth, a human with antlers thanks to his druid heritage, also has a personal connection to the Misnich: his great-grandfather went missing after visiting the inn. Though Ainsworth is quickly charmed by the quirky innkeeper, Honey, he’s frustrated by her reveal that “no one who has ever stayed here has actually gone on to Mount Vengeance. Oh, they arrive here full of those intentions. But come the next morning, they all decide not to go through with it.” If Ainsworth can’t discover what’s changing their minds (the dragon’s curse? a malign enchantment?), he’ll win neither the academic renown he craves nor the renewed love of his ex, Enach. Bullen cleverly transposes academia’s publish-or-perish atmosphere to a fantasy setting. Meanwhile, Ainsworth’s growing appreciation of both the simple joys of friendship and his own inner strengths is a pleasure to witness. Readers may stumble onto the innkeeper’s secret before Ainsworth does, but guessing the twist doesn’t take away from the fun. This should win Bullen plenty of fans. (July)