Built by Magic (Falling for Fables, #4) – A Review
From the moment I stumbled upon Built by Magic, the fourth installment in the Falling for Fables series by Jenna, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The blend of fantasy, family dynamics, and a splash of humor caught my attention like a moth to a flame. But what really set my heart racing was the promise of a story that delves into the murky waters of morality within the world of a dubious assassins’ guild. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!
At the heart of Built by Magic is Frida, a character who feels shackled to her family’s sinister tradition of assassination. It’s painfully evident from the start that while her family eagerly awaits her involvement, they fail to recognize her true calling—or lack thereof. This theme of familial pressure resonates deeply. How many of us feel compelled to pursue paths not meant for us? Watching Frida wrestle with her fate made me reflect on my own choices, and I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she craved a simpler life on the isle.
Then there’s Rune, an orc who simultaneously embodies strength and the heart of a cat daddy. I found myself swooning over his dual identity as a craftsman and a heartfelt companion. There’s something about a man who can build a cozy home as deftly as he navigates romantic tension that made my literary heart pitter-patter. His playful banter, particularly his Scottish accent (at least in my head!), added layers of charm that were impossible to resist. "I’d never make you beg, Frida," he says, and you can practically feel the heat radiating off the page.
But let’s not forget the delightful twist of switching between Rune and Frida’s POV. Watching them both attempt to outsmart one another while hiding their true feelings was downright hilarious. The moments of tension, like the hand-feeding scene, left me simultaneously laughing and gasping. And can we talk about Eldi, the dragon? His emotional depth had me crying and laughing in equal measure; it’s rare for a magical creature to steal my heart, but he did just that.
Jenna’s writing style is both engaging and fluid, making it easy to lose track of time while reading. The pacing allowed me to savor the growing bond between Rune and Frida, yet left me craving more with every chapter. The lighthearted humor intertwined with deeper themes of self-discovery kept me on my toes, making this book feel like a rich tapestry of emotions.
As I shared these thoughts with you, I couldn’t help but think of the readers who would love this book. Fans of fantasy romance, especially those who enjoy a strong blend of humor and heart, will find joy in these pages. If you’ve ever felt pressured to conform to family expectations or dreamed of breaking free from traditional molds, Built by Magic will resonate deeply.
In conclusion, Jenna has spun a delightful tale that invites readers into a world where love and loyalty are tested against the backdrop of morally gray decisions. I’m definitely going back to revisit the earlier books in the series — I just can’t get enough! Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Jenna for this incredible e-arc.
If you haven’t picked it up yet, I highly encourage you to dive in. You might just find yourself swept away in the magic!
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