This Will Be Fun - E. B. Asher

One of the perks of my job is the number of review copies that come my way, and on Friday's there's the extra bonus of Publishers Weekly where we get sent an impressively long list of books to request from. It's not guaranteed that you'll actually get what you ask for, and it can be a long wait for something to appear (I got a Christmas related book I'd asked for in November 2023 in July 2024). It's entirely likely that by the time something comes through I've completely forgotten why I was attracted to it in the first place.

This is kind of what happened with 'This Will Be Fun' which sat around for a good few weeks before I picked it up a couple of days ago, finally in the mood for something light and fantasy-based again. E. B. Asher is in fact 3 people writing together, and what they've produced is fun cosy fantasy. If you like Travis Baldree and The Princess Bride this is worth a second look. 

Ten years ago The Four - best friends, Beatrice, Elowen, Clare, and Galwell saved the realm of Mythria from a terrible threat, and they haven't spoken since. The Queen of Mythria is about to marry though, their presence at her wedding is demanded, and then when her fiance is abducted they have little choice but to put their differences behind them and set off to the rescue again. However reluctantly it may be. 

In terms of world-building and plot it's not the best book you'll read but for quipping, silly jokes, a celebration of found family, a celebration of the value of therapy, and for asking the question of what happens at the end of the quest it does it all. I don't think the world building matters very much - we're all familiar with the tropes and this book is all about relationships and personal growth. I'm equally indifferent to the plot, evil is vanquished, good wins out, and true love prevails. 

A couple of years ago I would not have thought of myself as a cosy fantasy fan, but when it's done well it turns out I am, it's exactly what I want to wind down from the stress of the busiest time of year. The doing it well bit is the trick. I've come across a few attempts that feel cynical - to paint by numbers and lacking in the humour that makes the best of them work. You need to go light on the smut too - which this does.