In Julie Leong’s enchanting debut novel, The Teller of Small Fortunes, we follow Tao, a Shinn fortune teller who travels the western outskirts of Eshtera with her trusty mule Laohu. Limited by choice to reading only small, seemingly insignificant fortunes, Tao maintains a careful distance from both her past and the people she encounters—until fate (or perhaps her own buried desires) leads her to join an unlikely group of companions searching for a lost child.
What begins as a simple fantasy tale unfolds into a rich tapestry exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the courage required to open oneself to love after trauma. While the novel occasionally meanders in its pacing, particularly in the early chapters, Leong’s warm prose and deeply felt characterization create an immersive experience that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.
Strengths & Literary Merit
World-Building & Magic System
Leong crafts a fascinating world where magic is both commonplace and carefully regulated. The contrast between Tao’s small fortunes and the institutionalized magic of the Guild creates an interesting commentary on power structures and the ways marginalized people must often hide or diminish their gifts to survive. The author’s attention to detail in describing the various towns, customs, and political tensions between Eshtera and Shinara helps build a believable and lived-in world.
Character Development
The true strength of the novel lies in its characters and their relationships. Each member of the core group—Tao, Mash, Silt, and Kina—feels distinct and three-dimensional, with their own fears, dreams, and character arcs that weave together beautifully. Particularly noteworthy is Leong’s handling of Tao’s complex relationship with her mother, which evolves from estrangement to tentative reconciliation in a way that feels both earned and emotionally authentic.
Themes & Cultural Commentary
The novel thoughtfully explores themes of immigration and cultural identity through Tao’s experience as a Shinn woman in Eshtera. Leong deftly illustrates the challenges of straddling two cultures while being fully accepted by neither, without allowing these heavier themes to overwhelm the story’s fundamental warmth and optimism.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel’s early chapters, while necessary for establishing Tao’s character and situation, sometimes drag. The plot doesn’t fully engage until Tao meets her companions, and some readers might find the initial worldbuilding exposition heavy-handed.
Plot Convenience
Certain plot developments, particularly regarding the Guild’s ultimate role and the resolution of Mash’s search for his daughter, rely perhaps too heavily on coincidence. While these elements serve the story’s themes of fate versus choice, they occasionally strain credibility.
Magic System Clarity
While intriguing, the rules and limitations of fortune-telling could have been more clearly defined. The distinction between “small” and “greater” fortunes sometimes feels arbitrary, and the consequences of using different types of magic aren’t always consistent.
Notable Moments & Writing Style
Leong’s prose shines brightest in quiet moments of connection between characters. Her descriptions of food, particularly Kina’s baking experiments, are lovingly rendered and help ground the fantasy elements in sensory detail. The author has a particular talent for depicting the unspoken understanding that develops between found family members:
“Tao looked around at the beaming faces of her friends, and let herself feel joy; she was a cup of tea, overflowing with warmth and wrapped in loving hands.”
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of Becky Chambers’ The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the similar focus on found family and gentle character development. The novel also shares thematic elements with Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, particularly in its exploration of magic as both gift and burden. However, Leong’s voice is distinctly her own, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar fantasy tropes.
Impact & Significance
As a debut novel, The Teller of Small Fortunes announces Leong as a promising new voice in fantasy literature. Her thoughtful integration of cultural elements and emphasis on emotional resonance over epic scope suggests exciting possibilities for future works.
Pros:
- Rich character development
- Thoughtful exploration of cultural identity
- Warm and engaging prose
- Strong found family dynamics
- Unique take on magic systems
Cons:
- Uneven pacing in early chapters
- Some plot conveniences
- Occasionally unclear magic system rules
Recommended For:
- Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy
- Fans of found family narratives
- Those interested in stories about cultural identity
- Anyone seeking a cozy, heartwarming read with depth
Final Thoughts
The Teller of Small Fortunes is a remarkable debut that prioritizes emotional truth over epic scope. While it may not revolutionize the fantasy genre, it offers a warm, thoughtful exploration of belonging and self-discovery that will particularly resonate with readers who have experienced the complexities of cultural displacement.
The novel’s greatest achievement is how it demonstrates that sometimes the smallest fortunes—a cup of tea shared between friends, a moment of understanding between mother and daughter, or the simple act of choosing to trust—can lead to the most profound changes in our lives.
Despite its minor flaws, Leong’s debut promises a bright future for the author and offers a welcome addition to the growing body of fantasy literature that celebrates diversity and emotional authenticity. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is allow ourselves to be seen and loved for who we truly are.
