In the ever-expanding realm of romantasy (romance fantasy), This Will Be Fun emerges as a sparkling gem that masterfully blends the whimsy of classic fantasy quests with the emotional depth of contemporary romance. Written by the triumvirate of authors under the pen name E.B. Asher (Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka), this novel proves that three minds can indeed weave a seamlessly enchanting tale.
Plot and Premise: Where Past Meets Present
The story unfolds in the magical realm of Mythria, where ten years ago, four heroes saved the land from the machinations of the sinister Fraternal Order. Now, these estranged companions—Beatrice, Elowen, Clare Grandhart, and the late Galwell the Great – are summoned to attend Queen Thessia’s wedding. What begins as an awkward reunion evolves into an unexpected adventure as dark forces resurface, threatening not just the realm but the heroes’ chance at healing old wounds and rekindling lost loves.
Strengths and Stellar Moments
The novel’s greatest triumph lies in its character development. Each protagonist carries deep emotional scars that feel authentic and relatable, despite the fantastical setting. Beatrice’s guilt over Galwell’s death, Elowen’s self-imposed isolation, and Clare’s struggle with his hero persona create a rich tapestry of internal conflicts that complement the external dangers they face.
The romance arcs are particularly well-crafted:
- The slow-burn rekindling between Beatrice and Clare crackles with tension and unresolved feelings
- Elowen and Vandra’s second-chance romance adds depth to both characters
- The introduction of Hugh and his genuine love for Thessia provides hope and healing
World-Building: A Double-Edged Sword
Mythria is painted with broad, colorful strokes that sometimes leave readers wanting more detail. While the magic system—particularly Beatrice’s ability to revisit memories and Elowen’s empathic powers – is intriguing, certain aspects feel underdeveloped. The realm’s politics and history could have been explored more thoroughly to ground the story’s stakes.
However, the authors excel at creating memorable locations:
- The cozy Needle pub
- The opulent Vermillion Vale
- The crystal caves
- The atmospheric Night Dragon inn
Writing Style and Pacing
The collaborative writing is remarkably cohesive, maintaining a consistent voice throughout. The narrative alternates between four perspectives (Beatrice, Clare, Elowen, and occasionally Vandra), each offering unique insights into the unfolding events. The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle sections, but the final act delivers a satisfying crescendo of action and emotional resolution.
Where the Magic Falters
Despite its many charms, This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher has some noteworthy flaws:
- The villains, particularly the resurrected Todrick van Thorn, could have been more fully developed
- Some plot conveniences strain credibility, even within a fantasy context
- The time-travel element introduced late in the story raises questions about its earlier absence
- Certain secondary characters deserve more attention and development
Thematic Richness
The This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher excels in exploring themes of:
- Forgiveness and self-acceptance
- The weight of heroic expectations
- The courage to love again after loss
- The power of friendship and chosen family
Memorable Moments and Innovation
The authors introduce several creative elements that set this book apart:
- The Clare Convention and its impersonators
- Magical Truth or Dare
- The concept of “Claretrice” as a celebrity couple name
- The integration of modern fantasy tropes with traditional quest elements
Target Audience and Appeal
This Will Be Fun will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven fantasy
- Second-chance romance
- Found family dynamics
- Humor mixed with emotional depth
- Quest narratives with modern sensibilities
Cultural Impact and Comparisons
While the novel draws inspiration from classics like The Princess Bride and contemporary works like A Court of Thorns and Roses, This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher carves its own unique niche in the romantasy genre. The authors’ background in contemporary romance (Morrissey’s That Summer Feeling, Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka’s The Roughest Draft) informs their approach to relationship dynamics within the fantasy framework.
Final Verdict
This Will Be Fun delivers on its promise of adventure, romance, and emotional depth. Despite some worldbuilding gaps and plot conveniences, the strong character work, engaging romance arcs, and ultimately satisfying conclusion make it a worthy addition to any romantasy lover’s library.
Ideal For:
- Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Naomi Novik
- Readers who enjoy both fantasy and contemporary romance
- Those who appreciate complex character dynamics
- Anyone seeking a fresh take on the chosen one narrative
Perfect Pairing
Best enjoyed with a nut-milk caramel foam brew (if you can find one) and chocolate-covered nightberries, preferably while lounging in an enchanted bath filled with magical Bath Bulbs.
The Future of the Series
While This Will Be Fun works perfectly as a standalone, the rich world of Mythria and its engaging characters certainly leave room for more stories. The authors have created a universe that fans will eagerly want to revisit, whether through direct sequels or companion novels exploring other corners of the realm.
Human touch: Written with warmth, wit, and genuine appreciation for both the fantasy and romance genres, this review aims to guide readers toward their next magical adventure while acknowledging both the story’s strengths and areas for improvement.
