In this enchanting debut collaboration, This Will Be Fun, E.B. Asher (the pen name for authors Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka) crafts a tale that masterfully weaves together elements of classic fantasy quests with contemporary romance sensibilities. The result is a warm, witty, and occasionally heart-wrenching story about second chances, both in love and friendship.
The Story
Ten years after saving the realm of Mythria from the evil Fraternal Order, four legendary heroes find themselves reunited for a royal wedding. But these aren’t your typical fantasy protagonists—they’re broken, bitter, and haven’t spoken to each other since their victory left them scarred in ways that had nothing to do with battle wounds.
The narrative alternates between four distinctive perspectives:
- Beatrice, a gifted head magician haunted by guilt
- Elowen, a reclusive heart magician living in self-imposed exile
- Clare Grandhart, a former bandit turned celebrity trying to live up to impossible expectations
- Vandra, an assassin seeking redemption and a chance at love
Writing Style & Craft
One of the most impressive aspects of This Will Be Fun is how seamlessly three authors have managed to create a unified voice while maintaining distinct character perspectives. The prose sparkles with wit and warmth, particularly in the dialogue, which crackles with tension and unspoken history.
Strengths:
- Rich world-building that feels lived-in without overwhelming exposition
- Authentic character development that acknowledges past trauma
- Clever integration of modern sensibilities into a fantasy setting
- Well-balanced humor that lightens heavy emotional moments
Romance & Relationships
The romantic elements are expertly handled, particularly the slow-burn reconciliation between Beatrice and Clare. Their chemistry jumps off the page, made more poignant by their shared history and mutual wounds. Similarly, the developing relationship between Elowen and Vandra offers a beautiful exploration of vulnerability and trust.
World Building
Mythria is a richly realized setting that manages to feel both familiar and fresh. The magic system, based on head, heart, and hand magic, is particularly well-conceived, serving both plot and character development. The authors have created a world where magic feels both wondrous and practical, integrated naturally into everyday life.
Critical Analysis
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious goals, there are some areas where it could have been strengthened:
- The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
- Some secondary character arcs feel underdeveloped
- The villains, while effective, could have been more nuanced
- Certain fantasy elements feel somewhat derivative of other works
Themes & Depth
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The weight of expectations and heroic legacy
- The cost of sacrifice and survivor’s guilt
- The complexity of forgiveness and redemption
- The courage required to be vulnerable
Notable Moments
The novel shines brightest in its intimate character moments:
- The Truth or Dare scene that forces characters to confront their past
- Elowen’s gradual emergence from isolation
- Clare’s struggle with his public persona versus his true self
- The cleverly constructed magical system that reflects emotional states
Target Audience
While marketed as a romantic fantasy, This Will Be Fun will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Character-driven narratives
- Found family dynamics
- Second chance romances
- Quest fantasy with modern sensibilities
- Stories about healing and redemption
Comparable Works
Fans of the following will likely enjoy this novel:
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Final Verdict
This Will Be Fun delivers on its promise of both romance and adventure, while offering surprising emotional depth. Despite some minor flaws, it’s a strong debut that announces E.B. Asher as a voice to watch in the romantic fantasy genre.
Strengths
- Engaging character dynamics
- Well-crafted magic system
- Balanced humor and emotional weight
- Strong romantic elements
- Satisfying character arcs
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues
- Some predictable plot elements
- Occasional overreliance on fantasy tropes
- Uneven villain development
Reading Experience
The novel proves particularly immersive, drawing readers into its world with vivid descriptions and emotional authenticity. The alternating perspectives help maintain interest and provide a fuller understanding of the story’s events and character motivations.
Impact and Significance
In a genre often criticized for prioritizing either romance or fantasy elements at the expense of the other, This Will Be Fun achieves a remarkable balance. It’s a story that reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves be loved, and that it’s never too late to heal old wounds.
Conclusion
This Will Be Fun is a charming and emotionally resonant novel that manages to feel both fresh and familiar. Despite its minor flaws, it succeeds in crafting a story that will leave readers satisfied and eager for more from this writing team. Its greatest strength lies in its understanding that the most important battles we fight aren’t always against external enemies, but against our own fears and past hurts.
For readers seeking a fantasy novel with heart, humor, and genuine emotional depth, This Will Be Fun proves to be exactly what its title promises—and then some.