2022-06-20

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2022-06-20 11:11 am

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking

4/5. The one about the fourteen-year-old apprentice baker who has a bit of magic, that only works on bread, and how she saves the city. Part quirky feel-good stuff, part super serious war and danger stuff. It’s a bit oil and water in places rather than melding into contrasting layers – she really could have toned down both modes half a notch – but I really liked it. It’s scary and funny and sad and brave. It’s about how awful it is to have to be the hero in a situation where you have to do it, but only because lots of other people (adults, specifically) have failed you. Also, there’s a homicidal sentient sourdough starter, which is worth the price of admission.

Content notes: Violence, murder, kids in peril.