An enchanting escape to Eldonia, a land inhabited by humans and fae. The world-building in this story is amazing as are the unique descriptions of the various characters. The main character is Rafi - part human, part fae, - who doesn't fit in either world. I love this cool character, especially as he is a musician in the human world and plays in a band called "Meloncollie". He meets single mom Roxana, a matter witch who designs jewellery. There is an immediate attraction, but neither of them knows if hooking up is a very good idea. Besides, Roxana is moving away. Then things happen, some good, some bad, some very bad. This is a fantasy, an adventure, and a love story; and the way the author brings it all together makes it a most enjoyable read.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this second venture into Eidolonia. The tale itself was at times both delightful and heart wrenching, an exploration of love and power and connection. I particularly enjoyed Roxana -- seeing a self assured, plus sized mother as the main character in a fantasy novel felt so refreshing.

I also thought that the idea to place a story in the background of the events of Lava Red Feather Blue was a wonderful choice, I loved seeing what happened in other parts of the island.

Will definitely read again!

I didn't realize this was an urban fantasy at first, which probably affects my overall feelings towards it. Sadly urban fantasy just isn't my type of story. But I'll say that his was a fresh and unique perspective on the fae trope, and the queer rep was great!

thank you so much Netgalley for this ARC.

I was really looking forward to read this book but unfortunately i dont have anytime, so therefore i couldn't give any review or thoughts about this book, but i hope this book is as good as i expecting.

Ballad for Jasmine Town by Molly Ringle is a lush and eerie tapestry of mystery, romance, and magical realism, woven through the fog-draped streets of a small town steeped in secrets. Ringle’s world-building is almost oppressively atmospheric, with her lyrical prose conjuring a place that feels both enchanting and unsettling. The supernatural elements blend effortlessly into the everyday, creating a sense that Jasmine Town is a character all its own—albeit one that might be quietly plotting your demise.

The novel’s real charm lies in its protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and slow-burn romance delivers both emotional heft and ironic wit. The romance is deliciously understated, simmering in the background as the main mystery unfolds, adding just enough heat to keep things engaging without overpowering the plot. Ringle tackles weighty themes like grief and family legacy with a deft hand, though the introspection is balanced with moments of sharp humor. It’s not every day you read a book that makes you ponder life’s deepest questions and then laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Of course, the novel isn’t without its quirks. Ringle's love for descriptive prose occasionally becomes a bit too indulgent—sometimes it feels like the scenery is getting more character development than the secondary cast. And while the central mystery is intriguing, seasoned readers may piece it together long before the grand reveal. Yet, for all its slightly bloated pacing and predictability, Ballad for Jasmine Town remains an enchanting read that sweeps you into its haunted embrace with a wink and a knowing smile.

[Thanks to NetGalley & the author for providing me with this ARC]

What a unique take on the popular fae & fantasy trope. When I started the book I did not expect to be confronted with rockstar romance elements but somehow it worked.
A lot of the twists and turns were very surprising due to the unusual mix of tropes, which I found very refreshing. It did however rip me out of the story a few times because I had to take a moment to wrap my head around this new direction. All of this made it a very interesting and exciting read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in expanding their perception of the fantasy genre.

Disclaimer: The ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The ARC category in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Thanks to Central Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

What a lovely story!! I so enjoyed Roxana and Rafi's journey and the family that they discover. Ballad is a companion novel to Lava Red Feather Blue, and I am glad I read Lava first. Even though knowing the over-arching events there is still a lot of tension not knowing what happens to the individual characters as events play out. The setting for this story is Miryoku, an idyllic setting where Roxana and her daughter live mostly in harmony with the local fae, including Rafi, a half-fae. Rafi struggles to find whether his place is with humans or the fae, and Roxana is soon to move away to further her career. As an unlikely friendship blossoms into more, they have to deal with nasty korreds, and increasing political tensions and how to manage their relationship. As the destructive events begin to unfold, the tension ramps up as characters fight for survival and Molly does hit your emotions repeatedly. I certainly recommend this duology to fantasy fans who are looking for stories that focus on the characters and which also include wonderful magic and a host of fae creatures. Would love to come back to Eidolonia again in the future!!

i did not know this was the second book in the series (i didn't get to read the first one 😭) also, i did not finish reading this because i felt guilty jumping for the second and not reading the first but i heard we can just read this as a standalone? so might as well reread this sometime soon.

the story was definitely interesting. an urban fantasy mixed with rockstar romance and it's fae??? and an asian background. i will say that i don't know much yet to fully review this – i might edit my review as well if i managed to read the whole book.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher/s for giving me a chance to read this!

Loved it!!! This was so unique. An urban fantasy mixed with rockstar romance and fae, and Asian background. I loved it. I was pleasantly surprised. Also I did not need to read book 1 to read this. The story flowed so well. There was also a hint of spice which was nice since I’m a spicy book gal. I really hope she writes more. This series needs to be more talked about. I adored it so much! The romance and plot was evenly mixed to me. I enjoyed Roxana’s character so much and loved that she was a single parent and a metal working witch. The magic system was so cool. I really enjoyed this read and hope they make an audio version soon.

Added review on Amazon it has been submitted!

An interesting surprise with queer and LGBT yes.. I'm so happy that nowadays this is more and more normal, so Rafi a human born from a fae mom, also it's important to refer that faes here are very mean and wicked, lost his grandmother who was he's last connection to the human world that he wants so much to be a part of and then he meets Roxana a single parent and they start a friendship who leads them to love, she's on her way to move and he has to stay so together they formulate an idea that has two different ways to end up

Miryoku is a town that sits on the verge, the border between fae and human territory. Rafi is a mortal denizen, a form-changer, relative to the fire fae, part of a 90s cover band, and his human grandmother has died from the carelessness of the fae. Roxana is a metalworking witch, healing charms her specialty, and a single parent. They meet by chance and she fixes his instrument. The become fast friends, then fall for each other. Determined to stop the fae from hurting the townsfolk they come up with an idea that might just work or doom the town.

I was so excited to return to the world of Eidolonia for Lava Red Feather Blue was brilliant, one of my faves the year it came out. As the narrative draws you into this enchanting but dangerous world, it feels like an ethereal breeze that embraces you lovingly. It oddly but welcomely gives you that warm feeling of homecoming.

I loved the way the author describes things — giving you insight into the pictures in her head while sparking your imagination, so it can roar. There is a dreamlike quality to her descriptions and an eccentric flair to the vibrant details that constitute the worldbuilding. Her unique use of words can be simultaneously to the point and poetic.

You will enjoy seeing both sides to the protagonists' relationship. The POVs are wonderfully grounded in this fantastical world and both leads are so relatable and endearingly honest in their thoughts. There are shades of tenderness and loneliness and utter kindheartedness. The counterbalance is the selfishness and cruelty found in the faefolk. But like all fae folk are not bad, all humans are not good. You will feel your heart squeeze for what Rafi has to go through. Actually the book will make you feel so much.

A cheeky nature permeates this mostly beautifully paced story. There were a few instances where I wished things would come to fruition a little faster, and the pining, unfortunately, turned a little whiny. Then as the fae-human balance shifts and the political tapestry changes, tolerance and decency and the need for justice tint the story, as things get intense. The book then becomes beyond awesome. Also for fans like me of Lava Red Feather Blue, there are some wonderful little gifts. We are also rewarded with this tale ending up being a beacon of hope.

This book is about being yourself and accepting others for who they are. About doing what is right, challenging the so-called order of things. About respecting others and not taking advantage, even if you have more power. It also touches on themes of free will and control.

This is a story of quiet power but powerful just the same. A warm blanket and storytelling near the campfire, enticing and full of magic not only of the fae, witches, etc but also of relationships and humanity. Molly Ringle, I need more stories in Eidolonia.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this novel!

This book is the second in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I had originally planned to read its predecessor (Lava Red Feather Blue) beforehand, but just never got around to it. On a whole, I would say this book stands well on its own. However, the last 20-ish percent kinda felt out of nowhere and I feel like that wouldn't have been the case had I read Lava Red Feather Blue first. I would call the majority of this book a cozy fantasy (maybe romantasy?). As it basically follows two characters as they fall in love and try to navigate a changing political climate. It's a slow, slice-of-life type narrative, until it suddenly isn't. If I had read its predecessor, I would have known where this story was going and wouldn't have felt so blind sided by the shift. I thought this book was written well and I liked the story, I just think I'm not really cut out for cozy fantasy.

In “Ballad for Jasmine Town” by Molly Ringle, the town of Miryoku offers ocean views, fragrant jasmine vines, and a thriving arts scene, despite sharing a precarious border with the fae realm. Rafi, born to a fae mother but longing to belong in the human world, faces prejudices and legal hurdles. After his grandmother’s death due to fae carelessness, his only human connection is through his nineties cover band—until he meets Roxana. A single parent and metalworking witch, Roxana repairs Rafi’s instrument string one summer night, sparking a friendship that grows into love. As Roxana plans to move away, they must confront the fae dangers threatening Miryoku and devise a plan to protect their town, risking everything for a chance at peace and love.

Because of the excellent world-building, you’ll be happy to discover references to your favorite characters, magical systems, and locales in both volumes, regardless of the order you read them. I adored that this companion book gave us additional magic—both in terms of scientific reasons and mystical, individual interpretations. The author included genuine difficulties and conflict, even though this is a fantasy novel, which made the plot feel very accessible.

All in all, I enjoyed reading it and thought it was a good modern fantasy. Despite not having read the series’ first book, I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything. There’s enough information up front so you won’t have any trouble following along. Because of the author’s vivid descriptions, it is simple to picture and immerse oneself in the environment and people. I’d want to read more from this author because the narrative was so good.

This was different than expected but not in a bad way. Although it covered some intense topics there seemed to be a lightness which made it feel cozy! I wasn’t immediately captivated by the writing style and it was kind of underwhelming at times. I would like to read this again after reading the first book to gain more perspective. I gave it a 3.5/5 rounded down to a 3. I’d recommend this to anyone who is interested in a cozy urban fantasy that still has some substance to it! I also want to mention that I am a mood reader and at the moment urban fantasy is not at the top of my list so this rating could change!

“I will grieve with you, I will rage with you, I will stay quietly with you, I will do whatever you need. I will be with you.”

Queer fantasy featuring witches, a magical island, evil fae, and family/community feels? Count me in!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing access to a digital copy.

I gotta clarify, I didn’t read the first book in the series. That wasn't a problem in the end because we're provided with enough context to understand the story and the characters. But I think it's important to mention.

Loved the social commentary! The author handles heavy topics like racism and discrimination while thoroughly developing the magic system and creating a complex, layered world. That's no easy feat!

The romance was cute, and the relationship between the main pair has a very healthy, mature pattern of "we work through our issues" that I appreciated. Though I gotta say, the chemistry wasn't always sparking for me. But hey, perception is a tricky, very personal little monster. So, who knows?

Also, I think it's important to mention this is a slow-paced story. Pas de problème on my side, but I know this is relevant to some readers.

Overall an interesting reading experience with social and psychological insight, angst, "one for all and all for one", healthy romance and LGBTQ+ rep.

4.5 our of 5 stars

It has been amazing the way the author has kept me hooked in this story, she has a way of immersing you in the plot where you can't stop thinking about the adventure that is unfolding around you.

That combination between humans and fairies and the balance in a society has provided a great touch to the story, here following several characters we get into their struggles, goals and emotions, and it takes you on a roller coaster ride that you can't get off until the end.

I highly recommend the world the author has created and the diversity she presents in such an enjoyable and natural way.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this fabulous story.

#BalladforJasmineTown #NetGalley

I just returned from an adventure, feeling like I might not be entirely the same person. Witnessing this character's journey and growth has left me deeply moved. Getting to know all the characters has been both heartbreaking and enriching. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, I wouldn't hesitate to experience it all over again. The author skillfully weaved history into the narrative, making the story not only captivating but also educational. It felt effortless to immerse myself in their world, as if I were growing and learning alongside the characters. This book has undoubtedly earned a permanent spot on my recommendation list. However, now that I've finished it, I find myself in a reading slump, searching for a new adventure that can transport me like this one did. I'm afraid I won't find anything quite as captivating. Moreover, I'm anxious about the next book; how can the author surpass or even maintain the momentum of this one? I'm on edge, holding my breath in anticipation. I'm determined to acquire every version of this story as a token of gratitude for the journey it took me on. Thank you for sharing this remarkable story with me.

“I will grieve with you, I will rage with you, I will stay quietly with you, I will do whatever you need. I will be with you.”

“Ballad for Jasmine Town,” by Molly Ringle

I loved this book so much. The Fae in this book have a hard time; there are mental illness problems, and they are treated like second class citizens. One of the main characters is transgender but with a magical spin which was super unique. The Fae gets reincarnated when they die which was interesting. I liked that the book is about a Fae who is trying to fit in as a human in a human world. The romance was good and heartwarming. 5 out of 5 stars, so good. The cover is also beautiful.

-Fae
-Transgender
-Magic
-Musician
-Multi POV

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

Ballad for Jasmine Town is the sequel to Lava Red Feather Blue, but what I didn’t realize until about 75% into the book was that it was the same timeline/started earlier as LRFB and not a story of the aftermath.

In LRFB, the town of Miryoku gets destroyed by Ula Kana and other faerys following her. This book shows the town before this happened and the events leading up to that destruction.

We follow the story of Roxana, (a single mom and an exo-witch who infuses metals with magic) and Rafi (a half fae/half human that was raised in the fae realm by his mom and his terrible dad).

It was interesting to see the events of LRFB from a different perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn of Rafi and Roxana’s romance. And we did eventually get a little crossover at the end from some LRFB characters but overall it wasn’t as exciting as I’d hoped. The middle and end of the book dragged on and the ending was very underwhelming.