A fortune teller, a merchant, a thief, a baker and an entity of chaos... uh...I mean magical cat.
A quest, a dark past an handful of worst laid plans.
All wrapped in the lovely embrace of found family.

This is basically all this book is, and frankly it's all this book needs.

Bonus: if you ever wanted to know how Fortune Cookies were invented, you're lucky.

Cozy fantasy at its best with real good characters, low stakes - but also serious themes like prejudice and being treated badly for simply being different.

4,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the eARC!

#TheTellerOfSmallFortunes #Netgalley #Bookstagram

A cosy joy of a story that not only warms your heart with its sweetness and whimsy, but also resonates on a deeply human level, filled with sincerity, love and a longing for home.

I've been loving this trend of cozy fantasy's popping up recently and The Teller of Small Fortunes was a fun, if not stand-out, addition to the genre.

Our story follows Tau, a Teller of Small Fotunes. Someone who can read palms, tea-leaves etc and gives out 'small' fortunes such as whether you'll get a new cloak, or if your neighbour will be selling their land. Tau is also Shin, a race of people who come from across the sea, and who have a tenuous relationship with the Eshteran's. Both of these facts mean Tau has lead a relatively lonely life, never staying in one town too long for fear people will notice her fortunes come true and ask for something bigger. But that all changes when fate puts a felled tree in her path and she get's helped by a retired soldier, Mash and retired thief, Silt. When Tau reads Mash's fortune she doesn't realise the effect it will have on him, nor just how much one small fortune could change her life and, after being joined by a baker, Kina, the group go on an unlikely journey through Eshtera looking for purpose, money and most of all, for Mash's lost daughter.

If you enjoy stories that heavily feature found families, the quirkier the better, then this might just be the book for you. Our motley crew are certainly on the stranger side, a teller of small fortunes. ex-soldier, semi-retired thief and baker, but fate has plans in store for them all. I really enjoyed the connections between them all. The hesitance at first, to open up, to trust strangers, and then the almost domesticity that they attain after travelling together for a while. They are each carrying their own baggage, their own trauma and as the story progresses we see them open up to one another, helping each other to defeat their pasts, or to own them. Their interactions are hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure, and Leong manages to makes them quirky, whilst also fitting them into some well used stereotypes.

The plot itself is heavily character driven. It's almost a quest style journey, them travelling to try and find Mash's daughter, filled with side quests and obstacles our characters have to achieve to reach their goals. But these obstacles aren't always physical, in fact expect for a few, the obstacles are largely internal. Some of the 'side quests' seemed a little pointless to me, and didn't actually add anything to the story except for a bit of mild peril, but it was the internal ones, the parts where our characters had to look into themselves, do things out of their comfort zones, things they swore never to do, that were the most interesting. The main character we see this in is Tau, we learn fairly early on that her gift for 'small fortunes' is more of a decision than a skill issue, and as the story progresses we learn, in the most heartbreaking way, why she decided to stay on the small side of fortune giving.

Leong really lent into the immigrant experience with this book, and through the story we see Tau deal with all the different ways people deal with people they see as 'different.' The people who can see past it, the one's that don't judge someone because of how they look or where they're from. The people who can't see past Tau's race, who don't want to. And finally the ones who see her as a rarity, the ones who stare and wonder at her heritage not knowing how hurtful that can be. And we also see Tau herself dealing with her heritage, feeling she is neither Shin nor Eshteran, and not knowing where she fits in the current world. It adds a real emotional aspect to the story, seeing Tau trying to traverse this place that will always see her as an outsider, even though she was raised there.

The Teller of Small Fortunes was fun, if not a little too hard on the tropes and stereotypes, but the one thing I did enjoy was the lack of romance. Leong went hard into the found family style story-telling and it worked so well with this bunch of characters. If you're a lover of cozy fantasy, I think you will enjoy this one.

This was definitely another one of those "judging the book by its cover" book, because it is a beautiful cover and really invites you in.

On Amazon, it said it is for fans of Legends and Lattes, but I didn't like that book and actually didn't finish it, so it was interesting to see how this one faired. Turns out it had it's upsides and its flaws.

I believe it is Julie's debut novel, and I can definitely see links to the Legends and Lattes type books.

I know we're not meant to quote lines from an ARC in reviews in case it doesn't end up in the final copy, and so I won't, but I will say that the opening sentence is one of the best I've read. It's witty, funny, unusual and really drags you in wanting to know more. But I would say the opening is probably the strongest part.

Julie has created such a magical fantasy world that you get fully enveloped in, which was lovely.

It is very sickly sweet. I enjoyed it and it was nice to read, nothing overly strenuous, but it was a nice sort of palette cleanser between hard-hitting stories. It's cosy and relaxing but I did miss having something a bit more meaty to get my teeth into.

I can see the majority of reviews have already given it 5 stars, and I can see why, even though I am slightly less than enamoured with it. It was good, it was sweet and funny and easy-going, but lacking something a bit...more, for me.

It does have some interesting themes running through it - family, immigration, a sense of belonging etc. which was good, but at times I felt it was slightly shoved in, like we couldn't just have a nice carefree run read, there had to be a moral behind it, and it didn't feel overly natural at times.

I did like the band of unruly characters, of a family made out of circumstance rather than blood. It's a group of misfits that don't really fit anywhere, but somehow they fit together.

I found the pacing a little strange. It took a while to get going, in some chapters there wasn't much going on, but then other bits sped through so fast I couldn't really get to grips with it.

Overall, there wasn't a huge amount of depth for me in the plot or characters. It's a perfectly pleasant book to enjoy over a cold autumnal evening. It's you're really into this genre, if you enjoyed Legends and Lattes, then this will definitely be for you. But if you want something a bit more substantial, then you might find it a bit flat.

This was such a cute cozy read! This band of unlikely friends and their hilarious cat kept me on my toes throughout. JL's writing style was engaging and heartwarming and I cannot wait to read whatever she publishes next!

The Teller of Small Fortunes was an enjoyable, cozy story with interesting characters and dynamic, which could have been even better if the pacing wasn't too slow. It had its up and down, with some chapters where nothing of interesting really happens, and more than once I found my attention slip away. The characters could have had more depth, too. But all in all, it was still a nice book to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. 3.75⭐ for me as overall, I did have a really good time with this.

I really liked Tao the main protagonist and the charming found family she made for herself. It was a captivating, relaxing read that I never got bored of; so much so that I breezed through this in a little over 24 hours. Tao is a fortune teller who was born in Shinara and then grew up in Eshtera. She encapulates Chinese Malaysian-American author Julie Leong's immigrant experience, from the sinophobia she receives from other "trueborn" Eshterans to feeling out of place as she's caught between two homes. As Tao travels from town to town, her "small fortunes" lead to big effects; changing a variety of lives for the better — such as a closeted lesbian escaping comphet and a nihilistic troll seeking purpose.

While I found the cozy vibes and development of friendships immaculate, what bumped the rating down were the puzzling creative choices that Leong made. For one, Tao experiences racism by virtue of being Shinn, but this does not seem to apply other POC (e.g. the NPCs described as dark skinned) in Eshtera. Secondly, Tao's newfound friend Kina, whose ethnicity is not described other than her red hair but is most definitely not Shinn or East Asian, is credited to have invented this book's version of fortune cookies, when she was "inspired" by Tao. I personally found this in poor taste given the modern fortune cookie's Japanese/Chinese American roots. Tao also forgives her neglectful mother too quickly for my taste, but I get that this was consistent with her personality.

A wonderful fairytale for adults! I loved every moment of this book, there was a bit of everything mystery, friendship and magic! Hoping to read more from Julie Leong, as this was fantastic!

This is a book about small things, and it is comfy and nice and cute. It is not that we don’t have stakes, because we have them! And it is not like there is no conflict either. But it is all centered around the life of the people who our MC met. And it was glorious. And delightful.

We start the story with Tao and her donkey, but soon we meet other characters who slowly become part of the best found family (and it may not be the best found family ever, but it is the best I have read about this year). We have a former mercenary who is looking for his daughter and has a penchant for poems, we have a reformed (sort of) thief and a sweet-hearted baker who wants to see the world. And they together are so cute! We have a lot of sweet and funny moments. And it was delightful!

But mind me, I said that this book is about small things before, and I think it is true, but we also have deep themes in there, linked to the sense of belonging and identity, and we also have mentions of war, societal disparity, racism, grieving process and parental neglecting. And they are not just mentioned in passing, they are smoothly incorporated into the story. This book will make you think, but its dimension is just smaller, and more intimate, and I think that this makes things more relatable to us.

That said, this book is a constant surprise: we meet so many interesting characters, and they all are delicious or brilliant or they will make you laugh, and we also have a cat!
And let’s talk a moment about the characters that you’ll meet: there is a mage catcher who is allergic to magic and to cats (he was a tad annoying, but he made me laugh!), we have a troll who is cursed and now spend his (or her, I should say) time philosophizing and, last but not least, the High Mage. (I think this last one was my favorite!) You need to meet all of these characters (and more!).
And what’s best about the characters is that the MC will stay with you for quite a bit. They are decent people to the core, and they are so refreshing! I loved them all!

This book is like a warm hug, and it is the perfect book to read if you are in need of some pick me up. And it is the perfect book for the fall! Your couch, a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and this book. Pure bliss!
It is fun, it is sweet and it is delightful! If you are in the mood for something nice please, please, go and read this book!

I was forgetting, but I would love a novella about the nunnery because it sounds like the best place ever!!! And the morsel we got was not enough! (But thank you, author, for it! It was precious!).

'We're not always cheerful and funny. We've sadness and anxiety, and all these other bitter things wrapped up inside, too, and that's what makes the sweetness all the sweeter.'

I absolutely adored this book! Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree and was even reminiscent of Becky Chamber's Monk & Robot duology (with a more developed plot).

The author did a great job creating well-rounded characters who's stories were touching and relatable. I'm a very fussy reader when it comes to 'good' writing and I very much enjoyed the clean prose. The author had a clear vision for the plot and this was executed well.

An absolute pleasure to read and a great addition to cosy-fantasy genre. If you enjoy reading about a rag-tag band of characters questing around the countryside and magically-inclined felines this is a must read!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely book. 4.5 stars round up!

Delightful cosy fantasy - just what I was after.
The story follows the titular Teller of Small Fortunes, Tao, as she travels around telling (small) fortunes, and collects some new friends.

It's told against a backdrop of international tension, but most of the story is focused on the group and their character journeys.

Reading this felt like curling up with a blanket on a rainy day. It's a story full of warmth and heart, yet laced with meaningful reflections on belonging and identity. Tao’s journey of finding friendship and navigating life as an outsider resonated deeply, as her quiet resilience and kindness shone through the adversity she faced. The mix of cozy fantasy and real-world struggles like immigration made the book feel both comforting and thought-provoking. By the end, I felt uplifted, touched by the characters’ bond and hopeful in the way they found light in the darkest moments.

The power of kindness and the strength in vulnerability. Tao’s journey reminded me that even when life is full of challenges, it’s our ability to open ourselves to others and form meaningful connections that makes us stronger. The book beautifully highlights how love and friendship can heal old wounds, and how the struggles we face—whether as immigrants, outsiders, or simply individuals seeking belonging are softened by compassion and understanding. It reinforced the idea that no matter where we come from, we all need the same things: love, acceptance, and a place to call home.

It’s a cozy fantasy vibes and i quite enjoy the story. Tao is a wandering fortune teller that tells you small fortune instead of big one! When she’s wandering, she meet Mash & Silt, an ex-thief! Reformed, as Silt says. And ofc Kina the baker! Who knows that the fortune cookies was founded by her! 😉 always love a family found trope, in this one for sure have it.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The cover alone sold me on this book but I honestly love everything about it. The characters, the world, the tiny moments of drinking tea or eating pastries.

Tao and her four new friends travel the world as they discover more about who they are and the things they seek. Tao's fortunes help to guide them but it's her love for her friends that helps her get what she wants in the end.

The Teller of Small Fortunes is the perfect cozy read to go with a cup of tea and a cat by your side. Don't forget to look at your fortune in the tea leaves once you finished your cup. Maybe you'll find a small fortune.

The Teller of Small Fortunes is a beautifully written, cozy, light fantasy and I loved every second. I don't really know what else to say about it, except that I adored it and would recommend it to anybody looking for a book to fall in love with!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

This delivers exactly what you want from a cosy fantasy. It has a lonely main character who's been travelling alone for a while, and who steadily gathers a group of people around her. They go on an adventure together, slowly becoming a found family. It's a quick read, with a really fun writing style, that packs a surprising emotional punch. I had a really good time with this, and I think it makes for an excellent comfort read.

I loved this! Cozy fantasy is very hit and miss for me so I wasn't sure about this going in, but I loved every second and will definitely be rereading at some point.

The world is a simple and familiar fantasy setting, but holds up the story and has enough details to feel lived in. The characters are flawed but very lovable, and the dialogue is funny and purposeful. The story is tropey but well executed - especially the found family trope, which I often find lacking in other books which include this trope in their marketing.

The plot is simple but gripped me early on. It's not quite as low stakes as other cozy fantasies (maybe that's why I enjoyed it) but still small scale. There is no real violence but serious topics such as racism and family member death are part of the themes. There are cats.

I would recommend this to everyone, except maybe people who need their fantasy worldbuilding to be very elaborate. The ending made me cry, so this gets an automatic 5 stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

It took me ages to finish this book, not for lack of interest but things kept happening irl that I couldn't focus much on reading.
It's a cozy fantasy, a sub-genre I hadn't read before. I generally like my books with more tension and conflict but this was a nice change of pace for me.
It's well-written and engaging, with a bunch of likeable characters. I liked how they stood on their own, each of them had their battles to fight and dreams to pursue. It was Tao, the teller of small fortunes, that brought them all together, quite reluctantly at the beginning only for them to become a real found family by the end.
I very much liked how the book explored the theme of otherness and belonging and home. It was gentle and casual on the surface but touched on the big truths that define each of us.
If I have to pick one word to describe this book it would be hopeful - there is hope for happiness and love and acceptance for everyone out there.

A sweet and cozy litte story about found family in a classic fantasy world setting.
It's a light read with a very whimsical feel that progresses rather slow and lives from its endearing characters and their personal development.

The teller of small fortunes follows Tao, a fortune teller who travels between different villages telling small fortunes for small prices. After a particular told fortune, she is lead on an adventure that changes her life in many different ways.

I will start by saying that the story telling and world building is very detailed and vibrant. I think the premise of this book is brilliant and has a lot of potential, however it just moved a little too slow for me. That’s not to say the characters and their dynamics aren’t interesting because they are and I believe it’s the best part of the story. For me personally, I wanted a little more action to drive the plot forward. I do like the elements of friendship in this book though. That’s another strong point for this book.

This will be a perfect book for anyone who’s looking for a light, cozy fantasy.