I requested this book purely based on the beautiful cover, and was thrilled that I enjoyed it so much! It was a gorgeous tale full of interesting magic. It starts off explaining our main characters magic in a really digestible and fun way. Beautiful storytelling, setting(s), and lovely characters. I had fun!

Thank you netgalley, the publisher, and Judith Bouilloc.

This story was very unique. There were so many twists and it kept me guessing what would happen next. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down! I absolutely adored the mmc and her grandmother.

This is the cutest Young Adult Fantasy Romance. If you love books, magic, and a little bit of romance this book is for you. There is zero spice though but I didn't even care the story kept you very entertained. I would even vote for this one as teen-friendly.

The Storyteller’s Tale was such a cozy, enchanting read! It’s filled with all the tropes I adore: arranged marriages, hate-to-love dynamics, sunshine and grumpy characters, and a dreamy, mystical magic system. The story follows a librarian who can breathe life from words and an upright royal judge with a dark past, which adds so much depth to their dynamic.

The romance between the two unfolded beautifully, and the chemistry had me hooked from the start. The writing was easy to read but still managed to make me squeal with excitement at all the right moments. I could vividly imagine every scene as it played out, making it an immersive and magical experience.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming, whimsical romance that’s both fun and full of emotional depth, The Storyteller’s Tale is a must-read!

WAAAAAHHHHH! BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!!! THIS IS HOW U WRITE COZY FANTASY!!!

this book, to me, is not like any other book. it's a very special book, one that is so dear to me i will not accept any hate on! it was such a cozy, comforting, easy, quick read. and to me this book was the definition of, "never let them know ur next move." which i did not expect at all. anyways the storyteller's tale is such a pleasant surprise, i requested it due to its interesting synopsis and pretty cover (and because it was about reading/books! hehe) and i am not disappointed one bit! it even has gardening aspects and i just love love love it so much i might explode. iliad and adil, my librarian x gardener duo, u are very precious to me, i hope these characters all live the happiest life ever!

u bet i will be reading more books from rivka publishing, perhaps i will find more gems like this one!

biggest thank you to judith bouilloc and the team for providing an arc!

The Storyteller's Tale is so good. I wasn't expecting it to be so good as it is. Lovely storyline, amazing plot, loved every single second of it.

I must admit, I enjoyed it just as much as I anticipated from the moment I requested it. The Storyteller’s Tale was an utterly charming and whimsical read!

It had everything I love: mystery, humorous characters, and a captivating magic system. It was undoubtedly a book about books, filled with discussions about getting lost in stories and escaping to different worlds. All of this reminded me of why I cherish reading.

The romance between the two main characters unfolded beautifully. She’s a librarian who can bring words to life, and he’s a judge with a mysterious past. They had wonderful chemistry. The characters were well-developed and hilarious, and the easy, pleasant writing style made it effortless to visualize every scene.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a cozy, delightful, and whimsical read with romance, a modern fairytale, and a celebration of books.

4.5 stars – A Charming, Literary Escape

The Storyteller’s Tale by Judith Bouilloc is a delightful blend of cosy academia, Regency-inspired court life, and magical realism that swept me off my feet. I adored the protagonist, Iliad, whose ability to breathe life into words brings a unique magic system to this enchanting tale. With her eccentric grandmother by her side and a Darcy-esque love interest, this story reads like a fairytale with a modern twist.

Bouilloc’s love for literature shines through every page, with countless quotes about reading and clever nods to classic literature and fairy tales. As a lover of books myself, I found these elements particularly delightful. The stakes are relatively low, which makes the story feel warm and cosy—perfect for those who enjoy fantasy with a gentler touch.

Themes of imagination, storytelling, and the transformative power of books anchor this whimsical world, while Iliad’s journey into court life, complete with awkward faux pas and dazzling balls, is as entertaining as it is heartwarming.

At 272 pages, the story is perfectly paced, and the English translation preserves the charm and elegance of Bouilloc’s prose. If you’re looking for a literary escape with a touch of romance, The Storyteller’s Tale is a magical choice and I would highly recommend it to the cosy fantasy book lovers.

Delightful read full of magic, mystery, and heart. Iliad’s journey will captivate readers, especially those who enjoy stories about self-discovery and finding strength in unexpected places.

The Storyteller's Tale by Judith Bouilloc tells the story of Iliad, a young woman with a special gift: she can make words come to life when she speaks them. This ability has made her the most famous storyteller in the kingdom of Esmeria. When Iliad receives a mysterious marriage proposal from someone in the royal family, she travels to the capital with her colorful and lively grandmother to meet her suitor.

Iliad is a lovable character, full of charm and vulnerability. Her journey is not just about discovering court life, but also about figuring out who she really is. As she faces challenges and uncovers secrets, readers will be rooting for her every step of the way. Her grandmother adds humor and warmth to the story, offering guidance and some fun moments along the way.

The world Bouilloc creates is rich and detailed, and the contrast between Iliad’s simple beginnings and the complex royal life makes for an interesting and exciting adventure. The themes of finding your place in the world and the power of storytelling are explored in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

5 stars

The Storyteller's Tale is a captivating story that takes us on a journey in the art of storytelling. The story weaves together my love for magic, heartwarming happily-ever-afters and adding a fresh twist to classic storytelling. A fast paced and enjoyable read, I only wish the book was longer.

✨The Storyteller's Tale✨ by Judith Bouilloc is an amazing YA/MG Fantasy for all the bookish girls who envied Belle's Library in Beauty & the Beast! This book was originally published in french but has recently been lovingly translated into English, and is now available to read in all formats!

If you love stories with...
📖An Awkward, Sweet, Bookish FMC
📚Literary Adventure-A book about books!
❄️YA/MG No Spice, Wholesome Romance
📜Regency & Fantasy Setting
🏵️Little Women Family Vibes
📚Did I mention All.The.Books?!?
💍Arranged Marriage
🔍Murder Mystery
✨Unique Magic

...Then you'll love this book!! Iliad is a sweet librarian who can weave visual illusions as she reads from books! You'll love to root for this sweet, socially awkward, bookish fmc as she learns to navigate the dangers of court intrigue while wielding her unique ability to cause words to leap off the pages of books! If you love the literary classics then you'll adore all of the direct quotes in this book.The world building was a fascinating blend of fantasy elements and a regency inspired historical setting!

"The Storyteller’s Tale is an enchanting novel about a librarian with a wonderful gift and the mysterious suitor who proposes to her.

Iliad can breathe life into words by speaking them aloud. Thanks to this wonderful gift, the young woman has become the most famous storyteller in the kingdom of Esmeria.

When she receives an anonymous and very advantageous marriage proposal from a member of the royal family, Iliad, chaperoned by her flamboyant grandmother, sets off to the capital, where she is to meet her mysterious suitor.

But Iliad, coming from a middle-class family with no money or title, doesn’t know anything about court life. With her peculiar sense of fashion and her awkwardness, she finds that life in Babel is more trying—and perilous—than she expected…"

❤️Thank you @judithbouilloc for the opportunity to read your book as an arc, it was a lovely literary adventure and I look forward to reading more of your works in the future!

I would highly recommend this book for anyone middle grade and older who loves fantasy adventures!!
✨📚❤️📚✨

The Storyteller's Tale is a charming story about Iliad, a snatchwords, or a person who can make a story literally come to life by reading it out loud. She is invited to become the Queen's storyteller and given an offer of marriage from a mysterious member of the royal family. The book takes us on Iliad's journey of learning that real life can be as exciting as fiction. There is danger, a murderous plot, a romance and of course, an happily ever after ending. This book is squeaky clean and appropriate for any age. Although the main character is an adult, it reads like a fairytale.

I received an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.