I received this DRC from NetGalley.

Three of the heroes acted like whiny teenagers for a lot of the build up. They get overly dramatic and overwhelmed by their emotions and then also get really horny. Vandra was the most sensible one, and thus my favorite. Regardless, the underlying story of what's going on was interesting enough. The ending should have had some consequences that could have at least been hinted at, if there's going to be another book. If it was supposed to be just a way to tack on a happy ending, it could have been better, especially since it kind of undermines any growth the characters had in coming to terms with the past.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. When I heard about this book, I was honestly intrigued. You always hear about the heroes on their journeys. Sometimes, you get a prequel for the heroes or some aspect of the realm where they're from, but this? Ten years after the big quest? Repercussions for actions? It's not as common, and this was, in fact, fun. Can't wait to see it hit shelves!

Overall I enjoyed this book much more than I expected especially when reaching the 20% mark and onwards. However this last 25%-30% disappointed me and I detested the ending. This book did give Princess Bride vibes like I was told and has a stunning cover..

3.5 stars.

This was indeed a fun read!

*This Will Be Fun* centers three former friends who cut ties with each other after their last quest resulted in the loss of the fourth party member, the beloved leader Gladwell. When a wedding turns into a rescue mission with Queendom-ending stakes, the three must reunite to save the world. It’s not easy—each character harbors their own baggage, misunderstandings, and (maybe) unrequited crushes.

The start of this story was sloooow. I truthfully almost dnf’d but wanted to stick it out so I could write a review. I’m really glad I did! I enjoyed the second half of the story a lot and had so much fun reading. I loved that there is a sapphic romance and a m/f romance, and both couples received ample attention from the authors. The characters grew to be super lovable to the point where I don’t think I could choose a favorite (but if I *had to…* it would be Clare <3). Still, if you’re looking for a plot-forward read, this might not be the book for you. There isn’t much fighting or adventuring in the typical fantasy sense. If you want a fluffy story with some surprising emotional depth, if you need a palate cleanser after a heavier read, or if you simply want a romantic romp in a medieval fantasy with modern amenities, this book is for you!

*This Will Be Fun* releases on September 10, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Personally I found this very predictable. That's not always bad but it didn't grab me.

Good for fantasy lovers, those who play DandD or similar games may it enjoy it more due to the character dynamics.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

This Will Be Fun was a delightful read. This book is marketed as The Princess Bride meets People We Meet on Vacation. The story follows a group of friends who haven’t spoken for 10 years because they had a big falling out after their last quest. They are brought together to face a new adventure. The story is a mix of the present and each character’s reflections of what went wrong in the past.

This Will Be Fun definitely has the quirky humor and royal vibes like Princess Bride. The characters are compelling. There is love, romance, and a bit of spice. While there are some serious elements to the plot, overall this is a cozy fantasy. Some of the whimsical descriptions of the setting and magic was reminiscent of Caraval for me.

If you like fantasy but want something a bit more lighthearted and fun, this is a perfect read.

Thank you to Avon (Harper Collins) and NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️From publisher Avon: Ten years ago, they saved the realm. It ruined their lives.
Everyone in Mythria knows the story of how best friends Beatrice and Elowen, handsome ex-bandit Clare, and valiant leader Galwell the Great defended the land from darkness. It’s a tale beloved by all—except the former heroes. They haven’t spoken in a decade, devastated by what their quest cost them.
But when they receive an invitation to the queen of Mythria’s wedding, it’s a summons they can’t refuse . . . and all of them lost without Galwell’s presence. And if reuniting with old friends and lovers wasn’t perilous enough, dark forces from their past have returned, plotting a domination that only Mythria’s one-time defenders can stop. Maybe.
This time around, will their story end in happily ever after?
****************
My review: I love a magical story and unraveling a past quest. This book requires some patience, some characters who have magic, some who don't, many who were allies in the past, some who seem to be enemies now.
As the story progresses the mystery of what happened to Galwell and exactly if anyone is to blame becomes to focus as they embark on a new quest. Clare is a fun character, loved his teasing, wanted him to find happiness, Beatrice needed to find peace, and I enjoyed Elowen's angry introvert personality. Some of the characters' magic could have been explained more clearly as it was confusing at times.
It took a while to get to the bottom of what happened in the past and some parts dragged but overall the book kept me interested. I love the idea of magic: head, heart or hand magic--it kept me thinking about what different characters could or did know about others. And by the finale my crush on Clare was complete. Sometimes being yourself is hero enough.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.

This Will Be Fun follows a group of once-close friends, who, after the drastic personal consequences their prior successful run at saving the kingdom, are brought back together again to celebrate the upcoming wedding of the queen, This book would be ideal for fans of Drew Magary’s voice who want to lean more into the fantasy genre.

I will state up front that I did not finish this book - I made it to about 20% before I put it down. The two main reasons that I chose not to continue are as follows:

1. I struggled to connect the author’s writing style with the desired plot. This is more of a personal taste “complaint” than a true criticism of this author. The lackadaisical voice of the third person POV made it challenging for me to engage with the story.

2. I found that while I could see where the author wanted to provide relatable elements of humanity for the characters, their descriptions and actions/reactions didn’t provide enough of a hook for me to feel attached or compelled to keep reading,

I appreciate the chance to read this advanced copy. Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and E. B, Asher for an advanced copy of This Will Be Fun!

Premise was so very intriguing, but having had no actual experience with live RPG, I was actually pretty confused and found it hard to follow. I badly wanted to enjoy this, and I think actually a movie or TV series would do this idea justice.

This was a lovely friendship story and really answered the question of what happens after "the end". With humor and adventure, the book also touches on issues of loss, grief and trauma. It was a great summer read.

I wanted to love this more than I did because I had such high hopes for it, but it was just meh for me. I think it would be love for a lot of people though so I highly want people to make their own minds up.

Are you a fan of fantasy & romance? If you are, then this is the book for you. Beatrice, Elowen, Clare, & Galwell the Great once saved the kingdom from doom. All great and wonderful, except that they haven't talked since. Then, an unexpected invitation for them to a royal wedding brings them all back together. When a new evil arises, they are expected to save the realm again, but will they survive and will they resume their friendships, or will this kill them all?

What a fun adventure filled friendship book! I didn't know what to expect but I adored this book. I Am so looking forward to what E.B Asher puts out next!

A quest for 10 years estranged friends to reunite and save their kingdom with a side of romance. This was an entertaining read that I would recommend more for those looking for 75% romance and 25% fantasy. It is more character driven with us following 3 POVs as they work through their broken friendships, romances and the different ways they’ve handled a shared trauma. I really enjoyed understanding each characters emotional journey. The fantasy elements themselves were more like D&D versions of modern times. It’s a fun quest if you’re not taking the fantasy element of it too seriously.

Unfortunately, I put this book down around the 45% mark.
We follow three heroes who saved the realm 10 years ago, alongside their fallen leader and best friend. The three went their separate ways, dealing with grief, guilt, and fame differently but now as the queen’s wedding approaches, they will have to face each other again. I was interested in the premise but sadly once we met all of our characters, the story lost steam for me. There were times that the two girls B & E felt the same to the point where I forgot who had which power. All of the characters felt rather weak and so I was mainly sticking around to learn how their friend died and why everyone feels so guilty. I think the story would have been stronger if we got more flashbacks earlier because 35% of the book just hearing ‘I’m so guilty, I’ll never forgive Beatrice, I hate being a hero” got very old. When we finally learn how their leader died it was extremely anticlimactic and without feeling. Instead of Beatrice telling Ellowen in a conversation, I think an actual flashback where we are shown what happens would have had more emotional effect. The book felt very telling not showing.
There were moments especially with Clare that felt like it could have had a My Lady Jane kind of humor but ultimately it all fell very flat for me. I am sure there will be a twist, but I wasn’t interested enough in any of the characters to stick around and find out. A shame because the blurb sounded right up my alley!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

"This Will Be Fun" by E.B. Asher was exactly as the title suggests...a lot of fun to read. If you were a fan of "Shrek", the show "Galavant," or Monty Python, you will really enjoy this novel. The authors bill it as a romantic quest and that is completely accurate; it's also hilarious and sweet. I had a great time reading this book, found many of the characters and their friendships to be endearing, and the quest plotline was compelling enough to keep me wanting to turn the pages. 4.25/5

E.B. Asher’s novel, "This Will Be Fun," offers readers an enchanting journey that marries the whimsical charm of "The Princess Bride" with the modern relational dynamics found in "People We Meet on Vacation." At its core, the story is a cozy quest romantasy that delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and the enduring impact of past traumas. Set in the magical land of Mythria, the novel brings together a group of former heroes for a royal wedding that spirals into an unexpected adventure, ultimately forcing them to confront their unresolved issues and rekindle their bonds.

The narrative begins with an intriguing premise: ten years after their legendary quest to save the realm, the once inseparable group of friends—Beatrice, Elowen, Clare, and the late leader Galwell the Great—have gone their separate ways, each bearing the scars of their past heroism. The story gains momentum as they receive an invitation to the queen's wedding, a summons that none can refuse. This reunion sets the stage for a richly layered exploration of their individual and collective journeys.

Asher’s characterization is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Beatrice, the recently divorced and guilt-ridden mind-mage, and Clare, the charming ex-bandit still carrying a torch for her, present a compelling "will-they-won’t-they" dynamic. Their interactions are laden with unresolved tension and past grievances, making their path to reconciliation both poignant and relatable. Elowen, who has retreated into isolation, must face her former lover, Vandra, a character whose moral ambiguity adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The interplay between these characters, with their distinct personalities and shared history, creates a tapestry of emotional richness that drives the story forward.

The world-building in "This Will Be Fun" is both imaginative and playful. Asher skillfully blends medieval elements with modern conveniences, creating a setting that is as whimsical as it is unique. The kingdom of Mythria features enchanted coffee shops, magical message boards, and even wagon shares, infusing the traditional fantasy landscape with contemporary touches. This fusion, while requiring a degree of suspension of disbelief, adds a layer of charm that enhances the novel’s overall appeal. The magical elements—ranging from crystal caves to enchanted swords—are seamlessly integrated, enriching the narrative without overwhelming it.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The pacing, at times, can feel uneven. The focus on character development and relational dynamics occasionally overshadows the action and adventure, which some readers may find lacking. The initial setup promises a high-stakes quest, but the journey to the wedding and the subsequent adventure often take a backseat to the protagonists’ internal struggles and romantic entanglements. This can lead to moments where the narrative momentum slows, potentially frustrating readers seeking a more action-driven plot.

Despite these pacing issues, the thematic depth of "This Will Be Fun" adds significant weight to the story. Asher deftly explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. The heroes’ journey is as much about healing old wounds and mending broken relationships as it is about saving the realm from darkness. This emotional resonance lends a sense of realism to the fantastical setting, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs all the more compelling.

In conclusion, "This Will Be Fun" by E.B. Asher is a heartwarming and humorous addition to the fantasy genre. Its blend of classic quest elements with modern relational dynamics offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes. While the pacing may occasionally falter, the novel’s rich character development, inventive world-building, and thematic depth make it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of cozy fantasy and romantasy will find much to appreciate in this tale of friendship, adventure, and second chances. Asher’s work reminds us that even in the most fantastical of settings, the greatest battles are often fought within the heart.

Unfortunately, “This Will Be Fun” was not fun. The premise certainly seemed so: three estranged former heroes, ten years after saving the kingdom, are reunited at the wedding of the queen, all of them still grieving the loss of their leader. First of all, it’s pretty unclear to me what they even did in the first place. Galwell, the fearless leader who perished on their quest, gets a brief POV in the very beginning in which he is ENTIRELY too good - I really needed him to have some flaws. The remaining members of the band include his sister Elowen, who is now a hermit living in the trees, thrown back into working with her former flame Vandra (this backstory, again, was incredibly confusing). Beatrice is recently divorced and destitute, now traveling with Clare, the former mercenary recruited by the gang who has been happily enjoying the perks of herodom. Unsurprisingly, they were once a thing but now seem to hate each other, in the third set of confusing backstory. The worldbuilding is very sparse and everyone is just pretty much running around making terrible romantic choices. The friendship chemistry doesn’t work for me, neither does the romance. A big swing and a miss all around.

This is such a sentimental, hilarious read! Like the description says, total Princess Bride vibes. I was laughing constantly at the jokes, setup, and references. But it is also very emotional, older heroes dealing with trauma and relationships. I really had fun with this book.


Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.


I think some folks might be thrown off by the setting of the book. It is medieval-ish, but with a lot of modern additions, like message boards are tapestry boards or ride-shares are wagon shares. Personally, as long as the reader is down for the ride, all of that flows with the setup of the story and did not detract or distract me.


The main cast are in their 30s and dealing with that age and all the pains, both physical and emotional, that can build up over the years, especially after completing such a public quest 10 years prior. The main cast is a good set-up for this, with the grumpy figure, the kind of a golden retriever figure, etc. All of them fit into the narrative and the two main plotlines are harmonious.

All in all, a super funny and emotional quest romantasy.

I was intrigued by the description of The Princess Bride and People We Meet on Vacation. The story starts off strong with friends who had experienced a great tragedy and triumph, coming together for a royal wedding. However, as they journeyed to the wedding the pace of the story slows down quite a bit and I began losing interest in the story.

I like the multi POV and I enjoyed learning how their previous experience affected each person and how they were dealing with it in the present day. Each person was affected by the tragedy and this journey gave them an opportunity to address those issues. There was a lot of mental dialogue and a lot of will they get together or won't they get together? I would have enjoyed more action and adventure in the story.

I did find it interesting that the book was written by multiple authors, which explains the differences in the POV voices.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the #gifted ARC.