Thank you to Daphne Press for access to this eARC! An absolutely enthralling and unique world that kept serving up chapter after chapter of delicious content. I adored the world and writing, the food theme was really well done and didn’t seem to take itself too seriously, which really fit the world well. I never knew how much I wanted to read a book about a magical culinary school until I read this. The storytelling was really well done, and the way key points of information were carefully revealed kept me hooked until the end. I cannot wait to continue reading this series and finding out more about the Butcher and the rest of the world. Definitely was the appetiser and I cannot wait for the main courses and dessert. 5⭐️

Foodies and fantasy fans unite! This fierce tale of rebellion is culinary and clever.

Those who love the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss will appreciate the narrative structure, as a legend recounts his epic tale from zero to hero.

This is the story of Paprick the Butcher, chef-wannabe turned head of a hoarde of ‘common’, indentured workers abused for too long. Paprick has a rare talent in the kitchen - he can create ‘greater’ recipes, capable of giving him powers. When he saves his city from a rampant beast, he becomes a figurehead for a rebel group seeking to depose the king. As he’s thrust into their plots and plans, he takes classes, makes friends, falls in love, smuggles ingredients, uses magic and fulfils a prophecy. And the action doesn’t stop for a second.

I couldn’t put this down, utterly fascinated by the complexity of the world Ryan Rose has created. From the taste-based magic system to the spice-inspired first names, to the imaginative creatures the empowered meat comes from and even the road-runners that deliver messages, the author has produced an engaging and interesting setting for the characters’ internal and external battles. I loved the secret markets and the hidden identities. Everything kept me on the edge of my seat.

I cared about the side characters, gasped at the plot twists and finished the last page starving for more. I just know I’ll be thinking about this one until I can get my hands on the sequel.

Thank you Daphne Press and NetGalley for this arc!

Seven Recipes for Revolution was a genuine joy to read. It is succulent with how it combines the finer nuances of food with the dressing of a classist setting. Every page is filled to the brim with character, and every description of food is as descriptive as it is delicious. The narrative structure of this book really comes to live, and manages to deliver a payoff that is both satisfying and rewarding. But I think the most impressive thing about this book is that it manages to breath life into the meaning of food, and how food shapes an individual's perspective of culture. Food has a long history to it, and it is fundamental in shaping us both physically and mentally. It is something we share with our communities, with our friends, with our family. With ourselves. Without it, what are we?

I am also glad that this book allows Paprick to maintain his individuality and thoughts. He is a figurehead to the rebels, indeed, but he is not without his own thoughts, his own feelings. It allows for him to be human and feeling, and his love of his mothers and not caring what society thinks of them is splendid. Not to mention, he is also still young during his story and it shows throughout the book. He is not a perfect character, but his imperfections make him whole. The other characters also brought a lot to the world, showing different flavours of personality between the Commons and the Rares. The Herd, while ostensibly being on the side of the people, are also not shown to purely white in morality. They too have flaws, and I think it adds layers to the world and story.

All in all, I can't wait to see Ryan Rose cooks up next!