Adamantine "Ada" Garland has an empathic connection to food and wine, a magical perception of aromas, flavours, and ingredients. Invaluable property of the royal court, Ada was in service to the Five Gods and to the Gods-ordained rulers of Verdania-until she had enough of injustice and bloodshed and deserted, seeking to chart her own destiny. When mysterious assassins ferret her out after sixteen years in hiding, Ada, now a rogue Chef, and her beloved Grand-mère run for their lives, only to find themselves on a path toward an unexpected ally.
A foreign princess in a strange court, Solenn unknowingly shares more with Ada than an epicurean gift. They share blood. With her newfound magical perception, she becomes aware of a plot to kill her fiancé, the prince. It's part of a ploy by adversarial forces in the rival country of Albion to sow conflict, and Solenn is set up to take the blame.
As Ada's and Solenn's paths converge, a mother and her long-lost daughter reunite toward a common goal, and against a shadowy enemy from Ada's past who is out for revenge. But what sacrifices must be made? What hope is there when powerful Gods pick sides in a war simmering to eruption?
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The Five Gods have graced people with dominion over land and sea and designated that which we may eat and be empowered by.- MAGIC AND THE FIVE GODS
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(47North, 1 June 2023, e-book, 406 pages, bought from @AmazonKindle, #AmazonFirstReads)
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I enjoyed A Thousand Recipes For Revenge. I liked the cover a lot as this is what made me want to read the book. I loved the blend of fantasy and reality in the book, almost magical realism. Ada is a great character. I rooted for her from the moment she comes to life on the page. I liked the fact she went into hiding because she didn't want to serve cruel gods and my heart was in my throat when she's tracked down and has to flee. Solenn is a great character as well. They are a lot alike. I liked the way their lives converge and how they are linked. This is well-written and engaging. I look forward to the sequel.