Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs

Arlo Rook has decided it’s time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old. It’s not the first time he’s left home, but a setback landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, and subsequently back to square one. Now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries he’s not ready. Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing interdimensional rifts and corralling trouble in the universe, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena. No one remembers him, but he’s made an everlasting impact on the city nonetheless. Long ago, he set up an anonymous scavenger hunt for the starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. He upped the ante each year, providing less practical things, as the village had become a city and was wealthy beyond belief. Festivals are thrown in his honor to this day, or a version of him, that is. Thatch has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s Game. Whoever discovers his true identity will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder or resurrection. Arlo crashes into the mess of copper curls and bright eyes, who throws apothecary goods and his life into a chaotic mess. It certainly wasn’t the first they met, but Arlo doesn’t remember him. Thatch, however, never forgot the Witch with a familiar soulmark on his face. What follows is a hilarious and wholesome series of events that teases the immortal with the one thing he wants most. Someone to call home.

Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+/Own Voices • Diversity Representation/Mental Health/Own Voices • Fantasy/Cozy, Low, Mundane, and Slice of Life • Romance/Fantasy • Science Fiction/Agripunk, Hopepunk, and Solarpunk

Content Warning: This is an adult fantasy novel with queer characters who swear, smoke, get tattoos and pester each other with inappropriate comments. There is mention of a past suicide attempt, reference to a previous prolonged physical and mental abuse situation, and alcoholism. Several of the characters live with mental illness and it is discussed several times. There are a few graphic sexual scenes towards the end because this is undoubtedly a slow burn with lots of pining.

Reviewed by MorriganGaines writer on 2024-11-19T18:49:37Z:

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