This is probably the fluffiest read I’ve picked up this year. The plot is pretty much as stated on the blurb, with no surprises. The characters are easy to get along with. Oblivious Alphonse’s mishaps veered more into slapstick than I generally prefer. but overall a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

This is set in the same world as [b:The Botanist's Apprentice|58132756|The Botanist's Apprentice|Arden Powell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1621818731l/58132756._SY75_.jpg|91117725] but otherwise there's no tie between the books. It's hard to pinpoint an era it's set in but there are telephones and automobiles but they also use magic to do more modern things that would now be done by machines. It's about double the length of the previous book in the series as well but felt like less happened - I just didn't care about these characters or feel the relationship made sense. There's literally no reason Jacobi would be in love with Alphonse other than the constant proximity and lack of other options. Alphonse is quite literally the "lovable idiot" and it got a little grating. I'm interested in reading more in this AU but this has been my least favourite Powell read so far. ( )