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Chefs of the Five Gods #2
A Feast for Starving Stone
Two countries at war. A delicious taste of magic. And a fierce princess comes of age in a rousing adventure by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge . Princess Solenn’s marriage into royalty should have unified the continental neighbors of Verdania and Solenn’s homeland of Braiz against a common the country of Albion. Thanks to Albion’s cunning sabotage, Verdania is now Braiz’s lethal rival. And the dead Braizian sailors washed ashore near Solenn’s château are just the beginning. Arriving in the midst of danger, Ada Garland, rogue Chef to the Gods, is desperate to reunite with her daughter, Solenn. Not only has open war begun; it’s become heart-wrenchingly personal. Ada’s long-lost, beloved Braizian musketeer, Captain Erwan Corre, is being held in a Verdanian prison, with execution imminent. And her daughter has been tasked with the near-doomed responsibility of uniting violently adversarial countries in peace. Can Solenn and Ada, coming together, stop their land from descending into all-out war? What must Solenn become, what more will she sacrifice, to do it? As ambassador between two worlds—one of humans, one of magic—Solenn must now draw from both to prevent the worst of things to come.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2024
504 people are currently reading
2809 people want to read
About the author
Beth Cato
131 books693 followersBeth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in Red Wing, Minnesota. She usually has one or two cats in close orbit. A 2015 Nebula finalist, she is the author of the cozy mystery CHEDDAR LUCK NEXT TIME as well as fantasy like A THOUSAND RECIPES FOR REVENGE. Her short stories can be found in publications ranging from Beneath Ceaseless Skies to Uncanny Magazine. In 2019 and 2022, she won the Rhysling Award for short speculative poetry. Her website BethCato.com includes not only a vast bibliography, but a treasure trove of recipes for delectable goodies. Find her on BlueSky as @BethCato and Instagram as @catocatsandcheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 29, 2024
A Feast for Starving Stone
By Beth Cato
This is book #2 in the two book series. Both books were enjoyable reads. Multiple layer plots. Great characters and mythical characters. Magic with a different spin. Unpredictable.
By Beth Cato
This is book #2 in the two book series. Both books were enjoyable reads. Multiple layer plots. Great characters and mythical characters. Magic with a different spin. Unpredictable.
January 16, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Feast for Starving Stone is the concluding book to the Chefs to the Five Gods Duology. It picks up three weeks after the events in A Thousand Recipes for Revenge with PoVs from the same two characters of Solenn and her birth mother Adamantine or Ada. We are able to see the story through their eyes, the young Princess who sacrificed her something very large so she could not manipulated by one of the five gods and the mother who desperately wants to help her daughter and the country that protected her growing up.
Solenn, Princess of Braize is thought to have murdered the Prince of Verdania. She escaped, just barely and at huge personal cost, when the true poisoner of the prince was really Albion, who wants to take over the small kingdom of Braize. Solenn must figure out a way to make alliances to protect her beloved country from the war that is coming. As ambassador she travels to the land of the kindred, the land of the the magical creatures that are used in the special ingredients known as Epicurea. Unknown to everyone for so long these ingredients are in fact made from magical creatures cursed to live in the mortal realm half of the year where they are in danger of becoming food. Solenn needs their help and they are more at risk if Albion takes over, as Albion is known for the harvesting of all Epicurea they can find and use it liberally. With the help of these creatures and some other creative negotiating with both gods and other creatures, her precious Braize will stand a chance in the upcoming war.
Ada on the other hand is travelling into Verdania in hopes of saving Solenn's father, the love of her life being held captive in Solenn's stead. They have been apart for most of Solenn's life as Ada is a rogue chef in hiding. She would not work for Verdania's king anymore with her Chef talents and is therefore a wanted person who will be punished if caught by the removal of her tongue, her conduit to the god Gist that all chefs have. With the assistance a few kin she heads into enemy territory to find the love of her life, hopefully before he is executed so they can return to Braize and help their daughter.
It took me a little time to get into this story. It could be because I tried to start it before the holidays and that was a crazy time. I put the ebook down and swapped to an audio arc provided to me. The story went much better then and I was carried away in this magic world. The thing I liked about Solenn is she isn't all powerful special. She is a young woman with an impossible task dealing with some PTSD from Gist's take over of her body. She has fears because of this that hinder a few of the tasks in front of her. She has lost her tongue and that is not glossed over, it hinders her speech and the ability to eat. She is struggling with both and we walk through her journey with that and how she shifts and overcomes. I also liked that she was able to lean on others for help and learns it cannot just be her in this war, she needs to depend on those around her if they are all going to survive.
There are some interesting reveals in this about the gods and Solenn that were good twists to the story and at least one of these I was a bit surprised by, even if there were some clues along the way I didn't see. This book is very light on romance as a side note. There is the long lost love of Ada and Erwan separated by fate almost 20 years ago but Solenn is too busy with her duties to pine for anyone and I think that is so different than most YA novels I think it worth noting. She has friends but no love interest.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion to the duology.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Feast for Starving Stone is the concluding book to the Chefs to the Five Gods Duology. It picks up three weeks after the events in A Thousand Recipes for Revenge with PoVs from the same two characters of Solenn and her birth mother Adamantine or Ada. We are able to see the story through their eyes, the young Princess who sacrificed her something very large so she could not manipulated by one of the five gods and the mother who desperately wants to help her daughter and the country that protected her growing up.
Solenn, Princess of Braize is thought to have murdered the Prince of Verdania. She escaped, just barely and at huge personal cost, when the true poisoner of the prince was really Albion, who wants to take over the small kingdom of Braize. Solenn must figure out a way to make alliances to protect her beloved country from the war that is coming. As ambassador she travels to the land of the kindred, the land of the the magical creatures that are used in the special ingredients known as Epicurea. Unknown to everyone for so long these ingredients are in fact made from magical creatures cursed to live in the mortal realm half of the year where they are in danger of becoming food. Solenn needs their help and they are more at risk if Albion takes over, as Albion is known for the harvesting of all Epicurea they can find and use it liberally. With the help of these creatures and some other creative negotiating with both gods and other creatures, her precious Braize will stand a chance in the upcoming war.
Ada on the other hand is travelling into Verdania in hopes of saving Solenn's father, the love of her life being held captive in Solenn's stead. They have been apart for most of Solenn's life as Ada is a rogue chef in hiding. She would not work for Verdania's king anymore with her Chef talents and is therefore a wanted person who will be punished if caught by the removal of her tongue, her conduit to the god Gist that all chefs have. With the assistance a few kin she heads into enemy territory to find the love of her life, hopefully before he is executed so they can return to Braize and help their daughter.
It took me a little time to get into this story. It could be because I tried to start it before the holidays and that was a crazy time. I put the ebook down and swapped to an audio arc provided to me. The story went much better then and I was carried away in this magic world. The thing I liked about Solenn is she isn't all powerful special. She is a young woman with an impossible task dealing with some PTSD from Gist's take over of her body. She has fears because of this that hinder a few of the tasks in front of her. She has lost her tongue and that is not glossed over, it hinders her speech and the ability to eat. She is struggling with both and we walk through her journey with that and how she shifts and overcomes. I also liked that she was able to lean on others for help and learns it cannot just be her in this war, she needs to depend on those around her if they are all going to survive.
There are some interesting reveals in this about the gods and Solenn that were good twists to the story and at least one of these I was a bit surprised by, even if there were some clues along the way I didn't see. This book is very light on romance as a side note. There is the long lost love of Ada and Erwan separated by fate almost 20 years ago but Solenn is too busy with her duties to pine for anyone and I think that is so different than most YA novels I think it worth noting. She has friends but no love interest.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion to the duology.
January 10, 2024
The follow up to A Thousand Recipes For Revenge is just as exciting and gripping ! We are back with young Solenn and she’s still coping with her self mutilation as she removed her tongue to escape from one of the five Gods that control her world. Her estranged birth mother Ada, is reunited with Solenn but as they are a country at war Ada is desperate to get back to the husband who was cruelly taken from her. Solenn’s mission though has its own challenges as the ingredients known as Epicurea are in fact made out of magical creatures and if she’s to get those who reside in Arcady to help it’s imperative that her countrymen resist the magical and actually cursed ingredients ! With Gods making mischief and taking sides perhaps only Solenn is brave enough to try to not just communicate but actually release true danger back into their world !
I really appreciated the recap at the beginning as it meant I could go sailing back into this fantastical world the author has created. At times I forgot how young Solenn is as she’s truly brave and a force to be reckoned with. I loved the ideas that food could be used in many different ways. The ending had all the thrills and feels that I wanted and I already want to read more by this author.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I really appreciated the recap at the beginning as it meant I could go sailing back into this fantastical world the author has created. At times I forgot how young Solenn is as she’s truly brave and a force to be reckoned with. I loved the ideas that food could be used in many different ways. The ending had all the thrills and feels that I wanted and I already want to read more by this author.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
April 11, 2024
I waited so long to read the grand finale of this duology and my golly gosh was it worth it.
Absolutely unique magic system, God's... blessing chef's... creating magical food... consuming to gain power.
Sounds sweet but no it aint no pretty little story, it's full of battles, war, demented God's, walking trees, silver haired men who turn into horse's and of course the princess who cut out her own tongue :)
Absolutely unique magic system, God's... blessing chef's... creating magical food... consuming to gain power.
Sounds sweet but no it aint no pretty little story, it's full of battles, war, demented God's, walking trees, silver haired men who turn into horse's and of course the princess who cut out her own tongue :)
January 4, 2024
This series is just amazing!
Book 2 picks up right after book 1, and you're going to need to read that one first. This one is a direct continuation.
The worldbuilding is impressive and the main characters, as well as the secondary, are well formed and engaging. The story kept me reading at a fast pace, eager to see what was next.
Highly recommend!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Book 2 picks up right after book 1, and you're going to need to read that one first. This one is a direct continuation.
The worldbuilding is impressive and the main characters, as well as the secondary, are well formed and engaging. The story kept me reading at a fast pace, eager to see what was next.
Highly recommend!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
February 8, 2024
*Source* Publisher via NetGalley
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Beth Cato's A Feast for Starving Stone is the second installment in the authors Chefs of the Five Gods duology. Key Characters: Princess Solenn of Braiz and Adamantine Garland. This story picks up 3 weeks after Solenn removed her own tongue to prevent herself from becoming a meat puppet of the God Gyst who she is still having nightmares about. Even though she struggles to speak, and needs to write things down, she has become the only human ambassador to ever exist between the world and the parallel magical realm known as Arcady.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Beth Cato's A Feast for Starving Stone is the second installment in the authors Chefs of the Five Gods duology. Key Characters: Princess Solenn of Braiz and Adamantine Garland. This story picks up 3 weeks after Solenn removed her own tongue to prevent herself from becoming a meat puppet of the God Gyst who she is still having nightmares about. Even though she struggles to speak, and needs to write things down, she has become the only human ambassador to ever exist between the world and the parallel magical realm known as Arcady.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 30, 2024
Continuing where the first book left off, our cast now faces war on several sides. Erwan is missing, and with Solenn in a fresh alliance with the Coterie she has to continue making powerful allies for her country to make it through to the other side.
Once again, I liked the seperate POVs between Ada and Solenn. I really liked Ada's POV in the first book, but I feel that it was weaker in this followup. Her mission in the first part of the book was interesting, but it trailed off in the second half when she started . Solenn's POV was engaging throughout the book, I can't complain about the direction but too much emphasis was put on her having PTSD due to gyst controlling her in the first book. I liked how Solenn was making unlikely allies such as these parts of the story were interesting, and I liked the descriptions of how these different beings communicated.
I did feel that the ending was kind of lackluster - the "main villain"'s defeat happened too soon after their appearance so it lacked build up and conclusion. In fact, I feel that the whole conclusion wrapped up too quick considering the length of the book. 90% build up for like 3% conclusion which didn't even hit imo.
It's not terrible, but I preferred the first one.
3/5
Once again, I liked the seperate POVs between Ada and Solenn. I really liked Ada's POV in the first book, but I feel that it was weaker in this followup. Her mission in the first part of the book was interesting, but it trailed off in the second half when she started . Solenn's POV was engaging throughout the book, I can't complain about the direction but too much emphasis was put on her having PTSD due to gyst controlling her in the first book. I liked how Solenn was making unlikely allies such as these parts of the story were interesting, and I liked the descriptions of how these different beings communicated.
I did feel that the ending was kind of lackluster - the "main villain"'s defeat happened too soon after their appearance so it lacked build up and conclusion. In fact, I feel that the whole conclusion wrapped up too quick considering the length of the book. 90% build up for like 3% conclusion which didn't even hit imo.
It's not terrible, but I preferred the first one.
3/5
January 9, 2025
Enjoyable story, if convoluted at times!
January 14, 2024
By the Five, this is excellent!
There are some books that are read very quickly. I don’t know why - they’re perfectly enjoyable (excellent, even), but the experience is short, like eating a mid-range kind of chocolate, like a Hershey’s Kiss. Tasty but not exceptional. This book is not one of those. Stick with me - I have what I hope is a good analogy.
This last December, I tried a new-to-me chocolate brand: Moser Roth from Aldi. They had a few kinds of individually-wrapped treats in with the holiday foods, including a milk chocolate truffle. I bought some for friends’ care packages but kept some for us, too. I was amazed when I ate the first truffle. I’m not much of a chocolate lover, but the way this truffle smelled, tasted, and became oh-so-creamy as I savored it has made me a chocolate convert, and I have eaten several since.
This series, especially this book, is like a Moser Roth milk chocolate truffle. One cannot just read it and go on with one’s day. One needs to savor every second, every word, as this world and pantheon is so unique, delicious in so many ways.
I am quite satisfied with the ending, but I hope the author finds more stories to tell here and with these characters, especially Hester!
There are some books that are read very quickly. I don’t know why - they’re perfectly enjoyable (excellent, even), but the experience is short, like eating a mid-range kind of chocolate, like a Hershey’s Kiss. Tasty but not exceptional. This book is not one of those. Stick with me - I have what I hope is a good analogy.
This last December, I tried a new-to-me chocolate brand: Moser Roth from Aldi. They had a few kinds of individually-wrapped treats in with the holiday foods, including a milk chocolate truffle. I bought some for friends’ care packages but kept some for us, too. I was amazed when I ate the first truffle. I’m not much of a chocolate lover, but the way this truffle smelled, tasted, and became oh-so-creamy as I savored it has made me a chocolate convert, and I have eaten several since.
This series, especially this book, is like a Moser Roth milk chocolate truffle. One cannot just read it and go on with one’s day. One needs to savor every second, every word, as this world and pantheon is so unique, delicious in so many ways.
I am quite satisfied with the ending, but I hope the author finds more stories to tell here and with these characters, especially Hester!
March 18, 2024
Ada and Solenn are not given their much-deserved rest since the events of the first book. Albion is coming for war and they must organise the protection of Braiz with the knowledge they've learned from the first book.
This is a delightful continuation of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge. The food-based explanations and excerpts are cleverly woven into the prose. Beyond reading the words written in this book, the writing played on emotions and feelings I associated with food. This unusual incorporation adds to the immersion of the story and overall wonderful reading experience.
The characters are all admirable throughout the book. This might be a weakness of the second book brought on by a strength of the first book. Solenn steps into a unique leadership role thrust onto her with all the courage we have seen her develop in the first book. She is further burdened by her own trauma from the first book. Readers who enjoyed the first book might be left wanting as far as her character development in the second book is concerned. Again, while the first book succeeded in expanding her knowledge and perspective of the world, it feels like there is less to explore (and therefore, less for her character to develop) in the second book.
This is a delightful continuation of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge. The food-based explanations and excerpts are cleverly woven into the prose. Beyond reading the words written in this book, the writing played on emotions and feelings I associated with food. This unusual incorporation adds to the immersion of the story and overall wonderful reading experience.
The characters are all admirable throughout the book. This might be a weakness of the second book brought on by a strength of the first book. Solenn steps into a unique leadership role thrust onto her with all the courage we have seen her develop in the first book. She is further burdened by her own trauma from the first book. Readers who enjoyed the first book might be left wanting as far as her character development in the second book is concerned. Again, while the first book succeeded in expanding her knowledge and perspective of the world, it feels like there is less to explore (and therefore, less for her character to develop) in the second book.
February 22, 2024
Book 2 of Chefs of the Five Gods did not disappoint. Action-packed from the beginning, violent, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful, I fell deeper in love with the world and the people. Solenn's new handicap was upsetting. Ada's injury caused me to yell out "No!" Most August Hester gave me hope. I look forward to reading Book 1 and Book 2 again, and I eagerly await Book 3. A review can't truly detail the magic and beauty that Cato has created.
Edited to add: I received this book as a free giveaway in Dec 2023. My first Goodreads win!
Edited to add: I received this book as a free giveaway in Dec 2023. My first Goodreads win!
July 25, 2024
This is going to continue to be a great series— I feel it in my bones! And I’m so so excited for it.
January 28, 2024
Loved the first one, and this went up a few notches. Fantastic duology, and I hope Ms. Cato isn't done in this world.
February 10, 2024
That was fun! I’m going to try Sugar Cake as soon as I’m able. A fun epic with so many characters including the Coterie and Kin. Worth the read but read #1 first…
May 13, 2024
This is it????
Spoilers****
I fell in love with Ada and Erwen I'm the first book, and could tolerate solenns pov. This worsened in the second book. It is a mix of-as an adult i don't want to read stories where the hero is a child, (and that's what this was. The first book was more Ada focused and this one was very solenn centric) and sollenn just being a boring character.
I wish Ada hadn't been demoted to basically a side character. I just can't connect with a goody two shoes child with no personality. I think too many paragraphs were wasted on proving to the reader that Solenn is a good person and not enough on giving her a personality.
The climax was anticlimactic. So much build up to these horrible, awful bad guys. And then..... nothing really happened. It felt like the author rushed through the climax. It felt like the author finished it just to finish it....or had a weird limit and realized towards the end she was cutting it closer. i never felt like there was a pressing urgency.
Tbe majority of Two books were spent building up this approaching epic battle of reteibution between the kin, braiz, and Albion.... and then one dragon showed up for part of it, and then eventually a single kraken, the readers witnessed no actual legendary fight to send albion running for the hills and never look back.
And then the rushed one page resolution to the verdania conflict. With no insight into how the world is going to look after these world altering discoveries that epicurea comes from intelligent beings when epicurea is ingrained into nearly every facet of these people's lives. Or how the main characters lives were going to look. Or what is going to happen to Hester? Is she just going to stay stone forever?
So much creativity went into building this fantastical world. I can't even begin to imagine the hours spent on creating all of the intricate little details, and tge research into differnt french foods. (assuming the author is not already a french chef) ao much care went into crafting this beautiful world. The author's writing style is beautiful. And then it just felt like Ada, Hester, the battle with Albion, the kin, weren't given the attention they deserved. Still a wonderful read.
Spoilers****
I fell in love with Ada and Erwen I'm the first book, and could tolerate solenns pov. This worsened in the second book. It is a mix of-as an adult i don't want to read stories where the hero is a child, (and that's what this was. The first book was more Ada focused and this one was very solenn centric) and sollenn just being a boring character.
I wish Ada hadn't been demoted to basically a side character. I just can't connect with a goody two shoes child with no personality. I think too many paragraphs were wasted on proving to the reader that Solenn is a good person and not enough on giving her a personality.
The climax was anticlimactic. So much build up to these horrible, awful bad guys. And then..... nothing really happened. It felt like the author rushed through the climax. It felt like the author finished it just to finish it....or had a weird limit and realized towards the end she was cutting it closer. i never felt like there was a pressing urgency.
Tbe majority of Two books were spent building up this approaching epic battle of reteibution between the kin, braiz, and Albion.... and then one dragon showed up for part of it, and then eventually a single kraken, the readers witnessed no actual legendary fight to send albion running for the hills and never look back.
And then the rushed one page resolution to the verdania conflict. With no insight into how the world is going to look after these world altering discoveries that epicurea comes from intelligent beings when epicurea is ingrained into nearly every facet of these people's lives. Or how the main characters lives were going to look. Or what is going to happen to Hester? Is she just going to stay stone forever?
So much creativity went into building this fantastical world. I can't even begin to imagine the hours spent on creating all of the intricate little details, and tge research into differnt french foods. (assuming the author is not already a french chef) ao much care went into crafting this beautiful world. The author's writing style is beautiful. And then it just felt like Ada, Hester, the battle with Albion, the kin, weren't given the attention they deserved. Still a wonderful read.
abandoned-not-finished
March 16, 2024I read the first book in the series about a year ago, so I had forgotten what it was about. After reading the summary of the first book, I read a few pages into this one. Not going to rate the book because I really didn’t read it. However, I just couldn’t make myself pick it up and read more. Just not in the mood for it right now, I guess.
September 2, 2023
I loved this second book as much as thr first. Md. Cato excels at world building. She creates memorable, empathetic characters. A great read.
Can't wait for the next book by this talented author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Can't wait for the next book by this talented author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 27, 2024
The first book was better than the second. I just wasn’t into the story.
June 24, 2025
I'm not quite sure what to rate this. I began this book on Audible, but finished on Kindle and was much happier with the Kindle. (I read the first book in the series entirely on Kindle and enjoyed it.)
Audible: The narrator on Audible has a lovely voice, but didn't really distinguish between characters well (other than a French vs British accent for certain characters from different regions). I found it confusing. She also didn't distinguish between when a main character was writing or speaking, so it seemed like the author had forgotten the character had no tongue? That issue turned out to be either me missing something in the Audible performance or there being no indicators of written speech. I also got tired of everything seeming so overly and breathily dramatic. Lovely voice, but it came off as if everyone was clutching their pearls all of the time, even when talking about something mundane. I listen while driving and some performances make a long distance drive feel like minutes. This one I had trouble staying focused on it. I switched to Kindle about halfway through the book and was much happier.
The book: The previous book had been so complex that there was an entire summary of the plot of the first book at the beginning of this one that was very helpful. I thought I remembered most of it, but I clearly did not! This book has a less complex plot....it felt like there was a lot of dashing about, but that feeling lessened once I switched to Kindle. To me, the strongest points of the book are the worldbuilding. I loved learning more about the world of the Coterie and especially the dryads and krakens. I would have loved more of that. There was less personal characterization in this book and more action. A lot of the internal monologue involved fear and self-doubt on the part of multiple characters (which may be why the Audible performance struggled to distinguish them), as well as PTSD. It was nice to see a fantasy book actually accounting for mental health issues when people have experienced trauma and it was done in a way that would probably not be triggering for most people. However, the action at times seemed all over the place and at other times kind of bogged down in a character's self doubt. Since Solenn and Ada were the main focus at all times, I felt that some of the other characters were given short shrift. Solenn's chapters also seemed more complete and compelling than Ada's, which was a shame as I love Ada as a character. There was some deus ex machina going on, but I don't have a problem with that in a fantasy novel with good worldbuilding...after all, there are five gods! They sure seemed to get involved an awful lot, but that gets somewhat explained.
Some text was really clunky. For example:
"Simultaneous pistol blasts inside the chalet caused her and Brillat to flatten as they gazed at each other, questions in their eyes."
I wish I had gone back and started the book over on Kindle, as I don't know how much of my feeling was from not having a good grounding in the first half of the book or if this book was truly less focused than the first. However, even when just looking at the second half of the book, it felt like the book could have used a little more editing to tighten it up.
I suspect there will be more books in the series. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep reading or not. I do really love the Coterie. Maybe a book from the viewpoint of Abonde? I would definitely read that.
Audible: The narrator on Audible has a lovely voice, but didn't really distinguish between characters well (other than a French vs British accent for certain characters from different regions). I found it confusing. She also didn't distinguish between when a main character was writing or speaking, so it seemed like the author had forgotten the character had no tongue? That issue turned out to be either me missing something in the Audible performance or there being no indicators of written speech. I also got tired of everything seeming so overly and breathily dramatic. Lovely voice, but it came off as if everyone was clutching their pearls all of the time, even when talking about something mundane. I listen while driving and some performances make a long distance drive feel like minutes. This one I had trouble staying focused on it. I switched to Kindle about halfway through the book and was much happier.
The book: The previous book had been so complex that there was an entire summary of the plot of the first book at the beginning of this one that was very helpful. I thought I remembered most of it, but I clearly did not! This book has a less complex plot....it felt like there was a lot of dashing about, but that feeling lessened once I switched to Kindle. To me, the strongest points of the book are the worldbuilding. I loved learning more about the world of the Coterie and especially the dryads and krakens. I would have loved more of that. There was less personal characterization in this book and more action. A lot of the internal monologue involved fear and self-doubt on the part of multiple characters (which may be why the Audible performance struggled to distinguish them), as well as PTSD. It was nice to see a fantasy book actually accounting for mental health issues when people have experienced trauma and it was done in a way that would probably not be triggering for most people. However, the action at times seemed all over the place and at other times kind of bogged down in a character's self doubt. Since Solenn and Ada were the main focus at all times, I felt that some of the other characters were given short shrift. Solenn's chapters also seemed more complete and compelling than Ada's, which was a shame as I love Ada as a character. There was some deus ex machina going on, but I don't have a problem with that in a fantasy novel with good worldbuilding...after all, there are five gods! They sure seemed to get involved an awful lot, but that gets somewhat explained.
Some text was really clunky. For example:
"Simultaneous pistol blasts inside the chalet caused her and Brillat to flatten as they gazed at each other, questions in their eyes."
I wish I had gone back and started the book over on Kindle, as I don't know how much of my feeling was from not having a good grounding in the first half of the book or if this book was truly less focused than the first. However, even when just looking at the second half of the book, it felt like the book could have used a little more editing to tighten it up.
I suspect there will be more books in the series. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep reading or not. I do really love the Coterie. Maybe a book from the viewpoint of Abonde? I would definitely read that.
January 23, 2024
I’ve been waiting for this book and it did NOT disappoint!
Big spoiler alert****
Princess Solenn’s story continues in this sequel to A Thousand Recipes For Revenge. The story is still told from two viewpoints, hers and her birth mother Ada’s, but to me, Solenn was the primary protagonist.
Solenn sacrificed her tongue in the last story and must now learn how to eat and talk without it. She is also an ambassador to the ‘kin’ and is responsible for trying to ally the people of Braiz with them. Her people relied on epicurea in the past, food with magical properties. It turns out epicurea is all made with parts of the kin, fairy wings, magical chicken eggs, body parts and such. Understandably, the kin want these practices ceased.
Solenn is also the go-between for some of the gods of the land, in particular, Hester, of hearth and home, and Selland, of salt and sea. The reason she cut off her tongue was to prevent Gyst, of unknowns (small things like yeast and mold), from possessing her and taking control of her body. Chefs are god-touched through their tongue and Solenn was a Chef (we learned in the first story she inherited this gift from Ada).
In addition to all of this, the country is now at war. The neighbors to the north and south are determined to destroy Braiz and both have large amounts of epicurea. This will make their soldiers faster, stronger, and hardier.
Can Braiz survive a war on two fronts with magic to make them stronger? Against enemies that will use all these powers and more to crush them? Can Solenn convince the gods to intervene? Will the kin be allies or enemies? Find out in the next exciting installment: A Feast For Starving Stone!
Big spoiler alert****
Princess Solenn’s story continues in this sequel to A Thousand Recipes For Revenge. The story is still told from two viewpoints, hers and her birth mother Ada’s, but to me, Solenn was the primary protagonist.
Solenn sacrificed her tongue in the last story and must now learn how to eat and talk without it. She is also an ambassador to the ‘kin’ and is responsible for trying to ally the people of Braiz with them. Her people relied on epicurea in the past, food with magical properties. It turns out epicurea is all made with parts of the kin, fairy wings, magical chicken eggs, body parts and such. Understandably, the kin want these practices ceased.
Solenn is also the go-between for some of the gods of the land, in particular, Hester, of hearth and home, and Selland, of salt and sea. The reason she cut off her tongue was to prevent Gyst, of unknowns (small things like yeast and mold), from possessing her and taking control of her body. Chefs are god-touched through their tongue and Solenn was a Chef (we learned in the first story she inherited this gift from Ada).
In addition to all of this, the country is now at war. The neighbors to the north and south are determined to destroy Braiz and both have large amounts of epicurea. This will make their soldiers faster, stronger, and hardier.
Can Braiz survive a war on two fronts with magic to make them stronger? Against enemies that will use all these powers and more to crush them? Can Solenn convince the gods to intervene? Will the kin be allies or enemies? Find out in the next exciting installment: A Feast For Starving Stone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2024
Sometimes I read a duology and it feels cut short, or it feels like half of the second book is filler. Not so with Chefs of the Five Gods. This picks up with one of our main POV Solenn having experienced massive trauma in a final confrontation with the Gods Gyst and Hestor.
Our other main POV, Ada, is again working to find her lover and Solenn's main advisor, Erwan as the nations prepare for war.
The story is mature at this point, and Cato gives us adventures aplenty (riding dragons while fighting bad guys with stolen dragon wings, talking to Krakens, requesting dryads carve stone, the observance of the war-dead, etc.) that we can truly get excited about because Solenn is doing amazing things-- she's figuring out a way to still be an Ambassador and Princess despite the brink of war, despite her trauma, despite the magicks of Albion stacked against them.
Ada is still cool, but I savored every scene with Solenn because she find a third path in an either/or war situation by employing her greatest weapon-- compassion.
I wish there was more Camarga action, more Averyone-Solenn banter and relationship building, I wish there was more time for us to see the aftermath of the battles, but also, I feel that Cato packs so much action/emotion into every scene I wouldn't want that diluted.
And then there's the food. As I said in the the review of the first book in this series, if you didn't follow Cato's blog and don't know about her many baking recipes and obsession with cheese, its your loss :)
Our other main POV, Ada, is again working to find her lover and Solenn's main advisor, Erwan as the nations prepare for war.
The story is mature at this point, and Cato gives us adventures aplenty (riding dragons while fighting bad guys with stolen dragon wings, talking to Krakens, requesting dryads carve stone, the observance of the war-dead, etc.) that we can truly get excited about because Solenn is doing amazing things-- she's figuring out a way to still be an Ambassador and Princess despite the brink of war, despite her trauma, despite the magicks of Albion stacked against them.
Ada is still cool, but I savored every scene with Solenn because she find a third path in an either/or war situation by employing her greatest weapon-- compassion.
I wish there was more Camarga action, more Averyone-Solenn banter and relationship building, I wish there was more time for us to see the aftermath of the battles, but also, I feel that Cato packs so much action/emotion into every scene I wouldn't want that diluted.
And then there's the food. As I said in the the review of the first book in this series, if you didn't follow Cato's blog and don't know about her many baking recipes and obsession with cheese, its your loss :)
January 9, 2024
In the second novel to The Chef of the Gods series, Beth Cato brings the series to a stunning conclusion as she weaves together both Ada and Solenn’s narrative in an evocative and dynamic story. What is especially engaging is that each woman must find a way to fight the battle before them in their own unique way. They may have assistance but each must find the strength within themselves to rise to the challenge.
I love that this is written from the female perspective. I also like that despite Solenn cutting out her tongue, it does not limit her. She finds ways to have her voice, to pursue diplomacy and navigate war in her own fashion, rising to unexpected heights as she embraces her power.
The story is incredibly engaging as it deals with intrigue and war, including the capture of Erwan and Ada’s quest to free him from captivity. I love the kin and how each has their own special abilities, especially the Camargo and the dragon Queen. I also love how the cats have their own place in the story. It is a tiny element but they bring delight to the story.
If you loved the first book, “A Thousand Recipes for Revenge”, you will love A Feast for Starving Stone. It deals with the Gods in unusual ways and with unexpected mercies. The characters are incredible and the story brings us a stunning conclusion to the series.
I love that this is written from the female perspective. I also like that despite Solenn cutting out her tongue, it does not limit her. She finds ways to have her voice, to pursue diplomacy and navigate war in her own fashion, rising to unexpected heights as she embraces her power.
The story is incredibly engaging as it deals with intrigue and war, including the capture of Erwan and Ada’s quest to free him from captivity. I love the kin and how each has their own special abilities, especially the Camargo and the dragon Queen. I also love how the cats have their own place in the story. It is a tiny element but they bring delight to the story.
If you loved the first book, “A Thousand Recipes for Revenge”, you will love A Feast for Starving Stone. It deals with the Gods in unusual ways and with unexpected mercies. The characters are incredible and the story brings us a stunning conclusion to the series.
July 24, 2024
A Feast for Starving Stone was alright. There was slightly more world-building, mostly on what exactly the gods were capable of. Mostly it was a run-around, Solenn and Ada running from one battle to the next. Rather chaotic, in all honesty. I wasn’t as enamored with the story this time around.
More books in series need a “previously on” chapter that you can read if you need a refresher and skip if you don’t. A+ for including this, Beth Cato. Love it.
I really, really feel like Solenn has been knee-capped by Queen Abonde’s refusal to allow even the knowledge of the Coteries’ existence to come out. How the fuck is Solenn supposed to actually make any sort of headway if she’s not allowed to explain why she wants the things she wants to the humans? “You have six months to get some shit done, but you’re not allowed to tell anyone except your guards that they’re eating sentient creatures. Oh, and by the way, even touching our dead bodies is offensive.” Like, what? Abdone eventually apologies for this nonsense, but I’m still annoyed about it.
I really liked the kraken stuff. It makes complete sense that a creature so divorced from land animals would have a completely different way of looking at the world. It was neat.
I don’t really have much else to say. A Feast for Starving Stone was just alright.
More books in series need a “previously on” chapter that you can read if you need a refresher and skip if you don’t. A+ for including this, Beth Cato. Love it.
I really, really feel like Solenn has been knee-capped by Queen Abonde’s refusal to allow even the knowledge of the Coteries’ existence to come out. How the fuck is Solenn supposed to actually make any sort of headway if she’s not allowed to explain why she wants the things she wants to the humans? “You have six months to get some shit done, but you’re not allowed to tell anyone except your guards that they’re eating sentient creatures. Oh, and by the way, even touching our dead bodies is offensive.” Like, what? Abdone eventually apologies for this nonsense, but I’m still annoyed about it.
I really liked the kraken stuff. It makes complete sense that a creature so divorced from land animals would have a completely different way of looking at the world. It was neat.
I don’t really have much else to say. A Feast for Starving Stone was just alright.
October 31, 2023
Even better than the first book!
This book continues the adventures of Solenn and Ada as war comes to Braiz. You might think that without her tongue--the magical conduit to the gods--that Solenn would have little to do. But you'd be oh so wrong. Solenn comes into her own in this book, which I loved. And Ada isn't given short-shrift , either. Each woman must overcome immense hurdles to preserve those they love, and to keep progress with peace between the kin and the humans of Braiz.
There's more of everything I loved about the first book: more kin, more Arcady, more of the gods and the unique, food-based magic system that is so amazing. More developing friendships between humans and kin, more nefarious plans that desperately need to be foiled--somehow.
More than a satisfying followup, this book dives deeper and feels even more immersive. It lingers longer, like a great meal's afterglow. I'm eagerly awaiting the third "course."
Note: A Feast for Starving Stone is the second book in the "Chefs of the Five Gods" series, by Beth Cato. (The first book is titled "A Thousand Recipes for Revenge.") As such, it is necessary for you to have read book 1 to understand what's going on here.
This book continues the adventures of Solenn and Ada as war comes to Braiz. You might think that without her tongue--the magical conduit to the gods--that Solenn would have little to do. But you'd be oh so wrong. Solenn comes into her own in this book, which I loved. And Ada isn't given short-shrift , either. Each woman must overcome immense hurdles to preserve those they love, and to keep progress with peace between the kin and the humans of Braiz.
There's more of everything I loved about the first book: more kin, more Arcady, more of the gods and the unique, food-based magic system that is so amazing. More developing friendships between humans and kin, more nefarious plans that desperately need to be foiled--somehow.
More than a satisfying followup, this book dives deeper and feels even more immersive. It lingers longer, like a great meal's afterglow. I'm eagerly awaiting the third "course."
Note: A Feast for Starving Stone is the second book in the "Chefs of the Five Gods" series, by Beth Cato. (The first book is titled "A Thousand Recipes for Revenge.") As such, it is necessary for you to have read book 1 to understand what's going on here.
January 8, 2024
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
In the brilliant follow-up book to A Thousand Recipes For Revenge, Princess Solenn is now an ambassador between the human and magical worlds, while her birth mother, Ada Garland, rogue Chef to the Gods, is working tirelessly to free Ada’s long-lost, beloved Braizian musketeer, Captain Erwan Corre. Once she can do that, then Ada and Erwan, reunited at last, can go in search of their daughter, and try to stop the war that is raging.
This was an excellent ending to this epic tale. I admit, I had forgotten a few of the finer points of the first book, but the author did an excellent recap that was very thorough. Although you really should read A Thousand Recipes For Revenge first, she did such a good job covering all of the main aspects of that book, that you really would not be lost if you hadn't read it. However, that book was amazing as well, so I highly recommend reading them both. Even though this was almost four hundred pages, it felt like the time flew by. There was so much action and suspense, so many different moving parts that it kept my attention throughout. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction, then you should definitely check these books out!
In the brilliant follow-up book to A Thousand Recipes For Revenge, Princess Solenn is now an ambassador between the human and magical worlds, while her birth mother, Ada Garland, rogue Chef to the Gods, is working tirelessly to free Ada’s long-lost, beloved Braizian musketeer, Captain Erwan Corre. Once she can do that, then Ada and Erwan, reunited at last, can go in search of their daughter, and try to stop the war that is raging.
This was an excellent ending to this epic tale. I admit, I had forgotten a few of the finer points of the first book, but the author did an excellent recap that was very thorough. Although you really should read A Thousand Recipes For Revenge first, she did such a good job covering all of the main aspects of that book, that you really would not be lost if you hadn't read it. However, that book was amazing as well, so I highly recommend reading them both. Even though this was almost four hundred pages, it felt like the time flew by. There was so much action and suspense, so many different moving parts that it kept my attention throughout. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction, then you should definitely check these books out!
February 1, 2024
In a follow up to A Thousand Recipes for Revenge the fires of war that were kindled in the first book are stoked into a full on conflagration. Princess Solenn will have to nurture her relationship with the Coterie while keeping their identities a secret. She’ll need to rely on her diplomatic skills and learn how to negotiate with people, creatures, and gods to thwart the threats from neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Ada Garland, rogue Chef and mother of Solenn, desperately searches for Erwan Corre, her husband who is currently held captive by an enemy state. Ada will fall back on her fighting skills, her gods-gifted tongue, and her friendship with a magical ally to save her spouse and return to Braiz to help her daughter.
This story offers themes of compromise, empathy, forgiveness, and trust. A wonderfully creative, imaginative, and fast-paced tale that will not disappoint. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before starting this one to truly appreciate the richness of the relationships and the intricacies of the political situations. Ms. Cato helps readers envision a beautiful, sometimes cruel, world that will leave you wanting more.
Meanwhile, Ada Garland, rogue Chef and mother of Solenn, desperately searches for Erwan Corre, her husband who is currently held captive by an enemy state. Ada will fall back on her fighting skills, her gods-gifted tongue, and her friendship with a magical ally to save her spouse and return to Braiz to help her daughter.
This story offers themes of compromise, empathy, forgiveness, and trust. A wonderfully creative, imaginative, and fast-paced tale that will not disappoint. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before starting this one to truly appreciate the richness of the relationships and the intricacies of the political situations. Ms. Cato helps readers envision a beautiful, sometimes cruel, world that will leave you wanting more.
November 19, 2023
I was given an Advanced Copy of the book to read. This review below is entirely my own.
The continuing saga of Ada, Solenn, and Erwan, in the 2nd in the series Chefs of the Five Gods, did NOT disappoint. What I truly enjoy about Cato's writing style is the details of the characters, the places, and the story itself. I am typically a fast reader; however, with Cato's books I like to take my time so that I can fully invest myself in the story.
I read other reviews that "complained" about the characters crying "so much"; but that is simply not true. Are there tears? Yep, in keeping with the story line; just like there is death, pain, sorry, happiness, blood, love, sadness, horror, and all the other gamut of emotions humans and Gods might experience.
The fantasy is spot on; I read no inconsistencies from book one to this book. The world is richly developed. If you have not read the first book, go do that NOW, then come back and read THIS one. You will not regret your time in Cato's world.
The continuing saga of Ada, Solenn, and Erwan, in the 2nd in the series Chefs of the Five Gods, did NOT disappoint. What I truly enjoy about Cato's writing style is the details of the characters, the places, and the story itself. I am typically a fast reader; however, with Cato's books I like to take my time so that I can fully invest myself in the story.
I read other reviews that "complained" about the characters crying "so much"; but that is simply not true. Are there tears? Yep, in keeping with the story line; just like there is death, pain, sorry, happiness, blood, love, sadness, horror, and all the other gamut of emotions humans and Gods might experience.
The fantasy is spot on; I read no inconsistencies from book one to this book. The world is richly developed. If you have not read the first book, go do that NOW, then come back and read THIS one. You will not regret your time in Cato's world.
December 31, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but I found this one to be lackluster in comparison. Much of the beginning involves excruciating details of Solenn’s difficulties without her tongue which is obviously hard to read. Then much of the rest is preparing for or actually in battle. I really enjoyed the characters and the uniqueness of the world building in the first book but the tone of this book is very different. It does open with a detailed reminder of the events of the first book which is appreciated but turn annoyingly throughout the beginning there were more of the same repeated reminders. I found myself confused about Solenn’s family as we were not given explanations of who was who. There was also a lot less of the food elements which I’d found so well done in the first book. I don’t know if the author intends to continue this series but personally I’m done with it.
It’s a very clean book for the most part with nothing sexual and without graphic violence. There are battles but not much gore.
It’s a very clean book for the most part with nothing sexual and without graphic violence. There are battles but not much gore.
September 18, 2023
Rating: DNF
Review: I couldn’t get into this novel for a couple of reasons. Little princess Sniffums constantly crying or angry about the injustices of the world where every situation is a tongueless commentary got old real quick. Oh, and she is 16 FYO and running a country. Riiiiiight.
The main story line reminds me of writers that fall in love with their own ideas of magic, to the detriment of the novel as a whole. In this case, food is the vehicle (and a weak one) where people are imubued with supposed powers of which we never see executed. Sure the wine fizzes and the cheese is yummy and lasts a long time, but where is the fukin transfer of magic? Well, I got tired of waiting for this novel to get off the pot so maybe the magic was left there?
It is too bad this writers friends couldn’t step up and tell her that the magic themes are worthless and not interesting in the slightest. Cause dang, this writer has talent that is getting wasted in a creative dead-end.
Review: I couldn’t get into this novel for a couple of reasons. Little princess Sniffums constantly crying or angry about the injustices of the world where every situation is a tongueless commentary got old real quick. Oh, and she is 16 FYO and running a country. Riiiiiight.
The main story line reminds me of writers that fall in love with their own ideas of magic, to the detriment of the novel as a whole. In this case, food is the vehicle (and a weak one) where people are imubued with supposed powers of which we never see executed. Sure the wine fizzes and the cheese is yummy and lasts a long time, but where is the fukin transfer of magic? Well, I got tired of waiting for this novel to get off the pot so maybe the magic was left there?
It is too bad this writers friends couldn’t step up and tell her that the magic themes are worthless and not interesting in the slightest. Cause dang, this writer has talent that is getting wasted in a creative dead-end.
October 27, 2023
I was so happy I had the second book ready to go, I was very ready to jump straight back into this world.
There is a lot happening in this one, but it all flows well, it didn't come across as forced.
I really enjoyed the different perspectives granted on the gods in this book. Being that we now perceive them as truly human.
Loved seeing more of our girl Solenns family, and seeing Ada go on more adventures. And I still adore Erwan.
Really enjoyed the maturing of Hester... Which seems odd to say about a being so old.... Perhaps learning is the better word. And I also really liked some of our characters understanding her better as an individual as well.
Yet again really liked that our core characters varied widely in age.
And finally I loved the concept of the Kraken and the way they perceived and understood the world around them, life and death, good and bad, and everything in between. It was pure and rather beautiful.
Really enjoyed it!!
I give this 4 stars
There is a lot happening in this one, but it all flows well, it didn't come across as forced.
I really enjoyed the different perspectives granted on the gods in this book. Being that we now perceive them as truly human.
Loved seeing more of our girl Solenns family, and seeing Ada go on more adventures. And I still adore Erwan.
Really enjoyed the maturing of Hester... Which seems odd to say about a being so old.... Perhaps learning is the better word. And I also really liked some of our characters understanding her better as an individual as well.
Yet again really liked that our core characters varied widely in age.
And finally I loved the concept of the Kraken and the way they perceived and understood the world around them, life and death, good and bad, and everything in between. It was pure and rather beautiful.
Really enjoyed it!!
I give this 4 stars
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