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Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane
When a city councilor comes into Quaint Creatures and asks veterinary doctor Norrik Softstep to investigate the magical crate confiscated by his customs agency, the entire staff of Quaint Creatures will need all their skills and knowledge to unravel the troubles threatening the relatively peaceful city of Brightfall.
From liches seeking city approval for their public adventurer dungeon, to strange goings on at the pet food factory, no problem is too magical nor mundane for Rik and his friends.
From liches seeking city approval for their public adventurer dungeon, to strange goings on at the pet food factory, no problem is too magical nor mundane for Rik and his friends.
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About the author
Andrew D. Meredith
18 books171 followersAndrew D Meredith’s journey has taken him to many fantastical places. From selling books in the wilds of western Washington to designing and publishing board games in the great white midwest. He’s now committed to the quest he was called to so long ago: the telling of fantastical tales, and bringing to life underestimated characters willing to take on the responsibilities no one else will.
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September 15, 2024
My SPFBOX Semi-Finalist review of Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane is published at Before We Go Blog.
“Welcome to Quaint Creatures, where you will find all your creature comforts and dietary requirements for your most cherished companions.”
There is absolutely nothing mundane about Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane, author Andrew D. Meredith’s first official foray into cozy fantasy. There has always been a cozy side to Meredith’s writing, from the bread-baking in his epic fantasy, Deathless Beast, to the gentle found family dynamics of his SPFBO8 semi-finalist, Thrice. Meredith fully embraces his cozy side on Quaint Creatures, proving himself to be a perfect match for the genre.
Quaint Creatures is told from the first-person perspective of Norrik Softstep, an erstwhile dungeon inspector who had an unexpected career change after calling out corruption at his former job. Norrik, or just Rik for short, is now the proprietor of a veterinary clinic and pet store called Quaint Creatures. Oh, and he’s also an eight-foot-tall giant.
Quaint Creatures has a delightful supporting cast, including Rik’s trusty beardless dwarven assistant, Hamitch Hofhofdersen, and his gnomish housekeeper, Miss Lilly, a cunning thief looking to start afresh through honest employment. There is also satisfying undead representation with the lich dungeon owner, Sennacheron.
But my favorite side character is Rik’s magical elven wife, Eavalyn. It’s wonderful to see such a mature, loving relationship like this in a fantasy novel. The relationship between Rik and Eavalyn is truly touching, especially as they overcome both external threats and Rik’s own insecurities.
There are so many delightful and imaginative creatures throughout this short novel, some serving as pets while others are more akin to anthropomorphized animals. My personal favorites include the pandataurs, raccotaurs, and kangataurs.
Quaint Creatures is practically bursting with references to Dungeons & Dragons. There is plenty of good-natured humor, including subtle nods to The Princess Bride and Sherlock Holmes, as well as a tip of the hat to the timeless Monty Python:
“‘Next on the agenda is the closing of Python Quarry Mine,” Baskerton said. ‘The dungeon is owned by Johan Cleese of the Not-Dead-Yet Corporation.”
The action in Quaint Creatures is higher stakes than I would normally associate with cozy fantasy, revolving around a mysterious smuggling operation and the associated political corruption. The novel’s creature action and mystery-solving protagonists give Quaint Creatures a campy feel with groovy Scooby-Doo vibes.
Overall, I found Quaint Creatures to strike an excellent balance of action, mystery, humor, political intrigue, and of course lots of delicious food. Andrew D. Meredith’s writing is warm and polished, as always. Although the first half of the book is a bit dialogue-heavy for my taste, Meredith’s narration skills truly shine in the action-laden latter part of the story.
Quaint Creatures is brimming with fun and imagination. Andrew D. Meredith has accomplished a hitherto unprecedented feat, opening my grimdark heart to the joys of cozy. I am therefore delighted to recommend this book as a semi-finalist in SPFBOX. With its charming cast of characters, warm humor, and nuanced story, readers are well-advised to give Quaint Creatures a home on their bookshelves today.
“Welcome to Quaint Creatures, where you will find all your creature comforts and dietary requirements for your most cherished companions.”
There is absolutely nothing mundane about Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane, author Andrew D. Meredith’s first official foray into cozy fantasy. There has always been a cozy side to Meredith’s writing, from the bread-baking in his epic fantasy, Deathless Beast, to the gentle found family dynamics of his SPFBO8 semi-finalist, Thrice. Meredith fully embraces his cozy side on Quaint Creatures, proving himself to be a perfect match for the genre.
Quaint Creatures is told from the first-person perspective of Norrik Softstep, an erstwhile dungeon inspector who had an unexpected career change after calling out corruption at his former job. Norrik, or just Rik for short, is now the proprietor of a veterinary clinic and pet store called Quaint Creatures. Oh, and he’s also an eight-foot-tall giant.
Quaint Creatures has a delightful supporting cast, including Rik’s trusty beardless dwarven assistant, Hamitch Hofhofdersen, and his gnomish housekeeper, Miss Lilly, a cunning thief looking to start afresh through honest employment. There is also satisfying undead representation with the lich dungeon owner, Sennacheron.
But my favorite side character is Rik’s magical elven wife, Eavalyn. It’s wonderful to see such a mature, loving relationship like this in a fantasy novel. The relationship between Rik and Eavalyn is truly touching, especially as they overcome both external threats and Rik’s own insecurities.
There are so many delightful and imaginative creatures throughout this short novel, some serving as pets while others are more akin to anthropomorphized animals. My personal favorites include the pandataurs, raccotaurs, and kangataurs.
Quaint Creatures is practically bursting with references to Dungeons & Dragons. There is plenty of good-natured humor, including subtle nods to The Princess Bride and Sherlock Holmes, as well as a tip of the hat to the timeless Monty Python:
“‘Next on the agenda is the closing of Python Quarry Mine,” Baskerton said. ‘The dungeon is owned by Johan Cleese of the Not-Dead-Yet Corporation.”
The action in Quaint Creatures is higher stakes than I would normally associate with cozy fantasy, revolving around a mysterious smuggling operation and the associated political corruption. The novel’s creature action and mystery-solving protagonists give Quaint Creatures a campy feel with groovy Scooby-Doo vibes.
Overall, I found Quaint Creatures to strike an excellent balance of action, mystery, humor, political intrigue, and of course lots of delicious food. Andrew D. Meredith’s writing is warm and polished, as always. Although the first half of the book is a bit dialogue-heavy for my taste, Meredith’s narration skills truly shine in the action-laden latter part of the story.
Quaint Creatures is brimming with fun and imagination. Andrew D. Meredith has accomplished a hitherto unprecedented feat, opening my grimdark heart to the joys of cozy. I am therefore delighted to recommend this book as a semi-finalist in SPFBOX. With its charming cast of characters, warm humor, and nuanced story, readers are well-advised to give Quaint Creatures a home on their bookshelves today.
May 31, 2024
4.5/5 This is cozy fantasy done right! Who knew I needed a Veterinary fantasy monster book :)
Not only was this book consumed in a single sitting but the audio narrated by the author himself was DELIGHTFUL.
If you are looking for a relaxing read with great characters and DnD world vibes. Then Quaint Creatures is for you.
Not only was this book consumed in a single sitting but the audio narrated by the author himself was DELIGHTFUL.
If you are looking for a relaxing read with great characters and DnD world vibes. Then Quaint Creatures is for you.
May 25, 2024
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5
A book so nice, I read it twice! Initially, I read Quaint Creatures as a beta read and on release, I decided to re-read it via ebook and audiobook. It delivers a cozy read filled with fantasy creatures, references, found family, delicious food, and a tantalizing mystery.
The story itself follows Norrik Softstep, a veterinarian to magical creatures and pets of those living in the city of Brightfall. When Norrik is called on to identify a mysterious crate at customs, he’ll need help from friends, both new and old, to solve a mystery much larger than he imagined.
Quaint is the perfect word to describe this book. It’s cozy, packed with a world filled with magical creatures from orcs, undead, giants, elves, and brownies to their equally fantastical pets. While the plot starts off with low stakes, it continues to progress the more Norrik investigates the mysterious events happening around Brightfall.
It also has that slice-of-life vibe as Norrik goes about his days, helping those in his community. Since Norrik is a neutral individual, his perspective was intriguing and allowed me to easily step into his shoes as a reader. Now, this is a benefit in his character work, as he’s often trying to do what’s best but doesn’t always realize the same social cues his peers might, inadvertently causing mishaps along the way, making him an endearing character.
The side cast was also a mix of different personalities, from a plucky baker to a fiery elf and a hardworking dwarf. I found their dynamics entertaining and was surprised to find some action and themes of self-care and mental health woven throughout the story.
In terms of the worldbuilding, it felt unique yet familiar. It features a world without humans and often reminded me of DnD or classic fantasy worlds with some modern spins.
Andrew D. Meredith also narrates the audiobook with a fantastic performance, including multiple voices for characters all while adding a cozy tone to the story.
Quaint Creatures also reads as a standalone and works great as a pallet cleanser. At the end of the day, this is a cozy, slice-of-life world you won’t want to leave!
A book so nice, I read it twice! Initially, I read Quaint Creatures as a beta read and on release, I decided to re-read it via ebook and audiobook. It delivers a cozy read filled with fantasy creatures, references, found family, delicious food, and a tantalizing mystery.
The story itself follows Norrik Softstep, a veterinarian to magical creatures and pets of those living in the city of Brightfall. When Norrik is called on to identify a mysterious crate at customs, he’ll need help from friends, both new and old, to solve a mystery much larger than he imagined.
Quaint is the perfect word to describe this book. It’s cozy, packed with a world filled with magical creatures from orcs, undead, giants, elves, and brownies to their equally fantastical pets. While the plot starts off with low stakes, it continues to progress the more Norrik investigates the mysterious events happening around Brightfall.
It also has that slice-of-life vibe as Norrik goes about his days, helping those in his community. Since Norrik is a neutral individual, his perspective was intriguing and allowed me to easily step into his shoes as a reader. Now, this is a benefit in his character work, as he’s often trying to do what’s best but doesn’t always realize the same social cues his peers might, inadvertently causing mishaps along the way, making him an endearing character.
The side cast was also a mix of different personalities, from a plucky baker to a fiery elf and a hardworking dwarf. I found their dynamics entertaining and was surprised to find some action and themes of self-care and mental health woven throughout the story.
In terms of the worldbuilding, it felt unique yet familiar. It features a world without humans and often reminded me of DnD or classic fantasy worlds with some modern spins.
Andrew D. Meredith also narrates the audiobook with a fantastic performance, including multiple voices for characters all while adding a cozy tone to the story.
Quaint Creatures also reads as a standalone and works great as a pallet cleanser. At the end of the day, this is a cozy, slice-of-life world you won’t want to leave!
July 11, 2024
In Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane, Andrew Meredith shows off his incredible range as a storyteller and offers his uniquely charming take on a cozy fantasy. Though while the stakes might be low, the epicness, mystery and wonder still ooze off the page in this DnD flavoured slice-of-life tale.
Set in the magical city of Brightfall, Quaint Creatures follows the gentle giant Norrik Softstep as he runs his magical veterinarian shop and interacts with friends both new and old. His life is comfortably peaceful, yet some odd occurrences around town are starting to stir up some unrest, and soon he is pulled into some thrilling amateur sleuthing along with a few unexpected allies.
From the very first page, this story truly feels like a warm hug. Meredith just has a way of entrancing you with his comfortingly immersive prose, and his trademark epic world building still shines despite the limited scope of the story. I absolutely loved how it immediately felt like I was wandering the streets of the quaint town of Brightfall myself, and I adored encountering all the wonderfully imaginative fantastical creatures, both in Norrik’s vet shop and during his sleuthing.
Moreover, for a story that features not a single human character, it is truly remarkable how emotionally resonant and beautifully human the narrative is. The vibrant cast of side characters, both alive and undead, simply pops off the page, and I truly adored all the strong (if somewhat unconventional) interpersonal relationships we get to witness.
Especially the dynamic between the quiet Norrik and his sassy elvish wife really tugged on my heartstrings, and I loved how their healthy relationship brought forth some beautiful topics of self-care and mental health. Also, I simply couldn’t get enough of their plucky new kitchen help, whose baked goods were described in such a mouthwateringly delicious way that it almost felt cruel not to be able to taste one of them myself.
Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't praise the incredible performance that Meredith delivers in his lively narration of the audiobook. Not only is he a masterful storyteller on paper, but the way that he brings all the vibrant characters to life through an impressive array of distinct voices only makes the story even more immersive. Quaint Creatures is already relentlessly cozy and comforting as it is, but I honestly think the audiobook is the ultimate way to experience this soul-soothing story.
While this standalone tale wraps up in a beautifully satisfying way, I am already desperate for more adventures in this world, be that with Norrik or with any of the other endearing characters who have already burrowed their way into my heart. If you are looking for a highly immersive cozy fantasy with small-town vibes, some riveting mystery, a truly heartwarming (found) family, and plenty of fantastical creatures and delicious baked goods, then you have to check out Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane.
Set in the magical city of Brightfall, Quaint Creatures follows the gentle giant Norrik Softstep as he runs his magical veterinarian shop and interacts with friends both new and old. His life is comfortably peaceful, yet some odd occurrences around town are starting to stir up some unrest, and soon he is pulled into some thrilling amateur sleuthing along with a few unexpected allies.
From the very first page, this story truly feels like a warm hug. Meredith just has a way of entrancing you with his comfortingly immersive prose, and his trademark epic world building still shines despite the limited scope of the story. I absolutely loved how it immediately felt like I was wandering the streets of the quaint town of Brightfall myself, and I adored encountering all the wonderfully imaginative fantastical creatures, both in Norrik’s vet shop and during his sleuthing.
Moreover, for a story that features not a single human character, it is truly remarkable how emotionally resonant and beautifully human the narrative is. The vibrant cast of side characters, both alive and undead, simply pops off the page, and I truly adored all the strong (if somewhat unconventional) interpersonal relationships we get to witness.
Especially the dynamic between the quiet Norrik and his sassy elvish wife really tugged on my heartstrings, and I loved how their healthy relationship brought forth some beautiful topics of self-care and mental health. Also, I simply couldn’t get enough of their plucky new kitchen help, whose baked goods were described in such a mouthwateringly delicious way that it almost felt cruel not to be able to taste one of them myself.
Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't praise the incredible performance that Meredith delivers in his lively narration of the audiobook. Not only is he a masterful storyteller on paper, but the way that he brings all the vibrant characters to life through an impressive array of distinct voices only makes the story even more immersive. Quaint Creatures is already relentlessly cozy and comforting as it is, but I honestly think the audiobook is the ultimate way to experience this soul-soothing story.
While this standalone tale wraps up in a beautifully satisfying way, I am already desperate for more adventures in this world, be that with Norrik or with any of the other endearing characters who have already burrowed their way into my heart. If you are looking for a highly immersive cozy fantasy with small-town vibes, some riveting mystery, a truly heartwarming (found) family, and plenty of fantastical creatures and delicious baked goods, then you have to check out Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane.
May 14, 2024
Cozy fantasy has experienced a massive boom in the past few years as readers seek sanctuary within the warmth of a coffee shop or amongst the dusty, well-worn tomes of a library. Cozy is a subgenre that allows us to step away from the grit, blood and body count of many fantasy novels and reconnect with the beautiful everyday. In Andrew D. Meredith’s new release Quaint Creatures: Magical and Mundane, the embrace of the everyday is offered with a fresh style and focus.
We step through the front door of a veterinarian’s shop and meet Norrik Softstep, a semi-retired dungeon inspector who now spends his days tending to the city’s myriad fantastic pets. When Norrik is asked to inspect a crate of rare creatures causing a bit of havoc, his everyday routine is interrupted by a sinister mystery.
Although written with a softer touch, this story felt immediately reminiscent of Pratchett’s Discworld cities with its loveable characters and the influence of nostalgic fantasy elements. As a long time fantasy gamer and reader, I found myself smiling along with Meredith’s subtle nods, which never felt heavy-handed. You’ll find delicious food descriptions, more fantasy creatures than you’ll know what to do with, a heartwarming established romance between Norrik and his sassy, fabulous wife, and a motley crew of hometown friends.
Another “brownie” point, if you will, was the fact that all the characters are non-human. There is, however, a healthy representation of undead, including my favorite character in the story, the dungeon owner lich, Sennacheron. His endearing friendship with Norrik begs for further exploration in the higher levels, and I know Meredith plans future standalone stories that feature Sennacheron and several of the other side characters of Quaint Creatures.
As the spectrum of the cozy subgenre continues to grow, I look forward to more of Meredith’s contributions to that space. Quaint Creatures is a bingeable, endearing read, and sets the stage for a delightful series of standalone cozy fantasy novels.
We step through the front door of a veterinarian’s shop and meet Norrik Softstep, a semi-retired dungeon inspector who now spends his days tending to the city’s myriad fantastic pets. When Norrik is asked to inspect a crate of rare creatures causing a bit of havoc, his everyday routine is interrupted by a sinister mystery.
Although written with a softer touch, this story felt immediately reminiscent of Pratchett’s Discworld cities with its loveable characters and the influence of nostalgic fantasy elements. As a long time fantasy gamer and reader, I found myself smiling along with Meredith’s subtle nods, which never felt heavy-handed. You’ll find delicious food descriptions, more fantasy creatures than you’ll know what to do with, a heartwarming established romance between Norrik and his sassy, fabulous wife, and a motley crew of hometown friends.
Another “brownie” point, if you will, was the fact that all the characters are non-human. There is, however, a healthy representation of undead, including my favorite character in the story, the dungeon owner lich, Sennacheron. His endearing friendship with Norrik begs for further exploration in the higher levels, and I know Meredith plans future standalone stories that feature Sennacheron and several of the other side characters of Quaint Creatures.
As the spectrum of the cozy subgenre continues to grow, I look forward to more of Meredith’s contributions to that space. Quaint Creatures is a bingeable, endearing read, and sets the stage for a delightful series of standalone cozy fantasy novels.
September 23, 2024
This was an adorably cozy story set in a city that could have come straight out of a dnd game. Our main character is a veterinarian in the city, taking care of all the different creatures as well as inspecting nearby dungeons and wading into some political strife. He lives with his badass wife and works with a hilarious cast of charaacters.
I loved everything about this book: the world building, and the wit on display throughout, and I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes dnd, cozy fantasy, lovable characters, and pandataurs. Seriously, there are pandataurs!
I could see this being an awesome graphic novel or animated tv show!
I loved everything about this book: the world building, and the wit on display throughout, and I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes dnd, cozy fantasy, lovable characters, and pandataurs. Seriously, there are pandataurs!
I could see this being an awesome graphic novel or animated tv show!
April 30, 2025
That was so cute! I had a fun time with this cozy, creative world. Great characters. I hope there will be more stories in this world. Andrew’s narration is fantastic, as always!
May 27, 2024
Thank you to the author for the audio code for my enjoyment!
If the cover art and title haven’t signified enough for you yet, this is cozy fantasy. A newly popular genre, with releases like Legends and Lattes and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, however I had yet to dip my toes into it. So Quaint Creatures was a first, and I went in knowing next to nothing other than what the word ‘cozy’ meant. I was pleasantly surprised, and I greatly enjoyed it.
Norrik Softstep is a magical animal veterinarian, oh and a giant…but he’s awfully gentle! With visits from the likes of drakes, chimeras, and gryphons, and a slew of creatures I can only imagine came from the mind of the author, this felt like a much better managed concept of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And yet I loved how it differentiated itself with a world full of different creatures and beings too. Like Minotaurs, frost fairies, orcs and elves, to even the unlikely with skeletons, zombies and ghosts. It was refreshing and unique, and the author is one hell of a narrator.
I also really liked that the novel features an undertone of a mystery as well. It opens up with the main character being asked to inspect a mysterious and magical crate that was confiscated. Norrik and his wife are also still investigating their home, as the halls and tunnels seem never ending. It’s not without tension, nor is it lacking action, it just has this laidback, friendly approach to its writing that makes it as smooth sailing as it is page turning.
I would highly recommend bumping this up your TBR regardless of if you are new like me, or already a fan of the sub genre.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-quaint...
If the cover art and title haven’t signified enough for you yet, this is cozy fantasy. A newly popular genre, with releases like Legends and Lattes and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, however I had yet to dip my toes into it. So Quaint Creatures was a first, and I went in knowing next to nothing other than what the word ‘cozy’ meant. I was pleasantly surprised, and I greatly enjoyed it.
Norrik Softstep is a magical animal veterinarian, oh and a giant…but he’s awfully gentle! With visits from the likes of drakes, chimeras, and gryphons, and a slew of creatures I can only imagine came from the mind of the author, this felt like a much better managed concept of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And yet I loved how it differentiated itself with a world full of different creatures and beings too. Like Minotaurs, frost fairies, orcs and elves, to even the unlikely with skeletons, zombies and ghosts. It was refreshing and unique, and the author is one hell of a narrator.
I also really liked that the novel features an undertone of a mystery as well. It opens up with the main character being asked to inspect a mysterious and magical crate that was confiscated. Norrik and his wife are also still investigating their home, as the halls and tunnels seem never ending. It’s not without tension, nor is it lacking action, it just has this laidback, friendly approach to its writing that makes it as smooth sailing as it is page turning.
I would highly recommend bumping this up your TBR regardless of if you are new like me, or already a fan of the sub genre.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-quaint...
April 10, 2025
I swore I would never read a “cozy fantasy” and yet here we are. Andrew, what have you done to me???
Quaint Creatures: Magical and Mundane is a charming little book about a giant named Rick with his magical elvish wife who run a pet shop and vet clinic together. The book focuses on small adventures they have of running a business, incidents around town and slowly a larger plot comes into focus as odd occurrences around town are more connected than they seem.
I loved this book. I didn’t know if I would, but this was really delightful. As with his Needle and Leaf books, Meredith knows how to pace his stories well and doesn’t push them farther than they can go.
At the heart of this story is relationship between Rick and his wife Eavalyn. They don’t have a perfect marriage but they have a very good marriage and it was nice to see a relationship so normal and blossoming in a book like this. Seriously I can’t emphasize how much I enjoyed this part of the book. They have disagreements and differences they have to work through, being different races of creatures and all, but they’re very compatible with each other.
Also Ricks assistant in the vet office is the dwarf Hamitch. (A criminally underused name in fantasy if you ask me.) Their banter back and forth was amusing and if I’m being totally honest, Hamitch reminded me of some grumpy coworkers I’ve had.
The plot works as more of a series of vignettes that collage together to make a bigger story. This is exactly what you think you’re getting, with one big exception. Personally I didn’t find this book to be sentimental. My assumption about cozy fantasy books was that they would be syrupy sickly sweet “marshmallows on my maple syrup covered honey slathered chocolate bar” sentimental. Gross. And this book isn’t. While it doesn’t have dealthy demons or quizzical quests, what it does have is the nobility of an everyday life. There is an honor, unglamorous though it may be, in working a normal job, taking care of a family, and loving those around you. This is a good thing. (Think Our Town by Thornton Wilder) Rick tries to do the right thing, tries to love his wife, and helps out those around him. Even if that doesn’t involve slaying damsels or rescuing dragons (….wait a minute….) it does deserve our attention, even if only for two hundred pages.
The book is also quirky and funny. It feels like fantasy zootopia with the sheer variety of creatures and kinds, many of which are colorful and creative. There’s a good bit of culture that’s developed between different races in small but meaningful ways. To be honest, this reminded me of parts of the Dresden Files with the quirky fantasy creatures being dealt with in amusing ways.
I really enjoyed this. I didn’t think this would be my favorite Meredith book (full disclosure I didn’t plan on reading this one, but I thought I’d try something different) but I’m glad I did. (And at this point it probably is my favorite Meredith book.) Well worth the read and if you give Meredith the $5 or $15 for this book, he won’t waste your time. He will very much make it worth it. This is probably my favorite book I’ve read so far this month.
Quaint Creatures: Magical and Mundane is a charming little book about a giant named Rick with his magical elvish wife who run a pet shop and vet clinic together. The book focuses on small adventures they have of running a business, incidents around town and slowly a larger plot comes into focus as odd occurrences around town are more connected than they seem.
I loved this book. I didn’t know if I would, but this was really delightful. As with his Needle and Leaf books, Meredith knows how to pace his stories well and doesn’t push them farther than they can go.
At the heart of this story is relationship between Rick and his wife Eavalyn. They don’t have a perfect marriage but they have a very good marriage and it was nice to see a relationship so normal and blossoming in a book like this. Seriously I can’t emphasize how much I enjoyed this part of the book. They have disagreements and differences they have to work through, being different races of creatures and all, but they’re very compatible with each other.
Also Ricks assistant in the vet office is the dwarf Hamitch. (A criminally underused name in fantasy if you ask me.) Their banter back and forth was amusing and if I’m being totally honest, Hamitch reminded me of some grumpy coworkers I’ve had.
The plot works as more of a series of vignettes that collage together to make a bigger story. This is exactly what you think you’re getting, with one big exception. Personally I didn’t find this book to be sentimental. My assumption about cozy fantasy books was that they would be syrupy sickly sweet “marshmallows on my maple syrup covered honey slathered chocolate bar” sentimental. Gross. And this book isn’t. While it doesn’t have dealthy demons or quizzical quests, what it does have is the nobility of an everyday life. There is an honor, unglamorous though it may be, in working a normal job, taking care of a family, and loving those around you. This is a good thing. (Think Our Town by Thornton Wilder) Rick tries to do the right thing, tries to love his wife, and helps out those around him. Even if that doesn’t involve slaying damsels or rescuing dragons (….wait a minute….) it does deserve our attention, even if only for two hundred pages.
The book is also quirky and funny. It feels like fantasy zootopia with the sheer variety of creatures and kinds, many of which are colorful and creative. There’s a good bit of culture that’s developed between different races in small but meaningful ways. To be honest, this reminded me of parts of the Dresden Files with the quirky fantasy creatures being dealt with in amusing ways.
I really enjoyed this. I didn’t think this would be my favorite Meredith book (full disclosure I didn’t plan on reading this one, but I thought I’d try something different) but I’m glad I did. (And at this point it probably is my favorite Meredith book.) Well worth the read and if you give Meredith the $5 or $15 for this book, he won’t waste your time. He will very much make it worth it. This is probably my favorite book I’ve read so far this month.
July 19, 2024
The award for writing the Feel Good Fantasy of the Year goes to Andrew D. Meredith!
Okay, yes, I made that up, but that makes it no less official, in my humble opinion.
As soon as I saw the author sharing information about this newest release, I put it high on my list of priorities to read sooner rather than later. I became a huge fan of Andrew D. Meredith's after discovering his Needle and Leaf series this year. As a reader who is a big fan of immersion reading and one who doesn't like to put down a book if she doesn't have to, I always look into audiobook options, which led me to another wonderful discovery: Andrew D. Meredith is a phenomenal narrator! (Y'all, he does voices!)
My preferred format for any book where Andrew is the narrator will be audiobook. I also grabbed the eBook since it was included in my Kindle Unlimited subscriptions so I could highlight some rather hilarious quotes to share with my friends.
This author's creative mind must be just like the gnomish-built home our main charcter, Norrik Softstep lives in with his wife - unlimited hallways and rooms that just keep going, folding in and around and full of wonders that he shares with his readers when putting pen to paper.
As was the case with the Needle and Leaf series, I loved the world building, the characters (most especially their relationships and interactions), the whimsical magical creatures that visit or inhabit the Quaint Creatures shop/veterinarian clinic and the delightful way the DnD trope was employed.
Perfect for every fantasy lover or for those who just need a feel-good book that will have a smile on your face the whole way through!
A full non spoiler video discussion regarding my experience with QUAINT CREATURES: MAGICAL & MUNDANE will be posted soon on my BookTube Channel!
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E. & Mel
Okay, yes, I made that up, but that makes it no less official, in my humble opinion.
As soon as I saw the author sharing information about this newest release, I put it high on my list of priorities to read sooner rather than later. I became a huge fan of Andrew D. Meredith's after discovering his Needle and Leaf series this year. As a reader who is a big fan of immersion reading and one who doesn't like to put down a book if she doesn't have to, I always look into audiobook options, which led me to another wonderful discovery: Andrew D. Meredith is a phenomenal narrator! (Y'all, he does voices!)
My preferred format for any book where Andrew is the narrator will be audiobook. I also grabbed the eBook since it was included in my Kindle Unlimited subscriptions so I could highlight some rather hilarious quotes to share with my friends.
This author's creative mind must be just like the gnomish-built home our main charcter, Norrik Softstep lives in with his wife - unlimited hallways and rooms that just keep going, folding in and around and full of wonders that he shares with his readers when putting pen to paper.
As was the case with the Needle and Leaf series, I loved the world building, the characters (most especially their relationships and interactions), the whimsical magical creatures that visit or inhabit the Quaint Creatures shop/veterinarian clinic and the delightful way the DnD trope was employed.
Perfect for every fantasy lover or for those who just need a feel-good book that will have a smile on your face the whole way through!
A full non spoiler video discussion regarding my experience with QUAINT CREATURES: MAGICAL & MUNDANE will be posted soon on my BookTube Channel!
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E. & Mel
July 30, 2024
This was a fun book to read that carried so much of Meredith's imagination that I've seen in his other books. It was a fun mash up of DnD, Delicious Dungeon, and James Herriot vibes. It's a very easy read to get through and is good for all age groups. The mystery in the middle was fun.
August 26, 2024
Once again, Meredith proves how good of a storyteller he is. Quaint Creatures was one of those books that I didn’t really know what to expect from, and didn’t know if it would be for me, but then it works wonderfully. This blend of an RPG or dungeon crawlerish world with a story that circumvents all of that to end up as a cozy fantasy about a veterinarian, it just works. I’ll have more thoughts when I do my video review, but I quite enjoyed this one. 4.5* is probably closer, but I prefer to round up.
August 20, 2024
If you enjoyed Legends and Lattes then honestly pick up this book. It has the same cozy vibe (which I HAVE to be in the mood for) & I loved the fact there wasn't a single human in this story. We get the usual Elves, Brownies, gnomes, giants and liche's but alongside them Andrew Meridith's imagination has created some fantastic and fantastical creatures. I bought this book this morning and I didn't put it down. At only 250 pages Meredith creates an excellent world with both obvious and subtle humour that put a smile on my face.
August 17, 2024
Andrew Meredith has an absolute whimsical gem on his hands. Quaint Creatures is one of the most fun cozy fantasy books I’ve read yet.
This one has it all. Zany creatures. Zanier characters. Misadventures and humor.
A pet shop veterinarian giant, who used to be a dungeon inspector, finds himself in the middle of a local political scheme.
I enjoyed it so much, it’s the first book I’ve finished in a single day in a very long time.
This one is fun folks.
This one has it all. Zany creatures. Zanier characters. Misadventures and humor.
A pet shop veterinarian giant, who used to be a dungeon inspector, finds himself in the middle of a local political scheme.
I enjoyed it so much, it’s the first book I’ve finished in a single day in a very long time.
This one is fun folks.
February 23, 2025
What an adorable, low stakes, cozy fantasy story with so much heart.
I absolutely love the characters and the found family aspects.
A small book, but large in magical imagery and descriptions. I felt like I could see the characters and creatures of the story. I definitely enjoyed the mystery side as well and look forward to more!
I absolutely love the characters and the found family aspects.
A small book, but large in magical imagery and descriptions. I felt like I could see the characters and creatures of the story. I definitely enjoyed the mystery side as well and look forward to more!
September 16, 2024
Quaint Creatures: Magical and Mundane is a cozy fantasy book that weaves a delightful tale around Rik, a gentle giant who runs a veterinarian clinic and monster pet store. The story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious crate, confiscated by customs, requires Rik’s expertise to identify its magical contents. This heartwarming story is set in a unique world filled with love, friendship, and found family, not to mention some truly unique creatures that I’m sure you’d love to meet!
May 31, 2024
Review to come
February 6, 2025
I enjoyed the story even though I sometimes had a hard time figuring out the different creatures/characters. The audio book was read by the author. He did a good job but there were times that I wasn't sure what he said. I think with all the different creatures and characters (including the dungeon) it might have been better if I had read the book instead of listening to it. Pictures, maps, and a guide to characters/creatures would have been helpful. That being said, I would probably listen to another story in this universe.
June 9, 2024
This was really fun. Odd. Unexpected. Unusual. Delightful. And above all, ridiculously fun.
Cozy fantasy is one of those fields with endless untapped ideas. Well, imagine James Herriot being summoned to Hogworts and you get something of the idea of this book. A giant, an elf, a dwarf, and a gnome sounds like the start of an adventurers guild, but actually, they're just the vet, his wife, his assistant, and their housekeeper. A lot of the stories are anecdotal; they don't build in an epic, save-the-world sort of way, but that's kind of nice and peaceful between all the other fantasy books I read. And the quaint creatures you will meet are more delightful than not.
As always, Andrew D Meredith is full of surprises, and his latest book was a delightful one. I look forward to more adventures with Norrik and his friends.
Cozy fantasy is one of those fields with endless untapped ideas. Well, imagine James Herriot being summoned to Hogworts and you get something of the idea of this book. A giant, an elf, a dwarf, and a gnome sounds like the start of an adventurers guild, but actually, they're just the vet, his wife, his assistant, and their housekeeper. A lot of the stories are anecdotal; they don't build in an epic, save-the-world sort of way, but that's kind of nice and peaceful between all the other fantasy books I read. And the quaint creatures you will meet are more delightful than not.
As always, Andrew D Meredith is full of surprises, and his latest book was a delightful one. I look forward to more adventures with Norrik and his friends.
June 9, 2024
Quaint creatures was a novel I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
The book follows Norrik Softstep and his excellent cast of supporting characters, as Norrik works in his day-to-day life as a veterinarian for magical creatures. This isn't all however, as interesting escapades occur as the story ensues. I especially liked the latter sections involving Sennacheron.
Quaint Creatures blends the coziness of day-to-day life, with the excitement of detective work for the greater good. The humor is also superb, I genuinely laughed at some sections of the book, each character is distinct and the illustrations were also a nice touch.
Andrew Meredith has crafted a tale which can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, hopefully he writes more in this sub-genre of fantasy.
5/5*
The book follows Norrik Softstep and his excellent cast of supporting characters, as Norrik works in his day-to-day life as a veterinarian for magical creatures. This isn't all however, as interesting escapades occur as the story ensues. I especially liked the latter sections involving Sennacheron.
Quaint Creatures blends the coziness of day-to-day life, with the excitement of detective work for the greater good. The humor is also superb, I genuinely laughed at some sections of the book, each character is distinct and the illustrations were also a nice touch.
Andrew Meredith has crafted a tale which can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, hopefully he writes more in this sub-genre of fantasy.
5/5*
November 16, 2024
Quaint, indeed. There’s something so charming about a story that at its heart is about helping and respecting all people within a community, fighting corporate greed and government incompetence. The way the characters were intelligent both mentally and emotionally was really refreshing and made for a cosy, heartwarming experience.
The author is definitely One Who Plays D&D, but he makes everything accessible for someone like me who has little to no experience with dungeons, paladins, or liches.
The author is definitely One Who Plays D&D, but he makes everything accessible for someone like me who has little to no experience with dungeons, paladins, or liches.
September 9, 2024
Remember finishing Legends & Lattes and think "I need more books like this”. But then you started to read cozy fantasy and it was all about witches solving crimes in their little villages, which is completely fine but a completely different vibe. Or someone baked a pie in page 14, so I guess we’re calling this full on adventure cozy too.
Well, look no further, because you found it. Quaint Creatures is the book you were looking for!!
Well, look no further, because you found it. Quaint Creatures is the book you were looking for!!
August 1, 2024
The coziest of cozy fantasies!
A vet for fantastical creatures is brilliant. Tons of different creatures without feeling bogged down, characters to root for and a mystery to boot. Loved it! Well done!
A vet for fantastical creatures is brilliant. Tons of different creatures without feeling bogged down, characters to root for and a mystery to boot. Loved it! Well done!
May 16, 2024
This was such a fun enjoyable read!
October 12, 2024
Cozy, quaint, and enveloping--this is a story that keeps building in complexity and inter-connectivity. I loved this one from start to finish.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
Want to read
February 18, 2025This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBOX contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A dungeon inspector turned animal rehabilitator meets new people in his new gnomish dungeon house/shop, and there’s a difficult case coming his way.
This is off to a simple, quiet start, but does a good job of establishing a sense of setting (physical and genre) in the opening chapter.
Our MC is affable and easy going. Everything seems nice and right in his world. Some tiny people come into his shop to get a pet. The dialogue establishes where we are and how our MC got here.
It’s workmanlike, adds bits of world building flare in its interest in fantastical creatures, including the characters, and even the house our MC is living in - I think there’s some kind of dimensional magic stuff going on as opposed to just burrowing architecture.
This is written in 1st person, but so far the storytelling has felt indistinct from 3rd person. Most of the narrative is in the dialogue and descriptions which could as easily be omniscient. Our narrator does not editorialize much. What he has to say, he mostly says out loud.
Nonetheless, this persists in being interesting. This detail and that are easily laid before the reader to our satisfaction, just as the quaint creatures are shown to our shoppers. But is there something more suited to our interests?
Yes, it seems there is. Our shopper is not merely here for his niece. He has a bit of a problem that maybe our animal dealer/veterinarian can help him with. We’ll have to see what that is.
This feels like a light story. Light on voice, playful but light on humor or conflict, but not without those things. Not light on quiet charm. Not straining for your attention, but far from losing. I could happily keep turning the pages. I’m in.
A dungeon inspector turned animal rehabilitator meets new people in his new gnomish dungeon house/shop, and there’s a difficult case coming his way.
This is off to a simple, quiet start, but does a good job of establishing a sense of setting (physical and genre) in the opening chapter.
Our MC is affable and easy going. Everything seems nice and right in his world. Some tiny people come into his shop to get a pet. The dialogue establishes where we are and how our MC got here.
It’s workmanlike, adds bits of world building flare in its interest in fantastical creatures, including the characters, and even the house our MC is living in - I think there’s some kind of dimensional magic stuff going on as opposed to just burrowing architecture.
This is written in 1st person, but so far the storytelling has felt indistinct from 3rd person. Most of the narrative is in the dialogue and descriptions which could as easily be omniscient. Our narrator does not editorialize much. What he has to say, he mostly says out loud.
Nonetheless, this persists in being interesting. This detail and that are easily laid before the reader to our satisfaction, just as the quaint creatures are shown to our shoppers. But is there something more suited to our interests?
Yes, it seems there is. Our shopper is not merely here for his niece. He has a bit of a problem that maybe our animal dealer/veterinarian can help him with. We’ll have to see what that is.
This feels like a light story. Light on voice, playful but light on humor or conflict, but not without those things. Not light on quiet charm. Not straining for your attention, but far from losing. I could happily keep turning the pages. I’m in.
May 8, 2025
What a delightful read! I’m new to the world of fantasy, and this book embodies it well! I love the different personalities given to the various creatures and critters. The storyline is just the right balance of everyday life and yet, a subplot of who is friend or foe? will keep you reading until the last page! I appreciated while there is a variety of characters introduced in the book, the author keeps the amount of them memorable in his descriptive telling of them—(no need for an appendix!).
I loved that although it is a fantasy story, it felt very down to earth and told of experiences you or I would know about in our day to day life.
I loved that although it is a fantasy story, it felt very down to earth and told of experiences you or I would know about in our day to day life.
July 5, 2025
3.5⭐️ this was cute! I was busy cleaning and needed something quick to listen to that didn’t need my full concentration. I thought the writing was good, the author narrating was fun and a nice surprise, and I enjoyed the story. I did feel like there were many issues that got resolved quickly then it was off to the next one. It almost felt like several short stories stitched into one novel, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing I guess. Loved all the different creatures though!
May 30, 2024
Quaint Creatures was my first “Cozy Fantasy“ read but lived up to everything that I wanted it to be. I’m use to reading long and complicated epic fantasy books but this was a breath of fresh air and a great pallet cleanser. I loved the healthy marriage relationship that is on display as well. This was a cozy fantasy that the whole family can enjoy!
November 10, 2024
This was an odd book to read. The first person POV threw me for the first half hour into the audiobook. I often felt like the plot wasn't really going anywhere, but after reading so many of this author's books, I trusted him enough to follow through. True to form, all the plot threads lined up, resulting in a solid ending.
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