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A Gentle, Thoughtful Beginning to a Promising Fantasy Series

“The Quiet Side” is a beautifully written novella; a quiet, introspective introduction to the world of The Sages Sanctuary. Set in a realm ruled by a powerful priesthood who channel the power of the gods through human vessels, the story offers a fresh take on magic, faith, and the abuse of belief.

At its heart are two unlikely companions: Kovan, the sage of resolve, who has lost his conviction in the system he once served, and realizes though he is blessed with a god‘s power, yet unable to cook or care for himself; and Tasa, a free-spirited void—born without magic and shunned for it—who lives alone in her self-built cottage in the remnants of a sanctuary where magic has been silenced.
When their paths cross, what begins as a cautious coexistence slowly turns into mutual healing. Each sees in the other strengths, which they deny to recognize in themselves. Their growing bond, shaped by small moments of trust, is tender and real—rooted not so much in dramatic declarations but in baking bread and daring to sow seeds for the future.

The novella is calm and cozy, with a grounded emotional core and a surprisingly hopeful undercurrent despite the themes of disillusionment and isolation. The prose is reflective and comforting without being overwrought, and the pacing lets the world breathe just enough to intrigue without overwhelming.

As a series opener, it succeeds in sparking curiosity—particularly about the deeper magic system, the lore behind the sages, and, yes, the appearance of a certain dragon. I’m very much looking forward to picking up the next installment and seeing how this quiet sanctuary grows into something more.

If you’re looking for a soft entry into a larger fantasy world, The Quiet Side is worth the read.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

A tender, quietly powerful story, The Quiet Side is cozy fantasy at its most heartfelt. With a grumpy-sunshine pairing, a sanctuary in the mountains, and the slow build of intimacy forged through everyday acts, it feels like a warm embrace for anyone who’s ever needed to start over.

The romance is soft and simmering, grounded in shared silences and mutual care rather than grand gestures. There’s only one bed, of course—but what really lingers is how trust is built loaf by loaf, moment by moment. Though the pace is more reflective than plot-driven, the emotional payoff is worth it.

If you’re drawn to quiet stories about finding strength in connection and choosing vulnerability in a world that expects power, this one is a comforting, beautifully told escape.

This was a lovely novella, that felt like a great introduction into a wider world. The romance between Kovan and Tasa, while fast, was sweet, and I was intrigued by the magic system and would definitely be keen to read more stories set in this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.