Tavern follows Xelnath, or Xel, an orc priest who also happens to be a tavern owner, a healer, and the mastermind behind a covert mercenary guild called the Blackwind Company. Tavern is a character-driven fantasy adventure wrapped in rich worldbuilding and filled with witty dialogue, deep friendships, and a good bit of magical ass-kicking. From shady alleys to political schemes, the story flows through layers of intrigue, touching on themes like found family, trauma, identity, and self-worth.

I didn’t expect to fall so hard for the characters, especially Xel. He isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. He’s overweight, scarred, introspective, and surprisingly gentle for a guy who can summon magical tree roots and crush bones with a staff. I loved the emotional layers the author gave him. His self-doubt, his craving to protect his found family, and the way he hides his pain behind sarcasm and kindness. Munden’s writing feels warm and lived-in, especially when characters are just talking. There’s a weight to their pasts that makes the small moments between them hit harder than the action scenes. The action is no slouch either. It’s visceral, fast, and packed with tension. Some chapters, especially the early fight scenes and Xel’s quiet, vulnerable monologues, really stuck with me.

The story doesn’t follow a typical structure, which I actually liked, but it might throw off readers who want a clear-cut hero’s journey. The book feels more like a slice-of-life with high stakes than a straight fantasy epic. I found that refreshing, especially with all the time spent on tavern life and casual conversations. Those slower parts often carried the emotional weight. The prose itself has a unique rhythm. Sometimes poetic, sometimes conversational, sometimes just plain weird in a good way.

Tavern is perfect for readers who care more about character depth and emotional payoff than nonstop action. It’s for folks who love a messy, flawed hero, and for those who don’t mind their fantasy with more heart than fireballs. If you’re into found-family stories, secret guilds, or cozy settings with dark undertones, you’ll find a lot to love here. I walked away from this book feeling like I knew these characters. And honestly? I miss them already.

Pages: 435 | ASIN : B07PWTR89Q