One of the absolute best books I have read this year. The premise was both delightful and chilling. So very well executed. I not only care about these characters, I believe in them, for good or ill. Not only is the storytelling masterful, but there was not one technical issue to distract me from my enjoyment of the tale. This author and series are definitely going on my wish list. Such originality in fiction is refreshing. A magical read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I knew aas soon as I read the blurb that this book and I would be a match in heaven! I mean, I completely adore murder mystery, and my second choice is YA, and then you add in magic and food and I was completely sold! There is everything I basically lived for right there. Magic cupcakes, people.

When Wren is accused of murder just after being granted the opportunity of a lifetime, she has only weeks to prove herself innocent, and save both her own life and protect the people she has come to care about. Wren isn't a savvy investigator; she's a street kid with some skill at confectionary but she's going to need skill and friends to make it through.

What i most loved about this book was the characters. Wren herself is a *little* bit of a Mary Sue, and she has the magic of being intriguing to every male she meets. I pegged so many of them just from initial meeting too, but so many of them are complex and deep and just...unexpected. Might I add I may have developed a curiousity about salt and pepper hair because of this novel? ;)

A really great start and I am looking forward to finding out more about this world and how the Gifts will affect things. Four stars!

Wren’s beginnings were rough. When she was rescued by Master Oldrick and trained in the confectionary shop, she knew she had a special touch when it came to her creations. Unfortunately, when one of her cupcakes is used to murder she will learn that help and support can come from the most unexpected people and the face of friendship can be hiding evil.

Luana is serving up a fresh and creative fantasy world that will hook fans of all ages. Her world building is imaginative and wonderous. The first novel, in a promised three volume series, will not disappoint. Filled with grandeur and marvels that shadow the darkness, readers will begin this and not put it down until the final page. She delivers romance, intrigue, and descriptions of confections that make you want to nibble throughout the book. So satisfying. Grab it as soon as you can.
#TheConfectioner’sGuild #NetGalley

Cakes and magic!! Do I need to say more? Ok, I probably do. The Confectioner's Guild is just the first in a new series by Claire Luana featuring Wren Confectioner. Who has a better name than that? No. One. There is magic and desserts and conspiracy and murder and friendship and romance. It's so good and I already can't wait for the next book in the series. Let's get to the review.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A magic cupcake. A culinary killer. The perfect recipe for murder.

Wren knew her sweet treats could work wonders, but she never knew they could work magic. She barely has time to wrap her head around the stunning revelation when the head of the prestigious Confectioner’s Guild falls down dead before her. Poisoned by her cupcake.

Now facing murder charges in a magical world she doesn’t understand, Wren must discover who framed her or face the headsman’s axe. With the help of a handsome inspector and several new friends, Wren just might manage to learn the ropes, master her new powers, and find out who framed her. But when their search for clues leads to a deep-rooted conspiracy that goes all the way to the top, she realizes that the guild master isn’t the only one at risk of death by chocolate.

If Wren can’t bring the powerful culprit to justice, she and her friends will meet a bittersweet end.

The Confectioner’s Guild is a delicious YA fantasy mystery. If you like spunky chefs and twisty mysteries with a drizzle of romance, then you’ll love Claire Luana’s scrumptious tale that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Wren Confectioner starts off the book as an orphan working in a bake shop owned by Master Oldrick. It's not the best arrangement but it's better than a lot of places she's lived and it's definitely better than the streets. And Wren is a really good baker! Everything she makes is Ah-Maze-Ing! But that life is soon taken away from her when she is dragged from the bake shop and to The Confectioner's Guildhall.

The Guildhall is where the top confectioner's, grandmasters, and the Guildmaster work and live. And the Guildmaster wants Wren to come live there and learn to master her powers. It turns out Wren has magic and she puts it into every baked good and dessert she makes. Everyone does who is a part of the Confectioner's Guild.

But Wren's new chance soon turns into her worst nightmare. After the Guildmaster eats one of her cupcakes, he almost immediately dies and Callidus, one of the grandmasters, blames Wren for the murder. DUN DUN DUNNNN!!

While Callidus and the steward of the king are ready to arrest Wren on the spot, the inspector put in charge of the investigation, Lucas, has other plans. He makes them uncuff her and allows her to stay inside the guild while he investigates.

During her stay, Wren meets a lot of interesting people and even makes a few friends. The first person she meets is Olivia. Olivia lives with her grandaunt Greer and granduncle (the Guildmaster) and is being trained by Greer to take over as the Guildmistress. Olivia turns out to be Wren's most trusted friend and the one that ultimately saves her when she seems to be in an impossible situation (NO SPOILERS!!).

The next people she meets are Hale and Grandmaster Sable. Hale is the hottest dude in the guild and he knows it. He sleeps with just about every girl he meets. He's an assistant to Sable and helps Wren with her first lessons in magic. He is an incorrigible flirt but happens to have a soft spot for Sable. While Wren first falls under his spell, she soon comes to see him as more of a brother than a love interest.

Speaking of Sable, she is Wren's master AKA the one who's responsible for teaching her about her powers and all the things she can do with baked goods and desserts. She is a bit of a taskmaster but is always there when Wren really needs her. And boy does Wren need her! When Wren seems to have the most powerful people against her, Sable is there to help her stay safe.

As the story goes on, we follow Wren as she runs from her past and from the people trying to arrest her for the murder of the Guildmaster. This book is filled with magic, conspiracies, suspicious people in power, and plenty of amazing sweets. What more could you ask for?!

The Confectioner's Guild is a fun, action-packed fantasy with a bit of romance for good measure and it was an absolute delight to read. I decided to try reading more fantasy this year and I'm so glad I did because otherwise, I wouldn't have found this treasure. I went to culinary school for baking, so I love the idea of being able to put magic into the things I make. It's a nice thought, at least. I am giving The Confectioner's Guild 4 out of 5 stars. I am very excited for the sequel, The Confectioner's Coup, to come out in November.

The Confectioner's Guild by Claire Luana comes out October 23, 2018.

Thank you to NetGalley and Live Edge Publishing for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"You deserve a place in this world. A place where you can be safe, and whole, and happy. Never apologise for insisting on it. For fighting for it"

The summary of The Confectioners Guild was such a unique world descriptor that I knew I just had to read it. You know it's going to be good when the book starts with "Wren had learned early on that trouble comes in all sorts of packages. Even vanilla ones with rose petal frosting."

This book has everything you need for a YA wonder: magic, fantasy, friendship, trials and tribulations, murder, intrigue, romance, backstabbing and plot twists you don't see coming.

I was left on the edge of my proverbial seat when it came to the end reveal and at one point I had no idea of where it was going to go.

The characters are well-rounded and enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to seeing where Claire Luana takes us in the second book.

*thank you to NetGalley and Live Edge Publishing for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-Arc copy of this novel.
I first must say how much I enjoyed this book. It is funny, magical, and adventurous.

I am a character-driven story kind of reader and is a huge factor that affects my reading experience. Which was a good thing in this case because I found the plot to be really cliche and it was something that I was able to predict at every twist. But this is coming from someone who has read her fair share of fantasy books.

The story started out really interesting for me and is the kind of world that I have always wondered "What if there was a world like. . . ". It could have easily become a high fantasy with elves and all that but I was really happy it did not take that turn. I enjoyed the character interactions and I have to say that it is what I lived for in this book. I enjoyed the writing style of the author which made the cliches less of a problem and made it easier for me to accept that that is just how the story goes.

It could have done with some more world-building and less cheesiness, nonetheless, it was a book that I found to be quite unique in terms of the idea of the world itself. It was far from being a bad book, and I actually enjoyed a part of it despite the cliche.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm just now getting into mysteries that are more sci-fi/fantasy based. This one is one of the best ones I've read. It has really strong characters and a good plot. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

ARC Copy...It had the sweetly sinister intrigue, romance, and tightly woven conspiracy + plots plus it doesn't hurt to have the sophisticated world building surrounding the guild system and their magical systems.

I adored this book. It was a book that took its premise seriously without taking itself too seriously. Wren, a young woman who finds out that she can work magic through baking, joins the Confectioner's Guild shortly before being accused of the murder of the head of the Confectioner's Guild. She's given about a week to help clear her name. In that week she kind of falls in love, learns more baking skills, and snoops on a lot of people.
Wren is an incredibly fun character to read about, and reading her interactions with her friends was an absolute pleasure. For someone who would have no reason to trust strangers I found her surprisingly willing to trust the people who came into her life, but I felt like that was one of her strongest suits. That she was willing to see the best in people.
This was an incredibly fun book to read. I enjoyed the way that magic was built into the history of the world and the effects it would have.

A really Interesting young adult fantasy fiction title. I was happy to see it will be a series, so look forward to reading the other titles by Claire Luana. Liked he protagonist and the plot is very involved.

This was an interesting and whimsical book until it wasn't. There was a dark turn with torture which I was not pleased with but other than that I enjoyed the book. I'm not sure if I'll continue with future books though.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I love food-based magic. Usually you see it most in middle grade, but The Confectioner’s Guild is a fantastic example of a YA book with excellent food magic, gorgeously tasty descriptions, and plenty of adventure.

Just to get this out of the way: one tiny point about this is that I’m really not convinced about the use of apostrophes in the text. Surely if it is a guild of confectioners, it is the Confectioners’ Guild? All the guilds have this singular possessive apostrophe and it’s a little weird. I had to tune it out…

The Confectioner’s Guild follows Wren, a young woman who, unbeknownst to her, is more than just a good baker. She’s actually a magic baker. When she is initiated into the titular guild and introduced to her powers, it looks as though a brand new life of opportunity has opened up to her – until she is framed for the murder of the Guildmaster. In order to save her life and her place at the Guild, Wren must prove her innocence, which leads to her uncovering the seedy side of guild politics.

I am fascinated by the workings of the different guilds and by the riotously colourful cast of the people who run them! While the world-building is extremely satisfying, I feel like there were so many threads raised in this book to explore in the sequels, and as Wren follows the rotten politics up to the top, I think there’s a lot more for us to discover with her. I love a bit of subterfuge, and there’s some wonderful sneaky moments of amateur espionage that had me grinning. The pacing is just right – putting a deadline on an investigation always keeps things moving – and every piece of information builds into a really exciting mystery.

Wren is great. I did, at the beginning, wonder how old she was (I don’t think it’s ever explicitly mentioned but I think you can peg her at about 17, since there is some romance, but it’s strictly in the sweet YA category). There’s no reason this wouldn’t be suitable for a younger reader if they had the reading skill for it. In some ways, she’s a typical witty, resilient YA heroine, but I found her very enjoyable to read about, and I loved watching her attempts at spying! She’s very easy to root for, if a little naive, and I was keen to see how she matures, especially in her powers.

I really liked the romance in this! I did think at the beginning that we were going to get a love triangle, which I’m always meh about, but I loved that one of the guys swiftly became a good friend rather than a love interest. It’s great to see a character in YA acknowledge that they find someone physically attractive without needing to go all gooey and insta-lovey over them – a slightly awkward crush, then realising that you’re better as friends, is so much more realistic! The romance itself is very sweet and cosy feeling, without being too dramatic. It’s really lovely to just read about people being good for each other! The very end of the book made me feel so warm and fuzzy.

Actually, this whole book feels like a hug. It’s a perfect autumnal read that made me feel like snuggling up under a blanket with a big cup of tea and a purring cat – it somehow has that hopeful, joyful feel of good middle grade storytelling, in a YA book. It’s so nice to read something nice for a change. Fans of Stephanie Burgis or Diana Wynne Jones should definitely get on this one, as it’s got a very similar comforting, home-y magical feel. Grab a cupcake before you sit down with this one, as it’ll make you hungry, but definitely make time for it! Five out of five stars!

A fun, delicious story about Wren, a young woman who was "discovered" for her tantalizing--and magical--confections and brought to join the prestigious Confectioner's Guild. Except that as soon as she arrives, she becomes a murder suspect, with only a few weeks to help clear her good name. This was a fun, fantastical and food-filled read, a page-turner that will both satisfy and yet, leave you hungry for more. The good news? This is only the first in the series.

A wonderful read and a new, fantastic way to have magic...in food! I loved the characters whether they be the heroine, side characters or villains (really, every good story has a good villain). I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

I thought this was a fantastic start to a series and I love the world Claire Luana created. I was expecting a cosy mystery novel but It surprised me in such a wonderful way, it was a deliciously dark YA fantasy that was so immersive. The Confectioner’s Guild seized my interest from the start with the concept of food-based magic, I haven’t really read anything with food-based magic before. I loved the magic system and I can’t wait to learn more about it (hopefully in future books). This book starts with the action there is drawn out wait to get the event that starts the ball rolling I think the party starts in the second chapter.

I find this whole magical and political system that Claire has created in this book is fascinating and well developed the magic system itself revolves around food and nine food and drink related Guilds, which holds an unusually high influence within the country, second only to the royal family. The cast of characters was interesting and all of them have an interesting background that you can’t help but get invested in, as well as the contrast between the different factions built into the political and Guild structure of the books world. I’m looking forward to seeing how the world and conflict develop as it develops in the future.

*NetGalley Provided me with a complimentary eARC for review. All my opinions are my own*

The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana. From Live Edge Publishing.

Summary of my thoughts: I was very intrigued by the setting and the world of this novel, but it turned out to be as unappealing as a poorly made, yet beautiful cupcake. DNF’d at 33%

Really, this novel had a lot going for it, in my mind. I love baking, I love magic, I love a heroine with the odds stacked against her. However, this novel just didn’t have any substance for me. The exciting set up introduced by the teaser is quickly poked full of holes, and weird conveniences.

1. Why is this girl accused of murder? She has never laid eyes on these people before today. She is forced to the join the guild through trickery, and she never could have foreseen being brought before the man she is accused of murdering. How could she have known he would get that cupcake?
2. Every guy wants this chick. She is a poor orphan from nowhere, why is she so attractive to them? This is one of my least favorite clichés! And she thinks about them constantly too! She will possible be tortured to death in a few short weeks and she is worried about kissing boys?! It just makes her very unsympathetic to me.
3. The Police Officer/Investigator Lucas is so inept, he has her helping with her own investigation! And she does better than him with it. He is just completely dumb. I get that we want Wren to show some agency and be trying to save herself, but why not just have that be the case? Lucas is not helping at all.

These are just a few of the things that bothered me the most. I was intrigued by the world and they system of how the Guild’s are set up. I think the world where each practitioner has a special gift they can hone through her or his craft is interesting.

And I would have liked Wren even more if she weren’t so boy crazy. She even muses about how the Inquisitor will probably torture her to death soon for answers she doesn’t have, but oh, what does Lucas think of me? Is he just being nice because he vouched for me? Does he want to kiss me? Ugh. No thanks.

In the end, I just had to step away. I may come back to this when the sequel comes out, but right now I am just too frustrated.

Final Review: 2 stars

The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana is a strong start to a new YA fantasy series.

I loved so much about this book. The characters came to life on the pages. Wren was quiet but head strong. She had a rough past which makes it almost impossible for her to trust anyone. Yet, she couldn't stop herself from putting faith in Lucas. The man who vouched for her only knowing her for five minutes. Lucas is trying to pave his own way in life away from his family name. He wants to do right by the people of Maradis, and to clear Wren's name. All the other characters from lovable Hale to grumpy Callidus were wonderful. {I may be a bit smitten with a certain spice Guildmaster named Pike 😍}

The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana was filled with mystery, lies, and magic. The class system was interesting, and I was enchanted with all the various abilities of the Gifted. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the second book in the series. Even though the initial problem was solved, Wren's future is not going to go smoothly.

4/5🌟

The very idea of gifting magic through the creation of food left me hungry for more. (Terrible pun intended) Wren's ability to add good luck to her sweet treats - along with the balancing drawback of losing any good luck for herself is so refreshingly new and well crafted that I couldn't put the story down.

The author's wordcraft was exquisite. Her use of language and word choice not only create vivid descriptions for the mind's eye - she creates scenes, people, and situations that are all colored by Wren's perceptions and personal experiences. It's beautiful. The reader gets to know the lay of the land along with the character while granting Wren the ability to hold the secrets of her past so close to the chest that even the reader does not know them.

What starts out as an average rags-to-riches story gets abruptly turned on it's ear when the Confectioner's Guildmaster, Wren's patron, with the kind smiles and large largess, suddenly drops over dead after eating one of Wren's cupcakes. Now
there are people who are clamoring for her death. And, because of her ability to use magic, others are rallying behind her claims to innocence. And poor Wren is left in the middle, attempting to keep her head above the flowing tide of Guild machinations she doesn't quite understand. Add in a kind but aloof Master who takes Wren's education in hand, an upperclassman who to too gorgeous for his own good, a young inspector with a bright mind and soulful eyes, and the grandniece of the murder victim, and you've got your rag tag group of crime solvers ready for their green Mystery Machine. (Scooby Snacks kindly supplied by the Confectioner's Guild, just don't tell the king.)

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Fantasy, steampunk, mystery, manners, and social maneuvering.

*Special Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a digital copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Omg omg where do I even start.....
Thank you for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review.

This book blew me away far more than I expected. I loved EVERYTHING. I don't have a single criticism.

I definitely plan on keeping up with this author and this series. She has blown me away.

5/5 star easy. Everyone needs to read this book!

My full spoiler free review will be up on my blog (courtney2028.wordpress.com)on October 17th.