I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with epic fantasy. This was a uniqye and unusual twist on the genre with a gripping plot and engaging characters. Loved it.

This is like an anime in book form- utterly devourable, tasteful, and fun.

Paprick is a common butcher, carving slabs of meat from gargantuan monsters so chefs can prepare magic-granting meals for the rich. When he discovers a new recipe that makes him grow tall, he is invited to train in the culinary school of the Rares - the elite. Paprick dreams of liberating his people and sharing the monsters’ magic with the world.

This was like a high strung, tense cooking show meets over the top fantasy like One Piece or Attack on Titan.

This also uses a narrative framing device I love - told from Paprick when he is an adult known as the infamous But her. He is set to be executed but is first telling his story to the archivist. But is he embellishing, misleading? Is he really telling the truth? I always love an unreliable narrator.

<b>“We’re all tools, stage. The only meaningful choice in life is to determine what tool we become. I chose to be a chef’s tool, a knife. If I teach you anything, let it be this: be a knife. The rest are worthless.”
I nodded. I could be a knife. A sharp one.
</b>
This had some fascinating things to say on propaganda. The Rares keep the Commons down through rhetoric and lies for the benefit of the royals and their preferred religion. However, Paprick is turned into an idol built on tall (get it?) tales to further the rebellion.

The ending felt slightly rushed and I was not keen on the change in pacing and abrupt end. This is obviously the first in an explosive new series, yet I felt there needed to be a stronger end to book one.

Arc gifted by Black Crow.

I absolutely loved this fresh take on epic fantasy by Ryan Rose. And what’s more exciting, is that it’s the first in a trilogy so we can expect plenty more delicious bites in the coming years.

The novel is set in a world where magic is granted only to the elites by way of consuming special meals harvested from huge monsters.
We follow Paprick, who is working as a butcher in the Common district but dreams of becoming a Chef. A seemingly impossible goal seeing as only the Rare elite are permitted to enlist in the Culinary Academy.

When he accidentally invents a new magic recipe, he is whisked away from his humble life to begin studying at the Academy. But not everyone is enthused by his presence among the elite, and Paprick finds himself embroiled in an epic struggle of the classes. Whilst also trying to achieve his personal ambitions he must act as spy and student at once.

Ryan Rose’s writing is sharp and engaging, the plot is so masterfully executed as we switch between timelines, and the characterisation of Paprick in particular, was endearing.

I was delighted with the mix between cosy fantasy and high stakes drama with epic battles -mouth-watering descriptions of food, humour, the academic setting, coupled with intrigue and twists that were both satisfying and enigmatic – ensuring I was riveted throughout.

The world building gives readers a glimpse into how intricate this series is shaping up to be and leaves us wanting more.

Any fantasy fans looking for something bold and different will really enjoy this book.

A sensory feast that lingers to the last page. I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Thanks to Daphne Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!! I loved it!

Imagine a world where cuisine wields unimaginable power—where meat from colossal monsters grants magical abilities to those wealthy enough to dine on it. This book invites readers into such a realm, blending the pulse-pounding action of Attack on Titan with the culinary intensity of Food Wars, all wrapped in a dark, dystopian tone.

At the center of the story is Paprick, a humble butcher with extraordinary ambitions. While carving up Monster Meat for elite chefs, he dreams of mastering the culinary arts himself, a path forbidden to someone of his station. Paprick’s journey begins with stolen ingredients and clandestine experiments, but it takes a jaw-dropping turn when his latest creation transforms him into a kaiju-sized giant. This accidental metamorphosis catapults him into a high-stakes world of political intrigue and culinary decadence, as he uses his newfound power to challenge societal hierarchies and expose the corruption at the heart of his world.

What makes Revolution stand out is its ability to balance humor with conflict. The moment Paprick inadvertently grows to monstrous proportions is both absurdly funny and deeply unsettling, embodying the unpredictable magic of the Monster Meat. The high-stakes scenarios peppered with humor, the exploration of themes of rebellion, power dynamics, and the consequences of unchecked privilege are explored so well in this novel.

Paprick is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. His determination to perfect his craft and share its transformative potential with the oppressed creates a compelling narrative arc, while his encounters with the ruling elite uncover layers of corruption that make his rebellion as personal as it is political.

The world-building is another standout feature, with vivid descriptions of gargantuan monsters, mouthwatering meals that brim with magic, and a caste-driven society teetering on the edge of collapse. Fans of dark fantasy will relish the novel’s immersive setting, where each bite of Monster Meat carries as much danger as it does allure.

Revolution is a deliciously inventive tale of ambition, rebellion, and the intoxicating power of food. It’s perfect for fans of Pierce Brown, Jay Kristoff, or anyone who loves a story that seamlessly blends action, humor, and thought-provoking themes. Ryan Rose has served up a feast of a novel, don’t miss a bite!!!

Rating: 5/5 Stars
Why Read It???: For its unique premise, compelling characters, and blend of humor, suspense, and culinary magic.
Comparable Reads: Attack on Titan meets Shokugeki no Soma with a sprinkle of The Bear

Magic-centric culinary delights and giant kaiju? Reservation for 1, please!

Ryan Rose's Seven Recipes for Revolution is a dash Hell's Kitchen, a pinch Pierce Brown, and a hint Hajime Isayama which culminates in one of the most palate-pleasing debuts I've ever read.

If the cover alone doesn't scream "BUY" - which it should - then take my word as a self-titled SFF connoisseur and foodie that this one is special.

I fully expect SRfR to be one of the hottest debuts of 2025 when it hits next Summer.

Thank you Daphne Press, for my ARC copy of Revolution
by Ryan Rose

The book was an engaging and enjoyable read, and as I delved deeper into the story, I found myself visualizing Paprick as an anime character, which felt entirely fitting for the narrative. The storyline reminded me of an intriguing blend between "Attack on Titan" and "Food Wars," but with a darker undertone and without the typical ecchi elements.

I was captivated by Paprick's journey toward becoming a master chef, and I was eager to unravel the reasons behind his exceptional culinary skills. The moment when he inadvertently cooks a dish that transforms him into a giant is both hilarious and unsettling. It was a clever twist that highlighted the magic within Monster Meat, ultimately shifting his reality in extraordinary ways.

This unforeseen growth attracts the attention of the ruling elite, pulling Paprick into a web of corruption and intrigue that adds depth to the narrative. The combination of humour, suspense, and the exploration of power dynamics kept me fully engaged, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to discover what challenges and revelations awaited Paprick in his quest.

#AnimeInspiration #FantasyFiction #CulinaryAdventure #SuspensefulRead #PowerDynamics #BookReview #EngagingStory #MustRead #RyanRose #DaphnePress

A very unique story.
With enticing charactres and plot.
I couldn’t put it down.
Husky recommend.

The writing style wasn't for me unfortunately so I only read a couple of chapters of this story! I have to review every book or my ratio can't hit 100%, sorry.

Seven Recipes for Revolution by Ryan Rose is a fantasy novel that blends magic, cooking, and rebellion, but it ultimately wasn’t my type of book. The story follows Paprick, a 17-year-old butcher who dreams of becoming a chef and using the magic in monster meat to change his world. When he accidentally cooks a dish that makes him grow into a giant, he catches the attention of the ruling class and gets drawn into their corrupt world.

While the concept of food-based magic and monster meat was unique, I found the book difficult to follow. The world-building and magic system felt confusing, and the plot didn’t hold my attention. There were too many shifts between action, character development, and politics, which made it hard to stay engaged. Paprick’s journey from butcher to revolutionary chef seemed interesting in theory, but I found it hard to connect with the character or the story.

Overall, Seven Recipes for Revolution just wasn’t for me. If you’re a fan of complex world-building, food-based magic, and epic fantasies, you might enjoy it, but it didn’t capture my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I really enjoyed this one - the rich worldbuilding and the magic system built around food was fun to read. It's told in a manner that reminded me of the Empire of the Vampire, with the MC recounting their story. The action sequences in this are also written very well (I will say that some of the more heavy emotional scenes did not hit as hard as they maybe could have). I would highly recommend this to those that love immersive worldbuilding and creative magic systems.