TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

HL Bernabe’s debut novel Cooking Up Magick launches The Dell Chronicles, a fantasy series that echoes The Lord of the Rings in tone and setting. Halfling protagonist Paisley joins two dwarves on a quest to stop an ancient evil overlord, Verzod, who threatens a peaceful land. The narrative blends culinary themes, magic, and a budding romance with a half‑orc, positioning “found family” as its emotional core. While Paisley’s charisma and the chemistry among the main cast shine, the book underdelivers on world‑building and the promised cooking focus, offering only fleeting culinary scenes. Verzod’s villainy is clear but shallow, limited to a soft spot for his talking cat. Overall, the novel offers engaging character moments but falls short of fully realizing its fantasy‑cooking premise.