Every enduring fantasy story begins with a single choice. ESCALA’S WISH, the first book in the Tales of Valla series, begins with one that quietly reshapes an entire world. Written by David James, this romantasy debut follows a young faerie princess whose life is suddenly altered by an impulsive kiss to find true love. Her action, unfortunately, costs her a beloved friend and life as she once knew it. For this, she is exiled from her world and forced to roam the material plane until she fulfills her quest: to remove the boulders from the True Cycle. This sets her on a path of self-discovery and adventure filled with intrigue, danger, tests of loyalty, found family, and love in all its different forms.

Recounted by a bard in a lively tavern, ESCALA’S WISH delivers as a fascinating tale inside a story. The novel radiates the warmth and charm of a fireplace folklore, carried through Wigfrith Foreverbloom’s voice, commentaries, theatrics, and overall presence. Readers can almost feel themselves seated at The Stag, eagerly hanging on to Wigfrith’s every word as he unspools Escala Winter’s riveting story: “If you’re after the same old crude songs and tired tales about greedy mayors or kissing mermaids, keep walking—plenty of that down the lane. But if you crave something different, something original, something magical… step inside before the room is full.”

Escala is a rebellious, curious, free, and mischievous creature. She and other characters are written with enough intention to allow room for them to all grow and develop. Escala isn’t written as an immature nor a perfect heroine. Instead, she pushes boundaries, constantly curious about the life around her. Though her curiosity is what gets her into trouble most of the time, it's also an endearing quality that drives her character forward. The story allows for her to stumble, learn, and slowly grasp the consequences of her choices. This slow character building is what makes her journey feel real and emotionally resonate with readers, bringing together all the great qualities of something deeply human.

ESCALA’S WISH is mostly character-driven, with its supporting cast bringing humor, tension, and heartfelt moments of a newly found family. James does a wonderful job letting these relationships grow at their own pace, despite the novel itself moving at high-speed. With each danger, the group’s bond grows and deepens. It’s also genuinely fun to watch Roedyn, Harper, Sticky, and Crurri each shape Escala’s view of the world in their own way. As with many tales, there are moral lessons here, especially centered around love, which James lightly and thoughtfully weaves into the story and passes on to his readers: “Love can be fierce, tender, stubborn, or quiet, but it always demands something of you. It asks for patience when anger is easier, forgiveness when bitterness feels justified, and loyalty when walking away seems safer.”

The world James builds is immersive and layered, full of its own history, grudges, shadows, and rules that elevate the narrative rather than overwhelm it. The Fey courts carry that same richness and offer just enough nostalgia to delight fans of ACOTAR.

With ESCALA’S WISH (Tales of Valla), David James enters the writing world with a debut that tugs at the emotions of romance and fantasy fans. Anchoring a powerful theme on love, the novel delivers a stunning beginning to a series rich in character, world, and magic.

~ Tomi Alo for IndieReader