Prince of the Apple Towns

Del Elle's Prince of the Apple Towns caught me off guard. I wasn't sure what to expect from a story about magical brooches and Apple Towns, but the world-building pulled me in right away.

The story centers around Phillens, who's entrusted with protecting a magical brooch called Delcorf. This brooch is part of a larger contest between various Apple Towns, where each town possesses a brooch that grants special abilities. The concept sounds unusual at first, but Elle builds it into something that feels both fantastical and grounded in its own logic. When Phillens seeks help from James & Jones Intuitive Consultants, the world really opens up - there's a train that loops through the shop interior, rooms that transform into different landscapes, and this whole surreal atmosphere that pulls you in.

What I appreciated most was the creativity in the world-building. The Apple Towns each have their own identity and history, and the competition system where towns compete to crown a Prince every four years creates genuine stakes. The antagonists from Akane are compelling because they're not just evil for the sake of it - they've been systematically collecting brooches to gain power, which makes them a real threat. The dynamic between the consultants Jo and Jay adds some nice humor and contrast to the more serious moments.

The writing style is very descriptive and visual, which helps create vivid scenes where rooms shift into beaches or fight sequences unfold like choreographed performances. The action scenes in particular have this cinematic quality to them. Some of the character names did take a moment to keep straight, but once I got into the rhythm of the story it flowed better.

The book ends on a note that sets up a sequel, which some readers might want to know about going in. But it also means there's more story to explore, and I found myself curious about what happens next with Phillens and the brooch's fate. For readers who enjoy imaginative fantasy that breaks from traditional structures, this is worth picking up. Elle has created something genuinely original here.