This Will Be Interesting Summary & Book Review: A Witty Fantasy Romp
Introduction to This Will Be Interesting Summary & Review
E. B. Asher is the collaborative pen name of Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund‑Broka, a trio known for their sharp, emotionally intelligent romances.
This Will Be Interesting sits in the cozy‑fantasy-with‑teeth space, alongside Legends & Lattes and the authors’ own This Will Be Fun.
It’s a book about what happens after the big battle, when the statues are erected and the stories freeze you in time.
This summary will walk you through a world where heroes become damsels, queens fake marriages to manage public relations, and assassins have crises of conscience. It’s a story about choosing who you want to be when the spotlight is on—and when it isn’t.
Let’s just say that the only thing more interesting than saving the realm is figuring out what you want afterward.
TL;DR: The Quick Book Snapshot
⏱️ Short Summary ⚡
A legendary hero is resurrected a decade after his death, only to find himself irrelevant in a peaceful realm. When an assassin’s guild targets him, he must team up with a queen trapped in a fake marriage, a disenchanted killer, and a scribe with a dangerous secret to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to plunge the world back into chaos.
🔹 Key Takeaways
What does it mean to be a hero when the war is over?
Can we ever escape the roles we’ve been assigned?
How do we reconcile who we were with who we’ve become?
The difference between performing love and choosing it.
🧠 Themes: Identity and performance • Subversion of the “damsel” trope • The burden of memory • Legacy vs. reality • Villainy as survival • The nature of magic • Forgiveness and redemption
🎭 Tone / Style: Witty, whimsical, romantic, underpinned by themes of trauma and self‑discovery
Scroll down for the full analysis, the conspiracy, and the romances that rewrite the rules.
Book Details & Data
- Publisher: Avon
- Publication Date: March 24, 2026
- Print Length: 464 pages
- ISBN-10: 0063440318
- ISBN-13: 978-0063440319
- Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Humorous Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Grab Your Copy
If you’re ready to fall in love with a resurrected hero who has no idea what “brunch” is, a queen who just wants to be herself, and an assassin who keeps saving people instead of killing them, This Will Be Interesting by E. B. Asher is waiting.
This Will Be Interesting Book Review & Analysis
Note: This section provides a detailed literary analysis of the book, covering themes, characters, symbolism, and narrative craft.
Themes Analysis
Identity and Performance: Nearly every character is performing a role. Thessia is a fake wife, Galwell is a fake villain, Ario is a fake spymaster, and Tabitha is a fake queen. The book asks whether we can ever stop performing and simply be.
The Subversion of the “Damsel” Trope: Galwell, the legendary strongman, is frequently the one being rescued or captured. The book flips the damsel/hero dynamic, showing that vulnerability is not weakness.
The Burden of Memory: Celine’s “everlasting memory” is both a chosen skill and a psychological prison for her trauma. She must learn that forgetting is not the only path to healing.
Legacy vs. Reality: The characters struggle with the statues and plays made about them, which never reflect the complexity of their real lives. The novel argues that we are more than our stories.
Villainy as Survival: Mona and River use their reputations as “merciless” or “deadly” as armor against a world that has rejected them. Their arcs reveal that “villains” are often just survivors.
The Nature of Magic: Magic is tied to emotion and the self. Thessia only finds her magic when she is “happy to be her,” and Celine’s fire is triggered by her lack of control.
Character Analysis
| Character | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Galwell the Great | Galwell begins as a man defined by a legacy he no longer feels he owns. He feels like a burden, a “damsel” constantly needing saving. His arc moves from chivalric duty to personal honesty, learning that being a hero isn’t about being perfect but about being real. His relationship with Mona teaches him to “fight dirty” and accept love from someone who isn’t a “noble” princess. |
| Queen Thessia | Thessia starts as a “figurehead” who lacks magic and real authority. Her journey is about claiming her own story. She sabotages her hair, negotiates with crime lords, and eventually saves herself by using her crown as a weapon. By the end, she realizes her “powerlessness” was a lie told by her double, and she embraces a new life as a magical ruler. |
| River Pricemark | River is an acrobat turned assassin who views herself as a weapon rather than a person. Her internal conflict stems from loyalty to a guild that no longer exists. Her relationship with Celine forces her to face vulnerability, and she eventually reclaims the performer she once was. |
| Hugh Mavaris | Hugh is a heart magician who uses music to influence emotions. Paralyzed by fear of loss after the death of his first love, his performance as a “happy husband” eventually gives way to a real, terrifying love for Thessia. |
| Celine Hazelton | Celine is a “memory master” who hides a volatile gift of fire. She uses her curiosity and journals as a distraction from the trauma of her childhood. Her arc is about owning her past and using her fire to heal rather than ruin. |
| Mona Grandhart | Mona is a “villain” by reputation but a protector by nature. She reads the worst thoughts of everyone around her, leading to a cynical worldview. Through Galwell, she learns that “nobody ever changes” is a lie and finds the strength to forgive her family. |
Romance Tropes, Conflicts
The book features three interwoven romances: the hero and the criminal (Galwell/Mona), the fake royals (Thessia/Hugh), and the assassin and the scribe (River/Celine).
Each romance employs forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and slow‑burn elements.
The conflict is internal: each character must learn to accept themselves before they can accept love.
Symbolism in This Will Be Interesting
Clarification Line: The following table reflects my personal analysis of the novel’s symbolic elements.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Deathrose Guild | The corrupt system of violence that defines River’s identity; dismantling it is reclaiming her self |
| The Play About Galwell’s Death | The gap between legend and reality; Galwell’s discomfort reflects his alienation from his own story |
| The Crown of Mythria | The weight of expectation and performance; Thessia’s inability to rule reflects her lack of autonomy |
| The Harpies | Magic amplification; also the fear of being seen truly |
| Benjamin the Snail | Slow, steady hope; the antidote to poison and corruption |
| The Council of Quests | A new model of governance—active good rather than passive peace |
Settings & Genres
Primary Settings: Mythria (idealistic realm), Vestriya (older, cynical continent), Cloudcliff Village
Key Locations: The Sapphire Palace (ship), Crumbiello Club, the Grotto, the Pale Palace, the Grand Theatre
Genre: Fantasy / Romantasy / Humorous Fantasy
Tone: Witty, whimsical, romantic, with undercurrents of trauma and self‑discovery
What to Read After This: Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales Summary & Book Review: A Magical Finale
Who This Book Is For?
Fans of Legends & Lattes or The Spellshop who love character‑driven fantasy with heart
Readers who enjoy romantic subplots woven into a larger adventure
Those who appreciate witty, self‑aware humor that doesn’t undercut emotional stakes
Anyone who loves stories about found family and second chances
Fans of the authors’ previous work (Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund‑Broka)
People who enjoy political intrigue with a lighter touch
Readers who want a satisfying conclusion with multiple romantic resolutions
My Final Rating: ★★★★½ (3.7/5 Stars)
What Should I Read Next? Books Like This Will Be Interesting by E.B. Asher
This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher* – The predecessor novel, also set in Mythria.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – Cozy fantasy with low stakes and high emotional payoff.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst – Witty, romantic fantasy with a whimsical tone.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – Found family, romance, and a touch of magic.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune – Whimsical, heartfelt fantasy about chosen family.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater – Regency fantasy with sharp humor and a slow‑burn romance.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett – Academic fantasy with wit and romance.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske – Historical fantasy with a romantic mystery.
The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner – Humorous fantasy with a scrappy heroine.
Paladin’s Grace by T. Kingfisher – Romantic fantasy with quirky characters and a slow‑burn romance.
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher – A humorous fantasy romance about a woman and a sword‑bound warrior.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton – Whimsical, witty adventure with a romantic subplot.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen – Fantasy romance with a unique premise and emotional depth.
Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater – A fairy‑tale retelling with humor and heart.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling – Witty, romantic fantasy with a small‑town setting.
About the Author: E. B. Asher
E.B. Asher is the pen name for the collaborative team of Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund‑Broka.
Together, they bring a unique balance of humor, emotional depth, and romantic tension to the fantasy genre.
Famous Books by E.B. Asher:
This Will Be Fun
This Will Be Interesting
Authors with Similar Style: T.J. Klune, Travis Baldree, Olivia Atwater, T. Kingfisher
External Sources:
Goodreads: E.B. Asher
Quotes From This Will Be Interesting by E. B. Asher
“Galwell had become quite good at gratitude… Galwell the Great‑ful.”
“He was the one they had saved. Galwell was practiced in being the rescuer.”
“A wanting both wonderful and terrible at once.”
“In your line of work, it would be as noble a death as Galwell’s supposedly was ten years ago.”
“You’re not a person. You’re a weapon.”
“My home is Mythria, my love is here… My home is Mythria, I hold her dear.”
“Legends never wait.”
“Our magic shapes us, but it doesn’t define us.”
A Worth Reading: Daughter of Crows Summary & Book Review | Mark Lawrence
Detailed This Will Be Interesting Summary: What Is It About?
(Spoilers Ahead)
Galwell the Great was resurrected ten years after his death by his friend’s time‑walking magic. But the world has moved on.
His former fiancée, Queen Thessia, has married Sir Hugh Mavaris in a sham union. His friends are busy with their own lives. And an assassin’s guild has put a price on his head.
River Pricemark, an elite assassin of the Deathrose Guild, is sent to kill Galwell. But when she fails, she becomes a fugitive.
She reunites with Celine Hazelton, a childhood friend turned investigative scribe who has a secret: she possesses volatile fire magic she can’t control.
The group travels to Vestriya to hide Galwell, uncovering a conspiracy that involves the assassination of Prince Ezio and a plot by the Deathrose Guild to spread chaos.
They discover that the guild’s leader is Tabitha, Thessia’s body double, who has been using her position to mute Thessia’s magic and plan a coup.
At the talent competition Vestriya Now, the group stages a public reckoning.
Hugh sings a song that inspires the crowd, Ario exposes his parents’ crimes, and River kills Tabitha with Celine’s sentimental quill.
With Tabitha’s death, everyone’s magic returns. Thessia discovers she has shape‑shifting powers. Ario is crowned King of Vestriya.
The party returns to Mythria, where Thessia forms the Council of Quests to actively spread good. Galwell and Mona choose each other, leaving behind their prescribed roles.
River and Celine get engaged, starting a new acrobatic troupe made of former guild members.
Plot Analysis
Structure: Interstitial gossip columns and reports provide public context for private events, mirroring the theme of performance versus reality.
Pacing: Deliberate in the first half, focusing on emotional weight and character dynamics; accelerates after the Realm Chalice assassination.
Conflict: The central conflict is between the roles characters were assigned (hero, queen, assassin, villain) and the people they choose to become.
A Similar Review To Read: The Way of Kings Summary & Book Review | Brandon Sanderson
This Will Be Interesting Summary by Chapter (Brief)
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This section contains detailed, chapter‑by‑chapter plot summaries.
Interstitial 1: Mythria’s Royal Wedding! – Gossip column details the wedding of Queen Thessia to Sir Hugh Mavaris, noting the resurrection of Galwell the Great.
Chapter 1: Galwell the Great‑ful – Galwell watches a play about his own death, feeling alienated from his friends and legacy.
Chapter 2: The Assassin in the Trees – River Pricemark stalks Galwell but is thwarted by a shout and teleports into a tree.
Chapter 3: The Queen’s Spun Gold – Thessia panics during a press conference, having badly spelled her hair blond. She decides to honeymoon in Vestriya.
Chapter 4: The Sleep‑Outside Party – River observes her former partner Vandra and realizes she left the guild for happiness.
Chapter 5: Brunch and Bandits – Galwell learns about brunch and realizes he has become a “damsel.” Clare gives him a letter of introduction to his sister, Mona.
Chapter 6: The Honeymoon Suite – Thessia and Hugh board the Sapphire Palace, playing a besotted couple. Hugh reveals his tragic past and heart magic.
Chapter 7: The Captain’s Secret – Thessia finds Galwell stowing away; the assassin Dougal attacks. River subdues him, realizing the guild is breaking its honor code.
Interstitial 2: Sea‑lebrity Sightings – Celine reports on eccentric passengers and notes “sea‑spicious” behavior.
Chapter 8: The Crumbiello Club – Galwell, River, and Celine seek out Mona in a criminal dance club. Mona locks Galwell in a dance cage.
Chapter 9: The Masquerade and the Spymaster – Thessia attends a masquerade, learning about Prince Ario. Mona agrees to help in exchange for a pardon.
Chapter 10: The Circus Trick – Celine tricks River into attending a circus. River saves a performer but lashes out at Celine for trying to “narrate” her life.
Chapter 11: The Poet Prince – Hugh leads the party to find Prince Ario, who is a terrible street‑corner poet. He agrees to take them to the Grotto.
Chapter 12: The Eagle Sleepies – Galwell wanders in his sleep clothes and is attacked by Mona, who reveals she is a mind reader.
Chapter 13: The Grotto Ambush – The Deathrose twins attack. Celine is “chosen” by the harpies, reacting with horror as her magic amplifies.
Interstitial 3: The Guild‑ed Cage – Celine publishes an exposé on the Deathrose Guild’s failures.
Chapter 14: The Song of the Heart – Thessia finds Hugh playing the harp; they share a kiss, but she flees out of guilt.
Chapter 15: The Regent’s Suite – Galwell follows Mona, thwarts her petty crimes, and they share an intimate encounter.
Chapter 16: The Realm Chalice – A Galwell impersonator kills Prince Ezio; Galwell is framed.
Chapter 17: The Mimic’s Flight – River tracks the mimic, who falls to his death, while Celine accidentally kills two guards with fire magic.
Chapter 18: Galwell the Fugitive – Galwell is arrested but escapes and flees to Mona.
Interstitial 4: Realm Chalice Chaos – A sports reporter expresses outrage over Ezio’s murder, labeling Galwell “The Gruesome.”
Chapter 19: The Carousel Confession – Celine confesses she has fire magic, not memory magic. River kisses her but leaves to take down the guild.
Chapter 20: Benjamin’s Sanctuary – Thessia is under palace arrest and takes charge of Ario’s snail, Benjamin. She spends a final night with Hugh.
Chapter 21: The Drunken Fugitive – Mona hides Galwell and brokers a meeting with the person who ordered his assassination.
Chapter 22: The Nightmares of Dougal – River is captured and tortured; Vandra rescues her.
Chapter 23: The Pale Palace – Thessia, Celine, and Hugh find Ario poisoned. Benjamin’s slime acts as an antidote.
Chapter 24: The Playwright’s Plot – Cheswick Chestlewitt admits he hired the guild because Galwell’s resurrection ruined his play’s ending.
Chapter 25: The Village of Ashes – River finds Celine in Arveto; Celine reveals she burned the village as a child. They reconcile.
Chapter 26: The Hallway Reunion – Hugh and Thessia save Ario; they are “captured” by the Mythrian heroes, who have arrived to help.
Chapter 27: Wanted and Wanted – Galwell reunites with his friends. He breaks his engagement to Thessia, admitting he loves Mona. They plan a coup at “Vestriya Now.”
Interstitial 5: Vestriya Now Returns – An announcement for the talent competition mentions the search for “Galwell the Gruesome.”
Chapter 28: The Last‑Minute Audition – Hugh, Ario, and River audition for the show; River secures a spot as an acrobat.
Chapter 29: The Homesick Song – Thessia visits Hugh in his tent; he admits he is terrified of losing her.
Chapter 30: The Jail Cell Tryst – Galwell and Mona allow themselves to be arrested. They share an intimate moment in the cell.
Chapter 31: The Fearless Flyer – River performs her routine, raining truth pamphlets on the audience. The twins capture Celine, forcing River to pretend to betray Thessia.
Chapter 32: The Loss of Magic – Galwell and Mona lose their magic due to Tabitha’s touch. River “kidnaps” Thessia.
Chapter 33: The Face of the Enemy – Thessia is brought to Tabitha, who reveals she is the guild leader and plans to replace Thessia.
Chapter 34: The Quill of Justice – River kills Tabitha with Celine’s sentimental quill. Everyone’s magic returns.
Chapter 35: The Coronation of King Ario – Hugh sings Ario’s song, inspiring the crowd. Ario exposes his parents; the people crown him king.
Interstitial 6: The Burning Truth – Celine publishes a pamphlet confessing her role in Arveto’s fire and calling for restoration.
Chapter 36: The Council of Quests – The party reunites. River wins “Vestriya Now.”
Chapter 37: The Bandits’ Residency – River and Celine get engaged. River starts a new acrobatic troupe called “The Bandits.”
Chapter 38: The Forgiveness of the Fleeing – Galwell finds Mona in Cloudcliff Village; she has forgiven her parents and chooses to start a new life with him.
Chapter 39: The Symbol and the Self – Thessia starts the Council of Quests. She discovers her own magic—shape‑shifting—muted by Tabitha’s touch.
To Read Next: The Rise of the Celestials Summary & Book Review: A Mythic Epic of Feminine Power
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is This Will Be Interesting a standalone?
Yes, it is a standalone novel, though it is set in the same world as the author’s previous book, This Will Be Fun.
Do I need to read the first book?
No, this book stands alone, though readers of the previous book will recognize the world and some characters.
Is there a love triangle?
No. There are three separate romantic couples, each with their own arc.
What is the magic system?
Magic is tied to emotion and identity. Characters have unique gifts: heart magic (music that influences emotion), fire magic, teleportation, mind reading, shape‑shifting, and more.
Does Galwell end up with Thessia?
No. He breaks their engagement and ends up with Mona.
Who is the villain?
Tabitha, Thessia’s body double, who is secretly the leader of the Deathrose Guild.
What is the Deathrose Guild?
An assassin’s guild that initially operated by an honor code but has been corrupted by Tabitha.
Is the book funny?
Yes, it has a sharp, witty tone with playful language and humorous situations.
Are there explicit scenes?
There are romantic and intimate scenes, but they are more emotional than graphic.
Does the book end on a cliffhanger?
No, the plot is resolved, though the epilogue establishes a new status quo for the characters.
Conclusion
This Will Be Interesting is a witty, heartfelt fantasy that subverts the hero’s journey and asks what happens when the story ends.
Key Takeaways:
A clever subversion of classic fantasy tropes
Three distinct, satisfying romantic arcs
A heroine (Thessia) who discovers her own power
A message that we can rewrite our own stories
Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreads’s book page
- Author’s image source: harpercollins.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
