Seven Recipes for Revolution is the first novel in the epic fantasy series What We Eat, written by Ryan Rose, published by Daphne Press. When I saw the premise of this book months ago, it was an insta-add to the to be read list; it delivered: not only we have a high stakes story about rebellion and fighting the system from the inside, but a cast of characters that leave their imprint on the reader, cinematic battles (I wouldn't be surprised to see something similar in Shingeki No Kyojin) and cooking as the base for a really refreshing magic system that also captures some ideas that we will discuss later.

Our adventure is narrated by the own Paprick the Butcher, years later, from a cell in the presence of a scribe; the story from the moment he was only Paprick, a butcher, working in a factory that harvests emphon meat, the base of the Rares' recipes. The Common are forbidden from consuming it; but in a desperate situation, Paprick not only consumes it, but also, to avert a disaster, manages to create a new magic recipe. What in any other case would have been a death sentence, for Paprick means that the doors are open to reach his goal: to train as a Chef, even if he's of Common origin.
From being on the edge of starvation, to become a symbol of the Common and their revolution against the Rare; but he will also have to navigate a dangerous and painful world among the Rare, while trying to keep others safe from the conspiracies and threats that come in this complex world (apart from the own danger that comes attached to a revolution).

Having a relatively young character such as Paprick is always a challenge; but I think Rose made a great job adding the context from the older Paprick to the story. By himself, Paprick could be defined as somebody marked by suffering, grief and compassion; we will see him in danger many times while trying to help others. It is true that he might be prone to anger, but in a world such as the one in Seven Recipes for Revolution, we could probably point that as a consequence of how the Common are constantly living oppressed and under the fear of starvation.
The rest of the secondary cast, especially regarding Paprick's mates at the academy and those that were Common are quite likeable, especially as we get to know them (even if a certain twist concealed a harsh truth). While they might be eclipsed by Paprick's light, they all have memorable moments, points that you fondly remember after ending.

The worldbuilding of Seven Recipes for Revolution seems simple at first glance: a society divided into two classes, one oppressing the other and restricting their access to magic; but Rose manages to infuse it with a great richness of detail, putting the food in the center of the book. Not only we have the contrast between the Rare way of cooking, much more sophisticated, and the Common, more utilitarian but also flavourful, but Rose captures perfectly themes such as how having a meal can bring people together, create a sense of community through the shared recipes, and how cooking might almost be alchemic, transforming ingredients into a totally different thing.
It is true that this is a merciless world, and that also is reflected in how starvation is used as a control tool against the common, with violence being the other weapon for the regiment. A revolution can't be painless, and sometimes the leaders need to peruse if the price is not too steep.
The pacing starts strong enough to keep you engaged through those moments that can be slower, especially as we see Paprick entering a new world for him, but just enjoy this crazy travel, because there are scenes that will keep you at the end of the seat.

Seven Recipes for Revolution is all I could have asked from this title when I first saw it and more; not only we have a promising epic proposal that hints of going bigger with the successive books, but also a compelling story that will make you feel many things (hunger among them). Ryan Rose has nailed his debut, and I can only wait for the second book in the What We Eat series.