Tag: fantasy

Book review: The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger

5 out of 5 stars

The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger is a Viking-inspired YA fantasy novella that keeps the reader intrigued. The character depth and world development are detailed and add to the storyline in a wonderful manner. Waldburger also includes a pronunciation guide/dictionary at the beginning to aide understanding and to help delve deeper into the novella.

Vilden, Erlendr, Brann, Grye, and a group of Andreveien people arrive at the shore of a new land after traveling by sea for a fortnight. Upon landing, Grye has a vision that has a possibility of forever changing the future of the landing party. Vilden, Brann, and Grye work together to explore all that the new land offers and to unravel the mystery of Grye’s vision. Vilden is the arrogant son of the chief (Erlendr) who has serious misgivings about his role in the new Andreveien community. Brann is the stalwart companion who seems to do everything right at exactly the right time. Grye’s visions have helped her people and have helped shape her cutting wit and the strength of her willpower. All three adventurers mature and become better people throughout their short travels.

Waldburger creates a wonderful entry point for this world for YA and adult readers alike. This is just the beginning for Vilden and his people. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this group of intrepid adventurers.

I received an ARC from the author, and this review is honest and voluntary.

Posted on by brandeemiller 0

Book review: Glik’s Fables Vol. 1: The Isle of the Charred Maiden by H.D. Scott

4 out of 5 stars

Glik’s Fables Vol 1: Isle of the Charred Maiden by H.D. Scott is a page turner. There’s action, humor, adventure, humor, a fantasy setting, storytelling, and oh—did I mention humor? At times I had to stop my husband from doing whatever mundane task he was working on just to read him my newest favorite passage.

Glik’s Fables follows a type of antihero storyteller, a goblin. Unlike most goblins, Glik is fluent in multiple languages, has a quick mind and can learn quickly, knows how to communicate with different personality types, and has a pet rat named Tinky.

We follow along the adventures and misadventures of Glik and Tinky as they travel by sea and by land and meet humans, other goblins, orcs, a gnome, and a sundry of other folk who add to the fantasy setting. Honestly, I kept thinking, “What are they going to get into next?”

Scott’s character and setting developments are wonderful and help bring the novel to life. I would like to see a little more scene development in a couple of instances toward the end. That being said, I hope there is a Vol 2 very soon.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

Posted on by brandeemiller 0