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lucyslibraryreviews's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This felt like I was reading an indie book, but a good indie book. It's good world building. Suspenseful. I was satisfied with the ending & the set up for the next book. It does have a strong ending, but there are a few things left undone, for next book. It's not my preferred genre. It has a lot of characters I like, a few I don't. I'm not sure that I love the characters. I'm not entirely sure why I'm giving it 4 stars, instead of 5.
parmpotato's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the accents leave a lot to be desired in the audio-book, and whilst I was not convinced at first once I got into this story I started to enjoy it.
The world-building (no pun intended) was actually very strong, especially for the first novel in a trilogy, and also the author's debut. The notion of poems and stories having literally a life of their own, being able to speak influence the body was an intriguing one. There are vague hints of other fantasy stories here, but it stands apart from them too.
Most of the characters were well-drawn, although the villain is a little on the cartoonish side. So obvious in his evil and tyranny.
Overall, its a good story with adventure, chase scenes, action and smattering of romance. The conclusion could allow of this to be a single, self-contained story, but there are a few unresolved plot-lines and loose ends which will no doubt be resolved in the sequels.
The world-building (no pun intended) was actually very strong, especially for the first novel in a trilogy, and also the author's debut. The notion of poems and stories having literally a life of their own, being able to speak influence the body was an intriguing one. There are vague hints of other fantasy stories here, but it stands apart from them too.
Most of the characters were well-drawn, although the villain is a little on the cartoonish side. So obvious in his evil and tyranny.
Overall, its a good story with adventure, chase scenes, action and smattering of romance. The conclusion could allow of this to be a single, self-contained story, but there are a few unresolved plot-lines and loose ends which will no doubt be resolved in the sequels.
votesforwomen's review against another edition
4.0
I wouldn't call this the most brilliant fantasy I've ever read, but it was ridiculously cool, I loved the characters, and the world was fantastic. The cliffhanger needed a little bit more, but overall, I think I can easily give this 4 stars and say with confidence that I'm very happy to have the sequel IN MY HANDS. xD
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
It seems that I'm currently in the mood for Christian Fantasy. I don't know why exactly. I never really know why I'm in the mood for whatever I'm in the mood for. However, this series has been on my wishlist for quite some time already and since I saw the books were hard to get in Europe I placed an order on the American Amazon to make sure I'd have the entire trilogy on the shelves. Yesterday morning it was time to dive in.
This book was everything I had hoped it would be and maybe even a little bit more. I absolutely love how this story makes the power of art, whether it's music or storytelling, very visible. Both literally, when our heroine is telling her stories she's also making artwork with strands of light, and figuratively, when we discover that especially the artwork is capable of actually showing the truth by adding strands of its own.
I also really loved the world building in this book. The author is never explaining everything in too much detail, but because our heroine is traveling so much we get to see quite a lot of the kingdom. Since we're also seeing glimpses of the life of the princess we also get a very clear idea of what life at court is like and what kind of king is currently on the throne. After the finale of this book I'm only curious to explore more of the world.
I also really loved the plot. Of course it's kinda predictable. We get quite a few pieces from the puzzle very early in the story and it's therefore not too hard to guess what might have happened and what might gonna happen. However, I really enjoyed the journey. I enjoyed watching our heroine grow and learn and discover what has happened to her and her parents. Just like I really enjoyed seeing all storylines and puzzle pieces coming together.
It certainly won't be long before I'll start the second book!
This book was everything I had hoped it would be and maybe even a little bit more. I absolutely love how this story makes the power of art, whether it's music or storytelling, very visible. Both literally, when our heroine is telling her stories she's also making artwork with strands of light, and figuratively, when we discover that especially the artwork is capable of actually showing the truth by adding strands of its own.
I also really loved the world building in this book. The author is never explaining everything in too much detail, but because our heroine is traveling so much we get to see quite a lot of the kingdom. Since we're also seeing glimpses of the life of the princess we also get a very clear idea of what life at court is like and what kind of king is currently on the throne. After the finale of this book I'm only curious to explore more of the world.
I also really loved the plot. Of course it's kinda predictable. We get quite a few pieces from the puzzle very early in the story and it's therefore not too hard to guess what might have happened and what might gonna happen. However, I really enjoyed the journey. I enjoyed watching our heroine grow and learn and discover what has happened to her and her parents. Just like I really enjoyed seeing all storylines and puzzle pieces coming together.
It certainly won't be long before I'll start the second book!
lielos99's review against another edition
4.0
This was just... brilliant. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first started this book. And even the gorgeous cover couldn't prepare me.
For some reason I thought this was a middle grade (hahaha) but it was not. Instead it was a wonderful YA fantasy adventure that will make every reader and writer feel a connection. Because there are so many hidden themes and thoughts in this that every artist fear, and wonder about. It encourages those who have a gift to use it, and not let it waste away, and the characters are just wonderful.
I loved the writing style, the characters, the world building, and the plot was intriguing and had the right amount of pacing.
For some reason I thought this was a middle grade (hahaha) but it was not. Instead it was a wonderful YA fantasy adventure that will make every reader and writer feel a connection. Because there are so many hidden themes and thoughts in this that every artist fear, and wonder about. It encourages those who have a gift to use it, and not let it waste away, and the characters are just wonderful.
I loved the writing style, the characters, the world building, and the plot was intriguing and had the right amount of pacing.
katherinebriggs's review against another edition
4.0
I love The Story Peddler! It is so fun, fresh, and the characterization is amazing. Read it!
authoramyearls's review against another edition
5.0
The characters were a little confusing to me at times, like I was unsure what they were talking about, but I understood a little more as the story went on. The ending was fantastic!
t1nk3rb3ll21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and War
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not gonna lie, it was initially the gorgeous cover that first grabbed my attention. When I read the synopsis, I was completely intrigued. And then, when I finally delved into story, I was utterly enchanted. What a breathtakingly amazing adventure it was!
Tanwen is a great character. She's full of spunk and is instantly likable. Though she's the main character, this story also shares the point of view of a couple of other characters - Braith the princess and the mysterious One in the Dark. Usually when there's multiple POVs, I tend to enjoy one more than the other, but not here. All the characters were interesting and even the most minor among them were multifaceted and fully fleshed out.
This book has garnered a lot of praise and, I've gotta say, it lived up to the hype and exceeded my expectations. It's one of those stories that I became completely absorbed in. Real life faded away and I was right in the middle of it all with these characters and visiting this new and wondrous land of Tir.
The Story Peddler is utterly unique. I've read quite a few fantasy novels, but none quite like this. I highly, highly recommend it to everyone that loves fantasy. I'm very eager for book two!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Tanwen is a great character. She's full of spunk and is instantly likable. Though she's the main character, this story also shares the point of view of a couple of other characters - Braith the princess and the mysterious One in the Dark. Usually when there's multiple POVs, I tend to enjoy one more than the other, but not here. All the characters were interesting and even the most minor among them were multifaceted and fully fleshed out.
This book has garnered a lot of praise and, I've gotta say, it lived up to the hype and exceeded my expectations. It's one of those stories that I became completely absorbed in. Real life faded away and I was right in the middle of it all with these characters and visiting this new and wondrous land of Tir.
The Story Peddler is utterly unique. I've read quite a few fantasy novels, but none quite like this. I highly, highly recommend it to everyone that loves fantasy. I'm very eager for book two!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.