erinarkin20's review
4.0
The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace is the first in The Keepers’ Chronicles and I thought it was a wonderful start to what will be a promising series.
Johanna Von Arlo has grown up in a family of performers. She has learned how to be a Storyspinner from her father but on the night that the story opens, her father is performing his highwire act and something goes terribly wrong. After that dreadful night, things change drastically for Johanna as she and her family have to figure out a new way to survive.
Due to being kicked out of the troupe and their struggles to survive, Johanna is forced to hunt in the woods. When she comes across a deer that then happens to run onto Lord Rafael DeSilva’s land she is mistaken for a poacher and that’s when things take another turn as she is thrown into the DeSilva’s world and asked to work for them while they entertain other nobles.
There is quite a bit going on in this story and another piece that ties all of the characters back to Johanna includes a group called The Keepers. They are looking for the heir of King Wilhelm because they believe the heir is the one who will save their land. They aren’t the only ones looking for her either – there are girls being murdered all over the kingdom that match Johanna’s description and when Rafi and his mother figure things out, they start to worry about what this means.
I found that I liked all of the characters in this story. Johanna is smart and definitely not one to just sit by and let others take care of things. I liked that she was willing to do anything for her family and although she has had some tragedies in her life, she still stayed strong. Rafi feels unprepared to take on the level of leadership he knows he has to but he is willing to do what he needs to in order to protect his people as well as the people he cares most about, his mother, brother and now Johanna.
Jacare and his group of Keepers were interesting as well. I would love to know more about their story and I look forward to finding out what has become of them based on the last chapter we had from one of them.
I enjoyed how Wallace tied all of the different storylines together and with all of the action, the story was fast. I have to say, the one frustration I had was how quickly the points of views were transitioned. Just as I would get into one character’s perspective, the chapter would end and things would move to another character’s point of view. It made some of the story feel choppy.
Overall I thought this was a solid first book. Johanna’s story has some mystery and lots of action and Wallace has created an interesting world for them all to live in. I can’t wait to learn more about everyone and where Johanna and Rafi are headed. Based on how this one ended, I am looking forward to the next book as I am curious to see where Wallace goes with all of these characters. If you are looking for an action-filled fantasy, check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
Johanna Von Arlo has grown up in a family of performers. She has learned how to be a Storyspinner from her father but on the night that the story opens, her father is performing his highwire act and something goes terribly wrong. After that dreadful night, things change drastically for Johanna as she and her family have to figure out a new way to survive.
Due to being kicked out of the troupe and their struggles to survive, Johanna is forced to hunt in the woods. When she comes across a deer that then happens to run onto Lord Rafael DeSilva’s land she is mistaken for a poacher and that’s when things take another turn as she is thrown into the DeSilva’s world and asked to work for them while they entertain other nobles.
There is quite a bit going on in this story and another piece that ties all of the characters back to Johanna includes a group called The Keepers. They are looking for the heir of King Wilhelm because they believe the heir is the one who will save their land. They aren’t the only ones looking for her either – there are girls being murdered all over the kingdom that match Johanna’s description and when Rafi and his mother figure things out, they start to worry about what this means.
I found that I liked all of the characters in this story. Johanna is smart and definitely not one to just sit by and let others take care of things. I liked that she was willing to do anything for her family and although she has had some tragedies in her life, she still stayed strong. Rafi feels unprepared to take on the level of leadership he knows he has to but he is willing to do what he needs to in order to protect his people as well as the people he cares most about, his mother, brother and now Johanna.
Jacare and his group of Keepers were interesting as well. I would love to know more about their story and I look forward to finding out what has become of them based on the last chapter we had from one of them.
I enjoyed how Wallace tied all of the different storylines together and with all of the action, the story was fast. I have to say, the one frustration I had was how quickly the points of views were transitioned. Just as I would get into one character’s perspective, the chapter would end and things would move to another character’s point of view. It made some of the story feel choppy.
Overall I thought this was a solid first book. Johanna’s story has some mystery and lots of action and Wallace has created an interesting world for them all to live in. I can’t wait to learn more about everyone and where Johanna and Rafi are headed. Based on how this one ended, I am looking forward to the next book as I am curious to see where Wallace goes with all of these characters. If you are looking for an action-filled fantasy, check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
michellesantiago's review against another edition
5.0
I knew I was going to love it and I do! I need book 2 now. Soo, so, so, so GOOD!! Full review soon.
mikrokosm0s's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 - Don't judge this book by its hideous cover! I had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. Likable characters and a cute romance made for an enjoyable read. A touch more character development and world building would have been nice but I'm sure since this is the first in a series it will be addressed in later books. It's also pretty predictable - no twisty turns and surprises here - but it was still very entertaining. 6+ POVs was a little annoying but wasn't horribly done. Overall, a solid debut!
kasiej's review against another edition
5.0
Ok, so I haven't written a review in a long time. Whether it's been a matter of time or disinterest, I just haven't had the urge to rant and rave.
However, something about this book makes me want to wave it around and scream like a crazed fangirl.
I loved this book. The beginning had me a little tentative because I'm not used to so many different POVs switching on a frequent basis. There were 6 characters telling the story and it took a little getting used to, but once I did and it picked up in pace, I was hooked.
I won't reiterate the plot since the blurb conveys it quite well. You have 3 Keepers and 3 humans telling the story. Multiple murders, a missing princess, magic, warring Dukes, strong family bonds, and 2 romances. Not the love triangle type either. 2 actual romances, which I couldn't help but swoon over.
So it's a short review, but it's to the point. I loved this series starter and I cannot wait to read the next.
However, something about this book makes me want to wave it around and scream like a crazed fangirl.
I loved this book. The beginning had me a little tentative because I'm not used to so many different POVs switching on a frequent basis. There were 6 characters telling the story and it took a little getting used to, but once I did and it picked up in pace, I was hooked.
I won't reiterate the plot since the blurb conveys it quite well. You have 3 Keepers and 3 humans telling the story. Multiple murders, a missing princess, magic, warring Dukes, strong family bonds, and 2 romances. Not the love triangle type either. 2 actual romances, which I couldn't help but swoon over.
So it's a short review, but it's to the point. I loved this series starter and I cannot wait to read the next.
missprint_'s review against another edition
2.0
The Keepers have been searching for the long-missing princess for years. They have used their magic and more traditional skills but the princess, long rumored dead, has proven elusive leaving room for rival dukes to compete and connive as they struggle to claim her throne for themselves.
Johanna--a Performer left without a troupe after her father's grisly demise--thinks such matters are far above her station in life. Until murdered girls begin turning up across the kingdom bearing a striking resemblance to Johanna.
Desperate to support her family and a victim of circumstance Johanna is soon forced to work with Lord Rafael DeSilva. Unfortunately for her, Rafi is boorish and insufferable. Not to mention he shares an equally low opinion of Johanna.
When her path aligns with the hunt for the princess, Johanna finds herself at the center of a dangerous web of secrets that could cost Johanna her life in The Storyspinner (2015) by Becky Wallace.
The Storyspinner is Wallace's debut novel and part of a duology that concludes in The Skylighter.
This novel is written in close third person and alternates between seven points of view including Johanna and Rafi. This multitude of main characters allows Wallace to balance two narrative threads that eventually converge and maintain some surprise although transitions between chapters and characters are often abrupt. Making so many characters into "main" characters leaves little room to develop any of them. Instead of a multi-faceted ensemble cast, The Storyspinner feels like it is populated by one note characters including from the sage wielder of magic, the resentful sister trying to prove herself, and more.
Wallace situates her fantasy in a fictional world that borrows heavily from Portuguese culture with language, food, and more. While this adds flair to the story, it seems out of place with an explanation for where these elements come from.
The Storyspinner starts strong with an intriguing premise that fails to get very far before it is mired in an overly large cast of characters. Recommended for readers looking for a plot driven story that is light on the world building and heavy on the action.
Possible Pairings: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows, The Keeper of the Mist by Rachel Neumeier, Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch, The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine, The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
Johanna--a Performer left without a troupe after her father's grisly demise--thinks such matters are far above her station in life. Until murdered girls begin turning up across the kingdom bearing a striking resemblance to Johanna.
Desperate to support her family and a victim of circumstance Johanna is soon forced to work with Lord Rafael DeSilva. Unfortunately for her, Rafi is boorish and insufferable. Not to mention he shares an equally low opinion of Johanna.
When her path aligns with the hunt for the princess, Johanna finds herself at the center of a dangerous web of secrets that could cost Johanna her life in The Storyspinner (2015) by Becky Wallace.
The Storyspinner is Wallace's debut novel and part of a duology that concludes in The Skylighter.
This novel is written in close third person and alternates between seven points of view including Johanna and Rafi. This multitude of main characters allows Wallace to balance two narrative threads that eventually converge and maintain some surprise although transitions between chapters and characters are often abrupt. Making so many characters into "main" characters leaves little room to develop any of them. Instead of a multi-faceted ensemble cast, The Storyspinner feels like it is populated by one note characters including from the sage wielder of magic, the resentful sister trying to prove herself, and more.
Wallace situates her fantasy in a fictional world that borrows heavily from Portuguese culture with language, food, and more. While this adds flair to the story, it seems out of place with an explanation for where these elements come from.
The Storyspinner starts strong with an intriguing premise that fails to get very far before it is mired in an overly large cast of characters. Recommended for readers looking for a plot driven story that is light on the world building and heavy on the action.
Possible Pairings: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows, The Keeper of the Mist by Rachel Neumeier, Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch, The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine, The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
mlottermoser's review against another edition
4.0
A magical kingdom with failing borders, a family of traveling entertainers, and a young duke trying to protect his people.
lsoccer12's review against another edition
3.0
THIS BOOK HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
Gah.
Jumbled thoughts to accompany the similar feel of the book:
"Wait, so there's two kingdoms?"
"So they have magic.....?"
"Wow the protagonist is freaking awesome."
"Why are there alternating storylines? I honestly cannot be invested in both right now."
Perhaps the sequel will be better developed.
Gah.
Jumbled thoughts to accompany the similar feel of the book:
"Wait, so there's two kingdoms?"
"So they have magic.....?"
"Wow the protagonist is freaking awesome."
"Why are there alternating storylines? I honestly cannot be invested in both right now."
Perhaps the sequel will be better developed.