The First Wordweaver | Rachel Waldburger

This Viking-inspired prequel is about a king’s eighteen year old son and his two companions as they travel into the unknown of an undiscovered land. Vilden, the royal heir who has no desire to be the next king, half-heartedly seeks to fulfill a prophecy that promises he will return worthy of kingship. At the behest of his father, Vilden, along with a grudging Seer with a chip on her shoulder and the popular Warrior, traverse uncharted territory to find a phoenix.

What I loved about this story:

Vilden. The MMC is an introvert, a book nerd who loves to study animal species, soil, and types of trees. Straight NERD. Instead of learning how to replace his father and all the leaderly things, he’d much rather be drawing maps and journaling. <3 I’ve never read a story where the MC is this sort of introvert, and it was super refreshing and it endeared him to me immediately, even though he’s kind of a jerk at the beginning of the story. BUT he has a wonderful character arc, and, without giving away spoilers, has two huge choices to make…and I’m proud of him for making the decisions he does. He does have a good heart after all! 

3-Dimensional characters. Not only was the MMC unique, but his adventure companions were also. In this short novella, Rachel gives the reader just enough tastes of the other character’s backstories to be able to connect with them but she also leaves some mystery to be unfolded in the rest of the series. You have Brann, the handsome brunette bodyguard,and Grye, the Seer who has uncontrollable visions at inopportune times.

Clean, light-hearted read. There were no swear words in this story, which was refreshing. There is a romance, though it’s very light, meaning hand-holding. (I really hope there’s more backstory with the romance, because we catch the ‘they get together’ in this prequel, but there are only glimpses of their past history).

What I didn’t care for in this novella:

Nothing. I loved just about everything. However, it was just too short…yet a *perfect* teaser for the ENTIRE trilogy to be released next year. *grabby hands*

Excerpt: 

Her blonde brows lift over sea-blue eyes. "You don't want to be king?"

I keep my gaze on the water. "I didn't say that."

She doesn't answer, and before long, my attention wanders back to the trees. In Andrevei, the weather would be light and warm, a herald of hale summer; here, the air is damp, windswept. The tides are driven by cold oceanic gusts, and I doubt I will find substantial growth until we move inland.

Until they move inland. They'll be doing that without me now, I suppose. The first hints of an emotional reaction finally crystallize in my chest, and it makes me wish I could've stayed numb.

Me.

King.

Forever.

There will be no more exploring the wide-open world with Father. No chasing the distant horizon, no sketching new species of flora, no comparing the migratory habits of the birds following in our wake. This was always Father's plan, and I suppose I've always known that someday I would have to make a challenge for the right to lead, but that has always been as distant as the clouds. Something I could see but not touch. Something I could ignore.

Stars:

FIVE stars for a unique story. Brava, Rachel Waldburger! Another Indie author impressing me with a well-edited, engaging, and lovely tale. <3 Keep ‘em coming!