Author: Shami Stovall
Series: Frith Chronicles #1
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy
Publication Date: June 18, 2019
Publisher: Capital Station Books
Source: Paperback
Purchase: Paperback | Kindle
Synopsis:
Magic. Sailing. A murderer among heroes.
Gravedigger Volke Savan wants nothing more than to be like his hero, the legendary magical swashbuckler, Gregory Ruma. First he needs to become an arcanist, someone capable of wielding magic, which requires bonding with a mythical creature. And he’ll take anything—a pegasus, a griffin, a ravenous hydra—maybe even a leviathan, like Ruma.
So when Volke stumbles across a knightmare, a creature made of shadow and terror, he has no reservations. But the knightmare knows a terrible secret: Ruma is a murderer out to spread corrupted magic throughout their island nation. He’s already killed a population of phoenixes and he intends to kill even more.
In order to protect his home, his adopted sister, and the girl he admires from afar, Volke will need to confront his hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma.
A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
My Rating:
Quote(s) I Like:
"Your actions have consequences. Not just for you, but everyone else." - William
"Your lineage doesn't matter. Your choices and actions are your own. All I want to know is why you sought out to bond." - Luthair
"You cannot see the whole tapestry if you stare at a single thread." - Luthair
"Adventures can lead to dangerous corners." - Luthair
My Thoughts:
This book was far more interested than I thought it would be. Shami created such a beautiful world and magic system. I was able to fall directly into the story and characters without confusion. I found that I enjoyed every character that played a role in the story. The premise itself was amazing as well.
Volke is a gravedigger and the son of a thief and murder. Life has been set for him and he is hated by the townspeople. Everyone expects him to be a criminal like his parents, but he has other dreams. He once to be an arcanist like his "hero" Master Arcanist Ruma. Volke is AMAZING. He knows life sucks, but doesn't allow himself to stay down in the pits. He fights for a better life and to make his dreams come true. He's brave while still being afraid. He's smart. He also doesn't let things people say stop him. I totally loved him as a main character. His drive was amazing!
Luthair is his eldrin, a knightmare mystical creature and I loved him as well. He seemed standoffish at times, but he was a brilliant creature. He seemed to care for Volke more than he wanted to. I loved how he wanted to help Volke out. Even though he was a second-bonded creature I still loved him.
Schoolmaster Tyms was ANNOYING as hell. He pissed me off with how he treated Volke and Illia. He was a horrible person indeed.
Illia and her eldrin Nicholin were the perfect half of Volke and Luthair. Nicholin is such a funny, self-centered rizzel. He made me laugh every time he popped on the page. Illia was interesting character for me. She was outspoken, yet shy. She was hardworking and seemed to have a hidden romantic love for Volke. I want to see that blossom a bit more.
Zaxis was a jerk, but he grew on me over time, especially when he learned the truth of his brother, Lyell, lying. He could potentially be an awesome friend for Volke back home. Atty was funny as well. She never seemed to put Volke down and when they all joined Frith you could see liked him.
Gravedigger Williams was amazing to Volke and Illia. He may have not been their real father, but he treated them as his own and wanted the best for them. I loved his love for those two.
Mast Arcanist Gregory Ruma is a hot mess. He always seemed to have this weirdness about him. As the story progressed he got crazier. He seemed to be one of those crazy people who were sane. I enjoyed his leviathan mystical creature, felt bad for his wife, but overall I'm glad for his end.
Master Arcanist Zelfree is a hoot. I can't help but laugh when I think of him. He's one of those teachers that acts like a drunkard, but VERY sneaky and smart. Zelfree always knew more than he let on and he always taught his apprentices what they really needed. I loved him, especially at the end! His mimic mystical creature is awesome as well.
Frith Guild is freaking amazing! The Master Arcanist are all kind, funny and highly equipped in what they do. They all treated Volke as a person and not a thing. I think they are by-far the best guild in the series.
I am excited for the sequel to see how Volke, Luthair and the other apprentices are doing against the plague. Totally looking forward to it!
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