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Blindsighted Wanderer

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The Wall has long kept Elitland Valley safe from the demons on the other side. For centuries the villagers have avoided speaking of the Wall or the creatures it protects them from. 

Upon their return from the annual Country Fayre, the older Atego brothers learn of their father’s passing. When fifteen year old Silas Atego learns the mysterious illness that took his father might have been a curse from a demon, his need for answers draws him to the one place he must not go.  The far side of the Wall.

When Silas is still missing days later, his older brother Raphael sets out on his own to bring him home.  On his journey, Raphael learns how it was his ancestor who was cursed by a demon creature from the Lake and had the Wall built to keep them out. More desperate than ever to find his brother, his search draws Raphael to the same terrifying barrier.

Along the brothers’ individual travels they face their greatest fears, make lifelong friends, and more importantly, learn the truth of what happened centuries ago.

Blindsighted Wanderer is a tale about how truth and forgiveness will set you free.  Where myths are transformed to legends that last a lifetime.  The brothers leave their home as desperate boys but return to their family as honorable men.

Blindsighted Wanderer is a young adult fantasy, coming of age story appropriate for readers 12 +. 

349 pages, ebook

First published November 4, 2012

5 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

E.C. Hibbs

24 books57 followers
E. C. Hibbs is an award-winning author and artist, often found lost in the woods or in her own imagination. Her writing has been featured in the British Fantasy Society Journal, and she has provided artworks in various mediums for clients across the world. She is also a calligrapher and live storyteller, with a penchant for fairytales and legends. She adores nature, fantasy, history, and anything to do with winter. ​She lives with her family in Cheshire, England.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Derinda.
Author 7 books217 followers
November 17, 2012
The year 2018

Daughter: I have a book report due for class.
Mom: Oh really, on what book?
Daughter: Blindsighted Wanderer by: E.C. Hibbs
Nana: Sitting in the background cheesing big, because she one of the first to ever read it!

This is, most certainly the way I see this book going, IF it falls into the “right” hands.

Have you ever been so captivated by a beautiful painting. Where you can actually visualize what was happening in it? With this book, it is the same way. Captivating, visual reality, inspiring and complex all at the sometime. This Author is so talented. She has obviously did her research and studied in depth to make this book a complete success.

Remember in the old times when family of many generations had the same rivals? Have you ever been to a Renaissance fair? Collaborate the two, then add in a little mythology. Fluently, this Author creates a world of beauty, curses, grudges romance and family. This book is filled with passion for life. Boys transforming into great men. Facing your fears and learning to accept what is unacceptable! That love and betrayal can leave scars.
On one side of the wall. You have families and livestock, commuting through everyday life.
On the other side of the wall you have demons, or wait are they really demons?
This book teaches us that because of one incident, life can be a domino effect. You should not hold a grudge for one person. Because that one person will turn into generations of grudges.
Without forgiveness or letting go or setting yourself free, you may learn that you can not focus or evolve to your next role.

As I said before, right now young adults are doing book reports on Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet by William Shakespeare , Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and now I believe Blindsighted Wanderer by E.C. Hibbs will be add to the list!

Well done E.C Hibbs on creating a masterpiece!
Profile Image for Two Nerds With Words.
941 reviews51 followers
December 13, 2012
In Blindsighted Wanderer, we are introduced to a fascinating fantasy world. Following an array of characters, including the masculine Atego brothers and the beautiful Merrin, EC Hibbs takes us on a journey where self-discovery and self-acceptance is the key to destroy past fears and to accept the pleasures and excitement of the unknown.

Blindsighted Wanderer is a gentle, romantic fantasy, suitable for young teenagers and adults alike. It was very easy to get swept away with the dramas and journeys that the characters underwent. All of the characters that we are introduced to, perhaps with the exception of Adrian, who appears early on in the novel, are highly likeable and have so many realistic traits that it’s difficult not to become caught up in their lives and emotions.

I was never quite sure how the drama would unfold and was certainly kept in suspense with the relationship developments between characters. This was a particularly enjoyable aspect of the novel, as things did not always pan out in a ‘traditional’ way. These twists and shifts allowed me to remain engaged in the novel.

It did take me a while to get caught up in the action after the immediate excitement of the first chapter. This did however allow for a lot of character development. It didn’t take too long for the drama to build, so much so that I had my finger poised ready to flip over to the next page.

If you are looking for a gentle romance, with strong characters living in a fantasy world, then no doubt Blindsighted Wanderer will be a hit!
Profile Image for The OG Karen.
233 reviews
December 3, 2012
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I dreamt of how it made me feel inside and how there is a real message here. So often we live our lives based on what our parents, grandparents, church leaders and educators teach us, but never really learn the truths behind out beliefs. The Wall is like a big curtain the Elitland people use to cover up something they don’t want to revisit. The elders teach the young to stay away and not ask questions for centuries. It took the heart and soul of these two young men to uncover the truth and possibly change the attitudes going forward.

The author was successful in painting a picture of the valley and its people. It’s been years since I have been to our local Renaissance Festival, but that’s how I imagined the setting for this great saga. Simple people living a simple life off the land; a far cry from the technologies that clog our pores today.

Profile Image for Jacinta Maree.
Author 9 books343 followers
February 12, 2013
This is my honest review ~

Blindsighted Wanderer has been labelled as a story of pure genius and a coming of age masterpiece; once sitting down and devouring this book I have to agree to everything that’s been said about it.

This was just one of those stories that I found myself leaning back into my chair and saying, “whoa!” I barely had time to come up and take a gulp of fresh air before I was pulled under the excitement and adventures of our leading characters, Raphael, Silas and the royal mermaid Merrin. From the beginning Hibbs paints us a backdrop of a world filled with wonder and fantasy but also with an element of mystery when referring to ‘the wall’ and the family curse.

Hibbs opens up her first scene to a picture of two lovers’ secret rendezvous during a late night in the middle of the lake. Here we meet a young man named Adrian and the mermaid princess Merrin. What I had perceived to be an intimate encounter quickly and shockingly turned into one of the highest betrayals, costing Adrian’s not only his life but also placed an ongoing curse onto all the boys belonging to his bloodline. We are then shifted to the present day where we are introduced the Artego brothers, Raphael and Silas who are descendants of Adrian.

Obviously a lot of thought went into Hibbs’ characters, giving them a multi-layered design that felt so real I was sure I was going to put the book down and find them standing in the room continuing on their conversation. Her ability to breathe life even into the smallest of details from the Country Fayre in Elitland Valley down to the gentle rain during their father’s funeral was inspiring.

From the first exchange of words I felt the brotherly connection between Raphael and Silas bloom like an open flower, and in turn I immediately cared for them as they obviously cared for each other. They were faced with the tragedy of their father’s passing, prompting Raphael to step forward and become the new man of the household. It was this event that got Silas’ mind ticking about their family misfortune, and after speaking to the priest about the curse he’s hunger for the truth becomes so extreme that he must go against everything he’s ever been taught. Silas leaves to search beyond the wall and into the depths of the unknown. Distraught with concern as Silas remains missing, turning hours into days, the older brother Raphael quickly pursues after him.

Back to our mermaid princess Merrin, Merrin isn’t just perceived as the nasty, scoured woman who’s intent of holding onto her vengeance till the end of days but as a well-rounded character who deep down doesn’t want to only remember her hate. We see a softer side of her, a more vulnerable and insecure side especially when the title of ruler is passed down onto her and her fears of being an unfit ruler presses to the surface. I haven’t read any mermaid books before now and I feel Hibbs was a promising start to a new fad.

With twists and turns pulling me through their adventure I was constantly sitting at the edge of my seat, laughing and holding my breath when unexpected encounters occur during the storyline (I don’t want to reveal spoilers by accident, sorry for my vagueness). The characters were able to learn from one another, especially between Merrin and Raphael as I loved all of their scenes together. Hibbs had the ability to switch from each character’s focus and not lose her momentum. Her writing style was easy to follow with a natural flow, I even found myself thinking ‘wow it’s like reading poetry’; it was THAT impressive. I felt her pacing was beautiful, allowing me to really breath in the surroundings and get to understand the Artego family before the curiosity of the ‘wall’ dragged the two brothers towards a truth they weren’t expecting.

It’s a story of learning, forgiveness and overcoming your inner demons. A truly beautiful and inspiring book that I can see myself reading again and again.
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,109 reviews136 followers
December 9, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn

*Beware of Spoilers*

Synopsis:

The Wall has long kept Elitland Valley safe from the demons on the other side. For centuries the villagers have avoided speaking of the Wall or the creatures it protects them from.

Upon their return from the annual Country Fayre, the older Atego brothers learn of their father’s passing. When fifteen year old Silas Atego learns the mysterious illness that took his father might have been a curse from a demon, his need for answers draws him to the one place he must not go. The far side of the Wall.

When Silas is still missing days later, his older brother Raphael sets out on his own to bring him home. On his journey, Raphael learns how it was his ancestor who was cursed by a demon creature from the Lake and had the Wall built to keep them out. More desperate than ever to find his brother, his search draws Raphael to the same terrifying barrier.

Along the brothers’ individual travels they face their greatest fears, make lifelong friends, and more importantly, learn the truth of what happened centuries ago.

Review:

The story begins with Merrin (a princess) and Adrian. They are an unlikely pairing. Adrian betrays Merrin and he pays with his life. At that time, in her rage, Merrin cursed his family.

Centuries later we meet Silas and Raphael (Adrian was their ancestor.). Their family struggles and the boys do the best they can to help.

During the centuries Merrin has nurtured her hatred and rage at Adrian. She wallows in Adrian’s betrayal, feeding the notions of vengeance. She is proud of what she did to Adrian but it will make her a weaker Queen if she cannot move past it.

Shortly before the ceremony for Merrin to become Queen something happens and she cannot get back home. Raphael happens upon her while searching for his brother Silas. Raphael stays with Merrin until she can return. His gesture surprises Merrin.
She is forced to get to know him and finally she connects with his humanity. He confronts her about the curse on his family.

Merrin’s character development is beautiful. She goes from a very shallow vindictive woman to a compassionate well-rounded woman. It will make her a wonderful Queen. I enjoyed experiencing her growth as she learned some hard lessons.

The story and plot are unique. There are layers and plot twists galore making it an enjoyable read.

Merrin’s world was described beautifully; very visual. I am not a visual person, but Merrin’s world was described so thoroughly that I felt I was there.

I didn’t connect with the book as much as I thought I would. I think the first 100 pages put me off a bit. There was a great deal of mundane daily life details. Despite that, it’s a good book and worth reading.

I recommend Blingsighted Wanderer to YA, men and women. E.C. Hibbs shows great potential, and I’m excited to read more!

http://openbooksociety.com/article/bl...
Profile Image for T.M. Smith.
Author 28 books316 followers
January 27, 2013
Blindsighted Wanderer was a fantastical story that covered the past, present and future of the Atego brothers. Silas and Raphael Artego become men and learn the root of the curse that has plagued their family family for centuries on two completely different journeys in a search for truth behind the curse.

The story begins with Adrian and Merrin. Adrian betrays Merrin and pays with his life, the residual effects of the anger and hatred Merrin harbours is the root cause of the curse that holds the Artego family captive to this day. Princess Merrin must overcome her deep seeded need for vengance if she is to become the Queen she's meant to be.

Silas Artego is determined to discover why his family is cursed, even if means he must travle to the far side of the wall. His brother Raphael follows when hours become days and his brother still hasn't returned. Along the way both brothers meet different people who will have lasting affects on their lives. Silas meets Pearl when her people capture him thinking he's a demon. And Raphael stumbles across Merrin. Merrin holds on to her hatred and bitterness with every fiber of her being, but she's fascinated with Raphael.

The world Hibbs has created is stunning and beautiful as we follow each brother through the Valley. The backdrop had a very Renaissance feel with descriptives to capture your attention, and hold you till the very end. A story about humanity, compassion, building trust and overcome your inner demons.

The story was a little slow to start, but once it got going I was thoroughly engaged in the storyline and equally engrossed by the characters. Character development was well written, I as well loved that the title of the book could be interpreted several ways in regards to the story itself.

I give this one 4/5, but that's just my two cents!
Profile Image for H.K. Savage.
Author 9 books139 followers
November 4, 2012
Raphael and Silas are two brothers living in the shadow of a mysterious wall. The wall has always been there and legends of the demons living on the other side abound. It isn't until their father dies from the same curse that has plagued the men in their family for generations, that anyone actually considers doing the impossible. Going over the wall! Silas goes first, determined to break the curse and Raphael goes after. Both teens end up meeting interesting people and creatures who each have a piece of the puzzle.

This is a great YA fantasy book that's actually YA! As a mom always looking for something complicated enough for a smart young reader (around 12) but clean enough not to have to have "the talk" before I let her read it. This one is a fabulous adventure with some new inventive mythology mixed in. A good coming of age story, we get to see how prejudices and ignorance can affect others and how overcoming fears can change a life.

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes mythology, paranormal, fantasy, and just good adventure with a little sweet romance mixed in aged 12 and up. Plenty for young readers, smart enough for adults too. Read this book.
Profile Image for Jessy.
765 reviews
March 6, 2013
There's a moral in this wonderful fairy tale. It is a wonderful reminder for the grown and a wonderful lesson for the young. It is gratifying to find a young adult book that can hold the attention of any age. That just speaks volumes to E.C. Hibbs writing skills. To hold onto the audience no matter the age is a great thing to accomplish.
In this story you will find two brothers, Silas & Raphael, who have had the unlucky fate of having an ancestor that made a grave mistake, in turn cursing all the men in their blood line. When Silas takes on a journey to discover why...that's where the adventure begins. You will meet a beautiful cast of characters and fall into the world where ancient magic from the waters live. Where discovering the hatred buried in ones heart is really just bogging down the carrier from living a fulfilling life.
These two young men in their own way help Merrin understand the hate she has held onto for 200 years is unfounded. Will she right her wrongs at the risk of her life? Will Silas and Raphael discover something along their road to finding their way back ''home''? Find out and pick up this book! I give it my thumbs up!
Profile Image for Brandy Dorsch.
Author 16 books135 followers
April 30, 2013
This was a really good YA story and I think it is one that my sons’ would enjoy as well. It is a story about the Atego family and centers on Silas and Raphael. Their family has been cursed and Silas wants to discover why and attempt to break it. He sets off on his journey to the wall. As it becomes apparent that Silas is not coming back, Raphael sets off on his own to find his brother.
I was awed by the story that unfolded in front of me that grasped the nuances of the past, mingled them into the present and forced them out into the future. These brothers take different paths in the story, just like they would in life and they come out better men for their adventure.
The author has managed to bring forth a world that is mesmerizing. Her characters are well-developed, engaging and inspiring. I loved how there was romance in the story but the story expanded beyond that. It encompassed all the best parts of a truly great story; family, curses, revenge, love, hatred, and growth are all on display for the world to grasp and enjoy.
Profile Image for Bella.
531 reviews210 followers
February 19, 2013
First off thanks a million to E.C. Hibbs and TTC & B2B for allowing me to read and be on this awesome tour!

I loved Blindsighed Wandeerer, it was a great read for young adults and teens for sure. It had great romantic fantasy and such a smooth flowing story. The characters in this one take a journey that keep the pace flowing and pages turning. I really loved the Atego brothers as well, they were well intriguing and their journey does for sure make us all think about truth and forgiveness!


I really could not out this one down. The plot was very rare , with lots of twits and turns and only making the story that much more fascinating. I really loved Hibbs ideas and the world BW was writing in, I really felt like I was in the book! I also enjoyed how Marrin has such a life changing experience when she meets Raphael thing change for her and I loved it, I think that was one of my favorite character changes in this one!

This is a for sure read and if you want to enjoy a exciting journey and a little something thing different this one is for you!
Profile Image for Girls*heart*Books.
34 reviews58 followers
March 3, 2013
Blindsighted Wanderer is a book I snatched off of Mel when we were passing around the tours, and I am so very thrilled I took it. While I am sick to death of anything supernatural, lately, this book grabbed my attention from the prolog and didn't let go.

While I am a little obsessed with Raphael and Merrin, I adored all the other characters and each other their arcs (ESPECIALLY Merrin's... I can't explain why, for I shall not give you all spoilers, but it is very great to see how much she is effected and how she matures). The novel is filled with twists I never saw coming, with enough action and romance to keep anyone interested!

The only thing that makes this a four-star rather than five, for me, is that it took me a little while to get into it... I found the beginning to be a bit slow and overly-descriptive, but otherwise, this is probably one of my favorite books this year!

I will definitely be following Hibbs for more wonderful stories!
Profile Image for Angie Voss.
139 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2014
This is a beautifully written story about forgiveness and coming of age. It takes you into a magical world, where a wall has been built to keep ‘demons’ out. It is also the story of generations of the Atego family being cursed by said demons and the courage of Silas Atego to seek the truth about the curse and not just believe what everyone has said for generations. It is the story about how forgiveness is hard to give, but can change your heart.

The journey is told via several POVs. The main characters are Silas and Raphael Atego. They take separate journeys, only to end in the same place, learning the same lesson. Truth and forgiveness can truly set you free. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, paranormal, and coming of age stories. It is also appropriate for YA readers.
Profile Image for Penelope Bartotto.
Author 3 books109 followers
February 28, 2013
The best thing about this book is that is a refreshing change from the current trend of YA novels. There is no need for werewolves, vampires, and zombies in this delightful tale of two brothers who must face the curse that has haunted their family for centuries.
Hibbs crafts characters that are endearing to the reader and packed with emotion. She lays out a plot that is clear and powerful and doesn't diverge off on strange tangents.
Admittedly I am still confused on the use of the word "necromancer" but hope that there will be more to the story in a future book, that better explains this.
I will recommend this with no problem.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
25 reviews
December 30, 2012
I bought this book out of impulse, and while it took me more than half way though this book to get going, it was not a bad read. It wasn't my cup of tea, but for anyone who enjoys fantasy and the idea of mer people, magic and so forth, I would give this book a go.
Profile Image for Heather Clawson.
Author 1 book10 followers
June 26, 2024
After declaring his love for an Asræ maiden, Adrian Atégo commits a monstrous betrayal. In a fit of rage and pain, the maiden enacts her revenge in the form of two terrible curses—one that strikes Adrian blind, and a second that dooms each male of his line to sicken and die by ‘drowning on air.’ Injured and scared, Adrian flees, and eventually erects a mighty Wall to separate the human villages of the Valley, from the Asræ ‘demons.’

A century later, Silas Asræ is used to the villagers shunning his family, but when his father dies choking on the fluid in his lungs, he becomes determined to find out why the Atégos are so hated. But when Silas fails to return, his brother Raphael sets off to find him. In the course of their travels, both brothers encounter the Asræ Merrin, who knows all too well of the curses that afflict their family. But will she help them, or terminate their line once and for all?

Hibbs does an excellent job of building these very different, very intriguing worlds, and then pulling you into them. The kingdom of the Asræ, the camp of the Cart People, and the Valley villages are all unique eco-systems, with their own mind-sets and their own perspectives. Yet Hibbs manages to put them all together in a way that makes sense and allows for each character to grow and change. I also enjoyed the fact that Hibbs chose to pick a lesser-known area of folklore that focused on water-dwelling beings and used that knowledge to build the world of the Asræ. I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more!

(this review has been cross-posted on Amazon)
Profile Image for Angela.
133 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2021
4.5 stars
I loved this book. Elitland is vividly portrayed. I was transported into a dark magical fairytale. This original twist on the classic 'faerie kingdom behind the wall' trope kept me rooting for the Atego brothers on their quests. The antagonist Merrin is both frightening and empathetic, as we see the past unfold from her point of view, and the turmoil she faces in her own realm.
This tale of secrets, magic, curses, love, suspicion, and forgiveness will appeal to both adults and younger readers alike.
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