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Fastian: An Edgeweir Tale (The Weaver Saga, #1).
The Nation: A sadistic and cruel empire that has ruled Edgeweir since time beyond memory. But under the tutelage of Alabaster Shanks, a group of disparate rebels have come together to fight back and stand up to the Nation’s rule. Amongst them is Fastian; dark, dangerous and with an eye for vengeance; and Jacob, a boy and the newest recruit, who possesses a skill craved by the rebels. Now they come together to undertake a mission that could be the beginning of the end for the Nation. But with Fastian’s mind ever on the past and Jacob’s eye firmly on his future, will they be capable enough to ever see it through?
- GenresFantasy
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2013
About the author
Jay Finn
7 books35 followersJay grew up in a small village right in the middle of Ireland. His love of books and storytelling was obvious from an early age when aged seven, he asked Santa for a bookshelf because he had so many books strewn around his bedroom, that he felt it would be nice to be able to see all his books in one even glance. Aged seven!
Jay writes the stories that he likes to read or the stories he;d like to read but they haven't been written yet. Namely, these are stories about people 'on the edge of things.' The darker side of the human experience is something which has always appealed to him. Not in a morbid or obsessive manner, but in a way one can't help but look at a car crash should one pass one on the road.
You can find out more information about Jay at his blog (link above).
Jay writes the stories that he likes to read or the stories he;d like to read but they haven't been written yet. Namely, these are stories about people 'on the edge of things.' The darker side of the human experience is something which has always appealed to him. Not in a morbid or obsessive manner, but in a way one can't help but look at a car crash should one pass one on the road.
You can find out more information about Jay at his blog (link above).
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 11, 2014
I liked this; I didn't love it, but there's much more to like here than dislike.
The main issue I have with the text is the amount of it used for world-building and internal monologue. Very little actually happens for the first half of the book, it slowly builds into its action. Very slowly.
Some of this is simple-worded descriptions of a character's surroundings, but which can go on for pages at a time. Sometimes the author cuts down on this, occasionally throwing in a neat turn-of-phrase, and these sections feel all the better for it.
Looking back, there's quite a bit in the first half of the book that I didn't need to know, and the writing style comes off as a bit indulgent because of it.
The kind of world the book describes is not uncommon to fantasy readers; medieval-style fare (horses, taverns, peasants etc), where the rebels live in the forested out-lands.
In this one, the small civilised area we know (the "Nation") is ruled authoritarian style by a chancellor and his military (similar to say, the Mistborn series), and we follow a group of rebels through the hatching and (partial) execution of a plan to change things up in the world.
And here we get to the positives: the characters. The book doesn't follow many, only really two (Fastian and Jacob), but both are given some depth and, importantly, neither makes any particularly stupid decision for plot purposes.
Fastian, the closest this book has to a protag (for me anyway), is introduced as the loner with a steely-glare (the kind to reduce muscled-thugs to teary-eyed children) and a gift for providing death via sword.
I'll admit I love a "badass" character (grumpy or no), but here – particularly late in the book – there is evidence of some heart in him, and reasons that drive his actions are both present and not completely daft.
Jacob, provides not only a suitable plot device for a story, and the readers insights into "weaving" (a very nice bit of intrigue left open for further books) – but fortunately is not left to simply ask the questions (he does, but other characters usually shut him down), nor does he come across a particularly annoying.
The jumbled mix of a past (part thief, part religion, part victim), reveals someone that's just looking for a calling in life.
The more I think about it, the theme of "things not appearing as they seem" could be applied to multiple aspects of the text.
Overall, while this doesn't present anything particularly "new" – this was a largely well-executed story. Could maybe do with a bit more of an edit (getting to Oldtown sooner would've helped), but for a self-published effort this is surprisingly well produced.
The last 20% of the book is sufficiently intriguing and action-filled that, had the 2nd book been available now, I would have followed the story along further.
The main issue I have with the text is the amount of it used for world-building and internal monologue. Very little actually happens for the first half of the book, it slowly builds into its action. Very slowly.
Some of this is simple-worded descriptions of a character's surroundings, but which can go on for pages at a time. Sometimes the author cuts down on this, occasionally throwing in a neat turn-of-phrase, and these sections feel all the better for it.
Looking back, there's quite a bit in the first half of the book that I didn't need to know, and the writing style comes off as a bit indulgent because of it.
The kind of world the book describes is not uncommon to fantasy readers; medieval-style fare (horses, taverns, peasants etc), where the rebels live in the forested out-lands.
In this one, the small civilised area we know (the "Nation") is ruled authoritarian style by a chancellor and his military (similar to say, the Mistborn series), and we follow a group of rebels through the hatching and (partial) execution of a plan to change things up in the world.
And here we get to the positives: the characters. The book doesn't follow many, only really two (Fastian and Jacob), but both are given some depth and, importantly, neither makes any particularly stupid decision for plot purposes.
Fastian, the closest this book has to a protag (for me anyway), is introduced as the loner with a steely-glare (the kind to reduce muscled-thugs to teary-eyed children) and a gift for providing death via sword.
I'll admit I love a "badass" character (grumpy or no), but here – particularly late in the book – there is evidence of some heart in him, and reasons that drive his actions are both present and not completely daft.
Jacob, provides not only a suitable plot device for a story, and the readers insights into "weaving" (a very nice bit of intrigue left open for further books) – but fortunately is not left to simply ask the questions (he does, but other characters usually shut him down), nor does he come across a particularly annoying.
The jumbled mix of a past (part thief, part religion, part victim), reveals someone that's just looking for a calling in life.
The more I think about it, the theme of "things not appearing as they seem" could be applied to multiple aspects of the text.
Overall, while this doesn't present anything particularly "new" – this was a largely well-executed story. Could maybe do with a bit more of an edit (getting to Oldtown sooner would've helped), but for a self-published effort this is surprisingly well produced.
The last 20% of the book is sufficiently intriguing and action-filled that, had the 2nd book been available now, I would have followed the story along further.
April 3, 2014
If you like fantasy tales this is one you must not miss.
I was already a fan of Jay Finn's writing having read his excellent short story collections, Looking Back, and Beneath the Darkness. He's a talented storyteller.
In Fastian, the author has created a complex character who has many sides. In this book we see his dark side and his romantic side. We also see that he can be ruthless and dangerous, but also has a caring nature hidden beneath the surface. This is a story of vengeance, courage, magic, and adventure. There's also a romantic element to the story.
In the tradition of the best fantasy tales, the author has created a whole new world. This world seems very real. The characters are believable and their story is told in an engaging way. I was hooked from the start and keen to read on to find out what happened.
The other main character in this tale is Jacob, a young boy who accompanies Fastian on a mission to obtain an imprint of a key. A key that will assist in his plans to defeat those who have wronged him.
We follow Fastian and Jacob on their quest for the key and along the way we meet many colourful characters. Fastian comes face to face with his past in the most unexpected way. Jacob and Fastian face many dangers on their journey. The author has a gift for writing scenes in such a way that you can see the action.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am happy it's part one in a series. I'm looking forward to following Fastian and Jacob and the other characters in their future adventures.
I was already a fan of Jay Finn's writing having read his excellent short story collections, Looking Back, and Beneath the Darkness. He's a talented storyteller.
In Fastian, the author has created a complex character who has many sides. In this book we see his dark side and his romantic side. We also see that he can be ruthless and dangerous, but also has a caring nature hidden beneath the surface. This is a story of vengeance, courage, magic, and adventure. There's also a romantic element to the story.
In the tradition of the best fantasy tales, the author has created a whole new world. This world seems very real. The characters are believable and their story is told in an engaging way. I was hooked from the start and keen to read on to find out what happened.
The other main character in this tale is Jacob, a young boy who accompanies Fastian on a mission to obtain an imprint of a key. A key that will assist in his plans to defeat those who have wronged him.
We follow Fastian and Jacob on their quest for the key and along the way we meet many colourful characters. Fastian comes face to face with his past in the most unexpected way. Jacob and Fastian face many dangers on their journey. The author has a gift for writing scenes in such a way that you can see the action.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am happy it's part one in a series. I'm looking forward to following Fastian and Jacob and the other characters in their future adventures.
April 25, 2014
Let me start by saying that I do not profess to be any sort of a book critic. I am however an avid reader and I know what I like and dislike, or so I thought…. Although my preference has always been fiction, the genre of fiction has been what is typically referred to as "chick lit", I took the chance on Fastian: An Edgeweir Tale as my read for a recent vacation, and I am so glad that I did!
With Fastian, the author brings to life the many facets of the main character, from his dark unmerciful side, to that of a soft hearted and caring man that few have had the opportunity to witness. This story is the adventure of two unlikely characters, brought together for a single purpose, to secretly gain the imprint of a key that will help in their attempt to bring down a savage and ruthless nation.
Jay Finn is a talented story teller, I enjoyed this book from the first few pages and even more as the characters and story developed into something much more than I had ever expected. Fastian is full of excitement, adventure, magic, the fight for good and a wonderfully written underlying love story.
I feel even stronger about this book because it is so out of the realm of what I normally read, and I am still astonished at how much I loved it. It is one of those books you wished wouldn't end and I couldn’t put it down once I stared. I am thrilled to hear that there are plans for a second book and the continuation of this story. I can't wait!
I would highly recommend this book not only to fantasy fiction lovers but to anyone who enjoys an amazing read and wonderful story.
Jay Finn is an amazing author and storyteller, and I wish him all the success with this wonderful novel and future works.
With Fastian, the author brings to life the many facets of the main character, from his dark unmerciful side, to that of a soft hearted and caring man that few have had the opportunity to witness. This story is the adventure of two unlikely characters, brought together for a single purpose, to secretly gain the imprint of a key that will help in their attempt to bring down a savage and ruthless nation.
Jay Finn is a talented story teller, I enjoyed this book from the first few pages and even more as the characters and story developed into something much more than I had ever expected. Fastian is full of excitement, adventure, magic, the fight for good and a wonderfully written underlying love story.
I feel even stronger about this book because it is so out of the realm of what I normally read, and I am still astonished at how much I loved it. It is one of those books you wished wouldn't end and I couldn’t put it down once I stared. I am thrilled to hear that there are plans for a second book and the continuation of this story. I can't wait!
I would highly recommend this book not only to fantasy fiction lovers but to anyone who enjoys an amazing read and wonderful story.
Jay Finn is an amazing author and storyteller, and I wish him all the success with this wonderful novel and future works.
April 26, 2014
I picked up Fastian because I had read Jay Finn's "Looking Back" and "Beneath the Darkness" some time ago. I absolutely love his style of writing that creates wonderful visual images and vivid characters. Fastian is no exception.
I have this thing about characters who are... well... not in character. Too sappy, too macho, too sweet. But no eye-rolling here. The characters are very much believable. Especially the very understated Fastian. His emotions run deep, but on the surface, very controlled. Caring and steadfast. A cold-blooded killer. But all for a good cause.
Jay Finn lets us follow the diverse group of rebels, who are the thorn in the side of "The Nation" as they attempt to find a way to bring the corrupt system down. The undercurrent of a love seemingly lost in this fantasy novel drives Fastian's own story forward and promises trials and complexities as the rest of the story unfolds. Umm, Mr. Finn... I hope there's a sequel to this....
I have this thing about characters who are... well... not in character. Too sappy, too macho, too sweet. But no eye-rolling here. The characters are very much believable. Especially the very understated Fastian. His emotions run deep, but on the surface, very controlled. Caring and steadfast. A cold-blooded killer. But all for a good cause.
Jay Finn lets us follow the diverse group of rebels, who are the thorn in the side of "The Nation" as they attempt to find a way to bring the corrupt system down. The undercurrent of a love seemingly lost in this fantasy novel drives Fastian's own story forward and promises trials and complexities as the rest of the story unfolds. Umm, Mr. Finn... I hope there's a sequel to this....
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews