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The Wandering Inn #10
The Wind Runner
The floodwaters have receded, and the war is over. A ruler has fallen. The Wind Runner lives, missing yet not forgotten.
The world is changing, growing larger. After the horrors of war and the loss of spring comes the renewal of summer, a chance for a new beginning.
Ryoka Griffin has reappeared in Izril's north. The Quarass is dead, yet the King of Destruction's war continues. In the jungles of Baleros, Geneva and her friends fall under the shadow of the Titan of Baleros. And amidst it all, Erin Solstice grieves for the dead and pulls her family close. Yet there is always a door leading her onwards to a magical future...
The world is changing, growing larger. After the horrors of war and the loss of spring comes the renewal of summer, a chance for a new beginning.
Ryoka Griffin has reappeared in Izril's north. The Quarass is dead, yet the King of Destruction's war continues. In the jungles of Baleros, Geneva and her friends fall under the shadow of the Titan of Baleros. And amidst it all, Erin Solstice grieves for the dead and pulls her family close. Yet there is always a door leading her onwards to a magical future...
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First published September 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 27, 2023
Disappointing after Tears of Liscor, the side plots in the other continents really fail to ever contain any interesting plot developments. Also the main plot barely progressed, it's interesting how hit or miss these books can be for me. I was really wishing overall that more plots had moved forward. Showing the day or two in the life of Ryoka doesn't really do anything if it doesn't bring her back towards the main plot.
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April 12, 2024weakest entry since volume 1
February 7, 2024
*** 4.75 ***
The goodbyes at the end made me melancholy:(
As always, I absolutely loved it, despite it being not very eventful - definitely a transition book... But I love being in this world and all the details make me very happy... I know I must be very subjective at this point, but I just love being with these characters and learning more about the world! I wish there were a few more chapters with the title character, but I will trust Pirateaba to keep me in the story, because she has done awesome so far!!! Soooo looking forward to the next book! ❤️👍😀
The goodbyes at the end made me melancholy:(
As always, I absolutely loved it, despite it being not very eventful - definitely a transition book... But I love being in this world and all the details make me very happy... I know I must be very subjective at this point, but I just love being with these characters and learning more about the world! I wish there were a few more chapters with the title character, but I will trust Pirateaba to keep me in the story, because she has done awesome so far!!! Soooo looking forward to the next book! ❤️👍😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
Filler episode
The plotlines don't progress at all, and does anyone else hate the United Nations story track?
The plotlines don't progress at all, and does anyone else hate the United Nations story track?
January 20, 2024
After the emotion of the last volume, it was nice to have something more low-key. I feel catfished though. The cake was a lie. For all the title is "the Wind Runner," less than 1/10 of the story involves Ryoka--after the first few Chapters, we don't see her again.
Still loved it--so many great moments, mostly laugh-out-loud ones with a few oooh's and heart-tuggers. But I feel this volume could have been cut down to half-size without sacrificing much story. I really enjoyed the Erin & co parts, and it was interesting getting the Doctor parts, but I was bored for most of the King parts. Maybe it's because I still don't see how he's going to fit into the bigger picture.
In fact, I'm not quite sure yet where this volume is going... the last volume was pretty clear in bringing the Goblin conflict to the fore, just like the previous volume was a lot of Necromancer... I'm looking forward to seeing this volume coalesce!
Still loved it--so many great moments, mostly laugh-out-loud ones with a few oooh's and heart-tuggers. But I feel this volume could have been cut down to half-size without sacrificing much story. I really enjoyed the Erin & co parts, and it was interesting getting the Doctor parts, but I was bored for most of the King parts. Maybe it's because I still don't see how he's going to fit into the bigger picture.
In fact, I'm not quite sure yet where this volume is going... the last volume was pretty clear in bringing the Goblin conflict to the fore, just like the previous volume was a lot of Necromancer... I'm looking forward to seeing this volume coalesce!
December 27, 2023
The Wind Runner 🏃♂️, overall this was a great book full of post adventure side stories and filler. This was a great breath of fresh air compared to the last book which was action packed. The one major fault of this volume is that the story progression lacks. I’m especially not a fan of the King of Destruction writing due to there being no spark to keep the reader on his/her feet. With that said, the book overall was a great read but did slow from time to time. Still highly recommend and I will be continuing on the Wandering Inn journey 🏡.
October 19, 2023
Ryoka is in the far north working as a Runner and trying to change her habit of pushing people away (what would Erin do?) She asks someone if they're a vampire and is quickly captured and taken to a vampire hideout. Turns out it's their home and they don't take human blood so Ryoka quickly makes a vampire friend.
Erin is in a bad state. So are the rest of the folks at the Inn. The battle with the goblins and humans and the subsequent loss of life has devastated them all. Erin and Numbtongue (the only survivor of the dirty dozen and this recent battle) are trying to support each other. Erin makes a decision and gathers those people she considers family (Numbtongue, Lyonette, and Mrsha) and tells them all about where she's from.
Erin decides to go on holiday. She uses the magic door to pass through to Pallas. She meets a couple who run a magical Inn.
The United Nations Company on Baleros are slowly building resources. Many of the people from Earth have jobs. Some are even adventurers. The money is pooled and they all share accommodation in a couple of joined homes. Geneva (Last Light) has been traveling with Ken for work and returns to the company deflated. She couldn't get much work at all. Suddenly, their landlord is struggling with a breached birth and she steps in to save mother and child.
The Quarass is resurrected with Flos' aid and he brings a second nation to heel also.
Two blacksmithing competitions occur simultaneously; one in Reim and the other in Pallas. They are both exciting to witness.
Most of the adventurer groups decide it's time to leave the Inn.
Not a great deal of action seemed to happen in this one but it was good to catch our breath after the major events of the last few books. Had some more world building and catching up with others from Earth around the different continents. I'm wondering what happened to the clown though (maybe he'll appear in a future volume?)
Loved it- 4 stars
++++
MY STAR RANKING SYSTEM:
- 5 Stars - Personal favourite
- 4 Stars - Loved it
- 3 Stars - Enjoyed it
- 2 Stars - Found it lacking
- 1 Star - DNFed / Hated it
Erin is in a bad state. So are the rest of the folks at the Inn. The battle with the goblins and humans and the subsequent loss of life has devastated them all. Erin and Numbtongue (the only survivor of the dirty dozen and this recent battle) are trying to support each other. Erin makes a decision and gathers those people she considers family (Numbtongue, Lyonette, and Mrsha) and tells them all about where she's from.
Erin decides to go on holiday. She uses the magic door to pass through to Pallas. She meets a couple who run a magical Inn.
The United Nations Company on Baleros are slowly building resources. Many of the people from Earth have jobs. Some are even adventurers. The money is pooled and they all share accommodation in a couple of joined homes. Geneva (Last Light) has been traveling with Ken for work and returns to the company deflated. She couldn't get much work at all. Suddenly, their landlord is struggling with a breached birth and she steps in to save mother and child.
The Quarass is resurrected with Flos' aid and he brings a second nation to heel also.
Two blacksmithing competitions occur simultaneously; one in Reim and the other in Pallas. They are both exciting to witness.
Most of the adventurer groups decide it's time to leave the Inn.
Not a great deal of action seemed to happen in this one but it was good to catch our breath after the major events of the last few books. Had some more world building and catching up with others from Earth around the different continents. I'm wondering what happened to the clown though (maybe he'll appear in a future volume?)
Loved it- 4 stars
++++
MY STAR RANKING SYSTEM:
- 5 Stars - Personal favourite
- 4 Stars - Loved it
- 3 Stars - Enjoyed it
- 2 Stars - Found it lacking
- 1 Star - DNFed / Hated it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
RTC but brief words: Wind Runner has the least plot progression of all the books up to this point, but it was a nice reset after Book 9's powerful ending. It's also the first in the series where it feels like an arc wasn't properly concluded; you could argue one near the beginning and at the very ending, but not much beyond that. Still, it's a good continuation.
April 11, 2025
4.7*
En aquest desè llibre, Pirateaba aprofundeix en les tensions èpiques i els traumes personals que defineixen els protagonistes. La narrativa, densa i ambiciosa, equilibra escenes íntimes d’autodescobriment amb enfrontaments estratègics a gran escala, tot subratllant el cost humà de la guerra i la màgia. L’estil de l’autora brilla en diàlegs carregats d’emoció i en un món immersiu ple de faccions en conflicte, encara que la complexitat acumulada del lore pot resultar avassalladora per a alguns lectors. En fi, una exploració crua de la resistència, el sacrifici i les connexions que ens defineixen enfront del caos.
En aquest desè llibre, Pirateaba aprofundeix en les tensions èpiques i els traumes personals que defineixen els protagonistes. La narrativa, densa i ambiciosa, equilibra escenes íntimes d’autodescobriment amb enfrontaments estratègics a gran escala, tot subratllant el cost humà de la guerra i la màgia. L’estil de l’autora brilla en diàlegs carregats d’emoció i en un món immersiu ple de faccions en conflicte, encara que la complexitat acumulada del lore pot resultar avassalladora per a alguns lectors. En fi, una exploració crua de la resistència, el sacrifici i les connexions que ens defineixen enfront del caos.
April 26, 2025
The Wind Runner serves as a much-needed interlude in the series' intensifying narrative. Often, readers might label such a book as 'filler,' but in this context, it feels essential. After the whirlwind of events in the previous instalments, this book acts as a narrative 'palate cleanser,' giving readers a chance to breathe and regroup.
One of the book's strengths is its focus on slice-of-life elements, offering a more grounded and intimate look at the characters we've grown to care about. It's a chance to delve deeper into their stories, filling in gaps and enriching their arcs. While the stakes remain high, the pacing allows for more character development and introspection.
The book does an admirable job of tying up several loose ends, providing closure to some ongoing threads while skillfully laying the groundwork for future developments. This approach not only satisfies the reader's immediate curiosity but also builds anticipation for what's to come in the next phase of the series.
Overall, The Wind Runner might not have the same action-packed intensity as its predecessors, but its contribution to character development and story progression is invaluable, making it a crucial and enjoyable addition to The Wandering Inn saga.
One of the book's strengths is its focus on slice-of-life elements, offering a more grounded and intimate look at the characters we've grown to care about. It's a chance to delve deeper into their stories, filling in gaps and enriching their arcs. While the stakes remain high, the pacing allows for more character development and introspection.
The book does an admirable job of tying up several loose ends, providing closure to some ongoing threads while skillfully laying the groundwork for future developments. This approach not only satisfies the reader's immediate curiosity but also builds anticipation for what's to come in the next phase of the series.
Overall, The Wind Runner might not have the same action-packed intensity as its predecessors, but its contribution to character development and story progression is invaluable, making it a crucial and enjoyable addition to The Wandering Inn saga.
July 14, 2025
RTC - hard to rate. Really good as always, some really nice chapters and back to the slow slice-of-life stuff from earlier. Heartwarming, nostalgic and just a vibe at all times.
But obviously nothing but setup and building up of this new volume, which is something that I feel like hasn't happened for quite some time. Really kind of a restart and long breathe after Vol.5s insanity.
The series obviously needs it and the pagecount this all took up (and will probably still take up in the next book is justified - if only for the spans of pages exclusive to TWI! No other series would get away with this haha
The setup is pretty intriguing though, and shows some incredible new pieces of worldbuilding so I'm excited where pirate will take this to!
But obviously nothing but setup and building up of this new volume, which is something that I feel like hasn't happened for quite some time. Really kind of a restart and long breathe after Vol.5s insanity.
The series obviously needs it and the pagecount this all took up (and will probably still take up in the next book is justified - if only for the spans of pages exclusive to TWI! No other series would get away with this haha
The setup is pretty intriguing though, and shows some incredible new pieces of worldbuilding so I'm excited where pirate will take this to!
September 28, 2024
A nice wander around the world
I love how well these books depicts different struggles. Struggling with depression and the helpless feeling you get, where nothing seems to help. And the slow road to recovery, where smiling hurts, but joy still exists.
It was also great to see the different countries, or at least their people, a little more in depth. As always, excited for the next story.
Though I gotta pace myself, the stories are too good, but I'm almost caught up!
I love how well these books depicts different struggles. Struggling with depression and the helpless feeling you get, where nothing seems to help. And the slow road to recovery, where smiling hurts, but joy still exists.
It was also great to see the different countries, or at least their people, a little more in depth. As always, excited for the next story.
Though I gotta pace myself, the stories are too good, but I'm almost caught up!
October 15, 2023
One of the weaker books in the series. This book struggles from a lack of focus and way too much Erin.
Not much happens, and for a book named for one specific character, it doesn’t spend very much time with her.
I didn’t need the back quarter of the book to be dedicated to a long farewell between characters that I’m not super invested in tbh.
Not much happens, and for a book named for one specific character, it doesn’t spend very much time with her.
I didn’t need the back quarter of the book to be dedicated to a long farewell between characters that I’m not super invested in tbh.
July 4, 2025
4.0/5
No Ryoka for so long that I enjoyed her in this book. Love Erin so much now.
Very good but the pacing and amount of time with certain characters makes it one of the worst TWI books.
No Ryoka for so long that I enjoyed her in this book. Love Erin so much now.
Very good but the pacing and amount of time with certain characters makes it one of the worst TWI books.
November 12, 2023
The entire book could've been reduced to 3 or 4 separate chapters, and it would've been better for it. Literally nothing happened in this book that couldn't be summarized in a few pages.
And holy fuck can the author make her mind up about whether technology is a threat or not a threat? Because we're back on the "your people lack magic and none of your weapons are effective" train immediately after a book where 10 fucking TREBUCHETS were a major threat to the balance of power on an entire continent. Like Jesus man make your mind up and stick to it because this is pathetic.
And holy fuck can the author make her mind up about whether technology is a threat or not a threat? Because we're back on the "your people lack magic and none of your weapons are effective" train immediately after a book where 10 fucking TREBUCHETS were a major threat to the balance of power on an entire continent. Like Jesus man make your mind up and stick to it because this is pathetic.
October 13, 2023
It was great to get so much of Rioka at the start and I hope that continues in the next book. I also loved how Erin went on vacation to Palace and met new people. The update on Geneva and other Earthlings was great, but I didn't care for the King of Destruction so much. would've preferred to hear less about him. The swordsmiths in different parts of the world were really cool and it was just an overall wonderful continuation of this magical story. And I love the commentary through action on diversity, racism, acceptance, friendship. There are many heavy, relevant themes in every single book. I so appreciate the details given to each character's feelings, facial expressions, background information and the building of relationships. These books are excellent because they're immersive, teleporting you right along with the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
This volume was definitely slower and felt more like a setup for what's coming next. Not a ton of action, and it had a bit of a filler feel, but it wasn’t boring, just a different pace. I did enjoy seeing some characters return after a long time. It might not be the most exciting installment, but I have a feeling it’s laying the groundwork for something big. Still a solid read, just a little on the slower side.
July 18, 2024
I love this series! I know I must sound like a broken record for saying this since I have said this for every book so far, but it's the truth. I am addicted to this series, I can't get enough of this world and the characters. This book you a small look at what Ryoka has been up to and the new friends that she has made. Then it takes you to Niers and him finding out more about the mysterious people that are not from his world. He might even be making a trip to meet Erin the chess player that can best him. The doctor and her new friends make an appearance, they have gone and made their version of the United Nations as an adventuring group. With Erin you see her coming to terms with what happened in the last group and how she chose to handle it. The many adventuring groups finally decide that they have to move on to new challenges and say goodbye to the Wandering Inn and Erin. The chapter with the goodbye to Erin made me cry, I do hope that we continue to check in on them.
October 31, 2024
2024/10/31 Notes: 1st Audio Read
Great narration by Andrea Parsneau.
This one is a mixed bag. Great highlights mixed in transitions and lore dumps. It wasn't as engaging to listen to this part as it was to read it on the website.
I may change my mind on the rating on a future re-read. XD
Great narration by Andrea Parsneau.
This one is a mixed bag. Great highlights mixed in transitions and lore dumps. It wasn't as engaging to listen to this part as it was to read it on the website.
I may change my mind on the rating on a future re-read. XD
September 11, 2024
This series is really art. I've never read anything like it. I can only describe it as real time fantasy. It feels like you're living in this world, and sometimes nothing happens from Monday-Wednesday, but you're there the whole time. I really love that part of it.
This whole book felt like an epilogue.
This whole book felt like an epilogue.
November 5, 2024
5 stars! I love this, it’s my favorite series of all time!
July 20, 2024
Not my favorite in the series. Honestly, after the last book I’m not sure how anything will ever compare. But I still had a blast.
September 30, 2023
It was great to get a reprieve after the high drama of the last book. I really enjoyed catching up with some characters that we haven’t seen in a while. I can’t wait until their plot lines move into the limelight and we can enjoy the fruition of all the developmental stories that we are enjoying right now.
September 6, 2025
This was a real slow reset of the series after Book 9. The Liscor parts felt like an epilogue with minimal plot development. Anyways, as usual - the Good, the Bad and the Meh.
The Good:
- I'm glad Numbtongue was the Goblin saved by Laken. Not sure how I feel about the character melding of Pyrite and mining as I liked the bard storyline better.
- Erin taking a break and having Lyonette actually manage and expand the inn.
- The United Nations company and Baleros was well done and addressed the practical next steps for the group for surviving in Baleros. Daly was a strong POV character and I enjoyed the brief Luan story about his tattoos for his wife and child. Overall this arc gives a Lost Boys / Frat House / Lord of the Flies vibe and I dig it.
- Geneva's exploration of how to exist as a doctor in a world of healing potions was well done. Interested to see where her path goes forward with midwifery and public health (STI and condom storyline was funny but a logical exploration).
- Did not anticipate how entertaining an Apista POV would end up being.
- Flos and his invasions of the Quarass in Germina and Calliope in Helios was entertaining and a unique twist for conquering his initial kingdoms.
- Diving into the other nations of Chandrar and their reactions to Flos - but it also felt like too much too quickly. Too many nations with different species, motivations and plotting to keep track of at times. The conference of Pomle was well done overall. Looking forward to spending more time with some of these nations.
The Bad:
- Ugh, Ryoka's in this? I will say, after a nice multiple book break of a palate cleanser, her character was a bit more bearable. But why name the book after her when she is in it for like 15% of the book? Also what a wild choice to introduce a vampire BFF storyline. Not feeling this storyline.
- Erin wandering around town sobbing was weird. Fine that she was grieving, but the weird parade of it around Liscor felt strange.
- Olesm, Hawk and Illvriss debating about paid subscriptions of a newsletter. Yawn.
- The world's longest chapters on smithing and not one, but two competitions in making a knife and/or sword. This was like watching paint dry.
The Meh:
- Erin meeting the Pallas tavern owners Rufus and Lasica. Boring.
- Miner Numbtongue and the hybrid Pyrite memories.
- Illvriss leaving for Salazar. It was a logical progression, but we are really dragging out the Az'kerash revenge story from Book 6. Let's get going.
- Trey interacting with Nawalashifra and a potential romantic connection. She seems like a one-dimensional character and I don't care for the repressive patriarchy community she comes from.
- The breaking of the fellowship of adventurers. Why did it keep switching back and forth to random adventures. It felt anticlimactic for the end of a book.
Overall: not enough Liscor, okay Baleros and Chandrar arcs, please never talk about smithing again. Hoping for an uptick with Book 11 as this was definitely a drop and reset after the last few books.
The Good:
- I'm glad Numbtongue was the Goblin saved by Laken. Not sure how I feel about the character melding of Pyrite and mining as I liked the bard storyline better.
- Erin taking a break and having Lyonette actually manage and expand the inn.
- The United Nations company and Baleros was well done and addressed the practical next steps for the group for surviving in Baleros. Daly was a strong POV character and I enjoyed the brief Luan story about his tattoos for his wife and child. Overall this arc gives a Lost Boys / Frat House / Lord of the Flies vibe and I dig it.
- Geneva's exploration of how to exist as a doctor in a world of healing potions was well done. Interested to see where her path goes forward with midwifery and public health (STI and condom storyline was funny but a logical exploration).
- Did not anticipate how entertaining an Apista POV would end up being.
- Flos and his invasions of the Quarass in Germina and Calliope in Helios was entertaining and a unique twist for conquering his initial kingdoms.
- Diving into the other nations of Chandrar and their reactions to Flos - but it also felt like too much too quickly. Too many nations with different species, motivations and plotting to keep track of at times. The conference of Pomle was well done overall. Looking forward to spending more time with some of these nations.
The Bad:
- Ugh, Ryoka's in this? I will say, after a nice multiple book break of a palate cleanser, her character was a bit more bearable. But why name the book after her when she is in it for like 15% of the book? Also what a wild choice to introduce a vampire BFF storyline. Not feeling this storyline.
- Erin wandering around town sobbing was weird. Fine that she was grieving, but the weird parade of it around Liscor felt strange.
- Olesm, Hawk and Illvriss debating about paid subscriptions of a newsletter. Yawn.
- The world's longest chapters on smithing and not one, but two competitions in making a knife and/or sword. This was like watching paint dry.
The Meh:
- Erin meeting the Pallas tavern owners Rufus and Lasica. Boring.
- Miner Numbtongue and the hybrid Pyrite memories.
- Illvriss leaving for Salazar. It was a logical progression, but we are really dragging out the Az'kerash revenge story from Book 6. Let's get going.
- Trey interacting with Nawalashifra and a potential romantic connection. She seems like a one-dimensional character and I don't care for the repressive patriarchy community she comes from.
- The breaking of the fellowship of adventurers. Why did it keep switching back and forth to random adventures. It felt anticlimactic for the end of a book.
Overall: not enough Liscor, okay Baleros and Chandrar arcs, please never talk about smithing again. Hoping for an uptick with Book 11 as this was definitely a drop and reset after the last few books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Since I've essentially automatically given all the books in this series 5 stars, giving this one a 4 star review feels like overcompensating, because this was another enjoyable book. I have come to expect a product that transcends mere "enjoyable", however. This installment was a clear ending point for multiple storylines that have encompassed most of the past half-dozen or so books. It felt like an ending point / transition book. In short, not much really happened. And in other ways, a lot happened...
We finally got to see Ryoka again. This shouldn't come as any surprise given that she was re-introduced at the end of book 9, and the title of this book is a clear giveaway. I enjoyed her storyline even though I was surprised at how short it was (in light of the book's title). Ryoka doing her best Taylor Swift impression ("It's me. Hi. I'm the problem, it's me...") and working on herself is a plot line that is just so relatable. The social anxiety, the awkwardness, the self-reflection, the requirements she put on herself to say "hi" to at least 3-4 people each day...just really well done.
I don't know where we are going to go from here. We visited the King of Destruction, we got a side-character story from a small character who has been with us but has not had any focus, we got the United Nations growing, and we got more of the Titan. Seeing where we left things in Liscor, I'm really unclear what will be the focus next book but I'm excited nevertheless.
While this had all the things that have caused me to love this series, this book was clearly an ending / transition book. In a way, it is needed. While Erin is unquestionably the main character, there are too many other things going on in the world to stay at Liscor only. There are only so many different catastrophes that can happen to one border city in six months. I say this even though there are many unresolved things in Liscor - whether it is the dungeon or Torin. I was also hoping to get some chapters with the goblins and Rags, but at least we got to learn more about Numbtongue and what will undoubtedly be a rewarding storyline.
This remains perhaps my favorite series of all time, pound for pound. If you come across this review, nearly none of what I said above will make any sense. Instead let me suggest that you queue up the first book in this series, give it some time (it starts slowly) and if you aren't hooked by the end of the first book, well then you didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did but that's okay. I won't promise you anything but for me this is peak fantasy.
We finally got to see Ryoka again. This shouldn't come as any surprise given that she was re-introduced at the end of book 9, and the title of this book is a clear giveaway. I enjoyed her storyline even though I was surprised at how short it was (in light of the book's title). Ryoka doing her best Taylor Swift impression ("It's me. Hi. I'm the problem, it's me...") and working on herself is a plot line that is just so relatable. The social anxiety, the awkwardness, the self-reflection, the requirements she put on herself to say "hi" to at least 3-4 people each day...just really well done.
I don't know where we are going to go from here. We visited the King of Destruction, we got a side-character story from a small character who has been with us but has not had any focus, we got the United Nations growing, and we got more of the Titan. Seeing where we left things in Liscor, I'm really unclear what will be the focus next book but I'm excited nevertheless.
While this had all the things that have caused me to love this series, this book was clearly an ending / transition book. In a way, it is needed. While Erin is unquestionably the main character, there are too many other things going on in the world to stay at Liscor only. There are only so many different catastrophes that can happen to one border city in six months. I say this even though there are many unresolved things in Liscor - whether it is the dungeon or Torin. I was also hoping to get some chapters with the goblins and Rags, but at least we got to learn more about Numbtongue and what will undoubtedly be a rewarding storyline.
This remains perhaps my favorite series of all time, pound for pound. If you come across this review, nearly none of what I said above will make any sense. Instead let me suggest that you queue up the first book in this series, give it some time (it starts slowly) and if you aren't hooked by the end of the first book, well then you didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did but that's okay. I won't promise you anything but for me this is peak fantasy.
February 23, 2025
After the previous doorstopper, my anger at the town is still rather bright-hot. And even though we're getting back into the Wind Runner's story, not to mention Ruin's and a certain doctor, I'm still hot over the aftermath of the goblins.
This book leads us out of those very depressing woods. Things aren't better, so to speak, and I wouldn't blame her for never really forgiving ANY of them, but there is hope for new adventure and growth and there ARE some nice people out there. Indeed, I can think of a couple of GREAT blacksmithing sequences that had me practically cheering for how fun they were.
So much happens. I can't stress to you enough just how huge these stories are, of how vast and varied and interesting they are. And best of all, everything continues forward from what has already been built. Think One Piece, the weight of so many events, great characters, and then get an idea about THIS particular series.
The best part IS that it has serious stuff going on, even epic battles, serious consequences, WHILE carving out really beautiful, light-hearted, even GOOFY sequences to let the happiness, the caring, shine.
These books are showing me just how much I'm unwilling to set any laurel upon grimdark fantasy. It has its place, but it can be so damn draining. The Wandering Inn, however, effortlessly recharges me even as it builds to the serious bits.
Hence: it's an endlessly enjoyable read.
My synesthesia is now, quite simply, stuck with true bubbly drinks that literally float in my mouth. I can't quite figure out whether I want to cough or laugh at any moment.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
This book leads us out of those very depressing woods. Things aren't better, so to speak, and I wouldn't blame her for never really forgiving ANY of them, but there is hope for new adventure and growth and there ARE some nice people out there. Indeed, I can think of a couple of GREAT blacksmithing sequences that had me practically cheering for how fun they were.
So much happens. I can't stress to you enough just how huge these stories are, of how vast and varied and interesting they are. And best of all, everything continues forward from what has already been built. Think One Piece, the weight of so many events, great characters, and then get an idea about THIS particular series.
The best part IS that it has serious stuff going on, even epic battles, serious consequences, WHILE carving out really beautiful, light-hearted, even GOOFY sequences to let the happiness, the caring, shine.
These books are showing me just how much I'm unwilling to set any laurel upon grimdark fantasy. It has its place, but it can be so damn draining. The Wandering Inn, however, effortlessly recharges me even as it builds to the serious bits.
Hence: it's an endlessly enjoyable read.
My synesthesia is now, quite simply, stuck with true bubbly drinks that literally float in my mouth. I can't quite figure out whether I want to cough or laugh at any moment.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
June 8, 2025
The Wind Runner is the start of a new volume of the web novel (V6). Consequently, it's a novel filled with more setup than usual. However, the reason I gave this a 3 star review (more like 3.5) is that, for the first time, I really felt the expansion and scope creep of the worldbuilding and storytelling.
The author has very cleverly created a situation where they can have endless audience surrogates - introducing us to Level 1 isekaied humans of Earth hanging out in different parts of the world of the Wandering Inn. And, so far, I have never felt distracted by the number of characters and locations. From the Emperor to the Doctor to the Clown to the Twins, I've always loved spending more time with new people. That changed in Book 10. I understand the importance of setting up the political landscape of Chandrar, but I can't say I enjoyed spending time with so many new established rulers - it's not the same as building knowledge from the ground up with an audience surrogate. This was the first time I felt the challenge of most Epic Fantasy hit this world - completely unforgettable minor characters whose names I need to remember. Now, not all of the characters are forgettable - The Strongest of Pomle is pretty cool - but that's why I come back to this novel mostly being setup. It may payoff eventually, but for now, it was too much information all at once without a solid surrogate.
Still an awesome series!
The author has very cleverly created a situation where they can have endless audience surrogates - introducing us to Level 1 isekaied humans of Earth hanging out in different parts of the world of the Wandering Inn. And, so far, I have never felt distracted by the number of characters and locations. From the Emperor to the Doctor to the Clown to the Twins, I've always loved spending more time with new people. That changed in Book 10. I understand the importance of setting up the political landscape of Chandrar, but I can't say I enjoyed spending time with so many new established rulers - it's not the same as building knowledge from the ground up with an audience surrogate. This was the first time I felt the challenge of most Epic Fantasy hit this world - completely unforgettable minor characters whose names I need to remember. Now, not all of the characters are forgettable - The Strongest of Pomle is pretty cool - but that's why I come back to this novel mostly being setup. It may payoff eventually, but for now, it was too much information all at once without a solid surrogate.
Still an awesome series!
December 21, 2025
This volume was a disappointment, largely because it failed to live up to its own title. With a book called The Wind Runner, I expected meaningful focus and growth for Ryoka, yet her presence felt surprisingly brief and underdeveloped. The introduction of a new friend for her and new race was surprising but very short lived. What time she did receive didn’t meaningfully advance her character, making the title feel misleading.
A significant portion of the book instead focused on the King of Destruction storyline, which, for me, remains the least engaging arc in the series. The extended attention given to this plot came at the expense of more compelling characters and narratives, making large sections feel like a slog rather than a payoff.
Overall, the book reads more like a filler episode than a substantial installment. While The Wandering Inn is known for its slower, character-driven pacing, this entry lacked the emotional or narrative momentum needed. It felt like Pirateabe was trying to make up for an overall boring book by making the last chapter focusing on a emotional goodbye some key characters.
A significant portion of the book instead focused on the King of Destruction storyline, which, for me, remains the least engaging arc in the series. The extended attention given to this plot came at the expense of more compelling characters and narratives, making large sections feel like a slog rather than a payoff.
Overall, the book reads more like a filler episode than a substantial installment. While The Wandering Inn is known for its slower, character-driven pacing, this entry lacked the emotional or narrative momentum needed. It felt like Pirateabe was trying to make up for an overall boring book by making the last chapter focusing on a emotional goodbye some key characters.
January 6, 2025
This is going to be a universal review of the series which I will cut and paste because I read all 14 books in this series (so far). They are all available at the Wandering Inn website for free if you read them as they were written as a web published serial. They are addicting. The basic premise (see my review of book 1) is that people from our world have been transported, solo or in groups, to another world where the ground rules resemble those of a role playing game like Dungeons and Dragons. Erin Solstice is the main character in the first book, but new characters are introduced throughout the book. Goblins, Drakes, Gnolls (bear-like), Lizard People, Humans, Flying Garudas, Antinium,and Dullahans are the people of the world, all of whom are sentient. Magic abounds, but technology is in short supply. This is fascinating world building. I believe that the author is currently at around 10 million words in the series. Much of it is dialogue, which makes for faster reading, but be prepared to give a significant portion of your reading time to these books.
October 1, 2023
I love The Wandering Inn...passionately...despite the low appeal of all the stories off the continent of Izril, with my least favorite concerned with the Clown and with Flos. This book has a LOT of Flos, and a litany of unappealing characters. But it also has tremendously wonderful and lengthy segments in the life of the actual Inn, the most appealing goblins in all of literature, the wind runner finding her new path of being thoughtful, the metamorphous of a Wall Lord, and much, much more. I loved so much that I tolerated hours of far less enticing side avenues. It's not as if I hadn't already read all this, twice, but I think they didn't cut the book as well as they could have. However, I am grateful to have it. The narrator is fabulous but I can't understand some of the species. Luckily, I read this already. It's a monumental job narrating (and writing), so I applaud both Andrea and Pirateaba. Tremendous character-driven fantasy. Erin is the unexpectedly stellar star.
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