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Worldsea #1
Path of the Taker
“A Taker spreads fear, both among enemies and allies.
Your power will make you do things you will wish you hadn’t done.”
Aaron and Bria grow up in Great Oaks at the edge of the Worldsea — far from the cruel grip of the Central Rule and their army of Givers. Their peaceful lives change when the Rule attacks their village, and soon, they will have to find their own ways to survive in a world that seeks to either use them or destroy them.
Your power will make you do things you will wish you hadn’t done.”
Aaron and Bria grow up in Great Oaks at the edge of the Worldsea — far from the cruel grip of the Central Rule and their army of Givers. Their peaceful lives change when the Rule attacks their village, and soon, they will have to find their own ways to survive in a world that seeks to either use them or destroy them.
488 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Simon Grund Sørensen
2 books10 followersCancer scientist turned indie fantasy writer.
I live in Copenhagen, Denmark, working as a data scientist for medical companies and research. I have always loved adventures - both in real life and on the pages of a good book - so I am excited to share my story 'Path of the Taker' with the world!
Feel free to reach with any comments or questions to my work. As a small indie author, I am happy to engage with my readers : ) !
I live in Copenhagen, Denmark, working as a data scientist for medical companies and research. I have always loved adventures - both in real life and on the pages of a good book - so I am excited to share my story 'Path of the Taker' with the world!
Feel free to reach with any comments or questions to my work. As a small indie author, I am happy to engage with my readers : ) !
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 9, 2024
Path of the Taker " is a "Worldsea" book one.
Even though this book is a YA ,the story was very interesting and engaging. Great characters and really good plot.
Author just beautifully delivered on everything you can look for in a YA fantasy book.
I highly recommend it !
Even though this book is a YA ,the story was very interesting and engaging. Great characters and really good plot.
Author just beautifully delivered on everything you can look for in a YA fantasy book.
I highly recommend it !
March 13, 2024
"Path of the Taker" by Simon G. Sorensen was an adventure full of magic, cruel overlords, and classic farm-boy-on-a-quest vibes.
Aaron and his sister Bria live quietly on their rural island home with their mother and friends, their lives rich with peace and affection. The troubles of the kingdom - the brutality of The Rule and the king, the War of the Child, the dangerous magics of Giving and Taking - all seem distant, the things of bard's tales and tradeship rumors.
Nothing prepares them for a visit from The Rule.
This book had an intriguing opening, storytelling balanced between the two siblings, and a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up many threads I didn't even realize would be part of the tapestry. Hints at the bigger conflict are integrated seamlessly into the world-building, leaving me pleasantly surprised at the end. This book is the first in series, so there is more to come in the ocean-dominated landscape.
This book does contain some grim situations but is written in an accessible, fast-paced way that YA and adult readers can enjoy. The magic is almost theatrical in its power, in a fun way, and although it has some rules it is a bit nebulous (aka soft magic!). I will be curious to see its costs and limits in the next book, as well as see more of the island world. I also enjoyed the questionable morality of certain characters as they try to survive and suspect that the line between justice and vengeance will become a repeating theme in the series.
4.5/5 Stars rounded up
Aaron and his sister Bria live quietly on their rural island home with their mother and friends, their lives rich with peace and affection. The troubles of the kingdom - the brutality of The Rule and the king, the War of the Child, the dangerous magics of Giving and Taking - all seem distant, the things of bard's tales and tradeship rumors.
Nothing prepares them for a visit from The Rule.
This book had an intriguing opening, storytelling balanced between the two siblings, and a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up many threads I didn't even realize would be part of the tapestry. Hints at the bigger conflict are integrated seamlessly into the world-building, leaving me pleasantly surprised at the end. This book is the first in series, so there is more to come in the ocean-dominated landscape.
This book does contain some grim situations but is written in an accessible, fast-paced way that YA and adult readers can enjoy. The magic is almost theatrical in its power, in a fun way, and although it has some rules it is a bit nebulous (aka soft magic!). I will be curious to see its costs and limits in the next book, as well as see more of the island world. I also enjoyed the questionable morality of certain characters as they try to survive and suspect that the line between justice and vengeance will become a repeating theme in the series.
4.5/5 Stars rounded up
April 22, 2024
An action-packed coming of age fantasy adventure with Brandon Sanderson and Throne of Glass - vibes.
Path of the Taker takes you on an adventure across seas and nations.
Bria, Aaron, and Tobias live in the peaceful village of Great Oaks in the Fero Island. But a ruthless attack of the Rule, and their feared Givers, changes everything and Aaron, Bria and Tobias are forced on an adventure that wills them to grow or perish in order to survive. ‘Cause maybe the fearsome power of Giving and Taking is much closer than any of them anticipated.
This was such a cool read!
The worldbuilding is original and superbly executed with a unique magical system and relatable, flawed characters.
The language is light and well-written, in some parts almost bard-like. Characters are relatable and authentic, and you feel with them as they are shaped through loss, hardships, and challenges.
The multi-narrative gives the story a nice depth as well as a great close-up feel of the character development.
The book has a nice flow, an admirable sense for details and strongly character-driven scenes, making it easy for one page to take the next.
NOTE: The book contains passages with explicit descriptions of violence and death, but to an extent that keeps it in within the YA- NA appropriate span.
Favourite parts:
The action scenes - especially the ones describing Taking and Giving as tools in a fight.
Bria's character arc
Least favourite:
(Not a con as such - just a wish for more)
I would have liked to know more about the pirates and more scenes on the adventures Aaron and Tobias experience in that setting.
-And the three Sisters - but maybe I'm in for a treat in book two.
A strong debut in the WorldSea book series. Really looking forward to the next one!
Path of the Taker takes you on an adventure across seas and nations.
Bria, Aaron, and Tobias live in the peaceful village of Great Oaks in the Fero Island. But a ruthless attack of the Rule, and their feared Givers, changes everything and Aaron, Bria and Tobias are forced on an adventure that wills them to grow or perish in order to survive. ‘Cause maybe the fearsome power of Giving and Taking is much closer than any of them anticipated.
This was such a cool read!
The worldbuilding is original and superbly executed with a unique magical system and relatable, flawed characters.
The language is light and well-written, in some parts almost bard-like. Characters are relatable and authentic, and you feel with them as they are shaped through loss, hardships, and challenges.
The multi-narrative gives the story a nice depth as well as a great close-up feel of the character development.
The book has a nice flow, an admirable sense for details and strongly character-driven scenes, making it easy for one page to take the next.
NOTE: The book contains passages with explicit descriptions of violence and death, but to an extent that keeps it in within the YA- NA appropriate span.
Favourite parts:
The action scenes - especially the ones describing Taking and Giving as tools in a fight.
Bria's character arc
Least favourite:
(Not a con as such - just a wish for more)
I would have liked to know more about the pirates and more scenes on the adventures Aaron and Tobias experience in that setting.
-And the three Sisters - but maybe I'm in for a treat in book two.
A strong debut in the WorldSea book series. Really looking forward to the next one!
March 9, 2024
Path of the Taker is the first book from an Indie publisher that I have ever read. It was such a smooth and enjoyable read that it is sending me now on a quest to explore other works along the same line of publishing.
It is a fantasy book for all ages. It brought back memories of reading Ursula Le Guin's Tales from Earthsea (maybe my brain got tricked by the franchise names), Raymond Feist's Magician, Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy, among many others where we follow the adventures of youngsters sent along a dangerous path that forces them to grow up along the way.
Without spoiling the story too much, I particularly liked the dichotomy of the Givers/Takers. In the end, power is power, it is up to its user to control or be controlled by it. Use it in a way that installs fear and spite or love and respect in others.
Will be looking forward for the next chapters!
It is a fantasy book for all ages. It brought back memories of reading Ursula Le Guin's Tales from Earthsea (maybe my brain got tricked by the franchise names), Raymond Feist's Magician, Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy, among many others where we follow the adventures of youngsters sent along a dangerous path that forces them to grow up along the way.
Without spoiling the story too much, I particularly liked the dichotomy of the Givers/Takers. In the end, power is power, it is up to its user to control or be controlled by it. Use it in a way that installs fear and spite or love and respect in others.
Will be looking forward for the next chapters!
December 9, 2024
The first book in the Worldsea Series and the world build within it was very impressive and the description throughout was really immersive.
The story was action packed a bit brutal at time so if your young reader enjoys a bit of brutality then they should enjoy this - if they don’t then I would maybe not recommend this one to them.
I found the story and Aaron and Bria very intriguing and I enjoyed reading of how they grew up together as Aaron’s parents took in Bria after she lost her parents at a young age.
The ending was really good and it has left me curious as to what has to come in the next book in the series.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this story although it was a bit too YA for me but is definitely one I think my daughter would enjoy when she is a bit older.
The story was action packed a bit brutal at time so if your young reader enjoys a bit of brutality then they should enjoy this - if they don’t then I would maybe not recommend this one to them.
I found the story and Aaron and Bria very intriguing and I enjoyed reading of how they grew up together as Aaron’s parents took in Bria after she lost her parents at a young age.
The ending was really good and it has left me curious as to what has to come in the next book in the series.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this story although it was a bit too YA for me but is definitely one I think my daughter would enjoy when she is a bit older.
December 11, 2024
Path of the Taker is a great YA book full of action and adventure.
I found that it was a bit difficult for me to get into at the beginning, but I was soon thoroughly engrossed in the story.
I enjoyed the different points of view, so you knew what was happening with both parties. I couldn't choose a favourite as I kept changing my mind at different points in the story.
I think the worldbuilding was done very well. I am very much looking forward to seeing how Aaron and Tobias get on in the next book. As well as Bria of course, especially with the little surprise about Karim at the end of this one.
I found that it was a bit difficult for me to get into at the beginning, but I was soon thoroughly engrossed in the story.
I enjoyed the different points of view, so you knew what was happening with both parties. I couldn't choose a favourite as I kept changing my mind at different points in the story.
I think the worldbuilding was done very well. I am very much looking forward to seeing how Aaron and Tobias get on in the next book. As well as Bria of course, especially with the little surprise about Karim at the end of this one.
April 4, 2024
Well written fantasy book which leaves you wanting more. Somehow made me nostalgic and feel how i felt after reading my first ever fantasy book (Eragon). This is definitely a YA book i would recommend you give a try. The world building is incredible and the story itself scratches that itch you may have for exploring the wonders of traveling (and also magic). The character building, as the story evolves, is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Can’t wait to read where the story goes.
May 11, 2024
The Path of the taker is taking you on a journey, which leads you to one of the biggest questions; what is evil and what is good? Does what you are make you evil, or are you a good person making bad choises? Is it all just a question of the decisions you make? Can you learn to control your feelings and use your power for good? And what does it take to learn to take the rigt decision. Do you succumb to the stories about people like you, do you become what everyone believes you are, or do you write your story?
April 4, 2024
This book held me captured like books haven't done for a long time! I used to love reading, and this book was special to me, kind of my way back to reading English books again. This is a great feeling, and I love it for having done that!
And furthermore, I am really curious about this new kind of magic that the author has come up with, it is as if I recognize it from real life but just havent thought about it before.
I am so much looking forward to the next book!
And furthermore, I am really curious about this new kind of magic that the author has come up with, it is as if I recognize it from real life but just havent thought about it before.
I am so much looking forward to the next book!
August 18, 2024
A fantasy book that will keep you up at night, eagerly turning pages for more!
The story begins with an intriguing opening and unfolds with numerous plot twists and ethical dilemmas that the main characters must confront. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to escape into another world, where the characters face many challenges and discover their true nature.
I can’t wait to read the sequel!
The story begins with an intriguing opening and unfolds with numerous plot twists and ethical dilemmas that the main characters must confront. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to escape into another world, where the characters face many challenges and discover their true nature.
I can’t wait to read the sequel!
April 13, 2024
"Part of the Taker" is a gripping tale of survival in a world torn apart by power and fear. Aaron and Bria's journey from innocence to resilience captivates from start to finish. This book immerses you in a thrilling adventure you won't soon forget!
March 25, 2024
Debut alarm! Path of the Taker is a promising debut for Simon Grund Sørensen and I suspect it will be the start of a new series. We follow siblings Aaron and Bria who grow up on an island far away from the central government. Magic, war, adventure,… all these seem far away and are mostly known through stories from traders and bards. But on day a ship arrives and changes everything.
The book has strong YA-vibes and feels somewhat classic in the beginning when a farmboy goes on an unwanted adventure. But there is a lot more than that; academia, politics, pirates, warfare, magic. The worldbuilding is really well done, you basically learn with the main characters (who don’t know a lot at the beginning). The story is fast-paced and there is a certain dynamic though the constant change in perspective that kept me on board.
I struggled a little with two aspects, though. The magic seemed a little too powerful, especially in the beginning, sometimes even without any limitations. This changed a little throughout the story, though. And then some of the solutions for the main characters’ problems seemed a little too…convenient, I guess, too easy. But again, this went smoother towards the end of the book.
It’s definitely an interesting world Simon Grund Sørensen has built and there is a lot of potential in Path of the Taker to keep this author on my radar.
The book has strong YA-vibes and feels somewhat classic in the beginning when a farmboy goes on an unwanted adventure. But there is a lot more than that; academia, politics, pirates, warfare, magic. The worldbuilding is really well done, you basically learn with the main characters (who don’t know a lot at the beginning). The story is fast-paced and there is a certain dynamic though the constant change in perspective that kept me on board.
I struggled a little with two aspects, though. The magic seemed a little too powerful, especially in the beginning, sometimes even without any limitations. This changed a little throughout the story, though. And then some of the solutions for the main characters’ problems seemed a little too…convenient, I guess, too easy. But again, this went smoother towards the end of the book.
It’s definitely an interesting world Simon Grund Sørensen has built and there is a lot of potential in Path of the Taker to keep this author on my radar.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews