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The Cartographer from Greenwood
In a stormy night, a strange elf stumbles through the doors of Lord Aeglas' manor in Snowcreek. He is injured and it is not his love for drawing maps that has driven him out of his home for many years. Will he learn that he has to fight for what is dear to him or will he continue his travels and avoid the arguments awaiting him at home?
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 10, 2024
What a cozy slice of high fantasy! This novella moves at a languid but satisfying pace, as our wayward cartographer takes shelter with the wood elf, Aeglis (assume every name I write is spelled wrong 😂), and his wife Calolena (nope, not even close). Aeglis is a healer, a skill that Soread needs both physically and ultimately, emotionally. I really loved the gentle, woodsy setting and the lack of major drama was a refreshing change. Aeglis and his wife were so sweet together, the little moments when they were alone together adding such a nice touch. Overall, a delightful novella perfect for snuggling up in front of a cozy fire and simply relaxing.
April 11, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please remember this is MY personal opinion:
I'm not exactly sure on how to start this review, because while I did rate it a 4 it took time for me to feel it deserved the 4-star rating. To me, this novella had a lot of over-descript. I understand the need for world building and character development, but as I do not see this being a series (though it could be) the amount of description could honestly be reduced. I honestly skimmed a lot of it, because it enveloped a lot of the story.
The beauty of this novella is the history told, the art of cartography, and the buildup of friendship and trust between the 3 main characters. Roughly around chapter 6, you actually start to see the emotions in the story more clearly and get to feel what the traveler has been hiding deep within his soul. The lord and lady of this story treat him with such care, that it makes you feel as if you want to console the traveler as well. As I said, the beauty of this story comes later when emotions run high, and trust is put to the test.
I am very grateful that I got to read this novella, and in the end, I did truly enjoy the read!
Please remember this is MY personal opinion:
I'm not exactly sure on how to start this review, because while I did rate it a 4 it took time for me to feel it deserved the 4-star rating. To me, this novella had a lot of over-descript. I understand the need for world building and character development, but as I do not see this being a series (though it could be) the amount of description could honestly be reduced. I honestly skimmed a lot of it, because it enveloped a lot of the story.
The beauty of this novella is the history told, the art of cartography, and the buildup of friendship and trust between the 3 main characters. Roughly around chapter 6, you actually start to see the emotions in the story more clearly and get to feel what the traveler has been hiding deep within his soul. The lord and lady of this story treat him with such care, that it makes you feel as if you want to console the traveler as well. As I said, the beauty of this story comes later when emotions run high, and trust is put to the test.
I am very grateful that I got to read this novella, and in the end, I did truly enjoy the read!
May 6, 2024
It was good. It could have benefited from a little more editing. Some of the wording was a little awkward and confusing at times. I had to reread a few parts to get what the author was trying to say or who it was referring to. I also feel like it was missing something. There wasn’t much of a plot or goal. And the one thing that did pop up towards the end of the book we didn’t see resolved. But maybe that just means there’s more to come? Also the book really didn’t go anywhere or do anything. I guess that’s part of the not really having a plot though. I did enjoy reading it, it was a nice quick/light read for an afternoon. I would like to see more of a plot or plan for any future books though. The world and characters were interesting enough that I would definitely like to read more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 8, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novella is about a cartographer who is wounded during his travels and ends up at the doorsteps of a manor of Lord Aeglas. He is taken in and looked after by the kind Lord (and his wife), while a storm persists outside.
This was a very enjoyable read. The setting of the manor during the storm felt very cozy and the character oozed a warm charm to them. Seeing the slow growth of trust between the MCS, along with the kindness they offered, was very pleasant. The world building didn't feel forced and i am keen to hopefully see more of this world (and its characters) in future novellas.
If you like you cozy fantasy reads, this is one to check out.
This novella is about a cartographer who is wounded during his travels and ends up at the doorsteps of a manor of Lord Aeglas. He is taken in and looked after by the kind Lord (and his wife), while a storm persists outside.
This was a very enjoyable read. The setting of the manor during the storm felt very cozy and the character oozed a warm charm to them. Seeing the slow growth of trust between the MCS, along with the kindness they offered, was very pleasant. The world building didn't feel forced and i am keen to hopefully see more of this world (and its characters) in future novellas.
If you like you cozy fantasy reads, this is one to check out.
April 14, 2024
I read this novella as an ARC.
Although Aeglas has seen the horrors of war, he still has a kind heart. He and Calenleya have a beautiful relationship. And Soread is healing in more ways than one! It's not a story with a lot of action, but was still a wonderful cosy fantasy read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Although Aeglas has seen the horrors of war, he still has a kind heart. He and Calenleya have a beautiful relationship. And Soread is healing in more ways than one! It's not a story with a lot of action, but was still a wonderful cosy fantasy read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
May 11, 2024
An unusual story, a lot is retrospective, it’s seems a quiet and gentle story that, hopefully, is laying the foundation for more to come, at least it’s not filled with gory details and innuendo, a pleasant light read.
May 9, 2024
Lisa König put out a tweet on Twitter asking for ARC readers/reviews and curious I applied. Without further ado here it is!
The Cartographer from Greenwood was a fun little read. Oftentimes authors get carried away with shoving many characters into their books it feels really confusing as to who’s who and what’s where. Thankfully novella’s are great places to have a handful of characters who you can get to know in a short timespan. My favourite character is the cartographer himself – Soread. Amongst the other characters we’ve got the Lord of Eridris – Aeglas (where Soread finds himself) who is also a healer, his wife Calenleya (who I just call Cal as it’s hard for me to pronounce haha) and Raelyn who is a distant cousin to Aeglas and also Aeglas’ chief councillor. Soread is polite to a fault whereas Aeglas is kind and empathetic. Then we have Cal who seems like a nice character but personally not one I vibe with. I found it hard to see why Aeglas adores her so. It sorta felt like I was being told a fact but not really seeing how it made sense at all. The behaviour between Aeglas and his wife made sense for an adoring couple, but I just didn’t see what he saw in her. Lastly, we’ve got Raelyn who I’ll admit seems like an interesting character – strong, smart, reliable but I didn’t see enough of her to get a clearer picture than that. Raelyn has her head in a book at one point which I rather liked because I also have a love for the written word and that made me relate to her a bit. Soread finds himself travelling the lands and through an accident, which left him injured, comes across Aeglas’ household. Aeglas being the healer of Snowcreek lets in the wounded Soread and tends to his wounds and gives him shelter. Through the interactions Soread has with Aeglas and his wife we get to learn a bit about the world. The history, the battles, the landscape and so on. It’s a clever and fun way of explaining the lore which left me as the reader intrigued and fascinated not at just the content but the manner in which it was told and revealed. Seeing the relationship develop between Soread and Aeglas is fun and rewarding. A healer doting on his patient. The fretting when said patient isn’t taking it as easy as he should be. The burgeoning respect people develop for one another as they get to know each other. Aeglas’ fascination with Soread’s maps and their chats about them. It’s a pretty light-hearted story and one that I loved getting lost in. Pick up The Cartographer of Greenwood if you want an easy-to-read fantasy book with interesting characters and lore.
The Cartographer from Greenwood was a fun little read. Oftentimes authors get carried away with shoving many characters into their books it feels really confusing as to who’s who and what’s where. Thankfully novella’s are great places to have a handful of characters who you can get to know in a short timespan. My favourite character is the cartographer himself – Soread. Amongst the other characters we’ve got the Lord of Eridris – Aeglas (where Soread finds himself) who is also a healer, his wife Calenleya (who I just call Cal as it’s hard for me to pronounce haha) and Raelyn who is a distant cousin to Aeglas and also Aeglas’ chief councillor. Soread is polite to a fault whereas Aeglas is kind and empathetic. Then we have Cal who seems like a nice character but personally not one I vibe with. I found it hard to see why Aeglas adores her so. It sorta felt like I was being told a fact but not really seeing how it made sense at all. The behaviour between Aeglas and his wife made sense for an adoring couple, but I just didn’t see what he saw in her. Lastly, we’ve got Raelyn who I’ll admit seems like an interesting character – strong, smart, reliable but I didn’t see enough of her to get a clearer picture than that. Raelyn has her head in a book at one point which I rather liked because I also have a love for the written word and that made me relate to her a bit. Soread finds himself travelling the lands and through an accident, which left him injured, comes across Aeglas’ household. Aeglas being the healer of Snowcreek lets in the wounded Soread and tends to his wounds and gives him shelter. Through the interactions Soread has with Aeglas and his wife we get to learn a bit about the world. The history, the battles, the landscape and so on. It’s a clever and fun way of explaining the lore which left me as the reader intrigued and fascinated not at just the content but the manner in which it was told and revealed. Seeing the relationship develop between Soread and Aeglas is fun and rewarding. A healer doting on his patient. The fretting when said patient isn’t taking it as easy as he should be. The burgeoning respect people develop for one another as they get to know each other. Aeglas’ fascination with Soread’s maps and their chats about them. It’s a pretty light-hearted story and one that I loved getting lost in. Pick up The Cartographer of Greenwood if you want an easy-to-read fantasy book with interesting characters and lore.
September 11, 2024
I don't know how to describe my feelings about this novella. I am grateful to have had the chance to read this cozy, yet at times sad story. I wished deeply to connect to Soread, and I fear I am may have damaged my ability to connect to him with my expectations. He is certainly a likable character, a traveling map-maker living a life of hardships, afraid to return home yet desperate for companionship, desperate for his family, harboring this aching wound tearing him apart with the struggle between his needs and his fears. I found the contrast between his childish enthusiasm and his careful control and fear of trusting, or even expecting help, to be interesting, and at times strange, yet still I ache for him to find happiness and home.
I also very much enjoyed the second point of view character, the healer Aeglas, who I'm not sure we don't actually get more point of view from than Soread. The depth to Aeglas' genuine care and concern for Soread was very relatable. It was nice getting to read about a nurturing healer, though I will not deny that I am beyond hard to impress with most details about wound care, given I have far more real life experience with tending to dangerous wounds than is at all pleasant to remember, so I did not find most of that stuff super relatable. That said, I suspect a good deal of research went into this story, and I am certainly not one to judge a fantasy world with elves, even if there is little magic present, not to mention that my experience, though very real, is also very limited.
Over all, this is a story that makes me want more, makes me want to meet characters that as yet are only mentioned. There are mentions of the brutalness of a war torn world, but it's a story filled with wholesome interaction and genuine care.
I also very much enjoyed the second point of view character, the healer Aeglas, who I'm not sure we don't actually get more point of view from than Soread. The depth to Aeglas' genuine care and concern for Soread was very relatable. It was nice getting to read about a nurturing healer, though I will not deny that I am beyond hard to impress with most details about wound care, given I have far more real life experience with tending to dangerous wounds than is at all pleasant to remember, so I did not find most of that stuff super relatable. That said, I suspect a good deal of research went into this story, and I am certainly not one to judge a fantasy world with elves, even if there is little magic present, not to mention that my experience, though very real, is also very limited.
Over all, this is a story that makes me want more, makes me want to meet characters that as yet are only mentioned. There are mentions of the brutalness of a war torn world, but it's a story filled with wholesome interaction and genuine care.
August 19, 2024
A delightful short read!
Ms. König has created a rich elven world, for all the characters, both present and mentioned, are elves. The story takes place entirely during a powerful rainstorm in the village of Snowcreek in the land of Eridris. There is a deep history, which is brought out slowly as the two main characters, Aeglas, Lord of Eridris, and the eponymous cartographer, Soread, talk.
Soread is a complex character with a talent to make maps that seem to bring magic back into the world (to paraphrase Aeglas). There is unresolved conflict between Eridris and Greenwood which brings tension between the two elves. However, the reader is left hopeful, at the end, that the seeds of resolution have been sewn.
The story is sprinkled with interesting side characters, the first of which is Aeglas’ wife, Calenleya. Raelyn, Aeglas’ Chief Counsellor, is also well-defined and complex. Several others do not physically appear but are mentioned with enough detail that we feel them as characters in the story.
I look forward to more of the Cartographer and the world created by Ms. König.
Ms. König has created a rich elven world, for all the characters, both present and mentioned, are elves. The story takes place entirely during a powerful rainstorm in the village of Snowcreek in the land of Eridris. There is a deep history, which is brought out slowly as the two main characters, Aeglas, Lord of Eridris, and the eponymous cartographer, Soread, talk.
Soread is a complex character with a talent to make maps that seem to bring magic back into the world (to paraphrase Aeglas). There is unresolved conflict between Eridris and Greenwood which brings tension between the two elves. However, the reader is left hopeful, at the end, that the seeds of resolution have been sewn.
The story is sprinkled with interesting side characters, the first of which is Aeglas’ wife, Calenleya. Raelyn, Aeglas’ Chief Counsellor, is also well-defined and complex. Several others do not physically appear but are mentioned with enough detail that we feel them as characters in the story.
I look forward to more of the Cartographer and the world created by Ms. König.
October 29, 2024
This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.
I actually came across the second novella of this small series (two books) prior to this one, but saw this one was available to be read and reviewed so requested it as well. Thankfully, both came, so I did not have to read out of order. Though each could be a stand-alone (I believe enough information is given in the second one to cover any possible missing plot).
I really liked the synopsis of the storyline: a wondering elf into neighboring lands, harboring inner feelings that prevent him from returning home to family. Here in this land he finds compassion and friendship, which erodes at his inner feelings, but in the end, we find it is not enough. Let's add in that this elf draws maps, very exquisite maps, and regardless of his wounds received, thus bringing him here, takes little time to recover. It is a novella, and some parts (to me) dragged on a bit longer than needed. I did find myself occasionally wishing this could be fleshed out into a longer tale, maybe including some of his traveling background. Overall well-written, easy to read, and looking forward to the second novella.
I actually came across the second novella of this small series (two books) prior to this one, but saw this one was available to be read and reviewed so requested it as well. Thankfully, both came, so I did not have to read out of order. Though each could be a stand-alone (I believe enough information is given in the second one to cover any possible missing plot).
I really liked the synopsis of the storyline: a wondering elf into neighboring lands, harboring inner feelings that prevent him from returning home to family. Here in this land he finds compassion and friendship, which erodes at his inner feelings, but in the end, we find it is not enough. Let's add in that this elf draws maps, very exquisite maps, and regardless of his wounds received, thus bringing him here, takes little time to recover. It is a novella, and some parts (to me) dragged on a bit longer than needed. I did find myself occasionally wishing this could be fleshed out into a longer tale, maybe including some of his traveling background. Overall well-written, easy to read, and looking forward to the second novella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
I would like to thank the author for my copy and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
I love elves. Always have, likely always will. So the description immediately caught my interest and I’m glad it did. This is a short read but that is something the story works to its advantage and you’ll finish the book wanting (and hoping!) for more.
I love the prose here. It has an ethereal feel to it, especially the dialogue which really makes you feel the wisdom of some of these characters. Yet, they each have their own distinct tone to their speech that makes it easy to point out who’s who in a conversation.
And naturally, I love the attention to maps here. They don’t get a ton of attention anymore but I loved seeing the importance of a cartographer given such focus. It was a beautiful way to incorporate lore and world building in a unique way!
And the relationship between Soread and Aeglas is such a beautiful piece of art. I loved the way they interacted. It has its pitfalls but that’s why I love it. It’s living but real.
I hope to read more in this world!
I love elves. Always have, likely always will. So the description immediately caught my interest and I’m glad it did. This is a short read but that is something the story works to its advantage and you’ll finish the book wanting (and hoping!) for more.
I love the prose here. It has an ethereal feel to it, especially the dialogue which really makes you feel the wisdom of some of these characters. Yet, they each have their own distinct tone to their speech that makes it easy to point out who’s who in a conversation.
And naturally, I love the attention to maps here. They don’t get a ton of attention anymore but I loved seeing the importance of a cartographer given such focus. It was a beautiful way to incorporate lore and world building in a unique way!
And the relationship between Soread and Aeglas is such a beautiful piece of art. I loved the way they interacted. It has its pitfalls but that’s why I love it. It’s living but real.
I hope to read more in this world!
May 10, 2024
This was like receiving a warm hug, one much needed, like Soread also needed one.
Although short, the brief history explains just enough to grasp the beginning discomfort - however this work shines with its characters, specially with Aeglas, his wife and Soread. The descriptions of the house and the characters just made me all that much more cozy and Aeglas and his wife are characters I want to spend more time with. I badly wish that author will revisit and give us further stories and the conclusion to Soread's travels and way back home, as well as coming back to his little room in Lord Aeglas's Manor.
There were small mistakes I found, which I hope were fixed in the published piece. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Booksirens and the author.
Although short, the brief history explains just enough to grasp the beginning discomfort - however this work shines with its characters, specially with Aeglas, his wife and Soread. The descriptions of the house and the characters just made me all that much more cozy and Aeglas and his wife are characters I want to spend more time with. I badly wish that author will revisit and give us further stories and the conclusion to Soread's travels and way back home, as well as coming back to his little room in Lord Aeglas's Manor.
There were small mistakes I found, which I hope were fixed in the published piece. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Booksirens and the author.
April 20, 2024
I loved THE CARTOGRAPHER FROM GREENWOOD, a lovely novella that tells the story of a wood elf and cartographer named Soread who is traveling far from home and becomes injured and stays for a time with Aeglas and his family while he heals and rests. This is a charming and cozy tale, with wonderful descriptions of rainstorms in the autumn, exquisite maps created by Soread, delicious food eaten in the Hall of Fire, and interesting herbal remedies. As Aeglas and Soread have further conversations, we learn more about why Soread is there and I really enjoyed the emotional meat of the story and would love to read more books set in this world! 5/5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author for review purposes.
August 16, 2024
It's nice to read a lighthearted story with characters who interact beautifully together. I especially liked the relationship between Soread and Aeglas from the first time they met during the storm. Aeglas treated him like a son and helped him recover from mental and physical ailments. Soread had some underlying feelings about his family that came out during the story. Conflict, healing, kindness, and empathy were rolled into a lovely novella that included fantasy and a great ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2024
This was an interesting read - it's a huge world with a lot of backstory, and lots of well-developed characters. Aeglas and Soread both have complex backgrounds and motivations, and there are some interesting father-son dynamics that develop between them, alongside a whole lot of trust issues that are discussed.
I think the world has a lot of promise, but this feels less like an actual novel and more like the backstory novella that would be published after a series is released... think Assassin's Blade or ACOSF. That meant I just kept expecting more plot to happen, but then it didn't deliver... However, there is clearly a HUGE world that the author has dreamed up, and I do want to know more!
My other main confusion was the dual POV. The book title makes it clearly about Soread, the cartographer, but we spent so much time with Aeglas (and his POV is an easier place to be) that he felt more like the MC than Soread did. So whose story is it really? That felt a little unbalanced to me.
Finally, language. Bits of this felt over-described, and a lot of the dialogue was quite formal and stilted. I don't know if that was an artistic choice (because they're elves) or an English-as-a-second-language challenge, but it did throw me off while I was reading it.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I think the world has a lot of promise, but this feels less like an actual novel and more like the backstory novella that would be published after a series is released... think Assassin's Blade or ACOSF. That meant I just kept expecting more plot to happen, but then it didn't deliver... However, there is clearly a HUGE world that the author has dreamed up, and I do want to know more!
My other main confusion was the dual POV. The book title makes it clearly about Soread, the cartographer, but we spent so much time with Aeglas (and his POV is an easier place to be) that he felt more like the MC than Soread did. So whose story is it really? That felt a little unbalanced to me.
Finally, language. Bits of this felt over-described, and a lot of the dialogue was quite formal and stilted. I don't know if that was an artistic choice (because they're elves) or an English-as-a-second-language challenge, but it did throw me off while I was reading it.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
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