Three Sticks

Three Sticks #1

by David Anderson

Three Sticks is a heroic fantasy saga told through the eyes of Sten, a seventeen-year-old half-elf. Self-conscious about a childhood injury, he avoids any meaningful contact with the girls of his village. Whenever girls talk to him, he thinks they’re just pitying him, so he resigns himself to being alone.

Sten’s fortunes seem to change when his mother sends him and his brother, Hopper, to Havn, the capital of the human kingdom, to track down their missing father. The journey takes an unexpected turn, and the teenagers soon find themselves heading into the Wild, where elves, pixies, and fantastic creatures abound.

Walk alongside the two brothers on a journey filled with romance, friendship, heartbreak, and wonder.

Genres: Fantasy

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2024

Reviews

[Katie Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was slow to get started, but once it got going, it just got better and better. While it felt like a long book, that wasn’t a bad thing, until it ABRUPTLY ended! I’m all for cliff-hangers to get you to come back for the next book, but this one ended way too suddenly for my liking. If you’re into fantasy, I recommend pushing past the first few chapters until things start picking up as this one will be well worth your time.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fantasy!

Three Sticks has a most entertaining cast of characters whose adventures keep the reader’s attention from page one. I actually started dreading the last page (because I didn’t want to reach the end) about half way through! The story is top notch with many surprises and a bit of humor. I’m now on my way to get book 2, so I can fully anticipate book 3. Enjoy!

Kindle Unlimited

[Reily Barrett Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I chose to give this book a five star rating because the book was so easy going. I'm older and I'd recommend it to any age group.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Sticks is a beautifully imagined and emotionally resonant opening to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy saga. Told through the eyes of Sten, a seventeen-year-old half-elf, the story immediately stands out for its deeply human heart. Sten’s insecurity about his childhood injury and his quiet belief that he is unworthy of affection make him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, grounding the fantasy elements in genuine emotional truth.

David Anderson skillfully blends coming-of-age themes with classic heroic fantasy. Sten’s relationship with his brother Hopper adds warmth and authenticity to the narrative, offering moments of humor, loyalty, and tension that feel earned rather than forced. Their journey to find their missing father is not just a physical quest, but a personal one, filled with self-discovery, courage, and growth.

The world-building is especially engaging. As the brothers venture into the Wild, the story blossoms with elves, pixies, and fantastical creatures that feel both magical and alive. The setting never overwhelms the characters; instead, it enhances their struggles and triumphs, creating a sense of wonder that pulls the reader forward.

What truly elevates Three Sticks is its emotional range. Romance, friendship, heartbreak, and hope are woven seamlessly into the adventure, giving the story depth and balance. It’s a novel that invites readers to walk alongside its characters, to feel their doubts and celebrate their victories.

Overall, Three Sticks is a heartfelt, immersive, and promising start to a fantasy series that will appeal to readers who love rich characters, meaningful journeys, and a touch of magic.

[Grechen Askins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Fantasy is a genre that I enjoy. I certainly appreciate all of the work that goes in to writing, editing and publishing a book, so I hate to write anything negative. Here goes...

Three Sticks brings the reader into a fantasy world that focuses on the Solberg family. The father is an elite commander of the royal army, and the mother is an elf with no magic. The father adopts a half-hurkk baby when he is forced to kill its mother in battle. He brings the baby home to his wife and half-elf son. The story is very slow starting. There is a lot of background trying to build this fantasy world and the characters, but even so it took me a while to get the characters straight and understand what was happening. It felt like more of a "coming of age" story for the biological son, and the adopted son to an extent. The battle scenes were lengthy and left a lot unexplained. And finally, when I got to the end of the book, I felt like it ended mid-story. There was no real resolution. I understand this is the first book in a trilogy, but feel that each book in the trilogy should be able to stand on its own.

Writing a fantasy book is an epic undertaking, so kudos to the author for completing this book. He had to create an entire world, describe it well enough for the reader to visualize but not in so much detail as to drag the story out. He also had to create believable non-human characters. I was drawn in to this world, but left with so much unresolved that I was a bit disappointed.

[Nika Skwirba · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Anderson’s Three Sticks is a beautifully written story that captures the resilience of the human spirit. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and Anderson’s descriptive writing pulls you into the heart of the story. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the emotional depth really resonated with me.

That said, there were a few moments where the narrative slowed down, and I wished for more exploration of certain themes or subplots. However, it didn’t take away from the overall impact of the book.

Three Sticks is a heartfelt and inspiring read, perfect for anyone who enjoys stories of triumph over adversity. I’d definitely recommend it!

[PAUL D HARTLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Right

I have been looking for a story like this for some time. It progressed slowly and covered the many interesting details and events that most others skate over or skip entirely. I enjoyed the plot and the characters very much. My only regret is the ending as I suspect the pace will increase in the next book. I could happily read two further books just like this one. For the author, the name of Nils is wrong when he returns to see the king. His sons name is inadvertently used.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different story line for me

This was definitely a fantasy, but it was very enjoyable. Two brothers not by birth, but by love. One adopted because the adopted father killed his mother and felt an obligation towards him. But the story has so much more. The brothers try to find their father and the many adventures they run into. As I said, it's different for me but quite interesting, so I guess I'll add fantasy to my reading.

[Joy Yakovlev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

Very well done. It’s an actual story with relationships built between characters not just over powered characters leveling up. No overgeneralizing of groups.(I.e. all novels are spoiled brats who are bullies. Characters have strengths and weaknesses, well done. Also overall clean so I can let my kids read it to as well as enjoy it myself.

[Sailor Maiasaura]

Got this in the giveaway, so psyched to read this!

[Julie Virgin]

i did not get this book via kindle and i would prefer a paperback or hard cover

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story captures your attention right from the start. It draws you in and keeps you reading to discover what will occur next.

[Jamie LeBourveau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. The story felt a little slow at first. I had a hard time putting myself in this fantasy world that was so my like reality as far as speech, units of measure, etc. But I kept reading. Throughout the book, you become familiar with Sten's entire history, from the time he was three. The entire books sets up a rich storyline with so many interesting and individual characters, that by the time I finished, I was hooked. I ordered the second book upon finishing the first and now await the third book impatiently.

[Peggy Petronio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books have the ability to transport you fully into their world and leave you longing to return. Anderson deftly accomplishes this world-building in “Three Sticks.” Grateful to have won a Kindle copy of Goodreads, I was thoroughly invested in Sten and Hopper’s adventures as they ended on a cliffhanger. Will they survive the falling of the ward?