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Wanderers #2
Colleen the Wanderer
Being the astounding adventures of a young woman (formerly an Associate of the Road, St. Bridget’s Band), in her journey across Terra Sanctorum in quest of a lost city while accompanying monsters of various kind and description; and all that became thereof.
- GenresFantasy
385 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 24, 2024
I’m a fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s imaginative and genre-blending works. I like how he juggles elements of fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction. Colleen The Wanderer makes a nod toward classic adventure stories. And yes, there’s quite a bit of wandering :) Longer review to come, probably, when I have more time.
July 17, 2024
Another superb read from my favorite author.
I guess I could leave it there, but what would be the fun of that?
This is very much Colleen’s story. So while we get the very satisfactory cameos from the Barnaby cast, this is about her. And who is Colleen? She’s an Associate of the Road. Part of a large collection of intermingled families who move constantly, trading work for food, trading children and people amongst themselves, learning trades, constantly surrounded by the group, always an Aunt or Uncle or Cousin around, and won’t they just give her one godsdamned minute to herself, she can’t even hear herself think and… *ahem*
And then she finds herself plagued by dreams, pursued by Benefactors, surrounded by monsters. And for one glorious moment… completely alone on a shipwreck at the edge of the world.
10/10 would leave Colleen in peace to make pottery.
I guess I could leave it there, but what would be the fun of that?
This is very much Colleen’s story. So while we get the very satisfactory cameos from the Barnaby cast, this is about her. And who is Colleen? She’s an Associate of the Road. Part of a large collection of intermingled families who move constantly, trading work for food, trading children and people amongst themselves, learning trades, constantly surrounded by the group, always an Aunt or Uncle or Cousin around, and won’t they just give her one godsdamned minute to herself, she can’t even hear herself think and… *ahem*
And then she finds herself plagued by dreams, pursued by Benefactors, surrounded by monsters. And for one glorious moment… completely alone on a shipwreck at the edge of the world.
10/10 would leave Colleen in peace to make pottery.
July 22, 2024
Raced through this. A beautifully written absorbing fantasy adventure.
It appears to be the second in a “Wanderer” series by this author, following on from Barnaby the Wanderer. That excellent novel is more than 800 pages; this is just less than 400 though I could have easily managed more if the story had allowed it.
This story’s lead character, Colleen, is from a tribe of wanderers, with a not dissimilar lifestyle to that of Travellers/Gypsies of today. Circumstances lead her to leave that life and pursue a mostly solitary wandering, which is in tune with her personality.
Yes, journeys and wandering are a fantasy standard but in these stories it’s the core aspect, cleverly done and certainly not the space filler it can be elsewhere. The story is permeated with magic and mystery; the author consequently conjures up a really broad array of strange creatures and spirits. Despite all this the story as a whole actually makes sense too, the plot threads nicely tied up. Very satisfying to read a tale so grounded in the supernatural and in such a weird world but which never loses you.
Although this is a standalone story the world building given in the previous book, plus some explanation for this particular adventure, means you probably should read Barnaby the Wanderer before this.
The background to this fantasy world is linked to ‘godlings’, or supernatural powers, called Saints here, who set the agenda/culture for the areas of the world that some influence. This background is set up in the previous book but there’s a helpful Appendix describing this at the end of this book if you need that extra level of detail (I didn’t).
Written by a favourite self published author and continuing a different direction in his writing, it seems to me. Following from a fine five book magical realism series set in contemporary small town Texas and an earlier mind blowing magical (and alternative history) series with a Gaelic flavour this new series seems, comparatively, almost more like traditional fantasy adventure. But distinguished as ever by excellent prose, clever dialogue and founded on a different class of imagination from that I usually read. It’s also generally positive in outlook with ‘good things’ outweighing the bad overall, as is usual for the author. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
You guessed it - 5*.
It appears to be the second in a “Wanderer” series by this author, following on from Barnaby the Wanderer. That excellent novel is more than 800 pages; this is just less than 400 though I could have easily managed more if the story had allowed it.
This story’s lead character, Colleen, is from a tribe of wanderers, with a not dissimilar lifestyle to that of Travellers/Gypsies of today. Circumstances lead her to leave that life and pursue a mostly solitary wandering, which is in tune with her personality.
Yes, journeys and wandering are a fantasy standard but in these stories it’s the core aspect, cleverly done and certainly not the space filler it can be elsewhere. The story is permeated with magic and mystery; the author consequently conjures up a really broad array of strange creatures and spirits. Despite all this the story as a whole actually makes sense too, the plot threads nicely tied up. Very satisfying to read a tale so grounded in the supernatural and in such a weird world but which never loses you.
Although this is a standalone story the world building given in the previous book, plus some explanation for this particular adventure, means you probably should read Barnaby the Wanderer before this.
The background to this fantasy world is linked to ‘godlings’, or supernatural powers, called Saints here, who set the agenda/culture for the areas of the world that some influence. This background is set up in the previous book but there’s a helpful Appendix describing this at the end of this book if you need that extra level of detail (I didn’t).
Written by a favourite self published author and continuing a different direction in his writing, it seems to me. Following from a fine five book magical realism series set in contemporary small town Texas and an earlier mind blowing magical (and alternative history) series with a Gaelic flavour this new series seems, comparatively, almost more like traditional fantasy adventure. But distinguished as ever by excellent prose, clever dialogue and founded on a different class of imagination from that I usually read. It’s also generally positive in outlook with ‘good things’ outweighing the bad overall, as is usual for the author. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
You guessed it - 5*.
July 18, 2024
I was quick to fall in love with Colleen and even quicker to fall in love with her not quite companions. Raymond St. Elmo's work is both a bit odd and also feels like home in a way that other fiction doesn't for me.
July 25, 2024
Colleen the Wanderer.
Great title, if a bit misleading. At least in the case of our not-so-sweet Colleen. She is a girl, so she fits the definition of that Irish word, colleen. She’s also a wanderer, but more by compulsion than desire.
Pragmatic, and a bit anti-social, Colleen travels roads leading nowhere and everywhere, from place to place, and family to family, when all she really wants is to settle in, dig deep into earthy clay, and make pots. And if she can avoid pointless conversations at the same time, well, that’s a plus.
But no. Forced by tradition to follow the road with whichever Associates of the Road family currently hosts her, then compelled by an obscure, and perhaps invisible, artifact, Colleen wanders last within a group comprised of beings some might term monsters, and others, miscreates.
Less than friends, and increasingly more than the strangest of strangers, the self-sufficiency and routine silence of the misshapen and mystifyingly beautiful creatures speaks to Colleen even if they do not. Creating a sense of kinship never experienced within her wandering family, the Associates of the Road.
And though Colleen may wander, and the reader may wonder, the author never waivers, but takes us all on a splendid journey of imaginative wit and wisdom.
My new favorite St. Elmo book. At least until the next one wanders onto my screen.
Great title, if a bit misleading. At least in the case of our not-so-sweet Colleen. She is a girl, so she fits the definition of that Irish word, colleen. She’s also a wanderer, but more by compulsion than desire.
Pragmatic, and a bit anti-social, Colleen travels roads leading nowhere and everywhere, from place to place, and family to family, when all she really wants is to settle in, dig deep into earthy clay, and make pots. And if she can avoid pointless conversations at the same time, well, that’s a plus.
But no. Forced by tradition to follow the road with whichever Associates of the Road family currently hosts her, then compelled by an obscure, and perhaps invisible, artifact, Colleen wanders last within a group comprised of beings some might term monsters, and others, miscreates.
Less than friends, and increasingly more than the strangest of strangers, the self-sufficiency and routine silence of the misshapen and mystifyingly beautiful creatures speaks to Colleen even if they do not. Creating a sense of kinship never experienced within her wandering family, the Associates of the Road.
And though Colleen may wander, and the reader may wonder, the author never waivers, but takes us all on a splendid journey of imaginative wit and wisdom.
My new favorite St. Elmo book. At least until the next one wanders onto my screen.
July 21, 2024
A beautifully whimsical tale that continues the strange machinations of the Saints introduced in Barnaby the Wanderer, as manifested in the journey of the eponymous Colleen.
July 24, 2024
A delightful, wandering adventure! A bit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, if Alice were a perfectly practical woman who just wanted to be left alone, thank you very much.
With a book entitled “Colleen the Wanderer” it might be redundant to say this, but you should indeed be prepared for wandering!! The pace is on the slower side and the journey is very immersive as you get to know the many “miscreates” Colleen encounters; a favorite of mine being “ball monster” (I won’t spoil his name 😉). Something about St. Elmo’s storytelling and dialogue always remind me of Wes Anderson—charming, distinctive, hilarious.
Now on to practical matters (in the spirit of Colleen herself). This is a sequel to Barnaby the Wander, but it works as a standalone. There are some cameos that you will not understand without having read Barnaby, but it’s not a necessity in order to enjoy the story. I highly recommend that you read Barnaby though! Because it’s a great book and you’d be missing out!!
With a book entitled “Colleen the Wanderer” it might be redundant to say this, but you should indeed be prepared for wandering!! The pace is on the slower side and the journey is very immersive as you get to know the many “miscreates” Colleen encounters; a favorite of mine being “ball monster” (I won’t spoil his name 😉). Something about St. Elmo’s storytelling and dialogue always remind me of Wes Anderson—charming, distinctive, hilarious.
Now on to practical matters (in the spirit of Colleen herself). This is a sequel to Barnaby the Wander, but it works as a standalone. There are some cameos that you will not understand without having read Barnaby, but it’s not a necessity in order to enjoy the story. I highly recommend that you read Barnaby though! Because it’s a great book and you’d be missing out!!
August 3, 2024
Once again Raymond St. Elmo has written an incredible book! This one is only half the length of Barnaby the Wanderer, but still contains plenty of wonderful wandering (of course), loveable characters, and important messages. The book is philosophical and existential, making the reader consider what it means to be a monster ("miscreates" in the world of the Terra Sanctorum) and what it truly means to belong.
That deep narrative is balanced well by moments of levity, particularly when Shadow Night-Creep, my favorite cat, shows up with his witty lines and dry humor. The cameos from the rest of the Benefactors—the main adventurers from Barnaby—are heartwarming as well.
There are so many wonderful new characters—not just Colleen, but also the miscreates she meets on her travels. I particularly love Crym, with this revolutionary zeal, and his fellow monster Bog, who simply wants Colleen to make him a nice tea set.
That deep narrative is balanced well by moments of levity, particularly when Shadow Night-Creep, my favorite cat, shows up with his witty lines and dry humor. The cameos from the rest of the Benefactors—the main adventurers from Barnaby—are heartwarming as well.
There are so many wonderful new characters—not just Colleen, but also the miscreates she meets on her travels. I particularly love Crym, with this revolutionary zeal, and his fellow monster Bog, who simply wants Colleen to make him a nice tea set.
May 13, 2025
Well, I didn't think it was possible to find a book that I enjoyed as much as Barnaby. Raymond St. Elmo is just on a whole other level with his imagination and the prose that results from a glorious mind that is always working. I loved this book just as much as every St. Elmo book I have read so far.
I can't wait to read the 3rd book. I just found out today it existed. I didn't have Kindle Unlimited for a while. It's not on KU, but I'm hoping it will be soon.
I can't wait to read the 3rd book. I just found out today it existed. I didn't have Kindle Unlimited for a while. It's not on KU, but I'm hoping it will be soon.
October 12, 2024
There are books where imagination, magic, and a dream-like state meet, and Colleen the Wanderer is one of them. I have always been in awe of St. Elmo's books and how he manages to catch this reality that makes sense and doesn't make sense at all at the same time. It's the same with Colleen the Wanderer. Reading the book felt like standing in the Twilight Zone in a storybook- kind of way, and wondering where the story leads. I needed to know.
The book is about the destinies of men or the saints in the hands of the one who wants to be left alone and make pots. Colleen the Wanderer used to be part of the Association of the Road, wandering the desert and the lands beyond with her family, bartering for a living. She is the mender of pots, but then she is forced out of the life she used to know, pushed on the road on her own, where she meets saints, hermits, and all sorts of monsters. And she has to decide if to survive on her own or join them.
The book is a dialogue of what is happening and what Colleen tells us is happening. It's beautifully written, as is the case with every book I have read from Raymond St. Elmo. You can't go wrong with his book if you are looking for magical realism, whimsy, and raw imagination at its best. But I think there was more to the book than meets the eye; as I wrote before, Colleen has to make a decision for the good of all or the one or none. That left me wanting more. To understand the ending better. It came too abruptly, especially as I felt like I was just getting to know the point. I feel that there was a tiny balance problem with the book. The first forty pages were slow and confusing, but then the story and Colleen's voice picked up, making it easier to emerge into the story. Then, the last pages felt rushed. I wanted to understand the torment Colleen was carrying with her all this time, her road to destiny. But it might be evident to the reader if they were familiar with Barnaby the Wanderer. This was my only complaint. And Raymond St. Elmo graciously provided background information at the end of the book. So there are no excuses.
Colleen the Wanderer was a wonderful book. It made me want to listen to Smashing Pumpkins while I read it.
Thank you for reading <3 Have a magical day!
The book is about the destinies of men or the saints in the hands of the one who wants to be left alone and make pots. Colleen the Wanderer used to be part of the Association of the Road, wandering the desert and the lands beyond with her family, bartering for a living. She is the mender of pots, but then she is forced out of the life she used to know, pushed on the road on her own, where she meets saints, hermits, and all sorts of monsters. And she has to decide if to survive on her own or join them.
The book is a dialogue of what is happening and what Colleen tells us is happening. It's beautifully written, as is the case with every book I have read from Raymond St. Elmo. You can't go wrong with his book if you are looking for magical realism, whimsy, and raw imagination at its best. But I think there was more to the book than meets the eye; as I wrote before, Colleen has to make a decision for the good of all or the one or none. That left me wanting more. To understand the ending better. It came too abruptly, especially as I felt like I was just getting to know the point. I feel that there was a tiny balance problem with the book. The first forty pages were slow and confusing, but then the story and Colleen's voice picked up, making it easier to emerge into the story. Then, the last pages felt rushed. I wanted to understand the torment Colleen was carrying with her all this time, her road to destiny. But it might be evident to the reader if they were familiar with Barnaby the Wanderer. This was my only complaint. And Raymond St. Elmo graciously provided background information at the end of the book. So there are no excuses.
Colleen the Wanderer was a wonderful book. It made me want to listen to Smashing Pumpkins while I read it.
Thank you for reading <3 Have a magical day!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews