What do you think?
Rate this book
The Song of the Sleepers #1
An Exile of Water & Gold
For centuries, the Aobians of the Great Tree have shared the continent of Q’ara with humanity. A select few known as Sleepers are empowered by Luminosity, the Tree’s greatest blessing.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, has been exiled from his homeland – forever. Now, with no understanding of this condemnation, Drift must traverse the land of humans below, and find his purpose in an ever-changing world. Tarri, his betrothed, seeks to do the same, whilst also bringing him home.
Elsewhere on Q’ara, an unknown organisation seeks to weaponise Luminosity for their own nefarious purposes. Drift himself is a part of this puzzle, and it quickly becomes apparent that the struggle for true power in Q’ara is emerging for reasons greater than anyone is prepared to grasp.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, has been exiled from his homeland – forever. Now, with no understanding of this condemnation, Drift must traverse the land of humans below, and find his purpose in an ever-changing world. Tarri, his betrothed, seeks to do the same, whilst also bringing him home.
Elsewhere on Q’ara, an unknown organisation seeks to weaponise Luminosity for their own nefarious purposes. Drift himself is a part of this puzzle, and it quickly becomes apparent that the struggle for true power in Q’ara is emerging for reasons greater than anyone is prepared to grasp.
581 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2024
41 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Walker
7 books80 followersJoshua Walker is a fantasy author currently living in Sydney, Australia. He works as a primary school English teacher, and likes to read, brew beer, and hang out with his wife and BFD (Big Fluffy Dog) in his free time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 10, 2024
What can I say about An Exile of Water & Gold?
I've wanted to synthesise elements of this story for over ten years, constantly working on them independently and then realising I just wasn't a good enough writer to perfect any of them. Instead, I wrote and queried for two other novels that went nowhere, and wrote a third for myself. By 2022, this string of experiences had equipped me with the skills I needed to finally tackle this book, which I was prompted to begin drafting after watching Toy Story - perhaps the greatest movie of all time.
This book, therefore, is an exploration of love, purpose, and natural sciences. It is part whodunnit, part epic fantasy, and part character study. It is everything I've worked to be as a writer.
I'm sure my personal trajectory will only continue through writing more stories for you (in the world of Q'ara and others), but this is where it starts, and I am very proud of it. These 5 stars aren't for how "good" the book is; these are for how much I put into it.
Josh Walker, April 2024
I've wanted to synthesise elements of this story for over ten years, constantly working on them independently and then realising I just wasn't a good enough writer to perfect any of them. Instead, I wrote and queried for two other novels that went nowhere, and wrote a third for myself. By 2022, this string of experiences had equipped me with the skills I needed to finally tackle this book, which I was prompted to begin drafting after watching Toy Story - perhaps the greatest movie of all time.
This book, therefore, is an exploration of love, purpose, and natural sciences. It is part whodunnit, part epic fantasy, and part character study. It is everything I've worked to be as a writer.
I'm sure my personal trajectory will only continue through writing more stories for you (in the world of Q'ara and others), but this is where it starts, and I am very proud of it. These 5 stars aren't for how "good" the book is; these are for how much I put into it.
Josh Walker, April 2024
September 3, 2024
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
In An Exile of Water & Gold, Joshua Walker weaves a dark, epic and uniquely imaginative fantasy tale that is as large in scope as it is in heart. Come for the riveting fantasy mystery, bioluminescent forest setting, and inventive Luminosity magic, and then stay for the strong independent women, powerful themes, and the brutally intimate and emotionally impactful character study; this ambitious debut novel is so impressively multi-layered, you almost wood not believe it.
Earlier this year, Walker set my expectations for The Song of the Sleepers series incredibly high with his exceptional prequel novella The Rest to the Gods, and I am happy to say that An Exile of Water & Gold did not disappoint. Through the eyes of a few diverse, complex and mysteriously intriguing characters, we are smoothly drawn (back) into the wondrous world of Q’ara, where tensions are now running higher than the gigantic Great Trees themselves. An exiled Tree-Dweller, his estranged betrothed, a respected Sleeper, and a dangerously ambitious newly crowned queen all get wrapped up in a deadly game of politics, magic and progress, and the fate of their world now lies in their hands, whether they realise it or not.
Right from the very first chapter, Walker just sets the stakes high and creates an alluring air of mystery and intrigue that makes An Exile of Water & Gold such a compelling story. Through the wonderfully executed multi-POV set-up, we not only get a very nuanced and deep look into this world and its different inhabitants, but it also ensures that the narrative constantly stays fresh and engaging.
Even though 4 of the 5 perspectives are Aobians, I really appreciated that their life experiences and worldviews differed so much; one thing I can find a bit aggravating about a lot of made-up fantasy races is how they can be portrayed as homogenous groups who all share the same values and fiercely band together against a common enemy, but the opposite couldn’t be more true here. Each character has very strong personal motivations and offers a different view on their society, and I honestly ate up all the tension, inner turmoil and internal strife.
Though, as brilliantly as Walker balanced all the perspectives, I do have to admit that I personally had a hard time emotionally connecting to the titular exile Drift, who is arguably the main main character of this story. Maybe I just missed the wondrous setting of the Great Tree in his perspective, or maybe it was the fact that his relatively casual reaction and quick adjustment to his exile and separation from his betrothed felt a bit unbelievable to me, but for some reason I just could not really get invested in his storyline.
Luckily, all the other perspectives really pulled me in, and I especially loved that three of them are extremely complex women who are all strong in their own unique ways. The complicated dynamic between Tarri and Nischia (who I loved to reconnect with after falling in love with her in the prequel novella) truly kept me on my toes the entire way through, and I loved how the investigation aspect in their storylines uprooted so many long-kept secrets about the Sleepers and the Luminosity magic.
Though, my favourite character in An Exile of Water & Gold is easily Queen Esme; and no, I am totally not biased because that is almost my own name. See, while Part 1 was good and enjoyable for me, aside from a few bits of tiring repetition, the story truly kicked off for me when Queen Esme became a frequently recurring POV character in Part 2 (at around the 60% mark). I just immediately found her to be terrifyingly fascinating, and her unpredictable yet cleverly cunning actions surprised me in all the best ways.
This story truly is just full of shocking twists and revelations, and I loved how masterfully Walker let everything unravel by constantly peelingback layers that recontextualise everything you thought you knew up to that point. And speaking of deeper layers, I really appreciated how the themes of environmentalism, xenophobia, mental health, trauma, trust, and the price of progress were explored in such a raw yet careful way, and without it ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
To me, An Exile of Water & Gold just strikes the perfect balance between the disturbing darkness, hopeful defiance and wondrous excitement, which is exactly what makes it such a smooth read. And even though some of the action and revelations near the end felt a bit jarringly hectic to me, I also think there is simply no denying that Walker ended this story with an absolute bang and set up the sequels in an enticingly ominous way.
Whether you start your journey into The Song of the Sleepers series with this chunky gem or dip your toes in with the prequel novella, I can guarantee that Walker’s rich imagination and powerful storytelling will leave you struck with awe and wonder. Set in a world as wondrous as it is dark, An Exile of Water & Gold is an epic and immersive character-driven fantasy perfect for fans of R.J. Barker’s Gods of the Wyrdwood, Adrian M. Gibson’s Mushroom Blues, and Sarah Beth Durst’s Queens of Renthia series.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In An Exile of Water & Gold, Joshua Walker weaves a dark, epic and uniquely imaginative fantasy tale that is as large in scope as it is in heart. Come for the riveting fantasy mystery, bioluminescent forest setting, and inventive Luminosity magic, and then stay for the strong independent women, powerful themes, and the brutally intimate and emotionally impactful character study; this ambitious debut novel is so impressively multi-layered, you almost wood not believe it.
Earlier this year, Walker set my expectations for The Song of the Sleepers series incredibly high with his exceptional prequel novella The Rest to the Gods, and I am happy to say that An Exile of Water & Gold did not disappoint. Through the eyes of a few diverse, complex and mysteriously intriguing characters, we are smoothly drawn (back) into the wondrous world of Q’ara, where tensions are now running higher than the gigantic Great Trees themselves. An exiled Tree-Dweller, his estranged betrothed, a respected Sleeper, and a dangerously ambitious newly crowned queen all get wrapped up in a deadly game of politics, magic and progress, and the fate of their world now lies in their hands, whether they realise it or not.
Right from the very first chapter, Walker just sets the stakes high and creates an alluring air of mystery and intrigue that makes An Exile of Water & Gold such a compelling story. Through the wonderfully executed multi-POV set-up, we not only get a very nuanced and deep look into this world and its different inhabitants, but it also ensures that the narrative constantly stays fresh and engaging.
Even though 4 of the 5 perspectives are Aobians, I really appreciated that their life experiences and worldviews differed so much; one thing I can find a bit aggravating about a lot of made-up fantasy races is how they can be portrayed as homogenous groups who all share the same values and fiercely band together against a common enemy, but the opposite couldn’t be more true here. Each character has very strong personal motivations and offers a different view on their society, and I honestly ate up all the tension, inner turmoil and internal strife.
Though, as brilliantly as Walker balanced all the perspectives, I do have to admit that I personally had a hard time emotionally connecting to the titular exile Drift, who is arguably the main main character of this story. Maybe I just missed the wondrous setting of the Great Tree in his perspective, or maybe it was the fact that his relatively casual reaction and quick adjustment to his exile and separation from his betrothed felt a bit unbelievable to me, but for some reason I just could not really get invested in his storyline.
Luckily, all the other perspectives really pulled me in, and I especially loved that three of them are extremely complex women who are all strong in their own unique ways. The complicated dynamic between Tarri and Nischia (who I loved to reconnect with after falling in love with her in the prequel novella) truly kept me on my toes the entire way through, and I loved how the investigation aspect in their storylines uprooted so many long-kept secrets about the Sleepers and the Luminosity magic.
Though, my favourite character in An Exile of Water & Gold is easily Queen Esme; and no, I am totally not biased because that is almost my own name. See, while Part 1 was good and enjoyable for me, aside from a few bits of tiring repetition, the story truly kicked off for me when Queen Esme became a frequently recurring POV character in Part 2 (at around the 60% mark). I just immediately found her to be terrifyingly fascinating, and her unpredictable yet cleverly cunning actions surprised me in all the best ways.
This story truly is just full of shocking twists and revelations, and I loved how masterfully Walker let everything unravel by constantly peelingback layers that recontextualise everything you thought you knew up to that point. And speaking of deeper layers, I really appreciated how the themes of environmentalism, xenophobia, mental health, trauma, trust, and the price of progress were explored in such a raw yet careful way, and without it ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
To me, An Exile of Water & Gold just strikes the perfect balance between the disturbing darkness, hopeful defiance and wondrous excitement, which is exactly what makes it such a smooth read. And even though some of the action and revelations near the end felt a bit jarringly hectic to me, I also think there is simply no denying that Walker ended this story with an absolute bang and set up the sequels in an enticingly ominous way.
Whether you start your journey into The Song of the Sleepers series with this chunky gem or dip your toes in with the prequel novella, I can guarantee that Walker’s rich imagination and powerful storytelling will leave you struck with awe and wonder. Set in a world as wondrous as it is dark, An Exile of Water & Gold is an epic and immersive character-driven fantasy perfect for fans of R.J. Barker’s Gods of the Wyrdwood, Adrian M. Gibson’s Mushroom Blues, and Sarah Beth Durst’s Queens of Renthia series.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
An Exile of Water and Gold is the first novel in the dark epic fantasy series The Song of the Sleepers, written by Joshua Walker; a story of ambitious scope, with a really original worldbuilding, and deep touching. Deep themes that are enclosed into this fantasy mystery that represents also a great character study, combined with brushes of ecology and class-fight.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, is exiled from the Great Tree after what it's supposed to be an accident; while he's not able to understand the reason for his punishment, he will be forced to travel through the human lands, and find a new purpose to his life. However, he will discover that the human world is not exactly as they were told in the Great Tree.
Tarri, his betrothed, would like to take Drift home; however, Drift's disappearing marks just the rising of tensions across the Tree. When the Sleeper Nischia asks her to investigate the circumstances behind Drift's accident, she will establish a complicated relationship with the Sleeper in order to take her lover back. An investigation that will be the perfect excuse to learn more about the Great Tree and the systems that rule above the Aobian society.
With Nischia's thread, Walker portrays more about the Lumonisity and how the magic works in the Aobian society, putting those Sleepers that can access it over the rest; and we can appreciate how there are different factions craving for the power, risking all in order to go over the rest.
And we have a non-Aobian perspective with Queen Esme, a young girl that is forced to assume the responsibility over her kingdom, a formative journey that she will have to take as fast as possible if she wants to keep the equilibrium of Q'ara.
All the threads are woven into a complex and ambitious story, full of twists and revelations that are, on many occasions, hidden behind different layers; not only that, but Walker takes the opportunity to weave a really emotionally impactful story. We can see how this novel is preparing the world for bigger moments, slowly setting the pawns on the chessboard, while perfectly fleshing those characters through their experiences and their targets.
Not only the plot is ambitious, but the themes deserve their own spotlight: the destruction of the ecosystems and how it is possible to regenerate them after enough work, the idolatry of those with power as gods and the injustice behind a locked class society. All of them are extensively explored, creating a thought-provoking experience.
The pacing is close to a slow-burn style, alternating between the POVs and slowly unraveling the whole plot; however, despite it, it doesn't feel slow at all, as every single page is full of meaningful moments for the plot.
The worldbuilding is quite original, and it especially shines how Walker decides to go with mostly Aobian POVs, only having a single human perspective. It is interesting how the magic system is tied to the ecosystem, and Lumonisity itself is well explained alongside the novel.
An Exile of Water and Gold is an excellent debut novel, perfect for those that love ambitious worldbuildings mixed with a well-developed characters; an epic first novel that leaves you craving for more of Q'ara. Do yourself a favour, and read it!
An Exile of Water and Gold is the first novel in the dark epic fantasy series The Song of the Sleepers, written by Joshua Walker; a story of ambitious scope, with a really original worldbuilding, and deep touching. Deep themes that are enclosed into this fantasy mystery that represents also a great character study, combined with brushes of ecology and class-fight.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, is exiled from the Great Tree after what it's supposed to be an accident; while he's not able to understand the reason for his punishment, he will be forced to travel through the human lands, and find a new purpose to his life. However, he will discover that the human world is not exactly as they were told in the Great Tree.
Tarri, his betrothed, would like to take Drift home; however, Drift's disappearing marks just the rising of tensions across the Tree. When the Sleeper Nischia asks her to investigate the circumstances behind Drift's accident, she will establish a complicated relationship with the Sleeper in order to take her lover back. An investigation that will be the perfect excuse to learn more about the Great Tree and the systems that rule above the Aobian society.
With Nischia's thread, Walker portrays more about the Lumonisity and how the magic works in the Aobian society, putting those Sleepers that can access it over the rest; and we can appreciate how there are different factions craving for the power, risking all in order to go over the rest.
And we have a non-Aobian perspective with Queen Esme, a young girl that is forced to assume the responsibility over her kingdom, a formative journey that she will have to take as fast as possible if she wants to keep the equilibrium of Q'ara.
All the threads are woven into a complex and ambitious story, full of twists and revelations that are, on many occasions, hidden behind different layers; not only that, but Walker takes the opportunity to weave a really emotionally impactful story. We can see how this novel is preparing the world for bigger moments, slowly setting the pawns on the chessboard, while perfectly fleshing those characters through their experiences and their targets.
Not only the plot is ambitious, but the themes deserve their own spotlight: the destruction of the ecosystems and how it is possible to regenerate them after enough work, the idolatry of those with power as gods and the injustice behind a locked class society. All of them are extensively explored, creating a thought-provoking experience.
The pacing is close to a slow-burn style, alternating between the POVs and slowly unraveling the whole plot; however, despite it, it doesn't feel slow at all, as every single page is full of meaningful moments for the plot.
The worldbuilding is quite original, and it especially shines how Walker decides to go with mostly Aobian POVs, only having a single human perspective. It is interesting how the magic system is tied to the ecosystem, and Lumonisity itself is well explained alongside the novel.
An Exile of Water and Gold is an excellent debut novel, perfect for those that love ambitious worldbuildings mixed with a well-developed characters; an epic first novel that leaves you craving for more of Q'ara. Do yourself a favour, and read it!
August 15, 2024
An Exile of Water & Gold is the first in The Song of the Sleepers series by Joshua Walker and one that I was excited to get my hands on since reading the novella - The Rest to the Gods, which I also recommend. This was such a wild journey through this world that had me flipping the pages trying to uncover every stone to feed my addiction.
For centuries, the Aobians of the Great Tree have shared the continent of Q’ara with humanity. A select few known as Sleepers are empowered by Luminosity, the Tree’s greatest blessing.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, has been exiled from his homeland – forever. Now, with no understanding of this condemnation, Drift must traverse the land of humans below, and find his purpose in an ever-changing world. Tarri, his betrothed, seeks to do the same, whilst also bringing him home.
Elsewhere on Q’ara, an unknown organisation seeks to weaponise Luminosity for their own nefarious purposes. Drift himself is a part of this puzzle, and it quickly becomes apparent that the struggle for true power in Q’ara is emerging for reasons greater than anyone is prepared to grasp.
I enjoyed the world that Joshua has created here. The Tree itself shines bright at the centre of this and Joshua crafts the setting of the novel around this. I compared this to the tree in Elden Ring and how it towers over everything, a centrepiece to an incredible world. Joshua does also explain the complexities of the world deeply. The different races and their homes are so vivid and as we journey through this world, we see the despair and feel the world that Joshua has put in the palm of our hands.
The characters themselves and how their stories slowly unfold was a personal favourite. We have Drift, a young Aobian, who ends up exiled. Tarri, his love who wants to bring him back. And Nischia, an envoy of the Magisterium. Each has their own unique journey and it's a testament to Joshua's character-work that I'm not sure who to be rooting for. The magic itself, Luminosity, is one that is easy to understand but the more that unravels, the more I'm eager to learn more about its meaning and its backstory.
Joshua's themes were ones that hit close to home. We see these Aobians being revered as "Gods" and being separate from humans, with a few being exempt. However, when Drift is exiled we see things from the human perspective. Throughout the story, we begin to see more and try to work out which is right. The story itself, which is part murder mystery, was paced perfectly and whilst I was interested in the overarching story, I found myself glued to the subplot also.
Joshua Walker's debut novel, and series, is one to watch. In part, this is a journey. As a whole, this is a troubled novel that encompasses Joshuas own beliefs and explorations. This isn't just an epic fantasy novel, this is a tale of love and purpose. I'm already eager to see what happens in the rest of the series.
For centuries, the Aobians of the Great Tree have shared the continent of Q’ara with humanity. A select few known as Sleepers are empowered by Luminosity, the Tree’s greatest blessing.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, has been exiled from his homeland – forever. Now, with no understanding of this condemnation, Drift must traverse the land of humans below, and find his purpose in an ever-changing world. Tarri, his betrothed, seeks to do the same, whilst also bringing him home.
Elsewhere on Q’ara, an unknown organisation seeks to weaponise Luminosity for their own nefarious purposes. Drift himself is a part of this puzzle, and it quickly becomes apparent that the struggle for true power in Q’ara is emerging for reasons greater than anyone is prepared to grasp.
I enjoyed the world that Joshua has created here. The Tree itself shines bright at the centre of this and Joshua crafts the setting of the novel around this. I compared this to the tree in Elden Ring and how it towers over everything, a centrepiece to an incredible world. Joshua does also explain the complexities of the world deeply. The different races and their homes are so vivid and as we journey through this world, we see the despair and feel the world that Joshua has put in the palm of our hands.
The characters themselves and how their stories slowly unfold was a personal favourite. We have Drift, a young Aobian, who ends up exiled. Tarri, his love who wants to bring him back. And Nischia, an envoy of the Magisterium. Each has their own unique journey and it's a testament to Joshua's character-work that I'm not sure who to be rooting for. The magic itself, Luminosity, is one that is easy to understand but the more that unravels, the more I'm eager to learn more about its meaning and its backstory.
Joshua's themes were ones that hit close to home. We see these Aobians being revered as "Gods" and being separate from humans, with a few being exempt. However, when Drift is exiled we see things from the human perspective. Throughout the story, we begin to see more and try to work out which is right. The story itself, which is part murder mystery, was paced perfectly and whilst I was interested in the overarching story, I found myself glued to the subplot also.
Joshua Walker's debut novel, and series, is one to watch. In part, this is a journey. As a whole, this is a troubled novel that encompasses Joshuas own beliefs and explorations. This isn't just an epic fantasy novel, this is a tale of love and purpose. I'm already eager to see what happens in the rest of the series.
August 15, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
An Exile of Water and Gold is one of the most unique fantasy stories I’ve ever experienced.
Life in the Great Tree of Q’ara houses the Aobians, a luminous tree dwelling species responsible for keeping the waterways clean. The world inside of the tree was utterly mesmerising as it was brutal if any one person found themselves outside of its branches. As discovered by our main character Drift. The lives of our tree dwellers start to intertwine with the outside world in unexpected ways that make this world blow wide open … no really, but you’ll have to read to find out.
Part murder mystery, part environmentalist study, part deep dive into what makes us human, this was thematic fantasy at its finest.
From the living setting of the Tree itself, the magic of luminosity and the complexities of the characters, the author has really turned the genre on its head in the best possible way.
One thing I really adored during the experience that was this story was how world building elements were placed purposefully towards the end of the book making me more and more curious for what is to come.
With An Exile of Gold and Water as his debut novel, Joshua Walker is an author on my radar for life.
A huge thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An Exile of Water and Gold is one of the most unique fantasy stories I’ve ever experienced.
Life in the Great Tree of Q’ara houses the Aobians, a luminous tree dwelling species responsible for keeping the waterways clean. The world inside of the tree was utterly mesmerising as it was brutal if any one person found themselves outside of its branches. As discovered by our main character Drift. The lives of our tree dwellers start to intertwine with the outside world in unexpected ways that make this world blow wide open … no really, but you’ll have to read to find out.
Part murder mystery, part environmentalist study, part deep dive into what makes us human, this was thematic fantasy at its finest.
From the living setting of the Tree itself, the magic of luminosity and the complexities of the characters, the author has really turned the genre on its head in the best possible way.
One thing I really adored during the experience that was this story was how world building elements were placed purposefully towards the end of the book making me more and more curious for what is to come.
With An Exile of Gold and Water as his debut novel, Joshua Walker is an author on my radar for life.
A huge thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2024
An ambitious novel combining environmentalism, magic, and a mystery plot that takes its time to develop. Be patient with it and you will be rewarded.
January 11, 2025
Review originally posted on FanFiAddict:
Though this review is written in 2025, I dare say that An Exile of Water and Gold is one of, if not the best debut novel of 2024. Joshua Walker has created a world with imagination to envy the fantasy titans of the genre, both modern and classic. While Exile feels like a classic fantasy tale, it avoids cliche tropes by integrating fresh new races, interesting politics and cultures, and a magic system that relies on sleeping and bioluminescence. This story is one of the most unique fantasy stories I have read while managing to bring the comfort of a familiar fantasy style.
The story itself revolves around two mysteries that tie the reader to two different lands, making the characters within them much more admirable. This book has its share of action, especially during the epic conclusion, but finds much more value in a web of conspiracy that revolves around a shocking inciting incident. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will find themselves at home in the words of Joshua Walker who has mastered storytelling in his debut novel.
The story is wrapped up in a satisfying manner with brilliant hints at the deeper secrets of the world that have writers begging for more. Fortunately, the author has a prequel novella (The Rest to the Gods) and an upcoming novella that will be released on February 4 (The Child of the Greenwood) prior to the October 2025 release of book 2, An Empire of Dirt & Lies.
With strong characters and a captivating mystery at its core, An Exile of Water and Gold should be read by every fan of epic fantasy. With such a stunning start to his career, Joshua Walker will soon become a familiar name in fantasy.
Though this review is written in 2025, I dare say that An Exile of Water and Gold is one of, if not the best debut novel of 2024. Joshua Walker has created a world with imagination to envy the fantasy titans of the genre, both modern and classic. While Exile feels like a classic fantasy tale, it avoids cliche tropes by integrating fresh new races, interesting politics and cultures, and a magic system that relies on sleeping and bioluminescence. This story is one of the most unique fantasy stories I have read while managing to bring the comfort of a familiar fantasy style.
The story itself revolves around two mysteries that tie the reader to two different lands, making the characters within them much more admirable. This book has its share of action, especially during the epic conclusion, but finds much more value in a web of conspiracy that revolves around a shocking inciting incident. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will find themselves at home in the words of Joshua Walker who has mastered storytelling in his debut novel.
The story is wrapped up in a satisfying manner with brilliant hints at the deeper secrets of the world that have writers begging for more. Fortunately, the author has a prequel novella (The Rest to the Gods) and an upcoming novella that will be released on February 4 (The Child of the Greenwood) prior to the October 2025 release of book 2, An Empire of Dirt & Lies.
With strong characters and a captivating mystery at its core, An Exile of Water and Gold should be read by every fan of epic fantasy. With such a stunning start to his career, Joshua Walker will soon become a familiar name in fantasy.
September 12, 2024
In a year that brought us Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup, I didn’t expect to find another book competing for the title of the most original and immersive world of 2024. But Joshua Walker has done just that.
This book cleverly upends familiar tropes while remaining entirely readable. The plot is full of twists and turns, yet it never feels overwhelming. Although I initially found the characters somewhat distant, the vibrant world Walker created kept me captivated, allowing me to gradually connect with the characters on a deeper level. I’m genuinely curious to see where the story goes next, which is exactly what I hope for in a book like this.
Arc provided
This book cleverly upends familiar tropes while remaining entirely readable. The plot is full of twists and turns, yet it never feels overwhelming. Although I initially found the characters somewhat distant, the vibrant world Walker created kept me captivated, allowing me to gradually connect with the characters on a deeper level. I’m genuinely curious to see where the story goes next, which is exactly what I hope for in a book like this.
Arc provided
August 28, 2024
An Exile of Water & Gold by Joshua Walker - First book in The Song of the Sleepers series
Challenging dark emotional informative
inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed Rest to the Gods before reading this book. It was a good place to start, but you do not have to read it beforehand (though, if you don't, you should at least read it shortly after finishing this book).
This story follows a number of important characters that I fell in love with.
Drift is my favourite (and the main character). His plight is SO relatable. You naturally want to root for him, and the injustice that has happened to him.
Tarri also pulls your heartstrings, and you want her best. You feel bad, but also know that she's an outsider from all the important things that are going on, being a taylor/seamstress. WIth that in mind, she puts herself out there...and needs/wants to the truth and why this and that have happened.
Nischia is one of the characters that you met within the prequel The Rest to the Gods. I think it is written so well, that you do NOT have to read it first, but if you do not, then...you should read it immediately after reading this first book. There are important things that you need to know about her position and her race...that will inform you going forward.
...then Stag's POV. Very interesting. I had my doubts about him, and what he was up to (which I believe the author wants you to feel).
I had forgotten that the first chapter was from Esme's point of view (POV), so when she cropped up in Part II, I thought it was interesting that the author waited to introduce her so late, but when writing this review...I see her POV was actually the first. How/why did I forget that. I need to go back an read it (now).
Now it switched between the above three AND Esme's POV (along with Stag).
The politics and worldbuilding is really intricate and captivating.
I never put the book down because I was tired of it, but when I couldn't keep my eyes open...and I kept telling myself, one more chapter.
Also, picking the book back up, I was immediately pulled back into the stories.
Something is happening with the water...and there is murder afoot. Two different mysteries...that I think are intertwined.
I cannot wait to read Book Two. Please, let it be comig SOON.
Challenging dark emotional informative
inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed Rest to the Gods before reading this book. It was a good place to start, but you do not have to read it beforehand (though, if you don't, you should at least read it shortly after finishing this book).
This story follows a number of important characters that I fell in love with.
Drift is my favourite (and the main character). His plight is SO relatable. You naturally want to root for him, and the injustice that has happened to him.
Tarri also pulls your heartstrings, and you want her best. You feel bad, but also know that she's an outsider from all the important things that are going on, being a taylor/seamstress. WIth that in mind, she puts herself out there...and needs/wants to the truth and why this and that have happened.
Nischia is one of the characters that you met within the prequel The Rest to the Gods. I think it is written so well, that you do NOT have to read it first, but if you do not, then...you should read it immediately after reading this first book. There are important things that you need to know about her position and her race...that will inform you going forward.
...then Stag's POV. Very interesting. I had my doubts about him, and what he was up to (which I believe the author wants you to feel).
I had forgotten that the first chapter was from Esme's point of view (POV), so when she cropped up in Part II, I thought it was interesting that the author waited to introduce her so late, but when writing this review...I see her POV was actually the first. How/why did I forget that. I need to go back an read it (now).
Now it switched between the above three AND Esme's POV (along with Stag).
The politics and worldbuilding is really intricate and captivating.
I never put the book down because I was tired of it, but when I couldn't keep my eyes open...and I kept telling myself, one more chapter.
Also, picking the book back up, I was immediately pulled back into the stories.
Something is happening with the water...and there is murder afoot. Two different mysteries...that I think are intertwined.
I cannot wait to read Book Two. Please, let it be comig SOON.
March 22, 2025
BRILLIANT AND DISTURBING AT THE SAME TIME - A PHENOMENAL BEGINNING TO A NEW SERIES.
(This book is 4.5 Stars for me, but as half-stars can’t be given on Goodreads I’ve set my rating at 4.)
I thought I knew what to expect when I began this book. That got flipped on its head in the opening chapters, and things continued to unfold fantastically.
Joshua Walker has a way of giving us a look into the simple, day-to-day of life in a world of his own creation, then suddenly gutting us with a knife of horrifyingly shocking violence. Truly, he captures the horror and disturbing nature of violent death in a way that feels spine-tingling in its unflinching nearness to reality.
Combine that with an infinitely interesting world of gigantic trees that hold entire realms in their branches, a strange, new take on magic that intrigued more and more as you continue to read, and the slow burn mystery that drives the core of this novel, and you have something very special indeed.
And special is exactly how I would describe this book.
The ONLY reason this doesn’t quite hit five stars for me is that sometimes it felt like there wasn’t enough actively interesting going on between the major shocks and plot points. Unfortunately, while well thought out, I can’t tell you how little I care to know in such detail how magical river filtration systems work.
I know, I know, I’m sorry.
But like I said, I still appreciate the detail work it takes in world-building to create a system so thought out and explainable that it bores me. It felt like learning about photosynthesis in school, as a weird example. To feel that way about something in a Fantasy novel speaks to the passion the author has for his world.
So I guess in a way it turns and becomes somewhat of a positive again?
Whatever the case, PLEASE give this book a chance if you haven’t yet. It really is something amazing.
(This book is 4.5 Stars for me, but as half-stars can’t be given on Goodreads I’ve set my rating at 4.)
I thought I knew what to expect when I began this book. That got flipped on its head in the opening chapters, and things continued to unfold fantastically.
Joshua Walker has a way of giving us a look into the simple, day-to-day of life in a world of his own creation, then suddenly gutting us with a knife of horrifyingly shocking violence. Truly, he captures the horror and disturbing nature of violent death in a way that feels spine-tingling in its unflinching nearness to reality.
Combine that with an infinitely interesting world of gigantic trees that hold entire realms in their branches, a strange, new take on magic that intrigued more and more as you continue to read, and the slow burn mystery that drives the core of this novel, and you have something very special indeed.
And special is exactly how I would describe this book.
The ONLY reason this doesn’t quite hit five stars for me is that sometimes it felt like there wasn’t enough actively interesting going on between the major shocks and plot points. Unfortunately, while well thought out, I can’t tell you how little I care to know in such detail how magical river filtration systems work.
I know, I know, I’m sorry.
But like I said, I still appreciate the detail work it takes in world-building to create a system so thought out and explainable that it bores me. It felt like learning about photosynthesis in school, as a weird example. To feel that way about something in a Fantasy novel speaks to the passion the author has for his world.
So I guess in a way it turns and becomes somewhat of a positive again?
Whatever the case, PLEASE give this book a chance if you haven’t yet. It really is something amazing.
September 1, 2025
Joshua was gracious enough to provide me with a code for the audiobook and I'm so happy as Imogen Church is one of my fav narrators. The addition of our male narrator, Peter Leppard was a delight! I loved the emotional depth they both brought to the characters and story.
This is a tale full of political intrigue, misdirection, mystery and deception. I love a good mystery and we are treated to an epic one here.
I struggled a bit at the start with the multi-POV...it's extensive and intense, the world building in particular. But....it gives such a 360 view of the action and emotions, it's totally worth it to hang on for the wild ride.
There were some standout characters for me and I don't mean to say that other characters weren't done well, but I just connected more with Tarri and the super feisty Queen Esme. I love strong female protagonists and the author gave us that with these two. I also loved the naming of Drift...it really suited his role/job and then his adventure in exile. Cleverly done.
There are some deep themes touched upon throughout the novel but all are handled with care and respect and it was very cool to see how the author navigated the players through it all.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I'm going to also check out the prequel story The Rest To The Gods.
This is a tale full of political intrigue, misdirection, mystery and deception. I love a good mystery and we are treated to an epic one here.
I struggled a bit at the start with the multi-POV...it's extensive and intense, the world building in particular. But....it gives such a 360 view of the action and emotions, it's totally worth it to hang on for the wild ride.
There were some standout characters for me and I don't mean to say that other characters weren't done well, but I just connected more with Tarri and the super feisty Queen Esme. I love strong female protagonists and the author gave us that with these two. I also loved the naming of Drift...it really suited his role/job and then his adventure in exile. Cleverly done.
There are some deep themes touched upon throughout the novel but all are handled with care and respect and it was very cool to see how the author navigated the players through it all.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. I'm going to also check out the prequel story The Rest To The Gods.
January 13, 2025
Amazing novel!
The world building in this book is second to none, and you feel immersed within a couple of chapters, despite learning about it in each line. Magic systems that feel fresh and the political tension throughout the book keeps you hooked until the last page. Walker is one one to keep in your sights, as this will only get greater as it grows.l!
The world building in this book is second to none, and you feel immersed within a couple of chapters, despite learning about it in each line. Magic systems that feel fresh and the political tension throughout the book keeps you hooked until the last page. Walker is one one to keep in your sights, as this will only get greater as it grows.l!
August 14, 2024
Exile Of Water And Gold ARC review
I’ve just finished an ARC of ‘Exile of Water And Gold’, by Joshua Walker, and found myself captivated from the first chapter. The world is unique, there is a “magic” system called Luminosity that elevates those who are called “Sleepers”, even though a war was fought to cast aside a monarchical class system. There are several protagonists who are quite diverse, and each one grows and adapts to their new reality, which has been brought on by deep, and long plotted deceptions, by the very ones who are given the greatest power. Alliances are tested, old enemies rise, and the core of it all lies in the power, Luminosity, which has been kept from humans, but through treachery, has been given to the ones most power hungry and violent. The least likely of our mc’s rise to the challenge, tapping an inner wellspring of courage and resolve. I highly recommend this book once it’s released in early September . It deserves to be read widely.
I’ve just finished an ARC of ‘Exile of Water And Gold’, by Joshua Walker, and found myself captivated from the first chapter. The world is unique, there is a “magic” system called Luminosity that elevates those who are called “Sleepers”, even though a war was fought to cast aside a monarchical class system. There are several protagonists who are quite diverse, and each one grows and adapts to their new reality, which has been brought on by deep, and long plotted deceptions, by the very ones who are given the greatest power. Alliances are tested, old enemies rise, and the core of it all lies in the power, Luminosity, which has been kept from humans, but through treachery, has been given to the ones most power hungry and violent. The least likely of our mc’s rise to the challenge, tapping an inner wellspring of courage and resolve. I highly recommend this book once it’s released in early September . It deserves to be read widely.
October 31, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
Two exiles; two destinies lie that along the same fragile thread of light. One a wayward spirit forced to leave. The other forging a path against the odds.
“But this part of the world wasn’t meant for us, Drift.”
THE THINGS I LIKED
I was immediately enraptured with the easy way Walker introduces us to each character – of which there are five points-of-view, and all a mix of what his constructed universe has to offer.
Being split up into two parts, the first focuses mostly on Drift, the first exile. And the second half revolves more around Esme, the second exile, who gets far less than she bargains for in the end. I’m heavily invested in both of their outcomes.
Characters: 9/10
“And if you were to believe the legend that became of the story, you would also expect the ending to be different depending on who told it.”
Throughout the book, Walker weaves a wonderful, glowing landscape, and I can’t help but want more from this series. The lore alone is so fascinating I could read a mythology on it (can we make that happen, Mr. Walker?) and the way the characters are so connected to their environment creates the perfect atmosphere for this high fantasy.
Atmosphere: 13/14
Writing Style: 16/18
“I wish you luck, Tarri. The kind that does not expire.”
I had a lot of speculations as I read this. I aim to keep this review spoiler-free, but the reason for Drift’s exile and his adventure into the human lands thereafter kept me on the edge of my seat. There’s rogues. There’s deception. There is culture shocks abound.
The way Tarri relentlessly pursues the truth about the event and uncovers the secrets kept by the Sleepers inspires hope that they will be reunited. She’s so tenacious, and if anyone is going to dismantle the utopia that is Aobia, it’s going to be her.
On the completely other side is Esme, who is foreign her own path to find out the truth about her father. I loved her chapters and am eager to see what ends up happening to her in the next installment. Another very tenacious woman in this universe. She has VASTLY under-estimated some people, but I have a feeling she will find an ally in a certain ambassador.
Plot: 9/10
Intrigue: 11/14
Logic: 12/14
“The only stars in Tarri’s sky, extinguished in minutes.”
Overall, I did very much enjoy this story!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Excitement: 9/10
SOMETHING ON MY MIND….
Flow was on the top of my list of “must watch” characters and someone I was very eager to see show up on the page. He was set up with a lot of potential for subterfuge and his character was building, but at some point he pivoted and fell a bit flat. In fact the arc between Flow and Sedulus overall felt cut short when I thought it would take on a larger storyline in conjunction with Tarri/Nischia. It’s one of the few things that I marked against the story.
Conclusion
CAWPILE Score: 78/90
Two exiles; two destinies lie that along the same fragile thread of light. One a wayward spirit forced to leave. The other forging a path against the odds.
“But this part of the world wasn’t meant for us, Drift.”
THE THINGS I LIKED
I was immediately enraptured with the easy way Walker introduces us to each character – of which there are five points-of-view, and all a mix of what his constructed universe has to offer.
Being split up into two parts, the first focuses mostly on Drift, the first exile. And the second half revolves more around Esme, the second exile, who gets far less than she bargains for in the end. I’m heavily invested in both of their outcomes.
Characters: 9/10
“And if you were to believe the legend that became of the story, you would also expect the ending to be different depending on who told it.”
Throughout the book, Walker weaves a wonderful, glowing landscape, and I can’t help but want more from this series. The lore alone is so fascinating I could read a mythology on it (can we make that happen, Mr. Walker?) and the way the characters are so connected to their environment creates the perfect atmosphere for this high fantasy.
Atmosphere: 13/14
Writing Style: 16/18
“I wish you luck, Tarri. The kind that does not expire.”
I had a lot of speculations as I read this. I aim to keep this review spoiler-free, but the reason for Drift’s exile and his adventure into the human lands thereafter kept me on the edge of my seat. There’s rogues. There’s deception. There is culture shocks abound.
The way Tarri relentlessly pursues the truth about the event and uncovers the secrets kept by the Sleepers inspires hope that they will be reunited. She’s so tenacious, and if anyone is going to dismantle the utopia that is Aobia, it’s going to be her.
On the completely other side is Esme, who is foreign her own path to find out the truth about her father. I loved her chapters and am eager to see what ends up happening to her in the next installment. Another very tenacious woman in this universe. She has VASTLY under-estimated some people, but I have a feeling she will find an ally in a certain ambassador.
Plot: 9/10
Intrigue: 11/14
Logic: 12/14
“The only stars in Tarri’s sky, extinguished in minutes.”
Overall, I did very much enjoy this story!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Excitement: 9/10
SOMETHING ON MY MIND….
Flow was on the top of my list of “must watch” characters and someone I was very eager to see show up on the page. He was set up with a lot of potential for subterfuge and his character was building, but at some point he pivoted and fell a bit flat. In fact the arc between Flow and Sedulus overall felt cut short when I thought it would take on a larger storyline in conjunction with Tarri/Nischia. It’s one of the few things that I marked against the story.
Conclusion
CAWPILE Score: 78/90
November 25, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
I had my eye on An Exile of Water & Gold ever since the cover was first revealed. The mesmerizing landscape with the massif tree evokes an almost classic fantasy vibe. When I saw that SFF Insiders were doing a buddy read for this novel, I just had to join in. Getting the author’s insights into certain chapters, scenes, and characters definitely enhanced my reading experience.
But, the important thing to ask is—is the book worth reading? Let’s unpack!
An Exile of Water & Gold by Joshua Walker
What I liked:
Walker’s writing shines right from the very first chapter. We are introduced to Esme, crown princess of Adira, as Walker builds on the world and its politics through her POV. Until something happens which will compel you to drop everything and keep reading. Seriously, few opening chapters have hooked me to a book quite like this one.
What follows is a relatively slow burn. We meet more of the main roster—Drift, Tarri, and Nischia. Each POV is unique, taking us through different parts of Aobia, a country of elf-like beings made of the Great Tree. You are barely getting used to this familiar-yet-unique take on elves, when Walker pulls the rug from under your feet and pushes these three characters into an emotionally tumultuous journey which will test their limits and loyalties.
As much as the world is beautiful and fascinating, it’s the characters that really shine through this story. Compelling and complex, they are dealing with extremely personal conflicts while larger mysteries brew in the background. As we move forward chapter by chapter, we slowly begin to see how the Aobians co-exist with humans, what their social dynamics are like, how their respective cultures affect their lives, and much more.
Tarri and Nischia’s stories shine in this aspect. From Tarri, we get the layman’s perspective of Aobia, while Nischia’s sheds light on the lore and grander machinations of the Magisterium. As the story progresses, the mystery keeps getting more and more complex, resulting in a state of semi-confusion and semi-intrigue. However, Walker navigates this self-created maze deftly, with every new piece of information adding layers of wonder to the world of Q’ara. You can’t help but root for Tarri as she strives against all odds to find out what happened to Drift, doubting Nischia, who herself is secretly trying to figure out who in the Magisterium is the bad apple that could potentially threaten world peace. The growth in their characters and the emotional journeys of their stories were some of my favorite parts to read.
To sum up my likes, Walker’s characters come alive with their emotions. Their actions are perfectly in line with their personalities, running their narratives smoothly and progressing the plot naturally. Padded with an imaginative world that’s familiar yet unique, with hints of darkness and torment to spice things up, An Exile of Water & Gold is a brilliant read that sets the bar high for Walker’s coming works.
What I didn’t like:
Now, there were a few things that didn’t work for me. Particularly the ending. It’s not a bad ending in any way, but I was left wanting more.
The negatives didn’t really take away from my reading experience, but it wouldn’t be fair to ignore them either.
Conclusion:
An Exile of Water & Gold is a fantastic debut that deserves your attention. With an imaginative world, compelling and fully-realised characters, and underlying themes that are extremely relevant, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
TL;DR:
WHAT I LIKED: Character work, world-building, ecological meta-narrative.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Some parts of the ending, some parts of the mystery/conspiracy reveals.
I had my eye on An Exile of Water & Gold ever since the cover was first revealed. The mesmerizing landscape with the massif tree evokes an almost classic fantasy vibe. When I saw that SFF Insiders were doing a buddy read for this novel, I just had to join in. Getting the author’s insights into certain chapters, scenes, and characters definitely enhanced my reading experience.
But, the important thing to ask is—is the book worth reading? Let’s unpack!
An Exile of Water & Gold by Joshua Walker
What I liked:
Walker’s writing shines right from the very first chapter. We are introduced to Esme, crown princess of Adira, as Walker builds on the world and its politics through her POV. Until something happens which will compel you to drop everything and keep reading. Seriously, few opening chapters have hooked me to a book quite like this one.
What follows is a relatively slow burn. We meet more of the main roster—Drift, Tarri, and Nischia. Each POV is unique, taking us through different parts of Aobia, a country of elf-like beings made of the Great Tree. You are barely getting used to this familiar-yet-unique take on elves, when Walker pulls the rug from under your feet and pushes these three characters into an emotionally tumultuous journey which will test their limits and loyalties.
As much as the world is beautiful and fascinating, it’s the characters that really shine through this story. Compelling and complex, they are dealing with extremely personal conflicts while larger mysteries brew in the background. As we move forward chapter by chapter, we slowly begin to see how the Aobians co-exist with humans, what their social dynamics are like, how their respective cultures affect their lives, and much more.
Tarri and Nischia’s stories shine in this aspect. From Tarri, we get the layman’s perspective of Aobia, while Nischia’s sheds light on the lore and grander machinations of the Magisterium. As the story progresses, the mystery keeps getting more and more complex, resulting in a state of semi-confusion and semi-intrigue. However, Walker navigates this self-created maze deftly, with every new piece of information adding layers of wonder to the world of Q’ara. You can’t help but root for Tarri as she strives against all odds to find out what happened to Drift, doubting Nischia, who herself is secretly trying to figure out who in the Magisterium is the bad apple that could potentially threaten world peace. The growth in their characters and the emotional journeys of their stories were some of my favorite parts to read.
To sum up my likes, Walker’s characters come alive with their emotions. Their actions are perfectly in line with their personalities, running their narratives smoothly and progressing the plot naturally. Padded with an imaginative world that’s familiar yet unique, with hints of darkness and torment to spice things up, An Exile of Water & Gold is a brilliant read that sets the bar high for Walker’s coming works.
What I didn’t like:
Now, there were a few things that didn’t work for me. Particularly the ending. It’s not a bad ending in any way, but I was left wanting more.
The negatives didn’t really take away from my reading experience, but it wouldn’t be fair to ignore them either.
Conclusion:
An Exile of Water & Gold is a fantastic debut that deserves your attention. With an imaginative world, compelling and fully-realised characters, and underlying themes that are extremely relevant, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
TL;DR:
WHAT I LIKED: Character work, world-building, ecological meta-narrative.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Some parts of the ending, some parts of the mystery/conspiracy reveals.
September 23, 2024
After being exiled from aobian to the human land, Drift has to survive among the humans, who are all not to happy to have him there.
While his Betrothal is working with the sleepers to figure out what happened with Drift and if his exile is connected to what happened in the human land.
Amazing world building and a intresting technology in an medieval time.
This book is pretty slowpaced in part 1, but still very quick to read trough the small chapters with something new happening at each chapter that makes you don't want to put down the book. Part 2 everything gets 1000 times faster and you definitely dont want to put down your book! You follow 3 people and some smaller povs trough the story, with Drift being my favorite while he still being the most annoying of them all. When you come to the end you will see how much time and effort he has putten behind the story, characters and the world building. And the ending, breathtaking. Can't wait for book 2. If you haven't already, you should definitely read this one!
While his Betrothal is working with the sleepers to figure out what happened with Drift and if his exile is connected to what happened in the human land.
Amazing world building and a intresting technology in an medieval time.
This book is pretty slowpaced in part 1, but still very quick to read trough the small chapters with something new happening at each chapter that makes you don't want to put down the book. Part 2 everything gets 1000 times faster and you definitely dont want to put down your book! You follow 3 people and some smaller povs trough the story, with Drift being my favorite while he still being the most annoying of them all. When you come to the end you will see how much time and effort he has putten behind the story, characters and the world building. And the ending, breathtaking. Can't wait for book 2. If you haven't already, you should definitely read this one!
September 4, 2024
Wow! All I want to say at first is wow! The way in which Joshua has created such an spectacular story. From the very first chapter I wanted to keep reading to be able to find out what was going to happen next. I loved the writing style of this story, it gave a nice flow and pacing of the story. And with the plot line of the story was absolutly amazing. With the way the story developed amazingly throughout the book. The fact that this book was multiple pov was amazing. I loved seeing the story develop through the characters within this book, Joshua had reated some amazing characters within this book. One of my favourite characters was Drift, he was a very interesting characterwho seemed to start to question to question how the way things was working. Another character was Esme as she was a very interesting character. Finally with the ending which occured was amazing and has definitely want to continue the series to find out what going to happen next.
August 30, 2024
First, a huge thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. I’ve never seen a straight mystery so well spun into fantasy. An Exile of Water and Gold kept me on my toes from start to finish- not only because I wanted to solve the mystery, but because I really cared about these characters. So sure, I wanted to know what happened and why, but I also wanted to know if Drift was going to propose to Tarri. I wanted to know how Nischia and Koln’s friendship would weather the events of the book. I wanted to see that dress shop succeed!
So, yes. Five stars from me. Five stars because I felt so connected, because I had so much fun, because the intrigue never went away. And because if it was any less than that in quality, it probably wouldn’t have gotten me so terrifically hyped to find out what happens next.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. I’ve never seen a straight mystery so well spun into fantasy. An Exile of Water and Gold kept me on my toes from start to finish- not only because I wanted to solve the mystery, but because I really cared about these characters. So sure, I wanted to know what happened and why, but I also wanted to know if Drift was going to propose to Tarri. I wanted to know how Nischia and Koln’s friendship would weather the events of the book. I wanted to see that dress shop succeed!
So, yes. Five stars from me. Five stars because I felt so connected, because I had so much fun, because the intrigue never went away. And because if it was any less than that in quality, it probably wouldn’t have gotten me so terrifically hyped to find out what happens next.
December 31, 2024
This review was originally posted to SFF Insiders.
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
Prepare to journey into the land of Q’ara in this high-stakes fantasy tale that is as extraordinary and it is dark. From condemnation and investigations into political unrest, to the discovery of oneself in an unknown world, tensions are running high as an exiled Aobian, his betrothed, a Sleeper of the Great Tree, and a newly crowned young queen of the Sea Kingdom all suddenly feel the fate of Q’ara rested upon their shoulders.
From the Great Tree, to bioluminescent forests and fungi, high backed mountains, and kingdoms on the edge of the sea, the world that Walker has built will be sure to take your breath away. With his rich and descriptive writing, you are easily transported into the very heart of Q’ara and its people. Here is where I was truly enraptured. I deeply enjoy descriptive world building and that is exactly what Walker has nailed on the head. From the Great Tree to the diverse and vivid landscapes, to the unique clothing, food, and architecture of each culture, every detail felt as if it were alive and I was standing right alongside the characters.
Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters through multiple POV’s. Alongside some new faces, familiar characters from the prequal novella The Rest to the Gods also make an appearance. I highly recommend reading the novella prior to diving into the first book in the series. It provides readers with a valuable background on specific characters and their past. However, one could still read Exile prior to the novella as Walker’s character development is meticulous and thorough. Personalities, values, and motivations all grow and change throughout the story. You will quickly find yourself caring for the cast and start to form favorites. Some have an easier life, while others truly go through hell and torture. Without giving any spoilers, one of my favorite characters had something revealed about them after so much buildup that I was left completely blindsided and in shock.
As mentioned prior in my review of The Rest to the Gods, Walker’s magic system of luminosity is fresh, unique, and something that has not been seen before. From powering the Aobian’s tree dwelling community, to the art of healing, and even the destructive capacity in warfare. Readers who had a taste in the TRTTG novella have their horizons expanded in Exile as they learn about more in-depth properties of luminosity, its capabilities, and its secrets that only a selected few are privy to know. However, things are not as they appear, as opposing forces have their eyes locked on acquiring and using luminosity for their own nefarious plans of bringing Q’ara to its knees.
In conclusion, Walker has truly outdone himself. I enjoyed every individual page from start to finish. This novel is easily my Top Indie Read of 2024, and in my Top 5 Indie Reads of all time. You can feel the love, heart and soul put into this story. An Exile of Water & Gold is a dynamite standout debut novel that is perfect for fans of The Licanius Trilogy or The Wheel of Time. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series, set to arrive in early 2025!
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
Prepare to journey into the land of Q’ara in this high-stakes fantasy tale that is as extraordinary and it is dark. From condemnation and investigations into political unrest, to the discovery of oneself in an unknown world, tensions are running high as an exiled Aobian, his betrothed, a Sleeper of the Great Tree, and a newly crowned young queen of the Sea Kingdom all suddenly feel the fate of Q’ara rested upon their shoulders.
From the Great Tree, to bioluminescent forests and fungi, high backed mountains, and kingdoms on the edge of the sea, the world that Walker has built will be sure to take your breath away. With his rich and descriptive writing, you are easily transported into the very heart of Q’ara and its people. Here is where I was truly enraptured. I deeply enjoy descriptive world building and that is exactly what Walker has nailed on the head. From the Great Tree to the diverse and vivid landscapes, to the unique clothing, food, and architecture of each culture, every detail felt as if it were alive and I was standing right alongside the characters.
Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters through multiple POV’s. Alongside some new faces, familiar characters from the prequal novella The Rest to the Gods also make an appearance. I highly recommend reading the novella prior to diving into the first book in the series. It provides readers with a valuable background on specific characters and their past. However, one could still read Exile prior to the novella as Walker’s character development is meticulous and thorough. Personalities, values, and motivations all grow and change throughout the story. You will quickly find yourself caring for the cast and start to form favorites. Some have an easier life, while others truly go through hell and torture. Without giving any spoilers, one of my favorite characters had something revealed about them after so much buildup that I was left completely blindsided and in shock.
As mentioned prior in my review of The Rest to the Gods, Walker’s magic system of luminosity is fresh, unique, and something that has not been seen before. From powering the Aobian’s tree dwelling community, to the art of healing, and even the destructive capacity in warfare. Readers who had a taste in the TRTTG novella have their horizons expanded in Exile as they learn about more in-depth properties of luminosity, its capabilities, and its secrets that only a selected few are privy to know. However, things are not as they appear, as opposing forces have their eyes locked on acquiring and using luminosity for their own nefarious plans of bringing Q’ara to its knees.
In conclusion, Walker has truly outdone himself. I enjoyed every individual page from start to finish. This novel is easily my Top Indie Read of 2024, and in my Top 5 Indie Reads of all time. You can feel the love, heart and soul put into this story. An Exile of Water & Gold is a dynamite standout debut novel that is perfect for fans of The Licanius Trilogy or The Wheel of Time. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series, set to arrive in early 2025!
November 23, 2025
A far-reaching epic fantasy with heart, danger, and beauty.
An Exile of Water and Gold is a capital "E" epic fantasy that gives the reader distinct and likeable characters thrust into a vast world with a storm brewing on the horizon. The continent of Q'ara and its peoples is brimming with life and history older than time itself. The author weaves so much history within the storytelling without ever dragging the pace, making our understanding of the world that much greater. I very much look forward to seeing more of this world in future novels and the other two novellas of this series.
Our characters are numerous, but all with such a distinct personality and stake in the story that they each shine like an infused Orb. Their motivations, cares, and mannerisms all give them weight through stellar ARCs throughout the book. Among these examples, Nischia and Tarri are definitely the standouts to me. Their roles together as mentor and menti showed a strong resemblance to Jasnah and Shallan of the Stormlight Archives, a dynamic that I loved in that series and I think it works so well here.
Stag was also a character that I grew very fond of despite not liking him much at the onset. We get to see that he is essentially living two different lives, and it shows his depth when we get to see both of them.
The story in this book takes its time in the best possible sense. It grows like the roots of a great tree so that all of the branches of plot Joshua Walker weaves are supported. What we get is a steadfast, sturdy plot that moves at a quick pace despite the novel's length. Nothing is sacrificed for time. The author shows clear respect for the reader's curiosity and attachment to these characters. Everyone gets a chance to shine.
This book also manages to balance a tone that flows between epic and cozy, brutal and charming, without ever being jarring to the reader. Like the Hobbit or LOTR with weasels instead of halflings. It all culminates into an ending that is bombastic, savage, and leaves the reader breathless for more.
An Exile of Water & Gold has something for everyone. Adventure, friendship, romance, peril, magic, mystery, battles, and a hell of a good story to tie it all together.
An Exile of Water and Gold is a capital "E" epic fantasy that gives the reader distinct and likeable characters thrust into a vast world with a storm brewing on the horizon. The continent of Q'ara and its peoples is brimming with life and history older than time itself. The author weaves so much history within the storytelling without ever dragging the pace, making our understanding of the world that much greater. I very much look forward to seeing more of this world in future novels and the other two novellas of this series.
Our characters are numerous, but all with such a distinct personality and stake in the story that they each shine like an infused Orb. Their motivations, cares, and mannerisms all give them weight through stellar ARCs throughout the book. Among these examples, Nischia and Tarri are definitely the standouts to me. Their roles together as mentor and menti showed a strong resemblance to Jasnah and Shallan of the Stormlight Archives, a dynamic that I loved in that series and I think it works so well here.
Stag was also a character that I grew very fond of despite not liking him much at the onset. We get to see that he is essentially living two different lives, and it shows his depth when we get to see both of them.
The story in this book takes its time in the best possible sense. It grows like the roots of a great tree so that all of the branches of plot Joshua Walker weaves are supported. What we get is a steadfast, sturdy plot that moves at a quick pace despite the novel's length. Nothing is sacrificed for time. The author shows clear respect for the reader's curiosity and attachment to these characters. Everyone gets a chance to shine.
This book also manages to balance a tone that flows between epic and cozy, brutal and charming, without ever being jarring to the reader. Like the Hobbit or LOTR with weasels instead of halflings. It all culminates into an ending that is bombastic, savage, and leaves the reader breathless for more.
An Exile of Water & Gold has something for everyone. Adventure, friendship, romance, peril, magic, mystery, battles, and a hell of a good story to tie it all together.
September 26, 2024
First of all, I want to thank the author for sending me an ARC.
During the first few pages of the book, it becomes clear Joshua Walker can write. There is a moment he's describing some food, and reading those lines made me hungry. That set the tone for me, and with it, quite high expectations.
Those expectations however, weren't completely met. Overall, I felt I was kept at a distance from the world, the story, and its characters. I got the feeling of being on the outside looking in. I believe the story lacks some character development, which would make the reader care more about the characters. It also felt like some events happened too fast, without any logic or reasoning. Kind of like a parent saying "because I say so" to a questioning child. I was left thinking "why would something ever happen like that?" quite a few times.
What would help future installments in the series, in my opinion is more character development, world building (history, reasons behind certain things happening, etc...), and more of a "show, don't tell" approach. All things to help the reader get invested and feeling like they're living the story.
There are many chapters in this book that deserve 5 stars, and there is a lot of potential in this story. Some scenes have a great atmosphere and there are some unique aspects to this world. I strongly want to encourage the author to keep honing his skill and to keep doing what he's doing. The potential, for both this story, and the author are both 100% there. I am looking forward to what is next from Joshua Walker.
During the first few pages of the book, it becomes clear Joshua Walker can write. There is a moment he's describing some food, and reading those lines made me hungry. That set the tone for me, and with it, quite high expectations.
Those expectations however, weren't completely met. Overall, I felt I was kept at a distance from the world, the story, and its characters. I got the feeling of being on the outside looking in. I believe the story lacks some character development, which would make the reader care more about the characters. It also felt like some events happened too fast, without any logic or reasoning. Kind of like a parent saying "because I say so" to a questioning child. I was left thinking "why would something ever happen like that?" quite a few times.
What would help future installments in the series, in my opinion is more character development, world building (history, reasons behind certain things happening, etc...), and more of a "show, don't tell" approach. All things to help the reader get invested and feeling like they're living the story.
There are many chapters in this book that deserve 5 stars, and there is a lot of potential in this story. Some scenes have a great atmosphere and there are some unique aspects to this world. I strongly want to encourage the author to keep honing his skill and to keep doing what he's doing. The potential, for both this story, and the author are both 100% there. I am looking forward to what is next from Joshua Walker.
April 6, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because authors, especially self pub authors, are cool
What an interesting read. A weird blend of fantasy and science. Battling swords on one page, ecological discussions the next.
This really breaks away from your typical Medieval setting to more of an early 1900s feel, albeit with the aforementioned swords. Ecology is a big part of this story; as we learn about how the symbiosis of living things affects the larger world in ways it's inhabitants didn't know/expect. The magic system, as well, is tied to the ecological aspects of this world; which if you haven't figured it out yet, is the crux of the author's world-building. Very unique in a fantasy book. Also, there's some fun mysteries and conspiracies nudging the plot along.
No character, for me, was overly compelling or easy to get attached to, and I think that's what did this one in a bit for me. I enjoyed Drift, but it felt like we were less inside his head as the story went on, and the lattrr was us just seeing him as a proverbial leaf on the plot's wind. Ideally the character worked gets turned up a bit in book two.
Prose and plotting were on par. A couple things irked me a bit, but the overall execution was solid. If you're looking for something obtuse while also scratching the fantasy itch, this is a book for you.
What an interesting read. A weird blend of fantasy and science. Battling swords on one page, ecological discussions the next.
This really breaks away from your typical Medieval setting to more of an early 1900s feel, albeit with the aforementioned swords. Ecology is a big part of this story; as we learn about how the symbiosis of living things affects the larger world in ways it's inhabitants didn't know/expect. The magic system, as well, is tied to the ecological aspects of this world; which if you haven't figured it out yet, is the crux of the author's world-building. Very unique in a fantasy book. Also, there's some fun mysteries and conspiracies nudging the plot along.
No character, for me, was overly compelling or easy to get attached to, and I think that's what did this one in a bit for me. I enjoyed Drift, but it felt like we were less inside his head as the story went on, and the lattrr was us just seeing him as a proverbial leaf on the plot's wind. Ideally the character worked gets turned up a bit in book two.
Prose and plotting were on par. A couple things irked me a bit, but the overall execution was solid. If you're looking for something obtuse while also scratching the fantasy itch, this is a book for you.
August 31, 2024
Trust, Compassion, Wisdom
Joshua Walker's An Exile Of Water & Gold is a masterclass in fantasy. The world that Walker brings us is full and fantastic, showing us a beautiful and complex universe. The story is masterfully woven, giving you mystery and lore, mixing the everyday struggle of its peoples with the extraordinary struggles of kings and nations.
Walker's characters are both unique and fascinating. Each race has its own motives, it's own world to explore. The depth of His creation makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I loved the way that Walker pulls you into his story, showing you just what you need to know at each turn of the page. Exile starts at a breakneck pace, throwing you into politics, murder and intrigue and then softly slipping you into a raging river. This is Walkers second entry in his series, A Song of The Sleepers and I cannot wait to see what's next for Walker!
Joshua Walker's An Exile Of Water & Gold is a masterclass in fantasy. The world that Walker brings us is full and fantastic, showing us a beautiful and complex universe. The story is masterfully woven, giving you mystery and lore, mixing the everyday struggle of its peoples with the extraordinary struggles of kings and nations.
Walker's characters are both unique and fascinating. Each race has its own motives, it's own world to explore. The depth of His creation makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I loved the way that Walker pulls you into his story, showing you just what you need to know at each turn of the page. Exile starts at a breakneck pace, throwing you into politics, murder and intrigue and then softly slipping you into a raging river. This is Walkers second entry in his series, A Song of The Sleepers and I cannot wait to see what's next for Walker!
August 26, 2024
An Exile of Water & Gold by Joshua Walker is an epic fantasy with unique magic, political turmoil, and some traveling companions! I loved the mix of characters and the unique challenges they faced! I read the novella recently, and this book expands the world in an accessible and intriguing way.
This book reveals more about how the world works and provides many twists and turns as the characters uncover secrets and plots in unusual places. I loved how the magic is harnessed by the tree-people who live in harmony after the events of the Novella. I connected with their culture and thought it to be really cool how everything worked versus the humans that lived separately than them. The action and scenes get intense sometimes, and no one is safe! This book will leave you with wanting more and anxiously awaiting the next release!
There are multiple POVs in this book, and I can honestly say I loved them all. None of them felt grueling to get to the next POV, and they all provided their unique perspective on the world.
If you like The Fifth Season, then you'll probably enjoy this one, too! I give this a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 and can't wait for the next one!
This book reveals more about how the world works and provides many twists and turns as the characters uncover secrets and plots in unusual places. I loved how the magic is harnessed by the tree-people who live in harmony after the events of the Novella. I connected with their culture and thought it to be really cool how everything worked versus the humans that lived separately than them. The action and scenes get intense sometimes, and no one is safe! This book will leave you with wanting more and anxiously awaiting the next release!
There are multiple POVs in this book, and I can honestly say I loved them all. None of them felt grueling to get to the next POV, and they all provided their unique perspective on the world.
If you like The Fifth Season, then you'll probably enjoy this one, too! I give this a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 and can't wait for the next one!
August 14, 2024
An Exile of Water & Gold is a tremendous installment to The Song of the Sleepers series by Joshua Walker. This book is anchored down by wonderful characters, an intriguing world, and most importantly to me, a tantalizing mystery, or multiple mysteries really. I think there’s something here for every fantasy reader. This book is really good, but becomes something pretty special around the halfway point. It was like a chocolate chip cookie, delicious with every bite, and I’m ready for another cookie.
I also highly recommended checking out the prequel novella The Rest to the Gods. This can be read before or after An Exile of Water & Gold and is a wonderful companion.
I also highly recommended checking out the prequel novella The Rest to the Gods. This can be read before or after An Exile of Water & Gold and is a wonderful companion.
December 1, 2024
Exile of Water and Gold’s stunning cover caught my attention and the world building for Q’ara within didn’t disappoint.
Within the pages Joshua creates a complex world and mysterious magic system, filled with various peoples and creatures each with their own cultures and characteristics.
My favourite character was Drift. He’s eager for adventure but untried. This story plays out as a sweeping introduction and setup for what is to come (think Fellowship of the Ring), filled with its own conflict and intrigue, but clearly building to so much more.
Within the pages Joshua creates a complex world and mysterious magic system, filled with various peoples and creatures each with their own cultures and characteristics.
My favourite character was Drift. He’s eager for adventure but untried. This story plays out as a sweeping introduction and setup for what is to come (think Fellowship of the Ring), filled with its own conflict and intrigue, but clearly building to so much more.
October 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐s!!
An Exile of Water and Gold is an excellent epic fantasy read, set in a world that feels alive and cozy, yet edged with danger lurking in the shadows.
Great magic system that feels unique and a standout in the fantasy genre with so much more room to explore.
I especially enjoyed how the story pulled in “real-world” elements—like schools, real estate agents, and 9-to-5 jobs—but with a fantasy twist like buying property in a giant magical tree.
More thoughts to come 🦾
An Exile of Water and Gold is an excellent epic fantasy read, set in a world that feels alive and cozy, yet edged with danger lurking in the shadows.
Great magic system that feels unique and a standout in the fantasy genre with so much more room to explore.
I especially enjoyed how the story pulled in “real-world” elements—like schools, real estate agents, and 9-to-5 jobs—but with a fantasy twist like buying property in a giant magical tree.
More thoughts to come 🦾
March 6, 2025
Wow and Beyond Unique
A description of this masterpiece is just beyond amazing and my words aren’t enough to describe how much the emotions of this piece has grasped my mind it’s true genius in every way, Joshua has created something special and truly unique, inspiring story of life, struggles and challenges to overcome.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story Joshua, I can’t thank you enough.
A description of this masterpiece is just beyond amazing and my words aren’t enough to describe how much the emotions of this piece has grasped my mind it’s true genius in every way, Joshua has created something special and truly unique, inspiring story of life, struggles and challenges to overcome.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story Joshua, I can’t thank you enough.
March 6, 2025
A description of this masterpiece is just beyond amazing and my words aren’t enough to describe how much the emotions of this piece has grasped my mind it’s true genius in every way, Joshua has created something special and truly unique, inspiring story of life, struggles and challenges to overcome.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story Joshua, I can’t thank you enough.
Thank you for sharing this amazing story Joshua, I can’t thank you enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews