Stitching Power

by Hunter Kay Wallace

A fierce war, an upset guild, and a quest to find the god of sewing.

After a year adventuring the world with migratory farmers who grow specialty crops, Anyo has enough currency to pay for his dream—until folk in the far north attack his caravan. His earnings destroyed, and now grounded in a war-struck lowland, Anyo will do anything to raise the funds for his escape.

Including working in a women's-only magical sewing guild. What could go wrong? Anyo's boss only wants him fired, violence is escalating, and the regional god is missing. He had better unlock the secrets of sewing magic if he wants to flee the lowland before it goes up in flames.

He isn't alone. He has the help of his best friend and her questionable new pet, a failed spy, and the seamstress who hates him most of all.

His odds aren't good. Especially when it grows harder and harder to stay away from the seamstress.

Or maybe his odds are nothing without her.


Like every novel in the Migratory Farmers series, Stitching Power promises a new adventure, magic, and a happily ever after ending. Perfect for fans of Sue Lynn Tan's The Daughter of the Moon Goddess , Rebecca Ross's A River Enchanted , and cozy fantasies. Includes a sweet romance.


Migratory Farmers Series Suggested Reading Order

The Shaman’s Bones (Book 1)
Stitching Power (Book 2)
The Stitching Guild’s Candidate (short story)
Aluminum Ziggurat (Book 3)
Cabbage Boats & Ghost Gods (short story)
Lord & Lady Death (Book 4--forthcoming)

Genres: Fantasy

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

Reviews

[Kristine Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an imagination Wallace has. First off migrational farmers with green houses on wagons? Something completely original (at least that I know of). The world Wallace has brought to life is expansive and new. A polytheist world and all these territories have their own gods. Blessed hair and house spirits in this land that the farmers get stuck at. The monsters, gods and beasts from Anyo’s land. I can’t wait to see them all. (We’re seeing them all, right Wallace?)

I really like that she doesn’t explain everything right in the beginning. We learn things gradually, yet not left in the dark wondering. We learn as we would if we were really there. There are 4 different POVs, 3rd person, and we get to be there on these amazing characters’ journeys. From spy to farmer, to seamstress and…Anyo? He’s a very smart young man who knows (or thinks he knows) what he wants in life. So much determination! The characters have depth and are unique. I watched the beautiful story unfold and it kept me guessing. You won’t get bored and you’ll fall in love with these character, this book, and the series. I very much recommend it.

[Kaylee Hussey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!! The character development is so captivating. The world building and magic is so different from the first book. I love the integration of different cultures and the little romance that goes on between Yana and Anyo. The stitching/house spirit binding was such an interesting element and it was beautifully written in the 3rd person POV. The ending had me smiling like an idiot the whole time I was reading. Definitely a HEA and I enjoyed every bit of it.

[Bright Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stitching Power, the second book in Hunter Kay Wallace’s fantasy series Migratory Farmers, features Inona and Anyo from the first book in the series, The Shaman’s Bones.

It was refreshing to find one of the key characters in this book is a woman who happens to be physically disabled.

I was intrigued by the magical system used by some of the villagers who live within the waring twin settlements set within a cold lowland. While reading I was able to picture myself within the well described scenes.

I read the entire book quickly as I really enjoyed it.

Publication Date September 27th, 2024

I am looking forward to Book Three, The Aluminum Ziggurat, which is to be published in 2025.

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[Theresa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, and eagerly awaited this one. For some reason, the writing did not seem as smooth with this book, and it seemed to be aimed at a much younger audience, but the story still held me. In this book we follow Anyo, Inona, and the members of Rosia's band of migratory farmers/traders into the the cold lowlands where they get embroiled in a war they want nothing to do with. This book has danger, intrigue, magic, and love, along with a god that doesn't much want to be a god. What more could you want?

[Ruhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A delightful mix of adventure, magic, and slow-burn romance!"

Anyo’s journey through a world of migratory farmers and magical guilds is a refreshing take on the classic fantasy adventure. The plot is driven by fierce conflict and an unusual, but deeply captivating, quest—to find the god of sewing. It's a premise that immediately draws you in, and the author delivers on both action and emotional stakes, balancing humor and heartache along the way.

Anyo is an endearing protagonist. His determination to escape the war-struck lowlands contrasts perfectly with his unease at being stuck in a women’s-only magical sewing guild. The social dynamics and subtle tensions in the guild provide depth to his character arc, as he navigates the challenges of being an outsider, with a boss who wants him fired and enemies at every turn. It’s a struggle that feels grounded despite the fantastical setting.

The ensemble cast is a standout. His best friend and her mischievous new pet add a whimsical element, while the failed spy brings intrigue. But the most gripping relationship is between Anyo and the seamstress who hates him. Their dynamic is slow-burning and layered with tension, providing an emotional anchor in the midst of escalating violence. You can’t help but root for them, even as they clash and resist their growing connection.

The world-building is imaginative, especially the idea of sewing magic, which is both creative and symbolic. The missing god of sewing adds mystery, while the backdrop of war creates high stakes that keep the reader engaged.

This novel is perfect for fans of fantasy who enjoy unique world-building, witty banter, and a touch of romance. Anyo’s journey is as much about survival as it is about discovering the unexpected magic in the mundane, and by the end, you’ll be invested in both his quest and his relationships. Highly recommended!

[Elaine Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stitching Power by Hunter Kay Wallace is the second brilliant book in her Migratory Farmers series. I received an ARC of this book and agreed to post my honest review.
Stitching Power follows Anyo and Inona from The Shaman's Bones as the caravan they joined approaches the Fortune Lowlands and is suddenly attacked in a war that has broken out between two neighboring villages.
With serious damage done to the wagons and the destruction of much of the trade goods, everyone needs to do whatever they can to find a way to support each other and recover their lost capital. In the case of these two characters, that includes learning stitching and getting stitched (and that’s all I’m willing to say, you really need to read this book).
I loved the world building that has gone into this series, it is unique while drawing upon interesting cultures of our own world. I found Stitching Power even more fascinating than the first book in part because I know more of the culture it’s based on and yet it’s even richer than the those origins.
Don’t get me wrong, The Shaman’s Bones was a rare peek into a culture I knew nothing about and am learning a little more now. I really enjoyed how the characters of Anyo and Inona grew in response to a culture so different from their own.
I am now eagerly awaiting the next installment in the remarkable series.

[McCall Lazalde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of magic, and this Author's first book she released, I loved the ride this book took me on. Among the dark happenings of a war the magic of the local people is very beautiful. I love that women tend to specialize in it and the ladies are a special bunch. The visualizations given through the authors attention to detail is vibrant and a colorful world I wish I could jump into. I bonded quickly with each newly introduced character and had fun further getting to know the protagonist of this book, Anyo, after being introduced to him in her previous book. Everytime I started reading this book I did not want to stop. I am always on edge wondering what's next, how will Anyo overcome the challenges he is facing, and I look always looking forward to his friend Inona's comical relief with her feisty personality. I highly recommend this book and the Author's previous book, The Shaman's Bones. The order with which you read them, however, doesn't matter as the stories are from the same world, but different protagonists.

[Lee Cowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a follow-up of The Shaman's Bones, it is not a sequel. While there are a few references that those who've read Shaman's will understand, none are important to the plots of Stitching Power.
This volume has really given us much more in-depth views of the character, habits, and talents of the book's many and varied persons and critters. As with Shaman's, the same revolving planet---without our own familiar globe-tilt's seasons---has a completely new set of climates and terrains, allowing for a completely new set of plants, animals, magic, and the supernatural. Fast moving with short chapters, I found it to be very enjoyable, with comparative values that prompted thought on my part....but only when I was in the mood. That is, deep meanings and lessons are there for those who are looking, only. I'd rate this book as somewhere between PG to PG-13, and great for mid-teens through adults.
Great book!

[Leila Cowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is not a sequel to The Shaman's Bones, per se, some of its characters do re-appear here. Anyo, the shaman's apprentice, takes a leading role here, and I find his personality quite enjoyable. I'm at a point in the book where there are hints of a quest to find a long lost underground portion of a building in the town. (So, please, Hunter, don't let me down--I love a good adventure.) The Stitching Mistress, Yanna, has had a tragic accident in her past, making her life very difficult, and watching Anyo and Yanna overcome their initial prejudices toward each other, is very touching and gratifying. Because your first book, The Shaman's Bones, was SO GOOD, I am confident this will also have many thrilling pages to come!
Leila

[ChapterByTina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stitching Power by Hunter Kay Wallace is part of the Migratory Farmers Series (book 2). I did not read the first book and it was easy enough to dive into the story. I read the book over the course of a few evenings and it was interesting and fast-paced. The magic system with the sewing magic was very unique from most of the fantasy's I've read. I also really enjoyed the romance and loved the HEA. It was a good read and I would recommend it for those who like new takes on magic systems. I didn't have that "I can't leave these characters feeling" at the end of the book which kept me from rating it higher but it was an enjoyable read.

[Krista Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story over a backdrop of a nearby war, I found Stitching Power engaging, and dotted with charming humour. The sewing magic is interesting and unusual, allowing people to have something akin to an animal familiar. I also liked the way they could “trick” the magic to serve other purposes! I enjoy a fantasy story with well-drawn characters--including a disabled character who plays a pivotal role--who use dialogue that is natural. Stitching Power is well-written, and an enjoyable read.

[Tom Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Lots of 'woven' magic. I especially liked the unexpected plot twists and turns, as well as an unexpected love story. Really well done.

[Monica J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! The ideas were great and very different from anything else I have read. It was fun learning more about Serendipity and the way that world works.