Wave Dancer

by Nikki McCormack

Veyl expected to inherit a peaceful kingdom, but life rarely goes as planned.

The war with the southern kingdoms ended before Veyl was born. As heir to the throne, responsibility for maintaining peace will one day fall upon her shoulders. For now, she’s more concerned with the upcoming Trial to determine if she is a mind-crafter like her parents, and the looming separation from her best friend Jaysen, crown prince of Sarket, who is fostering with her family.

Time, distance, and political tension will challenge their bond, but surely they can overcome those things. When they ascend to the thrones in their separate countries, their friendship could be the catalyst for a new era of cooperation. If she makes it to that day.

Veyl has always been drawn toward the western coast, but when the ocean carries a new threat to their shores, her bond with Jaysen won’t be the only thing put to the test. Her life is about to undergo a transformation, one she will have to search deep within herself for the courage to survive.

This is the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy full of magical creatures, seafaring adventures, politics, and magic. This trilogy takes place several years after the events of the Warden's Son series. It can be read first, but does contain spoilers for that series.

For more in this world, also check out the Warden's Rise short story, highlighting the tragic tale of one of the most popular side characters in the series.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2025

About the author

Outside of her career as an author, Nikki is a professional technical and creative writer, spider wrangler, animal lover, and devoted cat mom. Writing fantasy and science fiction stories has been a lifelong passion for her. She loves to draw upon her myriad life experiences doing everything from wild cave exploration and competitive horseback endurance riding to practicing iaido and archery. She invites you to join her for some fantastic adventures.

Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Award for Young Adult Fiction for The Girl and the Clockwork Cat

Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for The Keeper

Finalist in the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction for Dissident

Writers of the Future finalist with the short story In Silence Waiting.

NOTE: No generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) or predictive language software has been or will be used in any part of the creation of my books.

Reviews

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great returning to this world and seeing the next generation, and how the world has changed with Kasiel's reign. Veyl definitely has the traits of her parents, she's adventurous, stubborn and determined to find danger but also protect her people and loved ones.
I loved all the adventure, and seeing the character bonds. This has the same tense atmosphere from the warden's son series with enemy threats, kidnapping, and not knowing who to trust. I enjoyed seeing Veyl's abilities develop, and the love triangle dilemma she has going on. I am curious to know more about each character and seeing how Veyl will tackle the conflict she's found herself in the middle of, while trying to protect everyone she can, and become the destined leader they all need.

[André · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wave Dancer, author Nikki McCormack returns to the world she established in her series The Warden’s Son – a series I highly enjoyed. For me, it was a no-brainer that I would give this series a try. Some of the old characters of The Warden’s Son make a – usually brief – appearance, but there remain a lot of connections to that series, especially through main character Veyl, who is the daughter of the main character of The Warden’s Son-series, Kasiel (now ruler of Vanris).

But years have passed since his story ended and his daughter Veyl is now a teenager. After a short introduction, Veyl and some of her friends are kidnapped and thus leave Vanris and their familiar surroundings, she has to continue on her own. With this move, not only is the focus clearly on Veyl, but the reader is also introduced to a new setting with a different culture, different problems, different enemies, etc. Thus, the world we were introduced to during The Warden’s Son becomes bigger in Daughter of Vanris. Veyl tries her best to survive, to protect her friends and other people who had been kidnapped while simultaneously trying to get more information about their captors.

If you have read The Warden’s Son-series, you will feel right at home, despite the new setting and the new MC. Wave Dancer is a coming-of-age story: Veyl is a teenager who tries to find her place in the world. A world that still harbors xenophobia, fear and distrust towards anything that is different, no matter where she is. But now, she also needs to adapt to her new surroundings, she needs to learn more about her new powers she discovers during her captivity and as if that was not enough, she also finds herself in the middle of a love triangle.

I was well entertained throughout the story that will luckily continue very soon.

Oh, and in case you were wondering: the title-giving Wave Dancer is some kind of ocean-dog with special abilities that seems to have a special connection with Veyl. And yes, I want one now.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked–this was an amazing read, completely captivating, that kept me reading until
I finished the last page… and then made me wish there was more! Nikki McCormack is an amazing storyteller, who writes in a way that truly brings the story to life. As you read, it feels as though you are part of the story, going on the adventure together with the characters. The next book in the series cannot come fast enough.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Widmaier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The worldbuilding in this was lovely. It started out so innocent and then dived into much darker themes, but I was on the edge of my seat for Veyl. The addition of an ocean dog and his hunky, sailing companion were just icing on the cake. It ends on an uncertain note, so I'm anxious to see where this story goes from here.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wave Dancer isn't just an epic fantasy novel; it's an immersive journey.

With intricate world-building, unforgettable characters, and a compelling plot, this novel is my favorite read of 2025 to date.

I can’t wait for the rest of this series to be released.

[Mark Hindess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked quite quickly with great world building and some fascinating characters (and familiars). Throwing aside my plans I continue immediately to the second (and third books).