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This first novel in the Noble Warriors sequence begins when sixteen-year-old Seeker's older brother is publicly humiliated and--with no explanation--exiled from the Nomana, a revered order of warrior monks. Seeker refuses to believe that his beloved older brother is capable of committing a betryal that would warrant such severe consequences, so he sets off alone on a journey to rescue his brother and find out at last what really happened.
Along the way he meets two other young people who are on quests of their own, and in a shocking turn of events, the three are soon caught up in a harrowing and bloody race to save the Nomana--and themselves--from destruction.
An epic coming-of-age story about courage, friendship, desire, and faith, "Seeker "marks the beginning of a riveting new series.
Along the way he meets two other young people who are on quests of their own, and in a shocking turn of events, the three are soon caught up in a harrowing and bloody race to save the Nomana--and themselves--from destruction.
An epic coming-of-age story about courage, friendship, desire, and faith, "Seeker "marks the beginning of a riveting new series.
413 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
50 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
William Nicholson
183 books481 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA Best Television Drama award in their year; other award-winners were Sweet As You Are and The March . In 1988 he received the Royal Television Society's Writer's Award. His first play, an adaptation of Shadowlands for the stage, was Evening Standard Best Play of 1990, and went on to a Tony Award winning run on Broadway. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of the film version, which was directed by Richard Attenborough and starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Since then he has written more films - Sarafina, Nell, First Knight, Grey Owl , and Gladiator (as co-writer), for which he received a second Oscar nomination. He has written and directed his own film, Firelight ; and three further stage plays, Map of the Heart , Katherine Howard and The Retreat from Moscow , which ran for five months on Broadway and received three Tony Award nominations.
His novel for older children, The Wind Singer, won the Smarties Prize Gold Award on publication in 2000, and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2001. Its sequel, Slaves of the Mastery , was published in May 2001, and the final volume in the trilogy, Firesong , in May 2002. The trilogy has been sold in every major foreign market, from the US to China.
He is now at work on a new sequence of novels for older children, called The Noble Warriors . The first book, Seeker , was published in the UK in September 2005.The second book, Jango, in 2006 and the third book NOMAN, will be published in September 2007.
His novels for adults are The Society of Others (April 2004) and The Trial of True Love (April 2005).
He lives in Sussex with his wife Virginia and their three children.
from williamnicholson.co.uk
William Nicholson was born in 1948, and grew up in Sussex and Gloucestershire. His plays for television include Shadowlands and Life Story , both of which won the BAFTA Best Television Drama award in their year; other award-winners were Sweet As You Are and The March . In 1988 he received the Royal Television Society's Writer's Award. His first play, an adaptation of Shadowlands for the stage, was Evening Standard Best Play of 1990, and went on to a Tony Award winning run on Broadway. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of the film version, which was directed by Richard Attenborough and starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.
Since then he has written more films - Sarafina, Nell, First Knight, Grey Owl , and Gladiator (as co-writer), for which he received a second Oscar nomination. He has written and directed his own film, Firelight ; and three further stage plays, Map of the Heart , Katherine Howard and The Retreat from Moscow , which ran for five months on Broadway and received three Tony Award nominations.
His novel for older children, The Wind Singer, won the Smarties Prize Gold Award on publication in 2000, and the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2001. Its sequel, Slaves of the Mastery , was published in May 2001, and the final volume in the trilogy, Firesong , in May 2002. The trilogy has been sold in every major foreign market, from the US to China.
He is now at work on a new sequence of novels for older children, called The Noble Warriors . The first book, Seeker , was published in the UK in September 2005.The second book, Jango, in 2006 and the third book NOMAN, will be published in September 2007.
His novels for adults are The Society of Others (April 2004) and The Trial of True Love (April 2005).
He lives in Sussex with his wife Virginia and their three children.
from williamnicholson.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 24, 2012
Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com
Seeker (full name Seeker after Truth) has dreamed, his whole life, of becoming a Nomana, a Noble Warrior. A protector of the All and Only, the god who made all things. The desire to be one has only grown stronger since his brother, Blaze of Justice, became a Noble Warrior. Seeker knows that this is his destiny, never mind that his father expects him to become Teacher. Now he is sixteen, old enough to go before the Nom and offer himself, and hope that they accept him.
Morning Star is the daughter of a sheep herder. Years ago her mother left them to become a Noble Warrior. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, Morning Star intends to leave the hills she's always known, and join her mother in service to the All and Only. Her only worry is leaving her father; she is his world. She's not too worried about being denied by the Nomana; after all her mother is a Noble Warrior. If that's not enough, there are the colors. The colors surround all people, and change a little based on someone's mood and intentions, but everyone has colors around them. Morning Star can see them, and has learned to read them. She will journey to Anacrea to find her destiny.
Wildman has never known his family. He's never even really known friendship, or loyalty, or honor. He certainly doesn't know about the All and Only. All he's ever known is survival at any cost. In the midst of an attempted robbery, Wildman encounters a Nomana, though he doesn't know what that is. What he knows is that he's glimpsed a power far stronger than his own, and a peace he never imagined. Wildman wants these things, and what Wildman wants, Wildman always gets. He too will offer his services to the Nom, though he doesn't really think of it in those exact terms.
A stranger, more disjointed group could hardly be imagined. But through drastically unexpected circumstances, a group they become. As it turns out, they can all learn an awful lot from each other. Maybe they can even help each other. Maybe they can even save Anacrea and the Nomana from the threat of their enemies. If they can survive their journey, they may even find their destinies.
A wonderfully, beautifully, frighteningly well-imagined world, full of strong and interesting characters. No one is one sided; Morning Star is strong but capable of vulnerability, Seeker is determined but still scared sometimes, and Wildman is primal but lovable. Actually, I think Wildman is my favorite character.
This is so many different stories all in one great book. It's a story of strength and power. It's a story about friendship and loyalty and family. It's a story about faith and destiny. It's a story about life, and a story about people. It may not take place anywhere you could recognize, but all of the characters contain bits and pieces you see in other people and in yourself. The bad and the good. The best part is, it doesn't end here. This is only book one. I don't know how many there will be, but I'm very much looking forward to all of them.
Seeker (full name Seeker after Truth) has dreamed, his whole life, of becoming a Nomana, a Noble Warrior. A protector of the All and Only, the god who made all things. The desire to be one has only grown stronger since his brother, Blaze of Justice, became a Noble Warrior. Seeker knows that this is his destiny, never mind that his father expects him to become Teacher. Now he is sixteen, old enough to go before the Nom and offer himself, and hope that they accept him.
Morning Star is the daughter of a sheep herder. Years ago her mother left them to become a Noble Warrior. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, Morning Star intends to leave the hills she's always known, and join her mother in service to the All and Only. Her only worry is leaving her father; she is his world. She's not too worried about being denied by the Nomana; after all her mother is a Noble Warrior. If that's not enough, there are the colors. The colors surround all people, and change a little based on someone's mood and intentions, but everyone has colors around them. Morning Star can see them, and has learned to read them. She will journey to Anacrea to find her destiny.
Wildman has never known his family. He's never even really known friendship, or loyalty, or honor. He certainly doesn't know about the All and Only. All he's ever known is survival at any cost. In the midst of an attempted robbery, Wildman encounters a Nomana, though he doesn't know what that is. What he knows is that he's glimpsed a power far stronger than his own, and a peace he never imagined. Wildman wants these things, and what Wildman wants, Wildman always gets. He too will offer his services to the Nom, though he doesn't really think of it in those exact terms.
A stranger, more disjointed group could hardly be imagined. But through drastically unexpected circumstances, a group they become. As it turns out, they can all learn an awful lot from each other. Maybe they can even help each other. Maybe they can even save Anacrea and the Nomana from the threat of their enemies. If they can survive their journey, they may even find their destinies.
A wonderfully, beautifully, frighteningly well-imagined world, full of strong and interesting characters. No one is one sided; Morning Star is strong but capable of vulnerability, Seeker is determined but still scared sometimes, and Wildman is primal but lovable. Actually, I think Wildman is my favorite character.
This is so many different stories all in one great book. It's a story of strength and power. It's a story about friendship and loyalty and family. It's a story about faith and destiny. It's a story about life, and a story about people. It may not take place anywhere you could recognize, but all of the characters contain bits and pieces you see in other people and in yourself. The bad and the good. The best part is, it doesn't end here. This is only book one. I don't know how many there will be, but I'm very much looking forward to all of them.
April 16, 2011
This is the only time I'll say this...the book would've made a better movie. Actually, the author is the person who wrote the screenplay for Gladiator. I think Seeker was written to be seen, rather than read.
The characters needed actors to bring them to life. Not that the characters were lame. they weren't, they just were sorta visual. The three protagonists were all teenagers going though some turnpoint in their lives. Each had a different transformation to make. Frankly, I thought each of their changes happened much too quickly and would've been greatly improved if you could see the face of an actor struggling with the life changing decision. There wasn't enough emotion or thought processes to go from being a nervous teenage boy on one page and the next, leading a quest in a calm, determined manner. Body language and facial expressions can tell you a lot about a character that doesn't come across well in the written word.
The characters needed actors to bring them to life. Not that the characters were lame. they weren't, they just were sorta visual. The three protagonists were all teenagers going though some turnpoint in their lives. Each had a different transformation to make. Frankly, I thought each of their changes happened much too quickly and would've been greatly improved if you could see the face of an actor struggling with the life changing decision. There wasn't enough emotion or thought processes to go from being a nervous teenage boy on one page and the next, leading a quest in a calm, determined manner. Body language and facial expressions can tell you a lot about a character that doesn't come across well in the written word.
March 20, 2018
Hmmm... This first book was actually quite good and it's just okay. It didn't start out as the best 1st book in a trilogy since the plot haas been described to be so basically written. Maybe if I read the second book, I'll have second thoughts into thinking if this trilogy has high expectations or not.
December 27, 2010
Seeker, the first book of the Noble Warriors trilogy, has several different narrators. At different times it is told from Seeker’s point of view, Morning Glory’s, or the Wildman’s, as well as other characters. Especially in the beginning, this was very confusing. I was still getting to know one character and suddenly I’m introduced to another. By the end, I’d sorted them all out, and I started to like this setup. It allowed me to see what was going on everywhere, rather than just at one location.
It was really hard to get into this novel. For around the first half of the book, I had to force myself to come back to it. Not because it was dull, or the style was painful to read; there was just no hook, no incentive for me to feel for these characters. Around the middle it picked up, and by the end I couldn’t stop reading! I’m not sure what changed-maybe added action/suspense made me more into it-but now I really want to read book 2.
All of the names in this book are certainly unique-”Blaze of Justice”, “Seeker after Truth” and “Morning Glory” are just a few. It gave it an otherwordly feel while not making the characters completely alien to our society.
Seeker is a good read about overcoming evil, stopping horrible deeds, and finding your place in the world. I’m taking a star off for not being hooked onto it at first, but I give it 4/5 stars. It’s definitely worth reading.
It was really hard to get into this novel. For around the first half of the book, I had to force myself to come back to it. Not because it was dull, or the style was painful to read; there was just no hook, no incentive for me to feel for these characters. Around the middle it picked up, and by the end I couldn’t stop reading! I’m not sure what changed-maybe added action/suspense made me more into it-but now I really want to read book 2.
All of the names in this book are certainly unique-”Blaze of Justice”, “Seeker after Truth” and “Morning Glory” are just a few. It gave it an otherwordly feel while not making the characters completely alien to our society.
Seeker is a good read about overcoming evil, stopping horrible deeds, and finding your place in the world. I’m taking a star off for not being hooked onto it at first, but I give it 4/5 stars. It’s definitely worth reading.
May 5, 2011
I've been avoiding this series for a couple of years, afraid that I would be overwhelmed by it. That was a mistake! It's always a mistake to avoid good writing. In this first volume, 16-year-old Seeker After Truth wants, more than anything, to join the closed society of the Nomana - monks who live in temple/citadel at the peak of his island home. His older brother, Blaze of Justice, joined the Nomana three years earlier. But, when Seeker enters the enclosure, he is horrified to discover that his brother is being cleansed and is to be cast out - stripped of his memories and powers and left with the mind of a young child. Seeker determines that he will follow Blaze and right this wrong.
At the same time, Morning Star, a young shepherd girl whose mother left her to join the Nomana, decides that she will follow in her mother's footsteps. And the Wildman, a young bandit, becomes fascinated by the power the Nomana display and also decides he will join them. The three teens encounter each other on their journeys and discover that they share the same goals - not only to join the Nomana, but to discover and destroy the secret weapon being built against them in the city of Radiance.
If this book has a flaw, it may be the rather heavy-handed names. The people of Radiance, for example, worship the sun, but the city is actually a place darkened by fear and injustice, which practices human sacrifice. The Nomana exhibit a rather Buddhist detachment and use no weapons - and so on. But the characters are complex and vivid, and the plot very well handled. And Nicholson's prose is absolutely lovely. I read this book thinking to myself, "I could learn from this!" It may be the best-written book I've come across since McKinleys' "Pegasus" or Catherine Fisher's "Sapphique". Yes, Nicholson is in that league! If you like that type of complex fantasy, and that clarity and subtlety in the writing, this book is for you. Onwards now to book two, "Jango"!
At the same time, Morning Star, a young shepherd girl whose mother left her to join the Nomana, decides that she will follow in her mother's footsteps. And the Wildman, a young bandit, becomes fascinated by the power the Nomana display and also decides he will join them. The three teens encounter each other on their journeys and discover that they share the same goals - not only to join the Nomana, but to discover and destroy the secret weapon being built against them in the city of Radiance.
If this book has a flaw, it may be the rather heavy-handed names. The people of Radiance, for example, worship the sun, but the city is actually a place darkened by fear and injustice, which practices human sacrifice. The Nomana exhibit a rather Buddhist detachment and use no weapons - and so on. But the characters are complex and vivid, and the plot very well handled. And Nicholson's prose is absolutely lovely. I read this book thinking to myself, "I could learn from this!" It may be the best-written book I've come across since McKinleys' "Pegasus" or Catherine Fisher's "Sapphique". Yes, Nicholson is in that league! If you like that type of complex fantasy, and that clarity and subtlety in the writing, this book is for you. Onwards now to book two, "Jango"!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 4, 2020Heather Black
Seeker by William Nicholson is a fantasy novel about three characters from different backgrounds. Each is united by their goal to become a noble warrior, a group of powerful protectors who strive to help others. Seeker is the son of a renowned teacher who wants him to follow in his footsteps. Morning Star’s mother left her to become a noble warrior, and now Morning Star wants to do the same. Wildman is a river bandit who becomes entranced by the power of the warriors and wishes to join them. The three meet by chance and set off together to accomplish their goal. The book expertly uses several literary elements to develop the plot, including differing point of views and the use of foreshadowing. These elements slowly build up the reader’s excitement and engagement in the novel until the climax where the elements are concluded.
The story is primarily told from the perspective of the three main characters, though it will occasionally shift to side characters to help develop the plot. It’s also told from the third person, which gives the author more freedom to give outside details to the story. If told without this particular use of point of view, the story would have lost an element that added a lot of excitement, especially at the conclusion. For example, Seeker and Wildman split up to accomplish a goal, each running into different complications. Later, “...Seeker passed within six feet of the Wildman, without either of them knowing it” (page 355). This happens often; the reader is aware of how close a character is to someone else but the characters do not. This creates a lot of excitement for the reader and sometimes frustration when the characters make a decision that leads them further away from each other. The three actually pass right next to a character named Blaze they were searching for. A perspective change from earlier had established Blaze’s location. Sometimes constantly changing perspectives can be disorientating for the reader, but in this case, it was expertly done to keep the reader in the story.
Nicholson also employs foreshadowing to heighten the rising sense of excitement. At one point, Morning Star finds herself imprisoned but comes up with a plan to escape. Her friends find her and ask her how they can help. She tells them “Here’s what you do. Get a big leaf. Can you get a big leaf?...Get a knife or a sharp stick. Scratch writing on the leaf. Write three words: Seek—your—daughter” (page 321). Though they ask, Morning Star doesn’t tell them why she wants them to do that. Even with slightly more context about Morning Star’s situation, the reader is still equally confused. However, her request is not only foreshadowing for her escape plan, but it also foreshadows a revelation at the climax.
Seeker starts out as a fairly plain story; It takes several chapters for any action to happen. Slowly the excitement starts to build as characters are introduced and start developing. The literary elements help pull the reader in and push towards the climax. By about a hundred pages in, the web of plot elements and character struggles makes it impossible to put in. Seeker is a novel you have to stick with, but if you do, it’s well worth the exciting climax.
Seeker by William Nicholson is a fantasy novel about three characters from different backgrounds. Each is united by their goal to become a noble warrior, a group of powerful protectors who strive to help others. Seeker is the son of a renowned teacher who wants him to follow in his footsteps. Morning Star’s mother left her to become a noble warrior, and now Morning Star wants to do the same. Wildman is a river bandit who becomes entranced by the power of the warriors and wishes to join them. The three meet by chance and set off together to accomplish their goal. The book expertly uses several literary elements to develop the plot, including differing point of views and the use of foreshadowing. These elements slowly build up the reader’s excitement and engagement in the novel until the climax where the elements are concluded.
The story is primarily told from the perspective of the three main characters, though it will occasionally shift to side characters to help develop the plot. It’s also told from the third person, which gives the author more freedom to give outside details to the story. If told without this particular use of point of view, the story would have lost an element that added a lot of excitement, especially at the conclusion. For example, Seeker and Wildman split up to accomplish a goal, each running into different complications. Later, “...Seeker passed within six feet of the Wildman, without either of them knowing it” (page 355). This happens often; the reader is aware of how close a character is to someone else but the characters do not. This creates a lot of excitement for the reader and sometimes frustration when the characters make a decision that leads them further away from each other. The three actually pass right next to a character named Blaze they were searching for. A perspective change from earlier had established Blaze’s location. Sometimes constantly changing perspectives can be disorientating for the reader, but in this case, it was expertly done to keep the reader in the story.
Nicholson also employs foreshadowing to heighten the rising sense of excitement. At one point, Morning Star finds herself imprisoned but comes up with a plan to escape. Her friends find her and ask her how they can help. She tells them “Here’s what you do. Get a big leaf. Can you get a big leaf?...Get a knife or a sharp stick. Scratch writing on the leaf. Write three words: Seek—your—daughter” (page 321). Though they ask, Morning Star doesn’t tell them why she wants them to do that. Even with slightly more context about Morning Star’s situation, the reader is still equally confused. However, her request is not only foreshadowing for her escape plan, but it also foreshadows a revelation at the climax.
Seeker starts out as a fairly plain story; It takes several chapters for any action to happen. Slowly the excitement starts to build as characters are introduced and start developing. The literary elements help pull the reader in and push towards the climax. By about a hundred pages in, the web of plot elements and character struggles makes it impossible to put in. Seeker is a novel you have to stick with, but if you do, it’s well worth the exciting climax.
April 26, 2017
loved the William Nicholsons other series when I'm 13 and I picked up this I'm a charity shop and was dubious. Revisiting an old favourite can soil a memory. This book I'm glad to say DELIVERED.
Great tale and I'm glad I've got book 2 already waiting.... somewhere. ... in a box.....
Great tale and I'm glad I've got book 2 already waiting.... somewhere. ... in a box.....
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April 5, 2019It's years since I last read this. I'd forgotten how odd it is.
August 9, 2025
Might as well call me Reader of Good Books
March 13, 2013
This review was originally posted on ThirstforFiction.com
Seeker has always wanted to be a Noble Warrior: a monk who fights for Justice in the name of the All and Only. Morning Star and Wildman, too, wish to become Noble Warriors. All for very different reasons. But before they can join, they must prove themselves worthy. When Seeker finds a plot to destroy Anacrea, the Island on which the Noble Warriors live, he knows what he must do. He knows what he must do. Together with Morning Star and Wildman, he seizes his chance to show he is worthy of becoming one of them.
Seeker is the first book in William Nicholson’s second fantasy trilogy. Much like the Wind On Fire Trilogy, it seems that the Noble Warriors contains a host of fantastic characters, as well as a story that delivers a powerful message.
William Nicholson has always been fantastic at realising characters in his stories; from writing fantasy trilogies to scripting Gladiator, his focus has always been on the characters, and how events around them will change them. Each of the characters in Seeker are original, and all feel so real and fleshed out. Seeker is a very character driven story, and Nicholson has done a great job at making the characters unique.
To me, what makes Seeker such a character centered piece if story telling is the sense that William Nicholson didn’t write this novel because of the plot, but because of the journies all the characters undertake; it’s not just one or two of them; each person changes from beginning to end. Infact, I would go as far as to say that the reason there is a plot is so that it changes the characters, their morals and their ideas. Seeker was not written because Nicholson had a great plot in mind. It was written because Nicholson wanted to tell the changes a person undertakes to achieve their dreams, and what effects this has on the character. That isn’t to say the story isn’t good, though; quite the opposite: the story is fantastic, because of how it changes the characters. read more...
Seeker has always wanted to be a Noble Warrior: a monk who fights for Justice in the name of the All and Only. Morning Star and Wildman, too, wish to become Noble Warriors. All for very different reasons. But before they can join, they must prove themselves worthy. When Seeker finds a plot to destroy Anacrea, the Island on which the Noble Warriors live, he knows what he must do. He knows what he must do. Together with Morning Star and Wildman, he seizes his chance to show he is worthy of becoming one of them.
Seeker is the first book in William Nicholson’s second fantasy trilogy. Much like the Wind On Fire Trilogy, it seems that the Noble Warriors contains a host of fantastic characters, as well as a story that delivers a powerful message.
William Nicholson has always been fantastic at realising characters in his stories; from writing fantasy trilogies to scripting Gladiator, his focus has always been on the characters, and how events around them will change them. Each of the characters in Seeker are original, and all feel so real and fleshed out. Seeker is a very character driven story, and Nicholson has done a great job at making the characters unique.
To me, what makes Seeker such a character centered piece if story telling is the sense that William Nicholson didn’t write this novel because of the plot, but because of the journies all the characters undertake; it’s not just one or two of them; each person changes from beginning to end. Infact, I would go as far as to say that the reason there is a plot is so that it changes the characters, their morals and their ideas. Seeker was not written because Nicholson had a great plot in mind. It was written because Nicholson wanted to tell the changes a person undertakes to achieve their dreams, and what effects this has on the character. That isn’t to say the story isn’t good, though; quite the opposite: the story is fantastic, because of how it changes the characters. read more...
August 22, 2014
TLC's Call #: YA NICHOLSON
Chris’s Rating: 3 Stars
Seeker of Truth (yes that is his name) wants to be Nomana (One of the holy peace seeking warriors that protects the land) but as his older brother is already Nomana (and few who desire to be a holy warrior are even accepted) his father is intent that he should become the head of a fine school and pursue academics. Then Seeker’s older brother is cast out from the Nomana in disgrace and is “purged” (made to forget everything and start again as though a newborn). Not able to handle what is happening Seeker knows there must be a mistake and seeks to become Nomana even more, if only to prove his brother’s innocence. There are two other characters who strive to become Nomana at the same time as Seeker, Morning Star and Wildman, the first who can see colors in people and know their temperament, the latter of whom is cocky jerk and only wants to be Nomana because he witnessed the great power the warriors wield. All three are rejected, and they come together to uncover a plot to destroy the Nomana in hopes that it will be enough to let them into the ranks of the holy warriors.
Seeker is somewhat unique as fantasies go, both in the writing style and the characters. At first Wildman was not just obnoxious to those around him, he annoyed me quite a bit, but he improves over time. There were definitely things to like about the book…watching the “bad guy” constantly foiled as he tried to enlist Seeker’s child-like brother to destroy the Nomana was very entertaining, and Seeker’s noble, although conflicted, character definitely added to the book…as did the “weapon” that was to destroy the Nomana. But some of the characters were simply too eccentric (perhaps meant to provide humor), and a few other things made it less interesting for me. Did I like the book? Yes. Will I read the rest of the series? Probably not.
Chris’s Rating: 3 Stars
Seeker of Truth (yes that is his name) wants to be Nomana (One of the holy peace seeking warriors that protects the land) but as his older brother is already Nomana (and few who desire to be a holy warrior are even accepted) his father is intent that he should become the head of a fine school and pursue academics. Then Seeker’s older brother is cast out from the Nomana in disgrace and is “purged” (made to forget everything and start again as though a newborn). Not able to handle what is happening Seeker knows there must be a mistake and seeks to become Nomana even more, if only to prove his brother’s innocence. There are two other characters who strive to become Nomana at the same time as Seeker, Morning Star and Wildman, the first who can see colors in people and know their temperament, the latter of whom is cocky jerk and only wants to be Nomana because he witnessed the great power the warriors wield. All three are rejected, and they come together to uncover a plot to destroy the Nomana in hopes that it will be enough to let them into the ranks of the holy warriors.
Seeker is somewhat unique as fantasies go, both in the writing style and the characters. At first Wildman was not just obnoxious to those around him, he annoyed me quite a bit, but he improves over time. There were definitely things to like about the book…watching the “bad guy” constantly foiled as he tried to enlist Seeker’s child-like brother to destroy the Nomana was very entertaining, and Seeker’s noble, although conflicted, character definitely added to the book…as did the “weapon” that was to destroy the Nomana. But some of the characters were simply too eccentric (perhaps meant to provide humor), and a few other things made it less interesting for me. Did I like the book? Yes. Will I read the rest of the series? Probably not.
September 27, 2013
This book was breathtaking. It made me think of what was going to happen next as it jumped back and forth between chapters with different characters. I would have to recommend this book to anyone seeking to read about adventure.
This book is book one of the noble warrior's. This book is all about adventure. Most of the characters in this book are carried on to the next series. The book is about a boy has wanted to become a Nobble Warrior all of his life, but his dad wanted him to take his place as head of the school. But once his brother was kicked out and was no longer a Noble Warrior, He went looking for his brother.
When I first started to read this book it really wasn't that interesting. Basically I really didn't want to pick up the book. But after a couple of chapters I had a hard time putting down the book due to the fact that it just started to get very interesting. Everything started to get more and more intense as he was searching for his brother.
I recommend this book because it gives so much detail to everything that is happening. Most authors that are male have a hard time going into first person but he makes it work very well. Also as he is telling the story he becomes so descriptive that he going into first person with basically every character.
If you love adventure then this book is for you. As you get deep into the book the adventure gets amazing. When thinking of a boy who is meant to be head of a school but ends up traveling to find his brother and hopefully becoming a Noble Warrior.
This book is book one of the noble warrior's. This book is all about adventure. Most of the characters in this book are carried on to the next series. The book is about a boy has wanted to become a Nobble Warrior all of his life, but his dad wanted him to take his place as head of the school. But once his brother was kicked out and was no longer a Noble Warrior, He went looking for his brother.
When I first started to read this book it really wasn't that interesting. Basically I really didn't want to pick up the book. But after a couple of chapters I had a hard time putting down the book due to the fact that it just started to get very interesting. Everything started to get more and more intense as he was searching for his brother.
I recommend this book because it gives so much detail to everything that is happening. Most authors that are male have a hard time going into first person but he makes it work very well. Also as he is telling the story he becomes so descriptive that he going into first person with basically every character.
If you love adventure then this book is for you. As you get deep into the book the adventure gets amazing. When thinking of a boy who is meant to be head of a school but ends up traveling to find his brother and hopefully becoming a Noble Warrior.
April 4, 2017
Seeker, the first of a trilogy, by William Nicholson, is a fantasy novel that is told through the eyes of Seeker. Seeker,the main character, wants to join a group called the Nomana (a revered order of warrior monks), however his father wants him to be a teacher, like him. This novel tells the story on Seeker's adventure be part of the Nomana.
It's unpredictable plot, compelling characterisation, and the relatability of the characters is what made this book outstanding. Nicholson made you have no guess as to what would happen next. He contrasted the character's perfectly, using Wildman (Seeker's friend) foil Seeker perfectly. His variety of characters, ranging from dynamic to flat, I thought truly made the characters more gripping. Nicholson also intentionally made the characters flawed, which helped with the characters relatability. I feel if a character is perfect it makes the story less entertaining as there is less plot. Nicholson accomplished a lot of good things in this book; however, in the first few chapters of the book, I was very confused as to what was happening. I was completely unaware of the surroundings of the main protagonist and I had no idea what was going on. This almost made me abandon the book, and ended making me have a less pleasant experience throughout the book.
Overall, this book brings you through a rollercoaster of emotions, told from different characters perspective, that I think fans of young adult fiction books would enjoy. This is book that you just won't forget.
It's unpredictable plot, compelling characterisation, and the relatability of the characters is what made this book outstanding. Nicholson made you have no guess as to what would happen next. He contrasted the character's perfectly, using Wildman (Seeker's friend) foil Seeker perfectly. His variety of characters, ranging from dynamic to flat, I thought truly made the characters more gripping. Nicholson also intentionally made the characters flawed, which helped with the characters relatability. I feel if a character is perfect it makes the story less entertaining as there is less plot. Nicholson accomplished a lot of good things in this book; however, in the first few chapters of the book, I was very confused as to what was happening. I was completely unaware of the surroundings of the main protagonist and I had no idea what was going on. This almost made me abandon the book, and ended making me have a less pleasant experience throughout the book.
Overall, this book brings you through a rollercoaster of emotions, told from different characters perspective, that I think fans of young adult fiction books would enjoy. This is book that you just won't forget.
December 7, 2014
I loved the Wind on Fire Trilogy. So when I was finished, I was eager to read the next books that William Nicholson wrote.
Wow, was I disappointed.
Nicholson is a screenplay writer so maybe characterization is new to him, since actors can flesh out his characters already. However, the characters in this book just seem kind of ridiculous.
I've disliked Seeker since his ridiculous, intentional test fail. That was just lame and weird. And the Wildman. Just what. Other characters like Caressa and the goatboy whose names I forgot, their actions and words just do not make any sense at all.
The only person who I kind of like is Morning Star. She's very Eyre-esque, being small and plain, but she's got attitude and clever one-liners. She was able to tell the Wildman (who btw is supposed to be fierce and violent) exactly what she thought about him, which was awesome.
BUT, I do like Nicholson's worldbuilding. Like in the Scorpio Races, the description of the beautiful surroundings sort of distracts the readers from the horrible characterization (though in the Scorpio Races, the worldbuilding also distracts the readers from the complete lack of plot. Seeker has plot, although it's a sort of dry, cliche one).
Overall, I'm disappointed. I might want to read the next book, but let's just say that I'm not exactly running to the nearest library.
Wow, was I disappointed.
Nicholson is a screenplay writer so maybe characterization is new to him, since actors can flesh out his characters already. However, the characters in this book just seem kind of ridiculous.
I've disliked Seeker since his ridiculous, intentional test fail. That was just lame and weird. And the Wildman. Just what. Other characters like Caressa and the goatboy whose names I forgot, their actions and words just do not make any sense at all.
The only person who I kind of like is Morning Star. She's very Eyre-esque, being small and plain, but she's got attitude and clever one-liners. She was able to tell the Wildman (who btw is supposed to be fierce and violent) exactly what she thought about him, which was awesome.
BUT, I do like Nicholson's worldbuilding. Like in the Scorpio Races, the description of the beautiful surroundings sort of distracts the readers from the horrible characterization (though in the Scorpio Races, the worldbuilding also distracts the readers from the complete lack of plot. Seeker has plot, although it's a sort of dry, cliche one).
Overall, I'm disappointed. I might want to read the next book, but let's just say that I'm not exactly running to the nearest library.
April 15, 2021
The Novel Seeker is a charming fantasy novel that touches on all the bases needed for a fantasy novel.
A tyrannical country that wishes for the destruction of the noble warriors. The main character being an outcast that must prove himself in order to follow his dreams of becoming a warrior. All these elements combine to make one of the best fantasy novels I have read in a very long time.
A tyrannical country that wishes for the destruction of the noble warriors. The main character being an outcast that must prove himself in order to follow his dreams of becoming a warrior. All these elements combine to make one of the best fantasy novels I have read in a very long time.
February 22, 2010
i really havent gotten that far in.......
September 8, 2015
Can of expected more from the author of wind of fire xD
November 26, 2025
William Nicholson is one of those authors who almost makes me wish there were more children in my family, just so I could have the pleasure of introducing them to the kind of fantasy adventures that made me fall in love with reading. Full of imaginative worlds, great characters and thought-provoking themes, his books deserve far more recognition.
In Seeker, the first instalment of Nicholson's Noble Warriors trilogy, we meet three young heroes all desperate to join the ranks of a mysterious band of warrior monks known as the Nomana. Seeker, our eponymous protagonist, dreams of greater things and wants to join his Noman brother; Morning Star, sharp-tongued and pragmatic, is looking for her mother; and the Wildman, a violent anime Peter Pan full of chaotic energy, is searching for a hitherto unknown sense of peace. But if you expect this to be just another magical school, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Nicholson's plots are never that simple and events quickly draw our heroes into an adventure with much larger consequences.
All three protagonists are drawn with the kind of vibrancy and colour that makes them stand out in the genre. While Seeker's companions by far outshine him in originality, he has a softness that distinguishes him from many other 'chosen ones'. The minor characters, too - the parents, the brief acquaintances - are given depth and shading, not just silhouettes filling in space. Though there can sometimes be a tendency to conform to image stereotypes (the good characters are pretty, the evil ones are ugly), they are all shaped with empathy and complexity.
While the plot can also be read as a simple good vs evil story, there are depths here too for older or more reflective readers. In amongst the very soft worldbuilding, it becomes apparent that some crisis - military, economic, it's not clear - has pushed a large number of people into itinerant destitution. In scenes reminiscent of the Great Depression groups of "spikers" (the assonance is evocative) roam the country looking for work or sometimes taking to banditry, while a city-state of religious zealots takes advantage of their desperation to pursue an Aztec-inspired practice of human sacrifice. The plot is fast-moving and never pauses to dwell on it, but the effect is to hint, like the tip of an iceberg, at far more hidden beneath. I hope we will explore some of this in later books.
This is an intriguing start to the series. The climax left me with as many questions as answers and I can see a lot of potential for development of both world and story. Don't be put off by the middle-grade labelling - if you can tolerate a degree of simplicity in the way problems are resolved, there is much here for grown-ups to dig into too. I look forward to seeing where book two takes us.
In Seeker, the first instalment of Nicholson's Noble Warriors trilogy, we meet three young heroes all desperate to join the ranks of a mysterious band of warrior monks known as the Nomana. Seeker, our eponymous protagonist, dreams of greater things and wants to join his Noman brother; Morning Star, sharp-tongued and pragmatic, is looking for her mother; and the Wildman, a violent anime Peter Pan full of chaotic energy, is searching for a hitherto unknown sense of peace. But if you expect this to be just another magical school, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Nicholson's plots are never that simple and events quickly draw our heroes into an adventure with much larger consequences.
All three protagonists are drawn with the kind of vibrancy and colour that makes them stand out in the genre. While Seeker's companions by far outshine him in originality, he has a softness that distinguishes him from many other 'chosen ones'. The minor characters, too - the parents, the brief acquaintances - are given depth and shading, not just silhouettes filling in space. Though there can sometimes be a tendency to conform to image stereotypes (the good characters are pretty, the evil ones are ugly), they are all shaped with empathy and complexity.
While the plot can also be read as a simple good vs evil story, there are depths here too for older or more reflective readers. In amongst the very soft worldbuilding, it becomes apparent that some crisis - military, economic, it's not clear - has pushed a large number of people into itinerant destitution. In scenes reminiscent of the Great Depression groups of "spikers" (the assonance is evocative) roam the country looking for work or sometimes taking to banditry, while a city-state of religious zealots takes advantage of their desperation to pursue an Aztec-inspired practice of human sacrifice. The plot is fast-moving and never pauses to dwell on it, but the effect is to hint, like the tip of an iceberg, at far more hidden beneath. I hope we will explore some of this in later books.
This is an intriguing start to the series. The climax left me with as many questions as answers and I can see a lot of potential for development of both world and story. Don't be put off by the middle-grade labelling - if you can tolerate a degree of simplicity in the way problems are resolved, there is much here for grown-ups to dig into too. I look forward to seeing where book two takes us.
July 2, 2017
My name is Mornng Star, and I've always wanted to be a Nomana like my mother. I care about others and would use the Nomana powers to help the less fortunate. However, I was rejected by the Community and discovered my mother is not here either. What's happened to her? I've met another reject named Seeker, and we've joined the crazy killer Wildman on his boat. Seeker has an idea to get an invitation from the Nomana by performing a great deed they cannot do themselves. He says a secret, powerful bomb is being built in Radiant that will be used to destroy the whole island of Anacrea. I know there is more to Wildman than asking if I want my throat slit, and the green color I see around him tells me he's uncertain. Perhaps there's a slim chance the Nomana will accept him too.
I must admit the first part of the book didn't grab me. It was establishing background information and setting up the conflicts and subplots, but nothing was overly compelling. It became much more interesting once the characters were rejected and teamed up with Wildman. The teens needed to teach him compassion for others and how to control his urge to hurt those people. The characters had their own stories beyond the Nomana, but they all came together in the end. Seeker wanted to find his brother after he had his mind cleansed and was banished from the island. Morning Star wanted to find her mother, and Wildman wanted power and peace. He just didn't understand how the power needed to be used to help the weak and less fortunate. Morning Star had the ability to see colors surrounding others that allowed her to sense their emotions and thoughts, while Seeker heard a voice in his mind that drove him to a higher calling. The author introduced many twists and turns to the plot that made the overall book very entertaining.
I must admit the first part of the book didn't grab me. It was establishing background information and setting up the conflicts and subplots, but nothing was overly compelling. It became much more interesting once the characters were rejected and teamed up with Wildman. The teens needed to teach him compassion for others and how to control his urge to hurt those people. The characters had their own stories beyond the Nomana, but they all came together in the end. Seeker wanted to find his brother after he had his mind cleansed and was banished from the island. Morning Star wanted to find her mother, and Wildman wanted power and peace. He just didn't understand how the power needed to be used to help the weak and less fortunate. Morning Star had the ability to see colors surrounding others that allowed her to sense their emotions and thoughts, while Seeker heard a voice in his mind that drove him to a higher calling. The author introduced many twists and turns to the plot that made the overall book very entertaining.
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September 17, 2022This book excels at drawing characters and rhythmic prose, though it could have done with a few less POVs. While the plot threads do all intersect and wrap up by the end, in the middle act it feels slightly unfocused.
The book's strength lies in the scene-setting passages that provide a framework for characters to discuss their deepest motivation: each of them is on a pilgrimage, but for different reasons. One seeks justice and truth, one seeks peace, and one seeks the love she lacked from a mother. It's refreshing to see the characters' choices actually reflect their religious beliefs—rather than serve as some over-arching 'worldbuilding,' the religious institutions and precepts have a noticeable effect on the cast. I wish we knew more about some of the tenets, but we have just enough to understand why each character interacts with the idea of the All and Only in their own way. Worth reading for that alone.
As an aside, the not-quite-Abrahamic motif of the monotheistic All and Only (the name itself is a callback to the rarer epithet Alpha and Omega used in the NT) was a pleasant surprise. Many fantasy religions draw on animistic or pantheistic interpretations of divinity, which is no surprise considering the influences of Greek mythology and other pantheons in developing the Western storytelling tradition. That said, it was interesting to see a monotheistic fantasy religion, in fact one competing with the neighboring empire's naturalistic worship of the sun, develop on the pages.
December 2, 2018
Three teenagers from different walks of life suddenly ended up banding together for one goal: to make the Nomana accept them. Through this adventure, they would have to learn to trust each other and be really, really clever.
This is a really nice adventure which managed to connect several subplots with one another for a most satisfying conclusion.
Seeker is one of those mysterious protagonists which makes you think early on that he's gonna shock everyone because he's some sort of a forecasted hero or possessor of a very awesome ability or that sort of thing. It is still amazing though to watch him go through all the frustrations in his life and the way he sorts them out.
Morning Star is a very interesting character because she possesses a special ability. However, not much was revealed about her abilities or the more practical way with which she can utilize it for the adventures ahead. Hope more light will be shed in the next book. Also, she's been presented as a person with so much misgivings about herself but it seems like it had not been given much more focus on this book. Hope she will resolve those in the next books.
Wildman, a slightly childlike bandit, is a good fighter who is craving for people's attention. He's got so much life in him it's contagious and, at the same time, you'll find yourself a little bit of irritated and a little bit of pitying him. :D
This is a really nice adventure which managed to connect several subplots with one another for a most satisfying conclusion.
Seeker is one of those mysterious protagonists which makes you think early on that he's gonna shock everyone because he's some sort of a forecasted hero or possessor of a very awesome ability or that sort of thing. It is still amazing though to watch him go through all the frustrations in his life and the way he sorts them out.
Morning Star is a very interesting character because she possesses a special ability. However, not much was revealed about her abilities or the more practical way with which she can utilize it for the adventures ahead. Hope more light will be shed in the next book. Also, she's been presented as a person with so much misgivings about herself but it seems like it had not been given much more focus on this book. Hope she will resolve those in the next books.
Wildman, a slightly childlike bandit, is a good fighter who is craving for people's attention. He's got so much life in him it's contagious and, at the same time, you'll find yourself a little bit of irritated and a little bit of pitying him. :D
January 25, 2018
The Noble Warriors Trilogy is a true epic. It is the type of mind-expanding book that I was searching for when I was a young teenager, but in the early seventies there were still very few books written specifically for older children. I was stuck with Swallows and Amazons, Enid Blyton and Little Women (again! Really?). William Nicholson proves that children don't need to be talked down to. This is a series of serious books, despite being set in a fantasy world. I'm afraid there is little humour in them, but don't let that put you off. Nicholson writes so elegantly, his fantasy world flowing from his pen. His characters are so well visualised that you feel as though you are travelling with them in their search for a new leader for their people. Their journey is full of adventure, self-discovery and revelation. These books have a certain meditative quality that gets underneath the reader's skin. They are for the deep thinker and the adventurous spirit. If considering the meaning of life and the origin of God isn't deep enough, I don't know what is.
November 17, 2025
Fast-paced, easy to read YA fantasy with a straight-forward antagonist and a rag-tag team of reluctant allies to friends that overcame the odds to be heroes. While the writing was very accessible and bordered on youthful, the content was pretty mature (human-trafficking and sacrifice, torture, murder, allusions to slavery, abuse, and extortion to name a few). If the tone of the writing matched the content of the story, I think I would find this a lot richer to read. Despite all of that, I found myself compelled while I read and eager to know how the story played out.
I'm glad to have read it as it was one of my partner's favorites growing up. I think this would be an accessible read even for younger audiences, especially if parents are willing to have some age-appropriate discussions on the darker themes should a young reader have any questions. Again, the language felt close to middle grade, so even when the content was dark, the way it was described would probably not scare a young reader.
I'm glad to have read it as it was one of my partner's favorites growing up. I think this would be an accessible read even for younger audiences, especially if parents are willing to have some age-appropriate discussions on the darker themes should a young reader have any questions. Again, the language felt close to middle grade, so even when the content was dark, the way it was described would probably not scare a young reader.
June 26, 2021
I first read this trilogy as a kid and loved it - I decided to revisit it for the first time in many years this month - and it stands up to the test of time/nostalgia extremely well. Even though it's marketed as a young adult novel, Seeker reads more intelligently than plenty of "adult" novels out there. It's an instant page turner right from the start and you can certainly tell that Nicholson is also a screenwriter, as his prose style feels very cinematic and is heavily visual. The Noble Warriors trilogy is criminally underrated - in my opinion it deserves to be up there with the most popular YA fantasy series.
January 26, 2025
It felt like a movie exploring every page!! By the end of the book I was shocked but super satisfied! I could not detain my excitement whenever i read a new chapter from the book!!! This book may be as old as I am but it’s safe to say it’s my top favorite as the moment!! I’m an artist and i love drawing visuals for the book. I draw scenes in the book that were written so visually that i enjoyed so much it made me want to draw my idea of the scene!!! I love this book so much >_
August 5, 2025
Lo leí por primera vez a eso de los 14 años. Me pareció fascinante.
Lo leí de nuevo a los 18. Me pareció fascinante.
Lo leí de nuevo a los 22. Me pareció fascinante.
Quizá soy un lector fácil de complacer, pero me pareció magnífica la manera en la que aborda temas como la fé, el viaje del héroe y otros tropos narrativos y que sean fáciles de digerir para adolescentes, pero disfrutables para gente adulta. Como plus, no tenía idea de que esta trilogía fue escrita por el guionista de "Gladiador". De mis favoritas y fácilmente revisitable.
Lo leí de nuevo a los 18. Me pareció fascinante.
Lo leí de nuevo a los 22. Me pareció fascinante.
Quizá soy un lector fácil de complacer, pero me pareció magnífica la manera en la que aborda temas como la fé, el viaje del héroe y otros tropos narrativos y que sean fáciles de digerir para adolescentes, pero disfrutables para gente adulta. Como plus, no tenía idea de que esta trilogía fue escrita por el guionista de "Gladiador". De mis favoritas y fácilmente revisitable.
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December 15, 2020As a young persons book there are interesting lessons to be gleamed through this story. Young people reaching beyond what they have been taught and the expectations of the elders of the world. Yet guide with their Higher purpose.
It's an easy read... enjoyable, while the main subjects are just coming into their own, the richness of who they may become is only as they mature... something to look forward too.
It's an easy read... enjoyable, while the main subjects are just coming into their own, the richness of who they may become is only as they mature... something to look forward too.
February 10, 2023
I thought it was a very moving story about how all three wanted to be part of the Noman community but I was quite surprised that none of them got accepted that had to go on a wild journey full of dangers and to survive they needed to be smart aware of what they are getting themselves into I was very impressed how when blaze got cleansed he still remembered everything had joined the Nomana again I’m so happy that in the end they all mad it in the Noman community
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
As with the Wind on Fire trilogy, truly flawless. I love the adventure in this book so much that I couldn’t put it down. Amazing work, truly. I shall always be a fan of William Nicholson.
I also really loved Wildman. He’s my favourite character 😂
I also really loved Wildman. He’s my favourite character 😂
January 22, 2023
This was good, but weird. The vibe was super strange, and I got used to it maybe about halfway through, but it never felt quite right the entire book. I liked the story, but I don't know that I liked it enough to continue the series.
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