Wil Deft

by Richard Wolkomir

"Come," said the cat. "It is time."
It shamed him, talking with animals.
"They summon you," she said.
He guessed who his summoners must be.
"No," he said.
But imperial constables hunted him. He didn't know why. He fled upriver, terrified, into the great forest, where ancient spells lingered, his only guides this cold-eyed cat and feckless dog. And with every decision, every act, he was changed.
He'd never chosen this--they'd bred him for it.
He must be a thief.

Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy

431 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

I write stories, often speculative fiction, sometimes mysteries. It started when a Pembroke Welsh corgi came to live with us, and I realized I could read his mind.

It's not hard--eye glints and brow furrowings tell you just what's going on in that doggy head.

I wondered, though: how would it be to actually speak with animals, back and forth, hearing their thoughts and concerns? A story came to me. It was about a place where certain people do speak with animals, not with tongues, animals being unequipped for that, but mind to mind.

It became a novel, "Wil Deft," complete with a fantasy world Pembroke Welsh corgi. Another novel, "Sinnabar," followed, with some of the same characters reappearing, including that talkative corgi.

I'd always made my living writing articles and essays for magazines. Now--because of that corgi--instead of reporting stories, I make them up.

I greatly enjoy writing stories, and I hope some people will enjoy reading them.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received free copy from Goodreads First Reads*
I really enjoyed this book.
Good fantasy telling. I read at night before bed and this book got into my dreams every night.
Floating eyeballs, Giant spiders, Sorcery, Murder, Quest to save the worlds, talking animals

[Richard Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notatokien

Started this book because of reviews. Others may claim how great it was. Every chapter I want to close the book. It’s an ok book with an interesting ending. I will give it a thumbs up

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story!

You call in love with Tobi and Will. Who wouldn't love a dog that can make such brilliant observations. Their quest for the treasure makes a good storyline. Well done.

[Karen]

never a dull moment.

[Janet Arroyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Richard Wolkomir and Goodreads First Reads for my free copy of " Wil Deft " in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. I love that Wil is able to communicate with animals. Wil is a little stubborn. He was told by the cat that it was time to go. Well, Wil had always heard horrible things about Forester people and he had been raised by foster parents in a fishing village. He didn't want anything to do with the forest. The forest people were said to have bad magic so when Lal the cat said it's time to go he ran the opposite direction. Eventually, Wil went into the forest and found out he was part of a prophecy. He met some very interesting people and Tobi the dog. A plan was put into place for the legendary starstone to be recovered from the Imperialist. He faced many trials. The stone was finally recovered. This book has plenty of action, adventure, magic, talking animals, friendship, loyalty and even death. The author did such a great job that it was almost poetic. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Clare Scanlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters, really loved the dogs, good fast moving story, plenty of action and really believable.