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The Tale Unknown: Part One

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“The Tale Unknown”By Drew Ray

A pirate’s journey. A son’s vow. Seven lost souls in search of purpose, truth, and a tale untold.

Set sail into The Tale Unknown, an epic narrative poem that follows a fisherman’s son turned captain on a harrowing, poetic voyage across uncharted seas. After tragedy strikes, a young man gathers a crew of outcasts—each carrying their own grief, skills, and dreams—and ventures forth to discover the seven mythical lands whispered about in his father's stories.

Told in immersive verse, The Tale Unknown blends adventure, fantasy, and deeply human emotion

Haunting log entries from the captain

Character vignettes like Smith, The Cook, The Widow, and The Right Hand Man

Lyrical tales of discovery, transformation, and resilience

An epic voyage through hope, loss, and redemption

With shades of Homeric epic, pirate legend, and modern fantasy poetry, this is a journey not of treasure—but of meaning.

If you enjoy poetic storytelling, pirate adventures, and tales of found family, this is your next read.

Perfect for Readers Who poetry and fantasy verseSeafaring adventure and mythPirate stories with heart and gritOdyssey-inspired or epic poem formatsLyrical explorations of identity, loss, and legacy

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2025

1 person want to read

About the author

Drew Ray

3 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
156 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2025
BOOK REVIEW : THE TALE UNKNOWN: PART ONE

AUTHOR: DREW RAY

MY RATINGS: 5/5

Sometimes, you pick up a book and realize it’s not just telling a story—it’s taking you somewhere. That’s exactly how I felt while reading The Tale Unknown. It’s written in poetry, but don’t let that scare you—it’s easy to follow and full of emotion. Drew Ray has created something truly unique here—a story that feels timeless yet deeply personal.

The book follows the son of a fisherman who becomes a captain after a life-changing tragedy. He gathers a crew of outcasts, each carrying their own pain, and sets off in search of seven legendary lands his father once spoke about. Along the way, we meet unforgettable characters like The Widow, The Right Hand Man, and The Cook, all brought to life through lyrical vignettes and haunting log entries.

What makes The Tale Unknown stand out is the way it blends poetry with storytelling. It’s not hard to read, but it’s deeply moving. The language is beautiful, but not overdone—it flows naturally and hits you right in the heart. There are themes of loss, hope, identity, and healing that quietly unfold as you turn the pages.

One of the most special features is the design of the book itself. Both the softcover and hardcover editions double as journals—with 45 blank pages included at the back. You can jot down your thoughts about the poems, reflect on your favorite lines, or even write your own entries. It makes the reading experience feel even more personal and interactive—like you’re part of the voyage.

If you love poetic storytelling, sea adventures, and books that make you feel something real, The Tale Unknown is a must-read. It’s a story of found family, quiet strength, and the power of words to carry us through the unknown.

Thankyou
Profile Image for Naveen Santwani.
115 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2025
From the very first lines, The Tale Unknown: Part One evokes a deep sense of adventure and heartbreak. The story of a young fisherman’s son who turns pirate after losing both his parents is emotionally gripping. Drew Ray immerses readers in a poetic narrative where each page feels like an ocean wave filled with rhythm, rhyme, and raw emotion. The plot sails from tragedy to transformation, as the boy builds a crew of six lost souls each broken, each brilliant to chase a dream across uncharted seas.

The characters aren’t just companions they are reflections of grief, hope, and purpose. From the rhythmic fiddler to the fierce widow, each one has a haunting backstory that gives them depth and soul. Author’s writing style blends lyrical poetry with journal entries, giving the book a unique, almost musical cadence. Themes of loss, legacy, and longing for meaning echo throughout the pages. The pacing is steady, allowing the emotional impact to breathe, while the journey itself is laced with mystery and quiet determination.

This isn’t your typical pirate tale filled with treasure and clichés it’s a deeply human story about finding one’s place in the world. I loved how the author layered symbolism, gave voice to the voiceless, and let the ocean be both a setting and a character. The cliffhanger ending left me wanting more, yet satisfied with the emotional journey so far. The Tale Unknown is a lyrical, immersive voyage part epic, part elegy, and entirely unforgettable. I can’t wait to see where Part II takes this brave crew next.
Profile Image for Tanmay Mehta.
305 reviews17 followers
July 17, 2025
Book: The Tale Unknown: Part One (Tales Unknown Book 1)

Author: Drew Ray

Review: The Tale Unknown is a hauntingly lyrical narrative poem about a fisherman’s son who, after a tragic loss, takes up his father’s mantle and sails into the unknown. Gathering a crew of outcasts—each burdened with their own scars and stories—he sets off in search of seven mythical lands from his father’s tales. Told through log entries, character sketches, and poetic vignettes, this is less a hunt for treasure and more a journey toward meaning, identity, and healing. Think pirate lore meets epic poetry with a pulse of raw emotion.

I was deeply moved by the way Drew Ray weaves sorrow, grit, and beauty into each line. The poetic form never felt distant—it pulled me closer. I loved the fragmented voices: the captain’s journal, the cook’s quiet grief, the widow’s resilience—each voice added depth and weight to the voyage. The rhythm of the verse carried the story like a tide—at times calm and reflective, at others stormy and urgent. The world felt vivid, but it was the emotional undercurrent that truly hooked me.

I recommend The Tale Unknown for anyone who wants to feel a story as much as read it. It’s perfect for fans of poetic storytelling, pirate sagas with soul, or anyone seeking a book that breaks form to tell something deeply human. If you’ve ever been lost and longed for purpose—or dreamed of finding family in the unlikeliest of places—this voyage is one you won’t forget.
96 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2025
Book: The Tale Unknown: Part One (Tales Unknown Book 1)

Author: Drew Ray

Review: The Tale Unknown is a lyrical narrative poem that charts the journey of a young fisherman’s son who becomes a pirate captain after personal tragedy. Driven by a promise and tales passed down from his father, he sets out with a crew of seven misfits—each haunted by their past—on a quest to find seven mythical lands. The story, steeped in poetic language and emotional depth, unfolds through the captain’s log entries and character vignettes, weaving together themes of loss, identity, and the search for meaning.

I was captivated by the haunting beauty of its verse and the emotional resonance within each character’s story. The poetic format doesn’t just narrate an adventure—it immerses you in it. Every page feels like a wave pulling you deeper into the characters’ inner worlds, especially the quiet moments of grief, loyalty, and longing. I also appreciated how the tale balances epic fantasy with intimate emotion, echoing classical legends while carving out something uniquely modern and heartfelt.

If you’re looking for a book that feels both ancient and new, mythic and deeply personal, this one’s for you. The Tale Unknown offers not just a pirate adventure, but a moving exploration of what it means to lose, to seek, and to belong. It’s perfect for readers who love narrative poetry, found family, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
159 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2025
This book is a perfect blend of poetic storytelling, emotional depth and adventure , a poetic triumph which is emotionally resonant.

What begins as a tale of tragedy -the story of a fisherman’s son who loses his parents unfolds into something more than treasure : a reason to keep going. Along the way ,he gathers a crew of misfits , each carrying their own wounds and dreams. All of them together sail towards the seven mythical lands from his father’s stories.

Author immerses readers in a poetic narrative where each part is lyrical and immersive. Every character , from Widow to the Cook , to the Right hand Man everyone has a backstory that hits hard. The themes of loss , legacy , identity and found family are deeply moving.

The ending left me completely satisfied and my heart is longing for part -2 . If you’re looking for a traditional pirate story , a story of epic journey and stories that makes you crave after the last line, this is a must read.
Definitely recommending this book to everyone out there .
18 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2025
*The Tale Unknown: Part One* by Drew Ray

Drew Ray’s *The Tale Unknown: Part One* is a daring and evocative entry into the world of narrative poetry, blending the sweeping scope of classic epics with the emotional depth of modern fantasy storytelling. Set against the haunting backdrop of a sea riddled with secrets, this first installment in the *Tales Unknown* series is not merely a pirate tale—it is a meditation on loss, purpose, and the relentless pull of stories yet untold.

The narrative unfolds in immersive verse, following a young fisherman’s son turned reluctant captain who sets sail after a tragedy compels him to seek the seven mythical lands once spoken of by his father. With a motley crew of seven, each carrying wounds both visible and hidden, the captain embarks on a journey that is as much inward as it is outward. This structure—epic and poetic—evokes echoes of Homer’s *Odyssey*, yet Ray’s voice remains wholly original, lyrical, and richly accessible.

What sets this book apart is its format and emotional layering. Through logbook-style entries, character vignettes, and interwoven monologues, each crew member is granted their own space to breathe, mourn, and transform. Characters like *The Widow*, *The Cook*, and *The Right Hand Man* are not merely background players, but emotionally resonant voices contributing to the broader symphony of grief, resilience, and rediscovery.

Ray’s poetic style is rhythmic and contemplative, yet never overly ornate. Each stanza propels the narrative while pausing long enough to reflect on deeper themes of legacy, leadership, and longing. The sea becomes more than a setting—it is a mirror, a test, and a metaphor for the unknowns we all navigate. The author masterfully blends myth, allegory, and raw humanity, giving the book a timeless quality despite its fantastical elements.

Readers who appreciate works like *The Odyssey*, *Beowulf*, or more contemporary narrative poems such as Anne Carson’s *Autobiography of Red* or Nikita Gill’s mythic retellings will find *The Tale Unknown* both comforting in its classical roots and refreshing in its modern execution.

This is not a typical pirate tale filled with swashbuckling and gold; instead, it is a journey of the soul, of found family, and the quiet power of stories passed from father to son. *The Tale Unknown* asks what it truly means to lead, to lose, and to continue anyway.

*The Tale Unknown: Part One* is a haunting, lyrical, and deeply human voyage through the fog of grief and the currents of purpose. Drew Ray crafts an epic not of glory, but of meaning—making this a standout read for poetry lovers and fantasy dreamers alike.
175 reviews17 followers
July 18, 2025
Book Review: The Tale Unknown: Part One

by Drew Ray

Rating:5/5

Review:

🥰 A poetic masterpiece that moved my heart and stirred my soul...

👉Set sail on a breathtaking journey through grief, discovery, and purpose in The Tale Unknown. Drew Ray invites us into a lyrical world where every word feels like a wave—sometimes gentle, sometimes crashing, but always meaningful. 🌊

👉The story follows a fisherman’s son who, after losing his father, becomes a captain and sets out to explore the seven mythical lands his father once spoke of. But this is no ordinary adventure—it’s a quest for truth, healing, and identity. Along the way, he forms a crew of unforgettable characters—each scarred, each searching, each bringing their own voice to this beautiful, fragmented chorus of humanity.

🖋️ The book is told in narrative verse, using:
🔹 Intimate captain’s log entries
🔹 Poetic monologues from characters like The Cook, The Widow, The Right-Hand Man
🔹 Vivid, lyrical storytelling that flows like a dream

😍 I was captivated by the emotional depth and lyrical beauty. The writing is elegant and raw, poetic yet easy to follow. Every page is filled with reflections on loss, belonging, legacy, and the search for meaning. You don’t just read this book—you feel it.

🎭 This is a story for the soul:
✨ For those who’ve lost someone but still carry their voice
✨ For those seeking direction when life feels adrift
✨ For those who believe in found family, even at sea

🌟 My favorite part? The distinct voices of each crew member. Their stories are heavy with sorrow, but filled with courage and hope. Every perspective adds a layer to the voyage, making the entire journey feel incredibly real and emotionally rich.

📚 If you love:
🔹 Pirate tales with heart 🏴‍☠️
🔹 Mythical journeys with meaning
🔹 Poetic storytelling that touches the spirit
🔹 Stories of resilience, identity & human connection...

Then The Tale Unknown is calling you. 🧭💙

An unforgettable voyage through verse. Deeply emotional, soulfully written, and utterly mesmerizing.

Happy reading 😁 😁

#bookreview
Profile Image for Vidhika Yadav.
671 reviews31 followers
July 17, 2025
Book Review: "The Tale Unknown" by Drew Ray

In "The Tale Unknown," Drew Ray invites readers on a captivating journey through uncharted waters, blending poetic storytelling with themes of adventure, loss, and redemption. This short rhyming narrative unfolds in the form of a captain's log, chronicling the odyssey of a young fisherman’s son who rises to the challenge of leadership after tragedy strikes his family.

Ray’s tale is both haunting and beautiful, weaving together the stories of seven lost souls—each with their own burdens and aspirations—who join the captain on his quest to uncover the mythical lands spoken of in his father's tales. The characters are richly drawn, from the enigmatic Smith to the resilient Cook, the grieving Widow, and the steadfast Right Hand Man. Each vignette adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to connect with their struggles and dreams.

The immersive verse flows effortlessly, transporting readers from one poignant moment to the next. Ray's lyrical prose captures the essence of adventure while delving into the emotional landscapes of hope and despair. The captain's log entries serve as a haunting reminder of the journey's challenges, echoing the timeless themes found in Homeric epics and pirate legends.

What sets "The Tale Unknown" apart is its exploration of meaning over material wealth. This is not a quest for treasure but rather an expedition into the depths of human experience—an exploration of identity, purpose, and the bonds that tie us together. Ray's ability to blend fantasy with deeply human emotion makes this narrative resonate long after the final page is turned.

For those who appreciate poetic storytelling, thrilling pirate adventures, and tales of found family, "The Tale Unknown" is an enchanting read that promises to linger in your heart. Set sail with Drew Ray on this unforgettable voyage—it's a journey you won't want to miss.
186 reviews27 followers
July 19, 2025
*The Tale Unknown *
By:-Drew Ray
5 outof 5 🌟

The doesn’t write in lines—he writes in tides. The poem unfolds like a memory half-recalled in a dream, where chronology collapses and what remains is sensation: salt on the tongue, grief in the gut, hope flickering like a lantern in the fog.

This is not a pirate story. It only dresses like one. Beneath the boots and sails is a meditation on what it means to inherit silence. The captain—the son, the seeker, the voice fractured across log entries—has no map, only myth. He does not chase glory. He chases absence. The seven lands he hunts may not exist. That’s the point. They are reflections in water: distorted truths we keep pursuing because we’re too afraid to stop.

Each crew member feels like a splinter of a single broken soul. The Cook simmers with untold regret. The Widow mourns not just a lover but versions of herself she abandoned at sea. Even the ship creaks with sentience, as if it too is grieving. Ray gives the vessel a spirit, an unspoken witness to the unraveling.

What sets this work apart is not just its verse form, but its refusal to offer conclusions. It’s a book that questions itself. The language circles back, self-doubts, repeats like waves returning to shore. Reading it feels like being lost and choosing not to be found.

This is a book written between things—between death and myth, between men and their memories, between action and reflection. Its power lies not in what it shows, but what it withholds. Ray understands that some truths can only be told through metaphor. That sometimes, only poetry can bear the weight of what prose cannot carry.

*The Tale Unknown* is not for everyone. It does not entertain—it awakens. It leaves you quieter than it found you, staring at your own reflection in the sea, wondering what parts of you are still waiting to be named.
Profile Image for Prisha Rohra.
140 reviews24 followers
July 18, 2025
The Tale Unknown is a breathtaking journey carved in verse—a rare fusion of seafaring adventure, mythic fantasy, and raw, emotional poetry. Told through the eyes of a fisherman’s son turned captain, this epic narrative poem sweeps readers into the depths of uncharted seas, lost lands, and the equally vast oceans of human emotion.

Each crew member—The Widow, The Right Hand Man, The Cook, and others—is rendered in vivid, poetic vignettes that explore their grief, hopes, and hidden truths. These portraits anchor the narrative, grounding its mythic scale in deeply human experiences.

The poem's structure—interwoven with haunting captain’s log entries and lyrical reflections—feels both timeless and contemporary. With shades of Homer and echoes of modern fantasy, it dances between the epic and the intimate. This isn’t a tale of buried gold or stolen riches, but of identity, redemption, and found family.

The Tale Unknown is more than a book—it’s a storm-swept, soul-searching experience. If you’re drawn to poetic storytelling that challenges and enchants, if you find beauty in the melancholic rhythm of the sea, or if you’ve ever searched for meaning in loss, this is the voyage you’ve been waiting for.
Profile Image for Anita_in_Ireland.
41 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2025
📚✨ Review: The Tale Unknown by Drew Ray

🔹 📜 Poetic Format:
Told through a captain’s log in beautiful, rhyming verse—blending storytelling and poetry seamlessly.

🔹 🌊 Emotional Voyage:
A young fisherman’s son rises to leadership after family tragedy, setting sail on a quest filled with meaning, not riches.

🔹 🧭 Richly Drawn Crew:
Meet 7 lost souls:

🛠️ The mysterious Smith

🍲 The resilient Cook

🖤 The grieving Widow

🤝 The loyal Right Hand Man
Each with dreams, scars, and depth.


🔹 ⚓ Themes of Hope & Loss:
Explores grief, purpose, courage, and the quiet strength of human connection.

🔹 📝 Captain’s Log Style:
Every entry adds emotional weight and story progression, echoing epic sea legends like Homer and pirate tales.

🔹 💭 Meaning Over Gold:
No treasure maps here—this is a journey into identity, legacy, and what truly matters.

🔹 🎭 Haunting & Beautiful:
A lyrical story that stirs the soul while sweeping you across uncharted seas.


---

Final Verdict:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A poetic odyssey of heart, hardship, and humanity.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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