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The First Glimpse: Curiosities of the Eldritch, Book 1
In the mists of Arden’s Wake lies a shop that defies the boundaries of time and reality. A place where the curious and the lost stumble upon something more than they bargained for. When one such visitor is drawn to an unusual artifact within its walls, a journey begins that will challenge their perception of choice, destiny, and the cost of knowledge.
Guided by a mysterious relic, they find themselves in a realm unlike any other, a place that reflects not just the world but the shadows within their soul. Each step forward reveals challenges both physical and personal, as the boundaries of their past and future blur into one.
The First Glimpse is a standalone novella in the Curiosities of the Eldritch series, where every tale offers a doorway into a realm of dark wonder, profound mystery, and timeless lore. Ideal for listeners who crave a blend of supernatural intrigue and thought-provoking storytelling, this is your invitation to step into the unknown.
The shop has chosen its visitor. Will they uncover what they seek or something they never expected?
Guided by a mysterious relic, they find themselves in a realm unlike any other, a place that reflects not just the world but the shadows within their soul. Each step forward reveals challenges both physical and personal, as the boundaries of their past and future blur into one.
The First Glimpse is a standalone novella in the Curiosities of the Eldritch series, where every tale offers a doorway into a realm of dark wonder, profound mystery, and timeless lore. Ideal for listeners who crave a blend of supernatural intrigue and thought-provoking storytelling, this is your invitation to step into the unknown.
The shop has chosen its visitor. Will they uncover what they seek or something they never expected?
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Published September 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 8, 2025
I just finished this little gem 5/5 for me. Bussard’s writing is very poetic and lyrical. He has an excellent turn of phrase. You feel, more than just read, what the characters are experiencing.
It’s a simple tale of a dwarf named Corin who has experienced a deep trauma in his life and is now merely existing instead of truly living! The story follows his journey of self-discovery. It may be fantasy, but his journey will resonate with anyone.
The Curiosities shop is a stroke of genius that will allow Bussard to join any future stories he chooses and I’m excited to see what he does with it going forward. 😀 He’s a talented author and one to keep your eyes on. Highly recommend this book.
It’s a simple tale of a dwarf named Corin who has experienced a deep trauma in his life and is now merely existing instead of truly living! The story follows his journey of self-discovery. It may be fantasy, but his journey will resonate with anyone.
The Curiosities shop is a stroke of genius that will allow Bussard to join any future stories he chooses and I’m excited to see what he does with it going forward. 😀 He’s a talented author and one to keep your eyes on. Highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook version which I thought was really well done. The narrator immediately sets a nice tone and feel for the fantasy novel.
The story follows the dwarf Corin who struggles with loss and a traumatic past. After he enters the Curiosities shop, he is forced to face his past and work through his issues. In doing so he learns he can move past the mistakes he has made and move on with his life.
The story follows the dwarf Corin who struggles with loss and a traumatic past. After he enters the Curiosities shop, he is forced to face his past and work through his issues. In doing so he learns he can move past the mistakes he has made and move on with his life.
May 30, 2025
Bussard has such wonderful poetic prose that I was entranced the whole way through this novella. A wonderful tale on finding your resolve and the courage to persevere through the hardships and uncertainties of life. The story has real heart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free ARC for a review.
I received a free ARC for a review.
May 8, 2026
I entered this book knowing nothing about the story. From the prologue (well, sort of prologue, more like a brief world introduction), there is a mysterious store hidden from peering eyes filled with assorted knickknacks covered in dust. Some items are rather harmless, others could theoretically cause immense damage to the wielder foolish enough to use it.
The store owner of the unnamed Curiosities shop toils his long days watching his clients from afar with mild interest and pasting the experiences on a fabric billboard. We never get a chance to determine if this person is evil or good. I would like to assume he's a Time Guardian of some sort with demigod abilities. In a way, this store that only becomes visible when the right person needing its services stops by is similar to The Black Cat Bookshop by E.M. McConnell.
While this novella's prologue hints there are horror elements, at least in this specific episodic story, things are tamer and not particularly suiting for the horror genre. Maybe it could even be classified as cozy horror because there's some spooks, without being too terrifying and drinkable with a cup of hot chocolate. McConnel's story is far more ominous with some characters suffering from horrific deaths.
I think the reason why this particular story veers more on the cozier side is because today's client Colin is not a wicked person, just a good-natured aspiring cartographer buried under insurmountable guilt because he blames himself for the accidental death of someone he holds dear. If he had never visited the store, he would have spent the rest of his life wasting away from stagnation.
There is obviously some reason why the store chose to become visible for him, and we see Colin's quest as he faces various tests to overcome his mental barriers. Readers that like stories with a mental health focus might enjoy this short story which can be read in 90 minutes.
Prosewise, the book is exquisite, and the author has immense writing skill. It wouldn't surprise me if they come from a Humanities degree background. I think if there was one complaint I had with the book, it would be the challenge that was most mentally tolling for Colin was placed first instead of third. I think reverting the 3 tests where each becomes more difficult because the consequences felt personal would have felt fitting. A bit in the way the 3 ghosts in a Christmas Carol confront the protagonist with an increased crescendo.
This story feels like a nice self-contained appetizer for readers willing to dip their toes into a new author. I would expect further stories in the collection will be much darker than this one.
4.5 stars!
The store owner of the unnamed Curiosities shop toils his long days watching his clients from afar with mild interest and pasting the experiences on a fabric billboard. We never get a chance to determine if this person is evil or good. I would like to assume he's a Time Guardian of some sort with demigod abilities. In a way, this store that only becomes visible when the right person needing its services stops by is similar to The Black Cat Bookshop by E.M. McConnell.
While this novella's prologue hints there are horror elements, at least in this specific episodic story, things are tamer and not particularly suiting for the horror genre. Maybe it could even be classified as cozy horror because there's some spooks, without being too terrifying and drinkable with a cup of hot chocolate. McConnel's story is far more ominous with some characters suffering from horrific deaths.
I think the reason why this particular story veers more on the cozier side is because today's client Colin is not a wicked person, just a good-natured aspiring cartographer buried under insurmountable guilt because he blames himself for the accidental death of someone he holds dear. If he had never visited the store, he would have spent the rest of his life wasting away from stagnation.
There is obviously some reason why the store chose to become visible for him, and we see Colin's quest as he faces various tests to overcome his mental barriers. Readers that like stories with a mental health focus might enjoy this short story which can be read in 90 minutes.
Prosewise, the book is exquisite, and the author has immense writing skill. It wouldn't surprise me if they come from a Humanities degree background. I think if there was one complaint I had with the book, it would be the challenge that was most mentally tolling for Colin was placed first instead of third. I think reverting the 3 tests where each becomes more difficult because the consequences felt personal would have felt fitting. A bit in the way the 3 ghosts in a Christmas Carol confront the protagonist with an increased crescendo.
This story feels like a nice self-contained appetizer for readers willing to dip their toes into a new author. I would expect further stories in the collection will be much darker than this one.
4.5 stars!
November 1, 2025
This book is a literary delicacy; a blend of immersive poetic prose, a whimsical storyline, enchanting lore, and a meaningful message beneath it all, for those who choose to read a bit deeper.
I listened while reading along (immersive read), which I've never done before. If I'm being honest, that itself took some time to get used to, but once I did it was an amazing experience. The narrator of the audiobook does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life.
I truly loved the creativity of it all, and the thought behind each line, how the tale dipped easily into immersive descriptions, often introspective but always enchanting and engaging enough to keep me enthralled, and yet, the author somehow avoided slipping into purple prose territory. It never felt overdone or flowery to me, and I had actually expected it at some point. My hat is off for that alone it has earned highest marks.
Although future stories in the series might get darker, this particular one could be easily enjoyed by young adults. I plan to let my daughter read it (or listen to it), as she loves to read and I believe this particular book would land as a magical masterpiece to her.
Overall, this one of my favorite reads of 2025. It is well done, creative, and a fun, fast read for those who enjoy a well-honed, poetic prose.
Take the journey with Corin, and I'll see you in the Athenaeum.
I listened while reading along (immersive read), which I've never done before. If I'm being honest, that itself took some time to get used to, but once I did it was an amazing experience. The narrator of the audiobook does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life.
I truly loved the creativity of it all, and the thought behind each line, how the tale dipped easily into immersive descriptions, often introspective but always enchanting and engaging enough to keep me enthralled, and yet, the author somehow avoided slipping into purple prose territory. It never felt overdone or flowery to me, and I had actually expected it at some point. My hat is off for that alone it has earned highest marks.
Although future stories in the series might get darker, this particular one could be easily enjoyed by young adults. I plan to let my daughter read it (or listen to it), as she loves to read and I believe this particular book would land as a magical masterpiece to her.
Overall, this one of my favorite reads of 2025. It is well done, creative, and a fun, fast read for those who enjoy a well-honed, poetic prose.
Take the journey with Corin, and I'll see you in the Athenaeum.
August 18, 2025
The First Glimpse is the debut novel in The Curiosities series, which is set in a new arc world, by Kevin Bussard.
The series begins with a story about the unique store Curiosities, and weirdly wonderful storyline about how the store makes the customers past comes back to life and how the customer is given three choices and experience each.
Corins unique story tells a tale about how his past causes his future, and how his actions have changed by the ending.
This story is a magnificent example of character driven storytelling, and his unique approach to world building is simply masterful, Kevin’s approach is very different from others and shows his ability to write a compelling narrative that is wonderful.
He is a worthy example of how new authors can create mastery from the experiences, and a worthy author to follow as he develops his ideas and approaches his prime as well.
Even though I was an arc reader and beta reader/reviewer for Kevin, his unique style and approach is something new, and I have been fortunate to see him change his approach over time.
A true master in the making.
The series begins with a story about the unique store Curiosities, and weirdly wonderful storyline about how the store makes the customers past comes back to life and how the customer is given three choices and experience each.
Corins unique story tells a tale about how his past causes his future, and how his actions have changed by the ending.
This story is a magnificent example of character driven storytelling, and his unique approach to world building is simply masterful, Kevin’s approach is very different from others and shows his ability to write a compelling narrative that is wonderful.
He is a worthy example of how new authors can create mastery from the experiences, and a worthy author to follow as he develops his ideas and approaches his prime as well.
Even though I was an arc reader and beta reader/reviewer for Kevin, his unique style and approach is something new, and I have been fortunate to see him change his approach over time.
A true master in the making.
October 31, 2025
This is a short story that reads like a full-on novel. The story follows Corin and forces him to face the baggage that he never realized he had been carrying. It's well written and is almost poetic in how it flows. I learned a lot from his introspections and look forward to learning more about the world. I don't want to give away anything so I'm reluctant on adding anymore examples but it's a great short story and definitely worth a read.
June 13, 2025
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for First Glimpse just before its release. It’s an enthralling story of self discovery and self forgiveness. It makes you ponder on how you deal with life’s adversities. The writing is beautiful with otherworldly descriptions that transport you into another realm as you follow Corin on each step of his journey.
A solid 5 star read
Pauline
A solid 5 star read
Pauline
April 26, 2026
I stumbled across this one in a free Amazon giveaway, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. First and foremost I want to express how much I enjoyed the prose and style of Bussard's writing. It flowed, it was elegant, and thoroughly enjoyable.
It was a bit awkward with the 1st Person to 3rd Person shift that happens, though I understand the reasons for it. Once in 3rd Person, the story is completely told introspectively yet does not turn boring or stagnant in the process. This, in and of itself, is a great feat of writing. However, there were a number of times that the repetitious descriptives became distracting. The word "breath" shows up on pretty much every single page in some manner of description, everything holding it's breath, breath catching, breath steadying etc. The number of close repeats like this unfortunately give off the impression that it was generated by AI.
(EDIT: Bussard was kind enough to get in contact with me, he has assured me the content is completely original, the accusation of this being generated through AI was my mistake, and I rescind the claim as I was in error.)
That aside, I found the story to be intriguing, and thought provoking. There were times when I felt that this read like one of those extended sections in the 1000+ page fantasy books where the story would suddenly continue and we later find this to be a key aspect in a larger tale.
All in all, thoroughly enjoyable, but in need of a careful edit/polish to really make it shine.
It was a bit awkward with the 1st Person to 3rd Person shift that happens, though I understand the reasons for it. Once in 3rd Person, the story is completely told introspectively yet does not turn boring or stagnant in the process. This, in and of itself, is a great feat of writing. However, there were a number of times that the repetitious descriptives became distracting. The word "breath" shows up on pretty much every single page in some manner of description, everything holding it's breath, breath catching, breath steadying etc. The number of close repeats like this unfortunately give off the impression that it was generated by AI.
(EDIT: Bussard was kind enough to get in contact with me, he has assured me the content is completely original, the accusation of this being generated through AI was my mistake, and I rescind the claim as I was in error.)
That aside, I found the story to be intriguing, and thought provoking. There were times when I felt that this read like one of those extended sections in the 1000+ page fantasy books where the story would suddenly continue and we later find this to be a key aspect in a larger tale.
All in all, thoroughly enjoyable, but in need of a careful edit/polish to really make it shine.
November 1, 2025
I'm posting my review here as well because I listened while reading:
This book is a literary delicacy; a blend of immersive poetic prose, a whimsical storyline, enchanting lore, and a meaningful message beneath it all, for those who choose to read a bit deeper.
I listened while reading along (immersive read), which I've never done before. If I'm being honest, that itself took some time to get used to, but once I did it was an amazing experience. The narrator of the audiobook does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life.
I truly loved the creativity of it all, and the thought behind each line, how the tale dipped easily into immersive descriptions, often introspective but always enchanting and engaging enough to keep me enthralled, and yet, the author somehow avoided slipping into purple prose territory. It never felt overdone or flowery to me, and I had actually expected it at some point. My hat is off for that alone it has earned highest marks.
Although future stories in the series might get darker, this particular one could be easily enjoyed by young adults. I plan to let my daughter read it (or listen to it), as she loves to read and I believe this particular book would land as a magical masterpiece to her.
Overall, this one of my favorite reads of 2025. It is well done, creative, and a fun, fast read for those who enjoy a well-honed, poetic prose.
Take the journey with Corin, and I'll see you in the Athenaeum.
This book is a literary delicacy; a blend of immersive poetic prose, a whimsical storyline, enchanting lore, and a meaningful message beneath it all, for those who choose to read a bit deeper.
I listened while reading along (immersive read), which I've never done before. If I'm being honest, that itself took some time to get used to, but once I did it was an amazing experience. The narrator of the audiobook does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life.
I truly loved the creativity of it all, and the thought behind each line, how the tale dipped easily into immersive descriptions, often introspective but always enchanting and engaging enough to keep me enthralled, and yet, the author somehow avoided slipping into purple prose territory. It never felt overdone or flowery to me, and I had actually expected it at some point. My hat is off for that alone it has earned highest marks.
Although future stories in the series might get darker, this particular one could be easily enjoyed by young adults. I plan to let my daughter read it (or listen to it), as she loves to read and I believe this particular book would land as a magical masterpiece to her.
Overall, this one of my favorite reads of 2025. It is well done, creative, and a fun, fast read for those who enjoy a well-honed, poetic prose.
Take the journey with Corin, and I'll see you in the Athenaeum.
December 7, 2025
Curiosities of the Eldritch: The First Glimpse is a short story—or novella—eerily reminiscent of Lovecraft with emphasis on the unknowable. This story to me was twice the surprise because:
I didn't even know it was a short story until I read it.
I was not expecting such heavy Lovecrafian themes involved.
Bussard, just like the legendary cosmic horror writer, focuses on suggesting certain particular elements rather than showing them explicitly, using descriptions and words to force the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
PROSE
The combination of the language and sentence structure is meticulously crafted here to create an overwhelming atmosphere of foreboding and dread, drawing the reader into otherworldly environments. Bussard skillfully uses unreliable narrators—often in the first person, such as Aldwyn, the keeper of the shop and the narrator of its tales—to explore the complexities of the human mind, blurring the lines between reality and dream. Key elements include creating a strong, unsettling mood, using precise and descriptive language, and employing symbols (bookmark, map, river, mountain, city) and a carefully crafted rhythm that can shift from ordered prose to psychological chaos.
PLOT
The story revolves around a ‘weird’ shop with a sign that reads Curiosities. As I mentioned earlier, Aldwyn is the keeper of the Curiosities shop and the narrator, with POV often shifting from him to the MC, a cartographer by the name of Corin. But this shop turns out to be the way to the Athenaeum, a cosmic library of infinite knowledge that exists beyond space, time, and realities. The Athenaeum has a way of selecting certain individuals and guide them through its infinite aisles to make life-defining choices.
There is also a certain Poe-sque allure in the pages of The First Glimpse in the presentation of vague settings. Rather than relying on specific historical details, generalized or claustrophobic settings are herein adopted to focus on the psychological state of the characters.
CHARACTERS
The story follows a cartographer by the name of Corin, who was once proud of his accomplishments, yet after the death of his best friend Marek and a few others who were under his watch when he was providing his services as a guide, has been living in regret and sadness. When Corin finds himself walking into the Curiosities shop, he will be led to the Athenaeum where three challenges (or choices, rather) will be presented to him.
ISSUES
One of my issues with this novella consists with the three challenges Corin faces here. I felt that, though slightly different in form, all three challenges were identical in essence, making it redundant to have three of them in the first place. By the second and third challenge we can pretty much predict which way Corin would go, essentially.
My second issue has to do with the grief and guilt Corin feels for the loss of his friend Marek. The author never shows us any glimpse of the type of friendship they had, or even describes one single moment they shared, or what made them such good friends. I felt that it was crucial to know that in order to kinda get the sense of loss Corin feels.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, I felt like this short story landed. If anything, I appreciate the willingness of the author to write outside the ‘box’ of the fantasy genre. The story is about ‘choices’. The choices we make,and the consequences of those choices with all their ramifications.
And the story is also about redemption. Redemption from bad choices, being able to move forward rather than stagnate in an ocean of regret and guilt.
I want to see more of this type of fantasy. But perhaps in a long format where more character development is possible.
💜
I didn't even know it was a short story until I read it.
I was not expecting such heavy Lovecrafian themes involved.
Bussard, just like the legendary cosmic horror writer, focuses on suggesting certain particular elements rather than showing them explicitly, using descriptions and words to force the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
PROSE
The combination of the language and sentence structure is meticulously crafted here to create an overwhelming atmosphere of foreboding and dread, drawing the reader into otherworldly environments. Bussard skillfully uses unreliable narrators—often in the first person, such as Aldwyn, the keeper of the shop and the narrator of its tales—to explore the complexities of the human mind, blurring the lines between reality and dream. Key elements include creating a strong, unsettling mood, using precise and descriptive language, and employing symbols (bookmark, map, river, mountain, city) and a carefully crafted rhythm that can shift from ordered prose to psychological chaos.
PLOT
The story revolves around a ‘weird’ shop with a sign that reads Curiosities. As I mentioned earlier, Aldwyn is the keeper of the Curiosities shop and the narrator, with POV often shifting from him to the MC, a cartographer by the name of Corin. But this shop turns out to be the way to the Athenaeum, a cosmic library of infinite knowledge that exists beyond space, time, and realities. The Athenaeum has a way of selecting certain individuals and guide them through its infinite aisles to make life-defining choices.
There is also a certain Poe-sque allure in the pages of The First Glimpse in the presentation of vague settings. Rather than relying on specific historical details, generalized or claustrophobic settings are herein adopted to focus on the psychological state of the characters.
CHARACTERS
The story follows a cartographer by the name of Corin, who was once proud of his accomplishments, yet after the death of his best friend Marek and a few others who were under his watch when he was providing his services as a guide, has been living in regret and sadness. When Corin finds himself walking into the Curiosities shop, he will be led to the Athenaeum where three challenges (or choices, rather) will be presented to him.
ISSUES
One of my issues with this novella consists with the three challenges Corin faces here. I felt that, though slightly different in form, all three challenges were identical in essence, making it redundant to have three of them in the first place. By the second and third challenge we can pretty much predict which way Corin would go, essentially.
My second issue has to do with the grief and guilt Corin feels for the loss of his friend Marek. The author never shows us any glimpse of the type of friendship they had, or even describes one single moment they shared, or what made them such good friends. I felt that it was crucial to know that in order to kinda get the sense of loss Corin feels.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, I felt like this short story landed. If anything, I appreciate the willingness of the author to write outside the ‘box’ of the fantasy genre. The story is about ‘choices’. The choices we make,and the consequences of those choices with all their ramifications.
And the story is also about redemption. Redemption from bad choices, being able to move forward rather than stagnate in an ocean of regret and guilt.
I want to see more of this type of fantasy. But perhaps in a long format where more character development is possible.
💜
November 27, 2025
Through the Mirror, Toward the Self
This story begins in a small trinket shop, the kind where every item seems to hum with hidden purpose. A man enters, chooses an object, and with that choice the real story unfurls. What follows is Corin’s journey; a character study wrapped in mythic atmosphere and emotional honesty.
Corin’s struggle isn’t about slaying fantasy monsters, it’s about facing the parts of himself he’s avoided. Scenes with the mirror are especially strong, delivering lines that feel less like fantasy narration and more like someone telling you the truth you’ve avoided hearing. The themes land with quiet force: the cost of rebuilding after loss, the courage to risk failure again, and the idea that moving forward requires more than survival.
If you enjoy character driven fantasy that blends introspection with striking imagery, this is a compelling read. It rewards patience, and by the time Corin’s choices crystallize, the emotional payoff feels earned.
This story begins in a small trinket shop, the kind where every item seems to hum with hidden purpose. A man enters, chooses an object, and with that choice the real story unfurls. What follows is Corin’s journey; a character study wrapped in mythic atmosphere and emotional honesty.
Corin’s struggle isn’t about slaying fantasy monsters, it’s about facing the parts of himself he’s avoided. Scenes with the mirror are especially strong, delivering lines that feel less like fantasy narration and more like someone telling you the truth you’ve avoided hearing. The themes land with quiet force: the cost of rebuilding after loss, the courage to risk failure again, and the idea that moving forward requires more than survival.
If you enjoy character driven fantasy that blends introspection with striking imagery, this is a compelling read. It rewards patience, and by the time Corin’s choices crystallize, the emotional payoff feels earned.
December 5, 2025
K.W. Bussard’s The First Glimpse is an absolute gem of a novella.
From the opening lines the prose feels like velvet fog, lush and evocative yet always precise. Every sentence is carefully placed and nothing ever feels overwritten.
The atmosphere is flawless, a quiet lamplit wonder threaded with subtle dread. It has the hush of the best weird fiction while remaining deeply intimate and human. The world feels ancient without a single page of info-dumping, and the Curiosities shop itself is so vividly realized that it already seems timeless.
At around twenty thousand words it says everything it needs to say and no more. An extraordinarily assured debut. I loved it!
From the opening lines the prose feels like velvet fog, lush and evocative yet always precise. Every sentence is carefully placed and nothing ever feels overwritten.
The atmosphere is flawless, a quiet lamplit wonder threaded with subtle dread. It has the hush of the best weird fiction while remaining deeply intimate and human. The world feels ancient without a single page of info-dumping, and the Curiosities shop itself is so vividly realized that it already seems timeless.
At around twenty thousand words it says everything it needs to say and no more. An extraordinarily assured debut. I loved it!
June 10, 2025
What an incredible journey that challenges the reader to look within as they read the pages!
The world provided to the reader is rich and lush, with danger and hope lurking on each possibility given to the main character, Corin. The way K.W. presents this wonderful creation seems familiar, yet new enough to keep the pages turning. I am glad this is only book one, and I very much look forward to reading more of what K.W. has to offer the reading world!
The world provided to the reader is rich and lush, with danger and hope lurking on each possibility given to the main character, Corin. The way K.W. presents this wonderful creation seems familiar, yet new enough to keep the pages turning. I am glad this is only book one, and I very much look forward to reading more of what K.W. has to offer the reading world!
May 13, 2026
Well written cozy fantasy
An interesting blend of cozy and fantasy, The First Glimpse follows a Dr Strange type of character who is dropped in the middle of a morality lesson akin to A Christmas Carol, The First Glimpse is a poetically written story in a subgenre of fantasy that I haven’t tried before, but very much enjoyed! This story was very well written, and I will absolutely check out KW Bussard’s other books after having read this one.
An interesting blend of cozy and fantasy, The First Glimpse follows a Dr Strange type of character who is dropped in the middle of a morality lesson akin to A Christmas Carol, The First Glimpse is a poetically written story in a subgenre of fantasy that I haven’t tried before, but very much enjoyed! This story was very well written, and I will absolutely check out KW Bussard’s other books after having read this one.
February 23, 2026
KW wrote a good piece here! At first I didn’t know what POV I was supposed to be reading from, but as the story turned, it all made sense. Very well written, and a very engaging story. I will be reading more of this man’s books. Thoroughly enjoyed my time in this one!
Read
May 30, 2025Review coming soon!
March 22, 2026
Solid little novella. Rich language and a classic portal fantasy with moral lessons aplenty and some great introspection.
December 30, 2025
I spent some time pondering this story after I read it. My opinion is mixed and I wonder if partly I'm just not used to some newer writing styles.
This story shifted from first person (the shopkeeper) and third, and by the end I had decided the intention was that we were always from the Shopkeeper's perspective viewing the dwarf Corin.
Beyond that, this story was highly abstract and introspective. With minor details that could be explained by saying 'it's just magic or part of his mind' but irked me all the same... such as a river splitting into streams (rivers don't split, streams merge into rivers), and splitting a mountain in half for a road. But I think this was all intended to be representations of inner struggles more than anything.
Overall the concept of this story and its writing was well done. It didn't quite land for me, but I would be interested in giving this author another try.
This story shifted from first person (the shopkeeper) and third, and by the end I had decided the intention was that we were always from the Shopkeeper's perspective viewing the dwarf Corin.
Beyond that, this story was highly abstract and introspective. With minor details that could be explained by saying 'it's just magic or part of his mind' but irked me all the same... such as a river splitting into streams (rivers don't split, streams merge into rivers), and splitting a mountain in half for a road. But I think this was all intended to be representations of inner struggles more than anything.
Overall the concept of this story and its writing was well done. It didn't quite land for me, but I would be interested in giving this author another try.
December 31, 2025
When will the next book arrive?😁
I absolutely adore this book. I snickered, I "hmmmm"'d, and I adore this book.
It feels like a grandfather telling their grandchildren a good night story full of wisdom.
You see, it starts with a shopkeeper, in a very special shop, and I was hooked from the first sentence.
We meet Corin, looking for an escape, suddenly seeing a store in the village he has never seen before.
What he finds instead is a relic: a bookmark that doesn’t mark pages but portals. This could be fun...
🔹️
"Such is what happens in the curiosities shop."
🔹️
And so Corin's journey begins.
There shall be challenges and a lession or two to learn, perhaps for us all?
Will Corin be able to face his biggest fear?
🔹️
"How odd"
🔹️
I wonder what the store would choose for me.
I absolutely adore this book. I snickered, I "hmmmm"'d, and I adore this book.
It feels like a grandfather telling their grandchildren a good night story full of wisdom.
You see, it starts with a shopkeeper, in a very special shop, and I was hooked from the first sentence.
We meet Corin, looking for an escape, suddenly seeing a store in the village he has never seen before.
What he finds instead is a relic: a bookmark that doesn’t mark pages but portals. This could be fun...
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"Such is what happens in the curiosities shop."
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And so Corin's journey begins.
There shall be challenges and a lession or two to learn, perhaps for us all?
Will Corin be able to face his biggest fear?
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"How odd"
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I wonder what the store would choose for me.
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