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Resonant
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26An epic antediluvian fantasy about the struggle between power and free will—and what happens when the chosen make choices of their own.
Ranian is finishing the final hunt of his servitude to a shepherd merchant when a Firesong shudders through his mind. Elva, a Bell Maiden in training, hears it while aiming a knife at an assassin’s heart. Imebron’s studies are upended when the music passes through his body.
A Firesong of such strength hasn’t been heard in millennia, not since the Sundering tore the world into its Five Realms. It can only mean that a danger of corresponding magnitude is approaching . . . if it’s not already here.
The godly Authority has given its warning signs, and the Resonant have a decision to Will the three strangers abandon everything—including their values—to fulfill their calling to protect the Realms?
Ranian is finishing the final hunt of his servitude to a shepherd merchant when a Firesong shudders through his mind. Elva, a Bell Maiden in training, hears it while aiming a knife at an assassin’s heart. Imebron’s studies are upended when the music passes through his body.
A Firesong of such strength hasn’t been heard in millennia, not since the Sundering tore the world into its Five Realms. It can only mean that a danger of corresponding magnitude is approaching . . . if it’s not already here.
The godly Authority has given its warning signs, and the Resonant have a decision to Will the three strangers abandon everything—including their values—to fulfill their calling to protect the Realms?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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March 17, 2026
3.5/5 - arc copy from NetGalley💗
Resonant was honestly a bit of a surprise for me. In the beginning I was kinda confused and it took me a while to really get into the story, but once it picked up, it actually got pretty gripping.
It did feel a little long at times, but the short chapters made it super easy to keep reading, which I liked a lot. I also really appreciated how original the story felt!
It didn’t feel like your typical plot.
The characters were definitely a highlight for me, they were really lovable and made me care about what was happening.
It’s not really my usual genre, but I’m still glad I gave it a chance because I ended up enjoying it more than I expected.
Resonant was honestly a bit of a surprise for me. In the beginning I was kinda confused and it took me a while to really get into the story, but once it picked up, it actually got pretty gripping.
It did feel a little long at times, but the short chapters made it super easy to keep reading, which I liked a lot. I also really appreciated how original the story felt!
It didn’t feel like your typical plot.
The characters were definitely a highlight for me, they were really lovable and made me care about what was happening.
It’s not really my usual genre, but I’m still glad I gave it a chance because I ended up enjoying it more than I expected.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is perhaps the definition of "I don't know what I was expecting". Because I don't, really, know what I was expecting of a book that pitched itself as an epic antediluvian fantasy. The word "antediluvian" made me extremely curious. I think, really, it was meant to wave a big flag to those who already knew what that word meant, rather than to draw in people like me, who were excited to see a different perspective in fantasy.
Antediluvian means, dear reader: "ridiculously old-fashioned". This book is so. It is written like it is trying to emulate the feeling you get when picking up a book written in Old English. It is unflinchingly unchallenging towards the male gaze.
Despite that, I found I liked many of the characters. The hunter in particular has great characterization, as well as both of the assassins. That's... about where things start to go downhill. The characters are called upon by the magic of a Chosen One Prophecy to go on a quest. What is that quest, you say? Well.... they don't know. Now, the people /around/ them know, because the Prophecy has been written in song and mapped out their path long before they were called to undertake it. Despite that, NONE of our main characters could tell you what they're supposed to be doing! Even our scholar character is ferried off by his father, who says that he cannot undertake the quest with his son because he must fulfil his part in the prophecy.
What is his part? Oh. It's delivering something to one of the other main characters, who meets up with the cast but moments later.
I really don't know what I expected. Something that spoke on the illusion of choice? Something that made fun of the comedy of errors that is a Prophecy? We established early on that characters can go against what's written, to mixed results, but none of the characters even KNOW what's written. But their companions do. Siblings, fathers, close allies, they all have no problem telling our characters what they're supposed to be doing per that Prophecy. And they're not even, I don't know, stretching the interpretation in order to further their goals, or something.
When I tell you this entire book is a massive prologue that establishes the next quest, and the characters ALSO don't know what they need to do for the next quest, because they are sent on their way, I am not exaggerating. If our hunter character wasn't as endearing as he was I wouldn't have been able to get through it.
That said, wew, we really need to have a conversation about implications. I cannot be the only one who realized that of our main cast of characters, the one who are "morally good" are the men. The two women are assassins and seductresses, constantly looked down on by the scholar for their potential misdeeds. The hunter's companion is an unstable and violent queer man (the only queer person explicitly written into the text, that I could see), who describes the vow of celibacy he took after his husband was violently murdered. So we've buried our gays /and/ come up with a convenient reason not to have him be gay on the page going forward. Huh. And our representation for women are morally bankrupt shadow assassins who do things like... let me check my notes here. Oh. She fakes crying in an interrogation because men don't like to see women cry, and then tortures him and kills him when she's done.
All things I LOVE, for the record, but the narrative goes out of its way to condemn these characters. Our scholar character, who is not a fighter, ends up winning HANDEDLY against our shadow assassin by... let's see. Distracting her? Right. And then he chastises her for making him fight, because he is a pious man of moral upstanding. How DARE he be goaded into sparring?
Very strange behavior. None of it alone is indicative of much, but there are so many little slights here and there that give me the vibe that the word antediluvian is pulling more weight to signal something slightly more significant than the time period and the nigh-immortal nature of humans at this time (which, btw, is very cool).
Antediluvian means, dear reader: "ridiculously old-fashioned". This book is so. It is written like it is trying to emulate the feeling you get when picking up a book written in Old English. It is unflinchingly unchallenging towards the male gaze.
Despite that, I found I liked many of the characters. The hunter in particular has great characterization, as well as both of the assassins. That's... about where things start to go downhill. The characters are called upon by the magic of a Chosen One Prophecy to go on a quest. What is that quest, you say? Well.... they don't know. Now, the people /around/ them know, because the Prophecy has been written in song and mapped out their path long before they were called to undertake it. Despite that, NONE of our main characters could tell you what they're supposed to be doing! Even our scholar character is ferried off by his father, who says that he cannot undertake the quest with his son because he must fulfil his part in the prophecy.
What is his part? Oh. It's delivering something to one of the other main characters, who meets up with the cast but moments later.
I really don't know what I expected. Something that spoke on the illusion of choice? Something that made fun of the comedy of errors that is a Prophecy? We established early on that characters can go against what's written, to mixed results, but none of the characters even KNOW what's written. But their companions do. Siblings, fathers, close allies, they all have no problem telling our characters what they're supposed to be doing per that Prophecy. And they're not even, I don't know, stretching the interpretation in order to further their goals, or something.
When I tell you this entire book is a massive prologue that establishes the next quest, and the characters ALSO don't know what they need to do for the next quest, because they are sent on their way, I am not exaggerating. If our hunter character wasn't as endearing as he was I wouldn't have been able to get through it.
That said, wew, we really need to have a conversation about implications. I cannot be the only one who realized that of our main cast of characters, the one who are "morally good" are the men. The two women are assassins and seductresses, constantly looked down on by the scholar for their potential misdeeds. The hunter's companion is an unstable and violent queer man (the only queer person explicitly written into the text, that I could see), who describes the vow of celibacy he took after his husband was violently murdered. So we've buried our gays /and/ come up with a convenient reason not to have him be gay on the page going forward. Huh. And our representation for women are morally bankrupt shadow assassins who do things like... let me check my notes here. Oh. She fakes crying in an interrogation because men don't like to see women cry, and then tortures him and kills him when she's done.
All things I LOVE, for the record, but the narrative goes out of its way to condemn these characters. Our scholar character, who is not a fighter, ends up winning HANDEDLY against our shadow assassin by... let's see. Distracting her? Right. And then he chastises her for making him fight, because he is a pious man of moral upstanding. How DARE he be goaded into sparring?
Very strange behavior. None of it alone is indicative of much, but there are so many little slights here and there that give me the vibe that the word antediluvian is pulling more weight to signal something slightly more significant than the time period and the nigh-immortal nature of humans at this time (which, btw, is very cool).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgally and Bindery Books for this eARC
I also want to thank Zoranne-Fantasy and Frens: I stumbled across your post about this book which made me seek it out on Netgalley!
Resonant was a solid 3.75-4 star read for me. The strongest part of the book was definitely the characters. They felt well developed, and by the end I genuinely cared about them and their journey as if I were part of the adventure alongside them. One thing I especially appreciated was seeing how much growth many of the characters experienced throughout the story.
Elva grows into her role as a leader through the challenges and battles the group faces, gradually learning to trust her fellow Resonants instead of relying entirely on her older sister, Bail. Bail also experiences meaningful growth as she learns to trust Ranian, the young hunter, and begins opening herself up to outsiders and accepting them as part of the team. Ranian himself felt believable as a younger character trying to figure out who he is and what kind of person he wants to become, learning when he needs to adapt and change.
Even the supporting characters felt thoughtfully developed, which made it easier to care about the larger group as a whole. Characters like Abithar added meaningful representation, while Areth and Ylkonis stood out because of how strongly they believed in the cause they were fighting for and the loyalty they showed toward their new companions.
The scenes were vividly written and easy to picture, which made the world feel immersive without becoming overwhelming. I also think this would be a great introduction to epic fantasy for readers who are newer to the genre. The scope and world-building are approachable compared to a lot of larger fantasy series, which made it easier to settle into the story and connect with the characters.
What held the book back for me was the way some of the world-building information was delivered. At times, characters — especially the scholar-type characters or newly introduced ones — would suddenly explain large amounts of lore all at once. Some of these sections felt more like information dumps than natural conversation, and because so much information came so quickly, it was difficult to retain all of it or understand why it was important in the moment. I found myself rereading certain paragraphs to keep track of the details.
That said, there were also moments where the world-building was woven naturally into the story, and those sections worked much better for me because they felt connected to the characters and plot rather than explained separately.
One thing that changed my perspective while reading was realizing that this book is part of a series. I actually didn’t know that until I was about halfway through. Once I understood that this was only one part of a larger story, it became easier to accept that both the readers and the characters were not meant to fully understand everything yet. By the end, it’s clear this book is setting up a much larger tale.
Even with some frustrations, I’m still interested enough to continue the series. I want to see where the characters go next and how the author develops the larger storylines moving forward.
I also want to thank Zoranne-Fantasy and Frens: I stumbled across your post about this book which made me seek it out on Netgalley!
Resonant was a solid 3.75-4 star read for me. The strongest part of the book was definitely the characters. They felt well developed, and by the end I genuinely cared about them and their journey as if I were part of the adventure alongside them. One thing I especially appreciated was seeing how much growth many of the characters experienced throughout the story.
Elva grows into her role as a leader through the challenges and battles the group faces, gradually learning to trust her fellow Resonants instead of relying entirely on her older sister, Bail. Bail also experiences meaningful growth as she learns to trust Ranian, the young hunter, and begins opening herself up to outsiders and accepting them as part of the team. Ranian himself felt believable as a younger character trying to figure out who he is and what kind of person he wants to become, learning when he needs to adapt and change.
Even the supporting characters felt thoughtfully developed, which made it easier to care about the larger group as a whole. Characters like Abithar added meaningful representation, while Areth and Ylkonis stood out because of how strongly they believed in the cause they were fighting for and the loyalty they showed toward their new companions.
The scenes were vividly written and easy to picture, which made the world feel immersive without becoming overwhelming. I also think this would be a great introduction to epic fantasy for readers who are newer to the genre. The scope and world-building are approachable compared to a lot of larger fantasy series, which made it easier to settle into the story and connect with the characters.
What held the book back for me was the way some of the world-building information was delivered. At times, characters — especially the scholar-type characters or newly introduced ones — would suddenly explain large amounts of lore all at once. Some of these sections felt more like information dumps than natural conversation, and because so much information came so quickly, it was difficult to retain all of it or understand why it was important in the moment. I found myself rereading certain paragraphs to keep track of the details.
That said, there were also moments where the world-building was woven naturally into the story, and those sections worked much better for me because they felt connected to the characters and plot rather than explained separately.
One thing that changed my perspective while reading was realizing that this book is part of a series. I actually didn’t know that until I was about halfway through. Once I understood that this was only one part of a larger story, it became easier to accept that both the readers and the characters were not meant to fully understand everything yet. By the end, it’s clear this book is setting up a much larger tale.
Even with some frustrations, I’m still interested enough to continue the series. I want to see where the characters go next and how the author develops the larger storylines moving forward.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Resonant by Jeremy Jacobson
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own, this is my honest review!
Resonant by Jeremy Jacobson was an absolute delight to read. Jacobson crafted a cast of incredibly interesting and importantly divergent characters all working towards a common goal). The world building was incredibly well done and honestly at this point I just want to read all about the lore of the Luminire.
Resonant is the term given to those called by the Firesong – a calling from the gods to embark on a divine mission to alter the fate of the world. In the first book of what plans to be a series, we meet three resonants. Ranian, a talented hunter who is paying for the sins of his father and tasked to hunt the “scaled” beasts; Elva, a silver bell warrior who is part of an elite order of fighters, spies, and assassins; and Imebron, a lightborn or luminire scholar who is part of a group of the most powerful people within their realm but who does not consider himself a fighter but rather is only interested in learning and studying. They are also accompanied by a handful of others as they embark upon their gods-given mission which really rounds out the story.
Each character is so different but also struggles with similar issues in different ways. All of them seem to just truly want to find themselves and establish their place in the world which feels true to them. This is compounded by the fact that their fate has now been chosen for them by being chosen by the gods as resonant.
The world-building is also incredibly interesting and I’m excited to read more about the realms beyond the main characters’ in subsequent books! I would like a deep lore dive please and thank you!
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy – especially those who enjoy the “chosen one” trope but are looking for a more unique take on it. I looked forward to reading this book every time I wasn’t reading it and didn’t want to put it down when I was reading it.
A huge thank you to the author, publisher and net galley for giving me the opportunity to read Resonant, it was truly a gem!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own, this is my honest review!
Resonant by Jeremy Jacobson was an absolute delight to read. Jacobson crafted a cast of incredibly interesting and importantly divergent characters all working towards a common goal). The world building was incredibly well done and honestly at this point I just want to read all about the lore of the Luminire.
Resonant is the term given to those called by the Firesong – a calling from the gods to embark on a divine mission to alter the fate of the world. In the first book of what plans to be a series, we meet three resonants. Ranian, a talented hunter who is paying for the sins of his father and tasked to hunt the “scaled” beasts; Elva, a silver bell warrior who is part of an elite order of fighters, spies, and assassins; and Imebron, a lightborn or luminire scholar who is part of a group of the most powerful people within their realm but who does not consider himself a fighter but rather is only interested in learning and studying. They are also accompanied by a handful of others as they embark upon their gods-given mission which really rounds out the story.
Each character is so different but also struggles with similar issues in different ways. All of them seem to just truly want to find themselves and establish their place in the world which feels true to them. This is compounded by the fact that their fate has now been chosen for them by being chosen by the gods as resonant.
The world-building is also incredibly interesting and I’m excited to read more about the realms beyond the main characters’ in subsequent books! I would like a deep lore dive please and thank you!
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy – especially those who enjoy the “chosen one” trope but are looking for a more unique take on it. I looked forward to reading this book every time I wasn’t reading it and didn’t want to put it down when I was reading it.
A huge thank you to the author, publisher and net galley for giving me the opportunity to read Resonant, it was truly a gem!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating 3.75 Rounded up
A world shattered into five realms by an ancient catastrophe known as the Sundering awakens to a long-dormant power known as the Firesong. Resonant is a story about fate versus free will, where being chosen can demand the ultimate cost of the loss of who you are.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its worldbuilding. Jacobson crafts a deep, layered, almost mythological fantasy setting that feels ancient, fractured, and alive. Each of the five realms has its own culture, power structures, and relationship with magic. The Firesong itself is a rare, almost mystical force. It’s mysterious, symbolic, and tied to emotion, destiny, and inner transformation. The world’s vast, ancient, and slightly enigmatic qualities make it profoundly immersive.
The story is character-driven, following three protagonists bound by the same central dilemma. Though chosen by the Firesong, none of them are willing participants, and each must grapple with whether to resist or embrace their fate. This moral tension adds a depth that elevates the narrative above typical epic fantasy: the internal conflicts feel as urgent as the external ones.
Resonant is not a fast-paced read. The novel dedicates significant time to setup, lore, and introspection, which can slow the momentum, especially early on. There are stretches where plot takes a backseat to atmosphere and internal reflection, but this deliberate pacing is rewarding. The novel excels in creating atmosphere, exploring character psychology, and presenting a unique, emotionally resonant magic system.
Overall, Resonant is a promising and emotionally resonant debut that prioritizes meaning over momentum. It lingers, not for what happens, but for what it makes you think and feel.
A world shattered into five realms by an ancient catastrophe known as the Sundering awakens to a long-dormant power known as the Firesong. Resonant is a story about fate versus free will, where being chosen can demand the ultimate cost of the loss of who you are.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its worldbuilding. Jacobson crafts a deep, layered, almost mythological fantasy setting that feels ancient, fractured, and alive. Each of the five realms has its own culture, power structures, and relationship with magic. The Firesong itself is a rare, almost mystical force. It’s mysterious, symbolic, and tied to emotion, destiny, and inner transformation. The world’s vast, ancient, and slightly enigmatic qualities make it profoundly immersive.
The story is character-driven, following three protagonists bound by the same central dilemma. Though chosen by the Firesong, none of them are willing participants, and each must grapple with whether to resist or embrace their fate. This moral tension adds a depth that elevates the narrative above typical epic fantasy: the internal conflicts feel as urgent as the external ones.
Resonant is not a fast-paced read. The novel dedicates significant time to setup, lore, and introspection, which can slow the momentum, especially early on. There are stretches where plot takes a backseat to atmosphere and internal reflection, but this deliberate pacing is rewarding. The novel excels in creating atmosphere, exploring character psychology, and presenting a unique, emotionally resonant magic system.
Overall, Resonant is a promising and emotionally resonant debut that prioritizes meaning over momentum. It lingers, not for what happens, but for what it makes you think and feel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s so frustrating when it isn’t mentioned that a book is NOT a standalone.
The story is a quest fantasy. A powerful and ancient melody called a "Firesong" suddenly links three strangers: a hunter, a warrior in training and a scholar. This signal has not been heard in thousands of years and warns that a massive danger is coming to the Five Realms. These three chosen individuals are expected to leave their lives behind and protect the world. However, they must decide if they will blindly follow their destiny or use their own free will to make their own choices.
There were certainly highlights; there are some page-turner chapters where I couldn’t put the novel down. The world-building is really intriguing, although some details aren’t explained which I guess will be addressed in future books. However, I felt the author relied too heavily on forced conflict to propel the plot forward, rather than letting it evolve naturally.
My biggest struggle were the characters; I find most of them unlikable. While I initially expected to love the main trio, as the plot progressed, I liked them less and less. They became increasingly difficult to root for. The female characters felt disappointingly one-dimensional, often falling into the "female assassins" trope, either seducing their enemies or resorting to extreme, gratuitous violence to achieve their goals. The hunter, who was my early favorite, seemed to undergo a reverse character arc. Instead of growing, he became less likable (at least, until the end). I wish we knew more about the Song readers.
Like I said at the start, I’m mostly annoyed that this isn't a standalone book. It’s frustrating when a book doesn't tell you it’s part of a series. To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series. The cover is beautiful though.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.
The story is a quest fantasy. A powerful and ancient melody called a "Firesong" suddenly links three strangers: a hunter, a warrior in training and a scholar. This signal has not been heard in thousands of years and warns that a massive danger is coming to the Five Realms. These three chosen individuals are expected to leave their lives behind and protect the world. However, they must decide if they will blindly follow their destiny or use their own free will to make their own choices.
There were certainly highlights; there are some page-turner chapters where I couldn’t put the novel down. The world-building is really intriguing, although some details aren’t explained which I guess will be addressed in future books. However, I felt the author relied too heavily on forced conflict to propel the plot forward, rather than letting it evolve naturally.
My biggest struggle were the characters; I find most of them unlikable. While I initially expected to love the main trio, as the plot progressed, I liked them less and less. They became increasingly difficult to root for. The female characters felt disappointingly one-dimensional, often falling into the "female assassins" trope, either seducing their enemies or resorting to extreme, gratuitous violence to achieve their goals. The hunter, who was my early favorite, seemed to undergo a reverse character arc. Instead of growing, he became less likable (at least, until the end). I wish we knew more about the Song readers.
Like I said at the start, I’m mostly annoyed that this isn't a standalone book. It’s frustrating when a book doesn't tell you it’s part of a series. To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series. The cover is beautiful though.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Resonant' is a high fantasy/ adventure that takes place in a shattered world divided into realms. There is magic, monsters and biblical influences throughout the book. Our main characters are called upon the gods for vague and mysterious purposes that typically involve saving the world in some way. We follow a lightborn scholar, an assassin and a hunter on there journey to essentially save/change the world in some way.
The plot this book is very interesting but I will say that it can be confusing sometimes but you get enough information to piece the world together.
The pacing is rather slow for the first half of the book but it was in no means boring. The second half was more fast paced, but i feel the book itself should've just been longer to help with building the character of Elva and others introduced in the portion in the book. Easily could've been another 100-200 pages to help explain or more naturally deliever the exposition in the second half.
I loved the characters, Ranian and Imebron being my favourites. There was a lot of character development for Ranian which was very enjoyable for me as he was my favourite. Sadly, Imebron didnt seem to be used as much, although he was super interesting I would have liked to see more from him. But assuming there will be a second book I look forward to more Imebron.
I see there is a lot of potential with this series, if there is a second book I would definitely be interested in reading it. I can the story developing in a very grand way and I look forward to more world building and what happens to our characters!.
For me it is 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 because I can tell it will be a good series as it goes on.
The plot this book is very interesting but I will say that it can be confusing sometimes but you get enough information to piece the world together.
The pacing is rather slow for the first half of the book but it was in no means boring. The second half was more fast paced, but i feel the book itself should've just been longer to help with building the character of Elva and others introduced in the portion in the book. Easily could've been another 100-200 pages to help explain or more naturally deliever the exposition in the second half.
I loved the characters, Ranian and Imebron being my favourites. There was a lot of character development for Ranian which was very enjoyable for me as he was my favourite. Sadly, Imebron didnt seem to be used as much, although he was super interesting I would have liked to see more from him. But assuming there will be a second book I look forward to more Imebron.
I see there is a lot of potential with this series, if there is a second book I would definitely be interested in reading it. I can the story developing in a very grand way and I look forward to more world building and what happens to our characters!.
For me it is 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 because I can tell it will be a good series as it goes on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Resonant is one of those novels that immediately feels like the opening movement of something much larger. Jacobson crafts a story with the scope and structure of classic epic fantasy—more in line with Sanderson style plotting and worldbuilding than romance driven narratives—focusing on characters pulled into action and bound together by circumstance rather than by romantic entanglements.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its diverse cast of characters, each with distinct skills, magical abilities, and personal motivations. This creates a dynamic cast that feels ripe for deeper exploration in future instalments. Jacobson also threads moral dilemmas through the narrative, adding nuance to the characters’ decisions and giving the story a thoughtful edge beyond the action.
The pacing begins on the slower side, but once the plot gains momentum, it moves with purpose.
This is very much a plot driven fantasy, and while the worldbuilding has clear potential for expansion, Jacobson wisely avoids over describing. Instead, the book leaves enough space for readers to imagine and shape the world themselves.
Some characters shine with the promise of rich backstories, while others feel slightly overshadowed by the pace of the plot. Even so, the groundwork laid here is strong, and it’s easy to see how future books could deepen these arcs.
Overall, it’s an impressive debut—one that will appeal to readers who love ensemble casts, magic infused quests, and expansive fantasy worlds. It’s absolutely one to watch for fans of epic fantasy looking for a new series to follow.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its diverse cast of characters, each with distinct skills, magical abilities, and personal motivations. This creates a dynamic cast that feels ripe for deeper exploration in future instalments. Jacobson also threads moral dilemmas through the narrative, adding nuance to the characters’ decisions and giving the story a thoughtful edge beyond the action.
The pacing begins on the slower side, but once the plot gains momentum, it moves with purpose.
This is very much a plot driven fantasy, and while the worldbuilding has clear potential for expansion, Jacobson wisely avoids over describing. Instead, the book leaves enough space for readers to imagine and shape the world themselves.
Some characters shine with the promise of rich backstories, while others feel slightly overshadowed by the pace of the plot. Even so, the groundwork laid here is strong, and it’s easy to see how future books could deepen these arcs.
Overall, it’s an impressive debut—one that will appeal to readers who love ensemble casts, magic infused quests, and expansive fantasy worlds. It’s absolutely one to watch for fans of epic fantasy looking for a new series to follow.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Resonant is the kind of fantasy that feels ancient, mythic, and deeply introspective. Set in a world fractured into five realms after the Sundering, the story follows three strangers who are unwittingly drawn together after hearing the mysterious Firesong. A force tied to destiny, power, and something far greater than themselves. At its core, this is a story about free will, faith, sacrifice, and whether being “chosen” is truly a gift.
The lore feels immersive, with each realm carrying its own identity, history, and relationship to power. There’s a very atmospheric quality to the writing that makes the world feel old and lived in. The magic system surrounding the Firesong was especially interesting because it feels emotional and symbolic rather than purely mechanical.
The story spends a lot of time building its world, themes, and characters before the larger plot fully unfolds. While I did find myself confused at certain points, I was still intrigued enough to keep going because the ideas behind the story were compelling. I would’ve loved a little more development across the board to deepen the emotional connections between the characters and their journeys but the second half picks up significantly and left me much more invested in where the series could go next.
Resonant feels like the beginning of something much bigger. It’s a thoughtful, atmospheric fantasy that prioritizes themes and character introspection. I am curious to see where the next book goes.
Thank you so much Bindery Books, Jeremy Jacobson, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
The lore feels immersive, with each realm carrying its own identity, history, and relationship to power. There’s a very atmospheric quality to the writing that makes the world feel old and lived in. The magic system surrounding the Firesong was especially interesting because it feels emotional and symbolic rather than purely mechanical.
The story spends a lot of time building its world, themes, and characters before the larger plot fully unfolds. While I did find myself confused at certain points, I was still intrigued enough to keep going because the ideas behind the story were compelling. I would’ve loved a little more development across the board to deepen the emotional connections between the characters and their journeys but the second half picks up significantly and left me much more invested in where the series could go next.
Resonant feels like the beginning of something much bigger. It’s a thoughtful, atmospheric fantasy that prioritizes themes and character introspection. I am curious to see where the next book goes.
Thank you so much Bindery Books, Jeremy Jacobson, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC
I remember requesting this book because the blurb instantly gave me old school fantasy vibes. And it ended up being just that. I love stories where people have to goon a roadtrip to save the world form the big bad, classic right there.
The start was rough for me, It took me a while to get into it because there’s so much thrown at you immediately. Names, history, magic, different places- the first 3 chapters and the prologue sent me around a bit. I was confused for the first few chapters and had to just trust that things would make sense eventually, they mostly did.
Once the main journey actually got moving, I started having a much better time with it. The world feels old, a lot of the world building gave the feeling of thousands of years of history, sometimes it's hard to establish that in a work of fiction. These guys were in Situations with a capital S, but without too many spoilers, I still kept wanting to know more about how everything connected.
I do think the pacing dragged in places. There were sections where I’d read a chapter or two and then leave the book alone for a day before picking it back up again. I also wanted a little more from the characters emotionally because I found the setting more memorable than the people at times, I felt harder connecting or even caring about some of their motivations, which is a bummer for me.
Still, I had fun with this. It feels like the kind of fantasy book that would really work for readers who miss slower, classic-style adventure fantasy where the journey matters just as much as the destination.
I remember requesting this book because the blurb instantly gave me old school fantasy vibes. And it ended up being just that. I love stories where people have to goon a roadtrip to save the world form the big bad, classic right there.
The start was rough for me, It took me a while to get into it because there’s so much thrown at you immediately. Names, history, magic, different places- the first 3 chapters and the prologue sent me around a bit. I was confused for the first few chapters and had to just trust that things would make sense eventually, they mostly did.
Once the main journey actually got moving, I started having a much better time with it. The world feels old, a lot of the world building gave the feeling of thousands of years of history, sometimes it's hard to establish that in a work of fiction. These guys were in Situations with a capital S, but without too many spoilers, I still kept wanting to know more about how everything connected.
I do think the pacing dragged in places. There were sections where I’d read a chapter or two and then leave the book alone for a day before picking it back up again. I also wanted a little more from the characters emotionally because I found the setting more memorable than the people at times, I felt harder connecting or even caring about some of their motivations, which is a bummer for me.
Still, I had fun with this. It feels like the kind of fantasy book that would really work for readers who miss slower, classic-style adventure fantasy where the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sadly not for me.
There's very little more annoying than finding out a book is part of a series. One of those annoying things to me is the immoral seductress tropes for all leading women alongside "cleverly" getting information by crying randomly.
While I don't dislike these tropes when something new is made of them, in this case it felt boring and like something I've read a dozen times before.
It wasn't all negative, while I was not in any way a fan of Bail or Imebron (ESPECIALLY Imebron), I often felt fond of characters like the hunter and his companion.
I think much of my annoyance with Imebron was derived from his statements about the lack of value in non-scientific literature and general statements about other dialects being ungraceful and rude.
That actually brings me a bit into my main gripe: while I understand simply "evil forces" such as the Adversary are common to fantasy, something about following him being akin to an "evil/weak" religion feels a bit gross, especially when we are told that the Resonant who follow the gods are often responsible for the deaths of thousands. I'm aware that this is fiction, but neither I nor the author live in a fictional world, so on some level this felt worrying.
A more petty gripe: I found myself feeling that many of the lines felt middle grade-like, to where I found myself looking up what the intended demographic was due to "you're probably wondering how I ended up here" lines as well as scenes that I'm almost certain had happened already.
There's very little more annoying than finding out a book is part of a series. One of those annoying things to me is the immoral seductress tropes for all leading women alongside "cleverly" getting information by crying randomly.
While I don't dislike these tropes when something new is made of them, in this case it felt boring and like something I've read a dozen times before.
It wasn't all negative, while I was not in any way a fan of Bail or Imebron (ESPECIALLY Imebron), I often felt fond of characters like the hunter and his companion.
I think much of my annoyance with Imebron was derived from his statements about the lack of value in non-scientific literature and general statements about other dialects being ungraceful and rude.
That actually brings me a bit into my main gripe: while I understand simply "evil forces" such as the Adversary are common to fantasy, something about following him being akin to an "evil/weak" religion feels a bit gross, especially when we are told that the Resonant who follow the gods are often responsible for the deaths of thousands. I'm aware that this is fiction, but neither I nor the author live in a fictional world, so on some level this felt worrying.
A more petty gripe: I found myself feeling that many of the lines felt middle grade-like, to where I found myself looking up what the intended demographic was due to "you're probably wondering how I ended up here" lines as well as scenes that I'm almost certain had happened already.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the advance copy.
This is an action-packed epic fantasy with multiple POVs. The story follows an assassin/spy, a hunter, and a powerful erudite bound together on a quest set by the gods to save their world.
The narrative starts a bit confusing, since it’s a complex and unique world, but the world-building is descriptive and gradually unfolds as the story progresses.
The gods choose those destined to save the world from an imminent danger through a song projected to everyone—yet only a few can actually hear and understand it. The chosen ones must begin a journey to fulfill this quest, with the details revealed little by little, leaving them to figure out what exactly they need to do.
The story really highlights the struggles they face, the weight of their actions on the future of an entire world, and the pressure of living up to the role they were chosen for.
I gave it 4.5⭐️ because it’s such a complex world, and sometimes very important information is delivered in a more random or subtle way, while less essential details are given similar focus. At times, this made me wonder whether what was being discussed was important or not.
However, it’s still an amazing, original, fast-paced story with complex characters that grow and evolve throughout. It also includes an incredible and unique magic system, rich in diversity and creativity. Definitely one that keeps you intrigued and makes you want to see how everything comes together in the end.
This is an action-packed epic fantasy with multiple POVs. The story follows an assassin/spy, a hunter, and a powerful erudite bound together on a quest set by the gods to save their world.
The narrative starts a bit confusing, since it’s a complex and unique world, but the world-building is descriptive and gradually unfolds as the story progresses.
The gods choose those destined to save the world from an imminent danger through a song projected to everyone—yet only a few can actually hear and understand it. The chosen ones must begin a journey to fulfill this quest, with the details revealed little by little, leaving them to figure out what exactly they need to do.
The story really highlights the struggles they face, the weight of their actions on the future of an entire world, and the pressure of living up to the role they were chosen for.
I gave it 4.5⭐️ because it’s such a complex world, and sometimes very important information is delivered in a more random or subtle way, while less essential details are given similar focus. At times, this made me wonder whether what was being discussed was important or not.
However, it’s still an amazing, original, fast-paced story with complex characters that grow and evolve throughout. It also includes an incredible and unique magic system, rich in diversity and creativity. Definitely one that keeps you intrigued and makes you want to see how everything comes together in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanx to Jeremy Jacobson and Bindery books for trusting me with this ARC read .
Resonant has so much of what I love in fantasy. It gives you a growing sense of danger, characters who are forced to step into roles bigger than themselves, and a world shaped by power, belief, and destiny. The story follows several characters whose paths are disrupted by a mysterious call, and from there the book slowly builds into something larger and darker.
I thought this was a very well-written fantasy. You get a pretty good grasp of the world quite quickly, and the magic and religious elements are introduced in a way that feels interesting and easy to follow. It also feels like there is still much more to uncover, which makes the world feel layered rather than overexplained.
What worked especially well for me was the overall feel of the story. It has that classic fantasy structure of a rising threat and heroes growing into their fate, but it still feels fresh because it is handled with confidence and care.
My only small issue is that parts of the worldbuilding and religious symbolism felt a bit too close to real-world ideas and divisions. At times, the contrast between west and east felt a little too familiar, and that slightly weakened the sense of separation from our own world.
Even so, I still think this is a book well worth reading. It has strong writing, a compelling setup, and a lot of promise, and I would definitely be interested in continuing the series.
Resonant has so much of what I love in fantasy. It gives you a growing sense of danger, characters who are forced to step into roles bigger than themselves, and a world shaped by power, belief, and destiny. The story follows several characters whose paths are disrupted by a mysterious call, and from there the book slowly builds into something larger and darker.
I thought this was a very well-written fantasy. You get a pretty good grasp of the world quite quickly, and the magic and religious elements are introduced in a way that feels interesting and easy to follow. It also feels like there is still much more to uncover, which makes the world feel layered rather than overexplained.
What worked especially well for me was the overall feel of the story. It has that classic fantasy structure of a rising threat and heroes growing into their fate, but it still feels fresh because it is handled with confidence and care.
My only small issue is that parts of the worldbuilding and religious symbolism felt a bit too close to real-world ideas and divisions. At times, the contrast between west and east felt a little too familiar, and that slightly weakened the sense of separation from our own world.
Even so, I still think this is a book well worth reading. It has strong writing, a compelling setup, and a lot of promise, and I would definitely be interested in continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books | Fantasy & Frens Publishing for this ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Resonant has strong foundations, suggesting the potential for a truly entertaining story. Unfortunately, the execution stumbles in its delivery. While I nearly abandoned the book several times, I finished my commitment to the ARC process.
The world-building is a clear highlight; the author has invested significant effort into creating a unique and interesting setting. However, the delivery often leans toward exposition.
We meet one of the protagonists, Ranian, at his peak as a high-level Hunter, defeating a scaled creature. Yet, after he is chosen as one of the Resonant, his trajectory shifts from progression to frustrating regression. To the point where he acts as an obstinate adolescent.
While not every protagonist needs a traditional "Hero’s Journey" arc, the characters here lack meaningful development. Ranian, in particular, becomes increasingly infantile as the story progresses. The supporting cast, while possessing likeable traits, remains largely static. It is jarring to watch characters move through a vast world without undergoing any internal change, often repeating the same mistakes despite acknowledging their previous failures.
In its current form, an uncorrected proof, the novel feels premature for the mass market. The story would benefit significantly from a rigorous development edit.
Resonant has strong foundations, suggesting the potential for a truly entertaining story. Unfortunately, the execution stumbles in its delivery. While I nearly abandoned the book several times, I finished my commitment to the ARC process.
The world-building is a clear highlight; the author has invested significant effort into creating a unique and interesting setting. However, the delivery often leans toward exposition.
We meet one of the protagonists, Ranian, at his peak as a high-level Hunter, defeating a scaled creature. Yet, after he is chosen as one of the Resonant, his trajectory shifts from progression to frustrating regression. To the point where he acts as an obstinate adolescent.
While not every protagonist needs a traditional "Hero’s Journey" arc, the characters here lack meaningful development. Ranian, in particular, becomes increasingly infantile as the story progresses. The supporting cast, while possessing likeable traits, remains largely static. It is jarring to watch characters move through a vast world without undergoing any internal change, often repeating the same mistakes despite acknowledging their previous failures.
In its current form, an uncorrected proof, the novel feels premature for the mass market. The story would benefit significantly from a rigorous development edit.
April 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The prologue and first two chapters were so confusing that I almost set the book aside, and probably would have shelved it as “do not read” if it hadn’t started to become interesting by chapter three.
I actually read this right after finishing Baldur’s Gate 3, so in a way it felt like jumping straight into another adventure. Three characters are suddenly thrown together and sent off to face something they don’t fully understand, which reminded me of that same chaotic, “figure it out as you go” party dynamic. It was a bit disorienting at first, but also strangely familiar.
I gave this book 4 stars because it has a lot of potential. The world-building is quite fascinating, and 400+ pages didn’t feel like enough to fully explore it. If there is a book 2 (or a book 3, since this was two books in one), I would definitely consider reading it. The different POVs were also well executed.
One thing that really bothered me is that it’s advertised as a single book, but it's actually two books in one. I also felt that instead of repeating certain descriptions a bit too often, more focus could have been placed on developing the characters and showing their growth.
That said, the pacing wasn’t quite strong enough for me. I struggled at times to keep reading, and if I hadn’t been curious about how the story would end, I probably would have put it down more than once.
The prologue and first two chapters were so confusing that I almost set the book aside, and probably would have shelved it as “do not read” if it hadn’t started to become interesting by chapter three.
I actually read this right after finishing Baldur’s Gate 3, so in a way it felt like jumping straight into another adventure. Three characters are suddenly thrown together and sent off to face something they don’t fully understand, which reminded me of that same chaotic, “figure it out as you go” party dynamic. It was a bit disorienting at first, but also strangely familiar.
I gave this book 4 stars because it has a lot of potential. The world-building is quite fascinating, and 400+ pages didn’t feel like enough to fully explore it. If there is a book 2 (or a book 3, since this was two books in one), I would definitely consider reading it. The different POVs were also well executed.
One thing that really bothered me is that it’s advertised as a single book, but it's actually two books in one. I also felt that instead of repeating certain descriptions a bit too often, more focus could have been placed on developing the characters and showing their growth.
That said, the pacing wasn’t quite strong enough for me. I struggled at times to keep reading, and if I hadn’t been curious about how the story would end, I probably would have put it down more than once.
May 24, 2026
Resonant was an amazing entry point to a world of magic, gods, and mystery. We begin with characters who have (fortunately or unfortunately) been called via Phoenix song to an eventual destiny- these characters come from all over the map (literally and figuratively) and really have to figure out a good way to work together in the face of death/sabotage/general difficulties of co-existing. All of the characters were very different in terms of skills and personalities, which made for refreshing point of view changes from chapter to chapter. My personal favorite character was Ranian- I liked his observant style, and felt a bit bad for him since he is the youngest character out of our traveling group. He really seems like he's simply trying to figure himself out in terms of who he is as a person and as a Resonant, and the other characters do get after him a bit for being young! The plot of this book was also well mapped- it was definitely a journey story, but there was enough interesting (and genuinely frightening) parts that it kept me reading until the end- I wanted to know what happened next and how they would deal with it. The questions of destiny and what is the "right" thing to do were so compelling in this book, and I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next! Many thanks to Bindery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks NetGalley and Bindery for this arc! Resonant is a debut novel that will scratch your itch for epic fantasy and stunning world building. Three main characters are called from their lives by a mysterious and divine summons leading them in an epic journey across vas landscapes and peoples. Jacobson creates an extensive and fascinating world of divided realms, arcane magic, gods, mythical weapons, and a mysterious summons to adventure. It reminded me of picking up The Wheel of Time for the first time.
The characters are unique with arcs that tackle themes of moral injury, faith, and values. There is action and movement with visceral fight scenes and character struggles.
There were points in the story where the pacing fell. Some chapters were explication and served world building and not necessarily pushing the plot or characters forward. This sometimes muddied the developing relationship among the characters as well as their overall individual development. I also sometimes found myself skimming paragraphs to move forward.
Overall, this epic fantasy will touch your longing for classic fantasy themes and ask you to reflect on difficult topics and themes.
The characters are unique with arcs that tackle themes of moral injury, faith, and values. There is action and movement with visceral fight scenes and character struggles.
There were points in the story where the pacing fell. Some chapters were explication and served world building and not necessarily pushing the plot or characters forward. This sometimes muddied the developing relationship among the characters as well as their overall individual development. I also sometimes found myself skimming paragraphs to move forward.
Overall, this epic fantasy will touch your longing for classic fantasy themes and ask you to reflect on difficult topics and themes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you, Netgalley, and Bindery books for the e ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars from me
what did I enjoy about this book?
I liked the characters. They were very realistic in how they thought through problems and handled themselves throughout this read. I truly enjoyed all of them and reading their thoughts throughout their journey.
There are some very interesting creatures in this world and interesting history as well. I really wish I had received more background about this world, I was left wanting a bit.
what I did not care for?
Despite some good action, this entire book moved very slowly. It felt like a lot of world building even though I was left still wondering about many parts of it. I would almost say this entire book is light world building without giving the information that I truly craved.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed it, but it was easy to put down for sure. I felt the need to take breaks and stew in the information that I was given between sittings.
3.5/5 stars from me
what did I enjoy about this book?
I liked the characters. They were very realistic in how they thought through problems and handled themselves throughout this read. I truly enjoyed all of them and reading their thoughts throughout their journey.
There are some very interesting creatures in this world and interesting history as well. I really wish I had received more background about this world, I was left wanting a bit.
what I did not care for?
Despite some good action, this entire book moved very slowly. It felt like a lot of world building even though I was left still wondering about many parts of it. I would almost say this entire book is light world building without giving the information that I truly craved.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed it, but it was easy to put down for sure. I felt the need to take breaks and stew in the information that I was given between sittings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Received as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The summary of this book was very intriguing, and it did not disappoint. I was honestly surprised by the plot and storyline; it was very well written, with all the details, character growth, and world-building. I did enjoy this, and it is an excellent debut novel.
What I liked:
- Since this book was quite long, I really enjoyed the short chaos there. It made reading this easier.
- The personalities of all the characters were so different, and they all had to use their strengths to work together. I loved that aspect!
- The beginning was a bit slow-paced, but the action kept me interested.
What I didn’t like:
- The beginning was especially confusing because there was no explanations of “Resonant” and “Bell Maiden”. I figured it out myself after a few chapters, but it would’ve helped a lot to have a definition.
- Some transitions were a bit confusing.
The summary of this book was very intriguing, and it did not disappoint. I was honestly surprised by the plot and storyline; it was very well written, with all the details, character growth, and world-building. I did enjoy this, and it is an excellent debut novel.
What I liked:
- Since this book was quite long, I really enjoyed the short chaos there. It made reading this easier.
- The personalities of all the characters were so different, and they all had to use their strengths to work together. I loved that aspect!
- The beginning was a bit slow-paced, but the action kept me interested.
What I didn’t like:
- The beginning was especially confusing because there was no explanations of “Resonant” and “Bell Maiden”. I figured it out myself after a few chapters, but it would’ve helped a lot to have a definition.
- Some transitions were a bit confusing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An epic fantasy where people resonate with a tune to know they’re special.
The magic has a great deal of depth and feels real and references to faith and belief systems or specific lifestyles (such as the Bell Maidens) felt realistic.
The pacing was a little off during the beginning of the book and between 60-80% of the way through.
I loved each of the main characters, each was distinct and had different motivations and character traits and I could tell the author had taken time to flesh out each of them.
I truly believe this could be a series to rival other great modern epic fantasy titles. I also loved the design on the cover art - a beautiful high contrast between the snakes and the background that immediately caught my eye.
*Review of an Arc Copy, thank you Netgalley and Bindery!*
The magic has a great deal of depth and feels real and references to faith and belief systems or specific lifestyles (such as the Bell Maidens) felt realistic.
The pacing was a little off during the beginning of the book and between 60-80% of the way through.
I loved each of the main characters, each was distinct and had different motivations and character traits and I could tell the author had taken time to flesh out each of them.
I truly believe this could be a series to rival other great modern epic fantasy titles. I also loved the design on the cover art - a beautiful high contrast between the snakes and the background that immediately caught my eye.
*Review of an Arc Copy, thank you Netgalley and Bindery!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/4 rounded up ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
Resonant follows the merging of three characters stories as they are called by the gods to fulfill an unknown mission to save their realm from the evil bidding of the Adversary.
It took until 30 percent of the way through for the story to really get interesting as there was a lot of background information and the initial switch between POVs felt confusing and slow. However, the plot did eventually pick up and I felt myself become immersed in a powerful story about trust—both in others and oneself. The author also did an incredible job building out the world and character dynamics.
I will definitely keep my eye out for book 2, as I’m curious as to what really motivates the Adversary and where the Song will lead the resonant and their merry band next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
Resonant follows the merging of three characters stories as they are called by the gods to fulfill an unknown mission to save their realm from the evil bidding of the Adversary.
It took until 30 percent of the way through for the story to really get interesting as there was a lot of background information and the initial switch between POVs felt confusing and slow. However, the plot did eventually pick up and I felt myself become immersed in a powerful story about trust—both in others and oneself. The author also did an incredible job building out the world and character dynamics.
I will definitely keep my eye out for book 2, as I’m curious as to what really motivates the Adversary and where the Song will lead the resonant and their merry band next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an arc copy of this book from netgalley
I struggled so much to get into this at the start. There was so much dense world building and things that also felt poorly or unexplained. The pacing could probably be better, the beginning and middle were very slow and then rushed to the ending.
Storywise? Amazing, I like the idea, I like the magic and the lost magic, the different realms. All of it feels very grand and fitting for the huge quest being undertaken.
Ranian was my favorite character throughout, but that could be because he was the most fleshed out in the whole thing. We see bits of the others in their povs, but nothing like we got for the hunter.
Overall not my favorite, had some great parts, has many where I was unsure if id be able to finish the book at all
I struggled so much to get into this at the start. There was so much dense world building and things that also felt poorly or unexplained. The pacing could probably be better, the beginning and middle were very slow and then rushed to the ending.
Storywise? Amazing, I like the idea, I like the magic and the lost magic, the different realms. All of it feels very grand and fitting for the huge quest being undertaken.
Ranian was my favorite character throughout, but that could be because he was the most fleshed out in the whole thing. We see bits of the others in their povs, but nothing like we got for the hunter.
Overall not my favorite, had some great parts, has many where I was unsure if id be able to finish the book at all
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, I learned a new word... antediluvian. Apparently it means old fashioned?
This book starts out slow and has a lot of world-building, a TON of travel and what felt like a million mini-missions/fights. It reminded me of a game I played ages ago where the first like three days of gameplay you're just breaking pots or fishing in streams or fighting low level characters to build up to the big boss fight at the end of the level.
I initially thought it would be a standalone and I was really looking forward to that but, while it has a good conclusion, it's clear this is the start of a planned larger world.
Also, this desperately needs a map...
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery books for my free EARC
This book starts out slow and has a lot of world-building, a TON of travel and what felt like a million mini-missions/fights. It reminded me of a game I played ages ago where the first like three days of gameplay you're just breaking pots or fishing in streams or fighting low level characters to build up to the big boss fight at the end of the level.
I initially thought it would be a standalone and I was really looking forward to that but, while it has a good conclusion, it's clear this is the start of a planned larger world.
Also, this desperately needs a map...
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery books for my free EARC
March 20, 2026
From a Dune lover, this book hit the mark and completely exceeded my expectations! The world building was detailed and interesting, characters well thought out and dynamic. It usually takes me 50-100 pages to get into a high fantasy book due to all the background needed to understand the story, but I was drawn into this pretty quick! Satisfying, yet open-ended conclusion, there is so much more to unfold in this story and I will be following along, patiently waiting for the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGally for sending me this fantastic ARC!
Thank you NetGally for sending me this fantastic ARC!
April 3, 2026
ARC review, 3.5⭐️
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I especially loved the beginning—the concept is unique, with the Resonant chosen when the gods send a fire song. The character introductions were engaging, and the many monsters encountered along the way were vividly described. I also really liked the ending, particularly the final battle scene. It did leave me wanting to read more! That said, the middle section felt a bit slow at times, and I found myself wishing for more to happen. Thank you to Net Gally and the author for this read!
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I especially loved the beginning—the concept is unique, with the Resonant chosen when the gods send a fire song. The character introductions were engaging, and the many monsters encountered along the way were vividly described. I also really liked the ending, particularly the final battle scene. It did leave me wanting to read more! That said, the middle section felt a bit slow at times, and I found myself wishing for more to happen. Thank you to Net Gally and the author for this read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was an interesting read with strong world-building and character development, though I wish the pacing had been a bit faster.
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