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The Wandering Hearth Chronicles #1
Wick and the Wandering Barge
Not yet published
Expected 15 Oct 26Soft Magic. Low Stakes. Found Family. Excellent Muffins.
At twenty-four, Wick Barrow is thoroughly done giving his best years to his father’s laundry business.
Hiring on aboard The Moderate Success—a river barge of questionable speed and precarious plumbing—is a chance to build a life of his own: scrub the linens, mind the boiler, and travel the realm. Room and board included.
Then he notices Ember.
Ember is a flame-like Smudge who has matter-of-factly appointed herself to be Wick's personal space heater. As it turns out, Wick is a Hearth: an inconveniently magnetic sanctuary for magical creatures. And Ember isn’t the only resident needing help. The captain is navigating the waterways with no name and a scattered soul. If Wick can't help him fix it, the captain may flicker out of existence entirely. Luckily, fixing things is Wick's specialty.
Traveling the Cardinal Rivers with a crew of misfits, Wick sets out on a journey, wherever the current decides to take him.
At twenty-four, Wick Barrow is thoroughly done giving his best years to his father’s laundry business.
Hiring on aboard The Moderate Success—a river barge of questionable speed and precarious plumbing—is a chance to build a life of his own: scrub the linens, mind the boiler, and travel the realm. Room and board included.
Then he notices Ember.
Ember is a flame-like Smudge who has matter-of-factly appointed herself to be Wick's personal space heater. As it turns out, Wick is a Hearth: an inconveniently magnetic sanctuary for magical creatures. And Ember isn’t the only resident needing help. The captain is navigating the waterways with no name and a scattered soul. If Wick can't help him fix it, the captain may flicker out of existence entirely. Luckily, fixing things is Wick's specialty.
Traveling the Cardinal Rivers with a crew of misfits, Wick sets out on a journey, wherever the current decides to take him.
360 pages, ebook
Expected publication October 15, 2026
About the author
R.J. Casta
2 books2 followersR.J. Casta believes that every great adventure deserves a touch of warmth. The author of the Fjorgyn series and Steamtown Chronicles, R.J. specializes in blending traditional fantasy with queer characters searching for family. His work, recognized for its rich atmosphere and emotional beats, focuses on the journeys that change us.
R.J. writes his books from his home in Rhode Island, where he lives with his husband and kids. Whether he is exploring virtual realms or real-world landscapes, he's always on the lookout for small, magical moments that make a story feel like home.
Stick around for his upcoming series, The Wandering Hearth, a cozy fantasy set in the world of Calandis, where Wick and his four sisters try to find their place in the world.
R.J. writes his books from his home in Rhode Island, where he lives with his husband and kids. Whether he is exploring virtual realms or real-world landscapes, he's always on the lookout for small, magical moments that make a story feel like home.
Stick around for his upcoming series, The Wandering Hearth, a cozy fantasy set in the world of Calandis, where Wick and his four sisters try to find their place in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy
I requested a copy through BookSirens a little randomly, based pretty much just on the title and the cover, and I'm so glad I did! I very much enjoyed sailing with Wick and his crewmates, visiting several cities, each with its own well-rendered atmosphere (and some rather unique names!) and encountering all sorts of characters, each deftly painted for us.
There is also jam (in many flavours), and knitting, and pirates (who may not always be exactly how you expect), and magical beings, and even a heron. All in all, the world is well-crafted with just the right amount of details to bring it vividly to life.
The adversaries, though never fully evil, do add realistic obstacles, although the resolution can be a little too easy, muting the sense of urgency a bit too much maybe at times.
The Smudges are a nicely original touch of magic, the kind we wish could be real! We learn progressively how they work through Wick's eyes, who is discovering this new side of himself, having to rethink who he is, where he belongs and what he wants to do with his life. Gully and the Captain are both effective as supporting characters, each with some endearing flaws that make the growing friendship between the three of them very sweet and relatable.
Definitely on the cozy side of fantasy, the perils are never overwhelmingly threatening, and there is a gentleness permeating the story that makes it suitable for even young tween readers, while still holding its own for older readers like me. And the author manages to maintain that cozy tone without it becoming "saccharine".
Also worth noting that the text I received was properly spell-checked/edited and formatted, which is unfortunately not always a given nowadays.
All that to say that I'm rather looking forward to read about the next tome of the Wandering Barge adventures!
There is also jam (in many flavours), and knitting, and pirates (who may not always be exactly how you expect), and magical beings, and even a heron. All in all, the world is well-crafted with just the right amount of details to bring it vividly to life.
The adversaries, though never fully evil, do add realistic obstacles, although the resolution can be a little too easy, muting the sense of urgency a bit too much maybe at times.
The Smudges are a nicely original touch of magic, the kind we wish could be real! We learn progressively how they work through Wick's eyes, who is discovering this new side of himself, having to rethink who he is, where he belongs and what he wants to do with his life. Gully and the Captain are both effective as supporting characters, each with some endearing flaws that make the growing friendship between the three of them very sweet and relatable.
Definitely on the cozy side of fantasy, the perils are never overwhelmingly threatening, and there is a gentleness permeating the story that makes it suitable for even young tween readers, while still holding its own for older readers like me. And the author manages to maintain that cozy tone without it becoming "saccharine".
Also worth noting that the text I received was properly spell-checked/edited and formatted, which is unfortunately not always a given nowadays.
All that to say that I'm rather looking forward to read about the next tome of the Wandering Barge adventures!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I highly recommend this book. Great storytelling, plot and characters. 5*
It's a slow start as the author introduces the characters and sets the stage, once that is done it starts to become a page turner. New characters are introduced throughout the story keeping the readers' interest. The characters become more and more interesting as the story continues, most of them are lovable but of course there are some villians and they are detestable, particularly Wick's father. This story is for ages 12 and up. There is so much to love about this book especially all the magical characters Wick and his new family encounter. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. I am an ARC reader and this is my honest review.
Read on 10/02-03/26.
It's a slow start as the author introduces the characters and sets the stage, once that is done it starts to become a page turner. New characters are introduced throughout the story keeping the readers' interest. The characters become more and more interesting as the story continues, most of them are lovable but of course there are some villians and they are detestable, particularly Wick's father. This story is for ages 12 and up. There is so much to love about this book especially all the magical characters Wick and his new family encounter. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. I am an ARC reader and this is my honest review.
Read on 10/02-03/26.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book. It's a cozy fantasy. The cast of characters were enjoyable (becoming a found family). I couldn't wait to see how they grew with the story. The magical creatures were original and varied nicely throughout the story so that you would come across new varieties as the story went on that were appropriate for what the situation was. There were some page turning mysteries regarding how issues that arose for Wick or his friends (found family) and family would be solved.
September 10, 2026
If you’re looking for a cosy, low stakes, found family adventure that makes you yearn for apple jam and tea, this is the book for you!
The story follows Wick, who has been working himself into the ground in order to pay for his father’s gambling debts until he has finally had enough. Wick leaves, finding himself joining an eclectic group of characters on a magical barge who are on a quest across the country, and he starts to learn more about his own magical abilities along the way.
I found this to be a soft, meandering, enjoyable story about finding your people and your purpose. It was lovely 🥰
Thank you to booksirens and the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Wick, who has been working himself into the ground in order to pay for his father’s gambling debts until he has finally had enough. Wick leaves, finding himself joining an eclectic group of characters on a magical barge who are on a quest across the country, and he starts to learn more about his own magical abilities along the way.
I found this to be a soft, meandering, enjoyable story about finding your people and your purpose. It was lovely 🥰
Thank you to booksirens and the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book tells the story of a young man who leaves his family's laundry business behind to start a new life. Along the way, he discovers that he's a Hearth (someone who attracts magical creatures) and meets Ember, a little flame-like being. As Wick travels with the unusual crew, he gets caught up in magical mysteries and tries to help the barge's captain, whose identity and soul are mysteriously falling apart.
I like how we get to see Wick stepping out of his comfort zone and discovering a whole new world. The mix of magic, adventure, and unusual characters makes the story sound really interesting, and Ember was such a cute addition! I also like that the story seems to be about more than just magic, because it explores finding your place in the world and connecting with others.
Overall, it was a cozy and entertaining fantasy read. I think it would be perfect for someone who enjoys magical adventures without everything being too dark or serious. I like stories that make you feel connected to the characters, and this one was a fun escape from everyday life.
Book source: ARC from BookSirens
I like how we get to see Wick stepping out of his comfort zone and discovering a whole new world. The mix of magic, adventure, and unusual characters makes the story sound really interesting, and Ember was such a cute addition! I also like that the story seems to be about more than just magic, because it explores finding your place in the world and connecting with others.
Overall, it was a cozy and entertaining fantasy read. I think it would be perfect for someone who enjoys magical adventures without everything being too dark or serious. I like stories that make you feel connected to the characters, and this one was a fun escape from everyday life.
Book source: ARC from BookSirens
Review of advance copy
I am a fast reader who usually devours books in a single day, but I intentionally took my time to slowly savor this one. It wasn't because it was a difficult read—quite the opposite! The story is completely delightful and immersive. J.R. Casta does an incredible job of pulling you headfirst into this world. You can’t help but become deeply attached to the characters, smiling through their joys and feeling your heart ache during their mishaps.
The book captures the beautiful, mundane details of everyday life in a way that feels incredibly warm, whimsical, and comforting. Beyond that, it features a wonderful journey of self-awareness that inspires personal growth not just for the characters, but for the reader as well.
The story flows beautifully without relying on cheap or sensationalist drama, yet it is never boring. It is a truly captivating experience, and I absolutely cannot wait to continue following Wick's adventures in Calandis!
The book captures the beautiful, mundane details of everyday life in a way that feels incredibly warm, whimsical, and comforting. Beyond that, it features a wonderful journey of self-awareness that inspires personal growth not just for the characters, but for the reader as well.
The story flows beautifully without relying on cheap or sensationalist drama, yet it is never boring. It is a truly captivating experience, and I absolutely cannot wait to continue following Wick's adventures in Calandis!
October 4, 2026
I am leaving an honest review after receiving an advanced reader copy.
I was surprised to find that this is an incredibly well written and novel. From the beginning, I was eager to follow Wick’s story and was enchanted by the characters of Gully and the Captain. The trio really carries the story.
The author promises and delivers a cozy, safe experience for readers with believable challenges and meaningful encounters with his siblings that made me ready to find out what happens next.
The Smudges and the world are vivid and unique. I can’t wait to see that expand in future books.
I can tell the author derived a great deal of inspiration from Diana Wynne Jones, but with unique twists and features from hybrid trees, funny pirates, and a world bursting with songbirds and Smudges and unique towns and cities.
All said, it’s certainly a well done cozy fantasy.
I was surprised to find that this is an incredibly well written and novel. From the beginning, I was eager to follow Wick’s story and was enchanted by the characters of Gully and the Captain. The trio really carries the story.
The author promises and delivers a cozy, safe experience for readers with believable challenges and meaningful encounters with his siblings that made me ready to find out what happens next.
The Smudges and the world are vivid and unique. I can’t wait to see that expand in future books.
I can tell the author derived a great deal of inspiration from Diana Wynne Jones, but with unique twists and features from hybrid trees, funny pirates, and a world bursting with songbirds and Smudges and unique towns and cities.
All said, it’s certainly a well done cozy fantasy.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did like this story. It was as I expected by the blub...it was a cozy fantasy with a sea going adventure narrative going, Snickers the ship is named "the Moderate Success" hehe. It was nice to include themes of found family based on...I am telling you the ending other then it was satisfying.
I did like this story. It was as I expected by the blub...it was a cozy fantasy with a sea going adventure narrative going, Snickers the ship is named "the Moderate Success" hehe. It was nice to include themes of found family based on...I am telling you the ending other then it was satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews