What do you think?
Rate this book
The Windmaster Novels #1
Windmaster
Despite his insolent attitude, Ellspeth, captain of the Sea Falcon, is attracted to the dark-haired worker she hires to help unload the vessel's cargo When the supposed dockhand reveals he is Lord Dal, the last member of the Council of Wizards, and her passenger, Ellspeth breaks a cardinal rule—fraternizing with the paying customers. Bringing Dal back from near-death releases Ellspeth's latent powers and threatens her captaincy. For to have magic she must give up the sea.
In accordance with an ancient prophecy, Dal allows Ellspeth to be handfasted to him without her knowledge or consent. However, the prophecy doesn't state whether she will return his love. A likelihood threatened as the deception is unveiled and they are hunted by fanatical clerics bent on ridding the world of magic and those who wield it.
Trapped within the Oracle's Temple and marked for sacrifice, Ellspeth is forced to choose between survival, saving the future of magic...or love.
In accordance with an ancient prophecy, Dal allows Ellspeth to be handfasted to him without her knowledge or consent. However, the prophecy doesn't state whether she will return his love. A likelihood threatened as the deception is unveiled and they are hunted by fanatical clerics bent on ridding the world of magic and those who wield it.
Trapped within the Oracle's Temple and marked for sacrifice, Ellspeth is forced to choose between survival, saving the future of magic...or love.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2011
57 people want to read
About the author
Helen B. Henderson
24 books20 followersAlthough I wrote fiction for myself as long as I can remember, and been a professional writer for many years, pursuing publication for my fiction is a more recent endeavor. As a person, I have tried to find a balance between my typical Gemini characteristics. My heritage is also a reflection of contrasts -- the descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer. I grew up knowing the simple life on a farm, yet my professional career was designing computers.
This dichotomy shows in my writing which crosses genres. Fantasy and science fiction is written to the lilting tunes of Celtic harp and flute. While the Ashokan Farewell calls forth the muse for historical adventures and westerns.
My published non-fiction in regional and national publications covers antiques, travel, history, and several articles on battlefield archeology (yes, I do know the subject and have participated in digs using both traditional screen and trowel methods and the new-fangled metal detectors). I'm also proud of my local histories, "Matawan and Aberdeen - Of Town and Field" and "Around Matawan & Aberdeen," both published under the Arcadia Press imprint. The most-recent book, "From the Back Street to Main Street - A Chronicle of the Methodist Community of Middletown Point" celebrated 180 years of a local organization.
Join me as we journey among the stars, to the past both near and far, or to worlds of imagination. I love to hear from readers so feel free to use the buttons below.
This dichotomy shows in my writing which crosses genres. Fantasy and science fiction is written to the lilting tunes of Celtic harp and flute. While the Ashokan Farewell calls forth the muse for historical adventures and westerns.
My published non-fiction in regional and national publications covers antiques, travel, history, and several articles on battlefield archeology (yes, I do know the subject and have participated in digs using both traditional screen and trowel methods and the new-fangled metal detectors). I'm also proud of my local histories, "Matawan and Aberdeen - Of Town and Field" and "Around Matawan & Aberdeen," both published under the Arcadia Press imprint. The most-recent book, "From the Back Street to Main Street - A Chronicle of the Methodist Community of Middletown Point" celebrated 180 years of a local organization.
Join me as we journey among the stars, to the past both near and far, or to worlds of imagination. I love to hear from readers so feel free to use the buttons below.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 13, 2024
A magical fantasy. Good little read. I definitely recommend it
February 9, 2019
Windmaster by Helen B. Henderson
Ellspeth has sea water in her veins. She has always dreamed of captaining her own ship, which she has accomplished, and has the loyalty and respect of her crew. It’s long been known that magic and deep water don’t mix, and that fact is proven when Lord Dal, the last member of the Council of Wizards, and two healer mage’s are passengers on the Sea Falcon when a magical storm engulfs the ship. Lord Dal is gravely injured using his powers to protect the vessel, and it’s all the healing mage’s can do to keep him alive. Little does Ellspeth realize her latent ability for mage power has awakened, and she is able to pull Dal back from the brink of death with her touch and speaking to him.
This is an exciting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page. There is an evil mage, with his conspiring evil clerics, human sacrifices, and swashbuckling sword fights. As well as serious soul searching, contemplation, emotional turmoil, and a budding romance. All woven into a quest for hidden wizarding artifacts to fulfill an ancient prophecy to save the wizarding world.
The characters are well thought out and fully developed. I found it easy to become fully immersed in their world of challenges. The scenery puts the reader on the deck of a ship looking out over calm or raging sea, experiencing the adventures of crossing the craggy cliffs, beautiful meadows, or forested lands. The plot twists and turns in clever ways. The dialogue is natural and believable. I can’t think of one thing I didn’t enjoy about “Windmaster.” I would highly recommend to readers who enjoy adventures by land and sea, swashbuckling quests, and magic.
FYI: “Windmaster” is book one in the WINDMASTER NOVELS. Young Adult appropriate. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** January 14, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.
Ellspeth has sea water in her veins. She has always dreamed of captaining her own ship, which she has accomplished, and has the loyalty and respect of her crew. It’s long been known that magic and deep water don’t mix, and that fact is proven when Lord Dal, the last member of the Council of Wizards, and two healer mage’s are passengers on the Sea Falcon when a magical storm engulfs the ship. Lord Dal is gravely injured using his powers to protect the vessel, and it’s all the healing mage’s can do to keep him alive. Little does Ellspeth realize her latent ability for mage power has awakened, and she is able to pull Dal back from the brink of death with her touch and speaking to him.
This is an exciting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page. There is an evil mage, with his conspiring evil clerics, human sacrifices, and swashbuckling sword fights. As well as serious soul searching, contemplation, emotional turmoil, and a budding romance. All woven into a quest for hidden wizarding artifacts to fulfill an ancient prophecy to save the wizarding world.
The characters are well thought out and fully developed. I found it easy to become fully immersed in their world of challenges. The scenery puts the reader on the deck of a ship looking out over calm or raging sea, experiencing the adventures of crossing the craggy cliffs, beautiful meadows, or forested lands. The plot twists and turns in clever ways. The dialogue is natural and believable. I can’t think of one thing I didn’t enjoy about “Windmaster.” I would highly recommend to readers who enjoy adventures by land and sea, swashbuckling quests, and magic.
FYI: “Windmaster” is book one in the WINDMASTER NOVELS. Young Adult appropriate. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** January 14, 2019
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.
January 30, 2012
I love to read the fantasies of this author. Her books are well written with the characters showing a wide range of emotion that brings them to life.
September 12, 2012
Ellspeth, a sea captain, and Dal, the archmage, battle the evil forces that threaten to take over their homeland. This fantasy is action packed with a strong female protoganist.
Read
January 23, 2017Heard on the Streets --
Magical Story! You are hereby warned: this fascinating story will keep you up all night, turning those pages! L.F.
An intriguing fantasy that kept me riveted from the first page. J.W.
Magical Story! You are hereby warned: this fascinating story will keep you up all night, turning those pages! L.F.
An intriguing fantasy that kept me riveted from the first page. J.W.
October 26, 2018
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by Helen B. Henderson
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I simply love the sea, ships, the wind, magic…And new authors…
To me, Ms. Henderson is a new author and one that I totally enjoyed. She as a way with pulling the reader into her story and making them feel like they are living the adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and cannot wait to go on the next one.
Capt. Elispeth is captain of the Sea Falcon. She hires on some men to help with her cargo. This is when she meets Dal whom she later finds out is the last of the council of wizards. He ends up nearly dying which in turn unleashes Elispeths powers which may end up changing things for her if she is found out. I loved the strength in which Elispeth drew upon to survive. She was a strong woman. Dal needs her help…The journey he wants her to be a part of is to thwart evil. It is dangerous but will be filled with plenty of action.
For me both Elispath and Dal are very endearing characters that each helped in drawing me into the story and making it come alive. They each were written with emotions that made them real. They made me care about them, their quest, their lives. Ms. Henderson wrote them with warmth and life.
I also love the vividness of the way Ms. Henderson described things. I felt the ocean as it bounced the ship as the waves rocked it up and down the swells of the waves. I felt as if I were on that ship. I was able to feel the spray of the water as it spewed the salt water onto my face. I could almost taste the saltiness of the water. I could smell the air, the waves … I was ready to book a flight and go to the ocean.
Overall I enjoyed the magic that was within this special story that took me on a special journey. To me it was real. If I didn’t know that there was another story on the horizon I would have been upset that this wasn’t long enough. It was sad as I had to say good bye to my journey. But, I look forward to the next one that Ms. Henderson brings to me.
I also love the idea of a new to me author. I know that you will enjoy this well written story as it comes alive for you.
Book provided by Helen B. Henderson
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I simply love the sea, ships, the wind, magic…And new authors…
To me, Ms. Henderson is a new author and one that I totally enjoyed. She as a way with pulling the reader into her story and making them feel like they are living the adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and cannot wait to go on the next one.
Capt. Elispeth is captain of the Sea Falcon. She hires on some men to help with her cargo. This is when she meets Dal whom she later finds out is the last of the council of wizards. He ends up nearly dying which in turn unleashes Elispeths powers which may end up changing things for her if she is found out. I loved the strength in which Elispeth drew upon to survive. She was a strong woman. Dal needs her help…The journey he wants her to be a part of is to thwart evil. It is dangerous but will be filled with plenty of action.
For me both Elispath and Dal are very endearing characters that each helped in drawing me into the story and making it come alive. They each were written with emotions that made them real. They made me care about them, their quest, their lives. Ms. Henderson wrote them with warmth and life.
I also love the vividness of the way Ms. Henderson described things. I felt the ocean as it bounced the ship as the waves rocked it up and down the swells of the waves. I felt as if I were on that ship. I was able to feel the spray of the water as it spewed the salt water onto my face. I could almost taste the saltiness of the water. I could smell the air, the waves … I was ready to book a flight and go to the ocean.
Overall I enjoyed the magic that was within this special story that took me on a special journey. To me it was real. If I didn’t know that there was another story on the horizon I would have been upset that this wasn’t long enough. It was sad as I had to say good bye to my journey. But, I look forward to the next one that Ms. Henderson brings to me.
I also love the idea of a new to me author. I know that you will enjoy this well written story as it comes alive for you.
January 5, 2017
No one writes with more passion and clarity than Helen B. Henderson. One can feel the heave of the sea under a deep keel, see the billowing sails as they reach out gather the wind, hear the creak of masts and booms straining as they propel Sea Falcon to her destination, and smell the brine on the breeze. Magic fills the air, danger and treachery threaten from all sides as Captain Ellspeth of the Sea Falcon, and Lord Dal, of the Council of Wizards struggle for strength against the pressures determined to keep them apart.
February 7, 2017
This beautifully crafted novel is filled with fascinating characters, both two- and four-legged, both magical and worldly, as a woman must choose which realm holds her future, and a man is forced to bury his love for her in order to protect her from evil.
The scruffy dock-hand Captain Ellspeth of Sea Falcon hires to help unload her vessel’s cargo, turns out to be Lord Dal, a mage, soon to be her passenger. When he must use his magic to save the ship, he nearly dies. In her desire to save the handsome and intriguing mage, Ellspeth soon finds her own, untapped and hitherto unsuspected powers struggling to surface. Try as she might to suppress them, they are alive and a great threat to the captaincy she’s spent much of her life striving to attain, for as everyone in her world knows, ships, the sea, and magic are a bad mix. Will she have to give up one to retain the other?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews