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The Book of Maladies #1
Wasting
In the city of Verdholm, canals separate the highborns in the center sections of the city from the lowborns along the outer sections. The city is isolated, surrounded by a deadly swamp and steam fields which should protect the people of the city from the dangerous outside world. Until it doesn't. For Sam, an orphaned thief who wants only to protect her brother, protection means stealing enough so she can one day buy her way into a better section. She's a skilled thief, and when she's offered a job that can change everything for her, what choice does she have but to take it? Alec is an apothecary who longed to join the prestigious university and become a physicker, but they rarely accept students from the merchant class, and he's now too old to enroll. The surprising discovery of strange magic can change his fortunes, but only if he can fully understand it. When the natural protection of the city fails and her brother is thrown into danger, Sam must become more than a thief to save him, but she can't do so by herself. Somehow, she and Alec are linked through an ancient magic and together they might be the only ones able to stop an attack that threatens to disrupt the balance within the city and bring the dangers of the outside world to them.
342 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
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474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 2, 2018
This was the third book I read for SPFBO4 (self-published fantasy blog off 2018) and I have to say I actually found this to be a light, fun and fairly original read. It follows two main characters, a thief and a healer, and we see how their lives collide when a mysterious scrap of paper sparks a Kingdom into disarray.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, I knew the author had quite a few published books, but I wasn’t sure if the style would be too stereotypical when I started it and found it was about a thief who stole to protect her brother. However, although it definitely does start out as a fairly standard, it felt familiar in a way that I knew it would probably be fun. Luckily, as the story unfolded, I found myself drawn in more and more and I ultimately managed to read the whole thing in one sitting over the course of just a few hours!
This is the story of Sam and Alec. Sam is the thief, who steals only so she can look after her younger brother Tray. She’s good at what she does, really good, and so she has attracted the attention of two of the most powerful lowborn who frequently send her on jobs.
One day, Marin, comes to Sam with a job, the sort of job that will free her from the lowborn life and make her life something better. Sam is of course attracted to the proposition and agrees to go and steal an item from a noble family but she doesn’t know what the item is, or what it’s really worth.
Alec is a young man who specialises in healing. He and his father run an apothecary where they sell and give out cures to the locals for whatever people can pay. They care about doing good and helping others, not the profit of their wares, and Alec is a genuine and loving young man.
Alec and Sam meet not too far into the book when Alec has to help the injured Sam. From then on their paths and fates are sealed and it seems that they cannot escape a plot much bigger than the two of them, and a war which has been ongoing for generations.
What I like about this was the characters, the fast pace, and the idead that the heart of the story is all to do with magic paper. I think this is quite an extraordinary thing to write a book about, and yet this one really works and it remains light, fun and enjoyable throughout.
I wouldn’t say it’s the best book I’ve read, but it’s definitely got that feel-good factor I like to have when I read a shorter fantasy book. There’s a lot to like here, and a whole potential world to unlock with the rest of the series, so for a start to the story it really worked.
I ended up giving it a 3.75*s overall which equates to 7.5/10 for SPFBO purposes, and I am very pleased to recommend this one. I may even go on to get the rest in the series, as I am intrigued about where it may go next!
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, I knew the author had quite a few published books, but I wasn’t sure if the style would be too stereotypical when I started it and found it was about a thief who stole to protect her brother. However, although it definitely does start out as a fairly standard, it felt familiar in a way that I knew it would probably be fun. Luckily, as the story unfolded, I found myself drawn in more and more and I ultimately managed to read the whole thing in one sitting over the course of just a few hours!
This is the story of Sam and Alec. Sam is the thief, who steals only so she can look after her younger brother Tray. She’s good at what she does, really good, and so she has attracted the attention of two of the most powerful lowborn who frequently send her on jobs.
One day, Marin, comes to Sam with a job, the sort of job that will free her from the lowborn life and make her life something better. Sam is of course attracted to the proposition and agrees to go and steal an item from a noble family but she doesn’t know what the item is, or what it’s really worth.
Alec is a young man who specialises in healing. He and his father run an apothecary where they sell and give out cures to the locals for whatever people can pay. They care about doing good and helping others, not the profit of their wares, and Alec is a genuine and loving young man.
Alec and Sam meet not too far into the book when Alec has to help the injured Sam. From then on their paths and fates are sealed and it seems that they cannot escape a plot much bigger than the two of them, and a war which has been ongoing for generations.
What I like about this was the characters, the fast pace, and the idead that the heart of the story is all to do with magic paper. I think this is quite an extraordinary thing to write a book about, and yet this one really works and it remains light, fun and enjoyable throughout.
I wouldn’t say it’s the best book I’ve read, but it’s definitely got that feel-good factor I like to have when I read a shorter fantasy book. There’s a lot to like here, and a whole potential world to unlock with the rest of the series, so for a start to the story it really worked.
I ended up giving it a 3.75*s overall which equates to 7.5/10 for SPFBO purposes, and I am very pleased to recommend this one. I may even go on to get the rest in the series, as I am intrigued about where it may go next!
September 18, 2018
A silly, uninspiring and confusing fantasy
This is a story about a young girl (but we're not sure how young) who has skills and maybe powers (but we don't know what they are) who is an orphan (but we're not sure when or how she lost her parents) who is poor (but she seems to do alright for herself) who has a younger brother (but he gets captured at the beginning of the story and we learn nothing more of his history) who is a good thief (but we're not sure if she is a 'bad' thief) who is cared for by a selfish, Fagan-esque local crime boss (but we're not sure if he is really selfish, local, a criminal, or a boss) and a mysterious second crime boss (about whom we know almost nothing) who seems distraught about her circumstances (except when she isn't) who gets too deeply involved in a plot that she doesn't understand (nor do we) who blindly, foolishly and ultimately unsuccessfully struggles to free her brother (several times) and gets herself captured and almost killed (several times) who then escapes in ridiculously convenient ways (several times) who is supported by an equally inconsistent second protagonist (about whom we know even less) who spends most of her time hand-wringing about what she should do or trying to heal from the many wounds she receives on her rediculous exploits. (Whew! That was a long sentence.)
The plot is unknown or obscure. There are hints that there is a larger story, but we're not privy to the details. It is hard to tell what the sides are, let alone who is on what side. The magic system is a) unexplained, b) obscure, c) incomprehensible d) inconsistent or e) all of the above. There are many distracting editing errors.
I can't recommend this book.
This is a story about a young girl (but we're not sure how young) who has skills and maybe powers (but we don't know what they are) who is an orphan (but we're not sure when or how she lost her parents) who is poor (but she seems to do alright for herself) who has a younger brother (but he gets captured at the beginning of the story and we learn nothing more of his history) who is a good thief (but we're not sure if she is a 'bad' thief) who is cared for by a selfish, Fagan-esque local crime boss (but we're not sure if he is really selfish, local, a criminal, or a boss) and a mysterious second crime boss (about whom we know almost nothing) who seems distraught about her circumstances (except when she isn't) who gets too deeply involved in a plot that she doesn't understand (nor do we) who blindly, foolishly and ultimately unsuccessfully struggles to free her brother (several times) and gets herself captured and almost killed (several times) who then escapes in ridiculously convenient ways (several times) who is supported by an equally inconsistent second protagonist (about whom we know even less) who spends most of her time hand-wringing about what she should do or trying to heal from the many wounds she receives on her rediculous exploits. (Whew! That was a long sentence.)
The plot is unknown or obscure. There are hints that there is a larger story, but we're not privy to the details. It is hard to tell what the sides are, let alone who is on what side. The magic system is a) unexplained, b) obscure, c) incomprehensible d) inconsistent or e) all of the above. There are many distracting editing errors.
I can't recommend this book.
June 13, 2018
A very YA book. If I'd known it was YA, I would not have read it. The characters and plot are driven by ignorance, yes, that's right, ignorance. The main character is supposed to be a very talented thief, although her talents are more told than shown (another mistake). She is told to steal something from a certain table in a certain room in a certain house...but she is not told what she is stealing. She is not told what it looks like, or what it is. Really????????? The whole book is this way. Very disappointing. Surprised this book has gotten so many good reviews.
February 11, 2023
I obtained 3 books boxed set for free obtained for from Amazon on February 9, 2023. An Interesting magical world in conflict using magic to wage a war and many assassination/murder attempts.
October 21, 2018
Not bad. Lovable characters and interesting twists. The plot moves really fast but there is not really any explanations until the end. I wasn't really that impressed.
May 15, 2020
This truly is a book of maladies. 🙄🙄
Got to 53% and couldn’t finish. When I started skipping 4-5 kindle pages at a time, I knew I had to just throw in the towel.
There is literally SO. MUCH. DESCRIPTION. PAGES AND PAGES and it’s not even important! It doesn’t further the story! Yes, there are canals she needs to jump. Yes, there may or may not be eels in the water. Yes, she likes it better when her brother is with her. Yes, she’s always done what she does (steal/thieve) to take care of her brother. Blah. Blah. Blah.
If you get halfway through a book and you still can’t fully wrap your mind wrapped around the premise of the book or series, it’s time to quit WASTING (Did you see what I did there? 😏) your time and try something else.
Got to 53% and couldn’t finish. When I started skipping 4-5 kindle pages at a time, I knew I had to just throw in the towel.
There is literally SO. MUCH. DESCRIPTION. PAGES AND PAGES and it’s not even important! It doesn’t further the story! Yes, there are canals she needs to jump. Yes, there may or may not be eels in the water. Yes, she likes it better when her brother is with her. Yes, she’s always done what she does (steal/thieve) to take care of her brother. Blah. Blah. Blah.
If you get halfway through a book and you still can’t fully wrap your mind wrapped around the premise of the book or series, it’s time to quit WASTING (Did you see what I did there? 😏) your time and try something else.
April 15, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has lots of action, mystery, potential magic, good character development, nice world building and more. I found myself rooting for Sam and her success in her adventures but she has much to learn which I’m expecting she will in the next book. Lots of perplexing situations which some were solved but of course some yet to be resolved. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series and highly recommend this to all those urban and epic fantasy lovers everywhere.
August 15, 2018
Sam is a thief
And when she was hired to steal something for Marin, her brother,Tray, who was her lookout was captured and thrown in prison. To get him out she has to return to the scene of her crime and in doing so is severely wounded. During her escape she meets Alec, an apothecary who miraculously heals her, unbeknownst to them by writing notes on the paper Sam had stolen. Still trying to get her brother out of prison, Sam gets herself, and Alec further into the secret of the mysterious paper.
And when she was hired to steal something for Marin, her brother,Tray, who was her lookout was captured and thrown in prison. To get him out she has to return to the scene of her crime and in doing so is severely wounded. During her escape she meets Alec, an apothecary who miraculously heals her, unbeknownst to them by writing notes on the paper Sam had stolen. Still trying to get her brother out of prison, Sam gets herself, and Alec further into the secret of the mysterious paper.
February 14, 2018
Wasting: The Book of Maladies Review
Dear D. K. , this book is very interesting in many ways with exceptional characters. It was a fun book to read but very confusing as the mysterious talents of the main characters were being determined. Looking forward to discovering the mystery in book two. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment.
Dear D. K. , this book is very interesting in many ways with exceptional characters. It was a fun book to read but very confusing as the mysterious talents of the main characters were being determined. Looking forward to discovering the mystery in book two. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment.
March 16, 2018
Interesting book. Great magic system. Liked the way the story built up. Characters were worth getting to know and likeable.
Two tiny peeves: One 4-letter word (why?) while the rest of the book Is clean. Also, two characters viewpoints are used at one point, which made following the action a bit difficult in that section.
Will be trying Book #2 in this series.
Two tiny peeves: One 4-letter word (why?) while the rest of the book Is clean. Also, two characters viewpoints are used at one point, which made following the action a bit difficult in that section.
Will be trying Book #2 in this series.
May 22, 2021
This is without a doubt one of the worst written stories I have come across in some time.
The sense of mystery is never properly conveyed. The secret backgrounds meant to draw you in are badly hinted at. The character choices are just ridiculous. The actions are forced. This is just one unbelievable bit of nonsense following another over and over again. The whole idea needs to be a scrapped and just start over fresh.
The sense of mystery is never properly conveyed. The secret backgrounds meant to draw you in are badly hinted at. The character choices are just ridiculous. The actions are forced. This is just one unbelievable bit of nonsense following another over and over again. The whole idea needs to be a scrapped and just start over fresh.
April 22, 2018
This story starts with one of the main characters getting into trouble right away. Sam is a thief and she is just trying to survive. She then meets a young man who saves her life. Before they know it they end up having to work together. You'll fall for the characters and story. this will keep you reading until the end and you'll want more. Great Reading Everyone!
March 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
So I downloaded this book and I totally forgot the author. So this was a bit of a blind read. The story flowed very well with a few twists. I enjoyed the characters and the coming from nothing hidden secrets.
Now that I have finished I see who the author is and I’m like duh, I have read all his other works. Nice job D. K.
So I downloaded this book and I totally forgot the author. So this was a bit of a blind read. The story flowed very well with a few twists. I enjoyed the characters and the coming from nothing hidden secrets.
Now that I have finished I see who the author is and I’m like duh, I have read all his other works. Nice job D. K.
February 22, 2018
Not a bad read, a little slow getting going. Character development is lacking compared to previous books by author. Hoping as series continues that the back stories and character history is better defined.
April 22, 2018
Because.....just because.
I consider Mr Holmbergs authorship worth reading worth the time and trouble. Well, there was No trouble reading. Immediately into the plot, and no disappointment involved. Always a good author.
I consider Mr Holmbergs authorship worth reading worth the time and trouble. Well, there was No trouble reading. Immediately into the plot, and no disappointment involved. Always a good author.
September 6, 2018
Wasting : The Book of Maladies
The story of San and Alec. Sam is a thief and Alex is a apothecary. Together they may save the princess of they can save themself. It took about 20 chapters before the story for good.
The story of San and Alec. Sam is a thief and Alex is a apothecary. Together they may save the princess of they can save themself. It took about 20 chapters before the story for good.
October 20, 2018
I have to admit to enjoying this more than I thought. In this story we follow the lead character Sam as she sets in motion an unintended series of events. Along the way she discovers new things about herself and those around her. Absolutely worth a read if you are a fan of the fantasy genre.
July 9, 2019
Bloomberg does it again.
As I have enjoyed other books by D.K. Bloomberg I thought I would try this book of maladies series. I was not disappointed. The characters and plot have left me looking for more, so I will eagerly more e on to book 2.
As I have enjoyed other books by D.K. Bloomberg I thought I would try this book of maladies series. I was not disappointed. The characters and plot have left me looking for more, so I will eagerly more e on to book 2.
December 20, 2023
Great Fantasy
When Holmberg is on his game there's no one better at Fantasy story telling. His plotting, characterization, & world building are smooth & keep you happily reading. His books have that certain something that marks a master story teller. Well done D. K.
When Holmberg is on his game there's no one better at Fantasy story telling. His plotting, characterization, & world building are smooth & keep you happily reading. His books have that certain something that marks a master story teller. Well done D. K.
February 8, 2018
Very much a page turner although the character seems to be based off of cliches from side characters in more well known books.
February 27, 2018
Wow!
Ever a dull moment when reading your books. An exciting story that kept me guessing and up most of the night
Ever a dull moment when reading your books. An exciting story that kept me guessing and up most of the night
April 8, 2018
A decent start to this series which is let down by being a bit sanitised and safe, however, the general idea is a good one so I will be interested to see how the story progresses in book 2.
April 9, 2018
Couldn’t put the book down!!
May 12, 2018
It was cool
It has an interesting story line just wish we could have a big more detail about the history of the world and same background
It has an interesting story line just wish we could have a big more detail about the history of the world and same background
June 10, 2018
Great Book
Great Book I read this book and it was great and powerful
Thank You For Letting Me Read This Book
Great Book I read this book and it was great and powerful
Thank You For Letting Me Read This Book
July 8, 2018
So not a bad read but felt it was missing something. Maybe I just wasnt in the mood for this kind of book at the time.
September 7, 2018
Interesribg
Interesting story but not enough answers by th and too many quest up nd left unanswered but you have to keep buying boojs
Interesting story but not enough answers by th and too many quest up nd left unanswered but you have to keep buying boojs
October 30, 2018
I was lucky enough to have gotten a free audio book from the author. Great book wild adventure.
February 27, 2020
Dnf. This meandered around and had no appeal.
August 23, 2020
This book was fine - I'm struggling to care about the story and characters, but lets see where things go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews