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The Mapweaver Chronicles #1
Windswept
"Somewhere to the north, something terrible was happening. In the same way that he could smell the snow, and the same way he knew when the caravan would arrive, he could feel something in the air. A fire, in some town a day or so away. And there was a hint of fear in the air, the wild panic of a trapped animal before the slaughter."
The wind has always spoken to Fox, but it was just instinct, wasn't it? Not a god's Blessing ... not magic. But his powers are growing, and soon, he cannot ignore it anymore: he has a gift. And he is the only one. Why the gods chose to make his homeland magically barren generations ago, he doesn't know. Why he's been chosen now is an even greater mystery. Now, he must learn to control his mysterious Blessing, before it controls him. Or worse.
The wind has always spoken to Fox, but it was just instinct, wasn't it? Not a god's Blessing ... not magic. But his powers are growing, and soon, he cannot ignore it anymore: he has a gift. And he is the only one. Why the gods chose to make his homeland magically barren generations ago, he doesn't know. Why he's been chosen now is an even greater mystery. Now, he must learn to control his mysterious Blessing, before it controls him. Or worse.
750 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
186 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlin Bellamy
15 books98 followersKaitlin is, in all aspects of her life, a storyteller. Whether she is performing on stage in her day job as an actor, narrating audiobooks from her home studio, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with her closest friends, she loves nothing more than a grand fantasy adventure. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida.
To keep up with all her adventures, feel free to join Kaitlin on any one of her social media platforms, or her website.
Facebook.com/KaitlinBellamyOfficial
Twitter.com/KaitlinBellamy
Instagram.com/Executive.Geek
www.KaitlinBellamy.com
To keep up with all her adventures, feel free to join Kaitlin on any one of her social media platforms, or her website.
Facebook.com/KaitlinBellamyOfficial
Twitter.com/KaitlinBellamy
Instagram.com/Executive.Geek
www.KaitlinBellamy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 24, 2018
Read it on your day off. You won't want to put it down until you're done!
The characters truly came to life. I only put it down when i absolutely had to. And i can't wait for the next book. I like how the magic is woven into everyday things. It's not huge grand things, it just makes life better.
The characters truly came to life. I only put it down when i absolutely had to. And i can't wait for the next book. I like how the magic is woven into everyday things. It's not huge grand things, it just makes life better.
May 7, 2019
There is something special about this book - in it, there is a simple beauty that showcases what brilliant writing and story looks like. It has a sense that by reading the words, you are somehow bringing this world to life and breathing awareness into the characters.
It is in the tiny details where the depth of the story and world blooms into something magnificent.
It is not epic in the way some fantasy is - it is constrained and to the point, wholly interested in only a small part of the wider world. Yet it feels like something that could spread its wings and soar above many epic tales with how detailed and alive the world is.
Reading this book was peaceful. Nourishing. As if the core of my very being said: yes, this is what I need.
It is one of the better books I have ever read, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
It is in the tiny details where the depth of the story and world blooms into something magnificent.
It is not epic in the way some fantasy is - it is constrained and to the point, wholly interested in only a small part of the wider world. Yet it feels like something that could spread its wings and soar above many epic tales with how detailed and alive the world is.
Reading this book was peaceful. Nourishing. As if the core of my very being said: yes, this is what I need.
It is one of the better books I have ever read, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
April 10, 2019
I’m not sure how I stumbled upon Windswept by Kaitlin Bellamy. Maybe someone mentioned it on a forum or Twitter. Maybe I happened to see it on Amazon somehow. Regardless, I’m very glad I happened upon it. This is a wonderful coming of age story with unique magic and engaging, believable characters. In other words, it’s very much my kind of fantasy.
The story follows Fox, a young trapper and trader-in-training. He lives in a village in a country cursed by the gods. Long winters threaten survival, and a complete lack of magic contributes to the difficulty of eeking out an existence. His best friend in his village is Lai, a girl his own age who is the daughter of the local innkeeper. Early on in the novel he also strikes up a friendship with Neil, a member of the mysterious and always roaming Shavid. These relationships are really what make this novel so engaging. Each of the characters are crafted with care. They feel real and authentic. It’s obvious that Bellamy has taken great interest in creating these characters and making them as engaging as possible. I loved the interactions between Fox and Lai, and his friendship with Neil also felt very true to both characters personalities. This is to say nothing of the side characters that populate the world. While they obviously don’t receive the same amount of focus as the main characters, they still feel very much fully realized and authentic. One of the other things that Bellamy has done incredibly well is the arc of her main character, Fox. He grows and learns and changes throughout the novel and part of the fun of reading is seeing how he grows. This is all to say nothing of the magic system, which is among the more unique magics I’ve seen in fantasy. Relying on the wind—and every bit as variable as we often find the wind—it allows hints of what is coming or a view of distant events to those who are sensitive to it. More is revealed throughout the novel which I can’t mention in order to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say that the title of the series (“The Mapweaver Chronicles”) allows us to say that magic system touches on maps and that’s really cool. I loved it.
While I loved many things about this book, two weaknesses kept me from fully falling in love with it. The first is that in the final third of the book I felt like the pacing slowed down a little and made the book feel like it was dragging. It actually wasn’t, but it felt like it. This was frustrating, since it came during a point when I expected things to ramp up a bit. But the larger issue for me was that the novel had various continuity issues throughout. Most of these were small. For instance, at one point the spring thaw has come and the land is in the midst of something called the “mudlock” which is described as a time when it’s difficult to travel because of all the mud. Makes sense. Except that then a group of folks set out with wagons and don’t seem to have any trouble traveling because of the weather. Another example: there is a major snowstorm that drops a couple feet of snow (enough to be described as up to peoples’ thighs). However, two characters are able to traverse this snow more quickly than they had covered the same distance a day or two earlier when there had been no snow. It’s rather amazing that they could traverse it at all, as it’s extremely difficult to wade through thigh-high snow that hasn’t been shoveled or plowed in any way. These serve to illustrate the sort of thing I’m talking about. I really enjoyed the book, but these sorts of small issues did shake me out of the narrative from time to time and that was disappointing.
Windswept is a wonderful coming-of-age tale with excellent characters and a fun and engaging magic system. If you can forgive the small continuity issues here and there it is well worth your time. Check it out today!
8/10
4/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
The story follows Fox, a young trapper and trader-in-training. He lives in a village in a country cursed by the gods. Long winters threaten survival, and a complete lack of magic contributes to the difficulty of eeking out an existence. His best friend in his village is Lai, a girl his own age who is the daughter of the local innkeeper. Early on in the novel he also strikes up a friendship with Neil, a member of the mysterious and always roaming Shavid. These relationships are really what make this novel so engaging. Each of the characters are crafted with care. They feel real and authentic. It’s obvious that Bellamy has taken great interest in creating these characters and making them as engaging as possible. I loved the interactions between Fox and Lai, and his friendship with Neil also felt very true to both characters personalities. This is to say nothing of the side characters that populate the world. While they obviously don’t receive the same amount of focus as the main characters, they still feel very much fully realized and authentic. One of the other things that Bellamy has done incredibly well is the arc of her main character, Fox. He grows and learns and changes throughout the novel and part of the fun of reading is seeing how he grows. This is all to say nothing of the magic system, which is among the more unique magics I’ve seen in fantasy. Relying on the wind—and every bit as variable as we often find the wind—it allows hints of what is coming or a view of distant events to those who are sensitive to it. More is revealed throughout the novel which I can’t mention in order to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say that the title of the series (“The Mapweaver Chronicles”) allows us to say that magic system touches on maps and that’s really cool. I loved it.
While I loved many things about this book, two weaknesses kept me from fully falling in love with it. The first is that in the final third of the book I felt like the pacing slowed down a little and made the book feel like it was dragging. It actually wasn’t, but it felt like it. This was frustrating, since it came during a point when I expected things to ramp up a bit. But the larger issue for me was that the novel had various continuity issues throughout. Most of these were small. For instance, at one point the spring thaw has come and the land is in the midst of something called the “mudlock” which is described as a time when it’s difficult to travel because of all the mud. Makes sense. Except that then a group of folks set out with wagons and don’t seem to have any trouble traveling because of the weather. Another example: there is a major snowstorm that drops a couple feet of snow (enough to be described as up to peoples’ thighs). However, two characters are able to traverse this snow more quickly than they had covered the same distance a day or two earlier when there had been no snow. It’s rather amazing that they could traverse it at all, as it’s extremely difficult to wade through thigh-high snow that hasn’t been shoveled or plowed in any way. These serve to illustrate the sort of thing I’m talking about. I really enjoyed the book, but these sorts of small issues did shake me out of the narrative from time to time and that was disappointing.
Windswept is a wonderful coming-of-age tale with excellent characters and a fun and engaging magic system. If you can forgive the small continuity issues here and there it is well worth your time. Check it out today!
8/10
4/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
September 21, 2018
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time, and the first book I'm actually sitting down to write a review for on Goodreads. That's how much I loved this book and want others to enjoy it.
If you enjoy fantasy, this is the book for you. And if you don't... it's still a great book. Magic, adventure, action... It's got everything you could possibly want. Fox is a well developed main character and the rest of the characters, even if only present for a couple of pages, feel so real. You become invested in these characters like they are your friends.
I didn't want to put this book down. I would have read it straight through if I didn't have to do other things like go to work. This is truly an excellent debut novel by Kaitlin Bellamy, and I can't wait to re-immerse myself in the world when she tells the story herself on Audible. And it will be a hard wait for the second book.
If you enjoy fantasy, this is the book for you. And if you don't... it's still a great book. Magic, adventure, action... It's got everything you could possibly want. Fox is a well developed main character and the rest of the characters, even if only present for a couple of pages, feel so real. You become invested in these characters like they are your friends.
I didn't want to put this book down. I would have read it straight through if I didn't have to do other things like go to work. This is truly an excellent debut novel by Kaitlin Bellamy, and I can't wait to re-immerse myself in the world when she tells the story herself on Audible. And it will be a hard wait for the second book.
October 11, 2018
I'd been feeling disillusioned by books lately and this was exactly what I needed! Very well written and hard to put down! Excellent work! Well worth spending money on. Can't wait for the next book!
August 22, 2018
Okay, I admit it...I'm biased. ;-)
That being said -- Just because I'm biased doesn't mean I'm not right! This book is truly good! Windswept had me from page one. The writing is fluid, the characters are easy to get caught up in, the society is charming, the Shavid...well, I'm pretty sure I myself was meant to be a Shavid, just sayin'.
Great dialogue, good plotline, there is great build-up for a truly enticing series.
Congratulations to Kaitlin for a fabulous debut novel, and let's get ready for the next one!
That being said -- Just because I'm biased doesn't mean I'm not right! This book is truly good! Windswept had me from page one. The writing is fluid, the characters are easy to get caught up in, the society is charming, the Shavid...well, I'm pretty sure I myself was meant to be a Shavid, just sayin'.
Great dialogue, good plotline, there is great build-up for a truly enticing series.
Congratulations to Kaitlin for a fabulous debut novel, and let's get ready for the next one!
March 14, 2023
The pacing of this story was very slow and dragged on in some parts, but I trudged through it because I was enjoying the writing style and world building. Very unique and whimsical with good character development!
April 20, 2019
What a delightful read this was!
I love slice of life as a genre, and the only art form that has consistently executed it well is anime. I haven't read many truly slice of life books, except for 84 Charing Cross Road. The farseer trilogy is mostly slice of life too. But apart from those, I haven't read any. But this, this was a wonderful slice of life. Ostentatiously, this book is about a 15 year old boy (Fox) discovering his magical powers and learning to use them properly and help his people. But, the book is mostly about the life in Thiccan Valley where the winters are deep and summers are short. It's about the customs, the traditions and the day to day lives of the people. It is about the relations between the characters, and the curiosity of those characters about the world in general. It is also about growing up, and learning to leave behind things for better ones. It is a wonderful wonderful novel.
Hundreds of pages go by with nothing happening, other than Fox and Lai just living their lives. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED READING THAT. When the plot thing start to happen at around 60% of the novel, I was actually disappointed cuz i just wanted to stay in the valley and explore their relationships, see them grow up and may be marry? Have kids? Die? Become Ghosts? I don't know! I was so charmed by the place and by the characters, that all I wanted to was to see them go through their day to day lives without even caring about any plot whatsoever!
Thicca Valley seems like one of the most horrible places to live in, but this book made me want to live there. Absolute 5/5 and this was exactly the kind of book I needed to read today. I'll come back to reread this over and over again :)
I love slice of life as a genre, and the only art form that has consistently executed it well is anime. I haven't read many truly slice of life books, except for 84 Charing Cross Road. The farseer trilogy is mostly slice of life too. But apart from those, I haven't read any. But this, this was a wonderful slice of life. Ostentatiously, this book is about a 15 year old boy (Fox) discovering his magical powers and learning to use them properly and help his people. But, the book is mostly about the life in Thiccan Valley where the winters are deep and summers are short. It's about the customs, the traditions and the day to day lives of the people. It is about the relations between the characters, and the curiosity of those characters about the world in general. It is also about growing up, and learning to leave behind things for better ones. It is a wonderful wonderful novel.
Hundreds of pages go by with nothing happening, other than Fox and Lai just living their lives. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED READING THAT. When the plot thing start to happen at around 60% of the novel, I was actually disappointed cuz i just wanted to stay in the valley and explore their relationships, see them grow up and may be marry? Have kids? Die? Become Ghosts? I don't know! I was so charmed by the place and by the characters, that all I wanted to was to see them go through their day to day lives without even caring about any plot whatsoever!
Thicca Valley seems like one of the most horrible places to live in, but this book made me want to live there. Absolute 5/5 and this was exactly the kind of book I needed to read today. I'll come back to reread this over and over again :)
January 23, 2019
A hidden gem of a book!
Many books are driven by the stories of characters with the magic as a catalyst for key events to happen. This book however is driven much by the magic itself with the lives of the characters a backdrop to the discovery of all that the magic can do. And that is a good thing!
I love the different characters and how their stories unfolded. Each had a different pace and a different telling and that is magic weaved into the pages.
The book was well-paced and an easy read. Perfect for a relaxing night of windkissed adventure.
Many books are driven by the stories of characters with the magic as a catalyst for key events to happen. This book however is driven much by the magic itself with the lives of the characters a backdrop to the discovery of all that the magic can do. And that is a good thing!
I love the different characters and how their stories unfolded. Each had a different pace and a different telling and that is magic weaved into the pages.
The book was well-paced and an easy read. Perfect for a relaxing night of windkissed adventure.
September 12, 2018
This is an excellent book! I immediately fell in love with Fox. The writing gives perfect description to bring this world and it’s inhabitants to life! I felt like a Shavid reading the story, because I was seeing it in my mind like I was there. I couldn’t put it down. I really can’t wait to continue Fox’s story! A great read for any age!
December 28, 2020
Over the last year or so, I've gotten into the habit of downloading book samples of anything I come across as recommended that seems even mildly interesting. They sit in big pile on my kindle, and once I finish reading something, I browse the samples to see if something catches my interest, and if it does, I'll read the sample. If the sample is to my liking, I get the book.
That's how I came across Windswept.
I know someone recommended it, and it might have been the author, but I can't recall, and it doesn't really matter. I'd downloaded it, so there must have been something interesting about it, and now (two days ago) was the time to check it out.
I'm glad I did.
On the surface, this is a fairly standard fantasy adventure, and if I were to describe the plot, it'd probably sound a bit like "village boy has special powers and saves the day." Yes, that's a bit dismissive, but that's because I want to highlight that even with a pretty standard plot, you can still tell an amazing and heartwarming story. You can still bring a world to life, even if it's not the pinnacle of originality and invention.
This isn't to say that the plot doesn't have its twist, or that the world is dull, only that there are other (and better) reasons to read this book, but first...
WHAT I'LL WHINE ABOUT:
In the second half of the book, there are a few chapters (one at a time, not all at once) dedicated to telling the backstory of one of the supporting characters. I'm sure there's a reason for this, but by the time I got to these chapters, I was so eager to find out more about what happened to Fox that I skimmed through them as quickly as I could.
WHAT I'LL GUSH ABOUT:
This is a winter warmer. I'm not sure there's a better term to describe it.
Outside, the real world is cold and rainy and miserable in all kinds of ways, and this book is a little beacon of hope and warmth.
The village where most of the story takes place is located in a cold, harsh, and inhospitable part of the world, where everyday life is a constant struggle for survival. This could have lead to the story and its characters being mean and cruel, but it doesn't. Instead, it creates a small community filled with warmth and kindness, where people care for, look after, and rely on each other.
Sure, there are exceptions, but they're on the edge of the story, not smack in the middle.
As escapism goes, this is awesome. It's a book to bundle up with and forget all the troubles and just go on an adventure. It doesn't have to be so serious.
There's that spark of magic, that hint of adventure beyond the mountains, and there's a tiny seed of a romance that I can't wait to see what it grows into.
FINAL WORDS:
If the world rests heavy on your shoulders, read this.
That's how I came across Windswept.
I know someone recommended it, and it might have been the author, but I can't recall, and it doesn't really matter. I'd downloaded it, so there must have been something interesting about it, and now (two days ago) was the time to check it out.
I'm glad I did.
On the surface, this is a fairly standard fantasy adventure, and if I were to describe the plot, it'd probably sound a bit like "village boy has special powers and saves the day." Yes, that's a bit dismissive, but that's because I want to highlight that even with a pretty standard plot, you can still tell an amazing and heartwarming story. You can still bring a world to life, even if it's not the pinnacle of originality and invention.
This isn't to say that the plot doesn't have its twist, or that the world is dull, only that there are other (and better) reasons to read this book, but first...
WHAT I'LL WHINE ABOUT:
In the second half of the book, there are a few chapters (one at a time, not all at once) dedicated to telling the backstory of one of the supporting characters. I'm sure there's a reason for this, but by the time I got to these chapters, I was so eager to find out more about what happened to Fox that I skimmed through them as quickly as I could.
WHAT I'LL GUSH ABOUT:
This is a winter warmer. I'm not sure there's a better term to describe it.
Outside, the real world is cold and rainy and miserable in all kinds of ways, and this book is a little beacon of hope and warmth.
The village where most of the story takes place is located in a cold, harsh, and inhospitable part of the world, where everyday life is a constant struggle for survival. This could have lead to the story and its characters being mean and cruel, but it doesn't. Instead, it creates a small community filled with warmth and kindness, where people care for, look after, and rely on each other.
Sure, there are exceptions, but they're on the edge of the story, not smack in the middle.
As escapism goes, this is awesome. It's a book to bundle up with and forget all the troubles and just go on an adventure. It doesn't have to be so serious.
There's that spark of magic, that hint of adventure beyond the mountains, and there's a tiny seed of a romance that I can't wait to see what it grows into.
FINAL WORDS:
If the world rests heavy on your shoulders, read this.
November 28, 2018
Found the book when the author posted the cover art in Reddit. Really enjoyed it!
July 17, 2021
A wonderful and heartwarming coming of age story. No villain in sight which doesn't mean that there are no dangers. Characters who care about others and help eachother to survive the hard life.
A welcome excursion from my usual rather dark and gritty reading food.
A welcome excursion from my usual rather dark and gritty reading food.
July 27, 2021
I can't recommend this book enough. I had really become bored with eurocentric fantasy, but this book reignited my love for the genre. I love the world that is being built and the way Kaitlin handles magic in this universe is refreshing and beautiful.
June 7, 2020
Windswept is a beautifully written YA fantasy novel that will appeal to all ages. Fox is a boy who lives in a world without magic (or blessings). A curse removed the blessings long ago. Still, the prose conjures magic, so I could feel the richness of Fox's world, which reminds me of medieval Europe in that people are born into a trade or, sometimes, apprentice elsewhere. Fox's people live a simple existence, but he sees beyond that framework. He starts to see things differently when a group of mysterious travelers come to his home. This novel has a wholesome feel, and the content is appropriate for younger readers, too. An enchanting read throughout.
May 10, 2020
This is a well-thought out story in how magic is intertwined with EVERY part of the character's lives living in Sovesta and beyond. Everything has a reason.
The characters feel real, and there is plenty of description for readers to draw these fictional places.
The only drawbacks for me were the slow beginning and too much detail - it weighed down chapters. But other than that, good debut novel.
The characters feel real, and there is plenty of description for readers to draw these fictional places.
The only drawbacks for me were the slow beginning and too much detail - it weighed down chapters. But other than that, good debut novel.
May 27, 2019
Very interesting story
The story is unusual as it does not really have an antagonist that drives the protagonist to bigger and better things. Instead, the MC is faced with a number of obstacles at various stages of his development, that while seemingly independent of each other, allows the MC to develop and understand certain aspects of his gift. The story is more focused on his personal relationships and how he fits into the world around him. It did start off a little slow, but it allowed the character to slowly build up to his potential rather than become all powerful within a few chapters. I do hope that in future books we can see more character development for Lai as I feel her storyline is a potentially great companion to Fox's storyline.
The story is unusual as it does not really have an antagonist that drives the protagonist to bigger and better things. Instead, the MC is faced with a number of obstacles at various stages of his development, that while seemingly independent of each other, allows the MC to develop and understand certain aspects of his gift. The story is more focused on his personal relationships and how he fits into the world around him. It did start off a little slow, but it allowed the character to slowly build up to his potential rather than become all powerful within a few chapters. I do hope that in future books we can see more character development for Lai as I feel her storyline is a potentially great companion to Fox's storyline.
May 25, 2019
Fun story! Great magic!
The magic system in this story is wonderful, and I love how the characters interacted and the story wrapped them together.
What I also liked is how subtly the author has set up what I think will happen in future books.... hopefully I am right. We will see.
The magic system in this story is wonderful, and I love how the characters interacted and the story wrapped them together.
What I also liked is how subtly the author has set up what I think will happen in future books.... hopefully I am right. We will see.
April 16, 2023
WOW, I have to say this is probably the best book I have read in a good long while. Kaitlin Bellamy really did an amazing job on this book. I am not sure when I purchased it... But I had purchased the whole series on Kindle. I finished another book and so I started on this one and I was completed enthralled from the word go. I can not wait to read the next book in the series!
The main character, Fox, lives in a village steeped in tradition up in the mountains. Folklore tells the tale of the village being cursed and all magic removed centuries before. Fox has an uncanny sense about things like the weather that seems to be growing stronger and you see hints of this in the very beginning of the book. There is an acknowledgment of magic residing elsewhere in the world. When a caravan of Shavid (think magical gypsies) arrives in the village, Fox is entranced and drawn to them. He finds that he is "wind kissed" and a natural Shavid. There is adventure of so many different types in this book. It really did not feel like the same-old-same-old trope that many fantasy books fall into. There was magic, beasts, fights, God's, and just people being people.
I appreciated the youthful joy between Fox and his best friend Lai. I also fell in love with some of the supporting characters like Wick, Topper, and Farran. The varieties of culture in the different villages was delightful. The author included neat things like funeral and wedding traditions from different perspectives. I felt all of the characters were honored and they didn't introduce a bunch of extraneous characters in detail but let you envision them yourself.
The main character, Fox, lives in a village steeped in tradition up in the mountains. Folklore tells the tale of the village being cursed and all magic removed centuries before. Fox has an uncanny sense about things like the weather that seems to be growing stronger and you see hints of this in the very beginning of the book. There is an acknowledgment of magic residing elsewhere in the world. When a caravan of Shavid (think magical gypsies) arrives in the village, Fox is entranced and drawn to them. He finds that he is "wind kissed" and a natural Shavid. There is adventure of so many different types in this book. It really did not feel like the same-old-same-old trope that many fantasy books fall into. There was magic, beasts, fights, God's, and just people being people.
I appreciated the youthful joy between Fox and his best friend Lai. I also fell in love with some of the supporting characters like Wick, Topper, and Farran. The varieties of culture in the different villages was delightful. The author included neat things like funeral and wedding traditions from different perspectives. I felt all of the characters were honored and they didn't introduce a bunch of extraneous characters in detail but let you envision them yourself.
December 10, 2018
I heard about this book on Reddit and upon hearing Orson Scott Card is the author's mentor, I gave it a shot. I had a blast reading this book! The author really spins the tale well and I love the cities she creates, especially Doff. The story had twists and turns that felt original and unlike other fantasy books. It's a young adult book, so the reading was quick and easy. A lot of complex relationships between Fox and almost everyone he encounters, which felt very real and lifelike. I already pre-ordered the next in the series.
April 2, 2020
I shall give no plot details , no description, and no frivolous information. What I will tell you is if it is worth your time, and the answer is a resounding yes! I loved everything about this book. It hooked me and it was impossible to put down. This book is really something special
July 17, 2019
From page one of this wonderful novel I was hooked. Ms. Bellamy captured my imagination with, what I can only describe as, her innate magic of words. Just like her main protagonist, K.B. herself must also be wind-kissed, but with the gift of storytelling. As a longtime fan of epic fantasy, I found the world building to be some of, if not the best I've ever read. As with any truly great story I felt that I was there, living in Thicca Valley. I could almost smell and taste the descriptions as I read them. In my humble opinion, which doesn't mean allot, I believe with all my heart that K.B. is destined to be one of fantasy's greats. If there were a star above 5 to rate this I would, I truly enjoyed everything about this book and 10/10 will recommend to anyone that will listen. I look forward to reading everything this author ever puts out.
April 27, 2020
Incredible writing!
This is an author who kept me fascinated throughout. If there were editing errors, I don't remember them. And I would. I am sooo glad the next is already available BUT only because I am still humming with satisfaction & satiation. It's a coming of age story about a teenage boy & his family, friends, village & gods that have taken an interest in his developing abilities. I love his relationship with his dad & him in general. This autism an original!
This is an author who kept me fascinated throughout. If there were editing errors, I don't remember them. And I would. I am sooo glad the next is already available BUT only because I am still humming with satisfaction & satiation. It's a coming of age story about a teenage boy & his family, friends, village & gods that have taken an interest in his developing abilities. I love his relationship with his dad & him in general. This autism an original!
April 1, 2019
Swept Away
Windswept completely swept me away and quickly. Within the first few chapters I was already feeling connected to the characters and places. I laughed, I cried, I almost threw my book across the room (which would have been bad since I read it on my kindle). The book took turns I didn’t expect, which was a true pleasure. Fantasy can be so predictable even in so called “twists.” Which is why not being able to predict the twists and turns made this book was so refreshing. The world building is very important in this book for both the main character and the reader. This world is fascinating: it is a magical, relatable, and endlessly explorable. After finishing it about a week ago, I still find my mind wandering to the places described in the book. I look forward to going back to this world in the next book.
Windswept completely swept me away and quickly. Within the first few chapters I was already feeling connected to the characters and places. I laughed, I cried, I almost threw my book across the room (which would have been bad since I read it on my kindle). The book took turns I didn’t expect, which was a true pleasure. Fantasy can be so predictable even in so called “twists.” Which is why not being able to predict the twists and turns made this book was so refreshing. The world building is very important in this book for both the main character and the reader. This world is fascinating: it is a magical, relatable, and endlessly explorable. After finishing it about a week ago, I still find my mind wandering to the places described in the book. I look forward to going back to this world in the next book.
February 20, 2020
I have yet to ever give a book 5 stars in a book review or on Goodreads, take that as a sign that there is literally nothing I could suggest to improve this book. The world building is so intricately beautiful & immersive. I could feel the wind on my face as it spoke to Fox. I could smell the freshly baked bread in the Five Sides kitchen. I could see the bright paint of the Shavid wagons as they rolled down the road covered in bells.
Continue reading: https://smmitchell.com/2020/02/17/win...
Continue reading: https://smmitchell.com/2020/02/17/win...
January 24, 2019
A wonderful novel. An engaging story in a fully realized world with well-rounded, likeable characters. Beautifully written and an absolute delight to read.
January 18, 2021
It's a refreshingly simple story with a rich world. Wonderfully written
November 30, 2018
Found the next books cover on reddit. Gave this a shot and read it in 2 sittings. The writing was captivating. Can't wait for the next one.
April 13, 2019
Delightful read! You know that feeling when you can't wait to open your Kindle and read on.... Well, I had this with this book.
Yes, there are some flaws in it- there's a leetle bit too much waffle that could have been cut out and some scenes do little other than pad out the story, but this was just rollicking good fun to read. I loved Fox and the Shaven and all the characters. I liked the world building and the way it all just fell into place.
An author to follow.
Yes, there are some flaws in it- there's a leetle bit too much waffle that could have been cut out and some scenes do little other than pad out the story, but this was just rollicking good fun to read. I loved Fox and the Shaven and all the characters. I liked the world building and the way it all just fell into place.
An author to follow.
April 29, 2019
A Great Read
Loved this book from start to finish. The novel wraps you up in the characters and they take you along for the ride. You won’t be disappointed.
Loved this book from start to finish. The novel wraps you up in the characters and they take you along for the ride. You won’t be disappointed.
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