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Mythbound #1

The Myth Seeker

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A banshee who just wants to sing.
A leprechaun with a gambling problem.
A sex-addicted succubus in recovery.
Vampires who want a sunny day at the beach.
And then there’s Steve, the regular Joe who inadvertently brought these flawed mythical beings to our world. But he has no idea how he did it, which is a problem, because it’s his job to bring them home.
All this responsibility is putting a serious damper on Steve’s directionless lifestyle. Then he finds out a dark force is trying to kill him and his friends. And he might be falling in love with one of his charges…
Steve realizes he must get his act together, before it’s too late…

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2018

90 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Cory Barclay

9 books75 followers

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for JenacideByBibliophile.
221 reviews140 followers
October 9, 2018
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC copy of this book by the author, Cory Barclay, for an honest review

Opinion: If you have been keeping up with my reviews lately, you will know that I am a big fan of Cory Barclay’s Of Witches and Werewolves series. It had grabbed my attention with its imaginative story that is based loosely on true events, the wonderful character and story building, and Cory’s ability to write in a way that transports the reader back in time.

So naturally, when Cory asked me to read and review his newest story The Myth Seeker, I jumped at the chance. I love witnessing an author I enjoy trying something new and stepping out of their writing “norm”, and this new urban fantasy sounded really promising. Unfortunately, this just really didn’t hit the mark for me and I am left feeling a little disappointed and confused.

Steve Remington is trying desperately to make it in the music world and to hold on to his sobriety, just one day at a time. While at his father’s funeral Steve comes across a young girl named Annabel playing a guitar against a headstone, and offers his services to help her make a record. But little do Annabel and Steve know that their worlds have changed forever. Soon strange things begin to happen every time Annabel sings, and even stranger characters begin to pop up in Steve’s life. Leprechauns, angels, vampires, druids are suddenly everywhere, and Steve seems to be at the epicenter of the chaos.

As I had said above, I was really looking forward to reading this story. I love ANYTHING Fantasy, especially when it involves such an array of mythical creatures and magic. I am very fond of Cory Barclay’s writing style in the Of Witches and Werewolves series, as well as his ability to connect the characters and the reader so easily. I have found that this author writes lengthy stories that build a fantastic plot and world, but doesn’t overdo it with giving the reader too much information and “fluff”. His characters are always quirky and somewhat flawed, but feel very real and important to the reader. Not only do I always stay completely glued to his stories, but I often find myself not expecting the ending or what will happen next.

When it comes to The Myth Seeker however, I feel like it is lacking in a lot of those qualities that I enjoy from this author. Though the idea for this story is both thoughtful and intriguing, I personally feel like it missed the mark. This story is an urban fantasy set in present times in Southern California, and combines the world that we know with another mythical plane/realm/world. I felt that this movement from Cory writing historical fictions set in the 16th century to present, changed his writing style to something that felt more forced than natural. The writing felt too wordy at times and focused on one moment or scene for way too long, which in turn made it seem like a lot was being repeated. It felt a bit too wordy during many of the dialogues, and took away from the overall story and what was happening. It seems like a lot of useless “fluff” was put in to fill up space when it came to conversation between characters, or our main character observing or describing something. I would have preferred more story building rather than reading about a lot of things that felt unnecessary, in my opinion.

I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. By the end of the story I found Steve to be pretentious, arrogant, overly crude and honestly…he just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I was a little turned off by the overuse of crudeness and excessive cussing by him. DON’T GET ME WRONG. I cuss like a sailor, and I understand he’s a macho kind of character. But when it comes to writing, I think there should be a distinction between the character being cruder and the entire story adopting that style. I think that an author using more raunchy ways of writing takes away from their writing skills and the story, and it makes it look like that they don’t have the ability to write in a more sophisticated way. Which I KNOW to be untrue regarding Cory Barclay, because I have seen proof of his amazing writing.

The character of Annabel also threw me for a bit of a loop. She spoke in a very formal way that was meant to make her look worldly and to back the notion that her parents (who are vampires) are from a VERY long time ago. All fine and dandy. But for some reason, the way she “spoke” kept making me visualize a pre-teen rather than a young adult. Her character came off as very young and naïve, and even Dale and Steve would speak to her like she was a young child. So obviously when the romance between Steve and Annabel eventually arouse, I was more than a little taken aback and confused. Because of my disconnect for these characters, I didn’t find myself caring about what happened to them.

I think because of those issues that I had while reading, it took away from my appreciation from this story. I found myself predicting the ending and speedreading through because of the little things that were throwing me off. I think Cory had the right idea for this story, but that it could have been shaped a little better. I am really upset that I wasn’t as enthralled with this story as I was with his other series, but I have confidence in Cory’s writing that he will produce countless enjoyable and interesting stories in the future.
Profile Image for Amanda .
432 reviews178 followers
November 25, 2018
You can also read my review here:https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....

The Myth Seeker was a really fun fast paced read. An interesting plot told with a unique voice with a fast pace and cool mythic beings, this novel was a really fun adventure to read about. These types of fantasy books are perfect to read after reading something really in depth or if you are in a reading slump. The fast pace kept me reading the whole way through. It was hard to set this book down as the action never seemed to stop.

The characterization is done really well in this novel. It is done very quickly with frank descriptions of people, gibing the idea of who they are and what they are like without a wordy backstory of everything they have ever gone through. The descriptions combined with actions and dialogues of the characters come together to help each character stand out with their own personality. In a short story like this I feel like it is really important to still have well developed characters, but to not take up a ton of pages doing so. That balancing act is done perfectly by Cory Barclay.

The plot was done really well. The way the book was paced I had a very hard time setting it down. It also felt fresh. A lot of stories in fantasy have been done so many times, but this felt new and different. I was intrigued by the different mythical beings to pick this book up, but the packing is what kept me reading.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been reading a lot of longer intricate fantasy books lately and started to feel a slump coming on, so this fast paced read was perfect. I loved the way the author characterized the different characters and the pace of the story was fast that The Myth Seeker can easily be devoured in a day. I liked the world it was set in and the characters. I would be interested to see what happens next in this series or to read another book by Cory Barclay as his writing is great.

I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Ramona Plant.
752 reviews23 followers
January 16, 2019
The Myth Seeker is an interesting book written by Cory Barclay. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. I found that the book was written a tad simplistically and just didn't have a good flow to it all. Don't take me wrong, I found that the concept of the book was very different and unique and I really think the author has something there, however I found the execution of the story was not the greatest and fell flat, at least in my opinion.

The plot seemed a bit to me like someone was just rambling of a story. Yes there were some twists and turns in there, but some were just too far fetched and some just didn't seem to make sense. Others were just added to find some solution for a problem in the story that all the sudden existed, and no I can't give examples or there would be spoilers and those I just don't do!

But more importantly even, the characters were just difficult to relate to. So I really wanted to like Steve, but it was just not going to happen. One on side he seemed like a really nice guy, then he flew off the rocker and started cursing over little things. There were just too many contradictions within his character and he just seemed flat.

Dale was also very flat and had just two modes, drinking and working and then back to drinking which seems to be his main mode. Nice guy but very one dimensional.

And then the most confusing one of them all, Annabel. So she acts like a teenager most of the time, they treat her like a kid, but all the sudden her and Steve develop romantic feelings for each other? And when they do even that doesn't seem real at all. There is a whole lot of nothing and then a kiss out of the blue with a "girl" him and Dale just minutes earlier treated like a little girl. Disturbing and just weird.

I am going to cave on this one. I thought the concept was really neat with Myst Seekers and Myth Makers but sadly the execution fell flat for me in many ways. No editorial errors to speak of so that is a major plus in my eyes, but since I couldn't relate to any of the characters really and the plot didn't really grab my attention much, I will have to pass on this series. It just wasn't for me, but hey give it a go, it might be your type of book even if it wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,887 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2018
Cory Barclay has definitely delivered an enticing first in series book with The Myth Seeker. The story sweeps you up right away and has you soon racing for the answers along with his intriguing characters. I can’t wait for the next one!

Steve Remington is in the music business. After his own band failed, he went behind the scenes. Now he owns a studio, always looking for someone talented enough to really make a big break. Most months he rents out studio space for bands to practice to make the rent. Still he is his own boss, and his dream still lives if a bit wilted.

Steve didn’t get along with his father well. Still his death is hitting him hard. Standing at his graveside during the funeral, Steve just can’t pay attention. That is when he sees her. The girl sitting on a grave, playing music for the dead.

She is mesmerizing, in her gothic white dress, but really it is the chords from her guitar that draw him. The music is magic, melancholy memories, haunting. He wanders from his father’s funeral to listen. When she finishes Steve hands the girl his business card. There is a thrum of energy between them, a life changing moment for each, if they only knew.

Annabel Lee appears at the studio that afternoon, and their first collaborative song unfolds. Bel is reluctant to lay down the vocals. “I am a Banshee. Bad things happen when I sing.” Of course who on Earth would believe that of this innocent girl?

Grab your copy of The Myth Seeker and watch the magic unfold!
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2018
Steve Remington was an everyday, down to earth guy who just wanted to succeed in the music recording business. Steve didn’t have any lofty goals, but he wanted to prove to his father (and himself) that he could do it; he could discover the next great talent and prove he had what it takes to make it. But Fate has other plans…
At his father’s funeral, Steve meets a young woman softly playing her guitar near a recently interred “guest” at the cemetery. Striking up a conversation with the young woman, Steve is called back to the funeral service for his father, unaware that his life path had been altered in unimaginable ways….
Steve soon finds himself embroiled in strange situations with even stranger characters, most of whom are looking to Steve for answers. Narrowly avoiding being run down by a car, Steve finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a world of weird; meeting beings that he had always believed were myths… to discover because of him, these beings are stuck here, rather than where they belong: in their own plane of existence. Strange and deadly incidents cause Steve to realize someone (or something) is trying to kill him. Steve is determined to discover who (or what) is behind the attempts on his life, all while trying NOT to fall in love… Steve is determined to send all who wish to go, home, even if it means destroying his chance at love....

An interesting tale with twists and turns and unexpected loops; it keeps you guessing until the end.
7 reviews
October 31, 2018
Have you ever wondered where mythical creatures in our world originated? Maybe they didn't. Maybe they come from a dimension that is similar to ours but very different at the same time. How do these beings enter our world? Intentionally or not there are people called Myth Seekers that are able to bring them into our world. Steve is one of these rare people to have the ability. Join him as he tries to figure out his new role as he juggles a beautiful banshee, her over protective vampire parents, a failing music business and someone trying to kill him. Along with his friends he will have to deal with an unlucky leprechaun, a cupid, a succubus, and a seer who may either want to help or kill him for various reasons. Follow along as he tries to figure things out before his time runs out.
Profile Image for Coreen.
Author 3 books12 followers
November 6, 2018
I LOVED the "Of Witches and Werewolves" series, so when I noticed the pre-sale for this one, I had to grab it.
This was a little different, not the dark historical fiction I had gotten used to while reading the trilogy ... but it is certainly written just as well.
I am a huge fan of different genres ... Mythopoeia, Historical Fiction, Fantasy ... and it makes me so happy to get it all from one Author.

The Myth Seeker was a pretty fun story. Dark but fun. It kind of gave me the same feeling as the first time I read 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. The 'fantastical .. but .. 'maybe, what if ...?!?!?' feels.

Love, Love, Love all of Cory Barclay's books that I've read thus far. Thanks for sharing your imagination with the world!
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
September 30, 2018
ONE AWESOME NUMBER!!!
Wow! Talk about hitting the ground running. This bad boy just jumps right into all the drama, lies, deceit and evil forces. All the twists and turns along with a few glitches here and there make for one enjoyable experience. The characters and their personalities are so realistic and believable it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are descriptive and detailed you have no trouble picturing it in your mind's eye as each scenario plays out perfectly. Cory did an excellent job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Cory, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Profile Image for Mererid Evanna.
272 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2018
This is urban fantasy, and true to its genre it's pretty dark, seedy and pessimistic – or realistic, depending on your worldview. But it's not relentless, and the ending is upbeat. The particular urban landscape is San Diego, and it's effectively described, with the fantasy elements fitting seamlessly into the setting. The main character has some problems – he's a sober alcoholic with a struggling music business – but he's a decent and likeable fellow. He gets the break he deserves in the form of the soulful banshee Annabel, but it comes with mindbending complications. The whole situation is really original and makes for a compelling story.
2,279 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2018
First in a series.

Overall, I liked the story. I liked the variety of supernatural creatures. I really like Annabelle Lee. I did not care for Steve. He rarely asked the questions he should have when he started asking them. I read this with Kindle Unlimited. I will read the next one, if it is in KU. Sometimes, I find the other books in a series better than I did the first.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,705 reviews
October 3, 2018
I liked this story a lot. The characters were well developed the worlds of Mythicus and Terrus not as much as I would have liked. Most of the time I was reading this I felt like Steve. I want to read next in series because I need to find out what has happened to Annabelle and Steve. This book will hook you. Great start to a new series.
237 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2018
Absolutely charming!

This book was not at all what I was expecting! It is a light-hearted romp with realistic mythological characters and if kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Cory Barclay has created a memorable universe with this first volume
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,419 reviews63 followers
October 5, 2018
Wow this book will enchant you and not let go. I was enraptured with the story and could imagine everything that was happening. Fantastic story!! Will definitely be one clicking this author's work in the future.
160 reviews
October 19, 2018
A good story of mythical creatures. The book was a good introduction of the human and mythical worlds. A great read!
Profile Image for Marlys.
1,513 reviews10 followers
August 5, 2019
I received an ARC of this novel from the author and this is my voluntary review. I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
November 22, 2018
Steve and Annabelle

New author for me and I wasn't disappointed. Definitely different from the usual para reading I do but entertaining and well written. Poor Steve feels a bit like the world has gone crazy and he's the only sane one left or maybe he's gone crazy with all that's happening in his world. Paranoid and jumping at shadows, is someone trying to kill him or is it his imagination?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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