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The Bookseller's Children #1
Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children
An elven pastor draws close to his much-awaited retirement. His human apprentice seems eager enough to take the reins, unburdened by the prejudice the sleepy river-town of Delster is capable of producing. Bear Kieren is a patient man, but he longs for the day when coddling and comforting humans is no longer his concern - until his goddess, the mighty mountain queen, Huil, rumbles to life during a late-winter storm, and Bear begins to suspect there's evil poisoning Her roots.
Now villagers have gone missing, including Bear's own son and beloved niece. With the help of his warrior sister, his best friend Alaric the dwarf, and a strange, human man cursed by a witch, Bear delves deep into the mountain's twisted secrets, and begins to uncover some of his family's as well.
Three begins the trilogy of The Bookseller's Children.
Now villagers have gone missing, including Bear's own son and beloved niece. With the help of his warrior sister, his best friend Alaric the dwarf, and a strange, human man cursed by a witch, Bear delves deep into the mountain's twisted secrets, and begins to uncover some of his family's as well.
Three begins the trilogy of The Bookseller's Children.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2018
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Deven Balsam
6 books16 followersDeven writes words, makes clothes, and ponders the universe on the shores of one of the Great Lakes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 21, 2019
*I received an ARC of this book through Voracious Reader's Only in exchange for an honest review*
Genre: Epic fantasy, dungeons and dragons (adult language)
I have read A LOT of D&D fantasy novels, and Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children is definitely one of my new favourites. Balsam has the English wit of Tolkien and the world-making of Salvatore. His descriptive passages were not simply telling us what everyone is wearing, but providing us with atmosphere and feeling. The best way I can describe it is similar to the music in a thriller movie, Balsam's writing lets the reader FEEL an oppressive presence rather than blatantly stating it.
I could not put this book down and absolutely cannot wait for there to be more from this author. The realm of Three has the potential of being as wonderous as Dragonlance and as emotionally captivating as Malazan: Book of the Fallen.
Genre: Epic fantasy, dungeons and dragons (adult language)
I have read A LOT of D&D fantasy novels, and Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children is definitely one of my new favourites. Balsam has the English wit of Tolkien and the world-making of Salvatore. His descriptive passages were not simply telling us what everyone is wearing, but providing us with atmosphere and feeling. The best way I can describe it is similar to the music in a thriller movie, Balsam's writing lets the reader FEEL an oppressive presence rather than blatantly stating it.
I could not put this book down and absolutely cannot wait for there to be more from this author. The realm of Three has the potential of being as wonderous as Dragonlance and as emotionally captivating as Malazan: Book of the Fallen.
March 17, 2019
If you like Fantasy this book is a must, and even if you don't you should still give it a try! While it's not normally my first choice of genre, being a proofreader for Beaten Track Publishing has the advantage of sometimes taking me to where I wouldn't normally go and often -as in this case- pleasantly surprising me in the process.
Although at first I was wondering if the story was perhaps going to be darker than I'd be comfortable with, I quickly forgot about my reservations and got completely wrapped up in the story.
For starters , the language is just beautiful. It's one thing to say all the right things at the right times and get the grammar right, but it's another thing entirely to turn it into art. It's absolutely mesmerising.
The world-building too is excellent, and you will soon get completely absorbed by the storytelling and atmosphere; once I'd got into it, I found it really difficult to put my Kindle down!
So yes, it's definitely a recommended read, and I am really looking forward to part two & three!
Although at first I was wondering if the story was perhaps going to be darker than I'd be comfortable with, I quickly forgot about my reservations and got completely wrapped up in the story.
For starters , the language is just beautiful. It's one thing to say all the right things at the right times and get the grammar right, but it's another thing entirely to turn it into art. It's absolutely mesmerising.
The world-building too is excellent, and you will soon get completely absorbed by the storytelling and atmosphere; once I'd got into it, I found it really difficult to put my Kindle down!
So yes, it's definitely a recommended read, and I am really looking forward to part two & three!
June 22, 2019
Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children is the initial installment of The Bookseller's Children series. Deven Balsam tees up a mostly familiar universe, with a number of interesting twists. For an example, the concept of an "elven pastor" is definitely a first, but compatible with the overall vision. The editing and execution is that of a first-rate journeyman, nothing interferes with a reader's enjoyment of the story.
My main quibble is the story isn't a complete one; the characters seem to be limited to reaction against random plot points without overarching logic or theme. It may be that the exposition lacking here is fully explained in subsequent volumes, making sense of the many dangling threads and unexplained hints. I didn't get the sense there is a contiguous adversary throughout the series, although there was one post-climax hook which was also unattributed. I'm generally a fan of this genre and enjoyed my reading of Balsam's story. I do hope it evolves into something more in the next episode.
(Disclosure: I received a free copy through Veracious Readers Only)
My main quibble is the story isn't a complete one; the characters seem to be limited to reaction against random plot points without overarching logic or theme. It may be that the exposition lacking here is fully explained in subsequent volumes, making sense of the many dangling threads and unexplained hints. I didn't get the sense there is a contiguous adversary throughout the series, although there was one post-climax hook which was also unattributed. I'm generally a fan of this genre and enjoyed my reading of Balsam's story. I do hope it evolves into something more in the next episode.
(Disclosure: I received a free copy through Veracious Readers Only)
February 12, 2019
I received this from the author through voracious readers only for a review. The story premise was interesting to me because I normally do not read stories about elves, although Tolkien is a fantastic author, his style and subject matter usually do not pique my interest. I thought that an African American author would give this an interesting perspective. It was different and I did like the twist that humans did not like the elves which to me showed some real world racism. The pacing of the story was great, it didn't plod along so that was a plus, and you could relate to the characters. All in all I would tell anyone to read the book if you're looking for something a little different.
February 12, 2020
This book has all the ingredients of great fantasy while weaving in a few modern themes like racial tension, and depression . I also like that two main characters are gay. Adding human diversity into the the cast of fantasy diversity was an unexpected and added a layer to the story. Can't wait to read the next one.
June 25, 2019
Very interesting, loved the twists and turns the book took. Was a bit of a slow start but once you start it’s hard to put down. Would love to read more about the adventures of Medie and Asher. Also would love to read about the apprenticeship of Hunter.
January 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Three. I loved the expressive description that made me feel immersed in the world of Three. It was well written and I cannot wait to read more about Bear and his family and friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Three. I loved the expressive description that made me feel immersed in the world of Three. It was well written and I cannot wait to read more about Bear and his family and friends.
May 19, 2019
Wonderful! I loved this!
December 7, 2018
With world-building akin to Tolkien and descriptions reminiscent of Faulkner, Three delights the reader. The twists and turns of the characters and events make this fantasy of dwarves, elves, and ogres a book you will not want to put down. As the first in a trilogy, I look forward to the next two installments and count myself privileged to have been given an advance reader's copy.
January 26, 2019
I received this book for free through Voracious Readers Only.
Bear is an elf and a pastor of the mountain godess Huil, training his human apprentice Hunter. Nearby humans are more and more hostile towards the elves, so Bear feels he's doing a thankless job. Then a weird wintry storm starts despite it being spring, monsters turn up, children go missing, and all of it may be connected to the evil stirring deep underneath the mountain.
Bear's son Asher and his niece Medie meet up with a number of children gone missing from the area, and they have to escape the underground tunnels to save their lives.
With all this going on, Bear must rely on his friends to help him put things to rights.
Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children is an excellent fantasy novel with a diverse cast of characters. I loved Bear and his friends, and their interactions. The world building is amazing. The prose is amazing and pulls you right into the story.
Despite the dark plot and monsters the book was full of warmth and caring. A very fun read.
Bear is an elf and a pastor of the mountain godess Huil, training his human apprentice Hunter. Nearby humans are more and more hostile towards the elves, so Bear feels he's doing a thankless job. Then a weird wintry storm starts despite it being spring, monsters turn up, children go missing, and all of it may be connected to the evil stirring deep underneath the mountain.
Bear's son Asher and his niece Medie meet up with a number of children gone missing from the area, and they have to escape the underground tunnels to save their lives.
With all this going on, Bear must rely on his friends to help him put things to rights.
Three: A Tale of the Bookseller's Children is an excellent fantasy novel with a diverse cast of characters. I loved Bear and his friends, and their interactions. The world building is amazing. The prose is amazing and pulls you right into the story.
Despite the dark plot and monsters the book was full of warmth and caring. A very fun read.
August 22, 2019
I received a free copy of this ebook for review.
This book didn't grab me immediately, but it wasn't long before I couldn't put it down. The tone is... both casual, despite events that are far from being so, and poetic. There was some randomness of occurrences, that didn't feel well supported by the story, and yet... became so absorbed by the ethereal and spiritual telling of the tale, that it worked. I am left feeling invested enough in this world and its characters, that I grieve its ending.
This book didn't grab me immediately, but it wasn't long before I couldn't put it down. The tone is... both casual, despite events that are far from being so, and poetic. There was some randomness of occurrences, that didn't feel well supported by the story, and yet... became so absorbed by the ethereal and spiritual telling of the tale, that it worked. I am left feeling invested enough in this world and its characters, that I grieve its ending.
September 3, 2019
I received this book to read and review from Voracious Readers. This is a fantasy filled with humans,elves, goblins and ogres etc. It has good and evil, triumph and death. Fantasy lovers will enjoy this tale.
March 31, 2021
A bit slow to start, but quickly makes up for it. Action, mystery, magic and faith are all big aspects. It's important to not ignore what's in front of you or it can become a very big problem. Can't wait for more by this author.
December 6, 2020
Three is an excellent debut novel by Deven Balsam. It forgoes the usual epic journeys and large casts that are common in secondary world fantasy for a more intimate story centering around one town, one mountain and one elven family.
There is still plenty of intrigue and danger, however. As Tolkien showed us, the roots of a mountain may run deep and contain frightening secrets. A search for children who have gone missing in a snow storm brings together three adult siblings who explore the complexities of their own past along the way. I enjoyed spending time with these characters and look forward to finding out more about them in the forthcoming sequels.
Balsam's prose is poetic and rich, with a great sense of love for the spirituality of nature. He weaves a wintry atmosphere over his world but brings warmth to it with engaging characters and world building and a refreshingly progressive sensibility. Give this one a read.
There is still plenty of intrigue and danger, however. As Tolkien showed us, the roots of a mountain may run deep and contain frightening secrets. A search for children who have gone missing in a snow storm brings together three adult siblings who explore the complexities of their own past along the way. I enjoyed spending time with these characters and look forward to finding out more about them in the forthcoming sequels.
Balsam's prose is poetic and rich, with a great sense of love for the spirituality of nature. He weaves a wintry atmosphere over his world but brings warmth to it with engaging characters and world building and a refreshingly progressive sensibility. Give this one a read.
February 8, 2021
This was a very good read, I loved all the characters and the unique storyline.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews