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Frith Chronicles #1
Knightmare Arcanist
Magic. Sailing. A murderer among heroes.
Gravedigger Volke Savan wants nothing more than to be like his hero, the legendary magical swashbuckler, Gregory Ruma. First he needs to become an arcanist, someone capable of wielding magic, which requires bonding with a mythical creature. And he’ll take anything—a pegasus, a griffin, a ravenous hydra—maybe even a leviathan, like Ruma.
So when Volke stumbles across a knightmare, a creature made of shadow and terror, he has no reservations. But the knightmare knows a terrible secret: Ruma is a murderer out to spread corrupted magic throughout their island nation. He’s already killed a population of phoenixes and he intends to kill even more.
In order to protect his home, his adopted sister, and the girl he admires from afar, Volke will need to confront his hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma.
A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
Gravedigger Volke Savan wants nothing more than to be like his hero, the legendary magical swashbuckler, Gregory Ruma. First he needs to become an arcanist, someone capable of wielding magic, which requires bonding with a mythical creature. And he’ll take anything—a pegasus, a griffin, a ravenous hydra—maybe even a leviathan, like Ruma.
So when Volke stumbles across a knightmare, a creature made of shadow and terror, he has no reservations. But the knightmare knows a terrible secret: Ruma is a murderer out to spread corrupted magic throughout their island nation. He’s already killed a population of phoenixes and he intends to kill even more.
In order to protect his home, his adopted sister, and the girl he admires from afar, Volke will need to confront his hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma.
A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.
360 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2019
1859 people are currently reading
4722 people want to read
About the author
Shami Stovall
45 books827 followersShami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 398 reviews
March 23, 2021
Volke has lived a difficult life in his few short years. His parents were criminals who are no longer in his life. Unfortunately for him, he lives in a place where individuals are judged by the deeds of the family. Volke is viewed by those around him as untrustworthy. He was basically orphaned at the age of 5 and adopted by/apprenticed to the gravedigger William. Volke desperately wants to flee that life and become an arcanist. He's studied hard and has a plan. Fortunately for him his adopted sister Illia has a plan as well.
Knightmare Arcanist was a solid book with clear inspirations that the author didn't bother to hide as she lists them in the description. Arcanists are people who bond themselves to magical creatures to share their power. These magical creatures can't grow stronger without bonding with a human. It's an interesting take on the typical coming of age tale. Volke himself is somewhat different as well as he's been punished for crimes his parents committed.
I have to say my biggest issue with this book is the description. I can not believe that the author spoiled the biggest twist in the description. If this point remains hidden it changes the whole feel of the book, but instead I knew the twist before I read the first page. I really am shocked any author would do such a thing. On top of that almost all the significant threads are tied up in one book. There seemed to be aspects worthy of being carried over multiple books. Oh well.
The main characters are largely stereotypes with the misunderstood hero, the damaged youth, the awkward youth, the perfect one, the arrogant one, and the one with rough edges. No real surprises from any of them. The magic carried the day, but it's largely Pokemon mixed with Cradle like power bonding. Throw in some young adult angst and you've got a nice YA book.
Knightmare Arcanist was what I've come to expect from the young adult genre. I just wish it offered more.
Knightmare Arcanist was a solid book with clear inspirations that the author didn't bother to hide as she lists them in the description. Arcanists are people who bond themselves to magical creatures to share their power. These magical creatures can't grow stronger without bonding with a human. It's an interesting take on the typical coming of age tale. Volke himself is somewhat different as well as he's been punished for crimes his parents committed.
I have to say my biggest issue with this book is the description. I can not believe that the author spoiled the biggest twist in the description. If this point remains hidden it changes the whole feel of the book, but instead I knew the twist before I read the first page. I really am shocked any author would do such a thing. On top of that almost all the significant threads are tied up in one book. There seemed to be aspects worthy of being carried over multiple books. Oh well.
The main characters are largely stereotypes with the misunderstood hero, the damaged youth, the awkward youth, the perfect one, the arrogant one, and the one with rough edges. No real surprises from any of them. The magic carried the day, but it's largely Pokemon mixed with Cradle like power bonding. Throw in some young adult angst and you've got a nice YA book.
Knightmare Arcanist was what I've come to expect from the young adult genre. I just wish it offered more.
September 4, 2019
Everything is fine until Volke tries to bond with a phoenix. Shortly afterwords, a knightmare named Luthair bonds with him and they join a guild. When Luthair declares Volke's idol a murderer, it leads to an exiting adventure that fans will love... assuming Volke and Luthair don't scare them first.
It's funny and has a nice bit of sarcasm to it.
It's mystery, after mystery, and doubt after failure.
It's action packed and will leave fans hoping for more.
It's funny and has a nice bit of sarcasm to it.
It's mystery, after mystery, and doubt after failure.
It's action packed and will leave fans hoping for more.
September 23, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Not bad, not exactly what I was looking for though. There was a little too much young adult and suspense than I normally like. I was hoping for a little more of the magic/powers. There wasn't that much action and the action that was in the story could have been better. The story follows Volke Savan, a gravedigger who wants more out of life. His parents are suspected murderers and the only person that would take him in is the gravedigger. He wants to be an arcanist to show everyone that he is more than what they think. The only way to become an arcanist is to bond with a magical creature. He breaks tradition and tries to enter the competition to bond with a phoenix. In reality it isn't really a competition and the 2 that were picked are the ones that get to bond. He fails and is very despondent, until his foster sister tells him about other magical beasts out in the wild. He goes out with her and ends up bonding with a Knightmare, who saved his life after he was attacked by a corrupted magical beast. Now he and his foster sister are headed off the only island they knew to be trained as arcanists. Overall I thought this was okay. I wanted something a little different but it was still okay. I might come back to the series if I am ever in the mood for this type of story.
Not bad, not exactly what I was looking for though. There was a little too much young adult and suspense than I normally like. I was hoping for a little more of the magic/powers. There wasn't that much action and the action that was in the story could have been better. The story follows Volke Savan, a gravedigger who wants more out of life. His parents are suspected murderers and the only person that would take him in is the gravedigger. He wants to be an arcanist to show everyone that he is more than what they think. The only way to become an arcanist is to bond with a magical creature. He breaks tradition and tries to enter the competition to bond with a phoenix. In reality it isn't really a competition and the 2 that were picked are the ones that get to bond. He fails and is very despondent, until his foster sister tells him about other magical beasts out in the wild. He goes out with her and ends up bonding with a Knightmare, who saved his life after he was attacked by a corrupted magical beast. Now he and his foster sister are headed off the only island they knew to be trained as arcanists. Overall I thought this was okay. I wanted something a little different but it was still okay. I might come back to the series if I am ever in the mood for this type of story.
August 30, 2020
This review is part of the #KnightmareArcanist #UltimateBlogTour hosted by TheWritereads
Thanks a ton, Dave from @TheWriteReads and the author- Shami Stovall, for giving me this opportunity and providing me with a free e-book copy of ‘Knightmare Arcanist’ on exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Knightmare Arcanist is a heroic tale of Volke Savan and his five magic wielder friends who aspire to be influential master arcanists someday and be the paragon of heroism and valour!
Arcanists are powerful wielders of sorcery who bond with certain mystical creatures like the phoenix, the wyvern, the leviathan, the hydra and many others, and create exceptional magical powers based on the creature they are bonded to.
The journey for Volke to become an arcanist is not an easy one. Volke and his adopted sister-Illia work as gravediggers in their hometown- The Isle of Ruma. Both of them have a dream of leaving their home town for training as an arcanist. Volke being the son of a murderer and a thief, goes through a real hard time trying to prove his worth in a society full of traditions and orthodox beliefs.
The people in his town despise his idea of becoming an arcanist, especially Zaxis- a fellow competitor and one of the favored students of the schoolmaster Tyms. Zaxis has had the privilege of attending classes, training under the guidance of schoolmaster Tyms, gaining enough knowledge and nurturing skills required to pass the trial and bond with the mystical creature- phoenix. Volke whereas, received no formal education. He would study on his own for hours, learning about the history of magic, legendary arcanists and their achievements by reading books from his foster parent Williams’ shelves.
Illia, Volke’s adopted sister, has been such a sweet, lovable and supportive character throughout the story. She too had a tough childhood. Having lost an eye and her parents to the vicious pirates, Illia lives on with imperishable scars on her face, which are a constant remembrance of her nightmarish childhood. She too dreams of becoming an arcanist and leaving her hometown.
One of the many things which I really loved about this story is how the manifestation of relationships have been shown here. Personally, I loved how the relationship between Zaxis and Volke altered over the course of time. From the very beginning of the story, where Zaxis and Atty- both from a high-class rich family and Volke compete for bonding with the mystical creature phoenix, we see how Zaxis always gave Volke the cold shoulder, demeaned and taunted him. However, gradually the transition in Zaxis’s behaviour towards Volke is remarkable! Despite all the trifle matters of disaccords and differences between them, it is wonderful how all the arcanist kids came together as a front against a common enemy, a lurking danger which can destroy lives.
It’s been long since I have read something so full of magical adventures. Knightmare Arcanist has been a tremendously enthralling journey for me! First off, the mystical creatures!! Loved the diversity and the thinking! How amazing it would be if we could bond with creatures possessing supernatural powers and use these powers to create magic??!! And the best thing is, we’ll always have a fitting company, a friend who will become an integral part of our soul for eternity! We can communicate our thoughts with each other and our actions will always be in unison. This is like I could live my fantasies more vividly and spectacularly through the pages of the book and thanks so much to the author for that!!
If I could bond with any creature then it would be a knightmare or a dragon or the atlas turtle! Although we haven’t read much about dragons, except wyverns (which were plague-ridden) in the story, the description of knightmare’s mystical powers fascinated me the most and quite amazingly, Luthair- the knightmare here is Volke’s eldrin (mystical creature bonded to an arcanist) . I would say this is a perfect match because I love both Volke’s and Knightmare’s character here and seeing them together is a treat!
The knightmare in this story has been portrayed as a walking suit of armor made from terror and shadows. There is not a single place where the shadows can’t travel and when the human and the knightmare act in unison, they have the power of inflicting terror by drowning the opponent’s thoughts in some of their deadliest nightmares!
The concept of corrupt magic in this story really fascinated me! The rising plague is threatening the survival of both commoners and the arcanists. The godawful rise of powers and the abominable development of the anatomy of the mystical creatures is a sure sign that they have been afflicted by the plague. We encounter the Pirates and their diabolical actions which signify that they have lost their mental balance and are thriving in their own world of insanity as a result of being affected by the plague. What happens when we discover that a powerful master arcanist is behind this pandemonium?
Shami Stovall has written some great, engrossing action sequences in this book! Loved the scrupulous descriptions and the smooth narration! I would really love to see an on screen adaptation of the story!
Now, this might be an unpopular opinion, but the moment the character of Master Zelfree was introduced in the story, I kind of felt a certain respect for the guy and had this feeling that this is a good man! Master Zelfree has been portrayed as a grogged up, crotchety, ill tempered, unbecoming human being with an ominous past, who has had very few arcanists as his students in the Frith Guild. Training under this man wouldn’t be an easy task! I very much relished the instances where Master Zelfree made an appearance in the story.
I am so eager to hear what you guys thought about Master Zelfree’s character. Do leave your comments below.
I must admit that I really loved Volke’s character. Unlike those “cliched” protagonists that I have so often come across in fantasy stories, Volke is nowhere near to perfection. We see throughout the story how Volke incessantly tries to master his magical powers. It is obviously a difficult and gruelling task for him given the fact that he had no prior training. For Volke, bonding with Luthair and then acting in unison is much of a herculean task since Luthair, who already had an arcanist bonded with him and who was killed by a common enemy, is second bonded to Volke. Thus, utilizing Luthair’s powers and channeling the magic would require lots of practice and tenacity. I have always admired Volke’s unwavering determination and his immense psychological strength. Right from the very beginning, despite all the odds, Volke’s only aim has been to be an arcanist, prove his worth in a society which has always humiliated him and achieve something big. We see how unfalteringly, just like a stream paving its way through the obstacles, Volke walks in the direction of his aim, overcoming the challenges that he faces on his way. Volke is not at all perfect in mastering his magic but his Dunkirk Spirit is what drags him towards perfection and makes him stand out in a group. I could really connect to Volke’s character on a different level.
There’s so much happening in the story that I could really go on talking about Volke and magic and the riveting adventures in the book, but then spoilers!! Ughh!!!
A powerful villain with a dangerously guileful public façade and baleful motives, six arcanist kids and a drunken master arcanist. Who will win the fight and ultimately live?
So, to sum up I would say that after a long long time I have come across such a fantastic magical adventure story! I am readily looking forward to delve deeper into the series! The narrative is so circumstantial yet so smooth, flowing with a certain lucidity and building a suspense at each and every instant that it will keep the reader’s mind totally engrossed. No wonder why I see so many people talking so many good things about this book! Definitely a page turner and a mandatory read for all the fantasy lovers out there! Highly recommend!
Thanks a ton, Dave from @TheWriteReads and the author- Shami Stovall, for giving me this opportunity and providing me with a free e-book copy of ‘Knightmare Arcanist’ on exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Knightmare Arcanist is a heroic tale of Volke Savan and his five magic wielder friends who aspire to be influential master arcanists someday and be the paragon of heroism and valour!
Arcanists are powerful wielders of sorcery who bond with certain mystical creatures like the phoenix, the wyvern, the leviathan, the hydra and many others, and create exceptional magical powers based on the creature they are bonded to.
The journey for Volke to become an arcanist is not an easy one. Volke and his adopted sister-Illia work as gravediggers in their hometown- The Isle of Ruma. Both of them have a dream of leaving their home town for training as an arcanist. Volke being the son of a murderer and a thief, goes through a real hard time trying to prove his worth in a society full of traditions and orthodox beliefs.
The people in his town despise his idea of becoming an arcanist, especially Zaxis- a fellow competitor and one of the favored students of the schoolmaster Tyms. Zaxis has had the privilege of attending classes, training under the guidance of schoolmaster Tyms, gaining enough knowledge and nurturing skills required to pass the trial and bond with the mystical creature- phoenix. Volke whereas, received no formal education. He would study on his own for hours, learning about the history of magic, legendary arcanists and their achievements by reading books from his foster parent Williams’ shelves.
Illia, Volke’s adopted sister, has been such a sweet, lovable and supportive character throughout the story. She too had a tough childhood. Having lost an eye and her parents to the vicious pirates, Illia lives on with imperishable scars on her face, which are a constant remembrance of her nightmarish childhood. She too dreams of becoming an arcanist and leaving her hometown.
One of the many things which I really loved about this story is how the manifestation of relationships have been shown here. Personally, I loved how the relationship between Zaxis and Volke altered over the course of time. From the very beginning of the story, where Zaxis and Atty- both from a high-class rich family and Volke compete for bonding with the mystical creature phoenix, we see how Zaxis always gave Volke the cold shoulder, demeaned and taunted him. However, gradually the transition in Zaxis’s behaviour towards Volke is remarkable! Despite all the trifle matters of disaccords and differences between them, it is wonderful how all the arcanist kids came together as a front against a common enemy, a lurking danger which can destroy lives.
It’s been long since I have read something so full of magical adventures. Knightmare Arcanist has been a tremendously enthralling journey for me! First off, the mystical creatures!! Loved the diversity and the thinking! How amazing it would be if we could bond with creatures possessing supernatural powers and use these powers to create magic??!! And the best thing is, we’ll always have a fitting company, a friend who will become an integral part of our soul for eternity! We can communicate our thoughts with each other and our actions will always be in unison. This is like I could live my fantasies more vividly and spectacularly through the pages of the book and thanks so much to the author for that!!
If I could bond with any creature then it would be a knightmare or a dragon or the atlas turtle! Although we haven’t read much about dragons, except wyverns (which were plague-ridden) in the story, the description of knightmare’s mystical powers fascinated me the most and quite amazingly, Luthair- the knightmare here is Volke’s eldrin (mystical creature bonded to an arcanist) . I would say this is a perfect match because I love both Volke’s and Knightmare’s character here and seeing them together is a treat!
The knightmare in this story has been portrayed as a walking suit of armor made from terror and shadows. There is not a single place where the shadows can’t travel and when the human and the knightmare act in unison, they have the power of inflicting terror by drowning the opponent’s thoughts in some of their deadliest nightmares!
The concept of corrupt magic in this story really fascinated me! The rising plague is threatening the survival of both commoners and the arcanists. The godawful rise of powers and the abominable development of the anatomy of the mystical creatures is a sure sign that they have been afflicted by the plague. We encounter the Pirates and their diabolical actions which signify that they have lost their mental balance and are thriving in their own world of insanity as a result of being affected by the plague. What happens when we discover that a powerful master arcanist is behind this pandemonium?
Shami Stovall has written some great, engrossing action sequences in this book! Loved the scrupulous descriptions and the smooth narration! I would really love to see an on screen adaptation of the story!
Now, this might be an unpopular opinion, but the moment the character of Master Zelfree was introduced in the story, I kind of felt a certain respect for the guy and had this feeling that this is a good man! Master Zelfree has been portrayed as a grogged up, crotchety, ill tempered, unbecoming human being with an ominous past, who has had very few arcanists as his students in the Frith Guild. Training under this man wouldn’t be an easy task! I very much relished the instances where Master Zelfree made an appearance in the story.
I am so eager to hear what you guys thought about Master Zelfree’s character. Do leave your comments below.
I must admit that I really loved Volke’s character. Unlike those “cliched” protagonists that I have so often come across in fantasy stories, Volke is nowhere near to perfection. We see throughout the story how Volke incessantly tries to master his magical powers. It is obviously a difficult and gruelling task for him given the fact that he had no prior training. For Volke, bonding with Luthair and then acting in unison is much of a herculean task since Luthair, who already had an arcanist bonded with him and who was killed by a common enemy, is second bonded to Volke. Thus, utilizing Luthair’s powers and channeling the magic would require lots of practice and tenacity. I have always admired Volke’s unwavering determination and his immense psychological strength. Right from the very beginning, despite all the odds, Volke’s only aim has been to be an arcanist, prove his worth in a society which has always humiliated him and achieve something big. We see how unfalteringly, just like a stream paving its way through the obstacles, Volke walks in the direction of his aim, overcoming the challenges that he faces on his way. Volke is not at all perfect in mastering his magic but his Dunkirk Spirit is what drags him towards perfection and makes him stand out in a group. I could really connect to Volke’s character on a different level.
There’s so much happening in the story that I could really go on talking about Volke and magic and the riveting adventures in the book, but then spoilers!! Ughh!!!
A powerful villain with a dangerously guileful public façade and baleful motives, six arcanist kids and a drunken master arcanist. Who will win the fight and ultimately live?
So, to sum up I would say that after a long long time I have come across such a fantastic magical adventure story! I am readily looking forward to delve deeper into the series! The narrative is so circumstantial yet so smooth, flowing with a certain lucidity and building a suspense at each and every instant that it will keep the reader’s mind totally engrossed. No wonder why I see so many people talking so many good things about this book! Definitely a page turner and a mandatory read for all the fantasy lovers out there! Highly recommend!
September 25, 2023
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles, and not only will it have you engrossed from the first sentence, but it will definitely leave you wanting more. This is described as Flintlock Fantasy, and I think that is perfect.
Ms. Stovall starts with the world-building immediately, as our two main characters are both apprentice grave-diggers. You find out just what this entails, and how it affects their 'standing' with the community. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about their world, and their capabilities; what was normal, and what was not.
The pacing is sharp and completely on-point, with no 'spare' moments. The storyline is enthralling and smooth. The characters are all fantastic, and I certainly hope to see more of them, as they grow into their powers and become more confident as people.
With corrupt white harts, magical ferrets, and a school on the back of a giant turtle, this held my attention all the way through. A fantastical read that I highly recommend. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 20, 2019
Ms. Stovall starts with the world-building immediately, as our two main characters are both apprentice grave-diggers. You find out just what this entails, and how it affects their 'standing' with the community. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about their world, and their capabilities; what was normal, and what was not.
The pacing is sharp and completely on-point, with no 'spare' moments. The storyline is enthralling and smooth. The characters are all fantastic, and I certainly hope to see more of them, as they grow into their powers and become more confident as people.
With corrupt white harts, magical ferrets, and a school on the back of a giant turtle, this held my attention all the way through. A fantastical read that I highly recommend. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 20, 2019
January 31, 2020
"No one could stop me from proving myself to a phoenix. No one..."
But the Island of Ruma was founded on tradition. Only those deemed worthy by Schoolmaster Tyms could participate in the Trial of Worth. This year Tyms had deemed Zaxis and Atty deserving of such an honour. There was no one else, or so Tyms thought.
Volke Savan was a gravedigger. His parents were criminals. He was a nobody. He was nothing. Who was he to think he had the skills or the knowledge to become an arcanist?
Growing up with tales of the illustrious arcanist, Gregory Ruma, Volke had dared to dream that his life could be so much more than what it was. He had to bond with a magical creature, his soul demanded it, and then and only then would the Island of Ruma see him for who he really was. He was not his parents. He was not a gravedigger. He would be an arcanist, and he would be a great one.
However, Volke was not fated to bond with a phoenix. A act of extraordinary courage meant that Volke piqued the curiosity of a Knightmare — a mythical knight, who hid in the shadow world and was feared by many. To bond with such a creature was not a decision to be taken lightly. But these were no ordinary times, and the decision was taken out of Volke's hands — if he did not bond with the Knightmare he would surely die.
From the graveyard on the Island of Ruma to a desperate battle in the Cathedral on the Isle of Luma, Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) by Shami Stovall is in all ways a fantasy triumph.
With a riotous sense of colour and adventure, Knightmare Arcanist is the story of a sixteen-year-old boy who refuses to accept the way his life has panned out. Volke longs for magic and adventure, but above all, he wants to be respected and revered. He will do anything to achieve his dreams — even if that means breaking with the tradition of his island. He is so desperate to break free that his actions are reckless. If he cannot bond with a phoenix, then another mythical creature will do — even if that creature is a Knightmare. Volke is a fantastic protagonist. He is wholly committed to becoming an arcanist despite the odds that are stacked against him. He cannot afford to be a pupil at Schoolmaster Tyms school, so with the helpful advice from a centuries-old staircase, Volke teaches himself what he needs to know to qualify to be considered. Volke's absolute commitment to his dreams made him not only a very likeable character but also a very courageous one. By breaking with tradition, he risks estranging himself from the rest of his community, but he does it anyway, for he knows the reward is so much greater than anything he could ever lose. Volke is a wonderful hero for young adults to get behind. He is very ambitious, but his ambition does not blind him. Volke knows right from wrong, and he can recognise corruption when he sees it. He learns some painful truths during this book — not all heroes are as heroic as they seem to be, was probably the hardest one for him to come to terms with. He is, however, a natural leader, and even Zaxis, who Volke initially sees as his rival, his enemy, becomes the very reason that he survives the battle in the Cathedral. I thought Volke was wonderfully portrayed and I am really looking forward to reading more about him in the upcoming books.
There is a wonderfully small friendship group in this book between the young arcanists of The Frith Guild. Initially, there is a lot of rivalry between them. But as this book progresses, the reader realises that they want the same thing — a place to belong. And this they find with each other.
There are many fantastic beasts in this book, but my favourite has to be Nicholin, a very rare ferret-like creature called a rizzel. Nocholin may be small, but provided a great deal of the humour in this book. His witty one-liners and his playful attitude was incredibly entertaining! Likewise, Luthair, Volke's Knightmare, was an interesting creature. He is the stuff of nightmares, hence the name, and his appearance is sinister, but he is pure of heart, and he will defend Volki with every fibre of his being. I thought Luthair was very vivid in the telling.
The threat in this story is the terrible plague that is ravishing the mythical creatures. Once infected, the creatures transform into a corrupted version of themselves, and it also renders them insane. This disease ravishes these beautiful creatures, and the arcanists are desperate to find a cure for it, as well as discover what has caused it. The plague, along with the pirate attacks makes this a turbulent time in which to be a young arcanist. Volke has, by the end of this book, several encounters with plague-ridden creatures, which gave this book a sense of dark menace. And as with all good light and dark books the illustrious hero, the man Volke looks up to, is ever so slightly tarnished upon closer inspection. Volke learns a valuable lesson that a person's facade is not necessarily an accurate reflection.
With a novelist intuition for what hooks young adults and keeps them reading and a narrative that is as boisterous as it was exciting, Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) has a lot to recommend it. Stovall has not only penned an enthralling book, that is filled to the brim with magic, mythical creatures and heroism, but it is also one that is next to impossible to put down. Knightmare Arcanist had me captivated from start to finish. I have not enjoyed a young adult fantasy so much since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. Knightmare Arcanist is a book that young adults and adult alike can get very excited about.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
September 27, 2019
I got a paperback copy of this book from my cousin (he got his copy from the author) and simply loved it. The action starts from the beginning and keep building up. The book is full of funny dialogue and high tension situations. I'm going to read the 2nd book now.
June 17, 2019
Knightmare Arcanist by Shami Stovall was rollicking good fun! It's Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series for YA readers. Stovall is quickly becoming a name I look for. I've read a few of her other works, and she's great at adjusting genres!
We follow Volke, an orphan on the Isle of Ruma, who wants nothing more than to be an Arcanist. These magic users bond with mystical creatures that determine how the magic manifests. Though prohibited from formally participating in the isle's Phoenix Trials to bond with a phoenix, Volke crashes the ceremony. Waiting for the right moment, he jumps into the trial area, a place from where he cannot be turned away from participating. It doesn't go well (imagine that), and he is rejected. Then he and his sister travel to the Endless Mire, where Ilia has heard that a ship carrying unbonded creatures has crashed. That doesn't go well either, but the pair each end up bonded, Illia to the rizzel Nicholin, and Volke to the knightmare Luthair. But there's more to Luithair than anyone realises. Volke is not his first partner. Second-bonded eldrin have already conformed to their first Arcanist, and it is difficult for a new Arcanist to harness their magic. As a price for bonding with Volke, Luthair insists that they eventually seek out the rogue Arcanist who killed his last partner. Illia and Volke travel with the two new Phoenix arcanists to Fortuna, where they are accepted into the Frith Guild. Soon, the guild is off to fight pirates, and investigate reports of the magical plague that corrupts mystical beings. Things get crazy when the rogue Arcanist shows up. Is Volke ready to keep his promise?
I fell right into this story! Volke is determined to become an Arcanist, and he won't let anything get in his way. He's young and impulsive, but that was a good counter-balance with his sister Ilia. She tends to be the thinker, good at planning. I like that Zaxis and Atty, the two new Phoenix Arcanists didn't remain antagonists. I really disliked Zaxis in the beginning, but liked him by the end. I think there's a lot in his history that shaped him to be gruff and prickly. His family seemed overly entitled and overbearing.
Speaking of mystical creatures, these guys were awesome! Besides well-known beasties like Phoenixes, and dragons, there are unusual beings like an Atlas Turtle, pixies, and leviathan, and more unusual critters too, like an ethereal whelk, a rizzel, and a knightmare. Magic in this world is granted through the bond with a mystical being, which are then called eldrin. Arcanists' magic are attuned to that of the eldrin, so Phoenix arcanists can heal, and manipulate fire. Leviathan arcanists control wind and water. The longer the bond goes, the bigger the eldrin gets, and the stronger in magic the Arcanist becomes.
This was such a fun read! Perfect for those who enjoy the Codex Alera series, the Thomas Wildus series and the Harry Potter series.
***Many thanks to the author & publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the San Francisco Book Review
We follow Volke, an orphan on the Isle of Ruma, who wants nothing more than to be an Arcanist. These magic users bond with mystical creatures that determine how the magic manifests. Though prohibited from formally participating in the isle's Phoenix Trials to bond with a phoenix, Volke crashes the ceremony. Waiting for the right moment, he jumps into the trial area, a place from where he cannot be turned away from participating. It doesn't go well (imagine that), and he is rejected. Then he and his sister travel to the Endless Mire, where Ilia has heard that a ship carrying unbonded creatures has crashed. That doesn't go well either, but the pair each end up bonded, Illia to the rizzel Nicholin, and Volke to the knightmare Luthair. But there's more to Luithair than anyone realises. Volke is not his first partner. Second-bonded eldrin have already conformed to their first Arcanist, and it is difficult for a new Arcanist to harness their magic. As a price for bonding with Volke, Luthair insists that they eventually seek out the rogue Arcanist who killed his last partner. Illia and Volke travel with the two new Phoenix arcanists to Fortuna, where they are accepted into the Frith Guild. Soon, the guild is off to fight pirates, and investigate reports of the magical plague that corrupts mystical beings. Things get crazy when the rogue Arcanist shows up. Is Volke ready to keep his promise?
I fell right into this story! Volke is determined to become an Arcanist, and he won't let anything get in his way. He's young and impulsive, but that was a good counter-balance with his sister Ilia. She tends to be the thinker, good at planning. I like that Zaxis and Atty, the two new Phoenix Arcanists didn't remain antagonists. I really disliked Zaxis in the beginning, but liked him by the end. I think there's a lot in his history that shaped him to be gruff and prickly. His family seemed overly entitled and overbearing.
Speaking of mystical creatures, these guys were awesome! Besides well-known beasties like Phoenixes, and dragons, there are unusual beings like an Atlas Turtle, pixies, and leviathan, and more unusual critters too, like an ethereal whelk, a rizzel, and a knightmare. Magic in this world is granted through the bond with a mystical being, which are then called eldrin. Arcanists' magic are attuned to that of the eldrin, so Phoenix arcanists can heal, and manipulate fire. Leviathan arcanists control wind and water. The longer the bond goes, the bigger the eldrin gets, and the stronger in magic the Arcanist becomes.
This was such a fun read! Perfect for those who enjoy the Codex Alera series, the Thomas Wildus series and the Harry Potter series.
***Many thanks to the author & publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the San Francisco Book Review
September 22, 2019
This is such a fun new series! This book has a well planned and thought out fantasy world, fun characters, and a fun spin on magic. The narration is great and fun to listen to. I would say that this is written for the middle school age and older crowd due to some minor language and writing style. It was a fun book an I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 18, 2019
A couple months ago, I had the chance to read and review Shami Stovall’s other book, “The Ethereal Squadron,” and I really enjoyed it. So, I was thrilled to get the chance to read her latest work, “Knightmare Arcanist.”
This book took me on a magical adventure that was filled with innovative, mystical possibilities, clever storylines, and well-developed characters – or technically well-developed creatures!
This book was such a beautiful, intriguing, grim, and fascinating grown-up fairytale!
This book focuses on Volke and his so-called adopted sister, Illia. Volke’s parents are referred to as blackhearts; his mother was a thief, and his father a murderer. After his parents were sentenced, he was sent to live with Gravedigger William and he, like Illia, are both apprentice gravediggers, which are considered to be at the lower end of society. Volke and Illia want more than ever to achieve their dreams of becoming arcanists – someone capable of wielding magic. To become an arcanist it requires bonding with a mythical creature and Volke wants more than ever for that creature to be a Phoenix, which is the top-tiered creature and one of great nobility.
Unfortunately, after failing a publicly embarrassing and rigged trial test Volke is rejected as a candidate to be bonded with a Phoenix. Before his dreams are completely crushed his sister, Illia finds out about a ship that recently crashed nearby that was carrying mythical creatures able for bonding and she and Volke head out to find it. Will Volke and Illia find the ship? Will Volke and Illia find the mythical creatures and be able to bond with them and achieve their dreams?
Volke and Illia also befriend Luthair, a knightmare, who tells them the most shocking news – Volke’s beloved and idolized hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma, the one who the whole town and isle is named after, is actually a secret blackheart who is murdering phoenixes and is bent on destroying the magical community. There is so much going on in this intriguing, creative, and mystifying book! No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out!!
I got completely lost in the story and felt the words come to life and leap off the page!
I totally loved the main characters – especially Volke! His passion, desire, inspiration, tenacity, and motivation is inspiring! The fact that he came from such a difficult background, was being forced to suffer through a deprived, uneventful life, and being given no advantages never deterred him, was proof that he was already special – arcanist or not.
I absolutely love the level of detail and specificity that the author spent on her world-building. She wrote cohesively and consistently and left no detail unraveled. Every variable always accounted for!
This book has so many important take-away messages that the author skillfully integrated into the storyline and plot points!
This book was truly an entertaining, refreshing, creative, stimulating read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and could not put the book down!
This book genre is marketed as a young adult/fantasy book and yet the author found a way to throw in adventure, mystery, intrigue, and suspense elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating extra component to the story!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one of The Frith Chronicles Book Series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all young adult fantasy readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book took me on a magical adventure that was filled with innovative, mystical possibilities, clever storylines, and well-developed characters – or technically well-developed creatures!
This book was such a beautiful, intriguing, grim, and fascinating grown-up fairytale!
This book focuses on Volke and his so-called adopted sister, Illia. Volke’s parents are referred to as blackhearts; his mother was a thief, and his father a murderer. After his parents were sentenced, he was sent to live with Gravedigger William and he, like Illia, are both apprentice gravediggers, which are considered to be at the lower end of society. Volke and Illia want more than ever to achieve their dreams of becoming arcanists – someone capable of wielding magic. To become an arcanist it requires bonding with a mythical creature and Volke wants more than ever for that creature to be a Phoenix, which is the top-tiered creature and one of great nobility.
Unfortunately, after failing a publicly embarrassing and rigged trial test Volke is rejected as a candidate to be bonded with a Phoenix. Before his dreams are completely crushed his sister, Illia finds out about a ship that recently crashed nearby that was carrying mythical creatures able for bonding and she and Volke head out to find it. Will Volke and Illia find the ship? Will Volke and Illia find the mythical creatures and be able to bond with them and achieve their dreams?
Volke and Illia also befriend Luthair, a knightmare, who tells them the most shocking news – Volke’s beloved and idolized hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma, the one who the whole town and isle is named after, is actually a secret blackheart who is murdering phoenixes and is bent on destroying the magical community. There is so much going on in this intriguing, creative, and mystifying book! No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out!!
I got completely lost in the story and felt the words come to life and leap off the page!
I totally loved the main characters – especially Volke! His passion, desire, inspiration, tenacity, and motivation is inspiring! The fact that he came from such a difficult background, was being forced to suffer through a deprived, uneventful life, and being given no advantages never deterred him, was proof that he was already special – arcanist or not.
I absolutely love the level of detail and specificity that the author spent on her world-building. She wrote cohesively and consistently and left no detail unraveled. Every variable always accounted for!
This book has so many important take-away messages that the author skillfully integrated into the storyline and plot points!
This book was truly an entertaining, refreshing, creative, stimulating read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and could not put the book down!
This book genre is marketed as a young adult/fantasy book and yet the author found a way to throw in adventure, mystery, intrigue, and suspense elements into the book. It definitely added a fascinating extra component to the story!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one of The Frith Chronicles Book Series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all young adult fantasy readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
July 16, 2020
When I read the description: "Magic. Sailing. A murder among heroes" I knew immediately that I wanted to read this book. It was such an adventure and I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I enjoyed it! While nothing really unexpected happened and the plot was kind of easy to predict, there are times you just need a book where you can shut your mind off and simply enjoy the ride the author takes you on--and this was definitely a fun ride the whole way through!
Stovall's writing flowed well and was so easy to read that I could've easily finished this book in one sitting if I wasn't reading it during an incredibly hectic period (right now). But every time I was "forced" to put it down--because y'know, work and all that adulting stuff--I really didn't want to leave the world Stovall created for us readers. The story immediately kicks off with a fast pace and that didn't slow down until the end. I thought the world building was done well, with enough details to get a clear picture in our mind but with none of the info dumping. What I appreciated most was that we learn about the world beyond the Island of Ruma alongside our MC, Volke. It was 'charming' to experience the awe and delight of the different areas of the world and especially the magical/mythical creatures as we encounter them along Volke and Illia's journey.
I liked almost all of the characters although there were a few, like Volke's bullies, who I wanted to seriously knock upside the head! For the most part though, they all had interesting sounding stories and I liked the roles each played. I came to really care for Volke, Illia and Adelgis (with his adorable eldrin). That said, I do wish the character development was done better. I wanted to know more about many of them but unfortunately, only a few of the characters experienced any kind of growth (and not much of it when it happened). I loved the group that we're "left with" at the end of the story and I started to really get some strong "found family" vibes within the group that I'm really hoping will continue to grow as the series goes on because that's one of my favourite tropes and I really liked these characters!
Unsurprisingly, my favourite part of the story were the magical creatures/eldrin! They were sentient and each had their own voice/personality and there were so many different kinds. Reading about their different abilities, personalities and their bonds with their arcanists was wonderful--although my fave (obviously) was Nicholin. He was such a cheeky and cute little fur ball, I just wanted to scoop him up and squeeze him forever! His sass had me laughing out loud at times! Also, the Atlas Turtle!? Talk about fantastical and amazing 😍 I could so easily picture this part like a Ghibli movie in my head and I loved it!
Overall, this was a really fun and fast paced fantasy adventure that gives you all the magic and magical creatures, journeys across oceans and lands, and likeable characters that you will root for the whole way through! I can't wait to continue this series because I'm itching to know what comes next (and guess what? If you have Kindle Unlimited, it's available to read right now!), so you can bet I already have the next book lined up to read now! 😉
Thanks to Dave @ TheWriteReads for organising the blog tour (and putting this book on my radar), and special thanks to the author for providing the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Stovall's writing flowed well and was so easy to read that I could've easily finished this book in one sitting if I wasn't reading it during an incredibly hectic period (right now). But every time I was "forced" to put it down--because y'know, work and all that adulting stuff--I really didn't want to leave the world Stovall created for us readers. The story immediately kicks off with a fast pace and that didn't slow down until the end. I thought the world building was done well, with enough details to get a clear picture in our mind but with none of the info dumping. What I appreciated most was that we learn about the world beyond the Island of Ruma alongside our MC, Volke. It was 'charming' to experience the awe and delight of the different areas of the world and especially the magical/mythical creatures as we encounter them along Volke and Illia's journey.
I liked almost all of the characters although there were a few, like Volke's bullies, who I wanted to seriously knock upside the head! For the most part though, they all had interesting sounding stories and I liked the roles each played. I came to really care for Volke, Illia and Adelgis (with his adorable eldrin). That said, I do wish the character development was done better. I wanted to know more about many of them but unfortunately, only a few of the characters experienced any kind of growth (and not much of it when it happened). I loved the group that we're "left with" at the end of the story and I started to really get some strong "found family" vibes within the group that I'm really hoping will continue to grow as the series goes on because that's one of my favourite tropes and I really liked these characters!
Unsurprisingly, my favourite part of the story were the magical creatures/eldrin! They were sentient and each had their own voice/personality and there were so many different kinds. Reading about their different abilities, personalities and their bonds with their arcanists was wonderful--although my fave (obviously) was Nicholin. He was such a cheeky and cute little fur ball, I just wanted to scoop him up and squeeze him forever! His sass had me laughing out loud at times! Also, the Atlas Turtle!? Talk about fantastical and amazing 😍 I could so easily picture this part like a Ghibli movie in my head and I loved it!
Overall, this was a really fun and fast paced fantasy adventure that gives you all the magic and magical creatures, journeys across oceans and lands, and likeable characters that you will root for the whole way through! I can't wait to continue this series because I'm itching to know what comes next (and guess what? If you have Kindle Unlimited, it's available to read right now!), so you can bet I already have the next book lined up to read now! 😉
Thanks to Dave @ TheWriteReads for organising the blog tour (and putting this book on my radar), and special thanks to the author for providing the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 18, 2019
Knightmare Arcanist is an excellent book that I would strongly recommend to people; another by an Author whose work I am coming to love. This book features extremely strong characters, an exciting magical system and world, and a tale that is quite enjoyable.
The characters and their interactions are probably the single strongest aspect of this book. Eventually, there are six young arcanists and their six eladrins (magical companions) that all have distinct personalities, from the driven do-gooder of the hero to the angry anti-hero of Zaxis; from the proper but vengeance driven eladrin Luthair to the completely narcissistic but lovable rizzel (magic ferret, really) Nicholin, the characters are well imagined, well realized, and have fantastic interactions.
The magical system is interesting, with the magic coming from the pair bonding of a magical creature with a human, making both more powerful over time; this allows numerous standard and new magical beasts to be featured, and for the magic of different stages to be explored as well. Additionally, how magic is manifested is broken into numerous categories and discussed at length. The magical system feeds into the world; a “flintlock” world that also has magic, but with only a relative few able to wield magic, but enough that they form an aristocracy of sort. Overall an excellent world.
Lastly, the tale itself is quite good, with elements of the hero’s journey featured front and center, but with a lot of further elements, and a somewhat darker ending, that lend a unique flavor to this story.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to anyone that likes character driven fantasy work.
The characters and their interactions are probably the single strongest aspect of this book. Eventually, there are six young arcanists and their six eladrins (magical companions) that all have distinct personalities, from the driven do-gooder of the hero to the angry anti-hero of Zaxis; from the proper but vengeance driven eladrin Luthair to the completely narcissistic but lovable rizzel (magic ferret, really) Nicholin, the characters are well imagined, well realized, and have fantastic interactions.
The magical system is interesting, with the magic coming from the pair bonding of a magical creature with a human, making both more powerful over time; this allows numerous standard and new magical beasts to be featured, and for the magic of different stages to be explored as well. Additionally, how magic is manifested is broken into numerous categories and discussed at length. The magical system feeds into the world; a “flintlock” world that also has magic, but with only a relative few able to wield magic, but enough that they form an aristocracy of sort. Overall an excellent world.
Lastly, the tale itself is quite good, with elements of the hero’s journey featured front and center, but with a lot of further elements, and a somewhat darker ending, that lend a unique flavor to this story.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this to anyone that likes character driven fantasy work.
July 9, 2022
Volke Savan es un joven de 15 años que vive en la isla de Ruma. Hijo de criminales, fue criado por William, sepulturero, junto a otra joven huérfana, Illia, atacada por piratas y con medio rostro lleno de cicatrices. El mayor deseo de Volke es convertirse en arcanista, un hechicero vinculado a un eldrin, criaturas místicas, que le otorga grandes poderes, y viajar a la academia del continente. Aquí es donde comienza la historia, con la ceremonia de vinculación de eldrin, en este caso aves fénix, a la que por supuesto no está invitado.
Narrada en primera persona por Volke, esta novela de la autora Shami Stovall resulta muy entretenida, donde constantemente suceden cosas y asistimos al crecimiento del personaje tanto en relación a sus poderes como con sus compañeros. Y además hay piratas.
Narrada en primera persona por Volke, esta novela de la autora Shami Stovall resulta muy entretenida, donde constantemente suceden cosas y asistimos al crecimiento del personaje tanto en relación a sus poderes como con sus compañeros. Y además hay piratas.
May 14, 2019
In this first installment in Frith Chronicles series, Shami Stovall tells the story of Gravedigger Volke Savan who has seen just one dream: to be an arcanist—an individual capable of wielding magic, and leave his gravedigger’s life behind. Volke faces a multitude of hurdles and beats tremendous odds to bond with the mystical knightmare—a creature made of shadow and terror, and realizes his lifelong dream of becoming an arcanist. He can wield magic now, and he gets to train near Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma, his idol: the legendary magical swashbuckler. But knightmare has doubts about Ruma. Someone is spreading corrupted magic and killing thousands on the island nation, including mythical phoenixes, and knightmare suspects Ruma. To save lives, Volke has no other option than to confront Ruma. But he is mere trainee and Ruma is the master arcanist. Will Volke emerge triumphant?
Knightmare Arcanist has an impressive premise, a solid plot, and great action. Stovall’s characterization shines as she takes a layered approach with her demonstrative portraits of Volke, other teens, and the mythical creatures. Volke with his doubts and sheer will instantly makes readers fall in love with him. Illia is likeable with her bravery and a wry punch of humor despite her insecurities about her looks. It’s heartening to see Zaxis with all his haughtiness possessing a heart at the end of the day. Nicholin is too cute with his fluffy, pompous talk, and the recluse Luthair is an absolute darling. The protagonists are in their late teens, but don’t let that put you off. The book will appeal to readers of all ages.
The dialogue is razor sharp with a tinge of wry humor (Lyell’s exchange with Volke and Illia). The narrative shows Stovall’s convincing flair for creating engrossing content (the episode of Lyell getting into trouble with the white hart). A bit of background for Master Zelfree would have been nicer although by the end, the reader realizes Zelfree’s reason for turning to drinking. This swift and humorous adventure will leave readers eager to see the heroes grow into their considerable powers and make them wait anxiously for the next installment. A novel that is sure to enhance Stovall’s reputation as a solid author. Highly recommended to fantasy fans.
Knightmare Arcanist has an impressive premise, a solid plot, and great action. Stovall’s characterization shines as she takes a layered approach with her demonstrative portraits of Volke, other teens, and the mythical creatures. Volke with his doubts and sheer will instantly makes readers fall in love with him. Illia is likeable with her bravery and a wry punch of humor despite her insecurities about her looks. It’s heartening to see Zaxis with all his haughtiness possessing a heart at the end of the day. Nicholin is too cute with his fluffy, pompous talk, and the recluse Luthair is an absolute darling. The protagonists are in their late teens, but don’t let that put you off. The book will appeal to readers of all ages.
The dialogue is razor sharp with a tinge of wry humor (Lyell’s exchange with Volke and Illia). The narrative shows Stovall’s convincing flair for creating engrossing content (the episode of Lyell getting into trouble with the white hart). A bit of background for Master Zelfree would have been nicer although by the end, the reader realizes Zelfree’s reason for turning to drinking. This swift and humorous adventure will leave readers eager to see the heroes grow into their considerable powers and make them wait anxiously for the next installment. A novel that is sure to enhance Stovall’s reputation as a solid author. Highly recommended to fantasy fans.
July 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. As someone with a slight obsession with phoenixes (my son's name is even Phoenix), the moment I laid eyes on this cover and read the synopsis, I was hooked. I knew I had to read this story. And I was definitely not disappointed.
First off, the cover is gorgeous. It's absolutely stunning, and I love it so much.
Second, I really felt a connection with Volke. He's considered worthless on his home island because he's a lowly gravedigger. And the only reason he's stuck with that job is because his parents were criminals and he's paying for the sins of the father (and mother). Bit unfair, really, but it is what it is. But Volke isn't going to let that stop him from trying to better himself. That resonated with me because I've been made to feel worthless by quite a few people in my life (including a parent), but I didn't let that stop me. It took awhile, but I'm finally in a good place doing what I love, and that's all that matters. So reading about Volke's journey from being hated to being someone worth looking up to (a hero, if you will) gave me some warm and fuzzies.
All of the characters are really well-written and intriguing. Each one of them is unique in their own way, and I really liked discovering the little quirks and nuggets of information about them as the story progressed.
The eldrin (mystical creatures who bond to people) were all fascinating, and seeing what they could do with magic was pretty awesome. I found myself loving Nicholin, a rizzel (a ferret-like creature who can teleport), and Lothair (Volke's knightmare).
The world-building is also fantastic. I felt as though I were on the islands with the characters at times. The imagery is vivid and magical, and I honestly wished I could have been sucked into the book to live in that world. How fun would that magic be?
Knightmare Arcanist is a thrilling adventure full of magic, whimsy, and action, but also darkness and a little bit of evil. Fans of Harry Potter will absolutely love this book. I know I'm looking forward to more with Volke, Illia, and the rest of the arcanists and their eldrin.
5 well-deserved stars from me!
First off, the cover is gorgeous. It's absolutely stunning, and I love it so much.
Second, I really felt a connection with Volke. He's considered worthless on his home island because he's a lowly gravedigger. And the only reason he's stuck with that job is because his parents were criminals and he's paying for the sins of the father (and mother). Bit unfair, really, but it is what it is. But Volke isn't going to let that stop him from trying to better himself. That resonated with me because I've been made to feel worthless by quite a few people in my life (including a parent), but I didn't let that stop me. It took awhile, but I'm finally in a good place doing what I love, and that's all that matters. So reading about Volke's journey from being hated to being someone worth looking up to (a hero, if you will) gave me some warm and fuzzies.
All of the characters are really well-written and intriguing. Each one of them is unique in their own way, and I really liked discovering the little quirks and nuggets of information about them as the story progressed.
The eldrin (mystical creatures who bond to people) were all fascinating, and seeing what they could do with magic was pretty awesome. I found myself loving Nicholin, a rizzel (a ferret-like creature who can teleport), and Lothair (Volke's knightmare).
The world-building is also fantastic. I felt as though I were on the islands with the characters at times. The imagery is vivid and magical, and I honestly wished I could have been sucked into the book to live in that world. How fun would that magic be?
Knightmare Arcanist is a thrilling adventure full of magic, whimsy, and action, but also darkness and a little bit of evil. Fans of Harry Potter will absolutely love this book. I know I'm looking forward to more with Volke, Illia, and the rest of the arcanists and their eldrin.
5 well-deserved stars from me!
September 11, 2019
This was a recommendation of a friend and it really worked out. I was completely surprised at the world painted by Shami Stovall. I really loved it.
Since its still pretty new have to be careful not to overstep.
In the Isle of Ruma, two orphans dream big. They are apprentices to the Gravedigger. Their dreams are to leave Ruma, and the only way is to become Archanist. Archanist are a sort of magicians that have bond with Mystical Creatures. But the rule in Ruma is that only the pure can try for the opportunity. Being apprentices to the grave digger that is not an option its actually prohibited.
Mystical creatures once bonded acquire the personality and traits of the magician they bonded with. So trying to keep good people as possible candidates makes sense.
Volke and Illia are not bad people. In fact they are noble and work. Volte fails in his pursuit to bond with a Phoenix. But in his second chance he goes to the mire and Ilia bonds a Rizzel. After having to fight a deranged creature Volke is given the opportunity by a creature who has watched his struggle. Can Volke bond him?
The book reads fast and keeps you on your toes constantly. The adventure is great and the creatures will remind you of books where a bond is formed by a magical creature and the character. Anne McCaffrey's Pern Dragons, Jim Butler's Codex Alera or James Stevens' Laton Dragons.
This partnerships are great and make the pair better. The whole apprenticeship in this book is very nice. Not really a school, more like on the job training. But it makes it really special. The world building is excellent and makes me wonder how good the future books in the series will be.
So if you liked any of the series I mentioned before you will enjoy the "Frith Chronicles".
Since its still pretty new have to be careful not to overstep.
In the Isle of Ruma, two orphans dream big. They are apprentices to the Gravedigger. Their dreams are to leave Ruma, and the only way is to become Archanist. Archanist are a sort of magicians that have bond with Mystical Creatures. But the rule in Ruma is that only the pure can try for the opportunity. Being apprentices to the grave digger that is not an option its actually prohibited.
Mystical creatures once bonded acquire the personality and traits of the magician they bonded with. So trying to keep good people as possible candidates makes sense.
Volke and Illia are not bad people. In fact they are noble and work. Volte fails in his pursuit to bond with a Phoenix. But in his second chance he goes to the mire and Ilia bonds a Rizzel. After having to fight a deranged creature Volke is given the opportunity by a creature who has watched his struggle. Can Volke bond him?
The book reads fast and keeps you on your toes constantly. The adventure is great and the creatures will remind you of books where a bond is formed by a magical creature and the character. Anne McCaffrey's Pern Dragons, Jim Butler's Codex Alera or James Stevens' Laton Dragons.
This partnerships are great and make the pair better. The whole apprenticeship in this book is very nice. Not really a school, more like on the job training. But it makes it really special. The world building is excellent and makes me wonder how good the future books in the series will be.
So if you liked any of the series I mentioned before you will enjoy the "Frith Chronicles".
June 22, 2019
This book was an absolutely fantastic start to what I believe will be an excellent series. It is a "juvenile" fantasy, targeted at teenagers, but easily able to be read by adults... except that it does seem to get a bit dark with what another reviewer called "Body Horror" at a couple points for those that worry about that.
This book has excellent characters, starting with the standard "hero's journey" lead seeking to overcome his circumstances of birth, and diversifying into an array of people; a wise cracking rogue of an adopted sister who was scarred as a child and has body image problems, an arrogant rival that comes to see the leads good side, a loveable egomaniac magical ferret, and two heroes of whom one may secretly be a villain, and a host of others that give this book life.
The magic system itself is fascinating, with magic being the result of "bonding" to a magical creature... with each creature giving different magical powers; the Phoenix powers of flame and healing, Leviathans powers of sea and storm, unicorns powers of healing, etc. This allows for alot of very different creatures. Additionally, the author doesn't limit herself to just the traditional creatures, with some creatures from other non-western cultures and a couple new and unique ones (including the titular knightmare) making an appearance.
Overall, the book is absolutely excellent, and I look forward to the sequel.
This book has excellent characters, starting with the standard "hero's journey" lead seeking to overcome his circumstances of birth, and diversifying into an array of people; a wise cracking rogue of an adopted sister who was scarred as a child and has body image problems, an arrogant rival that comes to see the leads good side, a loveable egomaniac magical ferret, and two heroes of whom one may secretly be a villain, and a host of others that give this book life.
The magic system itself is fascinating, with magic being the result of "bonding" to a magical creature... with each creature giving different magical powers; the Phoenix powers of flame and healing, Leviathans powers of sea and storm, unicorns powers of healing, etc. This allows for alot of very different creatures. Additionally, the author doesn't limit herself to just the traditional creatures, with some creatures from other non-western cultures and a couple new and unique ones (including the titular knightmare) making an appearance.
Overall, the book is absolutely excellent, and I look forward to the sequel.
June 4, 2019
Another killer book from Shami Stovall! Our main character Volke was so earnest and dedicated. The plot was intriguing and the world in-depth. There were redemption arcs and giant monster battles (Shami knows how to end a book with a bang).
The only thing I could say against it was that I wished the Ruma reveal hadn't been laid out in the synopsis. It would have had more punch if it had been left secret until the reveal mid-story. But the reasons behind his actions was heartbreaking... and disturbing.
The only thing I could say against it was that I wished the Ruma reveal hadn't been laid out in the synopsis. It would have had more punch if it had been left secret until the reveal mid-story. But the reasons behind his actions was heartbreaking... and disturbing.
June 19, 2019
If you’re looking for a young adult fantasy with exceptional world building, you will find it here. The magical system was well thought out, where characters gained their powers from a mystical creature that they bonded with. The mystical creatures would determine the unique powers that a person would gain. This allowed for a variety of powers unique to different people. The characters in the story are all strong characters, each with backstories of their own. The entire story was well written, and I am looking forward to see how the series progresses.
June 23, 2020
I feel like this book could have been cut in half size-wise. Most of it was filler and repeats of things we'd already heard before.
The heroes were basic and the villains were cartoonish. Main character? Well it seems like the author couldn't quite decide on a personality for him, so she tried out a new personality at every chapter.
World building? There would be info-dumps... but they wouldn't reveal enough about the world to be justified.
Overall I'm just disappointed. This had a great premise but the author just wasn't able to follow through.
The heroes were basic and the villains were cartoonish. Main character? Well it seems like the author couldn't quite decide on a personality for him, so she tried out a new personality at every chapter.
World building? There would be info-dumps... but they wouldn't reveal enough about the world to be justified.
Overall I'm just disappointed. This had a great premise but the author just wasn't able to follow through.
June 12, 2019
A fast-paced YA action fantasy. The Knightmare Arcanist has superb world building and that world is populated by some fabulous creatures (I’m a total fan of Luthair). There is a full gamut of well-developed characters which range from fun through nasty all the way to downright crazy. Interesting themes are wound through the story and played out in action. The writing is crisp and concise.
I’d recommend this to anyone interested in YA fantasy!
I’d recommend this to anyone interested in YA fantasy!
June 8, 2019
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles series written by Shami Stovall and is a young adult novel. A captivating action packed mystery that you will not wan to put down. Knightmare Arcanist has an impressive premise, a solid plot, and great action. A well-written story with well-developed characters that will leave you wanting more.
June 19, 2019
It very similar to black clover anime and good read I really like enjoy the story and characters
June 19, 2019
Awesome book
This book was a great start to new series and perfect for fans of action and fantasy. A must read.
This book was a great start to new series and perfect for fans of action and fantasy. A must read.
July 1, 2019
TL;DR – A superb start to what I’m sure will be a spectacular series!
Ragdoll Rating: 5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Anyone who loves an easy-to-read tale of magic and heroism
About the Book…
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles series. It follows a Volke, a gravediggers apprentice who yearns to be an arcanist – a magician paired for life to a magical creature, capable of amazing feats. But the circumstances of his birth make this dream unlikely, until one day everything changes.
What follows is a tale of magic, mystery and heroism where friends can become enemies and enemies can become friends.
What I thought…
I absolutely loved this book. Stovall has created an engaging and wonderful world, filled with magic and wonder and well thought out characters abound.
I love the magic system. The idea of being paired with a mystical creature whose magic influences your own is a wonderful idea and I really enjoyed seeing how each magical creature approached problems in their own unique ways. I also particularly love Nicholin the rizzel (a magical creature). He’s cheeky and adorable and quite frankly, I NEED one.
Another thing I loved about this book was the way the characters interacted. The book starts on an island with Volke and his adopted sister paired against Zaxis and Atty, the islands snobby to-good-for-the-likes-of-you favourites. But it isn’t long before this dynamic starts to change in interesting and unexpected ways, and I can’t wait to find out where it goes.
This book was also incredibly easy to read. It was well paced and engaging throughout. I didn’t want to put it down and before I knew it, the book was finished!
Final Thoughts…
I didn’t want this book to end, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment. In the meantime, I plan to get hold of Stovall’s other books Star Marque Rising and The Ethereal Squadron as soon as I am able!
Definitly give this book a go.
Ragdoll Rating: 5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Anyone who loves an easy-to-read tale of magic and heroism
About the Book…
Knightmare Arcanist is the first book in the Frith Chronicles series. It follows a Volke, a gravediggers apprentice who yearns to be an arcanist – a magician paired for life to a magical creature, capable of amazing feats. But the circumstances of his birth make this dream unlikely, until one day everything changes.
What follows is a tale of magic, mystery and heroism where friends can become enemies and enemies can become friends.
What I thought…
I absolutely loved this book. Stovall has created an engaging and wonderful world, filled with magic and wonder and well thought out characters abound.
I love the magic system. The idea of being paired with a mystical creature whose magic influences your own is a wonderful idea and I really enjoyed seeing how each magical creature approached problems in their own unique ways. I also particularly love Nicholin the rizzel (a magical creature). He’s cheeky and adorable and quite frankly, I NEED one.
Another thing I loved about this book was the way the characters interacted. The book starts on an island with Volke and his adopted sister paired against Zaxis and Atty, the islands snobby to-good-for-the-likes-of-you favourites. But it isn’t long before this dynamic starts to change in interesting and unexpected ways, and I can’t wait to find out where it goes.
This book was also incredibly easy to read. It was well paced and engaging throughout. I didn’t want to put it down and before I knew it, the book was finished!
Final Thoughts…
I didn’t want this book to end, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment. In the meantime, I plan to get hold of Stovall’s other books Star Marque Rising and The Ethereal Squadron as soon as I am able!
Definitly give this book a go.
June 26, 2019
This author may be a new favorite of mine. I was drawn in from the start and the author didn't really slow at all. The world building and set up are done expertly. I absolutely loved all the creatures. Some I already knew about but there were some amazing new ones that you will love to get to know. The bonding and how the magic manifests is fascinating and I couldn't read the pages fast enough.
The characters, oh the characters! Volke is determined to be an arcanist and is bullheaded enough to make it! There are plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns for the characters to take. I really didn't think I was going to like one particular character but now he may be a favorite. Overall, it was an excellent start to a series that I cannot wait to continue.
A 5/5 for me and I cannot wait for more.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via PumpUpYourBook. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
The characters, oh the characters! Volke is determined to be an arcanist and is bullheaded enough to make it! There are plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns for the characters to take. I really didn't think I was going to like one particular character but now he may be a favorite. Overall, it was an excellent start to a series that I cannot wait to continue.
A 5/5 for me and I cannot wait for more.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via PumpUpYourBook. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
September 3, 2022
TITLE: “Great Fantasy for YA or Middle-Grade”
• I enjoyed the easy flow of this book and the characters. There’s not a lot of deep character examination but sufficient enough to hold the attention of most YA readers. I found the variety of words to be good and should improve the vocabulary of most YA readers. The elements of self-reliance, mutual trust, goal-oriented achievement, and camaraderie are explored.
• This coming-of-age story centers on Volke Savan, a poor boy without a mother or father in sight, raised by a kind but stern & practical parental figure named William, who early on reminded Volke of his station in life on their island paradise. Volke & his step-sister Illia, also adopted by William, want to escape the drudgery life has assigned them as gravediggers. Their dreams extend beyond the island where they grew up, each wanting to become powerful wielders of magic and prove they can rise above their station in life. In particular, Volke wants to emulate his worshipped hero, Gregory Ruma, the greatest of all arcanists, but ends up challenged by what life throws at him when he becomes an apprentice to a drunkard and oft-absent mentor.
• The story is full of imaginative fantasy with pirates, Dumbledore-like teachers, the Froth guild/school to teach the gifted children about their powers, and (of course) mystical creatures and deathly magic. The magic system is unique, and I liked that aspect most about this book. Although the ending was not unexpected and a bit anti-climactic, it was warmly received and a nice way to wrap up Book 1 of the Frith Chronicles. Overall, I enjoyed the tale. Ms Stovall is a talented storyteller!
• I enjoyed the easy flow of this book and the characters. There’s not a lot of deep character examination but sufficient enough to hold the attention of most YA readers. I found the variety of words to be good and should improve the vocabulary of most YA readers. The elements of self-reliance, mutual trust, goal-oriented achievement, and camaraderie are explored.
• This coming-of-age story centers on Volke Savan, a poor boy without a mother or father in sight, raised by a kind but stern & practical parental figure named William, who early on reminded Volke of his station in life on their island paradise. Volke & his step-sister Illia, also adopted by William, want to escape the drudgery life has assigned them as gravediggers. Their dreams extend beyond the island where they grew up, each wanting to become powerful wielders of magic and prove they can rise above their station in life. In particular, Volke wants to emulate his worshipped hero, Gregory Ruma, the greatest of all arcanists, but ends up challenged by what life throws at him when he becomes an apprentice to a drunkard and oft-absent mentor.
• The story is full of imaginative fantasy with pirates, Dumbledore-like teachers, the Froth guild/school to teach the gifted children about their powers, and (of course) mystical creatures and deathly magic. The magic system is unique, and I liked that aspect most about this book. Although the ending was not unexpected and a bit anti-climactic, it was warmly received and a nice way to wrap up Book 1 of the Frith Chronicles. Overall, I enjoyed the tale. Ms Stovall is a talented storyteller!
July 15, 2020
Knightmare Arcanist was both an intriguing title and serious book cover love. These two combinations made me sign up for this tour like sonic the hedgehog. I’ve been on a right fantasy fix recently so getting something that is going to surprise me is a hard ask, but this was a real treat and the differentiating elements contained within gave me the warm and fuzzies – like revisiting an old friend, its familiar and endorphin releasing.
We follow two quite remarkable characters, Volke and Illia (his adoptive sister) who are gravediggers but have high aspirations of becoming arcanists. My instant attraction to these characters felt like love at first sight. They have serious bond, and both have in-depth family history looming over their heads. Flawed characters that are scared but are inexplicably strong and forces to be reckoned with. Their dream means leaving the Isle of Ruma and they arrive at the mainland, ready to tackle this head on. I connected to them both on such a deep level. Strangely, I didn’t expect to feel such a connection, it usually takes me a good few chapters to weigh a character up but they both pulled at me from the very start.
I really don’t want to delve too much into the storyline in Knightmare Arcanist as it would categorically spoil the experience but by gum, the worldbuilding was magnificent and the magic system gave me chills and had me grasping for my favourite hot chocolate. The bonds between the arcanists and the animals was just the jackpot, think Fantastic Beasts and where to find them but a gazillion times better. The execution the prose…just everything. I found it a quick book to blast through, but you could spend hours just revelling in all the information the author teases out. This book is definitely an experience.
Knightmare Arcanist is a brilliant joyride in the fantasy genre. it gives good feels and a world building delight!
We follow two quite remarkable characters, Volke and Illia (his adoptive sister) who are gravediggers but have high aspirations of becoming arcanists. My instant attraction to these characters felt like love at first sight. They have serious bond, and both have in-depth family history looming over their heads. Flawed characters that are scared but are inexplicably strong and forces to be reckoned with. Their dream means leaving the Isle of Ruma and they arrive at the mainland, ready to tackle this head on. I connected to them both on such a deep level. Strangely, I didn’t expect to feel such a connection, it usually takes me a good few chapters to weigh a character up but they both pulled at me from the very start.
I really don’t want to delve too much into the storyline in Knightmare Arcanist as it would categorically spoil the experience but by gum, the worldbuilding was magnificent and the magic system gave me chills and had me grasping for my favourite hot chocolate. The bonds between the arcanists and the animals was just the jackpot, think Fantastic Beasts and where to find them but a gazillion times better. The execution the prose…just everything. I found it a quick book to blast through, but you could spend hours just revelling in all the information the author teases out. This book is definitely an experience.
Knightmare Arcanist is a brilliant joyride in the fantasy genre. it gives good feels and a world building delight!
August 20, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of honest review!
Wow, what a book. I will need some time to process it all.
I love books for magical creatures and human bonding together but this book is so much more.
Although I have read something similar never like this book.
I just can't put it in the right words-magic, magical creatures and academy training the young people - what not to love. And there is so much potential in this book.
I really need the next one now.
Merged review:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of honest review!
Wow, what a book. I will need some time to process it all.
I love books for magical creatures and human bonding together but this book is so much more.
Although I have read something similar never like this book.
I just can't put it in the right words-magic, magical creatures and academy training the young people - what not to love. And there is so much potential in this book.
Wow, what a book. I will need some time to process it all.
I love books for magical creatures and human bonding together but this book is so much more.
Although I have read something similar never like this book.
I just can't put it in the right words-magic, magical creatures and academy training the young people - what not to love. And there is so much potential in this book.
I really need the next one now.
Merged review:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of honest review!
Wow, what a book. I will need some time to process it all.
I love books for magical creatures and human bonding together but this book is so much more.
Although I have read something similar never like this book.
I just can't put it in the right words-magic, magical creatures and academy training the young people - what not to love. And there is so much potential in this book.
September 13, 2020
Right off the bat, I've gotta dock this one a full star just for having the back cover of the book give away 98% of the plot. Any twists and turns the book took were immediately spoiled. A little bit of a bummer!
That being said, I still did enjoy the journey. It has the makings of your classic YA fantasy series (social outcast becomes cool! drunk mentor! rival becomes friend!) but with a darker twist that really hooked me. The plague ridden magical creatures were described in such a creepy way that I loved. The combination of fantasy with pirates made for interesting settings (I was particularly into the giant turtle island). Hard not to let your imagination get wrapped up in it, and the last 50 or so pages were particularly captivating. I kind of hated the main character (he is... extremely whiny), but the overall story and world building was interesting enough for me to want to continue the series and see where it goes. I just won't read the book jacket next time!
That being said, I still did enjoy the journey. It has the makings of your classic YA fantasy series (social outcast becomes cool! drunk mentor! rival becomes friend!) but with a darker twist that really hooked me. The plague ridden magical creatures were described in such a creepy way that I loved. The combination of fantasy with pirates made for interesting settings (I was particularly into the giant turtle island). Hard not to let your imagination get wrapped up in it, and the last 50 or so pages were particularly captivating. I kind of hated the main character (he is... extremely whiny), but the overall story and world building was interesting enough for me to want to continue the series and see where it goes. I just won't read the book jacket next time!
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