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The Crafter Chronicles #1
The Crafter's Son
Breeden has been developing unusual abilities--which aren’t like any type of magic he’s ever heard of before. But can he master his powers in time to help thwart the plans of a vengeful god?
Breeden Andehar grew up the son of a boatwright in a village far from the capital city of Arlon. At sixteen, he is given a chance to receive an education at the local monastery alongside three sons of nobility, a cloth merchant’s daughter and a clever orphan. Breeden and his new friends have their education cut short when a bitter rivalry between two brother gods spawns a conflict which threatens the entire Land.
The Crafter’s Son is the first book in a new coming of age epic fantasy series. If you liked The Sword of Shannara, The Wheel of Time, The Dragonbone Chair, or the Stormlight Archive, then you’ll love Matthew B. Berg’s brand new epic fantasy!
Pick up The Crafter’s Son to discover this exciting new series today!
Breeden Andehar grew up the son of a boatwright in a village far from the capital city of Arlon. At sixteen, he is given a chance to receive an education at the local monastery alongside three sons of nobility, a cloth merchant’s daughter and a clever orphan. Breeden and his new friends have their education cut short when a bitter rivalry between two brother gods spawns a conflict which threatens the entire Land.
The Crafter’s Son is the first book in a new coming of age epic fantasy series. If you liked The Sword of Shannara, The Wheel of Time, The Dragonbone Chair, or the Stormlight Archive, then you’ll love Matthew B. Berg’s brand new epic fantasy!
Pick up The Crafter’s Son to discover this exciting new series today!
- GenresFantasy
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2019
769 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Matthew B. Berg
5 books29 followersMatthew B. Berg writes thoughtful stories, with rich and believable characters.
Berg tries to write the kind of stories he’d want to read himself. Tales that inspire and make the reader think. Stories that aren’t easy or predictable, and don’t shirk from darkness, grit and realism. But, in an effort to make his works accessible to a wide audience, he avoids presenting violence and sexuality in a graphic or sensationalized way.
Matthew grew up on the swashbuckling heroics of Errol Flynn and Burt Lancaster. And the creative characters and world-building of Brooks, Tolkien, Eddings, and Donaldson. He embraces the trappings of medieval/renaissance fantasy in his writing to remind you (and him) that what you are reading is an escape. Though he rejects any suggestion that wonder and adventure, romance and chivalry, lack a place in our modern world. Ultimately, he wants his readers to remember that while darkness and evil exist, there are still reasons to be hopeful. Like Breeden and his friends, humans in the real world can rise to meet the challenges of whatever we might face.
Berg tries to write the kind of stories he’d want to read himself. Tales that inspire and make the reader think. Stories that aren’t easy or predictable, and don’t shirk from darkness, grit and realism. But, in an effort to make his works accessible to a wide audience, he avoids presenting violence and sexuality in a graphic or sensationalized way.
Matthew grew up on the swashbuckling heroics of Errol Flynn and Burt Lancaster. And the creative characters and world-building of Brooks, Tolkien, Eddings, and Donaldson. He embraces the trappings of medieval/renaissance fantasy in his writing to remind you (and him) that what you are reading is an escape. Though he rejects any suggestion that wonder and adventure, romance and chivalry, lack a place in our modern world. Ultimately, he wants his readers to remember that while darkness and evil exist, there are still reasons to be hopeful. Like Breeden and his friends, humans in the real world can rise to meet the challenges of whatever we might face.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 11, 2020
I liked the story and look forward to the sequels. It’s a creative and interesting read. Very enjoyable! The timing is a little off at times and one set of sequences felt like a flashback or flash forward. It may have been just part of the current story line. I still don’t know. It was out of place, nonetheless. If you find it let me know what you think. Still, this book is well worth your time. Enjoy!
January 16, 2020
Excellent world building
Great world building and character development. The first book in this series is all about developing the characters and the world they live in. It has hints and hooks, of the main story, just enough to get you interested and wanting to read more. I like the approach the author took of establishing the world and characters first before launching into the, in sure, big epic story.
Great world building and character development. The first book in this series is all about developing the characters and the world they live in. It has hints and hooks, of the main story, just enough to get you interested and wanting to read more. I like the approach the author took of establishing the world and characters first before launching into the, in sure, big epic story.
January 24, 2020
A great beginning
As others have said, this first book in the trilogy (the only one so far) is mostly world-building. But it's the kind of story set up that has me anticipating the next book. The characters are well developed and relatable. Only enough information about this world and the developing story is given to keep the reader intrigued and ready to read on. I gave four stars instead of five because it's not a stand alone book. But it's still worth the read.
As others have said, this first book in the trilogy (the only one so far) is mostly world-building. But it's the kind of story set up that has me anticipating the next book. The characters are well developed and relatable. Only enough information about this world and the developing story is given to keep the reader intrigued and ready to read on. I gave four stars instead of five because it's not a stand alone book. But it's still worth the read.
January 20, 2020
Can't put this one down!
Such a well written story! I was so relieved when I wasn't overwhelmed by an immense cast of characters to keep track of. Amazing insight to the personalities of the ones I was introduced to. Still very curious about the 'dizzying' suit of armor. I am hooked on this and am eagerly awaiting more.
Such a well written story! I was so relieved when I wasn't overwhelmed by an immense cast of characters to keep track of. Amazing insight to the personalities of the ones I was introduced to. Still very curious about the 'dizzying' suit of armor. I am hooked on this and am eagerly awaiting more.
January 26, 2020
Very good!
I give this book 4 stars only because of the slow start. It's very well written and has great character development. I'm very much looking forward to more books from this writer. This certainly isn't the quality you would expect for a kindle unlimited book. Very impressed!
I give this book 4 stars only because of the slow start. It's very well written and has great character development. I'm very much looking forward to more books from this writer. This certainly isn't the quality you would expect for a kindle unlimited book. Very impressed!
January 31, 2021
Breeden is one of six young people chosen to study at the monastery. Three are nobles and three are commoners. The group learn about their kingdom and their own skills. When the king dies, there is much upheaval and secrets, some revealed and some still lurking in the shadows.
Breeden is summoned to help a powerful magician who is trying to save the kingdom.
I like the detail involved in the architecture, weaponry, training and everyday lives of the characters. I will look for the sequel to see how each of them fares.
Breeden is summoned to help a powerful magician who is trying to save the kingdom.
I like the detail involved in the architecture, weaponry, training and everyday lives of the characters. I will look for the sequel to see how each of them fares.
January 18, 2020
Good book, like the story!
Enjoyed the mc and the other characters! Especially liked the crafting details. This is looking to be a good series!
Enjoyed the mc and the other characters! Especially liked the crafting details. This is looking to be a good series!
January 6, 2020
KEPT INTEREST THROUGH ENTIRE BOOK
April 18, 2020
Solid premise, fun read, average writing
If you have kindle unlimited, and love fantasy, I'd recommend this book! It's a fun read, the pacing of events is quick, the author does a good job of sprinkling descriptions of locations and events without dragging on. A varied fantasy setting doesn't hurt. The book would best target young adults, because it does lack some detail and writing flair. But it's solid. Like a cookie from a box, not as good as fresh baked, but still a tasty snack! Well done to the author for what I assume is an early work.
That is not to say the book doesn't have faults. The main problem is that some characters feel hollow. That is to say they seem to exist more for the sake of cliche or plot. Very "bad guy, good guy", which comes off as moral patronization. Often there are grandiose gestures by the "good" characters to indicate that they are indeed good, or blatantly cruel, dumb, etc... behaviors by "bad" characters. The feeling of a moral patronization doesn't end there though, there is a particular section of the book where a monk explains in EXHAUSTIVE detail the existence of an all knowing god in this world of "magic" and "old gods" that goes on for so long it can't possibly be anything other than the author's ethics. Which would be fine if it didn't detract from the actual storytelling, but it does. The final problem is that the storytelling is not particularly strong (but fundamentals are solid). All the events are laid out well enough, and the descriptions of setting and action are actually quite good, but characters, behavior, and plot are weak. The story seems to meander and jump around, without much purpose, tempo, or guide. The characters are shallow and do not seem to act without furthering the plot or defining a simple characteristic about themselves (character x is "strong", character y is "whiny", etc..) we don't need a lot of details about every character, but it needs to be MORE than functional. Makes it feel like less of a world, more of a stage.
But overall, and especially for a free book, I can safely say I enjoyed my time with this book, and I couldn't do better. My hats off to this effort, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
If you have kindle unlimited, and love fantasy, I'd recommend this book! It's a fun read, the pacing of events is quick, the author does a good job of sprinkling descriptions of locations and events without dragging on. A varied fantasy setting doesn't hurt. The book would best target young adults, because it does lack some detail and writing flair. But it's solid. Like a cookie from a box, not as good as fresh baked, but still a tasty snack! Well done to the author for what I assume is an early work.
That is not to say the book doesn't have faults. The main problem is that some characters feel hollow. That is to say they seem to exist more for the sake of cliche or plot. Very "bad guy, good guy", which comes off as moral patronization. Often there are grandiose gestures by the "good" characters to indicate that they are indeed good, or blatantly cruel, dumb, etc... behaviors by "bad" characters. The feeling of a moral patronization doesn't end there though, there is a particular section of the book where a monk explains in EXHAUSTIVE detail the existence of an all knowing god in this world of "magic" and "old gods" that goes on for so long it can't possibly be anything other than the author's ethics. Which would be fine if it didn't detract from the actual storytelling, but it does. The final problem is that the storytelling is not particularly strong (but fundamentals are solid). All the events are laid out well enough, and the descriptions of setting and action are actually quite good, but characters, behavior, and plot are weak. The story seems to meander and jump around, without much purpose, tempo, or guide. The characters are shallow and do not seem to act without furthering the plot or defining a simple characteristic about themselves (character x is "strong", character y is "whiny", etc..) we don't need a lot of details about every character, but it needs to be MORE than functional. Makes it feel like less of a world, more of a stage.
But overall, and especially for a free book, I can safely say I enjoyed my time with this book, and I couldn't do better. My hats off to this effort, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
June 20, 2020
This book was basically one big prologue. Most of the book is spent on world building, which is good because if this is going to be a fantasy epic I need to know about the world and its history. But it was everything else that kind of let me down. The characters are pretty bland for most of the story, the relationships keep just being told to us or just kind of happen, theres hardly ever any 'downtime' with the characters just chatting and interacting which is important to make their friendships more real and them seem more developed and worth attaching myself to, instead we're mostly just told some traits and 'they're friends now so...' There are portions of this book where its genuinely just a history lesson, and not much else happens, which could work but given we have a cast of 5 classmates to follow I was expecting them to do something. Instead theres almost no real plot movement until about 2/3rds of the way through the book where characters come and go when required and barely seem to hold on to a thought once they're not in scene anymore. Theres an entire chapter in the middle of the book dedicated to a 'reveal' on one of the side teens which has absolutely 0 impact on the plot, none of the other characters know and is not mentioned again the whole book which just felt like weird structure. Especially since everything just starts happening and everyone starts moving in the last 20%.
I didn't hate this book or anything, I think it got better near the end and it had potential, the writing is pretty decent and also improves throughout I feel; I wasn't a huge fan of how the women were portrayed but that's a me issue I guess. The second one could be interesting but I just think this book had too much downtime spent on history and not enough focused on developing the characters we'll be following throughout the series.
I didn't hate this book or anything, I think it got better near the end and it had potential, the writing is pretty decent and also improves throughout I feel; I wasn't a huge fan of how the women were portrayed but that's a me issue I guess. The second one could be interesting but I just think this book had too much downtime spent on history and not enough focused on developing the characters we'll be following throughout the series.
June 13, 2020
This book is rated 2.5 stars.
The Crafter's Son is solid as the first book in the series.
The characters are engaging and the world-building is interesting.
As another reviewer mentioned, this story lacks any tension. It appears to this reader that the author writes in a passive tone instead of an active tone. There is more telling than showing.
The author goes into great detail with descriptions and what each character is thinking and it bogs down the story. The beginning sets up the rest of the story nicely, but the middle is a slog, and the ending is where all the action is and sets the table for the rest of the series.
In this story, I would have preferred to have one or two less povs and show a bit more of the home life of the main character to foreshadow a little bit due to the reveal of who his real parents are, spent a little bit more time with the hand-maiden and the princess, and to expand on the part of the story relating to what another student overheard and the consequences.
Even with some of these shortcomings, I am interested in reading the second story in this series because the author established an intriguing set-up in the first novel.
The Crafter's Son is solid as the first book in the series.
The characters are engaging and the world-building is interesting.
As another reviewer mentioned, this story lacks any tension. It appears to this reader that the author writes in a passive tone instead of an active tone. There is more telling than showing.
The author goes into great detail with descriptions and what each character is thinking and it bogs down the story. The beginning sets up the rest of the story nicely, but the middle is a slog, and the ending is where all the action is and sets the table for the rest of the series.
In this story, I would have preferred to have one or two less povs and show a bit more of the home life of the main character to foreshadow a little bit due to the reveal of who his real parents are, spent a little bit more time with the hand-maiden and the princess, and to expand on the part of the story relating to what another student overheard and the consequences.
Even with some of these shortcomings, I am interested in reading the second story in this series because the author established an intriguing set-up in the first novel.
January 28, 2020
A little slow to start but fantastic!
This book was a little slow to start but it was outlining each of the characters which really gave a better feel once you got further into the book/storyline. For first time author this book was very well written and kept me interested once the plot got going.
I am really anxious to dig into the next book in the series and hope there are plenty more to come as the characters are well defined and very interested in reading their story. I can see there could be many more books based on each of the characters’ travels once the main series is complete.
I highly recommend this book and I’m following this author for any future book releases.
This book was a little slow to start but it was outlining each of the characters which really gave a better feel once you got further into the book/storyline. For first time author this book was very well written and kept me interested once the plot got going.
I am really anxious to dig into the next book in the series and hope there are plenty more to come as the characters are well defined and very interested in reading their story. I can see there could be many more books based on each of the characters’ travels once the main series is complete.
I highly recommend this book and I’m following this author for any future book releases.
January 28, 2020
Wonderful read, way too short but great coming of age story.
A wonderful read with fresh new ideas, a great mix of classic medieval and high fantasy tropes set in a coming of age tale that rivals the Ranger's Apprentice. If you like the 13th Paladin, the Brotherband and, the Inheritance Cycle and as I said, the Ranger's Apprentice then you'll love this book. Far less action comparatively, but the coming of age story is rich, characters are well written and at times the world building is solid. That said, it is short, and you are left wanting more because you do feel it is lacking the gut punch storyline needed to hook readers. If it takes too long for a follow-up this is one that could end up shelved by those who enjoyed it.
A wonderful read with fresh new ideas, a great mix of classic medieval and high fantasy tropes set in a coming of age tale that rivals the Ranger's Apprentice. If you like the 13th Paladin, the Brotherband and, the Inheritance Cycle and as I said, the Ranger's Apprentice then you'll love this book. Far less action comparatively, but the coming of age story is rich, characters are well written and at times the world building is solid. That said, it is short, and you are left wanting more because you do feel it is lacking the gut punch storyline needed to hook readers. If it takes too long for a follow-up this is one that could end up shelved by those who enjoyed it.
March 3, 2020
Not All The Usual Stuff
So many of these types of stories start with a poor recently orphaned boy who barely escapes with his life when monsters/evil men/rampaging armies destroy villages and parents. However this author gave me enough of a different start to convince me to read further and eventually "get into" the book. I liked not having to spend all my reading time following one or two leading characters and one dirty, dishonest, evil-to-the-core villain or female cad/cadress. Liked finding magical powers, teen infatuation handled well, secret passages, newly discovered armory stores and all the good things that make a readable tale. Hopefully the author will let our heroes and their love interests grow up a bit so we're not mired in a teen level tale.
So many of these types of stories start with a poor recently orphaned boy who barely escapes with his life when monsters/evil men/rampaging armies destroy villages and parents. However this author gave me enough of a different start to convince me to read further and eventually "get into" the book. I liked not having to spend all my reading time following one or two leading characters and one dirty, dishonest, evil-to-the-core villain or female cad/cadress. Liked finding magical powers, teen infatuation handled well, secret passages, newly discovered armory stores and all the good things that make a readable tale. Hopefully the author will let our heroes and their love interests grow up a bit so we're not mired in a teen level tale.
March 6, 2020
Excellent First Book
While writing a book with 5 teens, or more, as participating characters might seem difficult, keeping the reader interested is tough as well. Not true for this author! From the first word onward the book grabbed and held my attention. The storyline has unfolded in a manner that puts the reader’s mind eye right in the middle. Best of all, there’s minimal small talk, just rich storytelling. I love stories around gifted youth with an unknown future and was not disappointed except when I discovered Book 2 was not available. I loved this story thus far and highly recommend it for those who like well written and conceived stories.
While writing a book with 5 teens, or more, as participating characters might seem difficult, keeping the reader interested is tough as well. Not true for this author! From the first word onward the book grabbed and held my attention. The storyline has unfolded in a manner that puts the reader’s mind eye right in the middle. Best of all, there’s minimal small talk, just rich storytelling. I love stories around gifted youth with an unknown future and was not disappointed except when I discovered Book 2 was not available. I loved this story thus far and highly recommend it for those who like well written and conceived stories.
April 15, 2020
It’s a Start
It’s always fun to go on a journey with a new writer. Over the course of “The Crafter’s Son,” the reader can feel the writer getting into the flow.
Still, this book has a significant flaw that keeps me from giving it more than two stars: a lack of narrative tension. We don’t get a real villain, or any real stakes, until 65% of the way through the text. Until then, it’s all just (mostly) decent people enjoying one another’s company.
I’m aware that the writer sees this novel as the first of many in a series, but 65% of a book is a long time just to set the table.
That said, I’m interested to see where the author takes this series. I’ll take the next installment for a spin.
It’s always fun to go on a journey with a new writer. Over the course of “The Crafter’s Son,” the reader can feel the writer getting into the flow.
Still, this book has a significant flaw that keeps me from giving it more than two stars: a lack of narrative tension. We don’t get a real villain, or any real stakes, until 65% of the way through the text. Until then, it’s all just (mostly) decent people enjoying one another’s company.
I’m aware that the writer sees this novel as the first of many in a series, but 65% of a book is a long time just to set the table.
That said, I’m interested to see where the author takes this series. I’ll take the next installment for a spin.
January 8, 2020
Aimless
Every character seemed to have a short POV that didn’t seem to push the story along. Then you have the school montage that seemed to indicate that it was preparing the MC for (x) but then (y) happened which made the whole school moot and left characters that were painstakingly developed not important. At this point (z) happened and the MC gracefully takes a life changing event on the chin and doesn’t bat in eye to leaving everything on a drop of a dime and honestly that’s where I had to throw in the towel.
Every character seemed to have a short POV that didn’t seem to push the story along. Then you have the school montage that seemed to indicate that it was preparing the MC for (x) but then (y) happened which made the whole school moot and left characters that were painstakingly developed not important. At this point (z) happened and the MC gracefully takes a life changing event on the chin and doesn’t bat in eye to leaving everything on a drop of a dime and honestly that’s where I had to throw in the towel.
Read
December 9, 2019I will not leave a rating as I did not finish the book. No fault of the author - really good grammar, only a few minor syntax issues, but after 200+ pages, the book really did not go anywhere. No real plot advancement or anything. When the author publishes the next part of the series, I will probably at least scan the next book before making a judgement. If so, I'll revisit this review and update it later.
August 19, 2020
I loved the characters, setting, and pace of this book. Matthew B. Berg does a great job setting up the scenes, including slight details, and keeping the pace throughout this tale. As a coming of age story, this would be great for young adults, but as a “full-fledged adult”, I really enjoyed this book. The only negative thing about this book is that it is not a standalone story. It kind of ended leaving me yearning for the rest of the tale. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
May 6, 2025
Zzzzz...
Have to admit that I tapped out on page 271. There is always some set-up work in a book. You have to introduce the characters, build a world, define a workable magic system all while telling a story. We touched a little on each and then individual characters started getting their own chapters. At around 90% of the book I have no real idea who the bad guy is or if we even have a bad guy. Currently I hope whoever it is wins.
Have to admit that I tapped out on page 271. There is always some set-up work in a book. You have to introduce the characters, build a world, define a workable magic system all while telling a story. We touched a little on each and then individual characters started getting their own chapters. At around 90% of the book I have no real idea who the bad guy is or if we even have a bad guy. Currently I hope whoever it is wins.
December 28, 2019
Good story, but is a slow burn
This book shows promise to the whole story, but not much happens in this book, it is all setup and no action. The story seems to be a good one but I would have liked it to be paired with the second book of at least have it available. With no real action it is hard for judge my overall impression . I hope the setup is worth the wait
This book shows promise to the whole story, but not much happens in this book, it is all setup and no action. The story seems to be a good one but I would have liked it to be paired with the second book of at least have it available. With no real action it is hard for judge my overall impression . I hope the setup is worth the wait
February 18, 2020
A strong foundation
A fine foundation of character-building, interaction and relationships. Then draws out a basis for dramatic intentions and future intrigue. Able to express strong emotional descriptions without profanity and use of sexual promiscuity. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A fine foundation of character-building, interaction and relationships. Then draws out a basis for dramatic intentions and future intrigue. Able to express strong emotional descriptions without profanity and use of sexual promiscuity. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 1, 2021
Entertaining Read
Breeden is sent by his family to be educated at the monastery. His class includes a varied group of nobles and commoners. The story begins by building the world and fleshing out the characters. It then builds in action and excitement in a crescendo to the end. I like the action, humor, and touch of romance. I look forward to the next book.
Breeden is sent by his family to be educated at the monastery. His class includes a varied group of nobles and commoners. The story begins by building the world and fleshing out the characters. It then builds in action and excitement in a crescendo to the end. I like the action, humor, and touch of romance. I look forward to the next book.
April 7, 2022
I liked this book. It's your typical magic story in that the main character doesn't know he has any until it manefests, but then of course, events conspire to bring him in contact with those who can explain it's origins, and begin his journey to save the world. Still though, it's fairly well done, so the story holds up well, and I intend to read the next one in the series.
September 4, 2024
*audiobook* this book sets the stage for what sounds like an epic adventure. It's fairly slow moving and spends quite a bit of time on the interplay between various characters. The end feels quite rushed (and it definitely doesn't resolve!) but I suppose that pushes you towards reading the next book in the series.
October 4, 2024
Boring
Sorry to say I found the whole series boring and incomplete. Most of the first book was dedicated to history without actually covering any relevant history.
Spoiler alert**** And ends with the disappearance of MC, with no hints or even passing thought of what became of him.
I would say that the author has good components for a epic story but it just fell flat.
Sorry
Sorry to say I found the whole series boring and incomplete. Most of the first book was dedicated to history without actually covering any relevant history.
Spoiler alert**** And ends with the disappearance of MC, with no hints or even passing thought of what became of him.
I would say that the author has good components for a epic story but it just fell flat.
Sorry
March 30, 2025
Excellent
I found this book to be very interesting and the world building was such a natural part of the story that it actually advanced the plot. This is a highly capable author who weaves intrigue artfully through normal occurrences while his characters are well rounded and intelligent.
I found this book to be very interesting and the world building was such a natural part of the story that it actually advanced the plot. This is a highly capable author who weaves intrigue artfully through normal occurrences while his characters are well rounded and intelligent.
January 12, 2020
Who is this story about? What is the story?
Tried hard to read this but the story kept fracturing more and more. Perspectives changed with no rhythm or reason. Needs and edition or focus group to beta read.
Tried hard to read this but the story kept fracturing more and more. Perspectives changed with no rhythm or reason. Needs and edition or focus group to beta read.
February 12, 2020
Well written but a bit slow
I like the book, the characters were decent but i have to admit that it was a bit slow. It didn't start picking up till i was about done with it. Having said that it show great promise and i am looking for the next one.
I like the book, the characters were decent but i have to admit that it was a bit slow. It didn't start picking up till i was about done with it. Having said that it show great promise and i am looking for the next one.
February 14, 2020
5 starts
Slow but good. Certainly sets the series up well. The writing just feels much more realistic with deep and well thought out characters. I’m super excited to read the next one.
Slow but good. Certainly sets the series up well. The writing just feels much more realistic with deep and well thought out characters. I’m super excited to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews