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The Sentinel Archives #1
Seeker
"Today I am equipped with the knowledge that my future was to be far greater, more exciting, and more disturbing than anything so simple as my young imagination could then conjure. Indeed, looking back, my forecast was positively quaint. I ask myself a question often, and it is this: if I had understood all that was to befall me, would I have run, that day, or exulted?
I find I do not know."
Ancient leviathans have stirred from their long slumber. Their scent song marks where they might be found but only to those who have the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.
Shay Bluefaltlow finds herself training to become such a specialist when she is forced into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is strange and unfamiliar, as are her new companions: a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist tasked with teaching Shay the terrifying ways of the trade.
Her unanticipated position requires rigorous training, diligent study and a strong constitution. Shay, afraid she is unequal to the prodigious task but desperate to impress her superior, struggles to prove herself.
When war breaks out across the Concord, the office of the Sentinel Archivist is threatened by a terrible betrayal. And Shay has secrets of her own.
Packed with era detail to bring the world to vivid life, realistic, but with strong fantastical elements, a rich regency voice, and a bewitching touch of strangeness, Seeker is an immersive first-person fantasy for adults.
Griffin does for regency era fantasy what Robin Hobb did for medieval: this isn’t just a fiction, this is a living and breathing world you dunk yourself in. An intimate journey with real characters. With incredibly accomplished, enchanting prose, and a beating heart of a story.
I find I do not know."
Ancient leviathans have stirred from their long slumber. Their scent song marks where they might be found but only to those who have the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.
Shay Bluefaltlow finds herself training to become such a specialist when she is forced into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is strange and unfamiliar, as are her new companions: a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist tasked with teaching Shay the terrifying ways of the trade.
Her unanticipated position requires rigorous training, diligent study and a strong constitution. Shay, afraid she is unequal to the prodigious task but desperate to impress her superior, struggles to prove herself.
When war breaks out across the Concord, the office of the Sentinel Archivist is threatened by a terrible betrayal. And Shay has secrets of her own.
Packed with era detail to bring the world to vivid life, realistic, but with strong fantastical elements, a rich regency voice, and a bewitching touch of strangeness, Seeker is an immersive first-person fantasy for adults.
Griffin does for regency era fantasy what Robin Hobb did for medieval: this isn’t just a fiction, this is a living and breathing world you dunk yourself in. An intimate journey with real characters. With incredibly accomplished, enchanting prose, and a beating heart of a story.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2024
78 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Griffin
1 book28 followersSamuel Griffin is the author of the deep and evocative flintlock fantasy series, ‘The Sentinel Archives’, starting with the debut ‘Seeker’, releasing 2024.
Prior to becoming an author, Samuel worked in several fields, studied many subjects, and has wandered much of the UK. But his wild imagination and playful inquisitiveness always taunted him, and eventually he gave in the fight, allowing himself to be dragged properly into the worlds of his dreams. He’s not looked back since.
Samuel lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with his partner; who is herself a commercial fiction editor and ghost writer, and their cat, who is not.
Prior to becoming an author, Samuel worked in several fields, studied many subjects, and has wandered much of the UK. But his wild imagination and playful inquisitiveness always taunted him, and eventually he gave in the fight, allowing himself to be dragged properly into the worlds of his dreams. He’s not looked back since.
Samuel lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with his partner; who is herself a commercial fiction editor and ghost writer, and their cat, who is not.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 23, 2024
This story presents an interesting conundrum, one that must be explained before anyone can decide whether to give it a try or not. So, here it goes:
The book is written in a decidedly historical voice and pen. The author uses the language, technique and style that readers would find in such classics as Dickens, Collin’s, the Bronte’s and the like. It is almost lyrical and lovely to read. But, as with authors of earlier centuries, it can be longwinded, and what many modern day readers consider rambling. And that’s the crux. The authors of that day needed to write extensive descriptions and explanations because they lived in a world where that was the only way for readers to picture the story. In today’s flash-bang, internet immediate world, however, all those words are not necessary.
And that is where this book lands. There are so many words and so much to read that it is hard to find the actual story! Now, don’t get me wrong, the words and sentences are beautiful, often almost lyrical, but it can be a challenge to keep one’s attention long enough to actually find the story beneath! This is especially true throughout the first half of the book when all the aspects are being set up and the action hasn’t really occurred yet. Man, it was slow going! Even for one who appreciates the writing.
Still, if one can persevere, the actual story is a tremendously unique and creative one that has all the intrigue and twists one can hope for. From the creatures to the contraptions, to the actual people who populate this world, it is a feast. I would just recommend it for those who love to indulge in the written word just for the overall enjoyment of the experience , rather than those who like stories that progress at a mild or upbeat click.
The book is written in a decidedly historical voice and pen. The author uses the language, technique and style that readers would find in such classics as Dickens, Collin’s, the Bronte’s and the like. It is almost lyrical and lovely to read. But, as with authors of earlier centuries, it can be longwinded, and what many modern day readers consider rambling. And that’s the crux. The authors of that day needed to write extensive descriptions and explanations because they lived in a world where that was the only way for readers to picture the story. In today’s flash-bang, internet immediate world, however, all those words are not necessary.
And that is where this book lands. There are so many words and so much to read that it is hard to find the actual story! Now, don’t get me wrong, the words and sentences are beautiful, often almost lyrical, but it can be a challenge to keep one’s attention long enough to actually find the story beneath! This is especially true throughout the first half of the book when all the aspects are being set up and the action hasn’t really occurred yet. Man, it was slow going! Even for one who appreciates the writing.
Still, if one can persevere, the actual story is a tremendously unique and creative one that has all the intrigue and twists one can hope for. From the creatures to the contraptions, to the actual people who populate this world, it is a feast. I would just recommend it for those who love to indulge in the written word just for the overall enjoyment of the experience , rather than those who like stories that progress at a mild or upbeat click.
April 30, 2024
When I was a very troubled, stuttering child with undiagnosed mental illness, I opened up my world through the likes of Tolkien, Stephen R Donaldson and later - the larger tomes of Stephen King and Clive Barker. The epic sprawling quests and adventures spoke to me and allowed me escape as well as a vocabulary that would free me from my stutter.
Those books hold an incredibly special place in my heart as part of my DNA and as saviours of my life.
"Seeker" took me back to those times. The wonder of fictional discovery and long lexicological roads. The beautifully crafted prose, the character depth, the - at times - feeling of doom and that nothing is going to go right for the protagonist. All of it whisked me back to the linguistic escapades I traversed through pages many years back.
There's good versus evil. There's injustice and backstabbing. There's strange foods and creatures, places and cultures.
If you want a quick read, this isn't for you. If you prefer simplistic writing, also a nope. However, if you want to lose yourself across vast, fantastical lands and go on adventures with Shay - as you watch her grow and make mistakes and you say NO! at times - and discover huge leviathons amidst epic battles; then please, PLEASE read this book.
It astounds me that this is a debut. How does a human without decades of books behind them arrive with something as huge as this?
I'm so ready to see the further adventures of Shay. I was there when she was sold, I stood watching as she grew up, I cringed at her human mistakes.
Samuel Griffin, take a bow, man. This is something to be proud of.
Those books hold an incredibly special place in my heart as part of my DNA and as saviours of my life.
"Seeker" took me back to those times. The wonder of fictional discovery and long lexicological roads. The beautifully crafted prose, the character depth, the - at times - feeling of doom and that nothing is going to go right for the protagonist. All of it whisked me back to the linguistic escapades I traversed through pages many years back.
There's good versus evil. There's injustice and backstabbing. There's strange foods and creatures, places and cultures.
If you want a quick read, this isn't for you. If you prefer simplistic writing, also a nope. However, if you want to lose yourself across vast, fantastical lands and go on adventures with Shay - as you watch her grow and make mistakes and you say NO! at times - and discover huge leviathons amidst epic battles; then please, PLEASE read this book.
It astounds me that this is a debut. How does a human without decades of books behind them arrive with something as huge as this?
I'm so ready to see the further adventures of Shay. I was there when she was sold, I stood watching as she grew up, I cringed at her human mistakes.
Samuel Griffin, take a bow, man. This is something to be proud of.
March 27, 2024
Seeker by Samuel Griffin
Orphaned War girls. Traces of Seekers. A Concord War.
Shay Bluefaltlow. Ridley, a guardian and supervisor and her jailor. The Sentinels. Chief Archivist. Apothecaries. Draper's Ward. Thirteen Concord drams. The goal: a quote passage to Quom Protectorate.
Ancient leviathans. Wax and candle flames. Breaking Old Accords. The Tripart Wars. Operas. Gospek harmonizer, spindly steel armatures. Sentinel odour harmonics. Scent song notation.
The very details that spin this story's tapestry are intriguing, learning of this world and it's history is like unspooling thread, langurous and long, but worth the effort in the end. Seals and signets. Binding with blood.
Concord of the Houses. The Whispering Coast. Rifleman Belfry. A ball, the social debut, and a waltz. A gift, a key. A lively ballroom. Tinctures. The Three Moons: Ra, Guisi, and Aises. Eclipse of the Luminaries.
The Aeronaut's Balloon. Conspiracies. Bloody deaths. Laudanum. The Spirit Breaker, a fivedock ship. Optic glasses. A philosopher. Curious gods. Intimidating magic. Tainted dreams. Deals and bargains.
This was certainly a unique ride and I was enthralled, hanging onto the edge of my seat in tandem with each defining parts of the story. Bits of this felt like the Regency-era, steampunk, and fantasy. There is an ever-present strangeness that lingered as I read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
Orphaned War girls. Traces of Seekers. A Concord War.
Shay Bluefaltlow. Ridley, a guardian and supervisor and her jailor. The Sentinels. Chief Archivist. Apothecaries. Draper's Ward. Thirteen Concord drams. The goal: a quote passage to Quom Protectorate.
Ancient leviathans. Wax and candle flames. Breaking Old Accords. The Tripart Wars. Operas. Gospek harmonizer, spindly steel armatures. Sentinel odour harmonics. Scent song notation.
The very details that spin this story's tapestry are intriguing, learning of this world and it's history is like unspooling thread, langurous and long, but worth the effort in the end. Seals and signets. Binding with blood.
Concord of the Houses. The Whispering Coast. Rifleman Belfry. A ball, the social debut, and a waltz. A gift, a key. A lively ballroom. Tinctures. The Three Moons: Ra, Guisi, and Aises. Eclipse of the Luminaries.
The Aeronaut's Balloon. Conspiracies. Bloody deaths. Laudanum. The Spirit Breaker, a fivedock ship. Optic glasses. A philosopher. Curious gods. Intimidating magic. Tainted dreams. Deals and bargains.
This was certainly a unique ride and I was enthralled, hanging onto the edge of my seat in tandem with each defining parts of the story. Bits of this felt like the Regency-era, steampunk, and fantasy. There is an ever-present strangeness that lingered as I read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
July 4, 2024
‘Seeker’ plunges you straight into an immersive world of politics, betrayal and strange sentient beings. This book is beautifully and eloquently written! It’s so poetic, I honestly felt like I was inside a Jane Austen novel. While the historical, Victorian style setting and writing might not be for everyone, I personally loved it!
It did take a while to get into due to the slow start. Shay spends the first 150 (ish) pages very confused about what’s going on… and equally I was just as confused. However, that is the nature of the writing and its intent. It’s written in first person from Shay’s POV (like journal entries with breaks in the firth wall) and the reader learns information as Shay herself unravels the world around her. As the story unfolds things become much clearer and everything starts to click into place.
The ending was amazing, the Sentinels are written in such a fascinating way I can’t wait to unravel more of their mysteries in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5ish Don't Pick A Book Just For the Cover Stars
Seeker is the debut book for Samuel Griffin and the first book in The Sentinel Archives Series. This isn't going to be for everyone due the the nature of the prose of the writing. Written as a regency or in a historical voice of sorts, the main character takes the reader through her personal journey to become a Seeker, someone in a secret type of society looking for huge leviathans of the deep. They are who are stirring once more and will the the force that could turn the tide of a the war.
Shay Bluefaltlow takes us through her journey as she struggles to live up the expectations placed on her to become one of the few secretly searching for the elusive scent song unique to each of the leviathans. A young girl in a strange place, the story is almost written in the flowery musings of a teen in her diary, if said diary was from a regency era. She is introduced to a strange world full of dangers and some espionage as she tries to make her way. Sponsored by a group of benefactors yet to be revealed she is guided through her training. Because of her age some of her rebellions, secrets and poor choices, while frustrating, can at least be understood. The action at the end was the most interesting part of the book as the actual leviathans come into play in a battle at sea.
The actual story is pretty decent and the world interesting with the idea of the Seekers and Leviathans and whatever their connection will end up being. However, I really struggled with the writing style. At times it was really hard to focus on the story through the prose as it took awhile to get from point A to B to C in the story. I believe the author lives on the poetical side of the fence and that is very much reflected in the story. So if you are a fan of some of other authors of the past like Dickens this will probably be an easier and more enjoyable read for you than it was for me. I do applaud the author for committing to this writing style whole heartedly but I think it will really factor into how much a reader likes the story within.
I really enjoyed the idea of the story and the plot is really interesting in the fantasy aspect. I'm not huge into the classics though and so I struggled through reading.
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5ish Don't Pick A Book Just For the Cover Stars
Seeker is the debut book for Samuel Griffin and the first book in The Sentinel Archives Series. This isn't going to be for everyone due the the nature of the prose of the writing. Written as a regency or in a historical voice of sorts, the main character takes the reader through her personal journey to become a Seeker, someone in a secret type of society looking for huge leviathans of the deep. They are who are stirring once more and will the the force that could turn the tide of a the war.
Shay Bluefaltlow takes us through her journey as she struggles to live up the expectations placed on her to become one of the few secretly searching for the elusive scent song unique to each of the leviathans. A young girl in a strange place, the story is almost written in the flowery musings of a teen in her diary, if said diary was from a regency era. She is introduced to a strange world full of dangers and some espionage as she tries to make her way. Sponsored by a group of benefactors yet to be revealed she is guided through her training. Because of her age some of her rebellions, secrets and poor choices, while frustrating, can at least be understood. The action at the end was the most interesting part of the book as the actual leviathans come into play in a battle at sea.
The actual story is pretty decent and the world interesting with the idea of the Seekers and Leviathans and whatever their connection will end up being. However, I really struggled with the writing style. At times it was really hard to focus on the story through the prose as it took awhile to get from point A to B to C in the story. I believe the author lives on the poetical side of the fence and that is very much reflected in the story. So if you are a fan of some of other authors of the past like Dickens this will probably be an easier and more enjoyable read for you than it was for me. I do applaud the author for committing to this writing style whole heartedly but I think it will really factor into how much a reader likes the story within.
I really enjoyed the idea of the story and the plot is really interesting in the fantasy aspect. I'm not huge into the classics though and so I struggled through reading.
April 24, 2024
Thank you Panthe Press & NetGalley for the eARC!
3.5⭐️ I didn’t start this read with any expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. This was my first regency-era style read, which at times could be tedious, but Griffin’s writing was poetic and entrancing. The characters were well written and witnessing Shay’s journey through this massive world was worth the slower start. I absolutely loved the lore and world building, it felt like slowly peeling back many gossamer layers of an intricate universe. If you’re looking for a unique and complex story, check out Seeker!
3.5⭐️ I didn’t start this read with any expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. This was my first regency-era style read, which at times could be tedious, but Griffin’s writing was poetic and entrancing. The characters were well written and witnessing Shay’s journey through this massive world was worth the slower start. I absolutely loved the lore and world building, it felt like slowly peeling back many gossamer layers of an intricate universe. If you’re looking for a unique and complex story, check out Seeker!
May 19, 2024
In Seeker we follow Shay Bluefaltlow from the Orphaned War Girls School to her new life in a new country with mysterious masters and a sense of destiny that she doesn't quite feel worthy of.
'I will always remember the day I was bought. Which may be of little surprise, for who could expect to forget such a thing? And I shall tell of it, for I believe I have earned that right.'
The world of the book was beautifully described and felt slightly familiar whilst also magically different. The reader discovers this world and its curious inhabitants alongside Shay as the story unfolds, we are carried along with her experiences and feelings until the culmination of the book. I can't wait to see where Shay's story goes from here and eagerly await the next instalment of the archives.
'I will always remember the day I was bought. Which may be of little surprise, for who could expect to forget such a thing? And I shall tell of it, for I believe I have earned that right.'
The world of the book was beautifully described and felt slightly familiar whilst also magically different. The reader discovers this world and its curious inhabitants alongside Shay as the story unfolds, we are carried along with her experiences and feelings until the culmination of the book. I can't wait to see where Shay's story goes from here and eagerly await the next instalment of the archives.
May 27, 2024
2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was quite disappointing. The idea of it is interesting, and the part about the "scent song" was intriguing and original, and there are some good tidbits here and there. I mean, the job of archivist seems pretty cool, even if we just saw the menial parts of it, and they have a lot of strange instruments that seem wonderful and fascinating. And my favorite thing in this book was Peck .
But the book per se is pretty boring, I think that it was, mostly, the writing that didn't work for me, but also the fact that we learn things as the MC learns them, and this would be a good way of telling a story if the MC discovers and learns new things. Here nobody tells Shay a single thing, it's always "trust us, we have your wellbeing at heart, and the wellbeing of the world too. And all will be revealed in time". But nothing is ever revealed. So she is left there, in the dark, and we are right there with her. It is annoying, and it made for a really drab reading.
It is also quite an unbalanced story, we have parts in which we follow Shay in her job, which seems important, and with the fate of the world at stake, but we just know that without really seeing it, and parts in which we follow Shay's day to day life, and in theory is a beautiful thing but here, in this particular case, it is always a drab and small thing after another drab and small thing. I kept reading because I was hoping that later on we would get more but it never happened. And then, suddenly things are moving and big things are happening, almost out of the blue, and... the ending is not bad, but it is how the book should have been as a whole.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book was quite disappointing. The idea of it is interesting, and the part about the "scent song" was intriguing and original, and there are some good tidbits here and there. I mean, the job of archivist seems pretty cool, even if we just saw the menial parts of it, and they have a lot of strange instruments that seem wonderful and fascinating. And my favorite thing in this book was Peck .
But the book per se is pretty boring, I think that it was, mostly, the writing that didn't work for me, but also the fact that we learn things as the MC learns them, and this would be a good way of telling a story if the MC discovers and learns new things. Here nobody tells Shay a single thing, it's always "trust us, we have your wellbeing at heart, and the wellbeing of the world too. And all will be revealed in time". But nothing is ever revealed. So she is left there, in the dark, and we are right there with her. It is annoying, and it made for a really drab reading.
It is also quite an unbalanced story, we have parts in which we follow Shay in her job, which seems important, and with the fate of the world at stake, but we just know that without really seeing it, and parts in which we follow Shay's day to day life, and in theory is a beautiful thing but here, in this particular case, it is always a drab and small thing after another drab and small thing. I kept reading because I was hoping that later on we would get more but it never happened. And then, suddenly things are moving and big things are happening, almost out of the blue, and... the ending is not bad, but it is how the book should have been as a whole.
April 4, 2024
Seeker by Samuel Griffin is such a a unique debut book that is laced with equal parts magic and fantasy. The characters are well developed making you invested in their success. The writing is poetic and descriptive drawing the reader into the world. The only thing I didn't like was how slow paced it was. I struggled for almost half the book but after the half way make I felt that the story picked up pace.
Thank you NetGalley and Panthe Press for providing the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Panthe Press for providing the ARC!
May 9, 2024
Atmospheric and unusual, the author, Samuel Griffin, has had a ball and indulged himself to the full in writing this and sharing his love of language. If you’ve got it, flaunt it … Wooed by the period style, enhanced with florid imageries, the story is a veritable whirligig as it pirouettes, reels, gyrates, spins and pivots through forbidden knowledge, loss, forthcoming disasters, betrayal, pending the reawakening of ancient leviathans, or possibly gods.
Beguiled as I was with the writing and the fantastical elements, I did wonder at times where it was all going, with diversions to the left, surprises to the right, key characters disappearing, with destiny (in this volume) detailed in the final few pages. But a great read overall.
Beguiled as I was with the writing and the fantastical elements, I did wonder at times where it was all going, with diversions to the left, surprises to the right, key characters disappearing, with destiny (in this volume) detailed in the final few pages. But a great read overall.
May 16, 2024
This debut Flintlock Fantasy by Samuel Griffin set in the Regency era, follows the story of Shay Bluefaltlow upon her arrival in the city of Fivedock, where she finds herself in training to become a Sentinel Archivist.
A war looms as ancient leviathans stir from their long slumber and their scent song marks where they might be found, but only to those with the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.
Although the beginning of this story was a little slow and disjointed at first, the pace quickens and the world building takes you on a wonderful fantastical and unique adventure written with beautiful language, well developed characters, stunningly strange character and place names such as Fivedock and The Whispering Coast and a magical storyline which encompasses everything from love, loss, betrayal, war and friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and what a great debut novel. I am so looking forward to further books in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Panthe Press and the author for the ARC.
A war looms as ancient leviathans stir from their long slumber and their scent song marks where they might be found, but only to those with the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.
Although the beginning of this story was a little slow and disjointed at first, the pace quickens and the world building takes you on a wonderful fantastical and unique adventure written with beautiful language, well developed characters, stunningly strange character and place names such as Fivedock and The Whispering Coast and a magical storyline which encompasses everything from love, loss, betrayal, war and friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and what a great debut novel. I am so looking forward to further books in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Panthe Press and the author for the ARC.
did-not-finish
March 26, 2024GENRE: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Unfortunately, this is my first DNF for the year. Although I am familiar with regency-style writing, I found it a bit too arduous in this book. I am aware that Samuel Griffin is an aspiring author of poetry. This is evident in the choice of words used. There were many times when something could have been said plainly, however the use of poetic, flowery writing made me often skim the page to get to the point.
I managed to read 50% of the story, however I felt that the pacing was too slow and I simply wasn’t connecting with the characters. The historical setting of this story was quite atmospheric though and gave off winter/autumn vibes. So maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to pick up this novel.
If you are interested in picking up this book for yourself, it comes out 14 May 2024
Unfortunately, this is my first DNF for the year. Although I am familiar with regency-style writing, I found it a bit too arduous in this book. I am aware that Samuel Griffin is an aspiring author of poetry. This is evident in the choice of words used. There were many times when something could have been said plainly, however the use of poetic, flowery writing made me often skim the page to get to the point.
I managed to read 50% of the story, however I felt that the pacing was too slow and I simply wasn’t connecting with the characters. The historical setting of this story was quite atmospheric though and gave off winter/autumn vibes. So maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to pick up this novel.
If you are interested in picking up this book for yourself, it comes out 14 May 2024
July 19, 2024
I adored this. The prose was beautiful and evocative.
It's a story of good versus evil set in a 'Regency' style era. A flintlock fantasy with great strong female characters, some magic, and monsters - Leviathans.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
It's a story of good versus evil set in a 'Regency' style era. A flintlock fantasy with great strong female characters, some magic, and monsters - Leviathans.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 5, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and Panthe Press, for my free copy for review.
The novel's world-building is set in the Regency Era and exudes an academic vibe, drawing readers into a captivating and immersive setting. Fiverstock is a place that will undoubtedly beckon readers to explore its intricacies.
The protagonist, Shay, is shrouded in mystery as she embarks on a quest to unravel the circumstances of her adoption from the Orphanage and the purpose behind it. Her inquisitive nature and kind-hearted demeanor, and her need to be accepted make her a truly endearing character.
While the story's pacing may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it tends to drag in the middle, there are moments where the narrative becomes a bit complex, making it challenging to follow. However, this fantasy novel holds promising appeal for fantasy enthusiasts.
The novel's world-building is set in the Regency Era and exudes an academic vibe, drawing readers into a captivating and immersive setting. Fiverstock is a place that will undoubtedly beckon readers to explore its intricacies.
The protagonist, Shay, is shrouded in mystery as she embarks on a quest to unravel the circumstances of her adoption from the Orphanage and the purpose behind it. Her inquisitive nature and kind-hearted demeanor, and her need to be accepted make her a truly endearing character.
While the story's pacing may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it tends to drag in the middle, there are moments where the narrative becomes a bit complex, making it challenging to follow. However, this fantasy novel holds promising appeal for fantasy enthusiasts.
April 17, 2024
I received an ARC for this book. With this being a debut book for the Author, I went into the book with pretty low expectations and found myself rather pleased with the book. It is slow to start. But it does pick up steam about halfway through. I am excited to see what the Author does with this world in the future now that the world building is already done. Plus that cover art is really cool.
May 16, 2024
Three and a half
This is such an amazing debut but sadly won’t be for everyone . The prose is so evocative but fair warning it’s very long winded and harks back to a different era . That being said it didn’t stop me eagerly turning the pages as the reader is taken on the journey that Shay finds herself undertaking .
Yes the first half is somewhat slow but the author is setting up his world. If you enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell you will appreciate the curious ways of our heroine although as a reader I did find myself wanting to shake her because something was way too obvious . It’s also not a particularly light read and there’s loss here that for me felt callous and frankly brushed over . The author uses footnotes to entice the reader but honestly for me they added little particularly initially . There’s still a lot we don’t know about exactly why Shay was chosen although I have hopes for more answers in the next book . I think my final thoughts are that the cover art is gorgeous, the ideas unique and that this is the author’s first published work is absolutely astounding .
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This is such an amazing debut but sadly won’t be for everyone . The prose is so evocative but fair warning it’s very long winded and harks back to a different era . That being said it didn’t stop me eagerly turning the pages as the reader is taken on the journey that Shay finds herself undertaking .
Yes the first half is somewhat slow but the author is setting up his world. If you enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell you will appreciate the curious ways of our heroine although as a reader I did find myself wanting to shake her because something was way too obvious . It’s also not a particularly light read and there’s loss here that for me felt callous and frankly brushed over . The author uses footnotes to entice the reader but honestly for me they added little particularly initially . There’s still a lot we don’t know about exactly why Shay was chosen although I have hopes for more answers in the next book . I think my final thoughts are that the cover art is gorgeous, the ideas unique and that this is the author’s first published work is absolutely astounding .
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
March 26, 2024
I am always excited to discover a new fantasy series but one of such quality is hard to find. Dredging through the sea of modern fantasy is daunting but Seeker is that one in a million that we yearn for.
From the first epigraph I knew I was reading something special, the setting is enveloping but its the intimacy between the characters that made this feel like an instant classic.
I'm patiently anticipating more from Griffin as well as the release of the hardback. True fantasy like this needs to be in one's hands. I can't wait to be back in Fivedock!
From the first epigraph I knew I was reading something special, the setting is enveloping but its the intimacy between the characters that made this feel like an instant classic.
I'm patiently anticipating more from Griffin as well as the release of the hardback. True fantasy like this needs to be in one's hands. I can't wait to be back in Fivedock!
March 28, 2024
I found this an incredible slow read. It was very descriptive and pulls you into the worlds. I look forward to reading more form this author.
April 23, 2024
This is a very enjoyable & atmospheric book - plucky orphans, strong competent women, gruff men with a heart of gold, mysterious powerful beings lurking on the sidelines, political intrigue & betrayal, all wrapped up in a really engaging flintlock fantasy world! The cover art & illustrations throughout are also really impressive.
This book left a lot of room to grow for later instalments in the series, and I was very happy to be given the chance to read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley & Panthe Press (in exchange for an honest review).
The world-building was gradual but very good by the second half of the book, and I love the unique lore that Griffin has created here. I would’ve loved to know more about the bled, about the Sentinels and their history, as well as the history of the Archivists - although the ongoing mystery surrounding everything only made the story feel more compelling.
It did feel like quite a slow read at times, which I think was in part due to the writing style: both the elevated regency-style language and the unusual syntax. While the chosen vocabulary & grammatical structure meant I had to read quite a few parts of each chapter very closely (often multiple times) to parse the full meaning, they did also go a long way to instilling an appropriate atmosphere!
There were also quite a few typos and instances of characters’ names being misspelled (sometimes very incorrectly - eg Bamshott instead of Bamcroft) but that is to be expected in a pre-publication ARC.
The secondary characters were not always developed as thoroughly as I would have liked, and one or two were dropped in with seemingly no introduction or follow-up - but I wonder if this was a deliberate choice to give some of them room for growth in upcoming books. It was also an interesting reflection of the fact that we are being told all of this through Shay’s lens of experience, with her often only giving those characters attention when they have some part to play in her immediate goals - so it perhaps reflects quite accurately what she herself feels is relevant to know or say about them.
I also have to applaud the names (places as well as people) used in this book - they were consistently very well chosen! Shay Bluefaltlow is a fantastic fantasy MC name, Fivedock is a solid choice for a city, but hats off especially to Peck and to Felicity Hapeworth-Arksthrotle.
I really enjoyed this book, and would especially recommend it to anyone who is a fan of flintlock fantasy and isn’t put off by regency-style language.
Finally, not really any major Content Warnings for this book, but potentially for very brief mentions/moments of .
This book left a lot of room to grow for later instalments in the series, and I was very happy to be given the chance to read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley & Panthe Press (in exchange for an honest review).
The world-building was gradual but very good by the second half of the book, and I love the unique lore that Griffin has created here. I would’ve loved to know more about the bled, about the Sentinels and their history, as well as the history of the Archivists - although the ongoing mystery surrounding everything only made the story feel more compelling.
It did feel like quite a slow read at times, which I think was in part due to the writing style: both the elevated regency-style language and the unusual syntax. While the chosen vocabulary & grammatical structure meant I had to read quite a few parts of each chapter very closely (often multiple times) to parse the full meaning, they did also go a long way to instilling an appropriate atmosphere!
There were also quite a few typos and instances of characters’ names being misspelled (sometimes very incorrectly - eg Bamshott instead of Bamcroft) but that is to be expected in a pre-publication ARC.
The secondary characters were not always developed as thoroughly as I would have liked, and one or two were dropped in with seemingly no introduction or follow-up - but I wonder if this was a deliberate choice to give some of them room for growth in upcoming books. It was also an interesting reflection of the fact that we are being told all of this through Shay’s lens of experience, with her often only giving those characters attention when they have some part to play in her immediate goals - so it perhaps reflects quite accurately what she herself feels is relevant to know or say about them.
I also have to applaud the names (places as well as people) used in this book - they were consistently very well chosen! Shay Bluefaltlow is a fantastic fantasy MC name, Fivedock is a solid choice for a city, but hats off especially to Peck and to Felicity Hapeworth-Arksthrotle.
I really enjoyed this book, and would especially recommend it to anyone who is a fan of flintlock fantasy and isn’t put off by regency-style language.
Finally, not really any major Content Warnings for this book, but potentially for very brief mentions/moments of .
May 9, 2024
Thank you to Panthe Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Seeker!
This is such a rich a luscious world that it’s impossible not to compare it to some of the greats. It’s a decadent fantasy with long luxurious prose that leaves me wanting more from Griffin! It’s expert craft level for a debut novel, intriguing in just the right ways.
I can see how this book isn’t for some people, if you don’t like tapestries of complex world building and characters and prefer a simplistic read, I would say that this story isn’t for you. Your loss.
It’s wonderful to read a fantasy book with elevation. Dedication to the good versus evil debate, and the mystery seeps through the words.
A fun but complex read, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
This is such a rich a luscious world that it’s impossible not to compare it to some of the greats. It’s a decadent fantasy with long luxurious prose that leaves me wanting more from Griffin! It’s expert craft level for a debut novel, intriguing in just the right ways.
I can see how this book isn’t for some people, if you don’t like tapestries of complex world building and characters and prefer a simplistic read, I would say that this story isn’t for you. Your loss.
It’s wonderful to read a fantasy book with elevation. Dedication to the good versus evil debate, and the mystery seeps through the words.
A fun but complex read, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
May 8, 2024
A surprise to be sure but a welcome one! I didn't have many expectations going into Seeker, but this was a well-written, exciting and thoroughly capable debut in the flintlock fantasy sub-genre, with an intriguing and novel conceit focusing on the hunt for mythical colossi thought extinct by many. Shay was a likeable and engaging protagonist, and though her numerous failures over the course of the story were sometimes cloying, they added a real sense of reality and intended long term storytelling over what I hope will be a long-running series.
I did feel at times that the world building was lacking a touch, the city of Fivedocks and the threat from the conspiracy not completely integrated into Griffin's narrative, but the overarching sense was one of future books in mind, and setting up the next books to come. Definitely one to watch!
I did feel at times that the world building was lacking a touch, the city of Fivedocks and the threat from the conspiracy not completely integrated into Griffin's narrative, but the overarching sense was one of future books in mind, and setting up the next books to come. Definitely one to watch!
May 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!
I love the way it's written, the style, choice of words and first person narration really fit so well.
The pace is rather slow and a lot of the book is just stage setting, which I do enjoy to read. I usually dislike slow pace, but this was very well done slow pace, that it didn't feel slow until I taught about how little happened.
It's a rather mysterious book and we don't know any more then Shay knows. We learn of everything through her eyes and experience her frustration when others keep her in the dark.
I look forward to the next book, and to learn more about the Seekers, Sentinels and the world.
I love the way it's written, the style, choice of words and first person narration really fit so well.
The pace is rather slow and a lot of the book is just stage setting, which I do enjoy to read. I usually dislike slow pace, but this was very well done slow pace, that it didn't feel slow until I taught about how little happened.
It's a rather mysterious book and we don't know any more then Shay knows. We learn of everything through her eyes and experience her frustration when others keep her in the dark.
I look forward to the next book, and to learn more about the Seekers, Sentinels and the world.
April 29, 2024
A really interesting style, transporting the reader to an unknown land that is steeped in Victorian senses and sensibilities. Fantastical threads running throughout the tale surrounded by real, living imaging. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and a terrific crescendo to finish. Looking forward to more!
September 7, 2024
Seeker, for me, is quite a unique read, it's creative and full of vast depth and intrigue.
It's a complicated read, but that's not a negative, as you explore vast, fantastical lands with our main character, Shay, a confused girl, plucked from an orphanage by a stranger and thrust into a magical, spralling world. It's incredibly descriptive, and the prose is beautiful.
It's evocative, it's thought-provoking, it's multi-layered with incredible character development and tremendous world building.
It's a read that evokes the likes of Tolkien, Robbin Hob and Patrick Rothfuss, among others, and it'll have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
It's action packed, with classic themes such as good versus evil and as you'd expect from top notch fantasy, outlandish creatures, places and food and epic battles.
This being a debut novel, makes the read all the more impressive.
I read this in three sittings while on holiday in Ireland.
I can't wait to read more from Samuel.
A huge 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's a complicated read, but that's not a negative, as you explore vast, fantastical lands with our main character, Shay, a confused girl, plucked from an orphanage by a stranger and thrust into a magical, spralling world. It's incredibly descriptive, and the prose is beautiful.
It's evocative, it's thought-provoking, it's multi-layered with incredible character development and tremendous world building.
It's a read that evokes the likes of Tolkien, Robbin Hob and Patrick Rothfuss, among others, and it'll have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
It's action packed, with classic themes such as good versus evil and as you'd expect from top notch fantasy, outlandish creatures, places and food and epic battles.
This being a debut novel, makes the read all the more impressive.
I read this in three sittings while on holiday in Ireland.
I can't wait to read more from Samuel.
A huge 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
August 23, 2024
2.5⭐
The synopsis promised something I would love but the execution just wasn't for me. For one, we didn't get much of what the synopsis promised. I expect there will be more in the sequel.
My biggest gripe was with the main character. She was just too unlikable for me. She ends up getting into trouble, and instead of admitting her mistakes, she creates more problems by trying to fix the initial ones, and it just goes on. She constantly sounded self-pitying and honestly quite selfish. Some of her actions were very questionable.
The book also used an unnecessary amount of complex words. The pacing had issues, and the flow from one scene to the next was sometimes confusing.
Still, it's not a bad book and it will find its readers. I might still pick up the sequel, as there is some promise to the series, and I like to give debut authors a chance to improve.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The synopsis promised something I would love but the execution just wasn't for me. For one, we didn't get much of what the synopsis promised. I expect there will be more in the sequel.
My biggest gripe was with the main character. She was just too unlikable for me. She ends up getting into trouble, and instead of admitting her mistakes, she creates more problems by trying to fix the initial ones, and it just goes on. She constantly sounded self-pitying and honestly quite selfish. Some of her actions were very questionable.
The book also used an unnecessary amount of complex words. The pacing had issues, and the flow from one scene to the next was sometimes confusing.
Still, it's not a bad book and it will find its readers. I might still pick up the sequel, as there is some promise to the series, and I like to give debut authors a chance to improve.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2024
As a curtain raiser to an epic new fantasy series this debut novel is absolutely pitch perfect.
This is a masterclass in beautiful writing and addictive storytelling. The author has created a world, with some of the trappings of Regency England, but populated it with the strange and bizarre. I can't wait to revisit it and further explore.
There's a dark sense of magic, an otherworldliness, and a plot enveloping love, lust, loss, adventure, strange potions, cruelty and tragedy.
This is clearly just the very beginning of an epic journey. I'm hooked already.
This is a masterclass in beautiful writing and addictive storytelling. The author has created a world, with some of the trappings of Regency England, but populated it with the strange and bizarre. I can't wait to revisit it and further explore.
There's a dark sense of magic, an otherworldliness, and a plot enveloping love, lust, loss, adventure, strange potions, cruelty and tragedy.
This is clearly just the very beginning of an epic journey. I'm hooked already.
August 15, 2024
The story is amazing, but you will need to read a lengthy, well written description about the world building until you get to the main story. I feel everyone has pointed out about the beginning of the book being a little slower it did take me a while, and I needed to put it down a few times. I'm excited. I kept up with it because the story was amazing, and I can't wait for the rest.
Thank you, Netgalley and Samuel Griffin, for letting me read this ARC. I fully enjoyed it.
Thank you, Netgalley and Samuel Griffin, for letting me read this ARC. I fully enjoyed it.
June 9, 2024
3.5 stars
This was an interesting book, a very regency feeling fantasy right down to the use of language. This is written very thoroughly and very well in the style of much older books and I do feel it really did lend to the solidity of the world and the grounding of it. It was one of the many things I liked in the book.
The world building at least what I saw of it in this first volume, was solidly intriguing. I really wanted to know more about the Archives and the Seekers and the Sentinels, but what I did learn so far was extremely interesting. As the first book of a series should this feels like it leave a great number of things unanswered and to be discovered. I will be very intrigued to see where the story and Shay alike go from here.
I liked a lot of the cast we had here. What we see of Archivist Penelope Etherington is very interesting and admirable. I quite liked Hardy and Peck. There were other members of the book's cast I really wished had just a touch more page time so I could know them better. But over all I was really intrigued by the characters, the setting, and the concepts.
I think of the less positive things I have to say, a few of them are due to it being the first of the series. I have so very many unresolved questions, which I very much assume will be addressed later. However, I wish I had understood a bit more of everything going on in this book before the end. I believe some of that is down to the author doing a very good job of slotting us into Shay's limited view, but it did make some of the plotting quite puzzling.
Shay herself is an interesting character with quite a lot of potential. I am very intrigued to see where things will go for her after that ending. However, as much as I liked and sympathized with her she was a bit frustrating at times, because she was making very horrible choices. Still one never had the feeling she wasn't trying only that sometimes she was very much trying at the wrong things.
Overall this was a very unique and interesting fantasy novel. I'm quite looking forward to the rest of the series in hopes of learning a lot more about the world here and also where the plot will go after the whirlwind end of the last bit. Quite a solid book and especially impressive as a debut.
I received a free eARC through NetGalley in exchange for a review, but my opinions are my own.
This was an interesting book, a very regency feeling fantasy right down to the use of language. This is written very thoroughly and very well in the style of much older books and I do feel it really did lend to the solidity of the world and the grounding of it. It was one of the many things I liked in the book.
The world building at least what I saw of it in this first volume, was solidly intriguing. I really wanted to know more about the Archives and the Seekers and the Sentinels, but what I did learn so far was extremely interesting. As the first book of a series should this feels like it leave a great number of things unanswered and to be discovered. I will be very intrigued to see where the story and Shay alike go from here.
I liked a lot of the cast we had here. What we see of Archivist Penelope Etherington is very interesting and admirable. I quite liked Hardy and Peck. There were other members of the book's cast I really wished had just a touch more page time so I could know them better. But over all I was really intrigued by the characters, the setting, and the concepts.
I think of the less positive things I have to say, a few of them are due to it being the first of the series. I have so very many unresolved questions, which I very much assume will be addressed later. However, I wish I had understood a bit more of everything going on in this book before the end. I believe some of that is down to the author doing a very good job of slotting us into Shay's limited view, but it did make some of the plotting quite puzzling.
Shay herself is an interesting character with quite a lot of potential. I am very intrigued to see where things will go for her after that ending. However, as much as I liked and sympathized with her she was a bit frustrating at times, because she was making very horrible choices. Still one never had the feeling she wasn't trying only that sometimes she was very much trying at the wrong things.
Overall this was a very unique and interesting fantasy novel. I'm quite looking forward to the rest of the series in hopes of learning a lot more about the world here and also where the plot will go after the whirlwind end of the last bit. Quite a solid book and especially impressive as a debut.
I received a free eARC through NetGalley in exchange for a review, but my opinions are my own.
May 31, 2024
I received an eARC this book for an honest review from NetGalley. This was a fun book with great characters and wonderful world building. It was some what steampunk with naval background. I was taken in from the beginning when Shay was purchased. I would have liked to have more of Penelope in the story and may at some point a prequel of the history of it all. It was very exciting and I loved the intrigue with all of the characters. I truly enjoyed Hardy and her involvement. I liked that Shay had her anxieties with her development as an archivist and her person in general, The ending was something else and I was on my toes the whole time . Yay for Seeker!
June 9, 2024
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC from netgalley for an unbiased review.
"Seeker" is a fantasy on par with "the Lord of the Rings." Its deep, surrounding atmosphere builds the world in your mind with minimal effort and all you need to do is keep turning the pages.
Shay is an approachable, understandable guide to this new world and its monsters and politics, as well as monsters *in* politics. It was well written, and will someday translate well to essay assignments.
I highly recommend for fans of Tolkien or Codex Alera.
"Seeker" is a fantasy on par with "the Lord of the Rings." Its deep, surrounding atmosphere builds the world in your mind with minimal effort and all you need to do is keep turning the pages.
Shay is an approachable, understandable guide to this new world and its monsters and politics, as well as monsters *in* politics. It was well written, and will someday translate well to essay assignments.
I highly recommend for fans of Tolkien or Codex Alera.
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