Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mothertree #1

Silver Light

Rate this book
Walde has inherited a forbidden power from his father, enabling him to commune with Thara, an enigmatic being that lives deep in the earth. Walde thinks he can keep this power a secret, but one day he slips. His father is blamed and executed, the body placed on a raft and sent down a rushing river. Walde breaks free and goes after him…only to discover that the execution was staged. Very much alive, his father floats off to a mysterious end. During Walde’s perilous journey to rescue him, he learns what is truly at stake: not only his father, but also his people’s entire way of life.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

41 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

W.K. Greyling

7 books36 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
49 (62%)
4 stars
21 (26%)
3 stars
9 (11%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
2 reviews
April 2, 2021
I cautiously entered, but was quickly captured and drawn in...

I cautiously entered, but was quickly drawn in by this tale of magic and lore in, the midst of great change. The characters were dimensional filled with life, love, chaos and came to lIfe on the pages. I laughed, I cried, I was furious, and I was overcome with tenderness. This tale felt very prophetic and at the same time historical. Bravo! Well written! I am looking forward the the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,315 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2021
Loved this book by W.K. it was attention grabbing, page turning, beautifully written and narrated and great storyline. Looking forward to more books by W.K.
6 reviews
May 17, 2021
an absolutely enthralling read!

if there were three words I could describe this as, it would be binge watch worthy, or maybe simply, impossible to put down, well that's four words, whatever. The attention to detail and the obvious research that must have been put into the book made the story feel real, at some points providing very raw feelings. I strongly recommend it!
Profile Image for One Sentence Audio Critic.
944 reviews18 followers
July 29, 2022
W.K. Greyling creates a new and fascinating world where a gentle people cherish and gain life from trees. We follow a young male (Walde) as he comes to terms with his father and powers. While a good book, it is only the first half of the story. Be prepared to get/buy the second book in the series, Battle in the Woodlands, for "the rest of the story." I liked this story and this new fantasy world and culture. But, I found myself wanting more descriptive detail. Thus, I say to the author, more descriptive adjectives and dependent clauses, please. Help us see, smell and enjoy your new worlds.
Profile Image for Darin Roodman.
118 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2023
Enter the world of the Mothertree. Societies far different from our own, some who make their homes among the branches, others who choose to live in the lowlands, life has been good to the peoples of this land. But things are changing. The Mothertrees aren’t producing as prolifically and plentifully as they did 5 years ago. Word has come through the Tinker caravans that a Mothertree in the Lowlands might have died. Walde has lived among the Lakeland Mothertrees his whole life, as has his father, and his father before him. Hard work has gotten Walde and his father into a comfortable position in society, and the future seems bright. But this rumor about dying Worldtrees is frightening, unbelievable even. Could it be the Reachers’ doing? Those mysterious people who wield strange powers that can hurt or heal?

Suddenly, Walde’s father is gone, the village is in chaos, and things have gone completely out of control! Walde is forced to take a journey, farther than he’s ever been, to places he’s only imagined, to meet people he’s never seen, and face dangers he’d never even dreamed of.

“Silver Light” is the first book in the “Mothertree” series by W. K. Greyling is spectacular. The world that the reader is brought into is both foreign and familiar, distant and close by, exciting and terrifying; it’s a seriously wild ride! The world-building is phenomenal, the story’s pace keeps the reader engaged and excited for the next steps in the plot, and the characters are incredibly well-designed, interesting, and realistic. It’s a fantastic beginning to what promises to be a must-read series!

I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mindy Hartwell.
68 reviews
August 4, 2021
Slightly reminiscent of the witch trials this story is a wonderful tale of a son’s love loyalty for his father, and his growing realization that the way things are, must change. Walde’s journey to find his father, while discovering the depth of his gifts, runs the reader through the gamut of their own emotions.
One of the best parts of this experience is the narrator. Mr. Morey pulls the reader in so quickly that one forgets the task set out to do while listening.
828 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2021
I started this book and soon became hooked and, grab every minute I could to listen to this Story. I cannot wait to start the 2nd book, as the author did a wonderful job of world building. Narrator does a Great job with the characters voices and the storyline!! I highly recommend this book to all readers and listeners.
Profile Image for Frieda.
1,135 reviews
July 4, 2021
This book makes me think about our disconnection from the earth, nature, and how we have become disconnected from our own humanity. Also the situation with the Covid vaccine, how people are not prepared to do something for the whole, just themselves. I know wealth and power have been an issue for very long...
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,785 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2021
I was hooked right from the start, a wonderful story of mystery and adventure, full of believable well described characters superbly written. The author has created a wonderfully vivid and detailed world, an entertaining and engrossing story that I loved. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Ryan.
12 reviews
March 4, 2021
Silver light has a wondrous backdrop of vistas so beautiful, I feel it would be amazing to see on screen.
The story is fun, it teases and motivates you to continue reading.
I very much look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Tammy Keup.
23 reviews
August 11, 2023
Amazing!

I love this! Perfect writing. Great story! I haven't read this type of fantasy in quite awhile . It's reminiscent of Tadd Williams. It felt like wrapping up in a warm fuzzy blanket. Lol. Wonderful!
Profile Image for Diane.
771 reviews34 followers
January 1, 2025
Cool

The beginning was slow trying to understand how the world worked, but then it got really good. Original story and i can't wait to read the next book
Profile Image for Michelle.
76 reviews
June 13, 2021
Wonderful suspence! Filled with fantasy and wonder; one cannot help to keep on listening while this unsuspected hero go on his quest. And what a cliffhanger ending. Must. Continue. Loved this!
Profile Image for Bear Paintain.
14 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2021
Draws you in

For me, this book had a slow start and I wasn’t sure if I would continue on with it. I’m glad I did continue on into this fascinating world. Walde and Brite, the two main characters picked me up and took me on their journey.
Looking forward to the next part of their journey.
Profile Image for Joni Janice Mielke.
470 reviews9 followers
May 22, 2021
*Audiobook Review*

I've always enjoyed fantasy books that have extra dimensions of depth, and this listen was no exception. On one hand, it's a coming-of-age story of a young man or adolescent who, besides his efforts to come to grips with his escalating interest in the opposite sex, must also gain full awareness and control over magical abilities that suddenly come to light. Woven through this narrative the protagonist's narrative is an all-encompassing but relatively low-key concern for the ecology of the world he lives in and the way his and other people's ways of life influence the fragile balance that exists in their environment. This is a story of love, loss, burgeoning self-awareness, discovery, despair, hope, desolation and renewal. It's a lovely tale with compelling characters, and I'm interested to see where the author takes the story next.
100 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2022
This book is interesting and follows the development of Walde and Bright as they travel to try and save Walde's father.
The book develops the world and the characters and it covers the many trials they face as they travel from Walde's home to the port city where his father has been sent.

Not only must he learn to deal with his emotions he must also learn to recognize the feelings he develops along the way and to recognize that not everyone thinks as he has been brought up to think.

The narration is good with the many voices for the many characters.

This book was provided free of charge with the hope for an honest review.
23 reviews
November 23, 2025
Walde’s world drew me in so quickly that it felt like I was falling through the branches of a Mothertree. The combination of magic, prophecy, and a deep connection to the earth was beautiful. Walde is just trying to survive a power he never wanted, a father who might be gone, and a society falling apart under its own rules. The story perfectly mixes ancient lore with real emotional impact.

The world-building is amazing. It’s everything a fantasy novel should be! I laughed, got angry, and felt emotions I didn’t expect. This book is great for anyone who enjoys magic, a hero who grows through challenges, and stories that stay with you. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down!
641 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2021
A good listen this has been well crafted a more of a fantasy rather than supernatural, mother trees children that don't age Walde has inherited a forbidden power, his father according to the elders has been executed, by placing on a raft and sent down the raging river. Walde sets out on a journey to the harbour hoping to find his father or indeed his body, and his trials and tribulations along the way. This is the 1st audiobook in the series and I have already the 2nd so I can finish Walde's journey. The narration by Arthur Morey is very calm and soothing.
Profile Image for Peter Wood.
Author 3 books28 followers
August 7, 2023
Though somewhat of a slow burn the story soon picks up the pace. The world building is really well done, a believable background woven into the story. I listened to this on audiobook and found that a good way to absorb the story. Would strongly recommend this fantasy series for a fairly laid back and engaging tale. Gone straight onto book two Battle for the Woodlands, which is really a part two, going straight back into the story where left in book one.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
8 reviews
March 4, 2021
My interest was roused from the start! I enjoyed mystery and adventure. This book has both! It also has a wide variety of characters. It was really good the way children in the book were described. It was not out of character the way they were depicted. Very good overall, I really enjoyed reading this book!
Profile Image for Raymond Clause.
196 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2021
I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into when I started this book. I was rewarded with a great story and vivid imagery of a world of wonder. Humanity use to live in harmony with the trees. People move away and cleared the land a distanced themselves from the mother trees. Greed seems to have brought out the worst of humanity. I enjoyed the story very much.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
July 22, 2021
This was an excellent read! Walde is a Reacher,though he doesn't know it yet.The momet he finds out,his life is changed forever.I enjoyed this book.Arthur Morey was a fantastic narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
2 reviews
December 11, 2021
I loved this book! The characters were so well drawn and the story very compelling. The universe W.K. Greyling has created seemed so authentic I had to keep reminding myself that this was a fantasy world! And the narrator was fantastic! I found myself both wanting to keep listening to the story and yet not wanting it to end… I highly recommend this very entertaining book.
276 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2023
wow

Action, creation myth, mysticism, magic and romance mingle to make a perfect storm of entertainment. I’m panting for the next installment and hoping there is more than just one more. Try it, you’ll like it.
5 reviews
December 22, 2021
A fascinating world that draws you into the story. The characters adventures lead to conversations about faith, community, and responsibilities.
Also reviewed as Surus.
Profile Image for Lynn Leach.
299 reviews
July 11, 2023
It started very slowly for me. I struggled to see where it was going but once it grabbed me I liked it. The no-resolution ending let me down but I hope to find it in the next book.
2 reviews
July 5, 2024
The author creates an interesting and believable world. The characters are strong and engaging and if you enjoyed it as much as I did you will want to find out more.
Much enjoyed.
Profile Image for Tom Casey.
676 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2023
My first from this author and it will not be my last, I really enjoyed the storyline, it had me captivated from the start to finish. The descriptions of the characters and places transport you into the woods too.
It took me a little time to get used to the narrator however by the end I believe the narrator really helps to bring this story to life.
I find that for me he has a lovely clear voice and is very easy to listen too.
Profile Image for Susan May.
723 reviews14 followers
September 21, 2021
This was my first book by this author. It was unique because Wales has a power to communicate with an earth god. He needed to keep his abilities a secret but he slipped. The events after that created a dangerous journey for Wales and his companion. Once the 2 set off they won't stop. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.