The Weaver Trilogy: The Complete Series

by Lindsay A. Franklin

An award-winning epic fantasy tale of crystalline stories, royal intrigue, and ancient secrets. Includes the complete Weaver Trilogy by Lindsay A. Franklin in one ebook volume. Book 1: The Story Peddler Selling stories is a deadly business. Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something becoming Royal Storyteller to the king. During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too. Book 2: The Story Raider Deceiving an empire is a treacherous game. Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver's curse. As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith’s heart is turned upside down, and she’s not sure she can trust anyone—least of all herself. The puppet master behind Gareth’s rise to power has designs on the story weavers and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent. Book 3: The Story Hunter Redeeming the past is a fatal quest. In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir. If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts. The Master has a new target in fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl.

947 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2021

About the author

Lindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award–winning author of The Story Peddler and ECPA best-selling author of Adored. By day, she wrangles chaos as Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. By night, she spins whimsical tales fueled by hot drinks, rainy days, and the thunderous purrs of her spoiled cats. Lindsay lives with her family among the misty evergreens of the Pacific Northwest. She is currently on a quest to discover the sparkliest nail polish on the planet. You can find Lindsay on Instagram @LinzyAFranklin.

Reviews

[M.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun series that, though it took me a bit to get into, I ended up thoroughly enjoying. With adventure, in-depth character building, and just the right amount of romance, it’s a great read for fantasy fans aged 14+.

I enjoyed the author’s take on creativity (making storytelling a literal weapon—awesome!) and its power to change the world. It was a good reminder of how our gifts should be used for God’s glory and not our own.

It did take me a little while to fall in love with the characters. The lead, Tanwen, was especially difficult in the first book. I didn’t really connect with her until about halfway through the second one. But they all grow so much and become more real, and by the end I was definitely rooting for all of them! (Except the villains, who are as nasty as they come.)

There is some difficult content in this book (especially the third one), with characters dealing with sexual abuse both in the past and the present. There’s one particularly rough sequence in book three featuring attempted assault (it’s really short, though, and the woman defends herself). Sensitive readers should approach with caution.

Overall, this was a great series to start the year with! I wouldn’t mind more stories featuring these characters.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has such amazing world building and characters. There were so many amazing characters and enough sketchy bad guys that it took me awhile to keep them all straight. Plus there was a slight learning curve to learning the new world and vocabulary, but it was all well done. The one aspect that I found unique to fantasy with these types of characters is that the story was in no way romance driven. Now there was a decent amount of romance and a lot of relationships in the story, but romance didn’t drive them. It was a fun perspective. There were aspects of the creator vs the goddesses vs no belief I wish had been explored or discussed a little deeper, just because I think it would have deepened the story. I really enjoyed Tannie for most of the series and found her to be a great narrator.

[Karen Vaught]

FANTASTIC!!!! Absolutely loved it!!

This book series had me enthralled from the beginning. I couldn't put it down until I read all 3 books. I walked each step with the characters. The story was fast paced never boring and at times I was on the edge of my seat. Please take the time to enjoy this series. You want be sorry. I hope that Lindsey Franklin writes another in this series. She is an excellent writer.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creator!

Love! Love! Love the world-building, "magic," good vs. evil, renewal, rescue, cave hunt, water journey, and realistic yet happy ending.

[JoTheReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This trilogy is interesting. My feelings for it are somewhat mixed for various reasons, but I find it enjoyable overall.

ART HAS A WAY OF REVEALING TRUTH
The Weavers' magical art system is definitely cool, unique, and beautiful. I especially like the different types of Weaver art. Need I say more on this?

The characters in this large cast were vivid and distinguishable, though some were better developed than others. But for the record, I am someone who personally likes large, yet developed casts. (And I have to say, although there were a few different blond guys, with semi similar looks, their names and roles distinguished them in my head more than their looks did. 😁) The complicated romantic situations (a.k.a. love triangles), unfortunately, I found to be rather cliché. But despite some relational drama, I felt deeply for the characters, whether that meant worrying for them, or wanting to help them in their pain. I have more detailed feelings and opinions on various characters, but I'm not going to write them here, in order to not overcomplicate this review.


Also, I just want to mention some of the interesting patterns and parallels throughout the trilogy.
For example:
- Men seeking redemption from their past mistakes that haunt them. (Specifically, them running from danger, and in the process, abandoning others they should have protected.)
- Young blonde women suffering the deadly effects of the Weaver's Curse. (An obvious one)
- Finding long lost family members, that were presumed dead.
- A chain of sinister deception and being used. (Highlighted by the part where the deceived ones kill those who deceived and used them)
- Not-so bright men who are part of the royal guard are used by conniving people to overthrow the monarch and take their place on the throne. (One of these is told, the other is shown)
- Women with powerful gifts, who's lives were ruined by the authorities, and they seek vengeance and desire to not be hurt anymore. (Another obvious one)
- Tirian rulers being overthrown in the climax of each book.

(If I think of any more, I'll add them to this list)


Okay…

Here are links to brief reviews of mine that focus on the individual books:

The Story Peddler
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Story Raider
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Story Hunter
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kate Lawhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Art reveals truth."
This series blew me away, and as an artist (writer) myself, it made me feel whole in a way I haven't in years. Tannie's journey, magic, the friends she made along the way, and a whole vibrant world waiting to be explored showed me a love for crafting and weaving incredible stories about love and hope for the future. I love the poignancy and perfect timing for this series. It shows how true justice can be accomplished and not with just violence, money, or a simple law. It takes patience and effort. All of the characters are near to my heart, and I loved them, especially Diggy!
Franklin's beautiful story shows us how even in the darkest of times and we feel broken and spent, we can still move forward.