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Wayfarer
From award-winning author K.M. Weiland and Sargent Family Productions comes a magical and immersive audio dramatization of the Gaslamp fantasy Wayfarer. With Hollywood-style music, creative sound design, and a full cast including Nato Jacobson (The Jonathan Park Series, Giant Killer), Thomas Sargent (The Inn), Eleanor Sturt (As You Like It), Runner Francisco (A Midsummer Night's Dream), and Hannah Vail Haller (Our Town), Wayfarer is a revolutionary adventure you and your family will enjoy over and over!
16 pages, Audiobook
First published October 1, 2018
103 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Weiland
29 books2,527 followersK.M. Weiland is the award-winning and internationally published author of acclaimed writing guides such as Structuring Your Novel, Creating Character Arcs, and Writing Archetypal Character Arcs. She writes historical and speculative fiction and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 11, 2019
Love this book. The theme was amazing, especially the climax of it.
February 18, 2020
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
As a superhero fan, I absolutely LOVED this book! Weiland made it so vivid and had such a realistic historical voice for the time period. I fell in love with all the characters (love little Rose!) and this story will definitely be one I'll remember.
As a superhero fan, I absolutely LOVED this book! Weiland made it so vivid and had such a realistic historical voice for the time period. I fell in love with all the characters (love little Rose!) and this story will definitely be one I'll remember.
November 25, 2018
Wow! This was definitely intense like Wyland's other novels. I was riveted and read it in a relatively short time.
The author did a great job making every setting feel real. London was grimy, the country was fair but poor, the pickpockets were unsavory. I believed the cruel men, that they were really evil.
The main character, Will, was a bit of a pragmatist, to begin with. His mind was focused on a select few goals, and nothing was going to stop him. This is where the messages come in. They weren't heavyhanded at all, but they were clear and made sense. They were real struggles. Will's desire for respect led him to flirt with becoming dishonorable. I was impacted by the mentor's resolve that nothing should be traded, you don't earn with compromise, you just stand rock solid and act upon what's right.
I liked Rose. Didn't expect it, but I got attached. She was kind of funny too. :)
There were other cool people and a compelling bad guy, and a very sickening bad guy.
So, I don't usually read magic. I was initially uncomfortable with the way magic featured into this, but it ended up being a natural phenomenon of concentrated energy (trackways) that gave Will his ability. But again, no one was casting spells or making dead things alive, or building candy houses for that matter. The bad guy didn't even have flying monkeys and the premise of "magic" floated to the back of my mind.
Now there was a bad guy who was cruel to children... so yeah. If you're sensitive, you'll at least be disgusted by him.
Anyway, long story short (or novel length) Wayfarer was enjoyable, packed with action and dilemmas, a dash of romance (I forgot to mention there's a girl), and Wyland's masterful plotting expertise that kept me guessing and worried.
The author did a great job making every setting feel real. London was grimy, the country was fair but poor, the pickpockets were unsavory. I believed the cruel men, that they were really evil.
The main character, Will, was a bit of a pragmatist, to begin with. His mind was focused on a select few goals, and nothing was going to stop him. This is where the messages come in. They weren't heavyhanded at all, but they were clear and made sense. They were real struggles. Will's desire for respect led him to flirt with becoming dishonorable. I was impacted by the mentor's resolve that nothing should be traded, you don't earn with compromise, you just stand rock solid and act upon what's right.
I liked Rose. Didn't expect it, but I got attached. She was kind of funny too. :)
There were other cool people and a compelling bad guy, and a very sickening bad guy.
So, I don't usually read magic. I was initially uncomfortable with the way magic featured into this, but it ended up being a natural phenomenon of concentrated energy (trackways) that gave Will his ability. But again, no one was casting spells or making dead things alive, or building candy houses for that matter. The bad guy didn't even have flying monkeys and the premise of "magic" floated to the back of my mind.
Now there was a bad guy who was cruel to children... so yeah. If you're sensitive, you'll at least be disgusted by him.
Anyway, long story short (or novel length) Wayfarer was enjoyable, packed with action and dilemmas, a dash of romance (I forgot to mention there's a girl), and Wyland's masterful plotting expertise that kept me guessing and worried.
December 6, 2024
Second read through! Well, this time I listened to the awesome audio drama!
Ahhhhhhh.
I still love it.
Old review that I kinda want to update with how I reel now but will just leave like this because I'm tired:
... I read this book on my phone and let me just say, I read this a LOT faster than I've read books half this size. (That is a huge credit towards how much I enjoyed this book)!
I like super hero movies, I like books with adventure, awesome world building and books that have a point! How about one that is all of that put together?
Fast paced with an awesome magic system. I really felt like I was in the world. The characters were amazing! They were unique, relatable and awesome! Always running towards their goals. The friendships were so cute and *hugs them all*. The book had a great theme and the character arc was shown well.
A personal preference would have been to see the main character heal more from physical wounds after they happened. Maybe that would have been considered unnecessary or boring, but I dunno, I like those scenes. :)
Also, a few of the times I felt like there was language or swearing, but maybe it was correct/clean in context.
There was a bit of blood and scare in it. I don't recommend for younger people, but I was mostly fine by it. One or two scenes were a little meh for me.
I really enjoyed this. The fight scenes. The thoughts. The loveable beans with their unique voices. I gasped, my eyes welled up, I grinned often and laughed. When I need a good book to read, I know which one to come back to!
If you like Marvel movies (especially Spiderman far from home *spoiler to why that is*), Behind the Mask movie by the Burns Family studios, Fawkes by Nadine Brandes and London books....
Read it!! I recommend it! I'm going to have to get a paperback copy. :D
Ahhhhhhh.
I still love it.
Old review that I kinda want to update with how I reel now but will just leave like this because I'm tired:
... I read this book on my phone and let me just say, I read this a LOT faster than I've read books half this size. (That is a huge credit towards how much I enjoyed this book)!
I like super hero movies, I like books with adventure, awesome world building and books that have a point! How about one that is all of that put together?
Fast paced with an awesome magic system. I really felt like I was in the world. The characters were amazing! They were unique, relatable and awesome! Always running towards their goals. The friendships were so cute and *hugs them all*. The book had a great theme and the character arc was shown well.
A personal preference would have been to see the main character heal more from physical wounds after they happened. Maybe that would have been considered unnecessary or boring, but I dunno, I like those scenes. :)
Also, a few of the times I felt like there was language or swearing, but maybe it was correct/clean in context.
There was a bit of blood and scare in it. I don't recommend for younger people, but I was mostly fine by it. One or two scenes were a little meh for me.
I really enjoyed this. The fight scenes. The thoughts. The loveable beans with their unique voices. I gasped, my eyes welled up, I grinned often and laughed. When I need a good book to read, I know which one to come back to!
If you like Marvel movies (especially Spiderman far from home *spoiler to why that is*), Behind the Mask movie by the Burns Family studios, Fawkes by Nadine Brandes and London books....
Read it!! I recommend it! I'm going to have to get a paperback copy. :D
April 6, 2019
Superheroes in Victorian times is a pretty cool premise, and I was waiting for this book to come out for a while. The story had some creative use of superpowers and some good twists, but I wasn't sure if it really needed to be 500 pages. I would have preferred the beginning of the story to be more streamlined and the prose as a whole to be crisper and less wordy. Apart from that, I liked the symbolism in the heroes' powers and it had some good character work.
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars (Good).
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars (Good).
September 8, 2020
The way this books plot develops by side characters just ignoring common sense or any sort of logic is extremely frustrating and I almost quit reading the book half way in because of it. I stuck with it because I enjoy the core concept but feel that, in the end, it's just not enough.
Don't pick up this book, there's plenty of other fantasy books that are similar enough and just plain great.
Don't pick up this book, there's plenty of other fantasy books that are similar enough and just plain great.
February 22, 2024
Well... this was certainly one of the books of all time. I was asked to read this by a Patron and alas they hoped I would enjoy it far more than I did. I waffled so hard about adding another star because I listened to the audiobook production which was NEXT LEVEL! Seriously, if you consume this book I cannot recommend the audio version enough! Fully voiced with sound effects and a score created for the book! That is the dream! I wish I had the infostructure to do that with my books.
But if you take away the immaculate audiobook...I cannot rate this book any higher than 2 stars. To be clear, I do not think this is a bad book by any stretch. It just was not a book for me.
I'm not a big super hero book reader to begin with (though I had hoped the setting and audiobook would make up for that), but alas, this one was a particular letdown. The main reason for me was that the plot was so safe. It took no risks. Tried no new angles. I could predict every beat before it happened because I have seen super hero media before. I'm not even a comic book nerd. I just like Marvel movies and that was enough for this book to feel derivative and uninspired. It read like a Flash/Spiderman Victorian AU. Some of you are probably rushing to get your copy on that premise alone. And well you should, if you're in the mood for exactly that, and nothing else.
I also didn't really enjoy the MC. I think the time has come for me to admit that I do not like the type of male character I was forced to read growing up because books about gals kicking ass and being the hero were much fewer and far between. So we had these bland, ambiguously heroic, white-bread dudes running around being the same man. You know how all the romantic leads now are just reskinned Rhysands? Well this guy is a reskin of all the Gary Stu's of my youth in the 90s. And I don't like him. I don't hate him as much as I hated Lee from Fireborn, but I'm still not a fan.
There were a few side characters that were alright, but alas they were not enough to push this book past 2 stars.
Also, the pacing. How can a book so chock full of action scenes feel so SLOW? It managed somehow. I felt like we had 50 false climaxes before we got to the real one. I kept thinking it was almost over, then checking to see and finding I still had hours left. I would have trimmed this down, tightened it up, maybe included a few less "Will runs around the city and does stuff (TM)" scenes. Honestly this could have been a duology and worked better for me because it overstayed its welcome.
Anyway, stay tuned to my youtube channel for the full review!
But if you take away the immaculate audiobook...I cannot rate this book any higher than 2 stars. To be clear, I do not think this is a bad book by any stretch. It just was not a book for me.
I'm not a big super hero book reader to begin with (though I had hoped the setting and audiobook would make up for that), but alas, this one was a particular letdown. The main reason for me was that the plot was so safe. It took no risks. Tried no new angles. I could predict every beat before it happened because I have seen super hero media before. I'm not even a comic book nerd. I just like Marvel movies and that was enough for this book to feel derivative and uninspired. It read like a Flash/Spiderman Victorian AU. Some of you are probably rushing to get your copy on that premise alone. And well you should, if you're in the mood for exactly that, and nothing else.
I also didn't really enjoy the MC. I think the time has come for me to admit that I do not like the type of male character I was forced to read growing up because books about gals kicking ass and being the hero were much fewer and far between. So we had these bland, ambiguously heroic, white-bread dudes running around being the same man. You know how all the romantic leads now are just reskinned Rhysands? Well this guy is a reskin of all the Gary Stu's of my youth in the 90s. And I don't like him. I don't hate him as much as I hated Lee from Fireborn, but I'm still not a fan.
There were a few side characters that were alright, but alas they were not enough to push this book past 2 stars.
Also, the pacing. How can a book so chock full of action scenes feel so SLOW? It managed somehow. I felt like we had 50 false climaxes before we got to the real one. I kept thinking it was almost over, then checking to see and finding I still had hours left. I would have trimmed this down, tightened it up, maybe included a few less "Will runs around the city and does stuff (TM)" scenes. Honestly this could have been a duology and worked better for me because it overstayed its welcome.
Anyway, stay tuned to my youtube channel for the full review!
February 8, 2019
This book was amazing! KM Weiland did not disappoint in her latest novel, which is also the first fiction book from her that I've read. I know that I'll be reading her other works now because of how well-written and engaging this one was.
Wayfarer tells the story of Will Hardy, a blacksmith's apprentice who has accidentally ended up with superpowers. Despite the label "superhero" in the premise of this book, the story lacks the sci-fi-ish feel of your typical superhero tale-- fitting to say the least, because this book is set in nineteenth-century England and all. Even the dialogue and narration reflects the speech of that period, which was really well done. I actually got a more steampunk-y feel from the book, which is weird because this is not steampunk at all. I don't know; maybe the writing style and the descriptions did that, but hey, I like steampunk so it's cool with me. ;)
The characters were so much fun. Will was great, I need not say more; so was Tom, his master (apprentice-master master, not slavemaster master, mind you). Rose was such a sweet little thing who was clearly quite able to take care of herself, but who still was endlessly devoted to Will, and that was adorable. "Her Ladyship" Isabella Carstone was definitely another favorite, although I wish we got to see a tad bit more of her. I loved where the author took their relationship in the end, though!
Some of the other guys-- Pish, Lifty, Postelwaite-- were very realistic and interesting. That was fun too.
And ugh, the villains. Both Mr. Fitzroy and Mr. Monarch were creepy and despicable, Mr. Monarch especially. The thing with Mrs. Fitzroy was shudderingly true too, as was their son Henry. *shivers*
The plot was crazy intense and kept me turning the pages... that is unless I put it down and completely forgot abou it. Whoops. (That's why it took me so long to finish this one.)
Anyways, Wayfarer was a really good book! Definitely unique and something new, and I might reread it sometime. If you like historical adventure, superheroes with a twist, or gaslamp fantasy (is that what it's called? I never even knew it was a genre), then you might like this book! :)
Wayfarer tells the story of Will Hardy, a blacksmith's apprentice who has accidentally ended up with superpowers. Despite the label "superhero" in the premise of this book, the story lacks the sci-fi-ish feel of your typical superhero tale-- fitting to say the least, because this book is set in nineteenth-century England and all. Even the dialogue and narration reflects the speech of that period, which was really well done. I actually got a more steampunk-y feel from the book, which is weird because this is not steampunk at all. I don't know; maybe the writing style and the descriptions did that, but hey, I like steampunk so it's cool with me. ;)
The characters were so much fun. Will was great, I need not say more; so was Tom, his master (apprentice-master master, not slavemaster master, mind you). Rose was such a sweet little thing who was clearly quite able to take care of herself, but who still was endlessly devoted to Will, and that was adorable. "Her Ladyship" Isabella Carstone was definitely another favorite, although I wish we got to see a tad bit more of her. I loved where the author took their relationship in the end, though!
Some of the other guys-- Pish, Lifty, Postelwaite-- were very realistic and interesting. That was fun too.
And ugh, the villains. Both Mr. Fitzroy and Mr. Monarch were creepy and despicable, Mr. Monarch especially. The thing with Mrs. Fitzroy was shudderingly true too, as was their son Henry. *shivers*
The plot was crazy intense and kept me turning the pages... that is unless I put it down and completely forgot abou it. Whoops. (That's why it took me so long to finish this one.)
Anyways, Wayfarer was a really good book! Definitely unique and something new, and I might reread it sometime. If you like historical adventure, superheroes with a twist, or gaslamp fantasy (is that what it's called? I never even knew it was a genre), then you might like this book! :)
September 22, 2021
The Wayfarer is my favorite superhero ever!
I got into K.M. Weiland through her books on writing (which are fabulous) and her writing blog, and then from there I tried Dreamlander, and then Wayfarer.
I was impressed with Dreamlander, but I was blown away by Wayfarer. Wayfarer is one of my new favorite novels, and I believe that it is the most well written modern novel I have read (but what else could you expect from someone who is so educated on the writing process?). I really felt like I related with Will, and I LOVED all the other characters as well. It was such an interesting cast, ranging from upper class politicians to middle class blacksmiths to lower class thugs. It’s theme is cohesive, resonant, really memorable, and it has stuck with me far longer than that of other books. The characters are unique and vivid, the settings feel real, and the adventure is amazing. The story reminded me of the works of Charles Dickens (particularly Great Expectations and Little Dorrit), while being written in a modern style, filled with fantastical elements, and following a quick paced action beat. It was awesome to read this book after having read many of her books on writing, because I could really see her principles being played out in a strong, thrilling manner.
Read this new adrenaline-fueled historical superhero adventure today!
P.S. K.M. Weiland, if you read this, please come out with more Wayfarer adventures soon! I can't wait to hear what happens next!
I got into K.M. Weiland through her books on writing (which are fabulous) and her writing blog, and then from there I tried Dreamlander, and then Wayfarer.
I was impressed with Dreamlander, but I was blown away by Wayfarer. Wayfarer is one of my new favorite novels, and I believe that it is the most well written modern novel I have read (but what else could you expect from someone who is so educated on the writing process?). I really felt like I related with Will, and I LOVED all the other characters as well. It was such an interesting cast, ranging from upper class politicians to middle class blacksmiths to lower class thugs. It’s theme is cohesive, resonant, really memorable, and it has stuck with me far longer than that of other books. The characters are unique and vivid, the settings feel real, and the adventure is amazing. The story reminded me of the works of Charles Dickens (particularly Great Expectations and Little Dorrit), while being written in a modern style, filled with fantastical elements, and following a quick paced action beat. It was awesome to read this book after having read many of her books on writing, because I could really see her principles being played out in a strong, thrilling manner.
Read this new adrenaline-fueled historical superhero adventure today!
P.S. K.M. Weiland, if you read this, please come out with more Wayfarer adventures soon! I can't wait to hear what happens next!
July 26, 2019
What an incredible read! I loved every second of this book, and didn't want to put it down.
The characters are so realistically and beautifully dynamic. I was so emotionally invested in them and their story and it was just all. the. feels.
I'm a huge superhero fan, and this was gorgeously magical and superhero-esque and in such an epic and unique setting! Count me in for all books in this genre EVER.
This book pulled me in right from the start and had me turning pages the whole time. All the action scenes! It's such an amazing story.
Content:
Overall I LOVED this story to pieces! It was so vividly written and the characters absolutely stole my heart. So relatable and unique!
The characters are so realistically and beautifully dynamic. I was so emotionally invested in them and their story and it was just all. the. feels.
I'm a huge superhero fan, and this was gorgeously magical and superhero-esque and in such an epic and unique setting! Count me in for all books in this genre EVER.
This book pulled me in right from the start and had me turning pages the whole time. All the action scenes! It's such an amazing story.
Content:
Overall I LOVED this story to pieces! It was so vividly written and the characters absolutely stole my heart. So relatable and unique!
July 18, 2024
I loved this book! Like nothing I’ve read before. Combining historical with superhero tropes and themes was nothing short of genius on K.M. Weiland’s part.
A wonderful, well-written story with a wide audience appeal!
A wonderful, well-written story with a wide audience appeal!
July 25, 2019
I love superheroes. Watching them casually achieve impossible feats to save the world relaxes me, plus it offers a sentimental value. As a child, I’ve spent a fortune (thanks mom and dad) on comic books. Despite my fondness of the genre, I find most books about superheroes lacking compared to movies and graphic novels. Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule, and Weiland’s Wayfarer is one.
Set in the Regency England, the story takes place in 1820 London, where an outlaw speedster and a master of illusion confront each other to decide who will own the city. It seems the author has done a lot of research to make things feel and sound right. Weiland’s London is one of the most vivid and memorable settings I’ve had the pleasure to read about recently. You can almost smell it (not recommended, Regency England isn’t famous for hygiene or environmental care).
Sure, she used more than few solid paragraphs to paint the world, but I didn’t mind. The setting played an important role in the events.
The level of detail, cultural and language accuracy feels immersive without being overly expositional. It should impress history enthusiasts. Weiland incorporates a vernacular to her storytelling and as much as I appreciate her elegant language I admit the use of archaisms (naughts, aughts, and more) tired me and took out of the story few times. I needed a while to get used to it but with time I started to appreciate the richness of her writing. Coupled with the unique twists, it made Wayfarer difficult to put down, especially the final third, which seemed to fly by.
Main and secondary characters feel distinct, well-rounded and three-dimensional, but it’s the antagonist, Fitzroy, who truly shines and overshadows others with a distinct personality and single-minded focus on reforming London, no matter the cost. Despite the atrocities he commits, at times it was difficult not to respect him. As a vengeful politician with dark secrets and impressive powers, he stands out as a memorable villain.
Wayfarer himself is a simple lad trying to figure out what to do with his new powers and longing for a better life. He makes mistakes and pays for them. His choices are questionable, but he remains relatable and believable throughout. He falls for a beautiful (and smart!) girl from high-society. I’m not a fan of romance in books, but Weiland made it balanced, difficult and clever. No complaints here.
Any issues/drawbacks? Well, Weiland loves language/ Sometimes too much and her writing becomes too wordy (subjective). Also, the climax. She didn’t pull the punches, but it was just too long (also subjective). Anything else? I don’t think so.
Readers appreciating elegant (if sometimes flowery) prose and immersive settings will appreciate the book. But it offers much more than just craftsmanship and dedication to well-rounded and beautiful sentences. Weiland’s way of blending action, suspense and drama keeps the novel moving with a superb pace and she knows well when and how to tug at reader’s heartstrings. If you’re in the mood for a well-written gaslamp heroic fantasy, consider Wayfarer as your next read.
Set in the Regency England, the story takes place in 1820 London, where an outlaw speedster and a master of illusion confront each other to decide who will own the city. It seems the author has done a lot of research to make things feel and sound right. Weiland’s London is one of the most vivid and memorable settings I’ve had the pleasure to read about recently. You can almost smell it (not recommended, Regency England isn’t famous for hygiene or environmental care).
Sure, she used more than few solid paragraphs to paint the world, but I didn’t mind. The setting played an important role in the events.
The level of detail, cultural and language accuracy feels immersive without being overly expositional. It should impress history enthusiasts. Weiland incorporates a vernacular to her storytelling and as much as I appreciate her elegant language I admit the use of archaisms (naughts, aughts, and more) tired me and took out of the story few times. I needed a while to get used to it but with time I started to appreciate the richness of her writing. Coupled with the unique twists, it made Wayfarer difficult to put down, especially the final third, which seemed to fly by.
Main and secondary characters feel distinct, well-rounded and three-dimensional, but it’s the antagonist, Fitzroy, who truly shines and overshadows others with a distinct personality and single-minded focus on reforming London, no matter the cost. Despite the atrocities he commits, at times it was difficult not to respect him. As a vengeful politician with dark secrets and impressive powers, he stands out as a memorable villain.
Wayfarer himself is a simple lad trying to figure out what to do with his new powers and longing for a better life. He makes mistakes and pays for them. His choices are questionable, but he remains relatable and believable throughout. He falls for a beautiful (and smart!) girl from high-society. I’m not a fan of romance in books, but Weiland made it balanced, difficult and clever. No complaints here.
Any issues/drawbacks? Well, Weiland loves language/ Sometimes too much and her writing becomes too wordy (subjective). Also, the climax. She didn’t pull the punches, but it was just too long (also subjective). Anything else? I don’t think so.
Readers appreciating elegant (if sometimes flowery) prose and immersive settings will appreciate the book. But it offers much more than just craftsmanship and dedication to well-rounded and beautiful sentences. Weiland’s way of blending action, suspense and drama keeps the novel moving with a superb pace and she knows well when and how to tug at reader’s heartstrings. If you’re in the mood for a well-written gaslamp heroic fantasy, consider Wayfarer as your next read.
September 26, 2024
I listened to the Sargent Family Productions dramatized version of this book and it was incredible! Despite the long length, I didn't want to stop listening, and it held my interest from the start. The premise is very unique and the settings are vivid. I don't read many books set in 18th Century England!
As usual, the characters were my favorite! Each one felt very real and nuanced, with actions and motivations I couldn't predict. The main character's coming to grips with his abilities and purpose was powerful, and the side characters (one young one in particular...) were so fun and interesting. The slow-burn romance was clean and satisfying. I was rooting for the love interests.
I also really admired the prominent themes like purpose, truth, that ends don't always justify means, and sacrifice. The things that the characters gave up for one another, even in times that they weren't getting along, was wholesome and inspiring. My absolute favorite was the brother-sister relationship between two of the main characters. I haven't read of many young, feisty characters in books like these, and I loved it! Overall, this is a solid read, and as long as you don't mind some flowery prose, the story is impactful.
Tricky Content: Fighting, some blood and injuries, death and loss, characters gets a stake through the hand, one clean kiss scene, young characters are abused, unsavory characters in certain parts of the city, danger, betrayal, emotional distress, a magical system (no spells, but special abilities).
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy unique historical settings, superhero stories with a twist, fun and quirky characters and deep, meaningful themes. Bonus points if you listen to the audio version!
As usual, the characters were my favorite! Each one felt very real and nuanced, with actions and motivations I couldn't predict. The main character's coming to grips with his abilities and purpose was powerful, and the side characters (one young one in particular...) were so fun and interesting. The slow-burn romance was clean and satisfying. I was rooting for the love interests.
I also really admired the prominent themes like purpose, truth, that ends don't always justify means, and sacrifice. The things that the characters gave up for one another, even in times that they weren't getting along, was wholesome and inspiring. My absolute favorite was the brother-sister relationship between two of the main characters. I haven't read of many young, feisty characters in books like these, and I loved it! Overall, this is a solid read, and as long as you don't mind some flowery prose, the story is impactful.
Tricky Content: Fighting, some blood and injuries, death and loss, characters gets a stake through the hand, one clean kiss scene, young characters are abused, unsavory characters in certain parts of the city, danger, betrayal, emotional distress, a magical system (no spells, but special abilities).
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy unique historical settings, superhero stories with a twist, fun and quirky characters and deep, meaningful themes. Bonus points if you listen to the audio version!
January 29, 2019
Gaslight fantasy… I didn’t even know that was a genre. But K.M. Weiland’s Wayfarer, set in 1820s England is a fantastic tale of a young man who becomes a superhero.
Will is a blacksmith’s apprentice whose family died in debtors’ prison. Despite his master’s advice, he can’t ignore the way people look down on him. The strange powers that afflict him could earn him respect—or they could get him killed.
Complex characters and vivid descriptions make a compelling read.
Wayfarer is a satisfyingly long and richly-crafted novel that takes readers from the open country to the dark heart of a London slum, from ornate mansions to Marshalsea Prison. Danger abounds, the stakes are overwhelming, yet there are glimpses of loyalty, love, and even a bit of humour.
Favourite line (as Will is about to jump into the midst of a crowd he needs to impress):
Falling just now, screaming in pain, would probably fail to inspire these good people. [Page 275]
This is a clean read, if grim in places. I’m pleased to see the ending leave room for a sequel.
For more about K.M. Weiland and her novels, visit kmweiland.com. Writers are encouraged to visit her teaching site, Helping Writers Become Authors.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Will is a blacksmith’s apprentice whose family died in debtors’ prison. Despite his master’s advice, he can’t ignore the way people look down on him. The strange powers that afflict him could earn him respect—or they could get him killed.
Complex characters and vivid descriptions make a compelling read.
Wayfarer is a satisfyingly long and richly-crafted novel that takes readers from the open country to the dark heart of a London slum, from ornate mansions to Marshalsea Prison. Danger abounds, the stakes are overwhelming, yet there are glimpses of loyalty, love, and even a bit of humour.
Favourite line (as Will is about to jump into the midst of a crowd he needs to impress):
Falling just now, screaming in pain, would probably fail to inspire these good people. [Page 275]
This is a clean read, if grim in places. I’m pleased to see the ending leave room for a sequel.
For more about K.M. Weiland and her novels, visit kmweiland.com. Writers are encouraged to visit her teaching site, Helping Writers Become Authors.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
August 3, 2024
Imagine if HG Wells wrote a superhero origin story and you land on the vibe I got reading this novel. Being a fan of HG Wells and Marvel, this story captured my interest. The use of language, though slightly alienating, was superb for an alternative historic Victorian London. The world-building, with its attention to historical details, was outstanding.
However, I wish I had found more enjoyment in reading it. Although the language was interesting, it had the drawback of slowing me down and preventing me from fully immersing myself in the story. Intellectually, I really liked this novel, but I didn’t love it.
I wasn’t entirely sold on the antagonist and his abilities, but if you suspend your disbelief, there is an interesting story here about identity, perception, and weaponised misinformation that holds relevance to the world in which we find ourselves today.
However, I wish I had found more enjoyment in reading it. Although the language was interesting, it had the drawback of slowing me down and preventing me from fully immersing myself in the story. Intellectually, I really liked this novel, but I didn’t love it.
I wasn’t entirely sold on the antagonist and his abilities, but if you suspend your disbelief, there is an interesting story here about identity, perception, and weaponised misinformation that holds relevance to the world in which we find ourselves today.
October 26, 2018
Will can run faster and leap higher than any human being in England's underworld.
When he's accused of murder, he must use supernatural gifts to survive. Only Will can stop a madman bent on reforming London by any means possible.
I've been waiting for this book to come out for some time. My expectations were high, and I wasn't disappointed. "What a ride," comes to mind as I think of this story. Continuous action gripped me and didn't release my curiosity until the very end. -And, what an ending.
As advertised: Adrenaline-fueled historical superhero adventure. So true! I'd add, surprises filled the pages.
When he's accused of murder, he must use supernatural gifts to survive. Only Will can stop a madman bent on reforming London by any means possible.
I've been waiting for this book to come out for some time. My expectations were high, and I wasn't disappointed. "What a ride," comes to mind as I think of this story. Continuous action gripped me and didn't release my curiosity until the very end. -And, what an ending.
As advertised: Adrenaline-fueled historical superhero adventure. So true! I'd add, surprises filled the pages.
January 15, 2019
Wayfarer by K.M. Wyland hits all the necessary tropes to make a great superhero story, and at the same time, owns its historical setting in the 1820s. Superheroes and Georgian England actually meld very nicely together.
The story is populated with fun endearing characters, along with a great villain with unique powers and believable motivations.
The book explores the theme of how others view us, which is an issue most of us struggle with at some point in our lives.
The language roots the story in its place and time, but remains very readable.
K.M Wyland delivers yet another winner, which I would recommend to any lover of superheroes.
The story is populated with fun endearing characters, along with a great villain with unique powers and believable motivations.
The book explores the theme of how others view us, which is an issue most of us struggle with at some point in our lives.
The language roots the story in its place and time, but remains very readable.
K.M Wyland delivers yet another winner, which I would recommend to any lover of superheroes.
January 15, 2019
I loved this book so much. Plenty of action to keep you turning pages, characters that you either love very much(Will, Tom, and Rose) or that you want to get very far away from the good guys bc they're not nice AT ALL, and the themes that tied up the end were fantastic.
Basically, yes, I would 100/10 recommend this book.
(I received an ARC version in exchange for an honest review.)
Basically, yes, I would 100/10 recommend this book.
(I received an ARC version in exchange for an honest review.)
July 16, 2023
A fun adventure about Victorian-era superheros. The main POV character and the supporting cast were all unique, memorable characters. The plot, while sometimes predictable, was engaging and kept me turning the pages. The ending, while satisfying, left some questions open and definitely left the plot open for a sequel. An enjoyable read!
November 30, 2019
Her characters are unique and well-rounded. Some of the story motivation was confusing. I guess I'm not into steampunk. And I don't get where the title comes in at all. I thought a wayfarer was a traveler, but Will doesn't go on any extended journey.
May 11, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It incorporates fantasy and mystery elements, but still remains true to the class structure--both the high and the low--of 1820 London. The setting was immersive without overwhelming the story. The characters are as unique as real people, and their motivations are realistic within their varied personalities. Relationships delve into the many ways that people really do deal with one another, rather than just focusing on romance. The villains are as well-drawn as the heroes and they are a true force to be reckoned with. All of this made for a book that was extremely hard to put down.
As amazing as all of that was, the plot is what I found exceptional. It was rich, deep, and unpredictable all the way through. The ending was satisfying but not typical, and that in itself, was a delight!
As amazing as all of that was, the plot is what I found exceptional. It was rich, deep, and unpredictable all the way through. The ending was satisfying but not typical, and that in itself, was a delight!
August 25, 2019
After recently re-reading my favorite story by KM Weiland, "Behold the Dawn," and having liked "Dreamlander" a few years ago, I expected to like this book. I was genuinely surprised to find myself being as generous as I could by giving it a 3 (I don't like to leave reviews less than a 3). In case there may be other readers like me who aren't prepared for the difference in this book, I decided to leave a review that mentions the ups and downs I experienced.
This author is wonderful with her research and descriptions, and as a history lover and an artist with an eye for inspiring settings, I loved that aspect of this story! She is a skilled writer and breathes life into interesting characters. Readers can feel themselves drawn into the setting and the story from the beginning.
I started getting impatient after the first few chapters. I'm one of those people who knows plot structure and quickly figured out where the book was going. But it took much to long to get there, and soon, I was scanning. Then I started dragging across my Kindle pages to go through entire chapters, stopping to see where the next one picked up and if we were closer to the point. Often, we weren't.
To be fair, I might have been more satisfied with the story if I hadn't scanned so much. I felt like I was camping out instead of moving through an adventure. Readers could have had a breathless experience with this novel in about half the pages, but if they are the types who like details, this style will satisfy.
I was also disappointed that a writer so skilled with words used a few language choices that leave me unable to recommend the book to friends. Otherwise it was a clean story.
This author is wonderful with her research and descriptions, and as a history lover and an artist with an eye for inspiring settings, I loved that aspect of this story! She is a skilled writer and breathes life into interesting characters. Readers can feel themselves drawn into the setting and the story from the beginning.
I started getting impatient after the first few chapters. I'm one of those people who knows plot structure and quickly figured out where the book was going. But it took much to long to get there, and soon, I was scanning. Then I started dragging across my Kindle pages to go through entire chapters, stopping to see where the next one picked up and if we were closer to the point. Often, we weren't.
To be fair, I might have been more satisfied with the story if I hadn't scanned so much. I felt like I was camping out instead of moving through an adventure. Readers could have had a breathless experience with this novel in about half the pages, but if they are the types who like details, this style will satisfy.
I was also disappointed that a writer so skilled with words used a few language choices that leave me unable to recommend the book to friends. Otherwise it was a clean story.
January 3, 2019
Wyland's newest historical fantasy is a delight! Wyland runs the Helping Writers Become Authors website, and she practices what she preaches. All cylinders are firing in this one with all the swashbuckling adventure, romance, and heart that you'd expect from Ms. Wyland. Her take on the whole superhero genre (of which she is an aficionado) is unique as well. Give all her other novels a try and support one of the best self-published authors out there.
March 18, 2019
Whew-whee, what a page-turner!! As of right now, I can only break my feelings down into a few points:
1. THAT ROMANCE. ESPECIALLY AT THE END. LADIES, FIND YOURSELVES A MAN LIKE WILL HARDY-AKA A MAN WHO WILL DATE YOU FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
2. ROSE. GUYS I LOVED HERS AND WILL'S BROTHER-SISTER RELATIONSHIP SO MUCH.
3. LIFTY AND PISH AND POSTELWAITE AND TRABB ARE THE BEST SIDE CHARACTERS EVER I WILL FIGHT ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHERWISE!!!!
4. TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
5. I really hope Peggy is able to have a better life...
6. I was so right about Blue-Eyed Jem and man, was that a satisfying twist. (And on that note, why'd it seem every other person had blue eyes? Not that I have anything against blue eyes-mine are blue-but I don't recall any green or gray or hazel or brown.
7. I WANT TO PUNCH MR. MONARCH HOW DARE HE!!!!!
8. Question: What ever happened to Henry? How's he gonna react when he...erm...no spoilers.
1. THAT ROMANCE. ESPECIALLY AT THE END. LADIES, FIND YOURSELVES A MAN LIKE WILL HARDY-AKA A MAN WHO WILL DATE YOU FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
2. ROSE. GUYS I LOVED HERS AND WILL'S BROTHER-SISTER RELATIONSHIP SO MUCH.
3. LIFTY AND PISH AND POSTELWAITE AND TRABB ARE THE BEST SIDE CHARACTERS EVER I WILL FIGHT ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHERWISE!!!!
4. TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
5. I really hope Peggy is able to have a better life...
6. I was so right about Blue-Eyed Jem and man, was that a satisfying twist. (And on that note, why'd it seem every other person had blue eyes? Not that I have anything against blue eyes-mine are blue-but I don't recall any green or gray or hazel or brown.
7. I WANT TO PUNCH MR. MONARCH HOW DARE HE!!!!!
8. Question: What ever happened to Henry? How's he gonna react when he...erm...no spoilers.
October 27, 2018
I absolutely loved this story! Fans of KM Weiland will be glad to know that Wayfarer is just as well written as any of her other books. I have been a longtime reader of Weiland's site Helping Writers Become Authors, and I use her book Structuring Your Novel religiously every time I prepare to write a new book of my own. As I read Wayfarer, it was delightful to see how she followed her own writing rules (right down to the midpoint at exactly the 50% mark on my Kindle!). Not that the story came across as formulaic, or anything like that. No, it's just a great story, full of vivid settings, characters so real I felt as though I knew them personally, and delightful surprises (along with some not-so-delightful ones). I enjoyed the authentic period dialog and picked up some new vocabulary along the way. Now I really want a sequel!
January 14, 2019
Wayfarer was full of epic characters and magic. The book had deep meaningful themes that the characters represent spectacularly, whether in a positive or negative way. All of the characters were brilliant. Though some of them fit into story tropes they still each had their own personality and things that set them apart. They were dynamic, lovable (or despicable) characters but they are well rounded and when their backstory finally leaks out they make sense. The story started reasonably slowly but picked up by the end, and was engaging and page turning. The magic and characters really brought the settings to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was pleased with the satisfying conclusion. I'll be back for more K. M. Weiland books in the future.
February 6, 2019
This gaslamp fantasy adventure started on a roller coaster and kept going until the final pages! A wonderful cross of the worlds Dickens and Spider-Man, Deadpool and Wild Wild West and Les Miserables and Robin Hood. Yes something for everyone.
The characters were alive with wonderfully human flaws which provided an unexpected levity. The story is as complex and honest as the evolution of the original superhero could be. So much fun to leap through Will’s physical and moral evolution. The story and dialogue brought a realism to London’s early 1800s.
Wayfarer was infused with adventure, romance, magic and humour - cannot wait to see the movie ;)
The characters were alive with wonderfully human flaws which provided an unexpected levity. The story is as complex and honest as the evolution of the original superhero could be. So much fun to leap through Will’s physical and moral evolution. The story and dialogue brought a realism to London’s early 1800s.
Wayfarer was infused with adventure, romance, magic and humour - cannot wait to see the movie ;)
July 5, 2019
K. M. Weiland delivers her novel with fresh, tight writing, excellent characters, and a fun plot full of twists and turns. And let me just say, the writing style was AMAZING! She wrote the whole thing in Nineteenth century style, which I found to be both impressive and wonderful, as I love to read books from that era. Will Hardy himself was a unique protagonist. His arc was excellent, following the structure that K. M. Weiland herself has outlined again and again on her blog and in her non-fiction books. Wayfarer has certainly made it onto my shelf of favorite books!
February 8, 2019
The plot is complex enough. The pace is ok. A lot of actions. But I cannot feel I like this book. There is one problem for me: I just find that I can’t like the main character. He does not have anything admirable. Keep running and fighting, here and there, doesn’t gain my passion. He is ... a kind of very simple boy. Lack of depth. Only Rose is fine.
March 14, 2019
This was an enjoyable, light read in the historical fantasy genre. It keeps moving along with lots of well-paced action, but some of the central character's ruminations are cumbersome and repetitious--in other words, over-written, which was a bit surprising from a writing teacher. It made the experience tiresome at times, and detracted from the story.
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