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Will of the Wayfinder #1
Dreams of Dust
The immortal lilka heal the wounds of a fractured world, but when the spirits of nature are silenced…
Thaniel Swift’s life is about to change. The inexperienced Wayfinder sets out on his first mission to explore the untamed wilds of Koranth. But when he joins a band of storied heroes to uncover the cause of an ominously deserted village, the hunt will lead Thaniel far from home, into the remnants of a long-forgotten civilization, and dangers beyond his dreams.
In the east, an ancient sorceress wields forbidden magic to attain the object of her obsession, no matter how much nature itself cries out in fear and pain. To achieve her desires, she will destroy not only the guardian spirits of the land, but the humans as well, leaving the continent of Koranth in desolation.
Thrown into the unpredictable wilderness, with growing talents he barely understands, Thaniel uses magic and skill to lead his new allies further into a dying land, seeking answers. Only with the wisdom of the lilka, and the aid of one of the enigmatic Builders, will Thaniel and his companions have any chance at all.
But will it be enough to stop the Queen of Dust?
Dreams of Dust is the first thrilling adventure in the new fantasy series, Will of the Wayfinder.
Thaniel Swift’s life is about to change. The inexperienced Wayfinder sets out on his first mission to explore the untamed wilds of Koranth. But when he joins a band of storied heroes to uncover the cause of an ominously deserted village, the hunt will lead Thaniel far from home, into the remnants of a long-forgotten civilization, and dangers beyond his dreams.
In the east, an ancient sorceress wields forbidden magic to attain the object of her obsession, no matter how much nature itself cries out in fear and pain. To achieve her desires, she will destroy not only the guardian spirits of the land, but the humans as well, leaving the continent of Koranth in desolation.
Thrown into the unpredictable wilderness, with growing talents he barely understands, Thaniel uses magic and skill to lead his new allies further into a dying land, seeking answers. Only with the wisdom of the lilka, and the aid of one of the enigmatic Builders, will Thaniel and his companions have any chance at all.
But will it be enough to stop the Queen of Dust?
Dreams of Dust is the first thrilling adventure in the new fantasy series, Will of the Wayfinder.
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Published May 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 27, 2024
How is it that no one is talking about this book? Only one review at the time I'm writing this?! I just finished it last night and was extremely happy to have a top tier read as my first completed read of 2023!
Here's the quick and dirty on my favorite elements in this story: found family (I cried twice), a sort of animal companion (though I wouldn't say that to its face, lol), an intricate magic system that I loved learning about alongside our main character, creatures that fascinated me, world building that exceeded expectations and a great group of characters!
In a nutshell, the Precept wants a bridge built and hires some locals to do the work. Groups of workers disappear. After a few groups vanish, a preliminary investigation reveals a whole town had also disappeared. The Precept hires a group of legendary mercenaries (think if a fantasy world had an A-Team), who in turn hire a cartographer, Thaniel Swift. We follow alongside this group as they track the missing people and uncover some other alarming indications that there is something very, very wrong...and it's spreading.
Readers will spend a lot of time traveling with this bunch, but it's very eventful and entertaining. I loved learning about each of the members of this group, their dynamic and ability to work together using logic AND magic to solve puzzles and fight when the need arose. The travel time was put to good use letting me see and learn about the world and also to slowly learn how the crystal magic system worked. Well, a little - turns out different magic users use crystals differently - Emris, our Practicant, cast spells using spoken incantations. Zairin, our minstrel, played an instrument and his songs were the magic that performed in different ways, depending on intent.
There was plenty of action - there were times I felt like with the action, puzzles and pacing, I was reading about the adventures of Indiana Jones, or even The Goonies. At one part, I was reminded of the original video game, Prince of Persia on XBOX - it was equal parts fighting the sand guys and solving puzzles.
I never forgot about the character on the cover - I wanted to know who that was! I wasn't quite expecting someone so....you know what, I'll save that and let those who pick this book up find out who it is organically in the story like I did. (Hope your dreams aren't affected when you do meet them)
We even learn some history of the different races, which was another fun element to this story - all the different types of beings! Huge elk-people(Hernarans), Kerpli (tiny savages), Lilkas (nature spirits), Mist Cats, Hollow Ones and more! There is so much to enjoy that it actually slowed me down reading. I kept stopping to write notes!
I was so excited to see that the second book, RIVER OF STARS, is already published because I downloaded it on my Kindle immediately. I cannot wait to get it on the schedule to continue this series because I know what the start of the next adventure is and I want to know what happens!!!
Here's the quick and dirty on my favorite elements in this story: found family (I cried twice), a sort of animal companion (though I wouldn't say that to its face, lol), an intricate magic system that I loved learning about alongside our main character, creatures that fascinated me, world building that exceeded expectations and a great group of characters!
In a nutshell, the Precept wants a bridge built and hires some locals to do the work. Groups of workers disappear. After a few groups vanish, a preliminary investigation reveals a whole town had also disappeared. The Precept hires a group of legendary mercenaries (think if a fantasy world had an A-Team), who in turn hire a cartographer, Thaniel Swift. We follow alongside this group as they track the missing people and uncover some other alarming indications that there is something very, very wrong...and it's spreading.
Readers will spend a lot of time traveling with this bunch, but it's very eventful and entertaining. I loved learning about each of the members of this group, their dynamic and ability to work together using logic AND magic to solve puzzles and fight when the need arose. The travel time was put to good use letting me see and learn about the world and also to slowly learn how the crystal magic system worked. Well, a little - turns out different magic users use crystals differently - Emris, our Practicant, cast spells using spoken incantations. Zairin, our minstrel, played an instrument and his songs were the magic that performed in different ways, depending on intent.
There was plenty of action - there were times I felt like with the action, puzzles and pacing, I was reading about the adventures of Indiana Jones, or even The Goonies. At one part, I was reminded of the original video game, Prince of Persia on XBOX - it was equal parts fighting the sand guys and solving puzzles.
I never forgot about the character on the cover - I wanted to know who that was! I wasn't quite expecting someone so....you know what, I'll save that and let those who pick this book up find out who it is organically in the story like I did. (Hope your dreams aren't affected when you do meet them)
We even learn some history of the different races, which was another fun element to this story - all the different types of beings! Huge elk-people(Hernarans), Kerpli (tiny savages), Lilkas (nature spirits), Mist Cats, Hollow Ones and more! There is so much to enjoy that it actually slowed me down reading. I kept stopping to write notes!
I was so excited to see that the second book, RIVER OF STARS, is already published because I downloaded it on my Kindle immediately. I cannot wait to get it on the schedule to continue this series because I know what the start of the next adventure is and I want to know what happens!!!
October 29, 2024
4.5/5 I loved this video review to come. It’s like DnD and wheel of time had a baby. Great book
May 29, 2023
Review originally published on Jamreads
Dreams of Dust is the first book in the Will of the Wayfinder series, a dark fantasy proposal by Lily Anne Crow. With a cover that caught my attention when I saw it for the first time on the SPFBO8 list, reading it was a matter of time; and honestly, I can't believe how this book doesn't have more attention, as it features a fantastical character-driven story, in a lush world and a really interesting approach to magic systems.
Thaniel is looking to see the world and go far from the city where he lives, so he has the opportunity of his life when he's contracted to join a group of seasoned adventures due to his abilities as a cartographer. Groups of workers have disappeared during the construction of a bridge, and the target of our adventures is to find what happened; soon we get to know that something wrong is happening and it's spreading.
Most of the plot is centered around how our adventures are following the trails left behind, having to solve several mysteries and puzzles, using mostly their logic and their magical powers. Crow manages to create interesting dynamics between the different characters, that evolve with the plot advancing; with time, Thaniel becomes one more of the group, slowly building his confidence and his skills. Found family is one of the recurrent themes in this book, as Thaniel left his family in the city, and ends being one more in our group of adventurers.
In our crew, each one of the characters is kinda unique, taking a role depending on their ability to use magic in one way or another; because soon we discover that while all the magic in this world is related to the use of crystals, not everybody practise it the same way. Emris, our curmudgeon Practicant, uses Incantations made with the voice and carved crystals; Zairin, a minstrel, uses an instrument to produce music and magic; and among some of the natives, the magic is practised with uncarved crystals, creating a wilder type of magic.
And let's talk a little bit about the main antagonist in this book, because it is still on mind. Without spoiling too much, because I feel discovering it is an integral part of the experience, Crow has created a character that despite being a villain, you can understand its motivations, and even empathize with it.
We learn a lot about the world, as the journey trope works marvels for this purpose. Erlahain is fully developed, with many races being part of it. We get to know about nature spirits, elk people, and tiny savages; without losing focus on some cities we visit during the whole story.
Dreams of Dust is a great character-driven story, a really enjoyable book that starts the Will of the Wayfinder series. Definitely if you like to explore big worlds while being on a journey with a crew, give it a try!
Dreams of Dust is the first book in the Will of the Wayfinder series, a dark fantasy proposal by Lily Anne Crow. With a cover that caught my attention when I saw it for the first time on the SPFBO8 list, reading it was a matter of time; and honestly, I can't believe how this book doesn't have more attention, as it features a fantastical character-driven story, in a lush world and a really interesting approach to magic systems.
Thaniel is looking to see the world and go far from the city where he lives, so he has the opportunity of his life when he's contracted to join a group of seasoned adventures due to his abilities as a cartographer. Groups of workers have disappeared during the construction of a bridge, and the target of our adventures is to find what happened; soon we get to know that something wrong is happening and it's spreading.
Most of the plot is centered around how our adventures are following the trails left behind, having to solve several mysteries and puzzles, using mostly their logic and their magical powers. Crow manages to create interesting dynamics between the different characters, that evolve with the plot advancing; with time, Thaniel becomes one more of the group, slowly building his confidence and his skills. Found family is one of the recurrent themes in this book, as Thaniel left his family in the city, and ends being one more in our group of adventurers.
In our crew, each one of the characters is kinda unique, taking a role depending on their ability to use magic in one way or another; because soon we discover that while all the magic in this world is related to the use of crystals, not everybody practise it the same way. Emris, our curmudgeon Practicant, uses Incantations made with the voice and carved crystals; Zairin, a minstrel, uses an instrument to produce music and magic; and among some of the natives, the magic is practised with uncarved crystals, creating a wilder type of magic.
And let's talk a little bit about the main antagonist in this book, because it is still on mind. Without spoiling too much, because I feel discovering it is an integral part of the experience, Crow has created a character that despite being a villain, you can understand its motivations, and even empathize with it.
We learn a lot about the world, as the journey trope works marvels for this purpose. Erlahain is fully developed, with many races being part of it. We get to know about nature spirits, elk people, and tiny savages; without losing focus on some cities we visit during the whole story.
Dreams of Dust is a great character-driven story, a really enjoyable book that starts the Will of the Wayfinder series. Definitely if you like to explore big worlds while being on a journey with a crew, give it a try!
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this journey with Thaniel as he and his new friends strive to find some missing people and discover a sinister threat in the process. Thaniel is a compelling and likable character who grows a lot as the story continues and he learns more about the world around him and his own unique abilities. The worldbuilding is probably my favorite part; the setting feels well-developed and lived in with a sense of wonder developing on every page, making the villain's actions all the more sinister and horrible. There is mystery and excitement and ancient lost civilizations. Seriously, go read this.
July 26, 2024
This was truly an epic read. The world building and magic system was just amazing, but my favorite things about this book was the creatures, especially the lilka. It makes me wish this had a sketchbook to go with it so I can see the designs of each one, each unique in their own way, cause I’m sure my imagination didn’t do them justice. But all the creatures in this book were unique and interesting. Thaniel had the right idea with drawing them all as he was on his journey. The cast of characters was diverse as well. It reminds me of a D&D party. And they broke the golden rule of D&D: never split the party. There’s certainly a lot of backstory that needs to be had about both the characters and the world itself, which I’m hoping to see expanded on in book two. I have two reason why this book gets 4 stars instead of 5. One, it was a bit tedious. All the walking and traveling, while it was broken up nicely by small skirmishes or discoveries, it was still tedious to read and I struggled a bit. And two, the repetition of certain phrases. While it can be refreshing not to see “he” or “she” or even the character’s name constantly repeated (especially with some many characters to distinguish) it became annoying to read phrases like “the young man/lad”, “the minstrel,” “the swordswoman”, “the redhead” over and over again. Maybe others don’t have this problem, but I found it slightly annoying. Not annoying enough to keep me from enjoying the book, however, and I look forward to book two.
May 31, 2024
Rating - 4.5 Stars!
Wow. I'm just speechless after finishing this. Can't believe more people aren' t picking this book up.
As a fan of worldbuilding and magic systems most of all in any fantasy book this was a real treat for me. The various creatures, the strange landscape, the awe inspiring magic systems (yes there is more than one!) were described so beautifully that it felt like I was there with our characters being a true part of their intriguing journey.
Generally books featuring a quest tend to bore me but let me tell you the author succeeded in keeping a well maintained balance between scenes featuring character building moments as well as scenes moving the plot forward at a fast pace so the book succeeded in keeping my attention till the very end.
I loved the characters very much as each and everyone of them were well developed and had quite unique personalities.
Would have loved to know more about the Dust Queen and the history of this vast world so hopefully Book 2 will satisfy my itch to know more.
Overall a great read which I will recommend to all.
Wow. I'm just speechless after finishing this. Can't believe more people aren' t picking this book up.
As a fan of worldbuilding and magic systems most of all in any fantasy book this was a real treat for me. The various creatures, the strange landscape, the awe inspiring magic systems (yes there is more than one!) were described so beautifully that it felt like I was there with our characters being a true part of their intriguing journey.
Generally books featuring a quest tend to bore me but let me tell you the author succeeded in keeping a well maintained balance between scenes featuring character building moments as well as scenes moving the plot forward at a fast pace so the book succeeded in keeping my attention till the very end.
I loved the characters very much as each and everyone of them were well developed and had quite unique personalities.
Would have loved to know more about the Dust Queen and the history of this vast world so hopefully Book 2 will satisfy my itch to know more.
Overall a great read which I will recommend to all.
December 9, 2024
This book had some really cool worldbuilding to it, and some good characters that I enjoyed following along. There were a few little things from the opening chapter that I would have liked to continue a little further, with these giant fox-like creatures used as steeds, for instance, but we didn’t see too much of those in the bulk of the book. There were still lots of weird and wonderful things that came in to fill the absence of those, however.
I was probably expecting a multi-POV story here, but that’s not what we got, there were no additional viewpoints outside of the main character’s circle – or even within it. Having read the book though, I don’t think we needed that, it was just my expectation going into it.
I liked the overall story. Some of the dream aspects of it were maybe a little bit weird, but that’s not uncommon – dreams can be a bit weird anyway, especially in a fantasy world where they are not typical dreams, they are perhaps planted by some other entity. There are then sections where people get locked in dreams, and others have to go in and try to rescue them, which was a pretty cool aspect of it.
There were some nice battles in here, some characters I really enjoyed, and overall a good story, even if it was very linear with no real branching of the storyline.
I was probably expecting a multi-POV story here, but that’s not what we got, there were no additional viewpoints outside of the main character’s circle – or even within it. Having read the book though, I don’t think we needed that, it was just my expectation going into it.
I liked the overall story. Some of the dream aspects of it were maybe a little bit weird, but that’s not uncommon – dreams can be a bit weird anyway, especially in a fantasy world where they are not typical dreams, they are perhaps planted by some other entity. There are then sections where people get locked in dreams, and others have to go in and try to rescue them, which was a pretty cool aspect of it.
There were some nice battles in here, some characters I really enjoyed, and overall a good story, even if it was very linear with no real branching of the storyline.
May 31, 2023
I can tell you right now, this book, this series, this author is wildly underrated. Dreams of Dust was part coming of age, part quest, part mystery filled with a smorgasbord of magic, old gods, history and intrigue.
17 year old Thaniel is about to have his world blown apart. Joining a motley crew, he is on a quest to find information regarding the constant human disappearances occurring across the lands.
Throughout their travels it is apparent the disappearances are more wide spread than they initially thought. They encounter terrifying creatures of the night, disease, old Gods unsure of who to trust and betrayal.
Haunted by strange dreams, the mystery of the Queen of Dust continues to grow. Thaniel will need more than his cartography to help them unveil the truths none of them thought possible.
There were many aspects of this book I thought were brilliant. The magic was intriguing, the creatures friendly or not were well executed. The group dynamic was realistic, and the prose was easy to read and left me wanting more.
I’ve already put book two on my TBR!
17 year old Thaniel is about to have his world blown apart. Joining a motley crew, he is on a quest to find information regarding the constant human disappearances occurring across the lands.
Throughout their travels it is apparent the disappearances are more wide spread than they initially thought. They encounter terrifying creatures of the night, disease, old Gods unsure of who to trust and betrayal.
Haunted by strange dreams, the mystery of the Queen of Dust continues to grow. Thaniel will need more than his cartography to help them unveil the truths none of them thought possible.
There were many aspects of this book I thought were brilliant. The magic was intriguing, the creatures friendly or not were well executed. The group dynamic was realistic, and the prose was easy to read and left me wanting more.
I’ve already put book two on my TBR!
August 13, 2023
This book follows main character Thaniel Swift as he embarks on a journey that is so much more than he expected it to be. Leaving his home city for the first time, he soon meets the rest of his traveling party who are well-known throughout the lands and are each heroes in their own right. People are disappearing and it’s their task to find out where the missing people are and what is causing the disappearances to occur. I do not want to put anything that can be considered a spoiler so I’m going to keep my synopsis vague, but this story has SO much in it and it is all very well developed. Found/chosen family, magic, mysterious and wonderful characters, a touch of romance, and an epic journey where Thaniel begins to find out who he truly is as he begins to define who he wants to be and not who he tries to be based on the expectations of others.
The author has created a rich world full of different races of magical beings who live alongside humans. As the group continues on their quest throughout the majority of the book, there is plenty of action and suspense built, especially about the mysterious protagonist of the story. Again, I don’t want to give anything away but I very much look forward to reading the second book in this series to hopefully find out more about the protagonist and her connection to other characters from this book.
This story has the makings of a truly grand and expansive universe. The land in which the characters live is huge and has many unique beings in each part of it. The author weaves descriptions and information about each area and it’s inhabitants organically throughout the text. It isn’t world-building for the sake of world-building. It is world-building for Thaniel as well because he is learning alongside the reader about the world in which he lives. This really helped me get into the story. Sometimes when I’m reading a story with a lot of world-building, it can get kind of dry and laborious. That isn’t the case with Dreams of Dust at all.
The author has created a rich world full of different races of magical beings who live alongside humans. As the group continues on their quest throughout the majority of the book, there is plenty of action and suspense built, especially about the mysterious protagonist of the story. Again, I don’t want to give anything away but I very much look forward to reading the second book in this series to hopefully find out more about the protagonist and her connection to other characters from this book.
This story has the makings of a truly grand and expansive universe. The land in which the characters live is huge and has many unique beings in each part of it. The author weaves descriptions and information about each area and it’s inhabitants organically throughout the text. It isn’t world-building for the sake of world-building. It is world-building for Thaniel as well because he is learning alongside the reader about the world in which he lives. This really helped me get into the story. Sometimes when I’m reading a story with a lot of world-building, it can get kind of dry and laborious. That isn’t the case with Dreams of Dust at all.
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May 15, 2023Love this cover ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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October 3, 2024Oct 3, 2024
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