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Springtide Harvest
The old world is dead. Worse, it was a lie. Haskell wants to be a legend, a hero like his grandfather who broke the orcish hordes. Froba just wants to survive. She knows what Haskell doesn't: that the deck is stacked against them, and there are no heroes in the world. After assembling a band of misfits, Haskell must face a labyrinthine dungeon, an exploitative, monster-hunting guild, and his own failings, while Froba must decide where her loyalties lie—with her naïve mark or corrupt master. If traitors and woodland monsters don’t murder them first.
- GenresFantasy
418 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2022
1 person is currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Mitchell
4 books15 followersJ.D. Mitchell is a Canadian writer of speculative fiction. His stories are informed by his historical studies and transient upbringing. The latter, while terribly angst-inducing, exposed him to a rich tapestry of people and places, as did his varied service industry jobs and a sixteen-year stint in the Public Service of Canada (but who's counting?).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 11, 2023
Disclaimer: ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest and fair review
Springtide Harvest is a D&D inspired dark fantasy coming-of-age story that feels surprisingly believable. I think J.D. Mitchell came out swinging with his debut novel and it's sure to grab readers attention right from the jump.
The adventure starts off focusing on our young protagonist Haskell (think late teens early adulthood) who idolizes his grandfather and the legend that surrounds him. As a result he turns his back on his father and sister and sets out to create a name for himself in hopes of living up the shadow his grandfather has cast (at least in his mind) by joining the Questers Guild.
In Haskell's quest to become a Guild member he comes across our other main character Froba who he quickly recruits into the motley crew he is forming. She’s a young (think early middle school age at best) girl who has had it rough growing up on the streets. As a result she has had to adapt and give off an I don’t care attitude to survive but deep down this little con artist/pickpocket is a gooey soft hearted mess who is just looking to be loved and appreciated.
The two of them make for a very interesting character dynamic and give off a great big brother little sister sibling dynamic. Honestly some of their interactions with one another were highlights of the book for me. Haskell's naive and fallible nature make him equal parts lovable and annoying. He makes you want to ring his neck at times yet you hate to see him hurting. Whereas with Froba being the underdog you just can’t help but cheer for her and wish her the best and it's extremely frustrating at times to see her get put in situations you know are only going to bring her pain.
The story is equal parts quest based adventure as well a quality character-study which I believe will resonate well with D&D fans. J.D. does a fantastic job of not only providing the reader with a fast paced adventure but also slows it down at the right times to paint a beautiful visual of the world in your mind that really makes the story come to life.
Springtide Harvest has a little bit of everything there's dungeons filled with monsters, newfound friendships with a nice dose of backstabbing at times. There is of course some drunken debauchery as well hook ups but most importantly there is a good mix of inner conflict and personal growth.
However it's not all rainbows and roses, while there is lots to love about this book sadly J.D. has fallen into the same trap a lot of authors do by making the cast too big. Honestly I get why he did it, the story is set around a raiding party who is going into a dungeon in search of fame and fortune. Unfortunately a lot of the other side characters just felt very underdeveloped and as a result I had zero connection to them.
All in all I had a lot of fun reading this book and I look forward to seeing what the author puts out in the future. I think if you're a fan of quest based story arcs like The Coward by Stephen Aryan for example or you simply love a good motley crew troupe then you should add Springtide Harvest to your TBR.
Springtide Harvest is a D&D inspired dark fantasy coming-of-age story that feels surprisingly believable. I think J.D. Mitchell came out swinging with his debut novel and it's sure to grab readers attention right from the jump.
The adventure starts off focusing on our young protagonist Haskell (think late teens early adulthood) who idolizes his grandfather and the legend that surrounds him. As a result he turns his back on his father and sister and sets out to create a name for himself in hopes of living up the shadow his grandfather has cast (at least in his mind) by joining the Questers Guild.
In Haskell's quest to become a Guild member he comes across our other main character Froba who he quickly recruits into the motley crew he is forming. She’s a young (think early middle school age at best) girl who has had it rough growing up on the streets. As a result she has had to adapt and give off an I don’t care attitude to survive but deep down this little con artist/pickpocket is a gooey soft hearted mess who is just looking to be loved and appreciated.
The two of them make for a very interesting character dynamic and give off a great big brother little sister sibling dynamic. Honestly some of their interactions with one another were highlights of the book for me. Haskell's naive and fallible nature make him equal parts lovable and annoying. He makes you want to ring his neck at times yet you hate to see him hurting. Whereas with Froba being the underdog you just can’t help but cheer for her and wish her the best and it's extremely frustrating at times to see her get put in situations you know are only going to bring her pain.
The story is equal parts quest based adventure as well a quality character-study which I believe will resonate well with D&D fans. J.D. does a fantastic job of not only providing the reader with a fast paced adventure but also slows it down at the right times to paint a beautiful visual of the world in your mind that really makes the story come to life.
Springtide Harvest has a little bit of everything there's dungeons filled with monsters, newfound friendships with a nice dose of backstabbing at times. There is of course some drunken debauchery as well hook ups but most importantly there is a good mix of inner conflict and personal growth.
However it's not all rainbows and roses, while there is lots to love about this book sadly J.D. has fallen into the same trap a lot of authors do by making the cast too big. Honestly I get why he did it, the story is set around a raiding party who is going into a dungeon in search of fame and fortune. Unfortunately a lot of the other side characters just felt very underdeveloped and as a result I had zero connection to them.
All in all I had a lot of fun reading this book and I look forward to seeing what the author puts out in the future. I think if you're a fan of quest based story arcs like The Coward by Stephen Aryan for example or you simply love a good motley crew troupe then you should add Springtide Harvest to your TBR.
February 3, 2023
This book will catch you off guard if you let it. When I started this I was expecting something that was more on the humorous side. While that Is present in the book IT IS SO MUCH MORE.
J.D. Mitchell has taken the quest trope and turned it on its head. This book analyzes the what if your "Hero" was more than a bit naive. By asking this question the author has created a story in which the old DND quest trope is analyzed through the lens of making Haskell incredibly fallible and everything that goes with that.
Haskell may not be the most likable of protagonists, but his story arc is necessary to the book. He gets drunk on his own imaginary legend that he has made for himself. He thinks that he is going to be this mighty hero just like his grandfather, and there is no way anything can possibly go wrong....
So what kind of story can be told if it does? That's where this book is truly brilliant in answering just this question.
I loved the contrast between Froba and Haskell. Coming from two very different walks of life and having to somehow come together is just fantastic.
Overall I highly recommend this book to lovers of questing/ classic fantasy because I truly think it has a lot to offer!
A video review will be posted on my channel 2/10/2023
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkXG...
J.D. Mitchell has taken the quest trope and turned it on its head. This book analyzes the what if your "Hero" was more than a bit naive. By asking this question the author has created a story in which the old DND quest trope is analyzed through the lens of making Haskell incredibly fallible and everything that goes with that.
Haskell may not be the most likable of protagonists, but his story arc is necessary to the book. He gets drunk on his own imaginary legend that he has made for himself. He thinks that he is going to be this mighty hero just like his grandfather, and there is no way anything can possibly go wrong....
So what kind of story can be told if it does? That's where this book is truly brilliant in answering just this question.
I loved the contrast between Froba and Haskell. Coming from two very different walks of life and having to somehow come together is just fantastic.
Overall I highly recommend this book to lovers of questing/ classic fantasy because I truly think it has a lot to offer!
A video review will be posted on my channel 2/10/2023
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkXG...
January 7, 2023
Spoiler-Free Springtide Harvest Book Review
Springtide Harvest by J.D. Mitchell was a fun, enjoyable adventure and a great way to start 2023. It was also a quick, easy read with interesting characters and plenty of nerve-wracking moments.
A Fun Dungeons & Dragons Adventure
This book is essentially one big D&D adventure and it was a lot of fun. Most of the time I prefer stakes on a more epic scale in my fantasy books, but Springtide Harvest was a nice change of pace.
The plot and action itself was great, but it was the vivid descriptions of the world that kept me reading. The writing is fantastic, especially when it comes to conveying the atmosphere of a scene.
I felt like I really got to know the world through the atmospheric writing and vivid descriptions, but also through the characters’ eyes.
Large Cast of Characters
There are a lot of characters here, many as side-characters, but there is one person who stands out for me as my favourite: Froba. I knew from the first POV scene we got from her that she would be a favourite and I was right!
Haskell is a really interesting main character though. His arc is done very well, going from a naive young man seeking adventure and fame to something else entirely. This character work shines through.
It is lucky that the main characters are so well written, because for the most part I struggled to really connect with any of the others. There were just too many for such a small book, and I think that if they had been fleshed out more, we might have lost some of the great work done with Froba and Haskell.
Overall Thoughts
If you want a quick, entertaining adventure read with some great character work, pick up Springtide Harvest by J.D. Mitchell.
Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Springtide Harvest by J.D. Mitchell was a fun, enjoyable adventure and a great way to start 2023. It was also a quick, easy read with interesting characters and plenty of nerve-wracking moments.
A Fun Dungeons & Dragons Adventure
This book is essentially one big D&D adventure and it was a lot of fun. Most of the time I prefer stakes on a more epic scale in my fantasy books, but Springtide Harvest was a nice change of pace.
The plot and action itself was great, but it was the vivid descriptions of the world that kept me reading. The writing is fantastic, especially when it comes to conveying the atmosphere of a scene.
I felt like I really got to know the world through the atmospheric writing and vivid descriptions, but also through the characters’ eyes.
Large Cast of Characters
There are a lot of characters here, many as side-characters, but there is one person who stands out for me as my favourite: Froba. I knew from the first POV scene we got from her that she would be a favourite and I was right!
Haskell is a really interesting main character though. His arc is done very well, going from a naive young man seeking adventure and fame to something else entirely. This character work shines through.
It is lucky that the main characters are so well written, because for the most part I struggled to really connect with any of the others. There were just too many for such a small book, and I think that if they had been fleshed out more, we might have lost some of the great work done with Froba and Haskell.
Overall Thoughts
If you want a quick, entertaining adventure read with some great character work, pick up Springtide Harvest by J.D. Mitchell.
Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
September 5, 2023
3.5 stars.
This was a story I had a good time with. The writing was very accessible and that definitely helped to make it a very quick read.
It had an interesting story and some interesting characters, and although I felt we didn't see too much of the world itself, the key focus was on the characters rather than the worldbuilding, and in that respect, I think it was a job well done.
I did feel that some of the story was not quite as in depth as I would have liked—everything seemed a bit too easy in terms of building a group and some of the events that happened when clearing dungeons etc. It's a book with a Dungeons & Dragons-style basis and I think that was just maybe not what I was looking for, as my lasting impression was that it was good overall but I wanted more depth and a bit more complexity (as two subtly different things).
This was a story I had a good time with. The writing was very accessible and that definitely helped to make it a very quick read.
It had an interesting story and some interesting characters, and although I felt we didn't see too much of the world itself, the key focus was on the characters rather than the worldbuilding, and in that respect, I think it was a job well done.
I did feel that some of the story was not quite as in depth as I would have liked—everything seemed a bit too easy in terms of building a group and some of the events that happened when clearing dungeons etc. It's a book with a Dungeons & Dragons-style basis and I think that was just maybe not what I was looking for, as my lasting impression was that it was good overall but I wanted more depth and a bit more complexity (as two subtly different things).
March 12, 2024
This book is really a 3.5 for me. Its a goodish sort of middle of the road book, not a classic or a new favourite but a solid effort .
I was engaged through out this book and at no time did I wish I was reading something else but it wont blow you away either.
More proof that the self published world shouldnt be ignored.
I was engaged through out this book and at no time did I wish I was reading something else but it wont blow you away either.
More proof that the self published world shouldnt be ignored.
March 23, 2023
This was a fun quest filled fantasy book. It really reminded me of a quest for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, making me think of a group surrounded around a table. The quests are real and interesting, constantly upping the ante with each subsequent visit to the dungeons and other locales throughout the novel. It starts with a bang and keeps it going, right up until the end of the novel. The artwork in the physical edition was a great addition, giving another sense to the pacing and sense of time through the novel.
The strength of the novel were the action scenes throughout the novel. They are heart pounding and against foes that would be terrifying to face in reality. There were several times I found myself flying through the pages as each scene would be intense and not knowing who would survive onto the next. The characters that we are introduced to were all different, but I personally had a hard time connecting with any of them. They were real in a way that they all had flaws and had to learn from mistakes. The problem is that they did not have very many likeable characteristics for me.
The novel is a fast simple read that makes for a great palette cleanser. It is straightforward and filled with plenty of action. There are a few twists that make it fun to read and will keep a reader even more entertained up to the very end. It is a solid debut for an author that shows a lot of promise and that has some very clever and new ideas.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2023/...
The strength of the novel were the action scenes throughout the novel. They are heart pounding and against foes that would be terrifying to face in reality. There were several times I found myself flying through the pages as each scene would be intense and not knowing who would survive onto the next. The characters that we are introduced to were all different, but I personally had a hard time connecting with any of them. They were real in a way that they all had flaws and had to learn from mistakes. The problem is that they did not have very many likeable characteristics for me.
The novel is a fast simple read that makes for a great palette cleanser. It is straightforward and filled with plenty of action. There are a few twists that make it fun to read and will keep a reader even more entertained up to the very end. It is a solid debut for an author that shows a lot of promise and that has some very clever and new ideas.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2023/...
October 11, 2022
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
Interview with the author: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Full text review: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Springtide Harvest is the debut novel from the Canadian writer J.D. Mitchell, and the start of an unknown title series. It can be read as a great standalone novel, being a captivating coming-of-age story, with an excellent written flow, which introduces us to a really interesting world, and characters who I want to know more about them.
We are introduced in the first chapter to Haskell, our main character, an idealist young man, whose dream is to become a quester and live adventures with the Guild as his grandfather did. As tends to happen with naive people, reality hits him really hard; the world has changed, and Guild is just a shadow of self. Haskell starts being a character full of innocence, whose contact with the world is mostly through stories; he is going to make mistakes, he is going to act cocky, and all of these will lead to consequences he doesn't expect, especially after he reaches the frontier city, where the Guild is established. In the end, with Haskell, we have a character who assumes tasks he is not prepared for, and who is trying to fill boots that are too big for him.
The second character and arc that we are going to follow is Froba, a lady, who tries to survive in the Guild's city. Both arcs are mixed soon, being both enjoyable, but being for me Froba slightly more enjoyable, as I tend to prefer rascal characters, and Froba is one of the best examples of that. The inner conflict that the authors give to our character also helps us to empathize with her, as she is just doing what is needed to survive. A total rogue.
We get to know more characters, such as the ones that become members of Haskell's party, as our story soon becomes an adventure quest story, visiting the different dungeons in the Darkwood forest. These incursions are one of the moments where JD Mitchell's writing shines, as he has a natural talent to write action scenes, making them feels really vivid, and definitely, these kind of scenes are one of the highlights in the book.
The world that this author has created is especially interesting, as we get to see a world where questing was an integral part of it, but which has grown into corruption and convenience. The system is rigged, stacking the cards against those people such as Haskell, dreamers, and idealists who think they can become old-time adventurers. It is also well reflected in two of the characters, the Guildmaster, who is certainly memorable but also has to deal with the different city powers; and Ferd, a corrupt watchman, who eventually will become a key piece to the plot. Personally, I would like to see a little bit more development of the goblins and the different dungeons, because I feel there is so much potential in that aspect, which may have been overlooked.
In summary, I think this is a really solid debut for J.D. Mitchell. It's perfect for D&D and TTRPG fans, as it mimics perfectly some of the adventures (and if you decide to read the interview, you will be able to see the sheet for Haskell!), and it also gives me some vibes of Pratchett in Discworld. I kinda want to return to the world the author has created, because there are so many elements I still want to inspect!
Interview with the author: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Full text review: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Springtide Harvest is the debut novel from the Canadian writer J.D. Mitchell, and the start of an unknown title series. It can be read as a great standalone novel, being a captivating coming-of-age story, with an excellent written flow, which introduces us to a really interesting world, and characters who I want to know more about them.
We are introduced in the first chapter to Haskell, our main character, an idealist young man, whose dream is to become a quester and live adventures with the Guild as his grandfather did. As tends to happen with naive people, reality hits him really hard; the world has changed, and Guild is just a shadow of self. Haskell starts being a character full of innocence, whose contact with the world is mostly through stories; he is going to make mistakes, he is going to act cocky, and all of these will lead to consequences he doesn't expect, especially after he reaches the frontier city, where the Guild is established. In the end, with Haskell, we have a character who assumes tasks he is not prepared for, and who is trying to fill boots that are too big for him.
The second character and arc that we are going to follow is Froba, a lady, who tries to survive in the Guild's city. Both arcs are mixed soon, being both enjoyable, but being for me Froba slightly more enjoyable, as I tend to prefer rascal characters, and Froba is one of the best examples of that. The inner conflict that the authors give to our character also helps us to empathize with her, as she is just doing what is needed to survive. A total rogue.
We get to know more characters, such as the ones that become members of Haskell's party, as our story soon becomes an adventure quest story, visiting the different dungeons in the Darkwood forest. These incursions are one of the moments where JD Mitchell's writing shines, as he has a natural talent to write action scenes, making them feels really vivid, and definitely, these kind of scenes are one of the highlights in the book.
The world that this author has created is especially interesting, as we get to see a world where questing was an integral part of it, but which has grown into corruption and convenience. The system is rigged, stacking the cards against those people such as Haskell, dreamers, and idealists who think they can become old-time adventurers. It is also well reflected in two of the characters, the Guildmaster, who is certainly memorable but also has to deal with the different city powers; and Ferd, a corrupt watchman, who eventually will become a key piece to the plot. Personally, I would like to see a little bit more development of the goblins and the different dungeons, because I feel there is so much potential in that aspect, which may have been overlooked.
In summary, I think this is a really solid debut for J.D. Mitchell. It's perfect for D&D and TTRPG fans, as it mimics perfectly some of the adventures (and if you decide to read the interview, you will be able to see the sheet for Haskell!), and it also gives me some vibes of Pratchett in Discworld. I kinda want to return to the world the author has created, because there are so many elements I still want to inspect!
October 13, 2022
Springtide Harvest is a dark coming-of-age fantasy that will grab you from the very first page. Equal parts quest adventure and character-study, this book will have a lot to love for many different readers!
This story mainly follows Haskell, our young and naive protagonist who is set on becoming a legendary Guild quester. He has an impressive family legacy to live up to and believes that he is destined for fame and fortune.
But this brash and cocky young man quickly learns that life is not as fair and easy as he had hoped it would be.
Our other main character is Froba, a young girl trying to survive the harsh life out on the streets in the Guild’s city. She presents herself as a mischief-maker with a devil-may-care attitude, but throughout the story we get to see that she has a much bigger heart than she’d maybe like to admit.
It doesn’t take long for these characters to cross paths and together with a merry band of misfits, they embark upon an adventurous journey full of monsters, betrayals, inner conflict, shifting loyalties, personal growth and newfound friendships.
Now, this book starts out with a strong D&D quest/adventure vibe, but slowly develops into a complex character-study in the second half of the story. I personally really liked this balance of fast-paced, entertaining adventure with a slower, character-driven narrative, because it added a lot of depth and complexity that I often miss in those adventure/quest stories.
Haskell’s character arc was extremely well done and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed following this cocky and frustrating character. The author really makes him suffer in this story and that made his character development very satisfying and believable in the end.
Froba was definitely my personal favourite though, because her personality just leapt off the page and I thought her inner conflict was fascinating to follow.
My only quibble with the character work relates to the side characters, of which there were few too many for my liking. I personally had a hard time keeping track of who was who, because I felt like there were only a handful that had a distinct personality which could make them stand out. This hindered my emotional investment a bit, but in the end this story was mostly about Haskell and Froba anyway, so it wasn’t a huge issue.
The writing was another really strong aspect of this book for me though. The author takes us on a journey through various beautiful, creepy or cosy settings, which he all masterfully brought to life through detailed and vivid descriptions. I personally have a hard time visualising while reading, but the author did such an excellent job at creating atmosphere that I felt completely transported into this world.
In the end, I just have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was expecting a fun romp of an adventure, but I got so much more!
This works really well as a standalone for now, but I am excited that the author will be returning to this world in the future, because I have a feeling that there is a lot more fun stuff to explore.
If you are in the mood for a quick read with both adventure and a lot of deep character development, then I highly recommend Springtide Harvest. I have a feeling this story will stick with me for a while!
This story mainly follows Haskell, our young and naive protagonist who is set on becoming a legendary Guild quester. He has an impressive family legacy to live up to and believes that he is destined for fame and fortune.
But this brash and cocky young man quickly learns that life is not as fair and easy as he had hoped it would be.
Our other main character is Froba, a young girl trying to survive the harsh life out on the streets in the Guild’s city. She presents herself as a mischief-maker with a devil-may-care attitude, but throughout the story we get to see that she has a much bigger heart than she’d maybe like to admit.
It doesn’t take long for these characters to cross paths and together with a merry band of misfits, they embark upon an adventurous journey full of monsters, betrayals, inner conflict, shifting loyalties, personal growth and newfound friendships.
Now, this book starts out with a strong D&D quest/adventure vibe, but slowly develops into a complex character-study in the second half of the story. I personally really liked this balance of fast-paced, entertaining adventure with a slower, character-driven narrative, because it added a lot of depth and complexity that I often miss in those adventure/quest stories.
Haskell’s character arc was extremely well done and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed following this cocky and frustrating character. The author really makes him suffer in this story and that made his character development very satisfying and believable in the end.
Froba was definitely my personal favourite though, because her personality just leapt off the page and I thought her inner conflict was fascinating to follow.
My only quibble with the character work relates to the side characters, of which there were few too many for my liking. I personally had a hard time keeping track of who was who, because I felt like there were only a handful that had a distinct personality which could make them stand out. This hindered my emotional investment a bit, but in the end this story was mostly about Haskell and Froba anyway, so it wasn’t a huge issue.
The writing was another really strong aspect of this book for me though. The author takes us on a journey through various beautiful, creepy or cosy settings, which he all masterfully brought to life through detailed and vivid descriptions. I personally have a hard time visualising while reading, but the author did such an excellent job at creating atmosphere that I felt completely transported into this world.
In the end, I just have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was expecting a fun romp of an adventure, but I got so much more!
This works really well as a standalone for now, but I am excited that the author will be returning to this world in the future, because I have a feeling that there is a lot more fun stuff to explore.
If you are in the mood for a quick read with both adventure and a lot of deep character development, then I highly recommend Springtide Harvest. I have a feeling this story will stick with me for a while!
October 5, 2022
Springtide Harvest is a very strong debut, which is well-paced and builds to a satisfying conclusion, that left me wanting more. It could comfortably remain as a standalone novel, but I believe there is more than enough from this world, its characters, and ending, to justify a second book or series. There are certain plot-threads and aspects of the story, like the dungeons, that I would like to learn more about. I would definitely return to read more from this world and its characters; I feel that we have only just scratched the surface of what this story has to offer.
Y0u can read my full review here:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Y0u can read my full review here:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
September 1, 2023
4/5 Stars
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Springtide Harvest encompasses fun storytelling with high stakes while bringing a refreshing take to familiar classic fantasy tropes.
The story follows two main characters. An overconfident yet naïve young man, Haskell. Longing to become a legend like his grandfather, he runs from home to start a new life as a Quester. Pulling together a ragtag crew, he promises them the treasure and glory of legends. Among the crew Haskell hires is Froba. A tough young girl and street urchin, who wants nothing more than to survive. Only the stories didn’t tell Haskell everything and Froba knows the odds are stacked against them.
This is a great character-study that managed to delve into darker themes while keeping the overall experience fun. A big reason J.D. Mitchell pulled this off was due to the two main characters: Haskell, a carefree dreamer and Froba, a serious pessimist. I couldn’t help but smile with Haskell’s bright personality or face Froba’s grim view of reality.
The motley crew that forms also emphasizes these attributes while adding a great found family feeling throughout the story. Overall, I quickly became invested in the characters, their arcs and found their developments satisfying.
Another reason this worked so well was the world. It was familiar and nostalgic using dungeon crawler and D&D elements. With wizards, magic, orcs, goblins, and even a guild responsible for protecting the city, there were plenty of easter eggs to be found.
In terms of the pacing, it felt medium to fast with plenty of action and scheming. There was always something to keep me engaged in the story and often times the characters plotting kept me in suspense. I also can’t forget to mention the unexpected plot developments.
Springtide Harvest also features the quest and coming of age tropes while covering themes of self discovery, war, friendship, poverty, addiction, and the consequences of pride. Despite some themes and circumstances being darker, I never felt bogged down by it. The story is told in a way that shows those darker moments and their impacts on the characters but doesn’t go in-depth with them.
The storytelling is immersive and J.D. Mitchell’s choices throughout feel purposeful. This also reads as a standalone, with the possibility for continuation as a series.
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun with Springtide Harvest and it would make a great slump buster. I’d highly recommend this for fantasy readers looking for a fast-paced adventure with great character work.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Springtide Harvest encompasses fun storytelling with high stakes while bringing a refreshing take to familiar classic fantasy tropes.
The story follows two main characters. An overconfident yet naïve young man, Haskell. Longing to become a legend like his grandfather, he runs from home to start a new life as a Quester. Pulling together a ragtag crew, he promises them the treasure and glory of legends. Among the crew Haskell hires is Froba. A tough young girl and street urchin, who wants nothing more than to survive. Only the stories didn’t tell Haskell everything and Froba knows the odds are stacked against them.
This is a great character-study that managed to delve into darker themes while keeping the overall experience fun. A big reason J.D. Mitchell pulled this off was due to the two main characters: Haskell, a carefree dreamer and Froba, a serious pessimist. I couldn’t help but smile with Haskell’s bright personality or face Froba’s grim view of reality.
The motley crew that forms also emphasizes these attributes while adding a great found family feeling throughout the story. Overall, I quickly became invested in the characters, their arcs and found their developments satisfying.
Another reason this worked so well was the world. It was familiar and nostalgic using dungeon crawler and D&D elements. With wizards, magic, orcs, goblins, and even a guild responsible for protecting the city, there were plenty of easter eggs to be found.
In terms of the pacing, it felt medium to fast with plenty of action and scheming. There was always something to keep me engaged in the story and often times the characters plotting kept me in suspense. I also can’t forget to mention the unexpected plot developments.
Springtide Harvest also features the quest and coming of age tropes while covering themes of self discovery, war, friendship, poverty, addiction, and the consequences of pride. Despite some themes and circumstances being darker, I never felt bogged down by it. The story is told in a way that shows those darker moments and their impacts on the characters but doesn’t go in-depth with them.
The storytelling is immersive and J.D. Mitchell’s choices throughout feel purposeful. This also reads as a standalone, with the possibility for continuation as a series.
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun with Springtide Harvest and it would make a great slump buster. I’d highly recommend this for fantasy readers looking for a fast-paced adventure with great character work.
October 20, 2023
I accepted a digital copy of this book from the author in consideration of a review. All opinions are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
Fans of Stephen Aryan's THE COWARD or Mike Shel's ICONOCLASTS series will absolutely want to get their hands on a copy of this one!
SPRINGTIDE HARVEST is a coming of age, quest-based fantasy adventure about a young man, Haskell, as he sets out to build a legacy like that of his grandfather. Haskell leaves his home with nothing but the clothes on his back, his grandfather's sword and a sack of coin "liberated" from his father. Haskell aspires to join the Questers Guild a few towns over where he'll be afforded plenty of opportunities to slay monsters and pillage their troves of plunder.
....it doesn't take long for Haskell and his band of misfits to learn that the world is what it is, not what Haskell wants it to be and there are no shortcuts to success (and treasure).
Haskell may be seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, but he has a big heart, which leads him to forming some amazing attachments with people he comes in contact with on his journey to join the Questers Guild. I really enjoyed how all of these characters met and consequently formed into the little band that quests together. I'm always a sucker for the found family trope, but Mitchell wrote these characters, their meeting of one another and interactions, in a very natural way. He took his time bringing them together and developing them so it didn't seem rushed or by chance so he could get to the action and adventure. Don't mistake this as meaning this was a slow burn, or slow to start - it was entertaining and full of humor.
If you're someone who enjoys having a few gray characters involved, this book scratches that itch. There were a couple that I spent the entire book going back and forth with myself to determine their intentions and if they were good or not. I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book regarding a couple storylines because I just can't decide how I feel - I'm going to need more. Strictly for research purposes...(and selfish reading enjoyment!)
I very much enjoyed the actual excursions our group attempts in order to clear out a nearby dungeon at the behest of the Guild. Watching the dynamic of the group as they learned to work together (or not), what trust (and betrayal) entailed and how to adapt going forward was where this book really shines. Seeing these characters learn by changing roles, learning new ones and doing what was best for the group, even if it meant hurting the feelings of one was fascinating.
It's just a feel-good kind of story, the kind that gives you a warm feeling when you're reading it.
SPRINGTIDE HARVEST is, in my opinion, a solid debut novel full of adventure that is sure to delight fantasy readers of all ages.
You can find this review and many more on my website, https://www.thenerdynarrative.com or if you prefer video format, you can find those on my BookTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/thenerdynarra...
Fans of Stephen Aryan's THE COWARD or Mike Shel's ICONOCLASTS series will absolutely want to get their hands on a copy of this one!
SPRINGTIDE HARVEST is a coming of age, quest-based fantasy adventure about a young man, Haskell, as he sets out to build a legacy like that of his grandfather. Haskell leaves his home with nothing but the clothes on his back, his grandfather's sword and a sack of coin "liberated" from his father. Haskell aspires to join the Questers Guild a few towns over where he'll be afforded plenty of opportunities to slay monsters and pillage their troves of plunder.
....it doesn't take long for Haskell and his band of misfits to learn that the world is what it is, not what Haskell wants it to be and there are no shortcuts to success (and treasure).
Haskell may be seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, but he has a big heart, which leads him to forming some amazing attachments with people he comes in contact with on his journey to join the Questers Guild. I really enjoyed how all of these characters met and consequently formed into the little band that quests together. I'm always a sucker for the found family trope, but Mitchell wrote these characters, their meeting of one another and interactions, in a very natural way. He took his time bringing them together and developing them so it didn't seem rushed or by chance so he could get to the action and adventure. Don't mistake this as meaning this was a slow burn, or slow to start - it was entertaining and full of humor.
If you're someone who enjoys having a few gray characters involved, this book scratches that itch. There were a couple that I spent the entire book going back and forth with myself to determine their intentions and if they were good or not. I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book regarding a couple storylines because I just can't decide how I feel - I'm going to need more. Strictly for research purposes...(and selfish reading enjoyment!)
I very much enjoyed the actual excursions our group attempts in order to clear out a nearby dungeon at the behest of the Guild. Watching the dynamic of the group as they learned to work together (or not), what trust (and betrayal) entailed and how to adapt going forward was where this book really shines. Seeing these characters learn by changing roles, learning new ones and doing what was best for the group, even if it meant hurting the feelings of one was fascinating.
It's just a feel-good kind of story, the kind that gives you a warm feeling when you're reading it.
SPRINGTIDE HARVEST is, in my opinion, a solid debut novel full of adventure that is sure to delight fantasy readers of all ages.
You can find this review and many more on my website, https://www.thenerdynarrative.com or if you prefer video format, you can find those on my BookTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/thenerdynarra...
June 23, 2023
3.5 If you like character driven stories, then this is for you. At first I did not care for any of the characters really. They all had major faults and not many positive attributes. The main character, Haskell, was a smug, arrogant and naive young man with visions of grandeur.
So the beginning of the story started out very strong and Haskell ended up on a quest to the “dungeons” or a labyrinth where he and his misfit gang slew monsters and reaped some spoils. Then things slowed way down in the middle. Things didn’t go well for Haskell, but then he had another chance at redemption and took it. Well he didn’t have a choice really. The last ten percent had a lot going on and I had more concern for certain characters and their fates by the end.
For me I particularly enjoyed Orod, Winifred, and Ferd. Since I liked these characters, it says a lot about this debut author’s skills in describing unlikable people, but you love to hate them.
There was a very good twist or two, which I didn’t see coming. I hope to read more about this ragtag group of unlikely friends in future stories.
So the beginning of the story started out very strong and Haskell ended up on a quest to the “dungeons” or a labyrinth where he and his misfit gang slew monsters and reaped some spoils. Then things slowed way down in the middle. Things didn’t go well for Haskell, but then he had another chance at redemption and took it. Well he didn’t have a choice really. The last ten percent had a lot going on and I had more concern for certain characters and their fates by the end.
For me I particularly enjoyed Orod, Winifred, and Ferd. Since I liked these characters, it says a lot about this debut author’s skills in describing unlikable people, but you love to hate them.
There was a very good twist or two, which I didn’t see coming. I hope to read more about this ragtag group of unlikely friends in future stories.
December 21, 2022
I was given a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. This book really gave me such strong DnD vibes and was full of questionable characters. I really liked Orod, Froba, and Winifred (my queen). Haskall was wonderfully written as a man full of pride and arrogance who really gets knocked down a peg and gets a bitter taste of life. His growth felt very well deserved and Mitchell does a good job of showing the complexity of characters who are good with some bad and bad with some good, and others who are just morally gray. I liked the symbolism of the card Hambur's son mentions in the beginning and the cover image conveying the theme of pride goes before the fall (although I really wanted to see a dragon). I'm half-convinced that Winifred is secretly a dragon, but even if she isn't in the next book, I still enjoyed her anyway. Was hurt by Orod "dying" and was glad to see my theory of him being alive was good. There were some spots where I wanted more from the secondary women characters, a bit more backstory on Froba, and maybe some better portrayals of half-orcs, but overall this was a great story. Now I need to go buy a physical copy. 4.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2022
If you like Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, or Dungeons & Dragons books, Springtide Harvest is definitely for you. A well-written coming of age adventure, Springtide Harvest follows the adventures of Haskell, son of a merchant, grandson of a hero. His dream is to become the hero his grandfather was, but heroing can be hard. In true D&D fashion, Haskell must overcome many obstacles--including his own hubris.
I will admit that the main character got on my nerves throughout most of the book, and I even considered putting it aside and not finishing it. I'm glad I didn't, though, and am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series. The redemption arc was handled well, and several of the secondary characters added depth--both to the book and to Haskell's story.
The book itself was well written and superbly edited. The reading community is being bombarded with books that somehow get published when they wouldn't pass a fifth grade English class. It was refreshing to read a story that had almost no errors in spelling, grammar, or plot. (I can't say there are none--I didn't notice any, but someone else might.)
If you have a chance to read this, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I wasn't!
I will admit that the main character got on my nerves throughout most of the book, and I even considered putting it aside and not finishing it. I'm glad I didn't, though, and am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series. The redemption arc was handled well, and several of the secondary characters added depth--both to the book and to Haskell's story.
The book itself was well written and superbly edited. The reading community is being bombarded with books that somehow get published when they wouldn't pass a fifth grade English class. It was refreshing to read a story that had almost no errors in spelling, grammar, or plot. (I can't say there are none--I didn't notice any, but someone else might.)
If you have a chance to read this, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I wasn't!
October 27, 2022
SPRINGTIDE HARVEST by J.D. MITCHELL
Personal Note: Thank you, J.D. For bearing with me while I took forever to write this review. As I have always said, "Authors who are the most patient are the ones with the fascinating books." Kudos!
Let us begin: Mitchell brings his thrilling debut novel "Springtide Harvest" to fruition with all the touches of a coming-of-age tale with just the right touches of magic. If you are a fan of D&D or the Fantasy genre, you will be delighted with Mitchell's character-driven debut.
The story begins with the infamous Haskell, a young man looking to fill his grandfather's shoes and be a hero. However, being a hero is no easy feat and may come at a price Haskell has no idea about yet.
With a pouch full of coin, Haskell sets off on what he feels will be an adventure that heroes are made of; on his journey, he will encounter the spritely Guildmaster, who gets him adequately prepared for his legendary "Guild Quest Mission" in the labyrinth. All the while, Haskell passes around coins as if they were merely water to persuade others to join him on his questering quest.
The second main character of this fantastical tale is Froba, a young girl living on Guild's streets. With his corruption, she can barely take care of herself, yet Ferd, the watchman, makes her pay a coin to him as so-called protection. Froba is caught between a rock and a hard place, for if she doesn't pay Ferd, she won't be protected from the others from the other side of town. When Haskell asks her to follow him on his quest, all Froba sees is a sucker with a coin, so she doesn't need too much convincing.
Mitchell introduces a handful of characters that, I must admit, I didn't give much thought to remembering their names. I remember there was a cook that could whip up anything, but that's about it. Again, too many names, but the details were there when needed.
I found Haskell to be a little too flippant, and I just wanted to yank his chain, or as my mother would say, "Snatch a knot in him."
Froba, I absolutely adored. Her character was so well developed (as were the others, but hers was more impressive, I guess) that fierce determination and her heart that she hid so well from others made her all the more loveable.
Mitchell's word-building was stellar and flowed seamlessly throughout the entire novel.
Mitchell also has a novelistic mosaic of monsters, ogres, and creatures that run havoc for his band of misfits.
This captivating, descriptive "OTHERWORLD" is exquisitely executed.
Although Mitchell ties this novel up beautifully and can be read as a standalone, knowing that there are more "QUESTERING ADVENTURES" to read is; "SIMPLY MARVELOUS!!"
WELL DONE, OUTSTANDING DEBUT!
"KUDOS TO YOU, MITCHELL"
SORRY FOR THE WAIT!
"CAN'T-WAIT FOR BOOK 2"
Thank you to J.D. Mitchell (Author) for the copy of this eARC for me to review in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
Format
433 pages, ebook
Published
August 22, 2022, by J.D. Mitchell, Writer
ISBN
9781778130236
Language
English
Personal Note: Thank you, J.D. For bearing with me while I took forever to write this review. As I have always said, "Authors who are the most patient are the ones with the fascinating books." Kudos!
Let us begin: Mitchell brings his thrilling debut novel "Springtide Harvest" to fruition with all the touches of a coming-of-age tale with just the right touches of magic. If you are a fan of D&D or the Fantasy genre, you will be delighted with Mitchell's character-driven debut.
The story begins with the infamous Haskell, a young man looking to fill his grandfather's shoes and be a hero. However, being a hero is no easy feat and may come at a price Haskell has no idea about yet.
With a pouch full of coin, Haskell sets off on what he feels will be an adventure that heroes are made of; on his journey, he will encounter the spritely Guildmaster, who gets him adequately prepared for his legendary "Guild Quest Mission" in the labyrinth. All the while, Haskell passes around coins as if they were merely water to persuade others to join him on his questering quest.
The second main character of this fantastical tale is Froba, a young girl living on Guild's streets. With his corruption, she can barely take care of herself, yet Ferd, the watchman, makes her pay a coin to him as so-called protection. Froba is caught between a rock and a hard place, for if she doesn't pay Ferd, she won't be protected from the others from the other side of town. When Haskell asks her to follow him on his quest, all Froba sees is a sucker with a coin, so she doesn't need too much convincing.
Mitchell introduces a handful of characters that, I must admit, I didn't give much thought to remembering their names. I remember there was a cook that could whip up anything, but that's about it. Again, too many names, but the details were there when needed.
I found Haskell to be a little too flippant, and I just wanted to yank his chain, or as my mother would say, "Snatch a knot in him."
Froba, I absolutely adored. Her character was so well developed (as were the others, but hers was more impressive, I guess) that fierce determination and her heart that she hid so well from others made her all the more loveable.
Mitchell's word-building was stellar and flowed seamlessly throughout the entire novel.
Mitchell also has a novelistic mosaic of monsters, ogres, and creatures that run havoc for his band of misfits.
This captivating, descriptive "OTHERWORLD" is exquisitely executed.
Although Mitchell ties this novel up beautifully and can be read as a standalone, knowing that there are more "QUESTERING ADVENTURES" to read is; "SIMPLY MARVELOUS!!"
WELL DONE, OUTSTANDING DEBUT!
"KUDOS TO YOU, MITCHELL"
SORRY FOR THE WAIT!
"CAN'T-WAIT FOR BOOK 2"
Thank you to J.D. Mitchell (Author) for the copy of this eARC for me to review in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
Format
433 pages, ebook
Published
August 22, 2022, by J.D. Mitchell, Writer
ISBN
9781778130236
Language
English
December 16, 2022
Haskell starts the adventure with a pouch full of coins he stole from his father. It was a lot of money since it was his (successful merchant) family's savings. It was frustrating watching our protagonist throw money away. After seeing it rapidly dwindling he appears to have learned, but then he goes and bets it all. I'm all for arrogant bastards, but this one needed a wake-up slap.
While this book is about Haskell, he is overshadowed by Froba, a much more interesting character with multiple POV chapters. It was the first time I had an issue with too much head-hopping, between these two and other POVs.
On this matter, I believe there are too many characters and they kinda blend together. Not all contribute to the story, making them forgettable. For the most part, I thought of Haskell's team as "a party of idiots, two kids, and Zinzi".
The set-up promised a grimdark story, with grasping lines like this one:
While it is grim indeed, it felt a little out of place with a low-stakes plot.
It also had some pacing trouble. Problems solve way too fast to have a dramatic weight or make you worry about the fate of the characters. The tension was almost non-existent and deaths feel inconsequential.
For me, this first book in an unnamed series fell short. It was slow-paced and still felt rushed on some matters. I'm disappointed with all these issues because this story had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I liked the writing style and the clear D&D elements. Characters were introduced that will have a stronger presence in future installments as some reveals near the end indicate.
While this book is about Haskell, he is overshadowed by Froba, a much more interesting character with multiple POV chapters. It was the first time I had an issue with too much head-hopping, between these two and other POVs.
On this matter, I believe there are too many characters and they kinda blend together. Not all contribute to the story, making them forgettable. For the most part, I thought of Haskell's team as "a party of idiots, two kids, and Zinzi".
The set-up promised a grimdark story, with grasping lines like this one:
"I may be destined for the Nine Hells, but this world is a hell you all richly deserve."
While it is grim indeed, it felt a little out of place with a low-stakes plot.
It also had some pacing trouble. Problems solve way too fast to have a dramatic weight or make you worry about the fate of the characters. The tension was almost non-existent and deaths feel inconsequential.
For me, this first book in an unnamed series fell short. It was slow-paced and still felt rushed on some matters. I'm disappointed with all these issues because this story had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I liked the writing style and the clear D&D elements. Characters were introduced that will have a stronger presence in future installments as some reveals near the end indicate.
October 21, 2022
JD Mitchell’s debut novel, Springtide Harvest, brings the world of DnD to life in this exciting fantasy adventure.
Haskell longs to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a hero. He gathers together a band of misfits that you dearly hope will help him in his quest. Froba, a mischievous street waif, was probably my favourite character. I loved the scenes she’s in, she really captured my heart.
The world-building in Springtide Harvest was exceptional, you’ll feel you’re there fighting alongside Haskell with his trusty sword and his motley crew.
The character-building was also incredible. You’ll wish Haskell had chosen you to go on the quest just so you could get to know them better.
Hopefully there’ll be a series set in this world of magic, sorcery, and fantastic creatures.
A well-written and edited book, you definitely won’t regret your purchase!
Haskell longs to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a hero. He gathers together a band of misfits that you dearly hope will help him in his quest. Froba, a mischievous street waif, was probably my favourite character. I loved the scenes she’s in, she really captured my heart.
The world-building in Springtide Harvest was exceptional, you’ll feel you’re there fighting alongside Haskell with his trusty sword and his motley crew.
The character-building was also incredible. You’ll wish Haskell had chosen you to go on the quest just so you could get to know them better.
Hopefully there’ll be a series set in this world of magic, sorcery, and fantastic creatures.
A well-written and edited book, you definitely won’t regret your purchase!
December 21, 2022
JD Mitchell's Springtide Harvest is a wonderful and captivating debut novel. It is a fantasy about coming of age with some darker themes and elements.
I have seen this book being described as having "DND vibes," and as someone who has never played it, I can't really attest to that part. But I will say this: The quest side of it felt more like a computer game, and it has that feel to it. This book tells an engaging story with believable characters and could easily work as a stand-alone. Even though this is a quest, the story is not all fast-paced adventures and fight/action scenes; it also has quieter moments of character growth and introspection, as well as some politics and schemeing in the background. So if any of that sounds fascinating to you, definitely pick this one up.
Full review to come soon!
I have seen this book being described as having "DND vibes," and as someone who has never played it, I can't really attest to that part. But I will say this: The quest side of it felt more like a computer game, and it has that feel to it. This book tells an engaging story with believable characters and could easily work as a stand-alone. Even though this is a quest, the story is not all fast-paced adventures and fight/action scenes; it also has quieter moments of character growth and introspection, as well as some politics and schemeing in the background. So if any of that sounds fascinating to you, definitely pick this one up.
Full review to come soon!
August 16, 2022
Springtide Harvest is an exciting adventure set in a magical landscape. Fans of the classic hero’s journey will find much to love in this epic tale filled with vivid characters and fearsome creatures, where intrigue awaits around every corner. Haskell is a young man on a mission. He gathers together an eccentric band of warriors, including a young street hustler who may or may not have changed her ways, and they set off to hunt treasure and find glory. Of course, nothing goes to plan, but along the way Haskell learns some valuable lessons and makes some incredible friends. Well-written and engaging, there are twists and turns (and even a few labyrinths) that will keep readers completely captivated, right up to the ending that they never saw coming!
September 8, 2022
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. I dont read a lot of fantasy these days but I couldn't put this book down. The characters were well developed, and their camaraderie and group dynamic was infectious. It was like reading through a favorite DnD campaign. I really hope that there are more stories of Haskell and his companions to come!
Also, a very big thank you to the author that gifted me the book at CCBB and gave me the opportunity to enjoy all of the hard work put into this story.
Also, a very big thank you to the author that gifted me the book at CCBB and gave me the opportunity to enjoy all of the hard work put into this story.
August 14, 2022
Thank you to the author who allowed me to be an ARC reader for this new fantasy novel.
Fantasy isn't a genre I read a lot of, but I do enjoy the stories when I get a chance to read them.
This novel is a very detailed story, with a range of characters to get to know. I liked the way we had a chance to learn about each one though as the story progressed and I think readers who are familiar to the fantasy genre will really enjoy this new book.
I enjoyed the writing and the world building on this one, which is released on August 22nd 2022.
Fantasy isn't a genre I read a lot of, but I do enjoy the stories when I get a chance to read them.
This novel is a very detailed story, with a range of characters to get to know. I liked the way we had a chance to learn about each one though as the story progressed and I think readers who are familiar to the fantasy genre will really enjoy this new book.
I enjoyed the writing and the world building on this one, which is released on August 22nd 2022.
August 23, 2022
If you’re a fan of Tolkien, Pratchett, or even if you’ve never read a fantasy novel before, mark Springtide Harvest as your next ‘must read.’ With a wealth of great characters, you will easily be swept into Haskell’s wild journey as if you’re one of his merry band of misfits. With his grandfather’s trusty sword in hand and his legendary reputation to live up to, Haskell cannot and will not fail. Following the scent of riches and glory, Haskell battles enemies both known and unknown, demonic and domestic. His journey is not an easy one, but does he have the tenacity to persevere and succeed? Find out as you join him on this roller-coaster page-turner of an adventure that has you guessing at every turn. Like a delicious meal eaten at the best restaurant, by the last page you’re left wonderfully sated but still wanting more.
June 23, 2023
3.5/5.
A fun D&D style novel with some truly great character work for such a small novel and it flows by really fast
A fun D&D style novel with some truly great character work for such a small novel and it flows by really fast
May 2, 2023
Off the bat I know the guy but not for writing so altho I was rooting for him and that has had an influence on my disposition I had no expectation as to his level of skill. Aaanyway the book was great. You could tell that the author is a student of the genre and of D&D. He was sufficiently descriptive in all ways sooo you could well visualize places and things and creatures while also getting an appreciation of the motivation and the state of mind of the main characters — who by the way are not unrelatable. Next, the book has good pacing. While care is taken that relationships between the characters are adequately expressed and characters sufficiently developed I was satisfied that the story continually moved forward — towards something — and that there was continued relevance to what I read. Lastly, the book finishes at a nice place; such that I was satisfied with the amount of resolution but also still curious about how things could further develop and interested in a sequel. Overall I think that the author is promising, that his work was mature for a first-time publisher, and I look forward to seeing what he puts out next. Thank you for the entertainment.
Want to read
January 4, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
This introduces its characters and setting gradually. Something’s happening, a little street-corner romance, a confrontation, some backstory, a fight, and that’s all to its credit.
However, the prose is a little purple for me, and by the end of the first section dips into the cliché. It’s melodramatic, but that can be enjoyable sometimes.
The setting seems to be generic DnD fantasy, but that can be enjoyable, and the details here are good, & our MC remains the vehicle for the story. Good.
We have another MC on a journey of self discover. He’s a bit more of a rogue tho, going from straight to crooked. I think he’s in for some rude awakenings.
I would have liked something more interesting to happen in the later half of ch.1. Our MC seems to have a conscious, but we don’t see him do anything with it.
There was some family corruption I thought maybe he could interfere with before skipping town. This still deserves more than 1 ch from me. I’ll read more.
This introduces its characters and setting gradually. Something’s happening, a little street-corner romance, a confrontation, some backstory, a fight, and that’s all to its credit.
However, the prose is a little purple for me, and by the end of the first section dips into the cliché. It’s melodramatic, but that can be enjoyable sometimes.
The setting seems to be generic DnD fantasy, but that can be enjoyable, and the details here are good, & our MC remains the vehicle for the story. Good.
We have another MC on a journey of self discover. He’s a bit more of a rogue tho, going from straight to crooked. I think he’s in for some rude awakenings.
I would have liked something more interesting to happen in the later half of ch.1. Our MC seems to have a conscious, but we don’t see him do anything with it.
There was some family corruption I thought maybe he could interfere with before skipping town. This still deserves more than 1 ch from me. I’ll read more.
August 14, 2022
I normally don’t read fantasy but thoroughly enjoyed Springtide Harvest. In this double feature bildungsroman, the author paints a richly vibrant and lived-in world populated by vivid characters that kept on living and breathing long after I put down the book. I felt a particular kinship to sensible, fiscally responsible Zinzi and Flint, cook and pastry master. And like one of Flint’s delectable pies, this book is flavourfully layered, not relying too heavily on any one element; there is the nuanced spice of political intrigue, the straightforward zest of swordplay, and for fans of magic (and who isn’t?!), a pinch of sorcery to make a wonderful story really sing.
April 5, 2023
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, but the rating system won't let me opt for that, sadly. This book is full of adventure and incredible scene setting. The authors writing style is crisp and clean. It started out a little slow for me, but once I got into it, I was turning pages to find out what would happen next. I really got into Froba's battle (I won't give spoilers) around page 376 and was rooting for her. This is not the kind of fantasy I normally read, but I enjoyed it overall. If you enjoy high fantasy and dream of wielding a rune engraved sword, this is for you.
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