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Truthseeker
The gods promised Saevel Balnorin that Nightbeasts were extinct. But when their brother is attacked by one of the vicious shadow creatures, Saevel vows to destroy the monsters for good — even if it means dabbling in the very same magic that creates them. The only person willing to point Saevel toward the answers they need is their trusted mentor, who provides them with a powerful spell that could be the key to eliminate Nightbeasts — if Saevel can translate the strange, ancient script.
In the midst of this discovery, Saevel’s hometown is caught in the crossfire between two warring kingdoms, shattering the peace between forest-dwelling Elshalans and their human neighbors. Saevel is positive it’s all connected, especially when their mentor disappears and leaves behind a shocking letter from the warmongering human queen. Determined to uncover what’s really going on, Saevel sets out for the royal city, where they become irrevocably wrapped up in a web of secrets, dangerous magical experiments, and one god’s unflinching belief that Saevel will be the one to stop the war.
Saevel never intended to be any kind of hero, but as the line between ally and enemy vanishes, they must decide where their own loyalties lie — with the gods who have failed them, or with their enemies, who actually have a plan to end the war, stop the queen, and hold further ruination at bay.
In the midst of this discovery, Saevel’s hometown is caught in the crossfire between two warring kingdoms, shattering the peace between forest-dwelling Elshalans and their human neighbors. Saevel is positive it’s all connected, especially when their mentor disappears and leaves behind a shocking letter from the warmongering human queen. Determined to uncover what’s really going on, Saevel sets out for the royal city, where they become irrevocably wrapped up in a web of secrets, dangerous magical experiments, and one god’s unflinching belief that Saevel will be the one to stop the war.
Saevel never intended to be any kind of hero, but as the line between ally and enemy vanishes, they must decide where their own loyalties lie — with the gods who have failed them, or with their enemies, who actually have a plan to end the war, stop the queen, and hold further ruination at bay.
Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
About the author
Talli L. Morgan
15 books70 followersTalli is a writer, artist, and librarian who believes that books make some of the best friends. You can almost always find them buried in books (literally and figuratively), but they can also be spotted running around attempting to pet as many dogs as possible.
You can find Talli on Instagram @tallimorgan.books and visit them at tallimorgan.com.
You can find Talli on Instagram @tallimorgan.books and visit them at tallimorgan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 5, 2023
Thank you, Talli L. Morgan, for letting me beta-read this.
It felt so good to dive back into the Windermere world with this fresh new installment. Truthseeker is for fans of the original Windermere duology and those not yet familiar with Morgan's epic fantasy world. This first book of The Peacebringer trilogy is exciting, emotional, and an all round excellent read that's got me itching for the next two books.
It felt so good to dive back into the Windermere world with this fresh new installment. Truthseeker is for fans of the original Windermere duology and those not yet familiar with Morgan's epic fantasy world. This first book of The Peacebringer trilogy is exciting, emotional, and an all round excellent read that's got me itching for the next two books.
April 8, 2023
Even as a newcomer to TLM's Windermere universe, I easily fell into the little pocket of the world built up around Saevel. But I have to admit that this might've been one of the first YA books I've encountered that really laid a heavy shade of morally gray over all of the characters--and absolutely in a good way that showed so much character depth. Reading about Saevel having to war between trust of old and new relationships really made this book shine. (And also reading about an enby MC?? Perfect.)
July 23, 2023
This was a page turner! I’m hoping we won’t have to wait long for book 2!!
If you like magic (in any shape or form) - read this book!
If you like magic (in any shape or form) - read this book!
April 28, 2023
**Thank you to the author for the eARC of this title. In no way did this change my opinion of the book**
I really enjoyed this title. I haven't read the Windermere Tales series yet, but given that this is a prequel for that, I think this will probably be a good introduction into the world. I liked the world building a lot. Morgan describes Båthälla in a way that is rich and easy to picture. I enjoyed the creatures in book and look forward to more of them, as well as the descriptions of the magic system. I also enjoyed the diversity of the book, both in terms of sexuality and racial diversity. I think people who are fans of Throne of Glass or Beasts of Prey will really like this. I think the relationship between the villain and the protagonist are in a similar vein, so if you liked those titles, you should definitely give this a try. The only thing I didn't love (that prevented it from being a 5 for me) was the pining and self-doubt. Saevel gains confidence over time, but they overthink things a bit (which I do, too. I get it). That can be a bit of a slower pace, so for me, I was more into the political intrigue and the action and the learning to use magic bits than the romance. I liked the romantic interest, Rowen, quite a bit, so it wasn't the character, just the slow pacing surrounding their romance. I understand why it was necessary. It's a me issue, not a book issue.
Overall, I can't wait to read book two. The ending had me waiting for more of the story, so I'll check that out in 2024! I hope you all like it as much as I did!
4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this title. I haven't read the Windermere Tales series yet, but given that this is a prequel for that, I think this will probably be a good introduction into the world. I liked the world building a lot. Morgan describes Båthälla in a way that is rich and easy to picture. I enjoyed the creatures in book and look forward to more of them, as well as the descriptions of the magic system. I also enjoyed the diversity of the book, both in terms of sexuality and racial diversity. I think people who are fans of Throne of Glass or Beasts of Prey will really like this. I think the relationship between the villain and the protagonist are in a similar vein, so if you liked those titles, you should definitely give this a try. The only thing I didn't love (that prevented it from being a 5 for me) was the pining and self-doubt. Saevel gains confidence over time, but they overthink things a bit (which I do, too. I get it). That can be a bit of a slower pace, so for me, I was more into the political intrigue and the action and the learning to use magic bits than the romance. I liked the romantic interest, Rowen, quite a bit, so it wasn't the character, just the slow pacing surrounding their romance. I understand why it was necessary. It's a me issue, not a book issue.
Overall, I can't wait to read book two. The ending had me waiting for more of the story, so I'll check that out in 2024! I hope you all like it as much as I did!
4.5/5 stars
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March 31, 2023Hi readers! Since ARCs are officially going out and we're nearing release day, I want to pop in here with a few things:
Firstly, TRUTHSEEKER is a YA fantasy, recommended for ages 15+.
Secondly, please mind the book's content warnings (also found in the first few pages and on my website):
Sibling death
Mentions of gender dysphoria
Mentions of disordered eating
Death of loved ones / friends
Implications of an adult grooming a teenager
Brief depiction of drowning
Emotional manipulation
Please read with care!
Lastly, this book/trilogy takes place in the same universe as The Oracle Stone but can be read on its own.
Happy reading! Cheers!
Firstly, TRUTHSEEKER is a YA fantasy, recommended for ages 15+.
Secondly, please mind the book's content warnings (also found in the first few pages and on my website):
Sibling death
Mentions of gender dysphoria
Mentions of disordered eating
Death of loved ones / friends
Implications of an adult grooming a teenager
Brief depiction of drowning
Emotional manipulation
Please read with care!
Lastly, this book/trilogy takes place in the same universe as The Oracle Stone but can be read on its own.
Happy reading! Cheers!
April 6, 2023
This review is going to be difficult for me to write because I want to gush about all of the characters and everything that happens but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Morgan weaves a fantastic tale full of richly developed characters and many plot twists. I was delightfully shocked at several points along the way. While I was instantly drawn to main character Saevel, I found myself wanting to befriend several of the side characters, too, and fight along side them during their quest. Morgan is one of my favorite indie authors, and this book is a testament as to why. When I say I cannot wait to find out what happens, I wholeheartedly mean it. The second book in this series cannot come fast enough! (I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 30, 2023
This book turned me inside out and I still haven't recovered. Full review to come!!
April 29, 2023
I get that people cope with grief differently. Still, Saevel is too busy finding obstacles every step of the way that the consequences of significant events are overshadowed by some urgent matter.
I found Saevel a little inconsistent. They go from distrusting a character they’ve learned has been lying and manipulating to sharing delicate information with them. They also jump to conclusions when there aren’t enough clues and stay oblivious about more obvious stuff. I may excuse them for all they’re going through.
At times it felt more MG than YA in terms of the adventure style, but it addresses darker topics like eating disorders, grooming, and child death.
I had fun with a couple of allusions to flat-earthers and the not-so-subtle punches to religion.
Read my full review: http://tinyelfarcanist.com/2023/05/01...
I found Saevel a little inconsistent. They go from distrusting a character they’ve learned has been lying and manipulating to sharing delicate information with them. They also jump to conclusions when there aren’t enough clues and stay oblivious about more obvious stuff. I may excuse them for all they’re going through.
At times it felt more MG than YA in terms of the adventure style, but it addresses darker topics like eating disorders, grooming, and child death.
I had fun with a couple of allusions to flat-earthers and the not-so-subtle punches to religion.
Read my full review: http://tinyelfarcanist.com/2023/05/01...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews