The Story Peddler (The Weaver Trilogy, #1)

by Lindsay A. Franklin

Tanwen doesn't just tell stories, she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king. During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king's guard hunts her down, and they're not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she's not the only outlaw in the empire. There's a rebel group of weavers, and they're after her, too.

• ISBN10: 1683701364
• ISBN13: 9781683701361
• Publish Date: 1 May 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Enclave Publishing
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[ladygrey]

I enjoyed this book. I like all the elements—the fantasy, the characters, the theme, the young adult audience.

I also think I rushed through it, trying to get to the next book, trying to figure out what happens. So I don’t think I loved it. And also I kept waiting for more to happen. The pace is pretty good but there’s not a lot of story action, of things happening and changing and so it’s easy to sort of feel like you’re waiting... for something.

And I would have liked to dig deeper into the characters. They’re kind of always on the run, which doesn’t create opportunity to really get to know them. But what you do get to know, I liked. Especially that introductory scene with Gryfelle and Mor bickering. It’s so easy to like her in that moment and that sticks with you. And I liked the dynamic with Mor because it’s uncommon in stories—the speak and the distance and the respect.

I wanted more depth with the curse and more choices and more story action (there was a decent amount of actual action). And more of the characters. Which isn’t a retraction, simply observing that I liked it all enough to want more.

It’s not a sparkling, breathtakingly awesome book. But it is good and some days that feels hard enough to find.

[tweetybugshouse]

Sometimes a book just has to sit and simmer for a bit before you pick it up cause you know that your going to just devour it. The Story Peddler is just that kind of book, the cover is eye catching, the blurb selling stories is a deadly business, and their secrets buried deep in the story. Also the sequel is coming out later this year so not much time to wait to sink your teeth into the rest of the story.

I the concept of weaving stories and have them be magical shown in strands of color shooting from your hands made for a very interesting magic system. Add in that the art of the story peddling is very controlled in the form of Crown Stories, stories that are approved by the king, better not let anyone be creative in this world. As our main heroine is unfolding these secrets and in turn her weird twist on the story peddler magic a whole group of peddlers exist as well. So she swept up in this political plot when her entire life she just want to spin stories for the king as the top story spinner and hopefully see the world at the same time.

The secrets and political intrigue of this novel are so on point, i did think when i first added this to my to be read list that it was a middle grade novel, but it definitely sits squarely in the young adult genre. It an amazing read and i can not wait for the sequel later this year.

[phyllish]

The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin

Stories that are woven with words and colors that crystallize into sculptures? What an amazing concept! Author Lindsay Franklin has written an intriguing fantasy tale that entices you to read and torments you if you try to put it down.

The characters are endearing – you really care about what happens to Tanwen and the others. Told by Tanwen, Princess Braith and “The One in the Dark”, the reader gets a view of happenings all over the kingdom. The rebel weavers include a dreamy pirate, the lady in exile, the farmer, and former guardsmen. There are also some unsavory characters, including the king who controls not only the stories and songs that can be told (Tanwen was stunned to find out that there are more than two songs), the high priest, and the advisor (ew! Was he slimy!).

Everything was in constant motion. There are sword fights, secret passages, and bold escapes. I would love to see this made into a movie!

My only regret is that this is the first book of the trilogy. It did have a clear ending, though it is certain there is more is to come as Tanwen goes off to. . . Sorry! No spoilers allowed, so you’ll just have to read this book and wait with me for the next one to be released. (Sigh)

Though I have not indicated the genre to be Young Adult, it is certainly appropriate for them. I just don’t want to scare any adults away by listing it that way.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.