The Story Raider (The Weaver Trilogy, #2)

by Lindsay A. Franklin

Deceiving an empire is a treacherous game. 

Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret: Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver's curse.  

As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith’s heart is turned upside down, and she’s not sure she can trust anyone—least of all herself.  

The puppet master behind Gareth’s rise to power has designs on the story weavers and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent.

• ISBN13: 9781683702030
• Publish Date: 23 July 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Gilead Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[ladygrey]

I liked this book I think more than the first. There’s more purpose to it and definitely more emotion.

I despised poor Brac for being obtuse even though I guess he always was. But this time that gets him into trouble. And I hate when characters are stupid for the sake of conflict. I mostly don’t mind bad guys but when the good guys start trouble by being stupid it’s annoying.

A little bit I get Mor and Tanwen. There were moments when I get them—on the ship when she tells him don’t, that she’ll just get soft and caught up again... and in the hallway of the ship in that moment. But it still didn’t quite feel like enough depth. Like there were moments and then there was talking about moments. And yet somehow it worked because there’s definitely more emotion in this book.

The magic gets a little wild going from stories to ideas to anything goes. Normally that would bother me more but it stays within some rules and it served the story fairly well. And there’s worse things.

I adore Kharn and wanted more there. But I’m expecting more in the next book so that’s ok. And I don’t mind that it ends horribly because there’s another book and I don’t have to wait for it and I think, like Tanwen’s friends, that it’s all going to work out.

[phyllish]

A fantastic continuation to the fantasy

I fell in love with The Story Peddler when I read it last year. The imagery of telling stories by weaving pictures in the air in living color is just incredible. And the adventure and mystery were thrilling. I have been anxiously waiting for The Story Raider‘s release ever since.

Once again, Lindsay A. Franklin captivated my imagination and transported me to another world. The adventures continue and twists and turns abound. The battles were stunning. There is pain, oh such grief! And hope! And did I mention twists and turns?

Ooh! In the end, we even learn who the “Master” is! Let me just say that I was stunned. Scratch that. I AM stunned! Don’t even try to guess because you won’t be able to.

I don’t want to give any spoilers here so I’m being very careful with what I’m saying. However, I just have to tell you this. At a particularly dismal point for our intrepid band of weavers, Tannie begins to imagine a world, not where good triumphs over evil but a world where there simply is no evil. No pain, no suffering. This gave me such a deep longing for heaven. You know how you know how marvelous it is going to be! And you want to go, yet somehow the cares of this life often make you lose your focus? Yeah. I was startled when I read that part and was flooded with anticipation. What an incredible reminder!! I am so excited and can’t wait!

Yes, I should have taken the time to re-read The Story Peddler before starting The Story Raider. (I always appreciate when an author doesn’t attempt to re-write the previous books in the next installments) and it has been just enough time that a refresher would have been good. Yet most of the things I needed to know came back to me as I read.

Instead of me continuing to gush, though, let me just recommend that if you enjoy compelling fantasy, don’t hesitate to start reading The Weaver Trilogy.

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.