The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin

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.

Reviewed by ladygrey on

3 of 5 stars

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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.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 August, 2020: Finished reading
  • 29 August, 2020: Reviewed