One girl and the fate that awaits her... The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace (Review)

The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicles, #1)The Storyspinner
(The Keeper's Chronicles #1)
by Becky Wallace
YA Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback, ebook, & audiobook, 432 Pages
March 3rd 2015 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Summary

Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

 
  
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My Review

THE STORYSPINNER was intriguing from beginning to end. It was a story that built and grew as it went, with characters who were likable and complex. It was balanced well between fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The intensity built towards a climatic end where timing was everything and lives hung in the balance. Well-written and perfect for fantasy fans

I really liked how well I felt I knew these characters by the end of the story. They grew on me as more of their thoughts and personalities came out as the story progressed. I didn't have to see the headings to know which character was speaking and they came across consistently to me. I even liked that they stuck to their stubbornness sometimes because it was who they were. It also helped that I really liked these characters. I liked how I could envision the setting, their lives, and the characters themselves.

Then you have the overarching plot. I loved how the story started between two very different voices and groups of people (the performers and the Keepers) and then how eventually their two paths converge with that of Rafael's. I loved the background of the performers that felt so immersed in culture and tradition, and then the Keepers' journey and moving to the setting at Rafael's estate where you see the life of servants and nobility. I loved the romance and the friendships. I loved how the plot thickens and how intense the ending was where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Thank goodness I could jump right in to book two so that I wasn't left hanging. There was some really good storytelling here (no pun intended).

Overall, THE STORYSPINNER was enjoyable from beginning to end. Definitely recommended.

Content: Some violence and innuendo, but clean

Source: Received a complimentary eARC from the publisher through Edelweiss, which did not affect my review in any way.

Have you read this one? Do you like fantasy? Want to check out book two? You can see my tour stop, with a review, here.

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