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 recline the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tor takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tor consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent.
The excerpt on the back cover, plus the cover art of The Story Raider. All credit goes to the author, Lindsay A. Franklin.
Intrigued? Read on:
I’m still reeling.
A lot happened in the span of The Story Raider, second novel in The Weaver Trilogy. Pirates, heartbreak, drama, death. Friends and relatives from the past suddenly popped in. Plot twists jumped out at the last minute, deaths occurred that will surely haunt the characters—and me!—for years afterward.
And wow! This book answered some questions—and stirred up twice as many. See, for some reason I thought The Story Raider was the last book in the series, so the whole time I expected some happy, peaceful ending.
Nope!
Well, that was a shock. But I can’t say I mind, because with the recent developments in The Story Raider, I’m excited to see what kind of dynamics take place in the next book. I’m already searching up the third book to purchase.
What I love:
First off, the characters. I think I’ve become obsessed with their motley crew. The Story Peddler now feels like just an introduction, The Story Raider a dive deeper into the characters we thought we had just figured out.
*Throws glitter.* Conflict. The Story Raider was chock full of it. I can almost see Lindsay A. Franklin at her desk, grinning as she asks herself what could possibly go wrong in every conversation and situation. She definitely didn’t make things easy for the poor weavers!
I love when stories expand their magic systems. In the first book, we got a grasp of weaving and its abilities. Now we learn that all that was barely a glimpse into what weavers can do, especially when they combine forces.
Not only did Lindsay A. Franklin expand the magic system, but she expanded Tanwen’s world. Suddenly, her hometown, Pembrone, and her current city of residence, Urian, as the just a small chunk in a much larger map. We got a glimpse of all of the different cultures that inhabit the kingdoms, and also a glimpse into how different characters fit into those cultures.
What I don’t love:
I respect Lindsay A. Franklin for sticking to the more formal, slightly stiff style that the time period of her novel required. It certainly added authenticity to her world, but it also had its drawbacks. I found it difficult to get into the novel at first, and the prose didn’t really flow in the first few chapters. After that, however, it became less noticeable. More natural.
Sometimes, I really want to strangle the main character, Tanwen. She says the worst things at the worst possible moments. Yet it also advanced the story, so I can’t complain.
Can’t complain much, that is.
Lastly, I wouldn’t suggest waiting long between books. There’s quite a cast of characters, and though I remembered most of the events from the previous book, I struggled with characters. I didn’t even remember who one man was until halfway through the book!
Content warnings:
Violence, death, minor romance, minimal kissing, references to sex and sexual abuse.
Some injuries occurred during various battles—stab wounds, burns, etc. Nothing was described in gory detail.
A few people died. Again, none of it was gory. The most detail present was simply what happened—an arrow in the throat, a woman collapsing, and so on.
Romance did occur. Mostly, however, it appeared as crushes. Or worse, two people acting awkward around each other because they both knew the that both of them liked one another, but they couldn’t be together for whatever reasons.
I believe a kiss occurred once. Again, nearly no description, just that it was hurried. A last goodbye.
And last but certainly not least of the warnings, a character suffered from trauma caused by sexual abuse in the past. She mentions it but does not state outright exactly what it was or how it happened.
Ratings:
Appropriate content: 3/5
Story construction: 4/5
Writing skill: 3.8/5
Ethics: 4.5/5
Other Information:
Christian: Yes
Point of view: First person alternating with third person limited
Tense: Past tense
Romance: Yes
Series: Yes
Conclusion:
Tanwen is a fierce—though sometimes rash—and independent protagonist, struggling to understand herself, her magic, and her relationships with those she loves. And when push comes to shove, she always comes through.
All in all, The Story Raider is certainly worth the read. It’s a beautiful expansion on the first book, twisted up with the complicated relationships between characters, a quest to save an old friend, and a battle for love.
I highly recommend The Story Raider and give it 4 out of 5 bowls of fish stew.
Psst! Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts and subscribe so you don’t miss the review for the third book!
Have you read the first book in this series, The Story Peddler? Find it here! Liked Lindsay Franklin’s writing? She has another book, called The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine.
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