The Storyspinner

Title: The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicles #1)
Author: Becky Wallace
Genre: YA
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover: 10/10
Publication Date: March 3rd

I was given an egalley of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

"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."

***

As you may know if you've read my 'About Me' section, I'm from Brazil. Why that's relevant? Half of the places and names in The Storyspinner are Portuguese words or actual names of cities and states in Brazil. It was a charming and lovely twist to the story. It felt a bit like diving into a conversation with my sister, where the majority of our words are in English, with some words in Portuguese sprinkled throughout.

And maybe that's what killed some of the mystery for me, in the end. Because knowing what each of the characters' names meant, also gave me some forewarning of their personality. But, that aside, The Storyspinner was a truly enjoyable read.

Wallace's skill is commendable in managing to create fully dimensional and well-rounded characters, while skipping between as many as six different POVs throughout the entire novel - not an easy feat, and one that she pulled off seamlessly.

The plot was engaging, if slightly predictable, and the characters were likeable. The plot twists were superbly presented, and I have to give Wallace kudos for not flinching away from some tough choices. 

All told, a very entertaining story, and a definite must-read for any lovers of fantasy, with lots to offer in the way of sword fights and magic wielding. Also a cute romance between a pig-headed guy and a sassy girl. What's not to love?