The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicles #1)
   by: Becky Wallace

Publication Date: Mar. 3, 2015
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 432 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

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.

 

One of the best things about being involved in the blogging community is the discovery of new books. I don't know that this one would have ever been on my radar, had I not seen people talking (and raving!) about it. I am really glad I picked this one up, because I do love fantasy and have been needing more of it in my life lately.

 

This book is told from multiple point of views, which did take me a bit to adjust to. However, even with multiple voices, there are only two main storylines that the book follows. That made the adjustment much easier and it helped us get to know all the characters who will shape the future of this book. I really enjoyed both storylines too. I liked being with Johanna and Rafi, as I loved the tension between them and the fact that these two don't really like each other to start. I also loved being with the Keepers and learning more about the Wall and the history behind them and the people of Santarem.

 

I really enjoyed Johanna's character. She is a Performer and works with her family. She can sing like her mom, but also storyspin like her dad. I loved the idea behind the Storyspinning. Storyspinners captivate their audiences with their tales and the illusions they create. Even with all that has come to light and the events that transpired at the end of the book, I do hope we continue to see Johanna storyspin in the forthcoming books. Jo is also fierce and strong and I liked that. She is dedicated to her family and will do what she must in order to protect and provide for them. This is how she meets Lord Rafael, or Rafi. He mistakes her for a male poacher and well... things don't go well for the two. I am a fan of the hate-love relationships, and I felt Jo and Rafi's worked really well. It takes a bit for them to warm up to one another, but I was in full on swoon mode once it got started. Rafi is a good guy, who genuinely wants what's best for his people. I admire him for that and when he realizes Johanna could be in danger, he finds himself wanting to protect her. I felt bad for Johanna, as she didn't want to feel things for this young lord, and when she felt he was unaffected by her performance, it really hurt her.

 

Not only do I like Rafi and Johanna's burgeoning relationship, but I am also a fan of some of the other romances as well. Wallace has done a great job of bringing her characters to life and I like seeing romance play a role, even despite everything that is going on. I also really enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind the attacks on different girls throughout Santarem. I am excited to see how this particular storyline will be handled in the next book, as there is some intriguing history behind the mastermind and another in the book.

 

The Storyspinner is a really fast paced story and I don't recall feeling any lulls or being bored at any given time. The Keepers are searching for the key that will prevent the Wall from weakening and becoming obsolete, Johanna is trying to ensure her family's survival after the tragic death of her father through her Performing, and Rafael must not only deal with the woman he feels he owes a debt of honor to, but he must also deal with the other Dukes from nearby lands, including one whose greed for power knows no bounds. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing how Wallace will continue to weave the two major plotlines together.