Help Wanted: Passionate Readers. Apply Inside.
I can’t tell you what you want. No one can. But as writers/readers, we want what we want. The trouble is that it’s increasingly hard to find, as I mentioned in No Man Is an Island. So, while you may very well enjoy my debut novel---Twilight Wolf---it’s extremely difficult to just place it in your view and allow you to be the judge.
I received my first 5-Star review on Goodreads and wanted to share. I could tell you what I think on my own story, but that’s of limited use to you. Far greater is the opinion of another.
This review is from someone who started this story as a stranger, gave me feedback and helped me improve it, then grew to genuinely love this story and the characters involved. And I’m happy to receive such a review from a post-story friend as opposed to a pre-story friend, because it proves that I successfully performed my role as a passionate storyteller.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. A unique magic system, a compelling, complex protagonist, and a type of world I haven’t come across before. On top of that, this book seamlessly weaves the elements of Norse mythology into its narrative, as well as one of my all-time favorite tropes---the found family.
This story follows Mioko, a young woman set on a dangerous, deeply personal mission, who has to grapple with the trauma of her past in order to overcome the obstacles in her path. Her journey kept me on the edge of my seat, while the reveal of her past memories had brought me to tears several times. Mioko was strong yet wonderfully flawed---a leader who made mistakes and a loyal friend who would never betray those she loved. I was rooting for her from the start and her story was a beautiful experience---meaningful and intriguing to the very last page.
Mioko’s complexity was also mirrored in other characters. Her companions were a delight and had been skillfully developed by the author, presented as complicated individuals with captivating pasts. As for the villain, the book had kept me wondering about their true intentions till the very end. I’m happy to say that the final reveals left me very satisfied.
The magic system is another really well-developed element of this book. While incredibly effective, it still maintains an air of mystery. I was particularly impressed with the handling of the portal magic as well as the terminology and vocabulary used to depict it in action. It’s one of the most unique aspects of this story, and there's a promise of much more coming in the next books.
Finally, I can’t write this review without mentioning the author’s sense of humor and writing style. I was laughing what feels like countless times during the whole read, and I’m one of those people who can’t give a fantasy book five stars without laughing at least once. The author’s writing style also created a fascinating experience for me. I found it unique and greatly enjoyable.
At its core, Twilight Wolf explores the resilience of the human spirit, making it a magical and often profoundly emotional experience. It’s a thrilling first installment to a promising fantasy series. For those seeking a fantasy adventure brimming with unique magic, relatable characters, and an infusion of Norse mythology, Twilight Wolf is a perfect fit.
I know this was a sincere review, and I can’t help feeling flattered and grateful, both in seeing this praise and hearing that my storytelling was valued by another. I can’t say that you’ll have this same experience, but it’s the experience that I was seeking to create. Only you will be able to determine if this story is right for you and I’ve made the entire first act freely available here on Scribblehub. If this 20k word sample leaves you wanting more, you can find the full novel on Amazon.
Your support would allow me to focus on crafting the rest of this series, which I would deeply appreciate. If you do check it out, be sure to leave your own sincere thoughts in a review, so that the next reader might be better informed on whether or not this story is for them. Thank you and happy reading! JT
