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The Flameweaver Saga #1
Chosen
Jas expected to hear a tale of glory and heroism. He hadn’t planned on living it.
Drenwell is in trouble. The idyllic nation teeters on the brink of disaster as one trouble after another lines up before it. Crops fail. Animals flee. Earthquakes rattle the land. In the midst of it all is the mountain, rising tall over the plains and forests. Legends passed down over the years place it as the center of the kingdom’s woes, host to an ancient, looming threat.
Tucked away in the countryside, Jas isn’t worried. Drenwell has a savior waiting, a man chosen by their god to defeat this evil. He knows it better than anyone, since this Chosen is his childhood friend, Darren. Jas knows that Darren will be the one to end the threat and keep them safe.
But their Chosen is clever, armed with his god-given gifts and talents, and he’s no fool. He can see the truth of the mission laid in front of him, its dangers and risks. The expectations placed on him are strong, but the will to live is stronger still.
When faced with his ‘heroic’ fate, he chooses an option no one expected - least of all Jas. With no way left to him but forward, Jas finds himself trapped into playing hero in Darren’s place.
Drenwell is in trouble. The idyllic nation teeters on the brink of disaster as one trouble after another lines up before it. Crops fail. Animals flee. Earthquakes rattle the land. In the midst of it all is the mountain, rising tall over the plains and forests. Legends passed down over the years place it as the center of the kingdom’s woes, host to an ancient, looming threat.
Tucked away in the countryside, Jas isn’t worried. Drenwell has a savior waiting, a man chosen by their god to defeat this evil. He knows it better than anyone, since this Chosen is his childhood friend, Darren. Jas knows that Darren will be the one to end the threat and keep them safe.
But their Chosen is clever, armed with his god-given gifts and talents, and he’s no fool. He can see the truth of the mission laid in front of him, its dangers and risks. The expectations placed on him are strong, but the will to live is stronger still.
When faced with his ‘heroic’ fate, he chooses an option no one expected - least of all Jas. With no way left to him but forward, Jas finds himself trapped into playing hero in Darren’s place.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2018
52 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Casey White
20 books78 followersCasey White lives in Michigan with her husband and the requisite herd of roaming cats. She splits her time - spending her days working the desk as a civil engineer, and her nights writing fiction ranging from fantasy to scifi and everything in-between.
Her stories tend towards the more personal - she favors first person or over-the-shoulder third person that matches punchy, fast-paced storytelling with ongoing internal dialogue.
Her fiction can be found at her website, listed above, or at the subreddit where she publishes her novels one chapter at a time - https://www.reddit.com/r/Inorai/
Her stories tend towards the more personal - she favors first person or over-the-shoulder third person that matches punchy, fast-paced storytelling with ongoing internal dialogue.
Her fiction can be found at her website, listed above, or at the subreddit where she publishes her novels one chapter at a time - https://www.reddit.com/r/Inorai/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 18, 2020
I was in the mood for a fantasy. This one didn't quite click for me. I received the audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and the narration was excellent. The narrator had some great voices for the different characters to bring them to life.
I think I struggled a bit with the story itself. The premise was great - very interesting and unique. I guess some of the stuff it a bit hard to discuss without SPOILERS so ... I think I just had a frown on my face for the entire second half of the book.
The personification of "the binding" seemed a little odd to me, that this magic spell or curse had basically a life of its own, almost feeling what it wanted. The references to "The Chosen" seemed to pull this slightly out of the first person narrative, making it feel like third person. It just felt odd.
There was a moment when Jas realizes that HE, with his own training and time spent practicing, likely has better skills, and definitely had (in his old body) more muscle and such then "The Chosen" with his magic. I kind of wish more had been made of this. That Darren had really taken the easy way out all along, whereas Jas had worked so hard. I was almost hoping that Jas would be able to shake the binding and save the day on his own merits alone.
... I guess I just didn't love the direction the story ended up taking. 2.5 stars. This one wasn't a favorite fantasy for me. I know this is the first of a series, but it didn't grab me enough to want to continue on.
I think I struggled a bit with the story itself. The premise was great - very interesting and unique. I guess some of the stuff it a bit hard to discuss without SPOILERS so ... I think I just had a frown on my face for the entire second half of the book.
The personification of "the binding" seemed a little odd to me, that this magic spell or curse had basically a life of its own, almost feeling what it wanted. The references to "The Chosen" seemed to pull this slightly out of the first person narrative, making it feel like third person. It just felt odd.
There was a moment when Jas realizes that HE, with his own training and time spent practicing, likely has better skills, and definitely had (in his old body) more muscle and such then "The Chosen" with his magic. I kind of wish more had been made of this. That Darren had really taken the easy way out all along, whereas Jas had worked so hard. I was almost hoping that Jas would be able to shake the binding and save the day on his own merits alone.
... I guess I just didn't love the direction the story ended up taking. 2.5 stars. This one wasn't a favorite fantasy for me. I know this is the first of a series, but it didn't grab me enough to want to continue on.
January 10, 2019
I first found the author from their other stories, and was not disappointed with Chosen. A great fantasy story, with an intriguing subversion of the classic Chosen One story.
July 20, 2018
My oh my, what a story. The Chosen One isn't really the Chosen One. Originality is very important, and this definetely is original. The characters are likeable, the story is great and the writing is amazing. The use of sarcasm adds to the enjoyment, as almost every character at some point makes sarcastic jokes or remarks, some of which had me laughing out loud. I definetely recommend this one for lovers of Fantasy stories.
May 31, 2018
The 'chosen one' decided he doesn't want to fulfill his destiny because it may cause him his life so he pass the flag to his best friend without his consent. It's the story of how Jas tried to free himself from the binding performed on him by his powerful friend to save their world from the wrath of an awakening volcano.
I like this novel because the plot is very different from all the fantasy books that I have read. All the 'chosen ones' in most novels are unprepared and hesistant to fulfill their destiny but they persevere and then save the world in the end. This one is different - Darren is the chosen one by their god to save their realm. He's the most powerful lightweilder, the fastest to learn, the most charming...and turns out to be the most coward and cunning too. And because he doesn't want to die, he bound his friend Jas to do his job of saving the world. Jas whom he secertly watch train himself to be a better weilder and fighter but not good enough nor skilled enough and graceful enough to at least become the second best.
There is action and magic and treachery.
I like this novel because the plot is very different from all the fantasy books that I have read. All the 'chosen ones' in most novels are unprepared and hesistant to fulfill their destiny but they persevere and then save the world in the end. This one is different - Darren is the chosen one by their god to save their realm. He's the most powerful lightweilder, the fastest to learn, the most charming...and turns out to be the most coward and cunning too. And because he doesn't want to die, he bound his friend Jas to do his job of saving the world. Jas whom he secertly watch train himself to be a better weilder and fighter but not good enough nor skilled enough and graceful enough to at least become the second best.
There is action and magic and treachery.
August 28, 2018
This was an incredibly well written book, and a phenomenal start to the series! The characters actions felt natural and realistic, and the dialogue fit well with each character. The descriptions and scenery in the story brought the world to life, without slowing the pacing or breaking the framing of the narration. I loved this book, and will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
May 23, 2018
Great read
Good book, interesting plot, different take on the hero narrative and “chosen one” saga. Happy I found this from reddit. Curious to see how it plays out. Wish the new writer well.
Good book, interesting plot, different take on the hero narrative and “chosen one” saga. Happy I found this from reddit. Curious to see how it plays out. Wish the new writer well.
June 8, 2018
Loved this book! I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for a fantasy story that doesn't follow the same cookie cutter plot as all the others. Normally I just read on the tram home, but this book had me reading during my walk home and up the staircase. I just couldn't put it down.
January 12, 2019
This was a lucky find: a well-written story with an original idea, and interesting characters.
The god's chosen one does not want to go on the mission entrusted to him, and so arranges for Jas to take his place, without Jas's consent.
From there on, we follow Jas as he is forced to undertake the task, all the while trying to free himself.
I really liked this story, liked following Jas' tribulations and his efforts to free himself from the binding placed on him, as well as his discovering what the actual task was.
All in all a good start of series, and I'm looking forward to the next part.
The god's chosen one does not want to go on the mission entrusted to him, and so arranges for Jas to take his place, without Jas's consent.
From there on, we follow Jas as he is forced to undertake the task, all the while trying to free himself.
I really liked this story, liked following Jas' tribulations and his efforts to free himself from the binding placed on him, as well as his discovering what the actual task was.
All in all a good start of series, and I'm looking forward to the next part.
February 17, 2020
I listen to this book on Audible and the Narrator did a very good job. The main characters (one a average young man) (The other a Young man Blessed with powers) The average young man is a good soul, hard working, responsible person. While the Blessed man is rather cocky, acts like he is better then most around him.
To me the storyline is original in the way it is being presented in this Story. I recommend this book.
To me the storyline is original in the way it is being presented in this Story. I recommend this book.
April 6, 2020
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Jas never wanted to be a hero but when his 'friend' Darren forces him to not only be the Chosen but Darren's spell has Jas appearing as Darren. Unable to break the spell, Jas must figure out how to lead soldiers to face a dark enemy, survive and hopefully get revenge against Darren for putting him into this hell. With excellent action, Jas's snarky internal dialogue will have you laughing. A definite worthy read. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2023
Interesting story but the MC cannot act much on his own and I didn't liked that.
Somehow not my kind of story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2020
Interesting read
The book started out pretty simplistic. At least from the standpoint of the standard fantasy novel. Once the characters for to the mountain I felt that the main character started acting outside my expectations. It did get better by the end but I'm not sure if I will be continuing on with the series.
The book started out pretty simplistic. At least from the standpoint of the standard fantasy novel. Once the characters for to the mountain I felt that the main character started acting outside my expectations. It did get better by the end but I'm not sure if I will be continuing on with the series.
May 24, 2025
the prose and action are solid but I disliked the passivity of the main character and plot. They are a product of the basic concept but it didn't work for me. I am willing to try other books by this author in the future.
November 4, 2018
Pretty good emotion in the beginning.
December 28, 2018
That was quite good. I look forward to finishing the series.
March 12, 2019
Different take on Sword and Sorcery.
Amazing, visceral read. I love the book. All of it, all the characters, the world, the story. I'm so glad I stumbled across the series.
Amazing, visceral read. I love the book. All of it, all the characters, the world, the story. I'm so glad I stumbled across the series.
July 2, 2020
"the chosen" changes places with a friend because he didn't want to face what "destiny" had in store.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews