“All the grandeur of Tolkien, but with a special kind of philosophical curiosity that gives us a world as textured as it is immense.” — K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite
The Keepers swore to guard forbidden knowledge — not unleash it.
But when a forgotten empire stirs and an ancient evil rises once more, Fife's vows will be tested as he seeks to save the Three Lands from what is foretold.
As a Keeper of Wisdom, he never sought glory. Yet prophecy calls him to gather the Twelve — warriors, outcasts, and royalty alike — before the darkness claims them all.
For fans of John Gwynne and Brandon Sanderson,The Binding of the Twelve delivers sweeping battles, sacred prophecies, and the price of wisdom itself.
⚔️ The epic journey of The Chronicles of the Orphan King begins here.
Nathanael Bazzell lives in Kentucky with his wife, children, dogs, and chickens. He received his master’s degree in history and has, at one point or another, worked at a feed mill, played in a rock band, and taught as a professor. When he isn’t attending soccer tournaments, track meets, or volleyball matches, he enjoys bow fishing.
A lifelong fantasy and science fiction reader, he especially loves long stories that take multiple books to tell. Having determined there are not nearly enough of those, he decided to write his own and share the tale with like-minded readers.
This book takes you on an enthralling journey into a richly woven world that immediately calls to mind the grandeur of Tolkien for sure, while still feeling fresh and original. From the very first chapters, the stakes are monumental: ancient knowledge long hidden, a forgotten empire stirring, and an evil so old it feels inevitable.
At the heart of the story is a mission, which is both perilous and poignant, entwined with rumors of magical stones, a foreboding prophecy, and the heavy weight of history pressing down on them. The characters are diverse, flawed, and compelling, each bringing unique strengths and struggles that make the group dynamic feel authentic and deeply human.
The novel shines brightest in its world-building. The realms are textured, immense, and brimming with wonder: breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable creatures, and battles that pulse with tension. The action is gripping, the magic system intriguing, and the philosophical undercurrent gives the story depth beyond the sword and sorcery.
There are those who are bound to protect the world for wisdom and morality. Reminds me of Tolkien-so much struggle and duty. There are magical adventures, bravery, especially Calak, and others, who rose to the occasion to keep Ang away. There is amazing courage, but fierce brutality, as the fighting was rough to read. The blades, swords and death to the end. I liked the tinkerer, who helped as a defender thru his crafts to steer away their enemy. My favorite phrases: “Small steps first. Focus on what you can accomplish. You can’t fix everything at once.” And the older man Cleary, “That’s the nature of things being pulled and pushed to and fro by things you’ve no control over.”
Mysterious parallel worlds yet so similar to reality, prophecies, magic, adventurous journeys to avert the returning evil that threatens to plunge the kingdoms back into darkness. It captivates the hero Fife, with his courage, his purity, and also his weaknesses, but the negative characters remain equally etched in the mind. The writing style is also refined. After reading 'The Lord of the Rings,' I felt orphaned, but 'The Chronicles of the Orphan King,' in its uniqueness, gave me new material to read and reignited my passion for epic stories. And the anticipation of having the already announced sequel in hand is great. Thank you, Nathanael Bazzell!
In The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell, we are introduced to Fife, a world traveling Keeper, who meets up with an unkempt nobleman claiming that he has urgent information that must be shared with Fife.
Fife is extremely interested in what this man has to tell him. The man, Olan, explains that the news he has can change the fate of all that live in the Three Lands. He explains he has heard that the Alv’ar (elves) and Delv’ar (dwarves) are plotting a war against the Men’ar (humans). This will be cataclysmic for everyone involved. Although Fife is leery of this man, he knows deep down that the prophecy is clear. A new band of Twelve must be found and he is the one to fulfill this mission within the Three Lands. Is Fife able to find the new Twelve that will make things right again? If so, are they successful in their mission to save the Three Lands or will the results be catastrophic?
Right from the start, readers are immersed in an epic world that consists of the Three Lands, the Men’ar Kingdoms, the Delv’ar Holds and the Alv’ar Realms. Each kingdom has their important role and must work in tandem with each other to be a successful world. Fife becomes troubled once he finds out that the Men’ar people will be attacked by the Alv’ar and Delv’ar people. Being the Keeper of Wisdom, he knows he is the chosen one who must right this injustice before it begins. The characters Nathanael Bazzell has created will keep readers eagerly wanting to learn about each person and how they will form a new team of Twelve to thwart this potential injustice. Each character introduced is so believable that you will forget this is a work of fiction and instead become completely engrossed in the story.
This author outdid himself with the level of creativity with the development of the Three Lands. Each is its own unique kingdom with its own class of people. The inventiveness it took for Bazzell to craft these Three Lands and wrap the entire story around these lands is truly amazing. Just as the characters are believable, so too are the lands he created for these people in which to live.
This is the first installment in an ongoing series and it will have readers eagerly awaiting the next story’s release to see where this book ends and the next one picks up. This book is so intelligently assembled that it could easily be made into a motion picture like some other well-known fantasy stories, such as the Lord of the Rings series and works by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Quill says: The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell is an epic book that readers should enjoy uninterrupted so as to allow themselves to become fully immersed in the captivating story. With the well-developed storyline, the believable characters and the uniquely crafted lands, readers will be transported to a faraway land while reading this novel.
Nathanael Bazzell’s The Binding of the Twelve, the opening chapter of The Chronicles of the Orphan King series, is a captivating fantasy epic that pulls you into a world of magic, prophecy, and high stakes. This thrilling tale, set across 36 chapters, weaves a rich tapestry of adventure and intrigue, making it a must-read for fantasy fans eager for a fresh saga.
The story unfolds in the Three Lands—men’ar, alv’ar, and delv’ar—each with its own vibrant culture and history. At its heart is an ancient prophecy tied to mystical artifacts called Pieces, some corrupted into red, orange, and yellow hues, unlike their pure blue, green, and white counterparts. The narrative kicks off with Fife, a Keeper haunted by his parents’ death, meeting the refined Olan in the gritty Squealing Pig tavern, where whispers of corrupted Pieces and looming war set the quest in motion. The prophecy centres on a group of twelve chosen individuals destined to save the Three Lands, with perspectives shifting between characters like Cael, a shepherd craving adventure, and Liana, an alv’ar princess fighting for her people. Others, like Deglan, Cearbhal, Cait, and Baine, a bold delv’ar prince, emerge as key figures, while Cleary, Fife’s wise mentor, and King Iomhar, a steadfast leader, add depth to the unfolding tale.
Bazzell’s writing is vivid, painting scenes so immersive you can almost taste the ale in The Squealing Pig. The Three Lands feel alive, with their clashing cultures and tangled histories. The Pieces aren’t just magical trinkets—they spark questions about power and corruption. A shadowy Order tied to the prophecy adds a delicious layer of mystery, keeping you glued to the pages.
The characters shine brightly. Fife’s sharp wit and burdened heart make him a compelling lead. Cael’s journey from humble herder to prophesied hero feels authentic, while Liana’s resolve is inspiring. Cleary’s warmth and Iomhar’s gravitas ground the story, though early chapters give less focus to figures like Deglan and Cearbhal, whose roles grow later. The book explores themes of unity, sacrifice, and the perils of power, with tensions between the Three Lands echoing real-world divides.
That said, the story can feel dense at first, juggling multiple characters and threads, and the pacing dips when world-building takes centre stage. Some arcs remain open-ended, likely for future books. Still, The Binding of the Twelve is a stellar launch to a promising series, blending rich world-building with characters you’ll root for. Dive into the Three Lands—you won’t regret it.
This is an epic fantasy that immerses readers in a vast and mysterious world. The story follows Fife, a Keeper of Wisdom, on his quest to gather the Twelve (companions from different races) who must face the resurgence of a forgotten empire and the rise of an ancient darkness. What makes the tale stand out is its rich and detailed world-building, full of culture, myth, and history that feels both grand and authentic. The battles are intense and cinematic, while the relationships between characters bring warmth and emotional depth, creating a balance between thrilling action and heartfelt moments. With a style reminiscent of Tolkien and Robert Jordan yet carrying its own unique voice, this is a story that captures both the wonder of high fantasy and the human struggles at its heart. A wonderful read for anyone who craves an immersive, high-stakes adventure filled with magic, prophecy, and courage.
The Binding of the Twelve is everything I want from epic fantasy — immersive world-building, layered characters, and a story that balances grandeur with heart. Nathanael Bazzell crafts a world that feels vast yet deeply personal, filled with myth, history, and emotional resonance.
Fife’s journey as a Keeper of Wisdom unfolds with purpose and power, surrounded by a cast of companions who feel real and alive. Every chapter reveals new depths — from breathtaking battles to quiet moments of reflection — and the themes of duty, sacrifice, and found family linger long after the final page.
It’s a rare debut that captures both the scale of Tolkien and the readability of modern fantasy masters. If you love worlds that breathe, heroes who struggle and grow, and storytelling that moves both heart and imagination — this is a must-read.
An unforgettable start to The Chronicles of the Orphan King.
This book heralds the beginning of an amazing saga on par with the Wheel of Time series. It contains everything an excellent story requires: entertaining, lovable/hateable characters, witty dialogue, epic battles both internal and external, and unexpected twists and turns in an intriguing, engaging plot. In book 1 of this series, The Binding of the Twelve, the 12 main protagonists, full of doubt, frailty, and power, must be united, or bound, together to save the world. These consist of the Teller, the Herder, the Trickster, the Tender, the thief, the mendicant, two Gad'riyal, two Delv'ar scouts, and two Companions. Full of humor, mystery, intrigue, sorrow, evil, purity, despair, and hope, the opening act of this promising series delivers the beginning of an epic tale of heroism, unspeakable evil, and unbelievable magic. A grand entrance by Book 1 of The Chronicles of the Orphan King!
Oh wow, the first few chapters were enough to capture my attention a lot. I was drawn into this dark, mythic world that feels both familiar and completely new. You can tell the author put a lot of heart and soul into the characters, each one has their own story and struggles. Fantastic world building as well.
Something that I liked was how the story kept surprising me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something twisted or revealed a deeper layer to the prophecy. There’s action, tension, and just enough mystery to keep you thinking long after you put it down.
If you love fantasy with big stakes, ancient secrets, and heroes who aren’t perfect but still keep fighting, this one’s worth picking up. It’s got that “first in a series” energy that makes you want to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nathanael Bazzell’s The Binding of the Twelve is an epic high fantasy novel. The story revolves around Fife, a young “Keeper of Wisdom,” and a prophetic group known as “The Twelve.” The events unfold with action, suspense, and the characters’ inner growth. Although Bazzell’s writing is sometimes dense and descriptive, he masterfully builds a vivid and detailed world. This book is not just an adventure; it also explores themes such as the depth of its characters, the sharing of knowledge, sacrifice, and the cost of power, giving the story a philosophical dimension. In this way, it reinterprets the classic tradition of high fantasy with a modern narrative style. I highly recommend this remarkable work.
The Binding of the Twelve delivers everything I love about epic fantasy: grand quests, ancient prophecies, and heroes worth cheering for. From the first page, I was immersed in Nathanael Bazzell’s detailed world. The writing is vivid and cinematic, the battles gripping, and the emotional moments powerful.
Fife’s journey as a Keeper of Wisdom is thrilling and heartfelt. Each companion he meets brings something unique to the story. The world-building is deep and lived-in, full of history, myth, and meaning that brings every chapter to life.
It’s rare to find a fantasy that HAS IT ALL! Yes, it's THIS GOOD! If you love epic adventures, magic, courage, and memorable stories, this is the book for you.
An outstanding debut and the start of a series I’ll eagerly follow. Highly recommend!
The Binding of the Twelve kicks off The Chronicles of the Orphan King with rich world-building, an intriguing prophecy, and a diverse cast of heroes whose destinies collide in unexpected ways. The pacing is brisk, the magic system feels fresh, and the rising darkness adds a constant sense of urgency.
The story shines most in its character moments—each of the Twelve carries a distinct voice and emotional weight, making it easy to get invested. At times, the narrative juggles so many threads that it feels slightly overwhelming, but it never loses its central heartbeat.
Overall, it’s a compelling and promising opening to a fantasy series that’s clearly constructing something big. I’m excited to see where the prophecy leads next
The Binding of the Twelve hit all the notes I look for in a big, sweeping fantasy. The world feels ancient and textured, and Fife makes a great lead. He is thoughtful, uncertain, and far from the typical unstoppable hero, which made his choices feel human and meaningful. I liked how each member of the Twelve brings something distinct to the story, and how their roles matter in real ways.
The writing leans descriptive, but it works with the scale of the world. The themes of sacrifice, duty, and the cost of knowledge add weight without slowing the pace. I enjoyed the magic system and the sense of history under everything.
Overall, it is an immersive, character-driven start to a promising epic. I turned the final page ready for book two.
This book pulls you right into a vivid world that feels both familiar and completely new. The author has built an immersive story filled with prophecy, danger, and richly drawn characters that kept me turning the pages. I loved how the themes of courage, wisdom, and unity came through without ever slowing down the action.
The battles and creatures were exciting, but what stood out most was the depth of the worldbuilding. It reminded me of classic fantasy, yet it carried its own voice and vision. For anyone who enjoys a story that blends adventure with meaning, this book is a fantastic start to a promising series.
I started this thinking it’d be just another fantasy quest, but it surprised me. The emotional stakes are big. Fife’s choices really hit me. He’s trying to do what’s right, but nothing is simple in this world. I liked how he connects with the other characters , those relationships made it more human. I wouldn’t say it's a fast-paced book, but it has a rhythm that works. The way the story unfolds makes you think. And tbh, I actually liked that not everything was spelled out. The author's writing made it easy for me to follow, even though English isn’t my first language. Really cool to have KU to discover such a book !
I cannot WAIT to read this book again! If you’re a fan of fantasy epics or the likes of Rothfuss, Hobb, or dare I say Tolkien— this book is for you. Lovable characters and IMMENSE world to dig your claws into, and a magic system I’m excited to learn more about. I’ve got it on good authority that book 2 is well on its way and I’ll be eagerly waiting.
The Binding of the Twelve hooked me from page one. It has the rich world-building of Tolkien but feels fresh and full of heart. Fife’s quest to unite the new Twelve is packed with action, magic, and surprising depth, big battles, ancient secrets, and characters you actually care about. Epic fantasy fans, this one’s a must-read.
The Binding of the Twelve is classic epic fantasy on a grand scale: a prophecy, ancient evil, twelve heroes. The worldbuilding is polished, the language rich, and the story reads smoothly. At times it’s overloaded with description and genre clichés, but the sense of adventure and scope remains. A strong start to the series, especially for fans of traditional epics.
The characters feel alive, their personal conflicts and loyalties weaving seamlessly into a tale about destiny, courage, and the burden of knowledge. For readers who crave immersive fantasy worlds filled with mythic scope, ancient prophecies, and emotional resonance, this book is an absolute triumph.
A beautifully written fantasy tale The Binding of the Twelve is a beautifully written fantasy tale in the classic epic style — rich, immersive, and cinematic. Its imaginative world and careful attention to lore pull the reader in completely. The pacing mirrors the depth of its characters, creating a story that lingers long after the final page. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
In The Binding of the Twelve, a desperate prophecy summons twelve unlikely heroes across the Three Lands as ancient knowledge and long-buried evils collide. Keeper Fife must bind the chosen before a vengeful empire and an age-old darkness shatters what remains of hope. Epic world-building, high stakes, and resonant themes of trust and sacrifice make this tale unforgettable