The First Binding (Tales of Tremaine #1) by R.R. Virdi - November 2nd 2022

[Dannii]

All legends are born of truths. And just as much lies. These are mine. Judge me for what you will. But you will hear my story first.

I buried the village of Ampur under a mountain of ice and snow. Then I killed their god. I've stolen old magics and been cursed for it. I started a war with those that walked before mankind and lost the princess I loved, and wanted to save. I've called lightning and bound fire. I am legend. And I am a monster.

My name is Ari. And this is the story of how I let loose the first evil.

[Sibil]

Chapters 1-7
(view spoiler)[Oh my, this is quite chunky! I mean, I knew that it was not a small book but I wasn't expecting it to be so much... but oh well!
I like a lot that the chapters have titles! And I like the writing, even if I could do with fewer details here and there, to be honest.

It sounds like we have an interesting and complex world-building, and I am here for it! And the magic system sounds promising too!

On a general level, I am pretty satisfied with the book so far, but the 3rd chapter, the one with the story in it was... not really needed? I mean, it was interesting but I could have done without it.
And I don't understand what is happening here. It seems like the woman is a victim of some sort of racism or something similar, but what I don't understand is that if she knows that she can be in danger (even if not by her fault, and even if it is not right) shouldn't she be a bit more cautious? Or at least say something to him, just to prepare him? it all seems a tad too sudden! (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

I'm a little behind on my BRs but hoping to start this one in the next day or so :)

[Sibil]

Dannii wrote: "I'm a little behind on my BRs but hoping to start this one in the next day or so :)"

I decided to drop this one because it is not really the right one for me. I think there are a lot of good things in there, but I think that the writing (and the way in which the MC tells his stories) are not of my liking. Sorry about that!

[Dannii]

Don't be sorry! No point struggling through something your not enjoying. It's too big a boom for that!

[Sibil]

Thank you! :) And I am really looking forward to our next buddyread, I have some expectations for The Liar’s Knot !

[Dannii]

Sibil wrote: "Thank you! :) And I am really looking forward to our next buddyread, I have some expectations for The Liar’s Knot !"

I'm going to get to the first book in the series as soon as I've finished this one as I'm really anticipating enjoying both that and The Liar's Knot :)

[Sibil]

I really enjoyed the first one, and I am eager to go back to those characters! I hope you will love that too! :)

[Dannii]

Sibil wrote: "I really enjoyed the first one, and I am eager to go back to those characters! I hope you will love that too! :)"

I'm only 10% into it but really loving it, so far!

[Dannii]

Just starting this one :)

[Dannii]

Chapter One - (view spoiler)[Making slow progress but that's more to do with my busy life than lack of enjoyment with this book.

I loved the introduction to the storyteller, well-known of to all in the bar. He didn't attempt to make any friends there but still got the information that he desired, from the barkeep. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Sibil wrote: "Chapters 1-7
Oh my, this is quite chunky! I mean, I knew that it was not a small book but I wasn't expecting it to be so much... but oh well!
I like a lot that the chapters have titles! And I like ..."

It really is such a chunky book! I'm on chapter 20 now and it's reminding me of The Name of the Wind with the magic system and slow style of storytelling. Really loving so far though.

[Dannii]

Chapters 1 - 10 (view spoiler)[So our protagonist seems to display some very interesting abilities! I'm keen to learn more about these, as well as the beautiful unnamed woman he has met. I'm not sure she can be trusted yet, even though she us also an outcast like him. There are many prejudices against her and she won't even reveal her name, which has me eager to learn more about her heritage. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Chapters 11 - 20 (view spoiler)[This delve back into the protagonist's childhood is proving super interesting. I love learning how he honed his abilities. The premise for the laws of binding seems to dwell in meditation and focusing the mind to achieve the seemingly impossible and alter the world around. It feels very much like manifestation and the laws of attraction in some areas and I'm getting really invested in his teachings. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Chapters 21 - 30 (view spoiler)[I really appreciate the focus on confronting emotions and coping with grief and loss. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Chapters 31 - 40 (view spoiler)[Took a little break as I was in the middle of too many books and this one was such a long one, but back to it now and immediately right back into this world. I find this really commendable as I read other high fantasies stories alongside this and never felt confused here. These characters and the slow way of telling the protagonist's history suck me straight in. (hide spoiler)]