Heather’s Bookshelf: The Craftsman and the Wizard
Author: Joel Newlon
Released: 12/04/20
Genre: High Fantasy
“Everything must leave, and no one can decide when. And even while you mold and shape and wish for something other, you can’t forget to love things as they are now. Savor each cup of wine you are given. Its taste, its smell, its feeling. For every cup that is filled must be emptied, and every beginning must meet its end.”
“The Craftsman and the Wizard” begins when a farmer seeks out the help of Dvalinn the Craftsman, a dwarf who has waited centuries to fulfill his oath. The man’s daughter has been taken by a demon along with other children from his village. The Craftsman sets out on his quest with his faithful boar, Trufflesbane, and his skill as a gifted and determined artisan is soon tested.
Meanwhile Asmund, an apprentice wizard, finds himself also on a mission to save the children. Embarking on the long journey in front of him, he is soon abandoned by his supposed protector. A chance encounter with Kolga, a woodworker’s daughter who comes to his aide, puts them both in danger.
The Craftsman and Trufflesbane face their own perils. The hazardous venture leads them on a path neither could have predicted or wished upon themselves.
Trigger Warning: violence and death, reference to rape, animal death
Overall, I enjoyed this story overall. The tale is told through two main points of view (the craftsman’s and Asmund’s) with other voices also peaking through. The two points of view push the pacing of the tale and provide introspection into the development of the characters including significant growth on Asmund’s part. I thought this to be well done and structured in a way that made it easy to follow. I also really enjoyed all the allusions to Norse mythology. It is very hard to write the rest of this review without any spoilers, but I will try to do so. About halfway through the story, something happens that sets in motion a shift in the feel and tone of the story. I was torn by this as I really enjoyed the altruism of the Craftsman in the beginning of the story especially when alternating with the pessimism and borderline whininess of Asmund’s character. While Asmund’s character grew on me, I really missed the optimism. There were some really sad parts of this story! The ending wrapped everything up and included all the main characters in a satisfying manner.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character driven tale about love and magic wrapped in a story incorporating norse mythology and life and death.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Joel Newlon
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
