The Storyteller from Balincia

Thank you to S.W. Kent for being chosen as one of his ARC readers.

I loved everything about this story. Not only is it fantasy, my favorite genre, but there is something and someone here for everyone to enjoy and relate to (more on that in a bit). Unlike most fantasy novels, which have magic systems and world-building that can leave you feeling burnt out from just trying to keep up, The Storyteller from Balincia has an original magic system that lends itself to the story's originality while being easy to follow. The world-building is masterfully done and is captivating, crafting an incredibly detailed world for not only our characters but for us as readers. The attention to detail to create such rich histories, lores, etc., is not something you typically get in book one of a series.

The story's pace was enjoyable and delivered intentionally without filler. The introduction of the characters and their dynamics with each other just made the story that much more seamless. The Storyteller from Balincia must be the most diverse and inclusive read I have experienced in quite a while. The author brought in multiple races, body types, colors, sexual orientations, genders, non-binary, etc., which go beyond typical fantasy archetypes. Despite being so diverse, the acceptance and cooperation between these characters is a breath of fresh air and a much-welcomed change and captures the found family trope well.

If you are looking for your next epic fantasy read, and want a story that has relatable characters, a MM romance, found family, diversity, and tons more...The Storyteller from Balincia is a must-add to your TBR.