The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

Published: March 3rd, 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 432

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

The Storyspinner is a wonderful tale with tight, complex and multi-layered world building, many and varied well-rounded characters and a tense, thrilling story that keeps the reader thoroughly involved in the story.

Johanna and Rafe are the perfect couple, but there is no insta-love going on here.  Their relationship starts out very rocky and takes time to work itself out.  They begin to respect each other first and that takes a while, which is very believable and wonderful to read about.  There are so many layers to this story.  With differing pov's between Johanna and Rafe and the Keepers, the reader is nicely kept abreast of what is going on in all areas of the story, and there are several different story arcs.  There are also 2 different romances going on here and both of them are exceptional. The second is not integral to the story but is no less fun for that.

Ms. Wallace has created a world that is solid and believable. There is a slight medieval feel to it, but also a little bit of ancient Greece.  You'd have to read it to understand why really, but it's the idea that there are higher beings somewhere looking out for you, only not quite.  Sorry, that doesn't really make sense, but it works, on all levels. 

I started reading 'The Storyspinner' with not a lot of expectations and ended up reading it pretty much in one sitting.  I couldn't bring myself to put it down - even sat at the dinner table with it (sorry hubby) because I was at a really good part and I didn't want to miss anything! However I do have one negative and 
I have to get this off my chest - I really don't like this cover.  I realize that it is entirely suitable for the story, but it just doesn't do the story justice at all - it makes it look Robin Hood'ish and that is so inaccurate. I am certain many people will pass this one by because of it.  Just my opinion, but I had to say it. 

If you enjoy complex world building and believable characters in an engrossing fantasy, pick this one up asap.  You won't regret it.