I really enjoyed checking this one out! It took me a while but once I got into it I had a great time. Looking forward to seeing what Samuel comes out with next!

Unfortunatley, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I owuld and I did in fact judge a book by its cover. I found this book tedious and sometimes tiring however, the characters have so much depth and are incredibly well written, and the world building is incredible. This is a deeply complex story, and probably not for me, however the writing was still phenomenal

This was so good I really enjoyed it!! I loved the characters and world building in this. Such a cool plot. Thank you so much for sending me this arx I recommend this book!

Good story, but not my cup of tea. I appreciated the build of Shay’s journey from orphan to a Sentinel Archivest and the involvement of some fascinating supporting characters. It was a slow story, but I kept reading because the author does a great job of making the reader want to know what will happen next

This one was definitely a miss for me. I won't be reviewing this publicly, since I skimmed the last 40 pages, technically making this a DNF for me.

There were a lot of great reviews in the first few pages of this one, which pumped me up and got me excited to read it again after first seeing it. My experience wasn't quite as exciting. The start was slow for me, but since the world building had been commented on again and again, I was waiting for this to pick up. Instead, I had trouble with the somewhat dry prose, and found that things weren't seeming to go anywhere. Shay was resentful with her work and living situation, and while she often seemed to be working for the Archivist's office, she didn't seem to have a clue as to what she was doing, or why it was important.
Even when she trusted the wrong person and showed them into the office, the following betrayal seemed overlooked and quickly forgotten. Not by Shay, but by her supervisor, who promptly leaves.

In the last 40 pages, I did get the sense that things were starting to move, and the Sentinels and they're true importance would be discovered. At that point, it was a bit too late for me. I hadn't connected with Shay, the world hadn't resolved into more than a blur for me, and it seemed that the other side had all the advantages.

I'm hesitant to leave a poor review, and will only be doing so privately. This one didn't click with me, but it seems to be working for a lot of other readers, which is something I'm happy to see. Even if I book isn't for me, I'm still happy to see it reaching the right readers for it.

Read the ARC version of this book and also received a hardcover copy from Panthe Press. This book was very interesting, I looked forward to it as the premise was interesting. But upon reading it, I was instantly turned off by it. Before I get to why, I did not want to be rude and just put down the book, especially since I was sent a physical copy, so I read and finished the book. The main reason I was turned off towards the book was the writing style. I have never been a fan of that style and that is completely my personal preference. What could’ve been said in a few words was instead said in a paragraph. I also could not relate to Shay the main character. She was taken away from a position of having nothing, and no sort of future prospects of a decent life and was given her own room, food, clothes, and was also being tutored by a respectable man who hasn’t asked for anything more. Her future suddenly seems to bright but due to the mentioning of “benefactors” she all of a sudden plots her escape from a life she could only imagine of.

But it was still a very interesting read and really appreciate that I was sent a copy.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Seeker by Samuel Griffin is a fascinating fantasy novel that marks the beginning of The Sentinel Archives series. The story follows Shay Bluefaltlow, who is thrust into the role of a Sentinel Archivist in the enigmatic city of Fivedock. As she traverses her new life, Shay faces a host of interesting characters, including a stern mentor, a grumpy surgeon, and an amazing young boy.

Griffin’s world-building is outstanding, immersing readers in a richly detailed setting filled with ancient leviathans and mysterious powers. The plot is well-paced, balancing action and emotional depth, while Shay’s journey of self-discovery and resilience keeps readers engaged.

The themes of duty, identity, and betrayal are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of complexity. Griffin’s lush, poetic prose enhances the reading experience, making Seeker a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts

I was lucky to be consider to receive an physical ARC and I absolutely loved it, sorry about my delay in posting the review but it was due some personal matters.. Let's start with the cover which is gorgeous by the way and Shay... Shay was one of the most amazing characters I have ever read or encounter and she was so great.. The book was a bit slower yes but the story and the politics and the intrigues and her desire to be more and fight the odds to actually be while she remained faithful to herself . I felt engaged and connected with the book and the story and it was only the first book so I can't wait for more

Such a beautifully written book! Packed full of betrayal and politics. The characters are well developed allowing the reader to really immerse themselves into the story.

Seeker is full of interesting magic with great world building and twists that keep you turning the pages.

Fair warning with this one. It was written like a classic. So if you find those hard to follow this book may not be the one for you. For me this was a take it or leave it. It wasn't anything really new or over the top amazing. For me this one was over the top wordy (is that a word?). This was one of those books where you really have to think while you are reading. and it just gets really bogged down by all the words. I don't really know any other way to describe it.

I had a little struggle at the begging, but then.. what a Book! I definitely want more! I love the world building, the immersive writing style of the author and the simply loved the characters arc!

This is one of those books I think you need to form your own opinion on (one that seems to be doing the rounds). For me I found it to be pretty fantastic. I first saw the cover on bookstagram and that led me to investigate more because let me tell you it's a stunner.

Now down to the book itself (which thankfully did not disappoint) - we follow the adventures of Shay in this Victorian (or more accurately is it Regency?) world. We follow her trials and tribulations as she tries to find her way with her new (magical and powerful) masters. For me the characterisation was strong, the sentences were even stronger. The pace was slow to start (which I like) but it certainly picks up for a very pleasing crescendo. I wish I had learnt a tad more about the contraptions which were wonderful!

As to the world and adventures, taints of (handsome Horatio) Hornblower and (devilish Richard) Sharpe!?

Pleased that I found and looking forward to more.

Bit slow to start by by God was it worth it when we got going!
Would highly recommend to fantasy fans but I think history buffs might get a kick out of this one as well. Lots of delightful little details in there - think this might be one I will reread on future.
Thanks to the writer and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of Seeker. Will keep an eye out for more from Samuel Griffin...

Shay Bluefaltlow is an orphan sold as a child into indentured servitude to a belligerent surgeon she finds herself in the city of Fivedock which is both strange and bewildering. It soon becomes apparent that Shay has the ability to hear the scent song of the ancient Leviathans making her a Sentinal Archivist whether she likes it or not. When war threatens and the Leviathans rise Shay is pulled in to world she doesn’t fully understand. This regency era fantasy does a very good job of using the prose to set the reader fully in the historical time period. In that way it is beautifully written but I felt I came at the expense of the characterisation and world building. I didn’t really feel I knew any of the characters very well or what drove them, the world building was fairly muddy and I’m still not entirely certain what the Levianthan’s are. Are they dragons? Are they not? There is very little description of Shay herself, I’m not sure how old she is or how much time passes over the course of the books. It’s all a bit vague but it’s saved by the style and quality of the writing itself.

Thank you NetGalley and Panthe Press for this eCopy to review

In Seeker, we follow Shay Bluefaltlow, who finds herself training to become a Sentinel Archivist after being forced into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is filled with strange and unfamiliar sights, as well as new companions, including a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist who is tasked with teaching her the ways of the trade

As Shay navigates her rigorous training and the challenges of her new role, she must also contend with her own secrets and the looming threat of war that threatens the office of the Sentinel Archivist. The story is set in a richly detailed world with strong fantastical elements, making it an immersive read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

However, I found the pacing to be quite slow and felt much of the novel dragged on longer than necessary. This made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged throughout the book. Additionally, while the main characters were interesting, I felt that some of the supporting characters lacked depth and development.

I also enjoyed the underlying themes of self-discovery and perseverance.

I wanted to love this, but the pacing was just way way too slow for me, so I struggled through the first half, but ultimately I've somewhat given up on it.

Seeker by Samuel Griffin.
Book 1 of The Sentinel Archives.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and blurb. I wasn't sure about Shay Bluefaltlow. She grew on me. I loved the story, plot, and writing style. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Panthe Press for the ARC.

I'd heard nothing about this debut novel before I read it and I have to say I was extremely pleasantly surprised.

The setting is gorgeous, the characters interesting and the story was equal parts moving and absorbing.

I can see why some may find the prose a struggle but for me this was one of the strongest elements. Griffin's lyrical, beautifully constructed sentences are a far cry from the digestible, bland prose of the vast majority of modern speculative fiction.

I've never enjoyed a flintlock fantasy story so much. I found myself completely believing in the narrator and could not put the book down.

I would thoroughly recommend this to any fan of low, adult fantasy as well as historical fiction fans who are open to reading excellent fantasy.

I cannot wait for book 2 in the series!!!!!

Thank you for the eARC NetGalley and Pan the Press. All opinions provided are my own.

Confession, I really wanted to enjoy this book. Between the blurb, the cover, and the title, I thought I would thoroughly enjoy the story. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. I ended up DNFing it a little over 50% way through.

The story is extremely slow paced. I had a hard time connecting with Shay and her story. It felt like she was always complaining about her situation and whenever she made a mistake, she was more sorry she got caught instead of trying to do better. The world building has the potential to be great but not enough for me to keep slogging through the book.

1.5 stars with an around up to 2 stars.