Overall definitely worth reading! The flowery writing was occasionally too much (and I could do with a few deletions of the word “indeed”) but I really liked the premise of this book. I got a little confused in the middle. I think it was because of formatting issues (which I’ll attribute to it being an ARC). The FMC is tenacious and I love the inclusion of sign language.

It’s a world where giant behemoths — who may be ancient gods, biblical angels, aliens or eldritch beings — roam the world, occasionally tangible, occasionally not. And Shay, as an Archivist, is one of the few people on her side of the war studying them, learning to listen for their ‘songs’, to track them, to know their names. She’s also given training as a spy because of this war, with two countries both wanting to be the first to understand, control and make use of the behemoths.

Not that Shay’s all that interested in the war. This is a book built around the world building, and great pains are taken to show the chocolate making, the broadsheets, the docks, the parties, the use of guns and knives … and not so much spent on character work. Shay gets into an altercation with a beautiful woman whose words cut her down, but why? Why does this one woman, out of nowhere, have such weight in Shay’s life when she’s only shown up once before as a background character?

Why is another character called a friend when he only now showed up for this one scene and then is gone for the rest of the book? It very much feels as if Shay is a side character in a great and complex narrative, which could be fun, but Shay’s not interested in the people around her, only the work she’s been given. Part of that is because, as a diary/memoir, the story is told from Shay’s memories, and some things stand out more than others to an older Shay; some moments just lingered more, and while that’s fine, it left me — as someone who is more inclined to read for characters than world building — not entirely caught by this book.

I wanted to read the book that was somewhere to the side of this one; the book where the plot was a larger focus, where the events happening were given greater weight. Again, not this book’s fault; this is just my opinion and, in my opinion, this book didn’t do what I wanted it to do.

The writing is good, but the style the author chose to use — somewhat florid in parts — doesn't always land for me. I understand wanting to write with a cadence and vocabulary that would have been used in the regency period, but sometimes (really, only two that stood out) the style is clearly taking precedence over story. The pacing itself is very lopsided with many day-to-day scenes given lingering attention while the climax of the book takes maybe half a page.

The behemoths were the highlight of this book, their place in the mythology of this world, how they were used and feared; I just wish I’d liked Shay more as a character, or that the book had focused more on the parts of the story I was interested in. If there are more books in this world, I’ll probably give them a try, if only to see more behemoths.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this book, Panthe Press, who gave me an advanced reader’s copy of this book.**

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

TLDR: Regency flintlock that fell somewhat flat.

I wanted to like this book more than I did.

I loved the concept, loved the world, loved the characters.

I didn't love the style - the regency-ish, memoir, passive tone made it incredibly hard to keep my attention, and pulled me out of the story more than it pulled me in.

Because of that, I felt like several plot points were disjointed and unclear. Things that should have been emotional fell flat. The imagery was confusing - without major spoilers, what I imagined as tattoos ended up being physical organ structures and it was a super confusing transition.

There was a lot to work with and I feel like a different style would have both made things clearer and kept my attention. 3/5.

I liked the writing style and the premise was a great one. The details in the book were great in describing smells and noise for example, you felt you were there. I found the plot too meandering for my taste. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I want to thank the author and netgalley for this ARC. It was an exciting read. The characters and world were well developed. I loved the magic and fantasy.

This is a really solid adventure story. I really like the main character and the themes explored. Curious to read whatever this author writes next.

Beautifully written in a manner that depict the time period perfectly and really helped with the feel of the story.
Intricate unique world building filled with fantasy and wonder.

However the story was very slow paced and the main character slightly aggravating in her inability to learn from mistakes or open up to other characters.
All characters were interesting and thought out but all had a habit of non communication. Every plot point was set up with “all will be revealed soon, but not now” which left me with too many questions throughout and feel frustrated.

I love the cover of the book and I really thought I’d like it but it’s just not for me. Grammatically and the descriptions are in depth but I just couldn’t get into it.

I wanted to love this book so bad but unfortunately it wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't find a way to the characters and the pacing was just way too slow for me.

Seeker by Samuel Griffin is a gripping adventure that takes readers on a thrilling journey from start to finish. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the fantastical realms explored by the protagonist. Griffin's writing style is engaging, with well-crafted action scenes that keep the adrenaline pumping. The characters are complex and compelling, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. While there are moments where the plot could have been tighter, overall, Seeker delivers an exciting and enjoyable reading experience for fans of fantasy and adventure novels.

Seeker by Samuel Griffin is such a a unique debut book that is laced with equal parts magic and fantasy. The characters are well developed making you invested in their success. The writing is poetic and descriptive drawing the reader into the world. The only thing I didn't like was how slow paced it was. I struggled for almost half the book but after the half way make I felt that the story picked up pace.

Thank you NetGalley and Panthe Press for providing the ARC!

This book wasn't for me. I appreciated the use of flowery literature, however at time I felt I lost what the text was trying to say and was skimming passages. I also had a difficult time connecting with the characters and the story was too slow for me, but I did feel more interested towards the ending events. But if you like poetry, this one may be for you! I will keep an eye out for more from this author.

Also, Shay BlueFaltlow - coolest name ever.

I found this an incredible slow read. It was very descriptive and pulls you into the worlds. I look forward to reading more form this author.

What a great book! Thanks to samuel Griffin, & Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

The Seeker" by Samuel Griffin is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young protagonist through a world filled with magic and danger. Griffin's storytelling is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a vividly imagined world where every page is filled with excitement and adventure. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. With its engaging plot and compelling narrative, "The Seeker" is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction.

I truly hope to enjoy further Samuel Griffin books.

Orphaned War girls. Traces of Seekers. A Concord War.


Shay Bluefaltlow. Ridley, a guardian and supervisor and her jailor. The Sentinels. Chief Archivist. Apothecaries. Draper's Ward. Thirteen Concord drams. The goal: a quote passage to Quom Protectorate.

Ancient leviathans. Wax and candle flames. Breaking Old Accords. The Tripart Wars. Operas. Gospek harmonizer, spindly steel armatures. Sentinel odour harmonics. Scent song notation.

The very details that spin this story's tapestry are intriguing, learning of this world and it's history is like unspooling thread, langurous and long, but worth the effort in the end. Seals and signets. Binding with blood.

Concord of the Houses. The Whispering Coast. Rifleman Belfry. A ball, the social debut, and a waltz. A gift, a key. A lively ballroom. Tinctures. The Three Moons: Ra, Guisi, and Aises. Eclipse of the Luminaries.

The Aeronaut's Balloon. Conspiracies. Bloody deaths. Laudanum. The Spirit Breaker, a fivedock ship. Optic glasses. A philosopher. Curious gods. Intimidating magic. Tainted dreams. Deals and bargains.

This was certainly a unique ride and I was enthralled, hanging onto the edge of my seat in tandem with each defining parts of the story. Bits of this felt like the Regency-era, steampunk, and fantasy. There is an ever-present strangeness that lingered as I read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

In the grand shceme of the book/story, I enjoyed it overall. However, I had a hard time liking the main character. I found her whiney and frustrating. I couldn't convince myself to care what was happening to her and found the side characters far more interesting. I did enjoy parts of the story, though, and still finished the book eventually. I found the premise of the story to be really cool and wish that I'd liked the main character more. I loved all the gadgets they had, and the kind of "language" they were investigating was fun and interesting.

I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next one. The world and the characters are entirely believable and I really enjoyed being immersed in both. The pace is pleasing, it escalates until it reaches a very satisfying crescendo. The Regency feel is echoed in the society and the characters, and the language is beautifully crafted to echo this. The fantasy elements are exquisite in their concept and execution. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Unfortunately, this is my first DNF for the year. Although I am familiar with regency-style writing, I found it a bit too arduous in this book. I am aware that Samuel Griffin is an aspiring author of poetry. This is evident in the choice of words used. There were many times when something could have been said plainly, however the use of poetic, flowery writing made me often skim the page to get to the point.

I managed to read 50% of the story, however I felt that the pacing was too slow and I simply wasn’t connecting with the characters. The historical setting of this story was quite atmospheric though and gave off winter/autumn vibes. So maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to pick up this novel.

This was a very enjoyable book. I loved the writing style and the plot was very well thought out. I would definitely recommend this book.

"Today I am equipped with the knowledge that my future was to be far greater, more exciting, and more disturbing than anything so simple as my young imagination could then conjure. Indeed, looking back, my forecast was positively quaint. I ask myself a question often, and it is this: if I had understood all that was to befall me, would I have run, that day, or exulted?

I find I do not know."

Ancient leviathans have stirred from their long slumber. Their scent song marks where they might be found but only to those who have the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.

Shay Bluefaltlow finds herself training to become such a specialist when she is forced into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is strange and unfamiliar, as are her new companions: a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist tasked with teaching Shay the terrifying ways of the trade.

Her unanticipated position requires rigorous training, diligent study and a strong constitution. Shay, afraid she is unequal to the prodigious task but desperate to impress her superior, struggles to prove herself.

When war breaks out across the Concord, the office of the Sentinel Archivist is threatened by a terrible betrayal. And Shay has secrets of her own.

Seeker is a first person fantasy with a rich, Regency-era voice and a bewitching touch of strangeness. Robin Hobb meets Georgette Heyer and Donna Tartt in this sumptuous tale by the dazzling new master of Flintlock Fantasy, Samuel Griffin.

This is a new flintlock fantasy that I devoured in only a couple ays. If you enjoyed A Promise of Blood trilogy by Brian Mcclean then I think you'll enjoy this one too. I think this has a chance to become one of, if not the best flintlock fantasy out there:)