Author Tobias Youngblood is best known for his “Projectionists” series. “Windlyn Vale” is the prequel novella to that series. If you have already read this series, this novella may be for you.

The tale introduces a few characters that have roles in the following series. It sets the stage for events that later unfold, giving some background into relationships and behaviors.

Two and a half stars is my rating. Since I have not read the series prior to picking up this prequel, most of it was lost on me. The story felt truncated and did not have a direction clear to me. I did not resonate with the characters. You may find it more to your liking.

My thanks to Riposte via Netgalley for this title.

I didn’t know what I was about to read. I went into it blind, and I am glad that I did. I enjoyed this book very much. This book has mystery, urban fantasy, and awesome creatures in between all of them. I mean, just reading that there’s a clan of insectile shape shifters, doesn’t that just grab your attention right off the bat? My understanding is that this is a prequel to his series, and if you have not read the series just yet, that’s okay. We follow a seer named Siv, and the people of Vilskje (sounds complicated, but I definitely was having trouble pronouncing that). Their tribe seems to be racking up problems repetitively, and Siv is unfolding many hidden truths about their tribe's history. I enjoy that there is a lot of world building in this book, and so you really get to engage yourself in the story. I love that there are a mixture of strong characters! When wolves enter the beautiful shores of Windlyn Vale to kill one of their young ones, they end up setting a trap. Their dilemma is not over yet, it’s just the beginning of what is going to be the journey in this book. This is where we learn more about Vilskje. The book is fast paced, which would be the only downfall for me, because the story is intriguing and so different. The story is also fairly short, which also makes me sad because I wanted more. It’s fascinating because urban fantasy is fairly new to me, and I really like how this book was written. Wait until you meet the dragon! Truly, though, wish it were a longer story. As I mentioned, this is a prequel to the series. The story should definitely explain much more! I don’t think that this was disappointing in any way, and I absolutely enjoyed it.

Windlyn Vale serves as a prequel to the Projectionist series, introducing readers to the Vilskje, a shapeshifting tribe of mantis-like creatures. Tobias Youngblood excels at creating an intriguing world with a rich history and compelling characters. However, as a prequel, the book feels like a teaser—giving us just enough to spark interest but not quite enough to stand on its own.

The Vilskje are a fascinating group, blending religiosity with a druidic connection to nature. The story centers on Siv, the tribe’s seer, as he navigates the unraveling of their seemingly idyllic world. Calamity after calamity forces Siv to confront the unsettling truth about their history, which is far more complex than it first appears.

Youngblood’s vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, making the world of Windlyn Vale immersive and engaging. However, the history of the Vilskje feels somewhat rushed. We enter the story a thousand years after their society’s founding, but much of the lore is only hinted at. As a result, we’re left with a modern perspective on the current disasters without the deeper context that might have made the story more satisfying on its own.

That said, Windlyn Vale is a fast-paced read that effectively sets the stage for future novels. If you’re interested in the Projectionist series' blend of urban fantasy, this prequel is a no-brainer. Personally, I’m undecided about continuing the series—I was more drawn to the nature-focused elements of Windlyn Vale, and the shift to urban fantasy (with a focus on human society) might not hold the same appeal for me. Still, the world Youngblood has crafted is compelling enough that I might be tempted to see where it goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC version of this book in exchange for a review.