This epic adventure fantasy follows Sasharr, a young man chosen to go on a quest to prepare for the Battle of Heroes against a conqueror come from across the sea. To succeed, he must assemble a team of Heroes as well as resurrect the long-dead Great Mage. The themes of choice, destiny, entropy and prophecy are very present throughout.

This book does full immersion so well! I was thrilled to find maps, translations, glossaries and a dramatis personae within. The world-building is done quite slowly and organically, which means that as a reader, the above-mentioned resources are needed to find your footing at the start. This is the kind of world-building that I adore, as it stimulates my puzzle-loving brain; however, I know that it is not for everyone and therefore it is important to know about before jumping in. I would recommend this book to experienced fantasy readers.

It is also obvious that a lot of care was put into this book. The world is fully original: humanoid races and cultures, fauna and flora, gods, and a magic system, all of which don’t feel like they were plucked from another story. As an added bonus, each chapter has unique header illustrations.

I really felt for Sasharr and his journey of self-discovery and confidence. I also truly loved to hate the villain. The ensemble cast was very unique and enjoyable, and I look forward to continuing their adventure in the sequel!

I sometimes struggled with the passing of time; it wasn’t always clear to me how long a certain part of the journey had taken. The story covers a few years, but it felt more like a few months. I also would have liked for the female and non-binary characters to have bigger roles.

Overall, I really enjoyed discovering this carefully built, complex and original world. The writing was quite good, the plot was interesting and the intrigue made it difficult to put down my e-reader.

From the moment I started reading, I was drawn to the world and the intricate plot. The protagonist, Bimear is a compelling character whose journey to save his homeland is inspiriting as well as heartbreaking. I loved how this was written with multiple points of view allowing me to connect with various characters and their personal struggles.
The world building is exceptional, allowing me to immersive myself into this world. The twists and turns in the plot were unexpected and kept me guessing until the very end.
Overall, this is a must-read for fantasy lovers who enjoy complex characters and a well-crafted story. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series!

DNFed at 27% because I just can't take this anymore.

This was really not good at all. The plot is... I honestly don't know how to describe it. I've been telling people that I've been reading this book, and when they ask me to say what it's about, I've been struggling. It's weird, because on the one hand, this is a simple story about a guy charged with a task by destiny. On the other hand, I barely know what he's trying to do, and I did think he was the Great Mage for a while. I want to talk about characters who aren't Sasharr when describing the plot, somewhat out of spite because he's the only character mentioned on the blurb, but no one else is really worth mentioning. Every character is incredibly flat and doesn't really act like a person. This is perhaps most egregious in Sasharr, our protagonist and perhaps the least interesting character in the novel, considering that he periodically is taken over by a spirit to talk through him and advance the plot. He has so little agency, and his lack of agency isn't handled in an interesting way. Can someone tell me why Sasharr decided to leave home without telling his family? I'm genuinely curious. He did not need to do that, seemed very cut-up that he was doing it, but to my knowledge and understanding, there was absolutely no reason he needed to do that.

The worldbuilding is far too convoluted and complicated for its own good. Crompton tends to introduce a lot of concepts and names all at once. Towards the beginning of the novel, I was inclined to try to remember these, but once they got to the city with the king and some guy began listing the different orders of knights, I could feel my brain shutting off. Additionally, some of the world building details are so insane that it pulled me out of the story entirely. Why is the sky randomly mentioned to be purple? Why has this medieval European flavored society not discovered iron? What? The fact that Crompton writes campaign settings for TTRPGs makes a lot of sense, because all of this feels emblematic of someone writing a book set in the world that they've made for a TTRPG game, but they aren't particularly good at writing a book.

Let's briefly touch on the frankly baffling racial politics of this novel, because there were some moments that made me incredibly uncomfortable. Everything about the Briandynians was very weird. Why on earth was Sasharr vaguely sexually attracted to both Briandynians that he met during the novel, including one that he just rescued from being sex trafficked for a pedophile? What does this add to the story? The constant sexualization of these people by Sasharr's internal monologue really isn't the insightful commentary that it seems to think it is. Kägali having features often associated with POC, having "red" skin, and being described as a "brute" and in similar terms is lazy and plays into stereotypes about non-white men being monstrous. I could tolerate the world building and characters (barely), but this was where I drew the line. The scene with Kholjaiyin in particular was almost my final straw.

To put it lightly, I do not recommend. I am not providing a star rating because I did not finish the book, but I would not give it a high one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Legend of the Quill by Astra Crompton is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy novel that kicks off The Prophet’s Tale trilogy with a bang. Filled with prophecy, ancient magic, and high-stakes adventure, this book is perfect for fans of epic fantasy and tales of heroism against impossible odds.

The story centres on Bimear Sasharr, a prophet who foresees the destruction of his homeland. The only hope for salvation lies in resurrecting the Great Mage, a legendary figure who has been dead for eight hundred years. To achieve this, Sasharr must locate and decipher the mage’s ancient Quill, a powerful artifact that holds the key to bringing the mage back to life. However, time is running out: an undefeated conqueror is crossing the Uncrossable Ocean, intent on colonizing Sasharr’s lands and claiming the Quill for himself.

One of the standout features of The Legend of the Quill is its richly imagined world-building. Crompton creates a vivid and immersive setting, from the mystical landscapes of Sasharr’s homeland to the treacherous waters of the Uncrossable Ocean. The lore surrounding the Quill and the Great Mage adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, making the world feel alive and full of history.

Bimear Sasharr is a compelling protagonist, whose psychic gifts and prophetic visions make him both powerful and vulnerable. His struggle to control his abilities and his determination to save his people drive the story forward, creating a character that readers will root for from beginning to end. The antagonist, the undefeated conqueror, is equally well-drawn, with his ambition and ruthlessness adding a layer of tension and danger to the plot.

The pacing is excellent, with the story moving swiftly from one high-stakes moment to the next. The quest to find the Quill is filled with challenges and obstacles, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Sasharr battles both external threats and his own inner demons. The blend of action, mystery, and magic creates a narrative that is as engaging as it is unpredictable.

Thematically, The Legend of the Quill explores issues of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of hope. The novel also delves into the idea of legacy and the lengths to which people will go to protect their homeland and their loved ones. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the large cast of characters and the complex world-building a bit overwhelming at first. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

The Legend of the Quill is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and tales of heroism. Astra Crompton has created a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world of magic, prophecy, and adventure.

A thrilling and immersive fantasy, The Legend of the Quill is a standout debut that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in The Prophet’s Tale trilogy.

Astra does a great job with this first book in the prophet series. Even hlaf way through i was enamored & hoping that the story lasted longer. I felt like I had a 1st person seat to all characters with multiple points of view.

The immersive & enchanting writing style brings the vivid landscapes and magic to life, making it easy for you to feel involved in the story.

This fantasy adventure will leave you excited to continue journeys in this world. Recommended!

This would appeal to YA fantasy readers, who enjoy deep world building and multiple POV stories.

I had a little difficult understanding what was going on at some points, but honestly the writing was so beautiful I didn't care. I was kept entranced by the complex characters, and their POVs each showed their own voices. I appreciated that very much, because it is difficult to attain.

I just don’t think the Legend of the Quill is for me. I did really like Sasharr, who I felt was relatable. However, my biggest issue was that the book throws you into the deep end. I feel like there’s a line with how much each individual reader can handle with that and for me, this book was too much. However, I could easily see this grabbing other people and being their new favorite book.

Thank you to Astra Crompton and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of this fantastic book!

This book was absolutely stunning. Crompton had me gripped from the very first page, wanting to get further into the story and explore more of the world.
It was a seamless blend of fantasy and adventure, balanced out with heartwarming and relatable characters.

Crompton's writing style is immersive and enchanting. The vivid descriptions of landscapes and magic really bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to feel involved.

The story has multiple POVs following a diverse selection of characters. This means that not only do we get a very comprehensive insight into the main character Sasharr's reasonings and beliefs, we also get this understanding for the antagonist, Kigäli, as well.
Whilst I found it very easy to relate to Sasharr and his struggle with embracing his destiny, I also really loved having the insight and understanding of the antagonists actions and interpretations as well!
The multiple POVs is such a great addition to the story as it enables the reader to truly appreciate the thoughts, feelings and intentions behind the actions of the characters.

Sasharr in particular was relatable in a very real way. He didn't have conviction or believe in himself. He questioned himself; his choices; the world around him and the prophecy in general. When Sasharr was frustrated, it was easy to see why. When he acted bravely, we were treated to a very realistic "could I have approached that differently" processing period afterwords.

Crompton also, thoughtfully, provided a list of trigger warnings at the start of the book which is always so appreciated as it allows readers to be aware of what to expect going in.

Legend of the Quill beautifully conveys powerful themes of friendship; loyalty; and self-discovery. It's a tale that I know will leave a lasting impact until the next installment. Crompton has done marvellously with this novel, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a longtime fan of fantasy or new to the genre, Legend of the Quill is a must-read that promises an unforgettable journey.

Thank you to the author who provided me with an Arc copy through NetGalley!

While I rated this a 5, I would say that if I could provide ratings in decimals, I'd likely give this a 4.7 or 4.8. It was so close to being perfect for me. This may contain vague spoilers.

Summarized Pros:
• Breathes life back into old and overdone tropes with unexpected twists; feels fresh and new
• Extremely well written characters; reader feels a full spectrum of emotions without feeling forced
• Good character development
• Immersive world-building
• Gives content warnings
• Challenges the concepts of good vs evil, contrasting social & cultural expectations, and more
• Pacing is good; the parts that had less action or weren't as dialogue heavy still felt compelling
• Not your typical "Chosen One" or "Prophecy" story

Unlike many people who review books, I am not an avid reader. It's not that I dislike books, but rather that with my inability to create images in my head, it is very easy for me to become bored or distracted when trying to read a book. I almost never finish books, and if I do it's over the course of months or the better part of a year. Not days.

Such was not the case with Legend of the Quill. I actually found myself trying to sneak in further reading during times when I should have been doing anything but.

The MC, Sasharr, isn't your typical protagonist and that's part of what makes me like him so much. He's believable and real. Instead of being the kind of character a lot of people wish they could BE—someone bold, daring, edgy, seductive, etc—Sasharr is instead someone many of us can already see a piece of ourselves in. He is anxious and uncertain; resilient and brave; at times awkward and naive. He feels the injustices of the world deeply and is dismayed by complacency. He cares about others, and he gives so much of himself. Certainly far more than he ought to, even though he knows the cost is his own well-being.

The two biggest things I like about this book is that it's self-aware, but also the writing is done in such a way that any confusion or mixed feelings we have about what's happening is mirrored by the characters. This is very much a story about "the journey", and in a world where everyone wants swift gratification constant action, this book finds a way to slow things down without becoming boring.

When the MC has been travelling for the better part of a year, you feel as though you have been travelling with him. When you feel like you're not getting where you want to go fast enough, the MC is lamenting the same frustrations. The author has managed to achieve, rather artfully, a shared expression between reader and author (at least for me). I am not bothered by the slightly slower pace of the journey because it doesn't READ like a slow story with how it enraptures you like a spell. Every moment has a purpose. You feel and experience things with the characters instead of simply being told what you should be feeling.

My biggest pet peeve in books is staying in the POV of someone I disagree with strongly and dislike as a character. It happens a lot. The way many characters are written these days inevitably leads to me disengaging or being thrown out of the story. It leaves me feeling frustrated with the protagonist more often than not. While I understand some people dislike multi-POV books, with how different each character is and how well-rounded the cast is, I think this is probably one of the biggest strengths of the book. I enjoy seeing inside their heads, to see the motivations, how they are perceived by the rest of the cast. Because I am not trapped inside one POV the entire time, I have the freedom to agree or disagree with the choices being made by the individuals we're following in that moment without fear of things becoming stale or tiresome.

Alongside Sasharr I grieve for the life he can never have, feel empathy for all the things he must give up, and can appreciate the urgency and fraying temper as the timer begins to run out. With Kigäli—our main antagonist—I can feel his drive, experience the focused and strategic nature with which he operates, but I am also given the chance to see inside his mind to find that maybe, just maybe, there is hope for him yet. I suppose we'll find out in the books ahead.

I can't express enough how refreshingly different this story reads. All other books lately have felt very formulaic, but I genuinely never knew what would happen next or what twists might occur. Everything felt organic and exciting. I so often guess what will happen next, usually right from the outset. But this isn't your typical prophecy story, and I'm glad for it.

I can't way for the Battle of Heroes, and I hope many other readers will take a chance on this book and learn to love the world the same way I came to love it.

This was a really fascinating read. The world-building was expertly done and I really enoyed how the book threw you into the narrative and then expected you to keep up - it left me not knowing where the book was going to go next and I found that really engaging. The multiple character points of view were really well done, but I did find them a little bit overwhelming at times, although this is just a personal preference. All the characters drew you into their stories and I found that I had to keep reading to see where the story was going next.

Thank you to the author for putting content warnings at the start - this is sometimes overlooked but is incredibly helpful in preparing the reader for what's going to happen. Overall, a really gripping read.