THE STORYTELLER FROM BALINCIA

A prophecy sends a young man on a quest to save a world he barely knows in Kent’s debut fantasy novel and series launch.

In the peaceful realm of Balincia, Birk was raised in dual palaces, each on its own floating island. He’s the adopted nephew of Edi and Pan, twin witches who’ve ruled Balincia for millennia. The sisters control nearly every aspect of the citizens’ lives, and even Birk, the realm’s storyteller, knows very little of the people’s history. One day, a stranger approaches him, gifts him with a journal, and stokes his curiosity: Is there a world beyond the mountains that surround Balincia? Making his way to those mountains leads to shocking discoveries, from terrifying creatures called arcanivores to the likelihood that Birk is Magic-Born (he’s long believed that only his aunts wield magic). Meanwhile, riddles and maps magically fill the journal’s pages, including a prophecy that implies the larger world is in danger. Birk, with such newfound allies as the hulking but gentle Grey, vows to fulfill the prophecy. There’s a lot to unpack in Kent’s sharply written opening installment. The first third boasts impressive worldbuilding and character development; while Edi and Pan seemingly hide a darker truth, their adoration for Birk (especially Pan’s) is genuine and endearing. As Birk explores outside Balincia, the narrative grows increasingly dense with an extensive cast, otherworldly places like the Dreamscape, and countless mystical beings (including giants, black elves, water dragons, and more). As Grey succinctly puts it, it’s “a lot to process” for Birk (and readers, too). The author grounds the story with a breezy romantic connection between Birk and Grey and irresistible characters like Grey’s assertive little sister Brynn, grizzly bear Brunt, and white wolf Winter. The ending offers some resolution and a stellar tease for a sequel.

This enthralling magical tale promises a hearty saga to follow.