Seeker is the first book in a Regency/Napoleonic flintlock YA fantasy series by Samuel Griffin. Released 14th May 2024, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

The author's command of language and precise usage are one of the book's highlights. The characters are very well rendered; fantasy archetypes (adventurers, mentors, young orphan "chosen one", evil unscrupulous antagonists) but nevertheless well written with moderate depth and believability. It's very much written in a period style, and fans of other narratives written during the actual period (Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, etc) will feel at home. For readers who prefer modern narratives, the writing will possibly be a slog. Diligence is repaid, however, and the story as a whole is well told and satisfying.

Coming of age fantasy adventure with political context. It's definitely got gravitas. It's the first book in an announced series, and it does end on a complete but open ended story arc, however there's no announced date for release on book 2 or future volumes.

Four stars. Worth a look for fans of immersively written period coming-of-age campaign fantasy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Honestly, I found this really hard work to read. The prose is very dense and the style of writing didn’t work for me. I felt like there was a huge amount of info-dumping at the start, trying to orient the reader in the word but it felt forced and heavy and I still didn’t feel like I really understood what was going on.
The pacing was off - everything was very static and there wasn’t much action and the story lost me.
Sorry, but it wasn’t for me.

I need to say one think straight away, it is interesting story. Lots of people will love it. Written as sort of diary made it bit slow. Not boring, but sort of missing more action, faster pace in whole. I do like main character. Overall 3.5 star.

Took me a while to get into the writing style of this book, but once I did I was completely into the story. I mention that because in the beginning of the book Shay seems uncertain by what is happening around her, so the writing seemed to play into that. The world is filled with betrayal, politics and setient beings and I loved that part!

This was great. Intriguing world. Starts off very slowly but I fell in love with the main character, excited for book 2!

Samuel Griffin’s Seeker is an action-packed and thought-provoking journey that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and self-discovery. It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked with its twists while also making you think about bigger questions.

The story follows Elias, a young man who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his past and a mysterious artifact that could change the world. As Elias navigates a world full of danger, alliances, and betrayal, the stakes keep rising, and the story unfolds with a mix of high tension and emotional depth.

Griffin’s world-building is immersive, with vivid descriptions that make the settings feel alive and rich in detail. The pacing is fast, with plenty of action scenes and moments of suspense to keep you turning pages. But the book also takes time to explore themes like identity, purpose, and the cost of ambition, adding depth to the thrilling plot.

Seeker is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy, adventure, and complex characters. It’s a gripping read that balances excitement with heartfelt moments, making it a story you won’t forget anytime soon.

Rating: 4/5

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...