I requested this book because of the comparison to The Name of the Wind.

I'm kind of on the fence about this one. I see the potential it has—the premise was fascinating, I liked the characters, and enjoyed the multiple POVs. But I felt like I was missing some important bits of lore that would have given me a better understanding of the world/ character decisions, and the ending was kind of unsatisfactory because none of the plot lines were wrapped up. Honestly, I can't even really tell you why everyone was doing what they were doing, but they were doing it and then the book ended....do you know what I mean? (But I think that goes back to the whole "feels like I'm missing some important lore.")

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is well written and has a very interesting premise. I love all of the characters that we are introduced to and I am excited to see what happens next.

My one complaint would be that this book is a lot of setup for future books with very little plot of its own, but it helps that the POV characters are likable and interesting so I didn't notice until the end when I realized that almost all of the plot lines are left open.

I am excited to see where this series goes now that some of the setup is out of the way.

As soon as I saw the cover and the description for this book I knew I had to read it right away! My tastes tend to lean towards romantasy as opposed to high fantasy but I still wanted to give this a shot. I think in the beginning I was a little out of my element because there is a LOT of world building and characters to get comfortable with, but once I got further in it became so interesting I couldn’t put it down!
The main POVs are from characters who couldn’t be more different - a daughter to the most powerful lord under the king, a musician, and the king’s mysterious yet powerful brother who all have a part to play in the prophecy put forth by the Yubriy tree. It was interesting to see the way each character played out the “destiny” of the prophecy, and also the ways in which they didn’t. I thought they would all end up together at the end but that’s my fault for forgetting this is the start of a series and not a standalone lol. By the end I was so frustrated that I couldn’t continue with the characters to see what happens next!!! You can bet I’ll be back here in Ragar Or again to see where the Yubriy tree leads them.

The biggest issue with this novel is the world building. Spencer's explanation for his fantasy world seems to be throwing names at readers with little to no clarification. There must be a better balance between that and info dumping.
It made this world seem so bare bones. It doesn't feel lived in.

A large protion of this plot is plotical intrigue. My lack of understanding made it more difficult to follow those plot threads. From my confusion as to why jeyedoshi are hated to wondering how the Dayborns even gained power, I felt like I was stumbling around in the dark. If I don't understand, how am I supposed to care?

The strength of novel is the characters. The 3 POV characters had both internal and external conflicts to overcome and personalities of their own.

Certainly not an awful book, but I'm not interested in continuing the series.

This book masterfully combines the best aspects of “Game of Thrones” with the charm of “The Name of the Wind”, offering a well-crafted plot and an immersive magical world.

The use of multiple character perspectives works perfectly, drawing readers deeper into the lives of the three main protagonists, who quickly became favorites of mine (I especially loved Gregor!).

The beautiful cover and intriguing title perfectly complement the story inside making it a great cozy read, perfect for the autumn season.

A solid 4-star experience for any fantasy lover!



Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book!

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree (The Song of the Burning Heart, Book 1) by Ben Spencer Review

The first sentence in the description if this book stated “Game of Thrones meets The Name of the Wind” and I couldn’t agree more. The world building was subtle, just enough to know your surroundings and locations, which was perfect as the story is truly character-driven.

Once a year, the Yubriy tree sheds its leaves. But each leaf of the Yubriy tree holds a prophecy. That is why the king sends his most trusted to collect the leaves and brings them back to the capital. Every leaf is to be collected, but what happens when was drifts off unseen?

This story centers around Johanna Stalk, a lesser twin of nobility, Gregor Thorn, the king’s half-brother with mysterious abilities, and a bard, Silas O’ The Songs, looking to become a renown musician. This novel takes you through the lives and thoughts of these three characters to see how their lives will play out as told by the Yubrity leaves... all while a dragon has returned to the land in over sixty-five years, presenting a dark omen to nobility.

This novel was so hard to put down. I needed to know what was going to happen next! Each chapter is a different character’s perspective, which was enjoyable and I often found myself looking forward to each characters next chapter to see how their story was progressing. It’s not over descriptive in violent scenes and one explicit sex scene. I highly recommend this novel, in fact, I already have. I keep telling my husband that he is going to LOVE this book and am very excited to get others to read it as well. I can’t wait for the next book to come out! If you’re a fantasy fan, this is a novel you definitely want to read.

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree, marketed as Game of Thrones meets The Name of the Wind definitely peeked my interest and it didn't let me down.

The story is told from the point-of-view of 3 different characters and while I don't always love that method of story telling it worked well here. I enjoyed them all but found myself waiting for the chapters from Johanna's pov.

It's a well-written, interesting story and I will continue to read the series as it unfolds.

The title and the beautiful cover of this book intrigued me, when I first saw it on NetGalley. The blurb then goes on to say this is some 'Game of Thrones meets Name of The Wind' kind of story. SAY LESS.

But did it live up to my then skyrocketing expectations?

It definetly has the potential to be great. I really, really liked all three characters we get to follow along. The trippy sagekind, the insecure lutist, the rebellious lesser twin. They all felt unique and interesting. The world building was nicely done, even though it could have been a bit more vivid. The writing was easy to get into, even though we are presented with a new high fantasy world and there are many mysteries and from the beginning.

The inspiration from books like Game Of Thrones and The Name Of The Wind are definetly visible, but not in a plagiarizing way.

So in theory, everything is there and I had a really good time reading it. But in the end it fell short in comparison to the aforementioned. It just didn't make me ✨feel things✨ as much. And I think we could have gotten a bit more of the mysterious world.

But I hope to see more of that in the next part. Definetly going to read it and definetly curious how the story will proceed!

Thanks to NetGalley and Knock-Knee Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree reads like a classic high fantasy epic by the likes of JRR Tolkien and George R Martin. Traditional fantasy elements are blended together with a fresh set of ideas, creating a rich and beautifully woven story.

Spencer takes his time and lets us immerse into the story, with help of his intricate world building. The three main characters are not only compelling and easy to sympathize with, through out the story they give us insights to their strength, flaws and most importantly (to me) their character growth.

Though I’m not always a fan of multiple point of views and the pacing fluctuates, it did not disturb the flow of the story at all. It was so beautifully done that this is one of my top fantasy reads of 2024. As Spencer manages to enrapture the readers and take them on an epic adventure. The next book cannot come out soon enough.

This book is a definite must read for anyone who enjoys high fantasy.

The cover pulled me in but the story kept me reading.

This was the first book of an epic fantasy that follows three different characters and their journeys.

(I couldn’t stop imagining Ajax cleaner when I read the name Ajax. That is all.)

If you enjoyed Priory of the Orange Tree, I think you will enjoy this.

If you like fantasies about dragons that is written well, you will enjoy this.

If you just enjoy a good fantasy, give this book a try.

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree will be released on October 19, 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this eARC in exchange for a review.

A very solid start to what could be an amazing fantasy series. The character work is amazing and the plotting is going in the right direction! Exciting!

I loved every single aspect of this book and it's story. The characters are all very lovable and unique, and you understand their motivations and their personalities very well. That is very important to me - I hate nothing more than bland characters. The story has a perfect pace and the multi POV is perfectly done. And I haven't expected a romance when I requested the book, but I am more than happy to find it in the book - and once again perfectly written.

I know that epic fantasies are nowadays all compered to GoT to gain more attention, but in my opinion, this one is more enjoyable and better. This book was so good that made me want to read everything Ben Spencer wrote which I will be doing soon. Even the cover is perfect in my opinion and I would always pick it up in a bookstore. Now I would really want to know how long we need to wait for the second book.

I received this ARC for free and I am leaving my absolutely honest review.

The cover for this book is absolutely GORGEOUS, which is what caught my attention first. Then I read the description and knew it would be a book I would enjoy. Which I did, very much. I'm a huge fan of the multiple POVs so you can get different perspectives and know what each character is thinking. I love the world this author has built, everything was amazing and the characters were fantastically written. I couldn't get enough and I can't wait to see what happens next. Ben Spencer is an author I will have to read more works of (well, at least add them to my ever growing TBR pile).

This book was very well written, it just wasn’t really my jam. I could have used a character / locations reference list. Nice story though.

I loved this book. It tells a well-paced story, with vivid, sympathetic characters, great world-building and a good magic system. The writing is really snappy and there were some parts I would re-read because the wording was that good. I also enjoyed how each chapter focussed on one character’s story, alternating though the characters in the book. While there was some violence, as is inevitable in epic fantasy, it was kept to an essential minimum. I look forward to reading more books in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and Knock-Knee Books for the advance reader copy.

*The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree* is a captivating foray into the realm of high fantasy, introducing readers to a richly woven narrative that revolves around three compelling protagonists: Johanna Salk, Silas O’ the Songs, and Gregor Thorn. Each character embarks on a distinct journey, only to have their fates entwined by the enigmatic leaves of the Yubriy Tree and the prophecies they carry. This debut novel not only pays homage to the genre's greats, such as *Game of Thrones* and *The Priory of the Orange Tree*, but it also carves out a unique identity through its intricate world-building, character development, and the infusion of traditional fantasy elements with a fresh perspective.

The author adeptly employs a multi-POV structure, allowing readers to delve into the thoughts and motivations of each main character. Johanna, the headstrong daughter of a noble family, seeks freedom and autonomy, while Silas, a lutist with dreams of grandeur, battles personal insecurities. Gregor, the presumed bastard brother of King Micah Dayborn, navigates the treacherous waters of royal politics with a burden of duty and magical prowess. The interplay of their narratives not only keeps the reader engaged but also serves to highlight their individual complexities, ensuring that fans of character-driven fantasy will find plenty to appreciate.

The thematic exploration of choices, destinies, and the intertwining of personal and political ambitions echoes throughout the novel. The presence of the Yubriy Tree, with its prophetic leaves, serves as a symbol of fate and the power of individual agency. The ceremonial elements associated with its protection and the gathering of leaves enrich the world-building and lend an air of mystique to the plot. Each character's journey is marked by significant choices that have profound implications for their lives and the world around them, provoking readers to consider the weight of their own decisions.

The supporting cast is equally engaging, featuring characters like Easton Dayborn and Wyn Dunkin, whose personalities and backstories add depth to the narrative. The author skillfully crafts a tapestry of relationships that enhance the main storyline while enriching the overall experience. Side characters such as Madrig and Jacy also leave a lasting impression, proving that the world is populated with intriguing figures beyond the primary trio.

While the pacing fluctuates, particularly in the early chapters, the lush detail and rich descriptions serve to immerse readers in a vividly constructed world. Although some readers may find the initial slow build a hurdle, the narrative gains momentum as the characters’ paths converge and the stakes rise, culminating in a gripping climax. The anticipation of dragon sightings adds an exciting layer of danger and intrigue, serving as a reminder that in fantasy, the return of such formidable creatures often heralds monumental shifts in power dynamics.

Despite its strengths, the book does present some areas for improvement, particularly in character depth. While the primary characters are well-defined, there are moments where deeper emotional connections could enhance reader investment. However, this is a minor critique in light of the strong narrative foundation laid for future installments. The world of the Yubriy Tree is vast, and the potential for exploration in subsequent books is tantalizing.

Overall, *The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree* is a remarkable debut that offers a rich tapestry of fantasy elements while deftly handling themes of choice, destiny, and the quest for self-discovery. The author’s ability to create a vibrant world filled with magic, political intrigue, and compelling characters bodes well for the series’ future. As readers finish this installment, they will undoubtedly find themselves eagerly awaiting the continuation of these characters’ journeys. This book is a must-read for fans of high fantasy, promising a blend of adventure, emotional resonance, and the ever-enigmatic dance of fate and choice.

“The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree” is the first in an upcoming epic fantasy series. In this world the Yubriy tree’s leaves contain prophecies, so when the leaves drop, the king’s soldiers collect them all so that the royalty can learn information about the fate of the kingdom. The Union is made up of a collaboration between the two primary religions, the Stavusians and those who worship the Twins, two faiths that are so disparate from one another that they can get along. We have 3 POVs: Johanna, the “lesser” twin of the Salk family, a young widow whose potential for a new marriage is a crucial bargaining chip for her lord father; Silas, a lutist and composer whose songs just don’t have that special something to make them truly extraordinary; and Gregor, the king’s half brother and one of the reviled jeyedoshi, who travels thing kingdom doing his brother’s bidding and getting himself (and others) high. Some things I particularly enjoyed was Johanna and Easton’s journey, watching them grow both as individuals and together in a relationship dynamic I haven’t seen much before: mild dislike to lovers plus fake dating. I also found the relationship between Silas and Wyn a fascinating one, though it was more difficult to parse until the ending. The history between Gregor and King Micah had the potential to be very interesting, but fell somewhat short of my hopes.
In fact, falling somewhat short of expectations was my main impression of this book. It’s being compared to Game of Thrones and Name of the Wind, but the complexity and the heart just weren’t there. There were many plot threads twisting together until the end, but so many of them were dropped periodically and picked back up later that it was hard to follow (for example, I forgot until this point in the review that there’s also a dragon somewhere, and I just finished reading it 12 hours ago). I also just….didn’t like most people’s names. Subjective yes, but definitely made an impression. I’m from the Northeast and Wyn Dunkin cannot be extricated from thoughts of mediocre coffee. The primary characters were somewhat flat, and the best characters (Anjay, Greta, and Wulfess, looking at you) were criminally underused. The lore was strangely sparse (still not clear to me why people hate the jeyedoshi? What is a woodkin?) and the world didn’t really feel lived in. The bare bones of a really good book were there, but they just weren’t fleshed out very well. Still curious enough to pick up book 2, but I really did want this to better than it was.

4.5/5 ⭐️
Damn. This was amazing. I loved that you can tell this was inspired by Game of Thrones, but the author did a brilliant job making it their own. The world was so rich. The stories so engaging. And so many times I found myself pleasantly surprised. For example, I would be sad of a particular character’s death (and the fact they had me sad within only one chapter) to kicking my feet with excitement for the outcome that followed.
I am constantly in search of another high fantasy story that captures what George RR Martin created. One that has a deep world, court politics, an engaging plot, and most important of all, interesting characters. And this checked every box. I cannot recommend this book enough. I’m so mad I now have to wait for the rest of the series to come out cause I need to know what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! It is the first book I have read and reviewed as an ARC reader and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Every year, prophecy leaves fall from the Yubriy Tree. And every year, the Dayborn king sends his most trusted servants to collect the leaves and return them to the capital. Only this year, one of the leaves drifted into the forest unseen.

Three lives will be forever changed by the undetected prophecy leaf: the strong-willed daughter of a powerful family, the mysterious and reviled half-brother of the king, and a talented but unlucky musician, desperate to write the song that will bring him good fortune.

Meanwhile, reports emerge of the first dragon sighting in Ragar Or in over sixty-five years. And, as history warns, whenever dragons appear, royalty dies.

Review:
As a passionate fantasy reader with dyslexia, I enjoyed many aspects of this book. The story is compelling, and the world-building is immersive. I’m already intrigued to see how things develop in the second book.

Plot & Pacing:
The story aligns well with its genre, and there are some truly fun and original elements in the plot. I particularly enjoyed the immersive world with its rich history and clear, engaging plotlines. However, I found that the pacing in the first part of the book was a bit slow due to heavy detailing, which sometimes detracted from the momentum. Once the pacing picked up, it flowed steadily, and I became more invested in the unfolding story.

Characters:
The characters are original and well-thought-out, though I wish we had gotten to know them more deeply on a personal level. This would have helped me connect with them more emotionally, which is something I’m hopeful for in future installments.

World-Building:
The world felt magical and expansive, with plenty of mysteries and layers yet to uncover. There’s a sense of depth and history to it that drew me in, and I’m excited to explore more of the world and its lore as the series continues.

Writing Style:
The writing style is immersive and often beautifully lyrical. However, as someone with dyslexia, I found it challenging at times. The shifts in prose style and certain word choices sometimes made it hard for me to maintain my reading flow. It took me a bit longer to adjust to those changes, but overall, the writing carried a fun and engaging tone.

Themes:
The themes of the story—finding your own path and embracing your true self—are powerful and will resonate with many readers. These messages were clearly conveyed and added emotional depth to the narrative.

Final Thoughts:
The pieces of the story are now fully in motion, and I’m eager to see how things develop in the next book. The world feels vibrant and full of potential, with plenty of mysteries still to uncover. I look forward to continuing the journey!

Also: How gorgeous is that cover! Absolutely stunning!

This review is placed on Goodreads on Wednesday 25 September 2024, link is added.
This review will also appear on my TikTok-account called meltriestowriteastory and the review will be placed online on Saturday 28 September 2024.

This was brilliant. I was racing through this, and getting annoyed with myself because I knew it was an arc and there's gonna be a wait for the next book.
It's really EXCELLENT. A real big chunky fantasy to sink your teeth into, with dark GoT hints and brilliant chapter characters. A common criticism of some of the late GoT books is that some of the characters chapters' are just boring and you want to skip to your fave character again - this book has it perfect. I loved each characters arc, I loved the threads crisscrossing through the hook and enjoyed each character even when they're being awful!
If you like fantasy, you'll love this.
Please release an arc of the next one because I need to read more!