Seeker

An incredibly realised flintlock world, with enchanting prose & a pulsating crescendo. THE FLINTLOCK FANTASY DEBUT OF THE DECADE.

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Book 1 of The Sentinel Archives
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Pub Date 14 May 2024 | Archive Date 15 Sep 2024

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Description

Today I am equipped with the knowledge that my future was to be far greater, more exciting, and more disturbing than anything so simple as my young imagination could then conjure. Indeed, looking back, my forecast was positively quaint. I ask myself a question often, and it is this: if I had understood all that was to befall me, would I have run, that day, or exulted?

I find I do not know.


Ancient leviathans have stirred from their long slumber. Their scent song marks where they might be found, but only to those with the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.

Shay Bluefaltlow finds herself training to become such a specialist when she is bought into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is strange and bewildering, as are her new companions: a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist tasked with teaching Shay the terrifying ways of the trade.

Her unanticipated position requires forbidden knowledge, a terrible bargain and the strongest constitution. Shay is certain she is unequal to the prodigious task, but desperate to impress her superiors.

When war subsumes the Concord, the office of the Sentinel Archivist is dismantled by a terrible betrayal. And Shay has secrets of her own...


Low and realistic, but with strong fantastical elements, a rich regency era voice, and a bewitching touch of strangeness, Seeker is an immersive first person fantasy for adults.

Robin Hobb meets Georgette Heyer and Donna Tartt in this sumptuous tale by the dazzling new voice in Flintlock Fantasy, Samuel Griffin.

Evocative fantasy set in a world so authentically drawn you’ll tumble right through the page. With incredibly accomplished, enchanting prose, and a beating heart of a story that will leave you breathless.



Advanced Praise:


'With its richly rendered world and compelling characters Seeker is an unforgettable debut by a unique new voice.'

Anya Bergman, Author of 2023 historical hit The Witches of Vardø


'With lush, evocative prose and a propulsive plot, Seeker is a sumptuous flintlock fantasy from a new voice destined to be a master of the genre.'

L.R. Lam, Sunday Times bestselling author of Dragonfall & Pantomime

UK Hardback: 9781838021221  US Hardback: 9781838021238 Ebook: 9781838021214

Be amongst the first to read the flintlock fantasy debut of the decade.

Today I am equipped with the knowledge that my future was to be far greater, more exciting, and more disturbing than anything so simple as my young imagination could then conjure. Indeed, looking...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781838021221
PRICE £19.99 (GBP)
PAGES 304

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Average rating from 37 members


Featured Reviews

"Today I am equipped with the knowledge that my future was to be far greater, more exciting, and more disturbing than anything so simple as my young imagination could then conjure. Indeed, looking back, my forecast was positively quaint. I ask myself a question often, and it is this: if I had understood all that was to befall me, would I have run, that day, or exulted?

I find I do not know."

Ancient leviathans have stirred from their long slumber. Their scent song marks where they might be found but only to those who have the means to somewhat hear it: Sentinel Archivists.

Shay Bluefaltlow finds herself training to become such a specialist when she is forced into indentured servitude. Her new home, the city of Fivedock, is strange and unfamiliar, as are her new companions: a belligerent surgeon, a remarkable little boy, and a formidable Sentinel Archivist tasked with teaching Shay the terrifying ways of the trade.

Her unanticipated position requires rigorous training, diligent study and a strong constitution. Shay, afraid she is unequal to the prodigious task but desperate to impress her superior, struggles to prove herself.

When war breaks out across the Concord, the office of the Sentinel Archivist is threatened by a terrible betrayal. And Shay has secrets of her own.

Seeker is a first person fantasy with a rich, Regency-era voice and a bewitching touch of strangeness. Robin Hobb meets Georgette Heyer and Donna Tartt in this sumptuous tale by the dazzling new master of Flintlock Fantasy, Samuel Griffin.

This is a new flintlock fantasy that I devoured in only a couple ays. If you enjoyed A Promise of Blood trilogy by Brian Mcclean then I think you'll enjoy this one too. I think this has a chance to become one of, if not the best flintlock fantasy out there:)

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This was a very enjoyable book. I loved the writing style and the plot was very well thought out. I would definitely recommend this book.

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This was a really well done debut novel, it had everything that I was looking for in a fantasy novel. It uses the world perfectly and had that magical element perfectly, the characters felt like they were supposed to in this type of book. I enjoyed the way Samuel Griffin wrote this and wanted to read more in this world. It uses the regency-era elements perfectly and I'm glad I got to read this.

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Orphaned War girls. Traces of Seekers. A Concord War.


Shay Bluefaltlow. Ridley, a guardian and supervisor and her jailor. The Sentinels. Chief Archivist. Apothecaries. Draper's Ward. Thirteen Concord drams. The goal: a quote passage to Quom Protectorate.

Ancient leviathans. Wax and candle flames. Breaking Old Accords. The Tripart Wars. Operas. Gospek harmonizer, spindly steel armatures. Sentinel odour harmonics. Scent song notation.

The very details that spin this story's tapestry are intriguing, learning of this world and it's history is like unspooling thread, langurous and long, but worth the effort in the end. Seals and signets. Binding with blood.

Concord of the Houses. The Whispering Coast. Rifleman Belfry. A ball, the social debut, and a waltz. A gift, a key. A lively ballroom. Tinctures. The Three Moons: Ra, Guisi, and Aises. Eclipse of the Luminaries.

The Aeronaut's Balloon. Conspiracies. Bloody deaths. Laudanum. The Spirit Breaker, a fivedock ship. Optic glasses. A philosopher. Curious gods. Intimidating magic. Tainted dreams. Deals and bargains.

This was certainly a unique ride and I was enthralled, hanging onto the edge of my seat in tandem with each defining parts of the story. Bits of this felt like the Regency-era, steampunk, and fantasy. There is an ever-present strangeness that lingered as I read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

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I'd heard nothing about this debut novel before I read it and I have to say I was extremely pleasantly surprised.

The setting is gorgeous, the characters interesting and the story was equal parts moving and absorbing.

I can see why some may find the prose a struggle but for me this was one of the strongest elements. I've never enjoyed a flintlock fantasy story so much - I found myself completely believing in the narrator and could not put the book down.

I would thoroughly recommend this to any fan of low, adult fantasy as well as historical fiction fans who are open to reading excellent fantasy.

I cannot wait for book 2 in the series!!!!!!

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Seeker by Samuel Griffin is such a a unique debut book that is laced with equal parts magic and fantasy. The characters are well developed making you invested in their success. The writing is poetic and descriptive drawing the reader into the world. The only thing I didn't like was how slow paced it was. I struggled for almost half the book but after the half way make I felt that the story picked up pace.

Thank you NetGalley and Panthe Press for providing the ARC!

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Seeker by Samuel Griffin is a gripping adventure that takes readers on a thrilling journey from start to finish. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the fantastical realms explored by the protagonist. Griffin's writing style is engaging, with well-crafted action scenes that keep the adrenaline pumping. The characters are complex and compelling, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. While there are moments where the plot could have been tighter, overall, Seeker delivers an exciting and enjoyable reading experience for fans of fantasy and adventure novels.

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What a great book! Thanks to samuel Griffin, & Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

The Seeker" by Samuel Griffin is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young protagonist through a world filled with magic and danger. Griffin's storytelling is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a vividly imagined world where every page is filled with excitement and adventure. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. With its engaging plot and compelling narrative, "The Seeker" is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction.

I truly hope to enjoy further Samuel Griffin books.

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I want to thank the author and netgalley for this ARC. It was an exciting read. The characters and world were well developed. I loved the magic and fantasy.

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I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next one. The world and the characters are entirely believable and I really enjoyed being immersed in both. The pace is pleasing, it escalates until it reaches a very satisfying crescendo. The Regency feel is echoed in the society and the characters, and the language is beautifully crafted to echo this. The fantasy elements are exquisite in their concept and execution. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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