House of Blades (The Traveler's Gate Trilogy) (Volume 1)

The book is phenomenal. The 'magic' (a.k.a. Travelling) system is intriguing if slightly under explained. The action is frenetic and consistent.

Overall, a very welcome surprise.

The author did a great job with the primary storyline (Simon's), but I did find some of the background characters to be lacking depth and were largely incapable of stimulating interest.

Devoured this book in one night. I somehow randomly found it when searching in the fantasy kindle section whilst looking for reasonably priced buys, with good reviews. Truly disappointed the second one isn't out yet. I am flying to Ireland for a month in a couple weeks and could have used the distraction on the flight... granted, who am I kidding? If it was out now I would have probably read it in one day.

Classic cliché story of the underdog boy hero turning into something else, but the author's take on the worlds and powers is purely unique. I love knowing this author will clearly develop more and more in depth upon the worlds, and creatures therein. He has left himself with a lot of content to work well with. It's a nice light read, with some depth but its easy on the palate. I tend to describe books like food, and this would be comfort food. You can eat books like this all the time and enjoy it. It's not junk food (I only buy these sorts of books when I have no other option in airports), and it's not a 10 course meal (Robert Jordan, George RR Martin) nor is it a extremely delicious filet mignon (Patrick Rothfuss) but it is very much a delicious meal you'd happily enjoy anytime.

The characters are well drawn and there is a good amount of surprise and unexpected development in what is otherwise a pretty conventional fantasy story. Could have used an edit to remove some repetition in phrasing and other minor klunkiness in the grammar. But overall it moves along at a rollicking pace. Perhaps a little too fast even, as our heroes seem to grow and develop a bit too quickly. But then this is not a story to be taken too seriously, and while I would have lived a bit more depth and background to the world, there is plenty here to engage the reader. It's a fun, dynamic and often vivid adventure, that plays around with the tropes of fantasy and Hero myth to good effect. Am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

A must read for fantasy lovers! At some places doesn't explain what happened well enough but doesn't take away from the story.

*Update*
Forgot I even wrote this review! So the series is amazing and I know the author went back and fixed a lot of the mistake and flow of this book in particular. I haven't had a chance to re-read the book but with how good the next two got and how he improved, I am sure that it is good. =)

Liked it very much. Really some different ideas and characters which is hard to do now days with the volume of sci fi and fantasy writers. However, there were visual images that seemed cartoonish, what with the overlong weapons and hyper speeds which fighting scenes were enacted. Liked the humor and character development...
Overall, good read, and fun story with good pace.

An interesting new world begun here, with the potential to become very interesting. A typical set up for Our Heroes. Worth a read, and likely will pick up the next two in the series to see where the author takes things.

A good read. Though having to explain every time the main character used his power was extremely annoying to me. I also didn't care how the story developed later on. His writing style seems immature to me. But character development was good and with detail fight scenes. Wish he explained more on the background lore.

Unexpectedly great novel, very unique and interesting new magic system which I can't wait to learn more about. The description of this book does not do it justice, once events started escalating toward the middle and end of this book I truly enjoyed it and could not put the book down.

Looking forward to the second novel in this series.

Loved this book! It's a wonderful, fast paced fantasy story like none other I've read. It's extremely creative and unique book that I can't see a fantasy reader disliking. It's action-packed and will suck you into a strange, magical world for hours. Just an excellent book. The sequel is also incredible, so this is the beginning of a great series. I can't wait for book 3!

I can't wait for you to read this book, I'm a huge fan and think others need to experience this story.

Nice trilogy. I purchased the House of Blades and Traveler's Gate at the same time. I've made it about half way through this. the first book in the series at this point. The character's are developed well enough, and the storyline is pretty good.

I have been trying to find a decent fantasy series for some time now and happened to come across "The Traveler's Gate" Trilogy by chance. While this series is not a classic like LOTR or Game of Thrones, it is an easy read and really pulls you into the story. The plot is refreshingly original and I like the fact the author just gives teasers of the magic system instead of explaining all at one go. The tone of the book is light and witty getting for most part and the conversations are enjoyable. While there are some shortcomings, the plot and the tone of the book more than make up for it.

Personally, I wasn't overly thrilled with how trilogy started. I found it hard to keep track of what Territory someone was in and I lost interest about 3/4 of the way through. I'm sure it's a great trilogy, but just not for me.

The badassery is limitless. Should you purchase the book and hope for a good read? NO. Don't hope, hope would be leaving a question of doubt about how action packed and fulfilling this book really is! Buy it now, read it in one sitting, and be on to the next while your eyes require more Visine to keep this pace up.

Absolutely amazing magic system, followed by some of the most enjoyable action sequences that I have read yet.

Will, you made it happen. Do work!

STOP! If you are looking for something to read and feel like your not finding anything worthy then read this and the subsequent books. I read a lot of books here by authors who aren't considered "mainstream popular". Most of the time I consider them to be average at best and I move on from them. Reading this book however was completely shocking. The concepts and ideas are refreshingly new/ different from other fantasy novels, and the perspective of the "lead character" (who in the story is fairly tertiary) is so much easier to believe and understand. I became an instant fan. The only possible critique I have is that it was too short.

I just finished reading Brandon Sandersons new book from the Stormlight Archive series (I loved it). This on the other hand is less gritty in details, but still packs a massive punch. There is a lot of originality in the power/magic structure to wet your senses. There isn't much of a romantic story arc. I'm still wondering if I missed it or not, but I don't feel empty without it.

The

As a genre addict, I have read a ridiculous number of books with settings in some way similar to this one. While the similarities in settings, themes, plot, etc. might put some people off, the differences are what make these books a fantastic read. House of Blades, and the sequel The Crimson Vault, are among the best in the genre. In fact, as good as this book is, the sequel is even better, and they are both priced really well. Why pay $14 for an kindle book when you can get these for nothing?

What makes this book stand out?

-Interest and feelings the book generates in the characters and the story
-Inability to stop reading it
-The frustration you feel at waiting for the next book
-Emphasizing the story rather than the descriptions
-The magic system
-That "gray" area of morality the book treads will satisfy traditional fantasy readers without bringing them to the extreme of some other books like Prince of Thorns, ASOIF, etc.
-Great plot twists
-The humor

So I was just browsing through Kindle, looking for something to read after I'd slogged through Game Of Thrones.

And lo and behold, I find House of Blades, with a pretty darn good score. I figured, I'd give it a shot.
Wow, did this book surprise me.

I finished it within three days, I think, and desperately craved a new release - I'm thrilled that the author is releasing the next book so soon, as it keeps my enthusiasm for the franchise up.

I won't retread the same ground as other reviews (with the whole 'other' village boy concept), but I'll just tell you to go and read the book if you want a fast-paced, snappy fantasy book.

This book was action-packed and exciting from page 1. It has very relatable and likable characters, and tells and is set in a world full of magic and mystery. If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, this is a story that entertains and enthralls.

The Traveler's Gate Trilogy is the best book series I've read in a while. I would tell anyone to read this. At first the world set in these series hits you pretty fast, because of that you will feel like there is a lot to remember. However, it isn't something I couldn't look past. Basically, Will Wight doesn't baby you with over explaining everything. You are left to yourself to remember certain aspects of characters and places. The story is riveting and I loved every second of it. I can't wait to see what Will Wight writes next.

So I was just browsing through Kindle, looking for something to read after I'd slogged through Game Of Thrones.

And lo and behold, I find House of Blades, with a pretty darn good score. I figured, I'd give it a shot.
Wow, did this book surprise me.

I finished it within three days, I think, and desperately craved a new release - I'm thrilled that the author is releasing the next book so soon, as it keeps my enthusiasm for the franchise up.

I won't retread the same ground as other reviews (with the whole 'other' village boy concept), but I'll just tell you to go and read the book if you want a fast-paced, snappy fantasy book.

This book was action-packed and exciting from page 1. It has very relatable and likable characters, and tells and is set in a world full of magic and mystery. If you are a fan of the fantasy genre, this is a story that entertains and enthralls.

The Traveler's Gate Trilogy is the best book series I've read in a while. I would tell anyone to read this. At first the world set in these series hits you pretty fast, because of that you will feel like there is a lot to remember. However, it isn't something I couldn't look past. Basically, Will Wight doesn't baby you with over explaining everything. You are left to yourself to remember certain aspects of characters and places. The story is riveting and I loved every second of it. I can't wait to see what Will Wight writes next.

Story line kept me very interested and wanting to know what would happen next. I love the idea of the underdog, Simon, doing whatever it takes to learn how to fight these powerful beings, while he has no powers what so ever. Nice twist in your every day hero story.

Wight's world of Travelers and Gates is interesting and inventive. Liked the character of Simon, the humble anti-hero. Alin is supposed to be full of himself and he is written that way. I'm hoping Alin eventually gets humbled.

Awesome first book to a fascinating new world. I love the character development and the magic system is unique. I am a big fan of you get what powers you earn. The territories are so interesting. I read these as fast as they came out. Definitely a must read.

Everything in this book is extremely well done... the plot, the action, the imagery... but the depth is shallow. Having read both books in the series, I still don't have a feel for the characters, especially WHO they are and WHY they think the way they do. Character development in this series seems to take a backseat to the action and plot.

Will Wight spends very little time building the background of his characters. Their origins, their experiences, their mistakes, their successes. This results in the characters behaving in ways that make no sense. The king who is portrayed the entire series as being this ruthless and cold dictator turns out to actually be conscientious and caring. In fact, he's been working in the best interest of the entire world the whole time. Surprise! Yet no one seems aware of this fact and it only becomes apparent at the very end. It's not as if he had some kind of epiphany or revelation and turned over a new leaf... he has simply been like that all along. This clashes with how he has behaved the entire book, but we're not told why he's acted so different from his true character.

This goes on and on with each character. In all honesty, this could have easily been a 5 book series, instead of 3. However, on the whole I enjoyed this book immensely and eagerly await the final installment in the trilogy!

I picked up this book based largely on the positive reviews it had accumulated and I really am happy that I did. This book, more than any other I have read - really proves that the model of independent digital publishing can pay off for readers.

Regarding the story... As others before me have stated, the standard fantasy tropes examined from the perspective of the character who is not the' chosen one' was a simple but compelling convention that freshened the experience and enriched the old standards of fantasy fiction. The magic system really is unique and extremely well conceived (the star of the story really) and it is woven well into the world. The idea of territories with their tailored realities with unique characters and attributes is fresh and original and very well presented by the author.

If I had to pick one minor quibble it's simply that interactions between characters can sometimes come across as a bit awkward and tend to not be as believable as what we see from them in more introspective moments. Additionally, the actual world could be fleshed out a little more... Although what is there is certainly sufficient to provide a background for the true stars of the story - the three main characters and the concept of the territories.

I simply cannot believe that the author of this story is only in his twenties and I look forward to seeing what additional experience and further honing of his craft allow him to produce in the future. If this is where he starts, I cannot wait to see where he takes it from here.

Pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.

Bought this item on my birthday! Best book present for I bought myself ever. Had some issues putting this book down.

I can't wait for the next 2 books in this trilogy. I really like the magic in this world very unique very cool, the cool abilities and some of the magic was like a combination of two different systems. Think of Magic the Gather mixed with D&D and throw in some inspiration and there is your system. The little details that the author put into his world made it come alive and explained so much and made the magic and the abilities earned so much plausible. I also like seeing for once two "kids" who are not best friends but also not enemies. It seems much more real. And the girl who is not a love interest but they are both attracted to her without being ga ga for her. This is a really great book. Keep them coming!!

This book is really well thought out and worked out. This is the first book in a trilogy and it defiantly leaves you wanting more!

In the beginning there were so many characters introduced that I got them confused. A list of characters with a brief description would have helped me alot, and saved me a lot of time trying to sort them out. Maybe it was just me, but I found this book confusing.

Like many fantasy books this story line follows a main character with new powers that he must use to save a person/the world. Despite the cliche I enjoyed the magic and the background to the story. Things did get repetitive though towards the end of the trilogy.

Gets a bit deep on explaining the variances in the different types of magic and territories. At times that part drays a bit. However, it has everything you might want in a good fantasy. I ready both books and plan to purchase the 3rd.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I didn't expect it to be so good, but it was a pleasure to read. This ranks with Sanderson and Banks as far as the story and characterization go. Highly recommended.

This book is one of the most original fantasy books I have read in a while. I love how it pokes fun at the supposedly prophesized hero character. The action is great and the whole story really paints a picture in my head. I couldn't set this book down once I picked it up and have read it three times since. I look forward to the rest of the series and hope they are just as good if not better than the first.

The writing struggles at times, but the story is a pleasant departure from many black and white, good vs evil fantasy books. That, in addition to a unique world and cast of characters makes this a great read.

The blame should fall upon me, mostly, because I mistakenly thought this book was a badass fantasy for adults. I prefer my characters to have foul mouths and brutal scenes during battles, etc.

This book is fine for young people. When I first started reading it, I only got a few paragraphs before saying to myself, "Is this a kid's book?" The language is very simple, there's no cussing, nothing adult about it. It reads like a fairy tale. I made it half way through the book before putting it down with a sigh.

Nothing against this author, it's a fine book and has fun ideas. It's just not what I expected or wanted, that's all.

With so much copycat drab fantasy out there, this was a refreshing change of pace. The positive reviews of this book were what swayed me to hit the buy button, and wanted to add one more to the pile to entice someone to do the same.

It was creative and fun to see the perspective from outside the chosen one for a change. Of all the budget/free books I've ever gotten off of the store, this is currently my favorite. Can't wait for book 2.

I'm pretty picky about scifi and fantasy. The farther away from anything resembling the real world, the less likely I am to really enjoy it. Take Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series. It doesn't have a heavy magic system and the fantasy elements are pretty mainstream. That doesn't really describe Wight's book here, as the magic system is pretty original (at least to me) but it's written in an engaging style and is very well paced. Give it a shot, I imagine most will really enjoy it.

While I recommend it, I wish the focus would have been more on Simon's story, but since reading the second book, I now understand the reasons for the other storylines. Starts slow, but really gets good by the end, and made me buy the second book instantly.