Initial Impressions 2/11/15: That was so good! I'm giving it somewhere between 4.25 stars and 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed every minute of it. I'm only sorry that it took me so long to read because I just couldn't find the time to read this past week and a half! 
 So the book is from alternating POVs and there are many POVs... but thankfully that wasn't an issue! All were from the third person so it wasn't too hard to switch back and forth between all of them. 
 I LOVED all of the characters -- truly all of them -- so that was something really great! I really loved how my feeling towards them changed and grew as the book went on too. I definitely had my favorites from the beginning though! 
 I guess I could have used a BIT more from the worldbuilding BUT I know that there's plenty to come in the rest of the series (eee!) and I never felt lost. I can't wait to learn more about the magic systems and history as the series progresses. 
 By the end of the book I was just DYING for more, emotions running wild, and gah. I can't wait for book two and who even knows when that will be (oh, the torment of reading ARCs early...) but I will be waiting! 
 I'd definitely recommend this one and also as a great book for those just getting into fantasy! Initial comparisons/recommendations based on this book that come to mind (and that you'll be seeing my full review) are The Winner's Curse and The Kiss of Deception. 
 Full review posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 3/4/15: THE STORYSPINNER was a delightful and refreshing fantasy read. I've been putting my hopes on a lot of new releases lately, never quite sure what to expect from new authors and debut series but THE STORYSPINNER did not disappoint in anyway -- in fact, it exceeded any expectations I had! I finished the book a few weeks before I wrote my review and ever since I finished, my love for this book has done nothing but grow each day. The more I think about it, the more I look back on it fondly and the more I anticipate its sequel (which is also a difficult thing considering I'm reviewing the book before it's even released. It'll be a long wait for book two)! 
 One of the more noticeable things about THE STORYSPINNER is the setting. I love what Becky Wallace did here, pulling in Portuguese influences for setting, characters, and overall feel. So many high fantasy books tend to have mainly a British feel, sometimes venturing into France or Italy, for example, but we never seem to hit the Iberian peninsula. I'm sure they're out there and I haven't read them yet -- I believe Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy has a Spanish vibe -- but this is the first I've seen of a Portuguese influence and I loved how much that instantly made it feel unique! I'm not sure if it's supposed to supposed to be influenced more by Portugal or Brazil (I'm not well-informed on either) and the blend of Portuguese, Spanish, and English surnames throughout the book could really go either way for South American or European influences... (I think I'm overthinking this) but hey, it's fantasy and no matter which way you slice it, I'm a big fan of this new fantasy world and Becky Wallace's inspiration! 
 The other thing that noticeably stood out for me was the cast of characters featured in this book. Each chapter switches POVs from one character to the next and all-in-all, I think there are about six characters who take on the role as the chapter-specific focus but never once did I feel overwhelmed or lost. Each character felt extremely unique and their personalities shined! (It also helped that the book is written in third person POV so the switches from chapter to chapter weren't jarring.) I fell in love with many, envied others, and feared some, but my heart really went out to every single person that I met in this story and each one really came to life as I read. I was wholly invested in each and every thread and definitely emotionally invested in each character's future. 
 With so many characters, naturally the book follows a few different story lines. Each pertains to one ultimate focus and when everything finally comes together and these threads connect, it's such an amazing feeling! The plot and adventure in THE STORYSPINNER are constantly moving, driving the action forward and every single moment feels relevant to the mystery that continues to unravel. I loved the mix of action, intrigue, and romance which in turn only strengthened my understanding the characters' bravery, genius, and compassion. By the end of the book I was gasping and shouting, cheering for the heroes, and rooting for the romances. 
 THE STORYSPINNER was a homerun for me and I'm so incredibly happy that it's been one of those books where my love has only grown over time. This book has definitely stuck with me and it's one I will cherish on my shelves. I hope others fall in love with this one like I did because I will definitely be recommending this one over and over again! 
 (And I'm also upping my rating on Goodreads because when you can't get a book out of your head... oh yeah. That's a MAJOR good sign.)