Book Rating: ★★★★✰ (4 / 5 stars)
“We’re always granted what we wish for as long as we prove, through our behaviour, that we want to make it a reality. Our thoughts guide our actions, and those direct our outcomes. You left home with the fear of pursuit. Your fear became a reality, and your thoughts have fed your actions bringing you to this point—constantly foreseeing capture. When I left home, I feared I might die of starvation, or worse, all alone in the world, but I held that fear at bay by feeding my dream of becoming a storyteller and making that a possibility I could achieve. I recognised my fear for what it is—one option. I chose not to pursue it because it wasn’t a result I wanted. I focused wholeheartedly on what I did want to experience.”
Viola Alerion has been on the run for years. A renowned storyteller, her life has always taken her from one place to another. Alone. Until one day, a boy comes and demands to be her apprentice. He refused to take no for an answer. Reluctantly, she takes him on as her apprentice, but soon learns the boy is wise beyond his years, and perhaps he might just teach her some lessons as well.
In a story that is equal parts fantasy and sci-fi, we delve into Viola and the boy, Jo’s, story to tell stories and uncover pieces of the past. A beautifully written tale, The Apprentice Storyteller is not just an adventure, but a story that holds a deep message about being true to yourself and manifesting your own destiny.
Honestly, the book description is correct: very much so, Jo is reminiscent of the boy in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. It’s not a traditional story about a master and an apprentice, but rather about how an apprentice can teach a master…and vice versa. Really, while Jo is learning the art of storytelling, Viola is learning about herself.
The biggest thing I wished for while reading this book though is “more.” I yearned to learn more about the world, which was so beautifully painted, and to dive more in Jo and Viola’s past and relationship. It was written more as a legend or fable, which makes sense, but I always do yearn for a tiny bit more when I read a book.
Overall though, this was a wonderful gem that I picked up for free many months ago. I’m glad I did…because it’s a beautiful tale about manifesting the future you want, and not the one you fear.
What’s it about?
The Alchemist meets fantasy with a splash of space opera.Viola Alerion, a renowned storyteller in the Haldrian Empire, wants to be left in peace. For years, she’s been hounded by her past, never to find a moment’s rest. Then she meets a boy who wants to become her apprentice. He refuses to take no for an answer, and she reluctantly yields, even though she knows taking him with her could endanger his life. As their journey progresses, Viola begins to understand she’s not the only teacher in the equation. The nameless boy also has something to teach, but Viola makes for a reluctant student.
Can she give way to possibility and embrace a future in alignment with what she’s always wanted? Can she find the courage to embrace the principles that will transform her life? Can she overcome her circumstances and face her past? Or will she keep on running with nowhere to hide?
And what of the boy who guards untold secrets and exhibits mysterious powers that defy belief?
E.S. Barrison 