The Wulver’s Library‘s Review of The First Binding by R. R. Virdi
The First Binding is an unforgettable and memorable high fantasy debut by RR Virdi and a new highly anticipated series.
All legends are born of truths. And just as much lies. These are mine. Judge me for what you will. But you will hear my story first.
I buried the village of Ampur under a mountain of ice and snow. Then I killed their god. I’ve stolen old magics and been cursed for it. I started a war with those that walked before mankind and lost the princess I loved, and wanted to save. I’ve called lightning and bound fire. I am legend. And I am a monster.
My name is Ari.
And this is the story of how I let loose the first evil.
This novel is a strongly unique taken on fantasy stories that holds firm in a genre where stories can become really stale really fast. My expectation of this shot up when it was compared to The Kingkiller Chronicles – a series that holds dear to me but Virdi has crafted a severe craving for this new story and I cannot wait to see what is in store.
The lines here are simply beautiful and the set up has sparked mystery from the very start. The chemistry between characters and the narrative context seep kindness, empathy and magic between every word. The way Virdi has concocted the time frames and highlighted these in the story itself is an important highlight.
Virdi has astounded with his writing however the pacing felt slow at times. There was definite patience required when setting up the world, the lore and the characters but with a sentence that could be transformed and opened. There weren’t a lot of battle scenes but this isn’t the main draw here. We see a master at their work setting up a mysterious, magical and awe-filled story full of politics, magic and storytelling.
Virdi has manipulated us into becoming magically invested in his own immersive performance. This is a lyrical piece that you should read and be drawn into itself. The Tales of Tremaine series is now highly on my anticipated list and Virdi has truly crafted an exceptional debut.
