Ive picked this up a couple times since receiving the arc and unfortunately just can't get into it! I may try again and will update my review if I do.

Thank you for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

DAMN this book was fun!! I am so happy that there are people in the world making fantasy stories this rich. It's so rare that I feel so excited about a fantasy story that's not written by one of my favorites (Sanderson, Rothfuss, etc), but Virdi absolutely stands on their own. Fantastic!

If you're picking up The First Binding as an eBook - be warned, it's over 800 pages. I didn't dislike this book, but I do wish it had been significantly shorter. There is so much going on in this book, including a really vast world, complicated characters, and jump in time periods. While the prose, storytelling and characters were beautifully written, there was just so much to navigate that I felt like I had to really work to keep up.

Thank you to NetGalley and TorBooks for an ARC Copy!

I have had this book sitting on my bookshelf for so long. This is such a chunky book that it’s intimidating! I had an opportunity to read the second book as an ARC, and decided it was time to jump in! I buddy-read this with Dini, but it took us much longer than anticipated. We did it!

While the story is interesting, there are a lot of info dumps. It took us so long to get into this book. Just know that it is a slow read. It was confused throughout most of the first half. I’m so glad I buddy-read this with Dini so we could bounce thoughts off each other. I think there could have been better execution with the world-building. This world is extremely descriptive, and it suffers from it. The details are where most of the pacing gets bogged down, and it’s a snail’s pace. It takes a while to understand the bindings too. While it’s a cool world, and there are a lot of interesting aspects, there’s too much detail. With that being said, there are many parts that Virdi was able to captivate me with his writing. Most of this happens in the second half of the book. He’s juggling two timelines with Ari’s past and present. I think he did a great job weaving both stories and keeping me interested.

The characters are the best thing about this book! Ari is a character that drives me nuts most of the time, but I am desperately rooting for him. He’s so hot-headed, but it’s for the right reasons. He’s had a tough life, but he can be too rash. It’s a common theme throughout this book, and I’m curious to see if that changes in book two. Eloine is so elusive, but I’m so fascinated by her. I have a feeling she’s going to crush Ari, and I will not be ready for that. There are so many supporting characters throughout this book that I love so much.

Overall, I thought this was a decent read. Even if it suffered a lot of pacing issues, once I got into the story (about halfway), it was harder to put down! The dual timelines were also well done. I can’t wait to jump into book two and see what happens next. There’s a lot that has been left open that I need answers to!!

I own the hardcover, but thank you to Tor Books for sending a Netgalley widget. It was much easier to read with my little one! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this epic fantasy novel. I felt like it was an excellent way to start. What is hopefully going to be a wonderful epic series.

I was definitely enthralled by the characters and felt emotionally attached to the storyline. I exceptionally loved the storytelling into the main character past explained how he became who he currently was. I am still very much wanting to know who our female main character is overall I can tell that she is hiding something and it made me super excited for the second book.

This was a fun, mystical read for me! I think my favorite thing about it was the world building but I also enjoyed the rivalries and the magical elements about the story as well.

Wow, what a world to immerse yourself in!!!! Thank you to R.R Virdi, Macmillan Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC to review! This is a landmark book for the genre. It is a project considering its length, but every second was worth it. The poetic nature and descriptions were made of pure beauty that didn’t feel out of place at all. I will definitely be returning to this series and looking for other RR Vindi books.

The First Binding by R.R. Virdi

Ari is a storyteller. The book is his story. It is well-written and captivating and frustrating. Virdi jumps all over the place in his tale-telling. Back story is good, side stories and future stories and what the heck is that in here for stories aren’t as good to me. I really enjoyed the book but admittedly I’m fond of a more linear approach.
The book is set in a feudalistic world with some Fagan components. Implacable supernatural enemies and powerful political forces are abundant in the book. Ari is a complex child and an adult with a self-created complex identity.
Despite my frustrations, I will be reading the next volume. I enjoyed it but am just not fond of the story structure.

The First Binding is giving The Name of The Wind.. except maybe this series will be completed 😉

• high fantasy
• South Asian inspired
• story within a story
• beautiful prose

At 800 pages of magic, this is a good one if you like your books thicc and juicy.

The cover and the idea of a fantasy built on lies sounded super intriguing, but woof this is not the flavor of fantasy I enjoy.

"The First Binding" by R.R. Virdi is a sprawling fantasy novel that promises adventure and intrigue on every page. Set in a richly imagined world filled with magic and mystery, this book invites readers on a journey of discovery and danger.

At its heart, "The First Binding" is a tale of epic proportions, weaving together intricate plotlines and complex characters to create a narrative that is both captivating and ambitious. From the very first chapter, Virdi immerses readers in a world teeming with magic and mythology, where nothing is quite as it seems.

However, it's important to note that "The First Binding" is not a book for the impatient. Clocking in at a substantial length, this epic saga requires readers to invest time and attention in order to fully appreciate its nuances. The pacing can be slow at times, with lengthy passages devoted to world-building and character development. For those seeking non-stop action, this may prove to be a challenge.

That being said, the book is not without its merits. Virdi's prose is often lyrical and evocative, painting vivid portraits of landscapes and cultures that feel both familiar and fantastical. The magic system is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh take on traditional fantasy tropes and adding depth to the story's mystical elements.

Additionally, "The First Binding" features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique strengths and vulnerabilities. From the cunning trickster to the noble warrior, the ensemble cast adds depth and complexity to the narrative, ensuring that readers will find someone to root for.

However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing sluggish, particularly in the early chapters. Additionally, the narrative occasionally meanders, with lengthy digressions that detract from the overall momentum of the story.

In conclusion, "The First Binding" is a sweeping epic that offers both moments of brilliance and challenges for its readers. While the slow pacing and length may deter some, those who persevere will find a richly imagined world filled with adventure and intrigue. For fans of epic fantasy, "The First Binding" is a journey worth undertaking.

"The First Binding" by R.R. Virdi is an epic fantasy tale that spans over 800 pages, weaving together multiple narratives and layers of lore. Virdi's inventive storytelling, including the integration of rhyming couplets, adds depth and mystique to the narrative, drawing readers into a world filled with memorable characters and complex magic systems.

At its core, the novel follows the journey of Ari, or "The Storyteller," as he recounts his life story to a mysterious stranger. Through Ari's tale, themes of power, destiny, and redemption unfold, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.

Despite inevitable comparisons to "Name of the Wind," "The First Binding" stands out as a masterful work of fantasy fiction. With meticulous world-building and compelling storytelling, Virdi delivers a mesmerizing tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. I will definitely be looking forward to "The Doors of Midnight"!

Thank you to R.R. Virdi, Tor, and NetGalley for sending me a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an interesting take on the storytelling fantasy subgenre. R.R. Virdi writes vivid scenes and compelling characters, but for some reason, I couldn't seem to get invested. I am giving this story four stars because it is well written and maybe at another time I might find it very compelling, that time just isn't right now.

I hope you still try this book because it might be your new favorite.

LOVED this! Took me a bit to get into but was such an interesting read. It was such a good read for those who love high fantasy. Great world building and amazing characters. I will be picking up my ARC of the second book ASAP.

This was a really enjoyable read. Its very slow but the world building makes it worth it. I will admit it shares a lot of similarities with Name of the Wind but I personally don't care for name of the wind and I thought this was much better done.
I have hopes that the next book will be slightly faster paced as this book had to spend a lot of time setting up the world. I especially loved that even though it had a framing story, both timelines were equally engaging.

The First Binding
by R.R. Virdi
Pub Date: 16 Aug 2022

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Loved this book 📕
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 was an enjoyable and thick read, it did take me a few chapters to get into but I was hooked once it started picking up. I loved the world building, the story within the story, and the twists! If you're into high fantasy give this a try. Thank you to tor publishing for the arc!

Absolutely gorgeous work. I can't wait for more of this brilliant world. This had everything I adored in fantasy and it was so refreshing to read. Great world building and a fascinating story line. I would just love book 2 right now. Definitely pick this up if you enjoy epic fantasy. You will not be disappointed.

This story is one which I got access to ages ago as I had heard good things about it, and I meant to get to it much sooner! I am glad I finally did get to it, but man, it's a bit of a long one, and it did take me a fair while trying to get through it.

This book has a lot of comparisons to Name of the Wind, and I can definitely see the comparison, as the writing is very lyrical and descriptive at times, and this is one person telling their story. The similarities kind of ended there for me as most of the other crossover is very stereotypical fantasy tropes retold, and the magic of this world revolves around different bindings, being able to use the bindings in different ways to create different effects.

Our main character is Ari, he's kind of a legend now because of all the things he's done over his life. However, at this stage in time he's a travelling storyteller and he may have inflated his tales just a bit along the way....

Ari's story starts as a young orphan from the lowest caste of society who is working the understage in a theatre. His tale comes from very humble beginnings, but we know straight away that he's come a hell of a long way and his story really is quite winding and full of surprises.

I will say the relationship between Ari and the lady who he's telling his story to felt a little bit odd at times. It just didn't feel super authentic to me, and I don't know if that's intentional or not.

The end of this book was very climactic, and the beginning was truly atmospheric. I really liked both of those sections and found myself super engaged. I do think the middle section was a little bit static at times and I didn't really feel as connected to the character and the plot, but I do think the characterisation was good here and the character of Ari felt pretty real and raw at times.

Would I continue this series, absolutely. Do I think it could have been a bit shorter, yes, probably. I really enjoyed some sections and there were a few points I really thought this would be a new absolute fave, it was only the slower sections which meant I didn't ultimately land on that 5 star rating. In the end I'm going for 4*s and I really look forward to seeing more of the story and see where it goes next :)

I think this is a book I will have to come back to in time - it's slow to get started and drags a bit, which I can usually deal with, but this was right at the beginning of the book when you really need to be pulled into the story. I ended up DNF @ 20%. The premise sounds so good, though, so I will probably take another crack at it at some point in the future!