Customer Reviews

Seeker: Book One of the Noble Warriors (Noble Warriors Series)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Seeker (full name Seeker after Truth) has dreamed, his whole life, of becoming a Nomana, a Noble Warrior. A protector of the All and Only, the god who made all things. The desire to be one has only grown stronger since his brother, Blaze of Justice, became a Noble Warrior. Seeker knows that this is his destiny, never mind that his father expects him to become Teacher. Now he is sixteen, old enough to go before the Nom and offer himself, and hope that they accept him.

Morning Star is the daughter of a sheep herder. Years ago her mother left them to become a Noble Warrior. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, Morning Star intends to leave the hills she's always known, and join her mother in service to the All and Only. Her only worry is leaving her father; she is his world. She's not too worried about being denied by the Nomana; after all her mother is a Noble Warrior. If that's not enough, there are the colors. The colors surround all people, and change a little based on someone's mood and intentions, but everyone has colors around them. Morning Star can see them, and has learned to read them. She will journey to Anacrea to find her destiny.

Wildman has never known his family. He's never even really known friendship, or loyalty, or honor. He certainly doesn't know about the All and Only. All he's ever known is survival at any cost. In the midst of an attempted robbery, Wildman encounters a Nomana, though he doesn't know what that is. What he knows is that he's glimpsed a power far stronger than his own, and a peace he never imagined. Wildman wants these things, and what Wildman wants, Wildman always gets. He too will offer his services to the Nom, though he doesn't really think of it in those exact terms.

A stranger, more disjointed group could hardly be imagined. But through drastically unexpected circumstances, a group they become. As it turns out, they can all learn an awful lot from each other. Maybe they can even help each other. Maybe they can even save Anacrea and the Nomana from the threat of their enemies. If they can survive their journey, they may even find their destinies.

A wonderfully, beautifully, frighteningly well-imagined world, full of strong and interesting characters. No one is one sided; Morning Star is strong but capable of vulnerability, Seeker is determined but still scared sometimes, and Wildman is primal but lovable. Actually, I think Wildman is my favorite character.

This is so many different stories all in one great book. It's a story of strength and power. It's a story about friendship and loyalty and family. It's a story about faith and destiny. It's a story about life, and a story about people. It may not take place anywhere you could recognize, but all of the characters contain bits and pieces you see in other people and in yourself. The bad and the good. The best part is, it doesn't end here. This is only book one. I don't know how many there will be, but I'm very much looking forward to all of them.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

Nicholson's first trilogy astounded me with its intricate plot and very lovable characters. And although Seeker lacks something I can not place exactly, it still amounts to the brilliance of that first trilogy. First is its plot. Both unique and deep, it keeps you guessing continually throughout the book. Even though there are certain points where you know exactly whats going to happen next, it is still quite fascinating when it all comes together. The style- where he turns from character to character instead of focusing on only one through out the entire book- keeps you hooked. And at the conclusion of the book there is still more hint that the plot extends to a far greater complexity than it has shown before. Which will hopefully, be as powerful as his first trilogy.

But what I found still more promising are the characters. The main character is called Seeker after Truth (I was a little put off by the names at first). Seeker's determination and leadership are clear, although at times its difficult to determine his character- for me anyway. As for Morning Star, she's as spunky as Kestrel was and has a unique gift that I absolutely adored. I won't give it away, but I found it rather fascinating. ANd finally, the third main character is Wildman. Who is in fact, a wild man. At first he irritated me, but he rather grows on you after a while. And between his amusing remarks and Morning Star's occasional come backs to them, William Nicholson had me laughing.

These two factors help create yet another thrilling trilogy by Nicholson and one that I'm looking forward to seeing progress. And again, although I feel it lacks something that I can not really pick out, it was still an amazing read.

Seeker was a book I debated about purchasing, since I'm pretty picky about what I read. I'm not a big spender on books, and many times I put down a book in its middle pages, never to return to it. So if I finish a book, you have to give great credit to the author! Either the story is very fascinating, or it is just well-written. In this case, it was just well-written. The story certainly captivates you, but what spoiled it was how it ended. Don't worry, you can read on because I won't spoil the ending.

So the story is not necessarily about the spiritual seeking I carelessly presumed it was by the title when I first picked it up. It is about three teens who all want to be Noble Warriors; all with different objectives, but sharing the same passion to protect others from harm. A 16-year old boy named Seeker feels his life needs to walk a different path than his father's paved out plans. Seeker wants to be part of the Nomana, or a Noble Warrior, just as his older brother did. Who are the Noble Warriors? The best comparison I can tell you is that they are like Jedi Knights, but without the lightsabers and fancy atmosphere of special effects. Or like suped-up monks with mysterious powers. They are powerful beings who are brought together to protect their Creator, and to mantain peace and balance on its island, Anacrea. But when Seeker finds that his brother gets cast out of the Nomana (a very rare and shameful event), Seeker's feelings become mixed with frustration, anger, and passion to understand why his brother was cast out.

Morning Star is a young farm girl who runs off to seek her mother. Morning Star's mother had left her and her father when she was only 3 years old. All that was left was a small note explaining to them that she had left to join the Nomana. Now that Morning Star is 16, she is eligible to join, so she, too must leave her father. Knowing already his daughter's plans, Morning Star's father accepts her destiny and supports her decision to go. Morning Star hopes to find her mother and join the Nomana to be with her, as well as to protect their Creator and the righteous.

"Do you looove me?" is the Wildman's slogan. He is an obnoxious young lad who loves to showoff his skill with a blade. He's kinda like a pirate, which in their terms, is a spiker. The Wildman had a crew of his own, and was feared by many civilians. Give him what he wants or else he'll slice your throat! But when the Wildman gets his rear kicked by a Nomana, in seemingly effortless fashion by the Noble Warrior, he realizes his vulnerability. He now desires their power, their strength, but most of all, their peace. He does not know his parents, nor does he have any family outside of the spikers who took care of him in youth. Can the Nomana bring peace to even the most selfish?

Somehow, fate runs the three young people onto the same road together. When they learn that there is a secret weapon out to destroy the Nomana and Anacrea, they decide to join forces to find it. All they know is that it lies in a city called Radiance. They don't know what it is, or what to look for, but they do know that it is powerful enough to destroy the entire island in one blow. Soren Similin is the villian who's ugliness disguises his ability to outsmart others into getting what he wants. He has the perfect weapon hiding in Radiance, but first has to seek out a volunteer willing to sacrifice itself. Can the 3 young teens come together to save Anacrea from total destruction and become true Noble Warriors?

The reader will learn the value of working together to achieve monumental goals. William Nicholson, the author, does a great job writing the book. It is easy to read and flows well. I knocked off a star because of its ending, but it's nothing serious. It is still worth the read. Like I said, I'm not a frequent reader, so if I can finish this book in 2 in a half weeks (which is super fast for me), it must be a good read.

On the island of Anacrea, Seeker turns sixteen, which means he is now a man. His father, the island's schoolteacher expects Seeker to follow in his footsteps replacing him one day, but the teen prefers to pursue the steps of his older brother, a Nomana "Noble Warrior.

Thus he leaves his family to attempt to become a Nomana at the annual Congregation where candidates are selected. His dream is shattered when he is rejected and told to leave. Depressed he meets two other failures, Morning Star and Wildman, a girl and a river rat thief respectively. They commiserate with one another, but Seeker is stunned when he learns the Nomana has publicly exiled his hero, his brother. Needing to know why, Seek and his two allies begin a quest to learn the truth as he refuses to believe his sibling would betray his warrior monk peers. However, their mission turns dramatically dangerous as the trio learns the Nomana are in jeopardy from an insidious powerful enemy who wants them dead sacrificed off the walls of the great city of Radiance.

This delightful first tale in the Noble Warriors series targets middle schoolchildren, but adults will also enjoy the coming of age saga due to the escapades of the lead threesome. Their characterizations along with that of several Nomana elders make this fantasy realm seem real. Their adventures turn the story line into an action-packed thriller from the moment the three teens meet and never slows down as they set out to prove they deserve being Nomana. Readers will enjoy trekking with the trio on their quest.

Harriet Klausner

In this Young Adult fantasy, Seeker dreams of becoming a Nomana, a Noble Warrior. Seeker knows that this is his destiny. Now he is sixteen, old enough to go before the Nom and offer himself, and hope that they accept him.

Morning Star is the daughter of a sheepherder. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, Morning Star intends to leave the hills she's always known, and join her mother as a Nomana. She will journey to Anacrea to find her destiny.

Wildman has never known his family, or even friendship, or loyalty, or honor. All he's ever known is survival at any cost. When Wildman encounters a Nomana, he knows he's glimpsed a power far stronger than his own, and a peace he never imagined. Wildman wants these things, and what Wildman wants, Wildman always gets. He too will offer his services to the Nom, though he doesn't really think of it in those exact terms.

A stranger, more disjointed group could hardly be imagined. But through drastically unexpected circumstances, a group they become. As it turns out, they can all learn an awful lot from each other. Maybe they can even save Anacrea and the Nomana from the threat of their enemies--if they can survive their journey.

A wonderfully, beautifully, frighteningly well-imagined world, full of strong and interesting characters. No one is one sided; Morning Star is strong but capable of vulnerability, Seeker is determined but still scared sometimes, and Wildman is primal but lovable.

This is a story of strength and power. A story about friendship and loyalty and family. A story about faith and destiny. It's a story about life, and a story about people. It may not take place anywhere you could recognize, but all of the characters contain bits and pieces you see in other people and in yourself. The bad and the good. The best part is, it doesn't end here, this is only book one!

Armchair Interviews says: Start with Seeker, then read Jango. You'll be glad you did.

After I finished the Wind on Fire trilogy, I couldn't wait for a new release from William Nicholson. Seeker really disappointed me because I consider The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Master and Firesong some of my favorite books. I only got to page 126 in Seeker before I just abandoned it. I couldn't even finish. I loved Kestrel and Bowman and Mumpo and Sisi and Pinto! Morning Star, Seeker and Wildman are all kind of weird and awkward and not as origanal. Espescially Seeker! He's just boring! I recommend you read The Wind on Fire Trilogy, it will not dissapoint.

I had actually read Seeker before it came on bookshelves from a local librarian who let me read it. Seeker was entertaining and somewhat thrilling. Though the brief summary in the flap misleads you. I was expecting a high sci-fi thriller for teens but it was kind of slow. I do say, the book did have some intense scenes. Even though I was somewhat upset about the summary, I will definitely pick up the next volume in the series!

I checked this book out from the public library and am glad I didn't buy it. Trite, cliche, written as if by a fifth grader. I couldn't get through the first chapter. I showed it to my teen son (who is an avid reader) and he immediately began mocking it. Our school librarian was appalled. I really don't understand what people are seeing in this book. What am I missing?

Our family is always reading together *quality* fantasy literature.

To us the most under-praised and under-publicized fantasy trilogy of all is "The Noble Warriors," in three volumes-- Seeker: Book One of the Noble Warriors, Jango: Book Two of the Noble Warriors, and Noman: Book Three of the Noble Warriors.

It's about two teen boys (Seeker and Wildman) and one teen girl, (Morning Star), and it soars, with evocativeness and compassion and even tenderness, into their fantasy and magical civilization's politics, hypocrisy, authoritarianism, homeless underclass, gangs, wars, and above all these sensitive teen's heroism and their spirituality -- their engagement with each other, fraudulent cults, barbarous religion (including human sacrifice), peaceful (and magical) monasticism, and their true spiritual seeking.

It touches seamlessly and coherently on so many deftly interwoven themes. It is absolutely action-packed entertaining, audaciously intelligent, adventurous, deeply reflective, much too-little known, and a simply stunning achievement.

I was excited to read this book, but I found the first half of it very slow, and only in the last 1/4th of the book did the pace pick up to the point where I would have felt bad not finishing it.

The largest problem I have with this book is some of the characters. Seeker, the main character, is underdeveloped and rather bland, though it is hinted at that he has a special spiritual connection with their god, which is known as the All and Only. The point of view of Cheerful Giver seemed rather pointless to me, and slowed down the book's pace.

On the other hand, I found the Wildman an interesting character. Described as a golden, beautiful river bandit, he is a violent, selfish, and naive young man at the beginning of the book but near the end he begins to learn how it feels to love people and care about their safety.

All in all, worth a read if you are willing to tolerate the flaws and overall slower pace.