Press Reviews

• Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling author

  R.R. Virdi's The First Binding is engrossing and beautiful, joyous and painful -- always entertaining, sometimes profound. This book makes me remember why I love epic fantasy

• Jim Butcher, New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files

  Crafted with patience, passion and, most importantly, tremendous love. Read R.R. Virdi

• Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author

  R.R. Virdi spins a very personal epic fantasy about the consequences of our actions and the nature of heroism. Rich world-building, plenty of action, and devious twists abound. Very highly recommended

• Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Washington Post bestselling author of The Salvage Crew

  An epic like no other - grand, sweeping, dramatic, a love letter to fantasy burning with the dust and heat and mythos of South Asia. It reads like magic and tastes like saffron

• Dyrk Ashton, author of the Paternus Trilogy

  If you loved The Name of the Wind and The Lies of Locke Lamora, this is your next reading addiction

• Andrea Stewart, critically acclaimed author of The Bone Shard Emperor

  The First Binding is epic fantasy at its finest -- an homage to storytelling and legend, richly told and endlessly engaging. Complex and luxuriant, this is an emotional, multifaceted gem of a book that examines the twists and turns a story takes on its journey from the truth

• Novel Notions

  If you're a fan of The Kingkiller Chronicle, like me . . . well, The First Binding is for you . . . It is a novel about coming-of-age, found family, kindness, empathy, storytelling, magic, truth, and lies . . . [it's] the first volume in a new magnificent and ambitious high fantasy series to obsess over

• Janny Wurts, author of The Wars of Light and Shadow

  Lavish in detail, a saga colourfully flavoured with the mythos of India, R.R. Virdi's The First Binding is a fantasy debut recommended for the exceptional promise that The Name of the Wind enthusiasts have been pining to discover and read

• Richard Swan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Justice of Kings

  A work of extraordinary depth; readers will be unpicking the secrets of Tremaine for years to come

• Kirkus

  An ode to storytelling, complete with a rich mythology, turbulent adventures, and a flawed hero you'll root for

• Library of a Viking

  The First Binding is, at its core, a coming-of-age/underdog story with the found family and pet companion trope (and LOTS more)! . . . a new favourite of mine

• Michael Mammay, author of The Planetside series

  The First Binding is a masterpiece of epic fantasy storytelling

• SFX

  The pattern woven by the recurring elements is beguiling. You'll want to sit down with this Storyteller again

• Moon Kestrel

  I have read many good books this year, but The First Binding climbed incredibly quickly to the top and currently has wiped out every other amazing book I have read

• The Bibliophile Chronicles

  An unforgettable, magical tale . . . A beautifully told story from start to finish, this is the kind of book that will stay with you long after you finish reading

• Fantasy Book Critic

  One of my top reads this year. It celebrates storytelling, is written in lyrical prose, and contains elements that are immersed in South Asian mythos and culture

• Books in Blankets

  I recommend The First Binding to every epic fantasy fan . . . in a decade it'll be remembered as one of the cornerstones of this genre

• winteriscoming.net

  An immense achievement, and deserves a place on any epic fantasy reader's shelf beside the other greats of the genre. It's a mesmerizing love letter to stories, to the South Asian culture and history that inspired it, and to the fantasy genre as a whole

• Faith Hunter, New York Times bestselling author

  This is a SPECTACULAR book, deep and rich and intense. It takes my breath away

• The Wall Street Journal

  There is little else out there to rival The First Binding. It is an entire mythos and world, epic fantasy and autobiography, a comprehensive retelling of one man's life

• Samit Basu, author of The City Inside

  A work of staggering ambition born out of a fathoms-deep love for epic fantasy, The First Binding marks the arrival of an author and protagonist who are both trickster heroes on a multi-layered legendary journey

• D.J. Butler, Dragon Award-winning author of Witchy Eye

  Lyrical and enchanting. A new star has risen in the firmament of epic fantasy

• Kritika H. Rao, author of The Surviving Sky

  Filled with astute nods to South Asian lore, The First Binding is a classic in every way: layered, nuanced, and luxurious. A story that forces you to examine reality and truth, and the power of legends themselves

• Gourav Mohanty, author of Sons of Darkness

  A mysterious odyssey through the ancient legends and culture of South Asia that weaves an enchanting tale of theatre, thievery and richly fleshed binding-magic. The story within story unravels like a Matryoshka doll and each discovery pulses with music and wonder and sometimes, even deceit. The Old Gods will be pleased with this marathon of lyrical prose. Perfect for history-mythology geeks

• Dominick Sanchez, Grammy Award Winner

  Imagine a magical story that's like a harmonious song with many enchanting layers, bringing to life cultures and myths rarely explored before. It's as if the music of the tale resonates deeply within, creating a beautiful and legendary experience. Tales of Tremaine weaves a melody of heroism, love, and tragedy, echoing the captivating performances of music, storytelling, and theater. If you have a heart for exquisitely composed fantasy, this is a must-read symphony of words

• Christopher Ruocchio, internationally award-winning author of The Sun Eater

  A world as deep as it is broad. Virdi's love for fantasy and history both shines through on every page

• Keshe Chow, author of The Girl With No Reflection

  The First Binding is an homage to storytelling and is a masterpiece of modern fantasy