The First Binding
‘A work of extraordinary depth; people are going to be unpicking the secrets of Tremaine for years to come’ Richard Swan, Sunday Times bestselling author
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.
Thus begins the tale of a storyteller and a singer on the run and hoping to find obscurity in a tavern bar. But the sins of their past aren’t forgotten, and neither are their enemies. Their old lives are catching up swiftly and it could cost them the entire world. No one can escape their pasts and all stories must have an ending.
Readers love The First Binding:
‘The world is extremely rich in its myth and history . . . I loved this book . . . it’s only a matter of time until Virdi and the Tales of Tremaine will be remembered for many years to come’ Novel Notions
‘Once you lose yourself in this South Asian-inspired fantasy world, there’s no turning back. The First Binding is a grand, mesmerizing story‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘Lyrical, lovely, and beautifully South Asian‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘The First Binding is magnificent, it marks itself out because of the way the author has utilized South Asian culture and Hindu mythology to make this epic fantasy story more than a bit unique. R.R. Virdi [has written] a story for readers such as myself & thousands of South Asian fantasy readers‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘[There is something the] author infused into his story with that’s completely him: South Asian mythology and culture were clearly the foundation of the world Virdi imagined, while ticking all the boxes of a classical epic fantasy’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘It’s beautiful, like poetry. I love the stories within stories and genesis myths shown throughout it. My family is East African in origin ancestrally, and there are themes in here even though this is mostly Asian that feel so similar and like I’m reading bits of my own culture, and that is beautiful to see‘ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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Reviews
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
Lyrical and enchanting. A new star has risen in the firmament of epic fantasy
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
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
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
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
This is a SPECTACULAR book, deep and rich and intense. It takes my breath away
The pattern woven by the recurring elements is beguiling. You'll want to sit down with this Storyteller again
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
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
If you loved The Name of the Wind and The Lies of Locke Lamora, this is your next reading addiction
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
A world as deep as it is broad. Virdi's love for fantasy and history both shines through on every page
An ode to storytelling, complete with a rich mythology, turbulent adventures, and a flawed hero you'll root for
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
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
The First Binding is a masterpiece of epic fantasy storytelling
A work of extraordinary depth; readers will be unpicking the secrets of Tremaine for years to come
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
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
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
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
Crafted with patience, passion and, most importantly, tremendous love. Read R.R. Virdi
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
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
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
