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The First Binding

A Silk Road epic fantasy full of magic and mystery

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The First Binding

By: R.R. Virdi
Narrated by: Vikas Adam
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About this listen

 '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, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Magic World Literature Mythology

Critic Reviews

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
Crafted with patience, passion and, most importantly, tremendous love. Read R.R. Virdi
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
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
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
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
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
A work of extraordinary depth; readers will be unpicking the secrets of Tremaine for years to come
An ode to storytelling, complete with a rich mythology, turbulent adventures, and a flawed hero you'll root for
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
The First Binding is a masterpiece of epic fantasy storytelling
The pattern woven by the recurring elements is beguiling. You'll want to sit down with this Storyteller again
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
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
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
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
All stars
Most relevant
I struggled to finish, almost relieved when it unexpectedly ended! I found it too similar to Patrick Rothfuss’ ‘Name of the wind’ - it was almost like Kvothes story re-written for an Indian audience. I enjoyed the rich prose; I liked the 'Binding' magic system; I do long for more Kvothe style adventure/story, so this did satisfy some of this longing. Thats what kept me going. PS. I don't like it that so many heros of modern fantasy are portrayed as folk with little self control - prone to temper tantrums! Not very good role-models!

'Name of the Wind' re-written for south Asia?

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The narrator was fantastic and the story, although long, ebs and flows well, keeping you engaged as you alternate between timelines. Had I never read Name of the Wind, this may be a 5 star review but at times it's seems the author blurred the line between inspiration and plagerism

A well written story but too similar to Rothfuss'

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It's unfortunate in some ways that this isn't western fantasy. I think it's a very acquired taste.

It's well written - in some ways it would probably be a great work if it was western - but I'm not a big fan of an Indian fantasy setting.

It's ok but...

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This is terrible. The plot line is identical to The Name of the Wind. Should be taken down from audible immediately.

0 stars. Is a complete plagiarism of Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name Of the Wind

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Tried to listen to this one twice and couldn’t finish it. Reminds me of other books but the jokes and interactions between characters were too much ick, cringey. Might suit others

Not my cup of tea

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