MICHAEL HARDCASTLE
FIVE FORCES BOOK ONE:
Ryn is a healer, not a warrior, but when Kobolds attack his home, he must learn to fight back.Enter a world of Weavers and monsters...The Five Forces series begins with Root Weaver.
The Kobolds attacked without warning and left Ryn for dead. When he awakens hours later to find his wounds miraculously healed, there's only one explanation: he's a Root Weaver. At least, that's according to a smooth-talking treasure hunter who takes Ryn under his wing. They soon run afoul of the militant Watchkeepers and are forced to enlist in the fight against rogue Weavers (and now monsters). In the Watchkeeper stronghold of Falport, they begin training with three other young Weavers: a redsmith's apprentice, a failed sailor, and an aspiring politician. The five recruits must work together to hone their skills and stay alive, even with Ryn’s remarkable healing talents, as not even Falport is safe from attack. Along the way, they might just unlock the secret at the heart of Weaving.Root, Flame, Aether, Stone, Wave... Can they master the Five Forces?
FIVE FORCES BOOK TWO:
Jayn Eldragor grew up in Appencourt, but she never expected a homecoming so soon.Set six weeks after the events of Root Weaver, the Five Forces series continues with Wave Weaver.
Midway through their Watchkeeper training, the young Wave Weaver and her friends receive a summons to appear before the Hall of the Assembly. Things are not what they seem in the capital city, and Jayn must wade into murky waters full of international intrigue, growing distrust of Weavers, and rumors of Kobolds and other monsters. The five recruits must also guard their own secrets. Their lives and the fate of the world might just depend upon it.
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What are the Five Forces?
In the world of the Five Forces, some are born with the ability to become Weavers. There are five types of Weavers...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michael Hardcastle teaches high school English and writing in Tampa, Florida, and has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa. His fiction has been published in The William & Mary Review and West Trade Review, and his poetry has been published in Common Ground Review and Torrid Literature Journal. Root Weaver is his debut fantasy novel.
THE FIVE FORCES
In the world of the Five Forces, one in five children are born with the potential to become Weavers. There are five types of Weavers, although strong Weavers may be able to master multiple forces.
ROOTRoot is the force of growth and restoration. Root Weavers have the ability to heal others directly or by creating restorative medicinals, known as Rootbalm. Root Weavers often work as healers or herbalists.Complementary Force: Root can be enhanced by Blending Wave to create protective wards on others.Opposing Force: Root is destroyed by contact with Stone.Fuel: Root can be strengthened by draining the life force of plants near the Weaver.
WAVEWave is the force of stability and protection. Wave Weavers have the ability to create protective wards within a defined area. Wave Weavers often work with Guilds to create protective wards around homes and businesses. They also have an affinity for water and make great sailors.Complementary Force: Wave can be enhanced by Blending Stone to create more advanced wards, such as shields.Opposing Force: Wave is destroyed by contact with Aether.Fuel: Wave can be strengthened by draining moisture within the Weaver's body, producing thirst.
STONEStone is the force of creation and manipulation. Stone Weavers can manipulate any material, to strengthen, alter, or enchant it. Stone Weavers often work as architects or craftsmen, creating enchanted jewelry, weapons, and armor.Complementary Force: Stone can be enhanced by Blending Aether to create more powerful and complex enchantments.Opposing Force: Stone is destroyed by contact with Flame.Fuel: Stone Weavers use the materials they manipulate as their own fuel. Enchanting an item always makes it lighter. Something is lost in the process.
AETHERAether is the force of change and enhancement. Aether Weavers can manipulate their own bodies to enhance their senses and improve their agility and reflexes. Aether Weavers are naturally graceful and make great dancers and acrobats (or theives and assassins).Complementary Force: Aether can be enhanced by Blending Flame to create more extreme enhancements.Opposing Force: Aether is destroyed by contact with Root.Fuel: Aether can be strengthened by burning nutrients within the Weaver, creating hunger.
FLAMEFlame is the force of chaos and energy. Flame Weavers can generate light and heat and greatly enhance their own strength. Flame Weavers make the best fighters and are highly sought after as soldiers.Complementary Force: Flame can be enhanced by Blending Root to manipulate energy or create spheres of light.Opposing Force: Flame is destroyed by contact with Wave.Fuel: Flame can be strengthened by draining wood or coal, as if burning it with actual fire.
© 2025 Michael Hardcastle. All right reserved.