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The Binding of the Twelve: One Prophecy. Darkness Rising. Twelve Heroes.
“All the grandeur of Tolkien, but with a special kind of philosophical curiosity that gives us a world as textured as it is immense.” – K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite
For two millennia, the Keepers have guarded ancient knowledge, believing it too dangerous for the world. But now, a forgotten empire rises, and an ancient evil stirs, threatening to plunge the realms into darkness.
Fife, a gifted Keeper of Wisdom, must gather a new Twelve—courageous companions from the men’ar, alv’ar, and delv’ar—to face this looming threat. Rumors of Pieces—mysterious magical stones—and a foreboding prophecy send him on a perilous journey where hope, fear, and old rivalries intertwine.
The Binding of the Twelve is an immersive epic fantasy filled with heart-stopping sword fights, unforgettable creatures, epic battles, and a rich, sprawling world reminiscent of Tolkien and Robert Jordan. Fans of epic storytelling will be captivated by Fife’s quest, his companions’ struggles, and the high-stakes adventure that spans kingdoms and ages.
The riveting Chronicles of the Orphan King series continues with The Forging of the Twelve…
Page Up and Order Now.
For two millennia, the Keepers have guarded ancient knowledge, believing it too dangerous for the world. But now, a forgotten empire rises, and an ancient evil stirs, threatening to plunge the realms into darkness.
Fife, a gifted Keeper of Wisdom, must gather a new Twelve—courageous companions from the men’ar, alv’ar, and delv’ar—to face this looming threat. Rumors of Pieces—mysterious magical stones—and a foreboding prophecy send him on a perilous journey where hope, fear, and old rivalries intertwine.
The Binding of the Twelve is an immersive epic fantasy filled with heart-stopping sword fights, unforgettable creatures, epic battles, and a rich, sprawling world reminiscent of Tolkien and Robert Jordan. Fans of epic storytelling will be captivated by Fife’s quest, his companions’ struggles, and the high-stakes adventure that spans kingdoms and ages.
The riveting Chronicles of the Orphan King series continues with The Forging of the Twelve…
Page Up and Order Now.
676 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Nathanael Bazzell
2 books5 followersNathanael Bazzell lives in Kentucky with his wife, children, dogs, and chickens. He received his master’s degree in history and has, at one point or another, worked at a feed mill, played in a rock band, and taught as a professor. When he isn’t attending soccer tournaments, track meets, or volleyball matches, he enjoys bow fishing.
A lifelong fantasy and science fiction reader, he especially loves long stories that take multiple books to tell. Having determined there are not nearly enough of those, he decided to write his own and share the tale with like-minded readers.
A lifelong fantasy and science fiction reader, he especially loves long stories that take multiple books to tell. Having determined there are not nearly enough of those, he decided to write his own and share the tale with like-minded readers.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 7, 2025
A little confusing as you have a lot of characters, but overall very enjoyable. I'll look forward to the next one in the series.
July 16, 2025
In The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell, we are introduced to Fife, a world traveling Keeper, who meets up with an unkempt nobleman claiming that he has urgent information that must be shared with Fife.
Fife is extremely interested in what this man has to tell him. The man, Olan, explains that the news he has can change the fate of all that live in the Three Lands. He explains he has heard that the Alv’ar (elves) and Delv’ar (dwarves) are plotting a war against the Men’ar (humans). This will be cataclysmic for everyone involved. Although Fife is leery of this man, he knows deep down that the prophecy is clear. A new band of Twelve must be found and he is the one to fulfill this mission within the Three Lands. Is Fife able to find the new Twelve that will make things right again? If so, are they successful in their mission to save the Three Lands or will the results be catastrophic?
Right from the start, readers are immersed in an epic world that consists of the Three Lands, the Men’ar Kingdoms, the Delv’ar Holds and the Alv’ar Realms. Each kingdom has their important role and must work in tandem with each other to be a successful world. Fife becomes troubled once he finds out that the Men’ar people will be attacked by the Alv’ar and Delv’ar people. Being the Keeper of Wisdom, he knows he is the chosen one who must right this injustice before it begins. The characters Nathanael Bazzell has created will keep readers eagerly wanting to learn about each person and how they will form a new team of Twelve to thwart this potential injustice. Each character introduced is so believable that you will forget this is a work of fiction and instead become completely engrossed in the story.
This author outdid himself with the level of creativity with the development of the Three Lands. Each is its own unique kingdom with its own class of people. The inventiveness it took for Bazzell to craft these Three Lands and wrap the entire story around these lands is truly amazing. Just as the characters are believable, so too are the lands he created for these people in which to live.
This is the first installment in an ongoing series and it will have readers eagerly awaiting the next story’s release to see where this book ends and the next one picks up. This book is so intelligently assembled that it could easily be made into a motion picture like some other well-known fantasy stories, such as the Lord of the Rings series and works by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Quill says: The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell is an epic book that readers should enjoy uninterrupted so as to allow themselves to become fully immersed in the captivating story. With the well-developed storyline, the believable characters and the uniquely crafted lands, readers will be transported to a faraway land while reading this novel.
Fife is extremely interested in what this man has to tell him. The man, Olan, explains that the news he has can change the fate of all that live in the Three Lands. He explains he has heard that the Alv’ar (elves) and Delv’ar (dwarves) are plotting a war against the Men’ar (humans). This will be cataclysmic for everyone involved. Although Fife is leery of this man, he knows deep down that the prophecy is clear. A new band of Twelve must be found and he is the one to fulfill this mission within the Three Lands. Is Fife able to find the new Twelve that will make things right again? If so, are they successful in their mission to save the Three Lands or will the results be catastrophic?
Right from the start, readers are immersed in an epic world that consists of the Three Lands, the Men’ar Kingdoms, the Delv’ar Holds and the Alv’ar Realms. Each kingdom has their important role and must work in tandem with each other to be a successful world. Fife becomes troubled once he finds out that the Men’ar people will be attacked by the Alv’ar and Delv’ar people. Being the Keeper of Wisdom, he knows he is the chosen one who must right this injustice before it begins. The characters Nathanael Bazzell has created will keep readers eagerly wanting to learn about each person and how they will form a new team of Twelve to thwart this potential injustice. Each character introduced is so believable that you will forget this is a work of fiction and instead become completely engrossed in the story.
This author outdid himself with the level of creativity with the development of the Three Lands. Each is its own unique kingdom with its own class of people. The inventiveness it took for Bazzell to craft these Three Lands and wrap the entire story around these lands is truly amazing. Just as the characters are believable, so too are the lands he created for these people in which to live.
This is the first installment in an ongoing series and it will have readers eagerly awaiting the next story’s release to see where this book ends and the next one picks up. This book is so intelligently assembled that it could easily be made into a motion picture like some other well-known fantasy stories, such as the Lord of the Rings series and works by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Quill says: The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell is an epic book that readers should enjoy uninterrupted so as to allow themselves to become fully immersed in the captivating story. With the well-developed storyline, the believable characters and the uniquely crafted lands, readers will be transported to a faraway land while reading this novel.
July 10, 2025
Nathanael Bazzell’s The Binding of the Twelve, the opening chapter of The Chronicles of the Orphan King series, is a captivating fantasy epic that pulls you into a world of magic, prophecy, and high stakes. This thrilling tale, set across 36 chapters, weaves a rich tapestry of adventure and intrigue, making it a must-read for fantasy fans eager for a fresh saga.
The story unfolds in the Three Lands—men’ar, alv’ar, and delv’ar—each with its own vibrant culture and history. At its heart is an ancient prophecy tied to mystical artifacts called Pieces, some corrupted into red, orange, and yellow hues, unlike their pure blue, green, and white counterparts. The narrative kicks off with Fife, a Keeper haunted by his parents’ death, meeting the refined Olan in the gritty Squealing Pig tavern, where whispers of corrupted Pieces and looming war set the quest in motion. The prophecy centres on a group of twelve chosen individuals destined to save the Three Lands, with perspectives shifting between characters like Cael, a shepherd craving adventure, and Liana, an alv’ar princess fighting for her people. Others, like Deglan, Cearbhal, Cait, and Baine, a bold delv’ar prince, emerge as key figures, while Cleary, Fife’s wise mentor, and King Iomhar, a steadfast leader, add depth to the unfolding tale.
Bazzell’s writing is vivid, painting scenes so immersive you can almost taste the ale in The Squealing Pig. The Three Lands feel alive, with their clashing cultures and tangled histories. The Pieces aren’t just magical trinkets—they spark questions about power and corruption. A shadowy Order tied to the prophecy adds a delicious layer of mystery, keeping you glued to the pages.
The characters shine brightly. Fife’s sharp wit and burdened heart make him a compelling lead. Cael’s journey from humble herder to prophesied hero feels authentic, while Liana’s resolve is inspiring. Cleary’s warmth and Iomhar’s gravitas ground the story, though early chapters give less focus to figures like Deglan and Cearbhal, whose roles grow later. The book explores themes of unity, sacrifice, and the perils of power, with tensions between the Three Lands echoing real-world divides.
That said, the story can feel dense at first, juggling multiple characters and threads, and the pacing dips when world-building takes centre stage. Some arcs remain open-ended, likely for future books. Still, The Binding of the Twelve is a stellar launch to a promising series, blending rich world-building with characters you’ll root for. Dive into the Three Lands—you won’t regret it.
The story unfolds in the Three Lands—men’ar, alv’ar, and delv’ar—each with its own vibrant culture and history. At its heart is an ancient prophecy tied to mystical artifacts called Pieces, some corrupted into red, orange, and yellow hues, unlike their pure blue, green, and white counterparts. The narrative kicks off with Fife, a Keeper haunted by his parents’ death, meeting the refined Olan in the gritty Squealing Pig tavern, where whispers of corrupted Pieces and looming war set the quest in motion. The prophecy centres on a group of twelve chosen individuals destined to save the Three Lands, with perspectives shifting between characters like Cael, a shepherd craving adventure, and Liana, an alv’ar princess fighting for her people. Others, like Deglan, Cearbhal, Cait, and Baine, a bold delv’ar prince, emerge as key figures, while Cleary, Fife’s wise mentor, and King Iomhar, a steadfast leader, add depth to the unfolding tale.
Bazzell’s writing is vivid, painting scenes so immersive you can almost taste the ale in The Squealing Pig. The Three Lands feel alive, with their clashing cultures and tangled histories. The Pieces aren’t just magical trinkets—they spark questions about power and corruption. A shadowy Order tied to the prophecy adds a delicious layer of mystery, keeping you glued to the pages.
The characters shine brightly. Fife’s sharp wit and burdened heart make him a compelling lead. Cael’s journey from humble herder to prophesied hero feels authentic, while Liana’s resolve is inspiring. Cleary’s warmth and Iomhar’s gravitas ground the story, though early chapters give less focus to figures like Deglan and Cearbhal, whose roles grow later. The book explores themes of unity, sacrifice, and the perils of power, with tensions between the Three Lands echoing real-world divides.
That said, the story can feel dense at first, juggling multiple characters and threads, and the pacing dips when world-building takes centre stage. Some arcs remain open-ended, likely for future books. Still, The Binding of the Twelve is a stellar launch to a promising series, blending rich world-building with characters you’ll root for. Dive into the Three Lands—you won’t regret it.
May 3, 2025
I cannot WAIT to read this book again! If you’re a fan of fantasy epics or the likes of Rothfuss, Hobb, or dare I say Tolkien— this book is for you. Lovable characters and IMMENSE world to dig your claws into, and a magic system I’m excited to learn more about. I’ve got it on good authority that book 2 is well on its way and I’ll be eagerly waiting.
August 25, 2025
Over 800 pages and I still didn’t feel bored. It’s dense but the story flows.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews