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Astrid V.J.
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The Artist and His Muse (The Wordmage's Tales) Kindle Edition

by Astrid V.J. (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
It is dawn. One man puts the final touches on his greatest work and smiles at the addition of a woman, huddled in a red cloak. With a flourish, he makes the last stroke of his brush and steps back to admire his masterpiece. The character he added draws the eye into the world of trees and hills. It is perfect and he knows his career is made. He glances around but the woman who inspired perfection isn't there. Only a folded red cloak rests on the rock where she sat earlier. Picking up the cold fabric, the artist sighs. He must find her because he knows his life, and his creativity, will never be complete without the mysterious woman's presence. But first, he must meet a duke and receive his reward for achieving the impossible.The Artist and His Muse is one of The Wordmage's Tales, accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.
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  1. Part of series
    The Wordmage's Tales
  2. Print length
    80 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 30, 2021
  5. Reading age
    15 - 18 years
  6. File size
    3.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 7 books in this series.
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The Wordmage's Tales
Bundle price: Kindle price
$5.98
Bundle price: Kindle price
$11.96
Bundle price: Kindle price
$17.94
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08Q7SJDYR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ New Wings Press (April 30, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 80 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Astrid V.J.

Astrid V.J.

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Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author, Astrid V.J. was born in South Africa. She is a trained social anthropologist and certified transformational life coach. She currently resides in Sweden with her husband and their two children. In early childhood, she showed an interest in reading and languages—interests which her family encouraged. Astrid started writing her first novel at age 12 and now writes fantasy in a variety of genres, exploring her passion for cultures and languages. When she isn’t writing, Astrid likes to read, take walks in nature, play silly games with her children, do embroidery, and play music.

Astrid writes transformation fiction: incorporating transformation principles in novels, rather than writing another self-help book. She loves exploring the human capacity for transformation and potential to achieve success in the face of adversity. Astrid is interested in minority group questions, considerations on social standards of beauty and the negative consequences these have, and would like to make the fantasy genre accessible to people of non-white, non-Christian backgrounds. Astrid feels the fantasy genre has become too restrictive with limited representations of race, ethnicity and culture. She seeks to explore other paths on this writing journey, incorporating her background in anthropology and psychology to create engaging experiences, which also provide food for thought on the diverse topics she finds most important. These include: racism, minority rights, cultural diversity, culture change, intolerance, humanity’s environmental impact, the representation of people on the autism spectrum in among the general populace, the human capacity for transformation, and much more.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and relatable. They describe it as a vivid read with amazing character depth. The book offers moral lessons and inspiring themes of healing, growth, and love. Readers appreciate the author's vivid writing style that creates a memorable world.

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Storytelling qualityReadabilityCharacter depthTeaching styleLove storyPainter
10 customers mention "Storytelling quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging with relatable characters and a magical narrative. They appreciate the visual language and evocative storytelling. The book is described as an entrancing tale of an artist and the mysterious woman. Readers praise the author's skill in storytelling and find the book both dreamlike and poignant.

"...I loved this book from the first paragraph. Making good use of visual language, the author introduces us to the world of artists, showing how big of..." Read more

"...It is the kind of story that lingers and begs to be retold, full of evocative language that is even more enjoyable on subsequent reads." Read more

"...I'm a lifelong fan of Astrid's, her boundless imagination and ability to weave tapestries of stories from her words a gift rarely seen in today's..." Read more

"...I was captivated from the start as the story is told with very visual language, in a Coelhoesque way and I love Coelho...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe it as an interesting, vivid tale that reads like a wonderful folk tale. Readers say it's time well spent and rewarding.

"...This was such an interesting read. Indeed, I kept reading, as I wanted to find out what would happen next...." Read more

"...to be retold, full of evocative language that is even more enjoyable on subsequent reads." Read more

"...It's a true pleasure to read her works, and The Artist and His Muse is a wonderful addition to my collection." Read more

"...Storyteller and the Sewing Princess, this short story was a vivid treat to read...." Read more

5 customers mention "Character depth"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character depth in the book. They find the story rich and immersive.

"...You will love this book! From the unique universe to the relatable characters, whose stories blend to perfection, you will find story to be..." Read more

"...Though short, this is a very rich story with amazing character depth and immersive settings...." Read more

"...Every story has layers of morals and lessons to glean, her characters so believable and lifelike you wonder if they won't jump off the page...." Read more

"...The main characters are so unique and yet very relatable, their struggles understandable, the healing and growth encouraging to us readers...." Read more

5 customers mention "Teaching style"5 positive0 negative

Customers are drawn to the book's teaching style. They find it offers moral lessons and hope. The tale of healing and growth is inspiring for readers.

"...than a love story, I saw it as a beautiful portrait of acceptance and healing. You will love this book!..." Read more

"...raw, this is a beautifully intimate portrait of love, acceptance, and healing. A love story - but not a romance; this is so much more...." Read more

"...Every story has layers of morals and lessons to glean, her characters so believable and lifelike you wonder if they won't jump off the page...." Read more

"...so unique and yet very relatable, their struggles understandable, the healing and growth encouraging to us readers...." Read more

4 customers mention "Love story"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the love story and friendship. They find it touching and well-crafted.

"At once both dreamlike and poignantly raw, this is a beautifully intimate portrait of love, acceptance, and healing...." Read more

"Love is love, and real love possesses the power to save us all...." Read more

"...It absolutely warmed my heart, and I enjoyed every well crafted detail of the world the author created. Time well spent." Read more

"What a beautiful story of friendship. Sometimes friendship can be more powerful than lovers. What a great story. Definitely recommend" Read more

4 customers mention "Painter"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's vivid descriptions and wordplay. They find the story memorable and engaging.

"...An artist wants to impress a duke and paint a masterpiece, but it seems like the painting has yet to be complete...." Read more

"...I've said it before, she is a word painter...." Read more

"...Another artist contender wants to impress the Duke and paint a masterpiece fresco, but his magnificent painting is missing something...." Read more

"This was a beautifully written story! The word building was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the story...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mrs Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A captivating book which offers the reader a delicate blend of melancholy and hope. This is one of the books in the series called “The Wordmage’s Tales”, but it can be read as a stand-alone as well. Through her books, the author explores the universe of transformation fiction, bringing us closer to values we all strive for.

    I loved this book from the first paragraph. Making good use of visual language, the author introduces us to the world of artists, showing how big of a role muses actually play. An artist wants to impress a duke and paint a masterpiece, but it seems like the painting has yet to be complete. He finds his inspiration in a beggar woman, only to discover she has disappeared soon after. As the reader follows their story, secrets come out to the surface, making you turn one page after the other.

    This was such an interesting read. Indeed, I kept reading, as I wanted to find out what would happen next. The ending was definitely unexpected and so well delivered, far from predictable. The author did a great job foreshadowing the story conclusion, and it was so amazing to follow the journey of the main characters. I could relate to them and how they were standing up to the injustice of the world. It was also great to see that they had faith in the future, believing it is possible to achieve your dreams.

    The story focuses on love and forgiveness, but it also offers morals and lessons to learn. I loved the universe the author created, weaving a creative tapestry from her seemingly endless imagination. In the end, some of the best stories in the world invite readers into their own universe, with relatable characters and their life experiences. This book offers more than a love story, I saw it as a beautiful portrait of acceptance and healing.

    You will love this book! From the unique universe to the relatable characters, whose stories blend to perfection, you will find story to be delightful. It was great to be able to read it as a standalone, but I think the other books in the series are worth checking out as well. A pleasure to read!
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  • Marjorie
    5.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful love story, but not a romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    At once both dreamlike and poignantly raw, this is a beautifully intimate portrait of love, acceptance, and healing. A love story - but not a romance; this is so much more. A beggar woman with a hidden past finds her life inextricably wound to an artist - and he to her. I loved the echoes of their stories to one another, and the balance in their relationship. Each able to provide the solace the other needed.

    Though short, this is a very rich story with amazing character depth and immersive settings. Much as the hours disappeared for the artist as he was drawn into his work, time disappeared for me as I found myself caught in this tale. The ending was both expected and surprising. Well foreshadowed, but not predictable.

    This is one of the Wordmage's Tales, and can be enjoyed as a standalone - but after the rich experience this story provides, you'll want to read more. It is the kind of story that lingers and begs to be retold, full of evocative language that is even more enjoyable on subsequent reads.
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  • Yazzie
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fast light easy fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2021
    𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: The artist and His Muse
    𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Astrid V. J.
    ℙ𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 105 pages
    ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5

    The Artist and His Muse is one of The Wordmage's Tales, accompanying The Apprentice Storyteller. The apprentice has learned from master storyteller, Viola Alerion, and now he performs these classic tales from the Haldrian Empire in his own right.

    𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
    An artist adds the final touches to a painting that defines his career. After adding a figure in red cloak the scenery is beyond perfect and as he turn around to see the woman that inspired the painting, she isn’t there anymore.

    𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕖𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪𝕖𝕕:
    ⭐️I found the story fun to read and the fact that it’s somewhat short made every sentence more precious!
    ⭐️It is very inspiring and the plot twist was surprising
    ⭐️ A fun light and fast read

    𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕀 𝕕𝕚𝕕𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪:
    ⭐️ The description of some parts of the book was somewhat lacking but other than that nothing else
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  • J.E. Soper
    5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful journey into the heart of love and forgiveness
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Love is love, and real love possesses the power to save us all. Such is the case with Othenio and Dee, people on opposite ends of the spectrum who find within the other the peace they've so desperately longed for. Many think a love story must incorporate romantic love, but love exists in many a fashion, and this tale speaks of a love that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

    I'm a lifelong fan of Astrid's, her boundless imagination and ability to weave tapestries of stories from her words a gift rarely seen in today's world. I've said it before, she is a word painter. Every story has layers of morals and lessons to glean, her characters so believable and lifelike you wonder if they won't jump off the page.

    It's a true pleasure to read her works, and The Artist and His Muse is a wonderful addition to my collection.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ilona Nurmela
    5.0 out of 5 stars A coelhoesque melancholy love story kindled with hope
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    After Astrid VJ's The Apprentice Storyteller and the Sewing Princess, this short story was a vivid treat to read. I was captivated from the start as the story is told with very visual language, in a Coelhoesque way and I love Coelho. Another artist contender wants to impress the Duke and paint a masterpiece fresco, but his magnificent painting is missing something. The artist is inspired by a beggar woman to finish his painting, but she's gone from his life in the morning. Their story quietly unravels as do the secrets of the beggar woman. The feel of the book at this point was melancholy kindled with hope. And that ending, loved it! Recommended for those who love to see their protagonists grow and heal and stand up to the injustice of the world and simply believe things are possible for everyone, including for them.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Fallen Angel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five inspired stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for “The Artist & his Muse”
    Reviewed in Germany on March 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This story is part of “The Wordmage’s Tales”, stories told by Viola or her apprentice Jo in “The Apprentice Storyteller”. All these stories hold a deeper message. For me, the message of this story is about love.

    💖 What is love? There is more than one kind. The love between partners, the love to parents, children, relatives. The love to friends, to pets, even to inanimate things like art.
    ❤️‍🔥 Love can be hot, dirty, violent, passionate,
    💝 or gentle, compassionate, innocent and pure.
    This tale is about the latter. The pure love of an artist to his craft, and the woman who inspires him to go above and beyond every limit to achieve perfection. It’s the love of the Muse to the artist’s work, to his visions and struggles, to every shade of color used, every stroke of his brush that creates perfection.
    💕It’s completely platonic, a love of two minds with one goal, supporting each other for the benefit of both. It is blind to social status, age, gender or orientation. It never judges, and that makes it the most beautiful love of all.
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  • Michelle Menezes
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read!
    Reviewed in India on November 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This story tells us what happens when two broken people find each other. It pulls at your heartstrings and leaves you feeling overwhelmed. At least that's what it did to me.

    The beautiful prose captured my attention from the first page itself. The love explored in this book is beyond anything I've ever read or seen. What Darla and Othenio share is more than friendship, but it's not about romance or sexual attraction. They were just there for each other, helping the other person heal.

    The relationship described is not something I can explain in a few words. People will have to read it themselves and experience the beauty of it.

    The book is set in the Haldrian Empire where Jo, an apprentice storyteller is narrating these stories to others. At first, I didn't think much about the book. I got it for free on kindle and randomly picked it up to read. I'm awed by the quality of writing and definitely going to read the other books in the series.

    The main series is described as futuristic fantasy and this is a spin-off novella. It gave me historical vibes so, I recommend it to people who enjoy both or either genre.
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  • Claudio
    5.0 out of 5 stars A strong and beautiful story
    Reviewed in Italy on June 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautiful story of a painter and his muse. It’s a tale of hardships and successes of creative world. The author paints with their words just as the artist does with colours in the story.
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  • A Wai
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A wonderful story that evokes beautiful imagery. I soaked up every detail and enjoyed the journey. I loved the powerful themes explored throughout the story and can't wait for for the next tale.
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  • Lynda Simmons
    4.0 out of 5 stars Must read if you’re into historical fantasy
    Reviewed in Australia on May 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    “To be seen for your true self is a great gift” is part of what underpins the strength of the friendship between Othenio and Darla. As the tale begins, these two characters don't know each other and have very different goals. Their worlds seem very separate but, is that an illusion? Their friendship, and their reliance on one another as their relationship grows is beautifully shown.

    We get to be part of the audience as Jo, the apprentice from The Apprentice Storyteller tells the story of Othenio and Darla.

    Poetic descriptions don’t get in the way of telling this tale but embroider a poignant character-driven story which pulls you along with humour and mastery. Recommend for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fantasy.
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