Anton Anderson’s “The Seekers: Kirin” is a strong entry in the rapidly growing field of independent fantasy. This second installment in The Seekers series shifts focus away from grand prophecies and chosen ones, centring instead on one man driven by conviction in a world shaped by instability and war. The result is a restrained, character-driven epic that explores the cost of doing good when the odds are stacked against you.
The novel centers on Kirin, the titular gem-seeker, who is a protagonist motivated largely by altruism rather than destiny or revenge. His profession—scaling perilous mountains and navigating ancient caves to retrieve magical gemstones—is not a means to personal power or prestige, but a way to help others. Kirin sells the gems to fund education, support struggling families, and empower his community, setting him apart from many more self-interested fantasy characters. This morality establishes him as a refreshingly likeable and values-driven hero, one whose integrity never feels forced. Despite being Saxum—a physically powerful species gifted with the ability to “feel” stone—Kirin is not defined by his dominance.
One of the biggest reasons to check this one out is the world-building, which displays exceptional imagination and attention to detail. Although reading the first book would probably be wise, the book is easy to pick up and rewards new readers with immediate immersion into its fantasy world, called simply the Lands. The three primary species possess distinct biological characteristics and cultural practices that feel organically developed rather than arbitrarily constructed. The Saxum’s stone-sensing abilities achieved through meditation, the Venadari’s mountain-adapted physiology, and the Igni’s mysterious devotion to the “Demon Lord” create a rich fantasy world that evokes Sanderson and George R.R Martin.
Andérson’s approach to magic deserves particular recognition for its originality. Rather than relying on flashy incantations or overt displays of power, magic in The Seekers: Kirin is rooted in gemstones—objects that respond not to domination, but to focus, discipline, and attunement. “The magic-infused gems also had a very distinct feel to them… It was the sense of spiciness… an aftertaste of sorrow,” Kirin reflects. It’s a magic system that feels ancient and alive.
The first-person prose style, while occasionally uneven and pretty unusual for fantasy, is generally well-done and demonstrates considerable literary ambition. Dialogue frequently operates on multiple levels, advancing plot while exploring philosophical concepts and ethical questions. The episodic chapter structure creates the feel of an epic while maintaining intimate character focus on Kirin, though some readers may find the pretty extensive cast challenging to follow. Furthermore, the invented terminology, while contributing to world-building authenticity, may require adjustment for some readers. A glossary would have made a nice addition.
Despite these considerations, “The Seekers: Kirin” succeeds admirably as both entertainment and literature, showcasing the best of indie fantasy. In an era where fantasy often defaults to cynicism, Anderson offers something increasingly rare: a work that believes in the possibility of moral growth and genuinely good characters. His exploration of how individuals can choose redemption over revenge, understanding over hatred, feels particularly relevant to contemporary discourse. The novel will appeal most strongly to readers who enjoy character-driven epics like The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison or The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold.
To sum up, “The Seekers: Kirin” is a great escape that grips from the first page with its razor-sharp tension, brutal interrogations, and high-stakes action scenes. It’s the kind of fantasy that hurts the reader when characters hurt—in the best way. While it may not satisfy every fantasy reader’s expectations, it is the perfect read for those who crave grit over glamour, tension over tropes, and characters who bleed, break, and keep going.
You can get your copy of “The Seekers of Kirin” here!
