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Windward
When dragons fight, mountains weep. In nests high in the mountains, dragons and dragonbonded share their lives, thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. Palon and her partner, the dragon Windward, are renowned among their nest for their flying skill. Their days are filled with everything she loves, especially riding the wind. Even being tasked with teaching their way of life to Tebah, a rebellious newly bonded teenager, can't bring her down too much. But when treasures from the dragons' hoards are found in Palon's collection, her idyllic life comes crashing down. She battles to prove her innocence, while her every move is cast as further evidence against her. Tebah's suspicion, homesickness, and defiance would be frustrating even in easy times. With Palon in the spotlight while her rivals smear her name at every turn and stir up plots of revenge, her teenage charge's behavior proves dangerous. Dragon tempers shorten, and challenges and disputes shake the ground. Palon will have to trust more than just herself if she hopes to once more own the sky. An SPFBO7 Semi-finalist!
266 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2019
15 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
S. Kaeth
6 books59 followersEver since a college professor told S. Kaeth she’d have to eventually focus on just one thing, she’s been dead set on proving him wrong.
From charging through the wilderness, wrangling alligators and snapping turtles, trapping and counting moles, or supervising prairie burns for college credits to doing research and training frogs, lizards, and a lungfish, she treats life as an adventure. She traded hikes, natural history interpretation boating tours, and creature encounters for the slightly-less-exotic-but-no-less-fun mammal training about the same time she began to get serious about her writing craft.
She's an indie author, a co-founder of Indie Story Geek, and a co-founder of Teacup Dragon. You'll also find her at WriteHive, where she is a Coordinator and host of the Word Nerd Cafe podcast. When she’s not buried under edits, you can often find her cheering people on and boosting capybaras and science posts on Mastodon.
Stay in touch on her mailing list!
From charging through the wilderness, wrangling alligators and snapping turtles, trapping and counting moles, or supervising prairie burns for college credits to doing research and training frogs, lizards, and a lungfish, she treats life as an adventure. She traded hikes, natural history interpretation boating tours, and creature encounters for the slightly-less-exotic-but-no-less-fun mammal training about the same time she began to get serious about her writing craft.
She's an indie author, a co-founder of Indie Story Geek, and a co-founder of Teacup Dragon. You'll also find her at WriteHive, where she is a Coordinator and host of the Word Nerd Cafe podcast. When she’s not buried under edits, you can often find her cheering people on and boosting capybaras and science posts on Mastodon.
Stay in touch on her mailing list!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 4, 2022
Dragon lovers, this one’s for you
If you love dragons, S. Kaeth has a gift for you. In this book, she invites us into an intimate and thrilling culture she has created out of whole cloth, where dragons and humans are bonded. As I read, my understanding of this relationship evolved from a human as a dragon’s pet, then partner, then they as old married couples… and I arrived at ‘soul mates’ by the time the author was through with me.
Both dragons and their “bonded” have priorities that might seem not worth arguing over, but this is fantasy and this culture is strong: There are parallel hierarchies among the dragon and “bonded” that must be respected, and these confer status that allow for the best basking sites, among other things (dragons are reptiles after all and need the heat of the sun for their well-being). Both dragons and bonded have a strong compulsion to collect things (I was reminded of the habit of crows) and are fiercely territorial and protective of their collections. Both dragons and bonded are loathe to show weakness. And of course there is Dragon Law, which governs everything from these priorities to the introduction of “newlings”—new dragon-human relationships that are under cultivation. The entire culture is finely attuned to disruptions and stress.
It is a testament to the author’s talent that I felt my bond with the skilled yet hotheaded main character Palon and her dragon, Windward, grow with them as the story unfolded. I came to have great empathy for the strength of a bond and the insanity-inducing grief when it was lost. And I found myself rooting for them as they were dangerously challenged again and again by members of their own nest family.
This is more than “Mother of Dragons”, or “dragons harnessed as weapons of war”, as we often see in fantasy. This is a deep imagining of a rich and emotional culture.
Highly recommend.
If you love dragons, S. Kaeth has a gift for you. In this book, she invites us into an intimate and thrilling culture she has created out of whole cloth, where dragons and humans are bonded. As I read, my understanding of this relationship evolved from a human as a dragon’s pet, then partner, then they as old married couples… and I arrived at ‘soul mates’ by the time the author was through with me.
Both dragons and their “bonded” have priorities that might seem not worth arguing over, but this is fantasy and this culture is strong: There are parallel hierarchies among the dragon and “bonded” that must be respected, and these confer status that allow for the best basking sites, among other things (dragons are reptiles after all and need the heat of the sun for their well-being). Both dragons and bonded have a strong compulsion to collect things (I was reminded of the habit of crows) and are fiercely territorial and protective of their collections. Both dragons and bonded are loathe to show weakness. And of course there is Dragon Law, which governs everything from these priorities to the introduction of “newlings”—new dragon-human relationships that are under cultivation. The entire culture is finely attuned to disruptions and stress.
It is a testament to the author’s talent that I felt my bond with the skilled yet hotheaded main character Palon and her dragon, Windward, grow with them as the story unfolded. I came to have great empathy for the strength of a bond and the insanity-inducing grief when it was lost. And I found myself rooting for them as they were dangerously challenged again and again by members of their own nest family.
This is more than “Mother of Dragons”, or “dragons harnessed as weapons of war”, as we often see in fantasy. This is a deep imagining of a rich and emotional culture.
Highly recommend.
November 4, 2021
SPFBO7 Semi-finalist.
Placed in the Fantasy-Hive's batch of 30 books, you can read our reviews here:
Making it to semi-finalist:
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
Final Review:
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/10/wi...
Happy Reading!
(Star rating reflects my personal opinion)
Placed in the Fantasy-Hive's batch of 30 books, you can read our reviews here:
Making it to semi-finalist:
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
Final Review:
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/10/wi...
Happy Reading!
(Star rating reflects my personal opinion)
July 17, 2022
Windward is a fascinating tale of a group of dragon-bonded people and their dragons.
The intricacies of the culture and relationships between the bonded and their dragons is superbly done.
From dragon politics and law, to the in-fighting among their bonded, this story has a lot of emotional content.
The main character, Palon, is far from perfect, and she can be quite frustrating at times. Her decisions and attitude often hamper her position and her relationships. But this all aids the story and the development of the connection between the bonded and their dragons.
At its heart, this is a story of connection, family, and loss. The tensions and stresses that can test those bonds and relationships are developed through the raw emotions of both the bonded and their dragons.
My only quibble was with the pacing at times, but this is a personal thing, and just something I struggled with at times.
If you're looking for something different to read, with a unique take at the relationships between people bonded with dragons and their culture, then this is the book for you.
The intricacies of the culture and relationships between the bonded and their dragons is superbly done.
From dragon politics and law, to the in-fighting among their bonded, this story has a lot of emotional content.
The main character, Palon, is far from perfect, and she can be quite frustrating at times. Her decisions and attitude often hamper her position and her relationships. But this all aids the story and the development of the connection between the bonded and their dragons.
At its heart, this is a story of connection, family, and loss. The tensions and stresses that can test those bonds and relationships are developed through the raw emotions of both the bonded and their dragons.
My only quibble was with the pacing at times, but this is a personal thing, and just something I struggled with at times.
If you're looking for something different to read, with a unique take at the relationships between people bonded with dragons and their culture, then this is the book for you.
February 29, 2020
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is available for purchase now.
Dragons!!!! Books are always better with dragons, in my opinion, and I absolutely loved how they were portrayed in this book. They didn’t take a back seat to the human characters; instead adding an extra layer of awesome. They were very tribal, and had a fully developed hierarchy, which was incredibly creative.
Another win for me with this book is how, instead of the dragons taking on human characteristics, their bonded humans instead became distinctly draconic. The humans each had their own hoards that they were very protective of, and they showed anger and submission just like their draconish counterparts.
The story-line was interesting, the main characters being Palon and her bondmate, the dragon Windward. Palon was impulsive and emotional, which made for an interesting read. She is accused of stealing from dragons in order to grow her own cache of treasures, and she needs to figure out who is framing her- and why. At the same time, she is tasked with training a new dragon-bonded pair.
The dragon Silver Spine, and the new bondmate were my favorite characters. They often gave a bit of a break from focusing just on Palon, just when she was in danger of becoming obnoxious. The differences in their personalities played off each other quite well.
If you like your fantasies distinctly draconic, read this book. It’s a fast read, and highly enjoyable.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Dragons!!!! Books are always better with dragons, in my opinion, and I absolutely loved how they were portrayed in this book. They didn’t take a back seat to the human characters; instead adding an extra layer of awesome. They were very tribal, and had a fully developed hierarchy, which was incredibly creative.
Another win for me with this book is how, instead of the dragons taking on human characteristics, their bonded humans instead became distinctly draconic. The humans each had their own hoards that they were very protective of, and they showed anger and submission just like their draconish counterparts.
The story-line was interesting, the main characters being Palon and her bondmate, the dragon Windward. Palon was impulsive and emotional, which made for an interesting read. She is accused of stealing from dragons in order to grow her own cache of treasures, and she needs to figure out who is framing her- and why. At the same time, she is tasked with training a new dragon-bonded pair.
The dragon Silver Spine, and the new bondmate were my favorite characters. They often gave a bit of a break from focusing just on Palon, just when she was in danger of becoming obnoxious. The differences in their personalities played off each other quite well.
If you like your fantasies distinctly draconic, read this book. It’s a fast read, and highly enjoyable.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
December 29, 2022
Windward is an entry in the Seventh Self Publishing Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO7)
Placed in the Fantasy-Hive's batch of 30 books it won through a hard fought early round and quarterfinal which you can read about here
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
which went to EXTRA time, which you can read about here
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
before Windward won through to a semi-finalist place and a full read from all five of our judges.
A full review will go up on the fantasy-hive's website in the last week of October as we whittle our six semi-finalists down to one SPFBO7 finalist to go forward to the next stage of the competition.
Placed in the Fantasy-Hive's batch of 30 books it won through a hard fought early round and quarterfinal which you can read about here
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
which went to EXTRA time, which you can read about here
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2021/09/sp...
before Windward won through to a semi-finalist place and a full read from all five of our judges.
A full review will go up on the fantasy-hive's website in the last week of October as we whittle our six semi-finalists down to one SPFBO7 finalist to go forward to the next stage of the competition.
August 11, 2022
Windward is a high-flying, roaring (get it?) fantasy with plenty of action, great characters, and heart. If you're looking for a book about dragons that really is *about* dragons, look no further. The worldbuilding in this book is exceptional. Every scene is an opportunity to learn more about dragon physiology, habits, and culture, and it's well-paced in a way that the details don't bog down the story nor feel rushed. I came away from this book feeling like I'd stepped out of an honest-to-dragon actual world.
Unsurprisingly then, the most touching aspect of the book was the relationship between its human, dragonbonded main character Palon, and her dragon, the titular Windward. Their telepathic/somatic style of communication was so unique and interesting, and yet grounded in a reality where all dragonbonded have such bonds with their dragons. Palon and Windward aren't overpowered, and so the challenges they face (and how they overcome them) are quite refreshing for the genre! The balance of power in dragon society made for a high fantasy dragon story that felt exceptionally unique, a class all its own.
Unsurprisingly then, the most touching aspect of the book was the relationship between its human, dragonbonded main character Palon, and her dragon, the titular Windward. Their telepathic/somatic style of communication was so unique and interesting, and yet grounded in a reality where all dragonbonded have such bonds with their dragons. Palon and Windward aren't overpowered, and so the challenges they face (and how they overcome them) are quite refreshing for the genre! The balance of power in dragon society made for a high fantasy dragon story that felt exceptionally unique, a class all its own.
September 23, 2019
I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I want to say that this is a great book with a new take on dragons (at least for me). I found the world very interesting and the characters were well developed and there was a great plot with good twists and turns that made it interesting to read all the way to the end. So, if you like fantasy, and dragons, don’t hesitate to order a copy of this book. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
In the book we meet Palon who’s bonded to a dragon called Windward. They love flying and adventure and just the feeling of being free and unstoppable really. Despite only knowing Windward through the feelings and emotions that he telepathically transfers to Palon, I still get a good sense of their relationship and Windwards personality. I think the author did a great job in making this relationship feel real.
I also found the world very interesting, and even though most of the novel actually took place inside the nest I never felt like it got boring in any way. There were constantly things happening that I never thought much about wanting a change in scenery here. Which I think shows that the story didn’t need a lot of fancy descriptions of the world and detailed scenery to be great, it can stand tall and proud as it is.
The plot was well thought out and had interesting things happening thought out the book and the relationship between the main characters felt genuine and believable.
I do like the writing a lot here and it fits the story and the genre well. That said, this is the kind of book that demands your full attention at all times. Which is why I, personally, found it a little hard, or rather slow, to read at times. It has a lot of very long paragraphs of text with little to no dialogue, and a lot of details are pressed into these paragraphs, which makes it slow and sometimes painstakingly hard to get through. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing either. It just depends of what you like as a reader, and for a fantasy novel, this is not something unusual. This is how most fantasy books are written, and they are rarely made for speed-reading. So, even though I’m commenting on it here in my review, this is not something that’s going to affect my final rating of the book. Personally, I just prefer books that are easy to read, which is basically books that you more or less can skim through and still not miss much of importance.
For the most part I truly enjoyed the whole story and all that it brought, but there was one thing that got on my nerves a little. And that was how everyone completely refused to think rationally about the thefts and who did it, and it ended up feeling a little too forced for me. It was too obvious, too much “in your face” that Palon was being suspected here. She had valid points when she tried to object and share her suspicions that she was framed, but everyone just turned their backs on her and told her to stop lying because the asshole of the nest says she’s guilty. It was too obvious that she didn’t do it, and for everyone in the nest to be so blind was just unbelievable to the point of ridiculousness.
The other thing that was a little hard for me was all the names. There are a lot of dragons and bonded mentioned in the book at it was difficult to keep track of them and remember who was who and which one was bonded to what dragon. In the end, I don’t think that it really mattered that much. The most important characters got through and the others remained as a blur in the background a little. Perhaps it wasn’t necessary to even include all the characters that was mentioned, maybe it would have been clearer with fewer names. Then again, I know I’m totally useless when it comes to remembering names and characters, so it might perhaps just be me being me here.
I liked Palon’s mate the best as a character, and I feel like he was a great counterpart to Palon. She’s very impulsive and emotional and often lashes out, while her mate was calm and more of a thinker who reasons and make calculated decisions. I would have liked to see more of him in the book. He’s actually there the whole time, but I wanted him to step out of Palon’s shadow and take on a bigger role. His calm demeanor would have balanced out a lot of the heated and emotional decisions that drives this book. But that said, I also love the emotions and the heat. It brings the story and the characters forward and is ultimately what makes Palon change and realize what matters.
Even though this ended up being a super long review, I don’t want to leave this without saying that I loved the ending and how the author managed to wrap up all the threads in the story in a great way. Love me a good ending.
Get this book if you haven’t already. It’s available on Amazon.
First of all, I want to say that this is a great book with a new take on dragons (at least for me). I found the world very interesting and the characters were well developed and there was a great plot with good twists and turns that made it interesting to read all the way to the end. So, if you like fantasy, and dragons, don’t hesitate to order a copy of this book. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
In the book we meet Palon who’s bonded to a dragon called Windward. They love flying and adventure and just the feeling of being free and unstoppable really. Despite only knowing Windward through the feelings and emotions that he telepathically transfers to Palon, I still get a good sense of their relationship and Windwards personality. I think the author did a great job in making this relationship feel real.
I also found the world very interesting, and even though most of the novel actually took place inside the nest I never felt like it got boring in any way. There were constantly things happening that I never thought much about wanting a change in scenery here. Which I think shows that the story didn’t need a lot of fancy descriptions of the world and detailed scenery to be great, it can stand tall and proud as it is.
The plot was well thought out and had interesting things happening thought out the book and the relationship between the main characters felt genuine and believable.
I do like the writing a lot here and it fits the story and the genre well. That said, this is the kind of book that demands your full attention at all times. Which is why I, personally, found it a little hard, or rather slow, to read at times. It has a lot of very long paragraphs of text with little to no dialogue, and a lot of details are pressed into these paragraphs, which makes it slow and sometimes painstakingly hard to get through. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing either. It just depends of what you like as a reader, and for a fantasy novel, this is not something unusual. This is how most fantasy books are written, and they are rarely made for speed-reading. So, even though I’m commenting on it here in my review, this is not something that’s going to affect my final rating of the book. Personally, I just prefer books that are easy to read, which is basically books that you more or less can skim through and still not miss much of importance.
For the most part I truly enjoyed the whole story and all that it brought, but there was one thing that got on my nerves a little. And that was how everyone completely refused to think rationally about the thefts and who did it, and it ended up feeling a little too forced for me. It was too obvious, too much “in your face” that Palon was being suspected here. She had valid points when she tried to object and share her suspicions that she was framed, but everyone just turned their backs on her and told her to stop lying because the asshole of the nest says she’s guilty. It was too obvious that she didn’t do it, and for everyone in the nest to be so blind was just unbelievable to the point of ridiculousness.
The other thing that was a little hard for me was all the names. There are a lot of dragons and bonded mentioned in the book at it was difficult to keep track of them and remember who was who and which one was bonded to what dragon. In the end, I don’t think that it really mattered that much. The most important characters got through and the others remained as a blur in the background a little. Perhaps it wasn’t necessary to even include all the characters that was mentioned, maybe it would have been clearer with fewer names. Then again, I know I’m totally useless when it comes to remembering names and characters, so it might perhaps just be me being me here.
I liked Palon’s mate the best as a character, and I feel like he was a great counterpart to Palon. She’s very impulsive and emotional and often lashes out, while her mate was calm and more of a thinker who reasons and make calculated decisions. I would have liked to see more of him in the book. He’s actually there the whole time, but I wanted him to step out of Palon’s shadow and take on a bigger role. His calm demeanor would have balanced out a lot of the heated and emotional decisions that drives this book. But that said, I also love the emotions and the heat. It brings the story and the characters forward and is ultimately what makes Palon change and realize what matters.
Even though this ended up being a super long review, I don’t want to leave this without saying that I loved the ending and how the author managed to wrap up all the threads in the story in a great way. Love me a good ending.
Get this book if you haven’t already. It’s available on Amazon.
July 14, 2022
I highly recommend this book. It follows Palon, an experienced but impetuous dragon rider and her bonded dragon, the title character, as their closely knit community of dragons and humans undergoes convulsions that they are at the center of but unprepared for. It is a well written and surprisingly interior novel for a dragon adventure, both deeply rooted in Palon's point of view and mostly taking place within the dragon nest. Ultimately, Palon must learn to take seriously the advice she is giving to a newly bonded rider placed in her charge.
The inner workings of the dragon nest are fully explored and interesting. Aspects of the world outside the nest are hinted at or mentioned briefly, but not detailed. This left me actually wanting to know more, which I regard as a positive thing.
I don't consider the book in the Young Adult category, but it is appropriate for all ages. It does contain some mild but not gory violence. I purchased it directly from the author's web site. The service was prompt.
The inner workings of the dragon nest are fully explored and interesting. Aspects of the world outside the nest are hinted at or mentioned briefly, but not detailed. This left me actually wanting to know more, which I regard as a positive thing.
I don't consider the book in the Young Adult category, but it is appropriate for all ages. It does contain some mild but not gory violence. I purchased it directly from the author's web site. The service was prompt.
March 27, 2020
This is a lovely book that delves into dragon culture and what it is like to be bonded with a dragon, throw in some magic, a set up, and a little bit of death and you've got yourself Windward by S. Kaeth!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Interesting
Interesting storyline and read with different take on riders and their dragons with their bonding in peril as they age or due to another reason.
Interesting storyline and read with different take on riders and their dragons with their bonding in peril as they age or due to another reason.
Read
December 9, 2022Note: This is a re-post of an old review, with some added content.
I’ve been looking for another good dragonbond story for a while, as those are one of my stable favorites, and I was more than pleased with Windward by S. Kaeth.
Palon has been bonded to Windward for a decade. She and Windward excel at fighting the walavaim, winged creatures a little like dragons (though I think the dragons would think otherwise; the walavaim are thieves) who inhabit the realm to which the dragons Shift to sate themselves on the herds they keep for that purpose. Palon and Windward are a little reckless, and a perfect team, with a very tight bond. Another dragon, High Flight, takes a bonded even though there are a number of reasons why it is not the right time for him to do so, one of them being that an older dragon named Silver Spine is dying. The new bonded, Tebah, is assigned to Palon and her mate, Aturadin, to teach the ways of being dragonbonded and to help her to strengthen her bond with High Flight in this already telepathically-stressed situation. She poses a great deal of difficulty, being rebellious and stubborn, uninterested in being bonded, and they have to live with that and figure out why. Then items start disappearing from some of the dragons’ caches, and things rapidly spiral lower and lower, with the addition of another plot twist and an unexpected danger.
I loved Palon’s and Windward’s relationship, as well as Palon’s and Aturadin’s relationship. Both the humans and the dragons have such true personalities and living relationships. They feel like real people. I really liked how Palon and her mate love each other and are loyal to each other. Palon is the most dragon of the bonded, and Aturadin the most human, and this might be part of why they are chosen to help the new dragonbonded. The dragons affect their bonded incredibly strongly, but the bonded affect their dragons, too. The bonded become territorial and possessive, adopting dragonic body language, and developing a need to collect treasures and never let anyone even think about taking them. The dragons and the dragonbonded are very possessive of their partners. It felt so natural, so real.
Another thing to note that I enjoyed in this book is that the character development isn’t about the characters changing, per se, but about showing us who they are, even if that is a stubborn (or oblivious) refusal to change. Palon wants to be the way she is. It’s what’s natural to her, and I liked how she keeps on repeating the same behavoir patterns, even when they don’t work, because that’s who she is. People can be slow learners, even when they want to. And some people don’t want to; Palon barely even recognizes that the ways she behaves can be counterproductive. And I liked that. It’s one of the ways the characters feel real. This was a really neat character and dragon novel.
In the midst of the chaos and suspicion among the dragons and the dragonbonded once the thefts start to occur and an old rivalry is fought on an entirely new level, one of the dragonbonded reminds Palon something to the effect of, “We are family. Do not think of the others as ‘Other’ but as family.” I really liked that. It is so true and necessary.
Once again, I really loved the love and loyalty and care between Palon and her mate, Aturadin, and I really, really enjoyed her dragonbond with Windward and how she and Windward fight together and live together and are possessive towards each other and – everything!
Link to full review: https://enthralledbylove.com/2022/12/...
I’ve been looking for another good dragonbond story for a while, as those are one of my stable favorites, and I was more than pleased with Windward by S. Kaeth.
Palon has been bonded to Windward for a decade. She and Windward excel at fighting the walavaim, winged creatures a little like dragons (though I think the dragons would think otherwise; the walavaim are thieves) who inhabit the realm to which the dragons Shift to sate themselves on the herds they keep for that purpose. Palon and Windward are a little reckless, and a perfect team, with a very tight bond. Another dragon, High Flight, takes a bonded even though there are a number of reasons why it is not the right time for him to do so, one of them being that an older dragon named Silver Spine is dying. The new bonded, Tebah, is assigned to Palon and her mate, Aturadin, to teach the ways of being dragonbonded and to help her to strengthen her bond with High Flight in this already telepathically-stressed situation. She poses a great deal of difficulty, being rebellious and stubborn, uninterested in being bonded, and they have to live with that and figure out why. Then items start disappearing from some of the dragons’ caches, and things rapidly spiral lower and lower, with the addition of another plot twist and an unexpected danger.
I loved Palon’s and Windward’s relationship, as well as Palon’s and Aturadin’s relationship. Both the humans and the dragons have such true personalities and living relationships. They feel like real people. I really liked how Palon and her mate love each other and are loyal to each other. Palon is the most dragon of the bonded, and Aturadin the most human, and this might be part of why they are chosen to help the new dragonbonded. The dragons affect their bonded incredibly strongly, but the bonded affect their dragons, too. The bonded become territorial and possessive, adopting dragonic body language, and developing a need to collect treasures and never let anyone even think about taking them. The dragons and the dragonbonded are very possessive of their partners. It felt so natural, so real.
Another thing to note that I enjoyed in this book is that the character development isn’t about the characters changing, per se, but about showing us who they are, even if that is a stubborn (or oblivious) refusal to change. Palon wants to be the way she is. It’s what’s natural to her, and I liked how she keeps on repeating the same behavoir patterns, even when they don’t work, because that’s who she is. People can be slow learners, even when they want to. And some people don’t want to; Palon barely even recognizes that the ways she behaves can be counterproductive. And I liked that. It’s one of the ways the characters feel real. This was a really neat character and dragon novel.
In the midst of the chaos and suspicion among the dragons and the dragonbonded once the thefts start to occur and an old rivalry is fought on an entirely new level, one of the dragonbonded reminds Palon something to the effect of, “We are family. Do not think of the others as ‘Other’ but as family.” I really liked that. It is so true and necessary.
Once again, I really loved the love and loyalty and care between Palon and her mate, Aturadin, and I really, really enjoyed her dragonbond with Windward and how she and Windward fight together and live together and are possessive towards each other and – everything!
Link to full review: https://enthralledbylove.com/2022/12/...
July 28, 2024
Liked:
-The culture of the dragons and dragon-bonded is really interesting.
-The strong relationship between dragons and their bonded.
Disliked:
-The world building could’ve been more thorough. A lot of things were left unexplained.
-Repetitive and slow at times.
-Very predictable plot.
-The culture of the dragons and dragon-bonded is really interesting.
-The strong relationship between dragons and their bonded.
Disliked:
-The world building could’ve been more thorough. A lot of things were left unexplained.
-Repetitive and slow at times.
-Very predictable plot.
November 16, 2024
Great book
This standalone reminded me of GRR Martin and Lisa Tuttle’s Windhaven, and that’s as strong an endorsement as I can give it.
Ripping good book.
This standalone reminded me of GRR Martin and Lisa Tuttle’s Windhaven, and that’s as strong an endorsement as I can give it.
Ripping good book.
March 10, 2022
Dragons! They’re majestic and beautiful, and the author really makes you feel the connection between the beasts and their bonded. The worldbuilding was comprehensive and well explained. I loved all of the layers to it. The descriptions were so rich, I could practically feel the wind in my hair as Palon flew through the skies with Windward.
In communicating her love of life with dragons to Tebah, the reader can’t help but grow more and more fond of their way of life, despite the downsides. Palon is a great character. She’s strong and hot headed and she makes loads of mistakes, which just makes everything around her fall apart. She’s compelling and frustrating in the best ways and it makes her a perfect touchstone for realism in a world that is so different from our own. Her mate, Aturadin, is so lovable and calm, and the perfect counterpoint to Palon’s fire.
So, honest truth time: I am generally not a fan of epic fantasy. And so, this one took me a little bit to get into. But once I started to get into the story, I loved every second. This means a lot because if I like an epic fantasy you know the author did something right. And for this one, it was the sweeping adventure and the splintering dynamic of those in the nest.
I want a dragon now and I would definitely recommend this to all the epic fantasy lovers out there.
In communicating her love of life with dragons to Tebah, the reader can’t help but grow more and more fond of their way of life, despite the downsides. Palon is a great character. She’s strong and hot headed and she makes loads of mistakes, which just makes everything around her fall apart. She’s compelling and frustrating in the best ways and it makes her a perfect touchstone for realism in a world that is so different from our own. Her mate, Aturadin, is so lovable and calm, and the perfect counterpoint to Palon’s fire.
So, honest truth time: I am generally not a fan of epic fantasy. And so, this one took me a little bit to get into. But once I started to get into the story, I loved every second. This means a lot because if I like an epic fantasy you know the author did something right. And for this one, it was the sweeping adventure and the splintering dynamic of those in the nest.
I want a dragon now and I would definitely recommend this to all the epic fantasy lovers out there.
September 25, 2022
This was a fun and interesting take on dragons bonding with humans. I like the idea of dragons being able to go to other worlds.
Fae and elves are mentioned, but only in passing, so I wonder what relevance they have to the story. I would have liked this 'enemy of dragons' to be talked about more. It's such a vague threat.
Fae and elves are mentioned, but only in passing, so I wonder what relevance they have to the story. I would have liked this 'enemy of dragons' to be talked about more. It's such a vague threat.
May 20, 2021
This reminded me of Eragon!
I love stories of dragons and humans bonding. There is a whole world to be explored yet in this book! It was a great story about one nest and it’s trials! I would love to read more about this world!
I love stories of dragons and humans bonding. There is a whole world to be explored yet in this book! It was a great story about one nest and it’s trials! I would love to read more about this world!
April 4, 2021
Fantasy tales and dragons go hand-in-hand just like dragons and dragon riders, and Windward by S. Kaeth is a wonderful fantasy tale which delves deep into the relationships between dragons and their bonded humans.
In this world, dragons and humans coexist in an almost symbiotic way. Both benefit from a mutual relationship – the dragon finds a companion in their human friend, and the human gets to ride on a freakin’ dragon – but this relationship comes with some caveats. For one, humans have to give up their old way of life, including their family, their village, and actually go live with the dragons in their nest. And for two, the bond between human and dragon means that the humans must adapt to life among the mountains and skies by slowly becoming part-dragon themselves, down to their instinctive reactions and the irrational desire to collect and hoard shiny objects.
Living in a community of massive dragons does not sound easy, and actions which affect one dragon affect the whole nest. Palon is the dragon rider of Windward and star of the show, and she’s been lumbered with apprenticing a new dragonbonded who has decided they definitely don’t want this cool dragon life. Unfortunately, none of them have a choice. Palon’s rebellious new apprentice is the least of her problems, however, as she is accused of stealing from the dragon’s cache of shiny trinkets. As the humans and dragons fight amongst themselves, can Palon clear her name whilst keeping her apprentice out of trouble?
The story was a little predictable for me as I could see where the ending was going – I’d say the story was less about figuring out who set Palon up, and more wanting to see justice done and the bad guy punished. At times, I was frustrated at certain characters being stubborn! But that’s dragons and dragonbonded for you.
I’d also love to see more about the outside world which is hinted throughout but not really shown, if only to see how the rest of humanity feels about the various dragon clans. Though I believe the human clans are explored in S. Kaeth’s other series set in the same world; Children of the Nexus.
I loved that this book explored the relationships and dynamics between humans and dragons and what it means to be a very squishy human living amongst very massive stomping dragons. In so many dragon stories I’ve read, the dragons usually take a background role for the human riders, which Windward avoids.
It’s especially interesting to see how the humans manage their human side against their more draconic side, and to see how these changes affected Palon’s younger apprentice. Whilst there is some action and chase scenes in Windward, the focus spends time on these character relationships and the shifting line between human and dragon politics.
If you’re looking for a unique take on dragon stories, which is less about dragons battling and more about dragon culture, then give Windward a look!
In this world, dragons and humans coexist in an almost symbiotic way. Both benefit from a mutual relationship – the dragon finds a companion in their human friend, and the human gets to ride on a freakin’ dragon – but this relationship comes with some caveats. For one, humans have to give up their old way of life, including their family, their village, and actually go live with the dragons in their nest. And for two, the bond between human and dragon means that the humans must adapt to life among the mountains and skies by slowly becoming part-dragon themselves, down to their instinctive reactions and the irrational desire to collect and hoard shiny objects.
Living in a community of massive dragons does not sound easy, and actions which affect one dragon affect the whole nest. Palon is the dragon rider of Windward and star of the show, and she’s been lumbered with apprenticing a new dragonbonded who has decided they definitely don’t want this cool dragon life. Unfortunately, none of them have a choice. Palon’s rebellious new apprentice is the least of her problems, however, as she is accused of stealing from the dragon’s cache of shiny trinkets. As the humans and dragons fight amongst themselves, can Palon clear her name whilst keeping her apprentice out of trouble?
The story was a little predictable for me as I could see where the ending was going – I’d say the story was less about figuring out who set Palon up, and more wanting to see justice done and the bad guy punished. At times, I was frustrated at certain characters being stubborn! But that’s dragons and dragonbonded for you.
I’d also love to see more about the outside world which is hinted throughout but not really shown, if only to see how the rest of humanity feels about the various dragon clans. Though I believe the human clans are explored in S. Kaeth’s other series set in the same world; Children of the Nexus.
I loved that this book explored the relationships and dynamics between humans and dragons and what it means to be a very squishy human living amongst very massive stomping dragons. In so many dragon stories I’ve read, the dragons usually take a background role for the human riders, which Windward avoids.
It’s especially interesting to see how the humans manage their human side against their more draconic side, and to see how these changes affected Palon’s younger apprentice. Whilst there is some action and chase scenes in Windward, the focus spends time on these character relationships and the shifting line between human and dragon politics.
If you’re looking for a unique take on dragon stories, which is less about dragons battling and more about dragon culture, then give Windward a look!
August 16, 2022
Windward is, well, how do I explain it - undeniably creative. I haven’t read a lot of books like it. Actually, I haven’t read ANY books like it.
First off, my critiques:
1. Pacing - although having plenty of action, the book at times felt a smidge slow for my taste.
2. The hook - The opening chapters of this book have a strong hook, opening to action and mayhem. However, I have trouble following such a scene while trying get names established in my mind (Walavim, etc) AND understanding the telepathic link between Palon and Windward. It felt a bit overwhelming.
Okay, the bad stuff is out of the way. What about the good?
1. Worldbuilding - this is where this author shines bright. Whenever an author sets up an idea in a world, I like to know how those ideas play out. There are some books that do this wonderfully (Brandon Sanderson comes to mind) and some who do this not so wonderfully (J.K. Rowling, imo). S. Kaeth has fulfilled every expectation I have with this book and exceeded them in most instances. What would a world be like if humans could telepathically bond with dragons? How does that play out? What ways do they effect each other? How do the laws play out? Do dragons have laws? All of these questions are answered in this book with such wonderful precision that it almost seems second nature for the author.
2. Characterization - If a character is annoying me with their decisions…it’s the sign of a good author. I wanted to smack some sense into Palon a few times. Given that she’s a figment of someone’s imagination…that’s just the sign of good writing.
3. Emotionally resonant - When an author can weave their Worldbuilding and characterization together to make consequences emotionally resonant - it cannot be understated how hard that is. There was a moment in this book where I legitimately said a heartfelt, “That freaking sucks.” <— Didn’t use the same F word though.
4. Prose - book was very well written and edited.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes world-building, frustrating characters, and most of all - DRAGONS. They’re everywhere in this book! All in all, this book had the right amount of adventure, mystery, and heart to make it well worth your time. Glad I bought it. Glad I read it. 4.5/5 stars :)
First off, my critiques:
1. Pacing - although having plenty of action, the book at times felt a smidge slow for my taste.
2. The hook - The opening chapters of this book have a strong hook, opening to action and mayhem. However, I have trouble following such a scene while trying get names established in my mind (Walavim, etc) AND understanding the telepathic link between Palon and Windward. It felt a bit overwhelming.
Okay, the bad stuff is out of the way. What about the good?
1. Worldbuilding - this is where this author shines bright. Whenever an author sets up an idea in a world, I like to know how those ideas play out. There are some books that do this wonderfully (Brandon Sanderson comes to mind) and some who do this not so wonderfully (J.K. Rowling, imo). S. Kaeth has fulfilled every expectation I have with this book and exceeded them in most instances. What would a world be like if humans could telepathically bond with dragons? How does that play out? What ways do they effect each other? How do the laws play out? Do dragons have laws? All of these questions are answered in this book with such wonderful precision that it almost seems second nature for the author.
2. Characterization - If a character is annoying me with their decisions…it’s the sign of a good author. I wanted to smack some sense into Palon a few times. Given that she’s a figment of someone’s imagination…that’s just the sign of good writing.
3. Emotionally resonant - When an author can weave their Worldbuilding and characterization together to make consequences emotionally resonant - it cannot be understated how hard that is. There was a moment in this book where I legitimately said a heartfelt, “That freaking sucks.” <— Didn’t use the same F word though.
4. Prose - book was very well written and edited.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes world-building, frustrating characters, and most of all - DRAGONS. They’re everywhere in this book! All in all, this book had the right amount of adventure, mystery, and heart to make it well worth your time. Glad I bought it. Glad I read it. 4.5/5 stars :)
January 3, 2024
2.5/5, I wrote this review as I was reading the book so it's jumbled up.
A few chapters in I realized why I was so aghast by the behavior of every character. It's... A cult. A fucking cult where they kidnap people, lie to them, and force then to live with them, all the while being under the influence of subtle mind alteration powers.
The main character is irritable, childish, and fundamentally a wild beast, in the worst way possible.
I like the worldbuilding and the flying scenes (though not the last fight), those are masterfully crafted, it's almost as if I can see the descriptions of the dragon. The way characters interact Is interesting, they're really animalistic. I reckon I'd like the story way more if Palon wasn't the main character, unfortunately, she is.
One of the flaws I found was those jarring skips between each chapter, even if I was reading multiple chapters back to back, it confused me a little.
I like the world and the story, but I absolutely abhor the characters. Almost every one of them, no exceptions, it takes a great amount of skill to do that.
I think I know why I dislike this book more than I like it, even if it is well executed and really well written. It feels as if our identity as humans is robbed, and I don't like that. It's too dark, it's like grief on top of grief on top of resentment on top of rage. It really is tiring when you have the main character that screams in rage *and* admonishes herself of being stupid. Every. Single. Chapter. Sometimes even every few pages.
If there's one thing that I do like about this book is that actions have consequences, and you can really feel that throughout the chapters.
Overall I didn't dislike it per se, it was just incredibly frustrating to read. It was an ok book.
A few chapters in I realized why I was so aghast by the behavior of every character. It's... A cult. A fucking cult where they kidnap people, lie to them, and force then to live with them, all the while being under the influence of subtle mind alteration powers.
The main character is irritable, childish, and fundamentally a wild beast, in the worst way possible.
I like the worldbuilding and the flying scenes (though not the last fight), those are masterfully crafted, it's almost as if I can see the descriptions of the dragon. The way characters interact Is interesting, they're really animalistic. I reckon I'd like the story way more if Palon wasn't the main character, unfortunately, she is.
One of the flaws I found was those jarring skips between each chapter, even if I was reading multiple chapters back to back, it confused me a little.
I like the world and the story, but I absolutely abhor the characters. Almost every one of them, no exceptions, it takes a great amount of skill to do that.
I think I know why I dislike this book more than I like it, even if it is well executed and really well written. It feels as if our identity as humans is robbed, and I don't like that. It's too dark, it's like grief on top of grief on top of resentment on top of rage. It really is tiring when you have the main character that screams in rage *and* admonishes herself of being stupid. Every. Single. Chapter. Sometimes even every few pages.
If there's one thing that I do like about this book is that actions have consequences, and you can really feel that throughout the chapters.
Overall I didn't dislike it per se, it was just incredibly frustrating to read. It was an ok book.
December 6, 2022
(Minor spoilers)
Fun and exciting all the way through! The dragon/human bonds are a trope often seen in dragon fantasy settings, but the way this is done (with the whole nest either benefiting or hurting from each bond) is a fresh and appreciative take. Palon is a likeable and believable main character, with her interactions with everyone (from Windward to Tebah) sound like she's talking to friends and/or family. This is especially interesting when dragons 'speak' with their humans, as rarely do you hear the actual telepathic thoughts (if at all). Instead, emotions and reactions are used to convey the conversations, which is a fun take.
The dragon fights were fun to go through, with the human/dragon pairs working in tandum to make sure of victory. The rules against how to go about the fights are interesting, too, as well as being placed in a different setting than an arena. Plus the action is just enough, not so much as to become lost but not complacent enough to be boring. You can easily follow what's happening without getting caught up in everything. Same with the landscape descriptions, with are beautiful and just enough to let you know the basics while being able to fill in the rest with your own imagination.
The only downside to the book, at least for me, was Tebah. I get she was ripped from the village against her will by an adolescent dragon who wasn't following the proper rules but she was highly annoying at times (to the point I wished I could go into the book myself and maybe smack her a couple times). Granted, this means she was written well as she's a believable selfish teenager that someone could easily love to hate. Sort of reminds me of a weird mix between Handsome Jack from the Borderlands series and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast (which honestly isn't necessarily a bad thing).
All in all this was a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys dragons!
Fun and exciting all the way through! The dragon/human bonds are a trope often seen in dragon fantasy settings, but the way this is done (with the whole nest either benefiting or hurting from each bond) is a fresh and appreciative take. Palon is a likeable and believable main character, with her interactions with everyone (from Windward to Tebah) sound like she's talking to friends and/or family. This is especially interesting when dragons 'speak' with their humans, as rarely do you hear the actual telepathic thoughts (if at all). Instead, emotions and reactions are used to convey the conversations, which is a fun take.
The dragon fights were fun to go through, with the human/dragon pairs working in tandum to make sure of victory. The rules against how to go about the fights are interesting, too, as well as being placed in a different setting than an arena. Plus the action is just enough, not so much as to become lost but not complacent enough to be boring. You can easily follow what's happening without getting caught up in everything. Same with the landscape descriptions, with are beautiful and just enough to let you know the basics while being able to fill in the rest with your own imagination.
The only downside to the book, at least for me, was Tebah. I get she was ripped from the village against her will by an adolescent dragon who wasn't following the proper rules but she was highly annoying at times (to the point I wished I could go into the book myself and maybe smack her a couple times). Granted, this means she was written well as she's a believable selfish teenager that someone could easily love to hate. Sort of reminds me of a weird mix between Handsome Jack from the Borderlands series and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast (which honestly isn't necessarily a bad thing).
All in all this was a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys dragons!
November 20, 2021
Great adventure, plenty of dragons, with the dragon's perspective in mind.
October 8, 2025
A solid dragon book that kept me reading many minutes longer than is normal. Pretty good world building especially with respect to culture.
October 3, 2019
I received an advanced copy of Windward from the author in exchange for a review.
Windward was a quick read with memorable moments and some memorable characters. The world felt lived in and established and the author draws you in and makes you feel apart of it right from the beginning. The book teeters on the edge of what I would consider appropriate for YA but does deal with some themes that may be inappropriate for the younger side of that spectrum.
The book follows Palon, a woman who is physically and mentally bonded to the dragon Windward. For me, this is my first time reading a book where the protagonist shares a connection of this sort with a dragon and it was both an interesting take on dragons and the workings of such a relationship. The author does a beautiful job of giving you the sense of comradery and love that Palon and Windward share for one another and the bond becomes a living, breathing, tangible thing that carries its weight through until the end.
Palon is emotional, impulsive, and wild and does exactly what Palon would do at every situation that, at times, was very frustrating to watch but without a doubt gave Palon the look and feel of a fully fleshed out character existing in her world. The story is a rollercoaster of emotion for Palon, Windward, and the reader. The bond that Palon and Windward share comingles their emotions and heightens them to new extremes propelling them both into tight spots as well as flat-out altercations that may have been otherwise avoidable.
While I generally liked the book, there wasn’t always enough going on to keep me turning pages. The book is a quick read at around 95 thousand words but at times a lot of those words and interactions between characters seemed repetitive, but this could just be the results of the emotional combination of the bonded and their dragons turning some of them into one-trick ponies. Some of things I experienced in the book that did catch my eye and pique my interest ended up being not very interesting or seemingly nothing in the end and upon completion I didn’t feel the desire to reread the book and scrutinize over whether or not I missed some hidden thing. For the most part the story kept the pages turning, albeit not always enthusiastically.
The characters are, without a doubt, the highpoint of the story though, which is the most important thing to me in any book.
But Ghost, you said that the characters were one-trick ponies! How can you now say the characters are the high point?!
I’m gonna feed you, baby birds.
Yes, there are some one-trick ponies. But, there is an overwhelming amount of characters that make appearances in this short book. But the ones you encounter repeatedly all make their presences known in different and amazing ways. The main characters all become your favorites for the roles they play. Palon- impulsive, wild, and intense. Her mate, Aturadin, her opposite in all things is the perfect balance to Palon and their relationship fans the flames of “opposites attract.” The main antagonist of the story I hated at every mention of their name, so much so that I’m not going to even write it in my review. My favorite character by far was Miros, everyone needs a Miros in their life and I wish he would have gotten more page time.
Altogether, the book is very straightforward with its plot and themes with memorable characters living memorable lives. Windward is an easy read that I would strongly recommend as a palette cleanser.
Windward was a quick read with memorable moments and some memorable characters. The world felt lived in and established and the author draws you in and makes you feel apart of it right from the beginning. The book teeters on the edge of what I would consider appropriate for YA but does deal with some themes that may be inappropriate for the younger side of that spectrum.
The book follows Palon, a woman who is physically and mentally bonded to the dragon Windward. For me, this is my first time reading a book where the protagonist shares a connection of this sort with a dragon and it was both an interesting take on dragons and the workings of such a relationship. The author does a beautiful job of giving you the sense of comradery and love that Palon and Windward share for one another and the bond becomes a living, breathing, tangible thing that carries its weight through until the end.
Palon is emotional, impulsive, and wild and does exactly what Palon would do at every situation that, at times, was very frustrating to watch but without a doubt gave Palon the look and feel of a fully fleshed out character existing in her world. The story is a rollercoaster of emotion for Palon, Windward, and the reader. The bond that Palon and Windward share comingles their emotions and heightens them to new extremes propelling them both into tight spots as well as flat-out altercations that may have been otherwise avoidable.
While I generally liked the book, there wasn’t always enough going on to keep me turning pages. The book is a quick read at around 95 thousand words but at times a lot of those words and interactions between characters seemed repetitive, but this could just be the results of the emotional combination of the bonded and their dragons turning some of them into one-trick ponies. Some of things I experienced in the book that did catch my eye and pique my interest ended up being not very interesting or seemingly nothing in the end and upon completion I didn’t feel the desire to reread the book and scrutinize over whether or not I missed some hidden thing. For the most part the story kept the pages turning, albeit not always enthusiastically.
The characters are, without a doubt, the highpoint of the story though, which is the most important thing to me in any book.
But Ghost, you said that the characters were one-trick ponies! How can you now say the characters are the high point?!
I’m gonna feed you, baby birds.
Yes, there are some one-trick ponies. But, there is an overwhelming amount of characters that make appearances in this short book. But the ones you encounter repeatedly all make their presences known in different and amazing ways. The main characters all become your favorites for the roles they play. Palon- impulsive, wild, and intense. Her mate, Aturadin, her opposite in all things is the perfect balance to Palon and their relationship fans the flames of “opposites attract.” The main antagonist of the story I hated at every mention of their name, so much so that I’m not going to even write it in my review. My favorite character by far was Miros, everyone needs a Miros in their life and I wish he would have gotten more page time.
Altogether, the book is very straightforward with its plot and themes with memorable characters living memorable lives. Windward is an easy read that I would strongly recommend as a palette cleanser.
November 2, 2019
True rating: 4.5 stars
Why I picked up this book:
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. But, before that happened, I had the honor of meeting S. Kaeth during the first season of Writer In Motion, and I found her to be a delightful, warm-hearted woman. So when she told me about her story and asked if I'd review it--after all, we're both dragon lovers--I squealed in delight.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
One of my favorite things about this story is the dragons are always present, right from the first line. While most other dragon stories seem to build up to the creatures, or don't put them on display to the end, Windward takes readers straight to the heart of dragon culture and immerses them in a hectic nest live. The human characters are constantly navigating around the dragons, and the size difference is always present.
The relationship between Windward and Palon is so strong and organic it almost carries a sentience of its own.
I also adored Miros and would love to read a story in the future about his history, his bond, and a little more about the close relationship with his dragon Silver Spine. They were utterly fantastic characters, and even in their state of near-death the pair flew off the page and often stole the spotlight.
Where I wish I'd connected more:
One of the struggles I had with the story (purely as a reader, so this is subjective) is that characters would act and react a certain way in the scene, eluding to a specific conclusion, then Palon's assessment of the situation would jump into left field. This may have been intended to give the feel that she wasn't perfect or accurate in her assessment, but as a reader I found it jolting.
And hoorah for sweet, healthy romance, but I personally didn't connect with Palon's mate. He just felt too 'there for her,' too helpful. Maybe I just love my broken romances though, so what do I know.
Overall:
This is a wonderful story that takes readers into a world of timeless dragons and deep cultural lore. Nothing about nest life feels human, and yet Palon and her mentor Miros bring such a human experience to navigating an alien world. I can't wait to see what this wonderful author comes up with next. This book is perfect for dragon lovers of all ages, clean and sweet romance, and deep hints that Windward's world has a lot more to be unpacked if readers get the chance to return.
Why I picked up this book:
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. But, before that happened, I had the honor of meeting S. Kaeth during the first season of Writer In Motion, and I found her to be a delightful, warm-hearted woman. So when she told me about her story and asked if I'd review it--after all, we're both dragon lovers--I squealed in delight.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
One of my favorite things about this story is the dragons are always present, right from the first line. While most other dragon stories seem to build up to the creatures, or don't put them on display to the end, Windward takes readers straight to the heart of dragon culture and immerses them in a hectic nest live. The human characters are constantly navigating around the dragons, and the size difference is always present.
The relationship between Windward and Palon is so strong and organic it almost carries a sentience of its own.
I also adored Miros and would love to read a story in the future about his history, his bond, and a little more about the close relationship with his dragon Silver Spine. They were utterly fantastic characters, and even in their state of near-death the pair flew off the page and often stole the spotlight.
Where I wish I'd connected more:
One of the struggles I had with the story (purely as a reader, so this is subjective) is that characters would act and react a certain way in the scene, eluding to a specific conclusion, then Palon's assessment of the situation would jump into left field. This may have been intended to give the feel that she wasn't perfect or accurate in her assessment, but as a reader I found it jolting.
And hoorah for sweet, healthy romance, but I personally didn't connect with Palon's mate. He just felt too 'there for her,' too helpful. Maybe I just love my broken romances though, so what do I know.
Overall:
This is a wonderful story that takes readers into a world of timeless dragons and deep cultural lore. Nothing about nest life feels human, and yet Palon and her mentor Miros bring such a human experience to navigating an alien world. I can't wait to see what this wonderful author comes up with next. This book is perfect for dragon lovers of all ages, clean and sweet romance, and deep hints that Windward's world has a lot more to be unpacked if readers get the chance to return.
November 19, 2019
Giant. Flying. Cats.
I’ll start there, because with that gorgeous cover, you already know there are dragons within the pages!
If you like classic fantasy, you will love this book. The dragons are magnificent and the telepathic bond they share with their human companions makes for a unique plot element.
But it’s the characters who really shine in Windward.
Palon is strong, stoic, and fearless—she reminds me a bit of Lagertha from Vikings. I enjoyed her relationship with her dragon Windward, but really got invested in her storyline with the adopted “newling” Tebah. Their dynamic was a great source of micro-tension and conflict throughout! I felt myself getting frustrated right along with Palon at Tebah’s moodiness, and also wanting Palon to have more sympathy for her young charge. I cared. A lot.
My favorite character was Miros — the salty wise man with so much voice I want him to have a book of his own! He was fantastic.
The only thing that threw me a little was the antagonist. Laetiran. He was atrocious and truly punchable, but I kept asking *why* he was so mean to Palon and her family throughout. I wasn’t clear on their backstory/shared history and his motivations for being antagonistic to her. He came off as a schoolyard bully. I’d say that was the *only* part of the story that left me craving more exposition, though. But I just like complex villains and anti-heroes. Personal preferences are totally subjective. The boss battle was still great!
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and declare it a true gem of a book! And it’s not a door-stopping brick
like most fantasy novels. It was a quick read and S Kaeth’s writing really shines in the realm of fantasy. That last line? So perfect!
I’ll start there, because with that gorgeous cover, you already know there are dragons within the pages!
If you like classic fantasy, you will love this book. The dragons are magnificent and the telepathic bond they share with their human companions makes for a unique plot element.
But it’s the characters who really shine in Windward.
Palon is strong, stoic, and fearless—she reminds me a bit of Lagertha from Vikings. I enjoyed her relationship with her dragon Windward, but really got invested in her storyline with the adopted “newling” Tebah. Their dynamic was a great source of micro-tension and conflict throughout! I felt myself getting frustrated right along with Palon at Tebah’s moodiness, and also wanting Palon to have more sympathy for her young charge. I cared. A lot.
My favorite character was Miros — the salty wise man with so much voice I want him to have a book of his own! He was fantastic.
The only thing that threw me a little was the antagonist. Laetiran. He was atrocious and truly punchable, but I kept asking *why* he was so mean to Palon and her family throughout. I wasn’t clear on their backstory/shared history and his motivations for being antagonistic to her. He came off as a schoolyard bully. I’d say that was the *only* part of the story that left me craving more exposition, though. But I just like complex villains and anti-heroes. Personal preferences are totally subjective. The boss battle was still great!
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and declare it a true gem of a book! And it’s not a door-stopping brick
like most fantasy novels. It was a quick read and S Kaeth’s writing really shines in the realm of fantasy. That last line? So perfect!
November 13, 2019
Now what a book. This is either my new fav or a close second. As I neared the end, I couldn't sleep until I had finished it. And that's rare for me
The biggest pillar in this book is the characters. I think I will always remember some of the scenes between Palon and Tebah and Palon and Aturadin. Especially as the two sit around the fire. The characters simply felt very real to me
Also, the worldbuilding and the setting gives a pluss as well. Telepathic dragons living on top of a cave system in the wild mountains? Yes, please!
Everything in the book was simple, with little apparent complexity of the worldbuilding and with somewhat sparse descriptions. And you use this to its fullest. Although a little bit more description would probably not hurt
Another positive is that it was hard to predict what happens next
The biggest negative is the rapid scene changes. Rapid not as they come too often, but that you can find yourself in a new scene before you know it
But overall, a page turner. And a book suitable for all from YA and up who wants a simple book to step into fantasy
The biggest pillar in this book is the characters. I think I will always remember some of the scenes between Palon and Tebah and Palon and Aturadin. Especially as the two sit around the fire. The characters simply felt very real to me
Also, the worldbuilding and the setting gives a pluss as well. Telepathic dragons living on top of a cave system in the wild mountains? Yes, please!
Everything in the book was simple, with little apparent complexity of the worldbuilding and with somewhat sparse descriptions. And you use this to its fullest. Although a little bit more description would probably not hurt
Another positive is that it was hard to predict what happens next
The biggest negative is the rapid scene changes. Rapid not as they come too often, but that you can find yourself in a new scene before you know it
But overall, a page turner. And a book suitable for all from YA and up who wants a simple book to step into fantasy
February 22, 2020
This is a complex novel establishing a new world where people bond with their dragons on a telepathic level. The subtle and convincing way this was portrayed by the author felt natural and real to me, almost like how we sometimes think our pets can hear our thoughts or sense our emotions. The writing is artistic and the plot intriguing, but the guilty pleasure that excited me most about the novel was how dragon flight is described — it was done in such an imaginative and engrossing way in every detail that I actually re-read portions just to get that exhilarating feel again. I was lost in the language and the rush of it, and isn’t that what a good book is all about?
December 16, 2019
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, other than dragons. What I discovered within its pages amazed and captivated me so much I had to put aside all my NaNoWriMo plans to finish it one weekend. I loved the unique take on dragons and their connection to their Bonded. The characters had depth and likable personalities. While the main character made mistakes, there was never a time I felt like banging my head against the wall in response to her decisions. The world felt larger than this book, and I hope she continues to write more within it! I recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and especially Pern.
November 27, 2019
This was a really fun read! The author did an amazing job depicting a world that I'm dying to know more about, in which people bond with dragons. There was plenty going on, the subplots were woven together really well, and I constantly found myself not wanting to put it down. I loved the little details about life in the dragon/bonded community and the characters' relationships with their dragons. Also, Palon and Windward make such a great team.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy.
October 6, 2019
I love the dragons and their world. The human relationships with their dragons are fantastic and make for a lot of tension! Palon and Windward are great characters - I like the way Palon matures along with Tebah, the newling in her charge.
If you like Anne McCaffrey's dragonriders books you should like this too.
If you like Anne McCaffrey's dragonriders books you should like this too.
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