SIGNED WINDWALKER

by Donna Sundblad

Hundreds of years ago, the Stygian race welcomed disease-riddled Jonnick to their shores despite prophetic warnings. Concealed powers of darkness disembark with the refugees. Subsequent generations of conflict draw lines of division between the two cultures unaware that the spirit of the Mage lives within the queen. Paranoia and fear prompt the issuance of royal decrees designed to thwart the coming of the Stygian savior-the Arich. Midwives ordered to report the birth of any child born on a moonless night know it means death to the child. Effects of the law trickle to the present where Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl find themselves thrust into the midst of unfolding ancient prophecies and a world on the verge of annihilation.

Paperback

First published September 14, 2007

About the author

Donna Sundblad is a gifted author of young adult fantasy, celebrated for weaving captivating tales filled with prophecies, quests, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. With a rich background as a freelance writer, editor, and ghostwriter, Donna now devotes her energy to crafting imaginative novels that highlight themes of friendship, adventure, and meaningful life lessons.

Her recent works, published through Next Chapter Publishing, include The Inheritance (a Christian fantasy allegory), Beyond the Fifth Gate, and Windwalker.
Donna is also immersed in her Dragon's Oath series—an epic saga currently comprising Drake Ascendant, Shadowalkers, and Sages of Tachnir, with more book 4 in the works.

Faith remains a cornerstone of Donna’s life and storytelling. She resides with her husband, their adored shelter rescue cat, and a hand-raised cockatiel. When she isn’t writing, Donna enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and blogging about her literary passions.

Reviews

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Windwalker - book review

The first try at reading this book left me feeling a bit confused. I found myself skipping ahead, hoping that the story line would become clear. Realizing I may be tired or affected by some pain medication I had taken, I decided to set it aside and come back to it another time.

The thing is, the cover design is simply fantastic; it had me intrigued as soon as I saw it. I also recently read another book by this author that I got absolutely lost in, and so I really did have incentive to understand and fully enjoy this book.

I had some time the following day to drop into Amazon to browse the book description and then read the book's intro page again to get some clarity before I gave it another try. Upon the next reading, I was able to let the book take me on the journey.

The author certainly knows how to capture the reader. The first few paragraphs were particularly well written, absorbing and teasing the reader into this new world. I could easily visualize the warm, glowing cave and the flickering light illuminating the faces looking up in anticipation at the storyteller.

The author introduces a lot of characters right away, which can easily confuse a reader. The confusion could be avoided by adding chapter headings that hinted at the location, time frame, or whether it involved either the Stygian or Jonnick people.

Windwalker is a science-fiction fantasy novel that takes the reader on a journey through a culture-clashing era. The Stygian people believe strongly in the shaman-link visions and an ancient prophecy. It foretold of an alien people that would come in desperate need of aid. These people would bring challenges, but also bring much tragedy.

Riddled with disease the starving Jonnick arrive. Power struggles widen divisions between the two cultures, and conflicts arise causing people on both sides to commit atrocities. Yet there are hints of hope that the two cultures will eventually unite in a mutually beneficial way.

[Tom Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Windwalker, the author weaves a dark and captivating narrative that explores themes of prophecy, fear, and cultural division. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world, the story begins with the Stygian race's fateful decision to welcome the disease-riddled Jonnick refugees to their shores. Prophecies are ignored as are warning of the dangers that accompany them. This single act sets in motion centuries of distrust and conflict between the two races, unknowingly entangled by an ancient power.

The novel masterfully explores the consequences of paranoia and the fear of the unknown. Royal decrees, born from fear of the foretold Stygian savior known as the Arich, lead to laws where midwives are required to report any child born on a moonless night—a birth that means certain death for the child. These draconian laws continue to echo in the present, creating an atmosphere of tension and oppression for generations.

Immersive worldbuilding and the painting of a vivid picture of divided cultures and the mystical undercurrents that shape their fates. The tension is palpable. The reader is taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists and mounting stakes.

Windwalker is a thought-provoking tale, delving into the darker aspects of humanity, fear and prejudice, and the lengths to which people will go to avoid an uncertain future. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a strong focus on character-driven storytelling and intricate worldbuilding.

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Fantasy Tale
I recommend Windwalker to anyone who loves Fantasy and Lore. This novel is beautifully written and describes the tale of two cultures, sharing the same land, who are at odds. The dominant side, run by an evil queen, calls upon dark magic to rid the land, and prevent an ancient prophecy from unfolding which will mean the end to her reign. Little does she know, the prophecy is already fulfilling with the birth of the savior, or Arich, even though she ordered the death of any child born on a moonless night.
The storytelling was beautifully done in this tale, and I especially enjoyed the scenes describing the Windwalkers abilities, as I could visualize the movement the author was illustrating.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windwalker, by Donna Sundblad
A Fantasy Novel of Subtle Christian Worldview.

Let's begin with what Windwalker is not. It's not a heavy handed bludgeoning of the gospel. Like Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, Donna's symbolism of faith and monotheism whispers in it's subtlety. In her own words: "You never know what you may see in this story. It is the story of the One that unites."
Windwalker begins with a people waiting for a savior who's arrival will be clouded by dark times. Times that have dropped anchor in the harbor. Then things get epic.
Prophecy's fulfilled by certain births. Hidden away from a wicked queen, this new generation comes of age. Manelin, the prophecized Arich, is the One who will unite the natives of the land with their newly arrived oppressors. Together with his Augur, thy must erase the legacy of hatred that's cursed the land.
The beauty of this story is its very human humility. Manelin, a peasant goatherd, has been raised by a man he thinks is his grandfather. The old man is the only one left who knows the boy to be the Arich. Dark times thrust greatness upon both a reluctant goatherd messiah, and his crippled Augur. Can the faith of commoners save the land, and their people?
You'll enjoy this read, and the prophetic "Tellings" of the Windwalkers.