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Windhaven: A Novel
“Told with a true storyteller’s clear, singing, persuasive, and wonderfully moving . . . a truly wonderful book.”—Jane Yolen
From #1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin and acclaimed author Lisa Tuttle comes a timeless tale that brilliantly renders the struggle between the ironbound world of tradition and a rebellious soul seeking to prove the power of a dream.
Among the scattered islands that make up the water world of Windhaven, no one holds more prestige than the silver-winged flyers, romantic figures who cross treacherous oceans, braving shifting winds and sudden storms, to bring news, gossip, songs, and stories to a waiting populace. Maris of Amberly, a fisherman’s daughter, wants nothing more than to soar on the currents high above Windhaven. So she challenges tradition, demanding that flyers be chosen by merit rather than inheritance. But even after winning that bitter battle, Maris finds that her troubles are only beginning. Now a revolution threatens to destroy the world she fought so hard to join—and force her to make the ultimate sacrifice.
“Martin and Tuttle make wonderful professional music together . . . shifting easily from moments of almost unbearable tension to others of sheer poetry and exhilaration.”— Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“A powerful flight of the imagination . . . an entirely enjoyable reading experience, wrought by a pair of writers noted for excellence.”—Roger Zelazny
“It’s romance. It’s science fiction. It’s beautiful.”—A. E. van Vogt
“I didn’t mean to stay up all night to finish Windhaven, but I had to!”—Anne McCaffrey
From #1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin and acclaimed author Lisa Tuttle comes a timeless tale that brilliantly renders the struggle between the ironbound world of tradition and a rebellious soul seeking to prove the power of a dream.
Among the scattered islands that make up the water world of Windhaven, no one holds more prestige than the silver-winged flyers, romantic figures who cross treacherous oceans, braving shifting winds and sudden storms, to bring news, gossip, songs, and stories to a waiting populace. Maris of Amberly, a fisherman’s daughter, wants nothing more than to soar on the currents high above Windhaven. So she challenges tradition, demanding that flyers be chosen by merit rather than inheritance. But even after winning that bitter battle, Maris finds that her troubles are only beginning. Now a revolution threatens to destroy the world she fought so hard to join—and force her to make the ultimate sacrifice.
“Martin and Tuttle make wonderful professional music together . . . shifting easily from moments of almost unbearable tension to others of sheer poetry and exhilaration.”— Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“A powerful flight of the imagination . . . an entirely enjoyable reading experience, wrought by a pair of writers noted for excellence.”—Roger Zelazny
“It’s romance. It’s science fiction. It’s beautiful.”—A. E. van Vogt
“I didn’t mean to stay up all night to finish Windhaven, but I had to!”—Anne McCaffrey
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
473 people are currently reading
6747 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,506 books118k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 708 reviews
September 23, 2021
8/10 en 2008.
Yo primero conocí a Martin por su CF. Y encontré joyas como Muerte de la luz, Refugio del viento, El sueño de Fevre…Como mínimo era original y bien escrito.
Después me enamoré de CdHyF ...y después me cabreé como una mona con él por su desfachatez monetaria abandonando la saga para hacer hucha con el cine.
A lo que vamos, que me disperso. En esta novela ambientada fuera de la tierra nos envuelve el tópico de las clases sociales y los prejuicios con una sociedad que se conecta entre las islas donde viven gracias a los Voladores, casta superior que hereda la posesión de esas alas necesarias para este oficio.
Sí, el transfondo es un poco manido...pero el desarrollo y personajes a mí me encantó. de hecho cuando se habla de Martin siempre suelo recomendar esta novela (que, por cierto y a tenor de su media, tampoco parece que guste mucho)
Esta es de las primeras novelas que escribió, una docena de años antes de su obra famosa.
Yo primero conocí a Martin por su CF. Y encontré joyas como Muerte de la luz, Refugio del viento, El sueño de Fevre…Como mínimo era original y bien escrito.
Después me enamoré de CdHyF ...y después me cabreé como una mona con él por su desfachatez monetaria abandonando la saga para hacer hucha con el cine.
A lo que vamos, que me disperso. En esta novela ambientada fuera de la tierra nos envuelve el tópico de las clases sociales y los prejuicios con una sociedad que se conecta entre las islas donde viven gracias a los Voladores, casta superior que hereda la posesión de esas alas necesarias para este oficio.
Sí, el transfondo es un poco manido...pero el desarrollo y personajes a mí me encantó. de hecho cuando se habla de Martin siempre suelo recomendar esta novela (que, por cierto y a tenor de su media, tampoco parece que guste mucho)
Esta es de las primeras novelas que escribió, una docena de años antes de su obra famosa.
December 3, 2012
An early 1980s collaboration between a now-famous author and a less famous one, Windhaven demonstrates that the young George R.R. Martin had talent for world-building and character-driven storytelling. While not as sprawling and a whole lot less violent than A Game of Thrones, it’ll probably appeal to anyone who liked his more family-friendly Hedge Knight novella.
The story takes place on a distant, windswept ocean world, where humans lost advanced technology generations ago, but were able to cannibalize their wrecked starship and build muscle-and-wind-powered wings to carry messengers over the dangerous seas between far-flung islands. Over time, a caste system has evolved in which wings are passed down by inheritance, with most people excluded from the chance to fly and be a citizen of the world. However, that changes when a young woman named Maris challenges tradition and brings about a new order. From there, the plot, which takes snapshots of Maris’s life over the next few decades, shows how change often brings complications.
The writing isn’t too sophisticated, but I thought Windhaven worked well on the level of a Young Adult fantasy novel (sci-fi elements are barely present), conveying the poignant sense of having a privilege that’s hard to bear losing. What I really enjoyed though, was the nuance that the authors put into the story’s evolution. At each stage of her life, Maris finds her idealism echoed by younger people, who push things a bit further and bring about new shakeups in the political order of the world, not always with desirable consequences. The characters aren’t complex, but their varied perspectives are each given a fair hearing. Not surprisingly, there’s a quiet play on the Icarus myth that runs through the story, touching on its different chords.
All in all, a well-constructed, bittersweet minor gem of a novel, and I’m glad someone saw fit to bring it out of the vault and produce an audio version. Its drama is simpler and more reflective than that of A Game of Thrones, but it’s an early highlight in Martin’s career, written along with a friend (I’m not so familiar with Lisa Tuttle’s work). And, unlike the aforementioned series, you can actually finish reading it! The audiobook narrator does a fine job, representing different characters with distinct accents.
The story takes place on a distant, windswept ocean world, where humans lost advanced technology generations ago, but were able to cannibalize their wrecked starship and build muscle-and-wind-powered wings to carry messengers over the dangerous seas between far-flung islands. Over time, a caste system has evolved in which wings are passed down by inheritance, with most people excluded from the chance to fly and be a citizen of the world. However, that changes when a young woman named Maris challenges tradition and brings about a new order. From there, the plot, which takes snapshots of Maris’s life over the next few decades, shows how change often brings complications.
The writing isn’t too sophisticated, but I thought Windhaven worked well on the level of a Young Adult fantasy novel (sci-fi elements are barely present), conveying the poignant sense of having a privilege that’s hard to bear losing. What I really enjoyed though, was the nuance that the authors put into the story’s evolution. At each stage of her life, Maris finds her idealism echoed by younger people, who push things a bit further and bring about new shakeups in the political order of the world, not always with desirable consequences. The characters aren’t complex, but their varied perspectives are each given a fair hearing. Not surprisingly, there’s a quiet play on the Icarus myth that runs through the story, touching on its different chords.
All in all, a well-constructed, bittersweet minor gem of a novel, and I’m glad someone saw fit to bring it out of the vault and produce an audio version. Its drama is simpler and more reflective than that of A Game of Thrones, but it’s an early highlight in Martin’s career, written along with a friend (I’m not so familiar with Lisa Tuttle’s work). And, unlike the aforementioned series, you can actually finish reading it! The audiobook narrator does a fine job, representing different characters with distinct accents.
June 6, 2017
This was an unexpected yet welcome find at the bookstore, since I had never heard of this book before, and I've wanted to read more George R. R. Martin books that AREN'T from "A Song of Ice and Fire." Not familiar with Lisa Tuttle's writing, so I can't tell who influenced which ideas/events/characters, but Martin's plot-twisting ingenuity definitely shines through.
The story is not an ordinary take on flying humans. Usually these stories place people up in the clouds somehow, in floating islands or castles. This time, they are down in the ocean, living in a collection of extremely windy islands at quite a distance from each other, with no major landmass to serve as the population's center. In Windhaven, flying takes the lead over nautical travel since the ocean is quite dangerous, full of giant marine predators and frequent storms.
The descriptions of flying were wholesome and fulfilling, constantly placing you in the character's shoes.
Strong female character. Her story is divided into the three main revolutionary events of her life.
Would have liked to see more of her story over the years she actually worked as a flyer, rather than solely finding out about it through allusions and retellings by other characters.
Loved it. This needs to become a movie.
The story is not an ordinary take on flying humans. Usually these stories place people up in the clouds somehow, in floating islands or castles. This time, they are down in the ocean, living in a collection of extremely windy islands at quite a distance from each other, with no major landmass to serve as the population's center. In Windhaven, flying takes the lead over nautical travel since the ocean is quite dangerous, full of giant marine predators and frequent storms.
The descriptions of flying were wholesome and fulfilling, constantly placing you in the character's shoes.
Strong female character. Her story is divided into the three main revolutionary events of her life.
Would have liked to see more of her story over the years she actually worked as a flyer, rather than solely finding out about it through allusions and retellings by other characters.
Loved it. This needs to become a movie.
October 2, 2024
**3,5 estrelas**
Este livro já foi escrito há quase 40 anos, tendo sido editado, agora em Portugal.
Obviamente que o isco: "com a colaboração de George R.R. Martin", vende.
Aproveito para esclarecer que considero este escritor um génio de criatividade, como tal as minhas expectativas eram elevadas.
O argumento é muito cativante e com muita imaginação.
Contudo falta-lhe substância, a narrativa teve momentos em que não conseguia perceber para onde me levava a história. Perguntava-me também, se o propósito de Maris de mudar o mundo era algo de maior, ou simplesmente uma busca pessoal para obter o seu maior desejo. As personagens por sua vez, entravam e saiam de cena de forma mais ou menos superficial.
Deparei-me com algumas gralhas e apesar de não poder confirmar, encontrei uma ou outra frase que pareceu desajustada da personagem ou da situação, o que me leva a crer pouca acuidade na tradução.
Sinto-me dividida, se por um lado é uma história original, por outro ficou um pouco aquém do que esperava.
Este livro já foi escrito há quase 40 anos, tendo sido editado, agora em Portugal.
Obviamente que o isco: "com a colaboração de George R.R. Martin", vende.
Aproveito para esclarecer que considero este escritor um génio de criatividade, como tal as minhas expectativas eram elevadas.
O argumento é muito cativante e com muita imaginação.
Contudo falta-lhe substância, a narrativa teve momentos em que não conseguia perceber para onde me levava a história. Perguntava-me também, se o propósito de Maris de mudar o mundo era algo de maior, ou simplesmente uma busca pessoal para obter o seu maior desejo. As personagens por sua vez, entravam e saiam de cena de forma mais ou menos superficial.
Deparei-me com algumas gralhas e apesar de não poder confirmar, encontrei uma ou outra frase que pareceu desajustada da personagem ou da situação, o que me leva a crer pouca acuidade na tradução.
Sinto-me dividida, se por um lado é uma história original, por outro ficou um pouco aquém do que esperava.
September 29, 2025
A book that tackles the 'Earthsea-itch', with wonderful world-building and strong character relationships. This is at times whimsical, at times extremely poignant, and, though it lacks in major variety, a really enjoyable read.
July 14, 2016
Maris has got to be one of the most amazing female protagonists in the history of this genre. She is certainly what I think about when I think about a strong female lead. Her personal development during the course of this novel is nothing short of pure perfection. I mean Maris is an awe-inspiring woman and yet she feels very real during every step of the way. She is wonderfully written and totally convincing. She starts off as a young lady that is determined to change the world she lives in (and what a world it is!) and she actually does it.
Without revealing what happens next (and next and next) and what kind of person she becomes; I’m just going to say that the way she is written is outstanding. Flawless characterization that feels absolutely convincing during all stages of her life.
If you are looking for a novel that examines the very soul of its protagonist, look no further. If you want to read a novel with a strong female lead, this is a story for you. If you want to read about an imaginary world that is endlessly fascinating once you dig under its simple surface, get this book. If you are interested in reading an exciting story filled with multidimensional characters, what are you waiting for? If you also happen to like fantasy, well you just hit jackpot!
Fantasy lovers open your heart for another jewel, for Windhaven is a beautifully crafted world. Can I call it poetic? Would that be too much? It is not a world of ice and fire, but a world of sea and wind. What if I told you that while you are reading it you can smell the sea in the air and sense the wind on your face. Not just any sea or any wind…but the wind and the sea of this magical place. If you’re imagining Hawaii, think again.
Windhaven is no paradise. It consists of islands that would be in a state of total isolation if there weren’t for fliers. Fliers are only able to fly thanks to two facts and one of them is that this world is in a state of permanent storm. Extemely windy. It is not a paradise, but a hard planet (and place) to live on. Yet I had this feeling of being able to sense its brutal beauty in my bones. It is so well described, the ecology of the planet and the way it influenced the human society living there.
Isolation makes fliers almost mythical creatures. Their wings are made from materials saved from the mother ship (the only sf element in the novel) and they exist in limited numbers. Moreover, with every accident, with every flier who is lost, there is one less pair of wings. Can you imagine why having a pair of wings would be something that is to be desired, not only for its social significance?
The joy of flying! Was there ever a novel that describes so well the sheer join of flying! Let’s get back to the start of this novel and our lovely protagonist. Maris is a natural born flier. She is marvellously talented at it and she knows it. All that Maris wants to do is fly. She was adopted and raised by a flier and he taught her all she needs to know about flying. However, there is a catch. Her father meant for her to inherit his wings, but in the meantime he had a son and now legally speaking, his son must inherit his wings. The problem? The boy is terrified of flying. What is left to our Maris but to challenge the system?
Now, if that sounds like a start of a good YA, you’re right…. kind of. For this novel is much more than just a story of growing up in some (how well developed it may be) fantasy world. The society is not just some background for our protagonist to shine in, nor are the conflicts only there for the action aspect of the story (which is pretty good but that’s beside the point now). This novel is also about politics, power and government. This is a novel that shows us how complex life is.
I think we can draw parallels between the society in Windhaven and our own despite the fact that the society described there lacks any technology and is basically medieval. For aren’t the games of power something that is in its essence timeless? Speaking of humans and our need to organize ourselves in groups, our need to fight for power over one another is something that is explored well in this novel.
Windhaven has a lesson or two to teach. For example, how revolutions often eat their own childre or how we must always pay the price for the decisions we make. It is actually a well-rounded epic story. A whole lot happens in this novel. It is not terribly long, but it is packed with events. It is an entertaining read for sure, but also so much more.
I would recommend this novel to:
- anyone who has read and liked Machiavelli’s The Prince (because among other things this novel is about power and government)
- fans of Lisa and fans of Martin (because they wrote it, though!)
-pilots (because they would understand why life without flying is not worth much)
- mountaineers and outdoorsy types (because they will appreciate the amazing nature descriptions)
-fantasy lovers (because it is a fantasy worth reading)
- literature lovers (because this is real literature)
- just about anyone (because it is an awesome read any way you take it)
I praised our protagonist, but she is hardly the only memorable character. I know that many fans of Martin will wonder if this is something that can be compared with his legendary series. It is. However, don’t read this expecting another GOT sequel for this is a world of its own. Windhaven is written by Lisa as well and that can be felt. I personally loved that! I think these two worked really well together. I liked the focus on one protagonist and I happen to think it was a good decision for this novel. One thing I did notice that seems to be typical of GOT is the depth of characterization. You really have a feeling of getting inside of a character’s head, of exploring their psychological states. Martin’s talent for creating credible characters certainly shines through.
Nevertheless, there was something uniquely touching about Maris, especially when she got older, something that felt personal, something that made her special. In that sense that is focused merely this novel is different from GOT. I must also add; the descriptions of Windhaven are something I sign off to Lisa. I may be wrong, I cannot say who wrote which part, but I can say that I sensed both of them, not in the sense that you can feel divisions in the text (far from it) but more in a sense there was that something that wasn’t there when I was reading only Martin. Does that make sense? I haven’t read any of Lisa’s works but I can sense her there and I have a feeling this world is a product of her imagination.
This story takes many twists and turns, develops in many different ways and it goes on to explore the world of politics, the conflict between the individual and the society, the dimensions of good and evil, the price we may for our decisions, the negative sides of any revolution etc. It is an amazing story on its own but the fact that the characters are masterfully portrayed is what makes it is very special. Did I mention that it also contains some interesting debates and moral dilemmas i.e. plenty of food for the thought? To conclude, this is a great fantasty novel. If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would go something like this: Incredibly convincing, outlandishly brave and uncannily wise portrayal of an amazing life of one phenomenal woman.
Without revealing what happens next (and next and next) and what kind of person she becomes; I’m just going to say that the way she is written is outstanding. Flawless characterization that feels absolutely convincing during all stages of her life.
If you are looking for a novel that examines the very soul of its protagonist, look no further. If you want to read a novel with a strong female lead, this is a story for you. If you want to read about an imaginary world that is endlessly fascinating once you dig under its simple surface, get this book. If you are interested in reading an exciting story filled with multidimensional characters, what are you waiting for? If you also happen to like fantasy, well you just hit jackpot!
Fantasy lovers open your heart for another jewel, for Windhaven is a beautifully crafted world. Can I call it poetic? Would that be too much? It is not a world of ice and fire, but a world of sea and wind. What if I told you that while you are reading it you can smell the sea in the air and sense the wind on your face. Not just any sea or any wind…but the wind and the sea of this magical place. If you’re imagining Hawaii, think again.
Windhaven is no paradise. It consists of islands that would be in a state of total isolation if there weren’t for fliers. Fliers are only able to fly thanks to two facts and one of them is that this world is in a state of permanent storm. Extemely windy. It is not a paradise, but a hard planet (and place) to live on. Yet I had this feeling of being able to sense its brutal beauty in my bones. It is so well described, the ecology of the planet and the way it influenced the human society living there.
Isolation makes fliers almost mythical creatures. Their wings are made from materials saved from the mother ship (the only sf element in the novel) and they exist in limited numbers. Moreover, with every accident, with every flier who is lost, there is one less pair of wings. Can you imagine why having a pair of wings would be something that is to be desired, not only for its social significance?
The joy of flying! Was there ever a novel that describes so well the sheer join of flying! Let’s get back to the start of this novel and our lovely protagonist. Maris is a natural born flier. She is marvellously talented at it and she knows it. All that Maris wants to do is fly. She was adopted and raised by a flier and he taught her all she needs to know about flying. However, there is a catch. Her father meant for her to inherit his wings, but in the meantime he had a son and now legally speaking, his son must inherit his wings. The problem? The boy is terrified of flying. What is left to our Maris but to challenge the system?
Now, if that sounds like a start of a good YA, you’re right…. kind of. For this novel is much more than just a story of growing up in some (how well developed it may be) fantasy world. The society is not just some background for our protagonist to shine in, nor are the conflicts only there for the action aspect of the story (which is pretty good but that’s beside the point now). This novel is also about politics, power and government. This is a novel that shows us how complex life is.
I think we can draw parallels between the society in Windhaven and our own despite the fact that the society described there lacks any technology and is basically medieval. For aren’t the games of power something that is in its essence timeless? Speaking of humans and our need to organize ourselves in groups, our need to fight for power over one another is something that is explored well in this novel.
Windhaven has a lesson or two to teach. For example, how revolutions often eat their own childre or how we must always pay the price for the decisions we make. It is actually a well-rounded epic story. A whole lot happens in this novel. It is not terribly long, but it is packed with events. It is an entertaining read for sure, but also so much more.
I would recommend this novel to:
- anyone who has read and liked Machiavelli’s The Prince (because among other things this novel is about power and government)
- fans of Lisa and fans of Martin (because they wrote it, though!)
-pilots (because they would understand why life without flying is not worth much)
- mountaineers and outdoorsy types (because they will appreciate the amazing nature descriptions)
-fantasy lovers (because it is a fantasy worth reading)
- literature lovers (because this is real literature)
- just about anyone (because it is an awesome read any way you take it)
I praised our protagonist, but she is hardly the only memorable character. I know that many fans of Martin will wonder if this is something that can be compared with his legendary series. It is. However, don’t read this expecting another GOT sequel for this is a world of its own. Windhaven is written by Lisa as well and that can be felt. I personally loved that! I think these two worked really well together. I liked the focus on one protagonist and I happen to think it was a good decision for this novel. One thing I did notice that seems to be typical of GOT is the depth of characterization. You really have a feeling of getting inside of a character’s head, of exploring their psychological states. Martin’s talent for creating credible characters certainly shines through.
Nevertheless, there was something uniquely touching about Maris, especially when she got older, something that felt personal, something that made her special. In that sense that is focused merely this novel is different from GOT. I must also add; the descriptions of Windhaven are something I sign off to Lisa. I may be wrong, I cannot say who wrote which part, but I can say that I sensed both of them, not in the sense that you can feel divisions in the text (far from it) but more in a sense there was that something that wasn’t there when I was reading only Martin. Does that make sense? I haven’t read any of Lisa’s works but I can sense her there and I have a feeling this world is a product of her imagination.
This story takes many twists and turns, develops in many different ways and it goes on to explore the world of politics, the conflict between the individual and the society, the dimensions of good and evil, the price we may for our decisions, the negative sides of any revolution etc. It is an amazing story on its own but the fact that the characters are masterfully portrayed is what makes it is very special. Did I mention that it also contains some interesting debates and moral dilemmas i.e. plenty of food for the thought? To conclude, this is a great fantasty novel. If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would go something like this: Incredibly convincing, outlandishly brave and uncannily wise portrayal of an amazing life of one phenomenal woman.
September 6, 2017
Es un 3.5/5 pero lo dejo en tres estrellas porque cuatro me parece excesivo.
Esta novela de ciencia ficción tiene todo para triunfar, una ambientación sobresaliente, una trama que va de menos a más y el estilo narrativo tan adictivo de Martin.
¿Entonces por qué 3 estrellas solo? Pues porque es irregular, demasiado, tiene momentos muy buenos y otros mejorables. Además, los personajes no están a la altura de lo que Martin nos tiene acostumbrados en sus otras obras y encima el autor norteamericano no aprovecha el gran universo que nos plantea.
Resumiendo, novela irregular, pero adictiva gracias a la prosa y estilo de Martin, por lo que a pesar de las tres estrellas, es una lectura recomendable.
Como siempre os dejo el enlace a mi blog donde analizo la obra un poco más a conciencia:
https://t.co/u2H2yc6gUF
Esta novela de ciencia ficción tiene todo para triunfar, una ambientación sobresaliente, una trama que va de menos a más y el estilo narrativo tan adictivo de Martin.
¿Entonces por qué 3 estrellas solo? Pues porque es irregular, demasiado, tiene momentos muy buenos y otros mejorables. Además, los personajes no están a la altura de lo que Martin nos tiene acostumbrados en sus otras obras y encima el autor norteamericano no aprovecha el gran universo que nos plantea.
Resumiendo, novela irregular, pero adictiva gracias a la prosa y estilo de Martin, por lo que a pesar de las tres estrellas, es una lectura recomendable.
Como siempre os dejo el enlace a mi blog donde analizo la obra un poco más a conciencia:
https://t.co/u2H2yc6gUF
May 14, 2025
Fantastic exploration of caste based conflict. This shows how hard ppl try to hold on to traditions, and how much they hate anyone who try to break those traditions and how difficult it is to bring change.
This plot is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 shows the main conflict and one girl's fight to break the tradition. The debate in this part is one of the best scenes I ever read in fiction. Anyone who fought to throw down the shackles of tradition would relate to this. Parts 2 and 3 explore the consequences there after.
This conflict is not something new to me. For an Indian, it's part of life. We have something called reservation in Indian constitution - the system of reserving few seats in higher education and jobs for "backward castes". We still fight about it and it went through multiple changes over the years.
I thought I knew how I would feel about this conflict but this book managed to give me a new perspective and I cannot wait to discuss this with my friends.
This plot is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 shows the main conflict and one girl's fight to break the tradition. The debate in this part is one of the best scenes I ever read in fiction. Anyone who fought to throw down the shackles of tradition would relate to this. Parts 2 and 3 explore the consequences there after.
This conflict is not something new to me. For an Indian, it's part of life. We have something called reservation in Indian constitution - the system of reserving few seats in higher education and jobs for "backward castes". We still fight about it and it went through multiple changes over the years.
I thought I knew how I would feel about this conflict but this book managed to give me a new perspective and I cannot wait to discuss this with my friends.
November 22, 2017
Hacía tiempo que un libro no me gustaba tanto. Qué personajes, qué historia, qué bien llevado todo. No sé si Martin aquí aún estaba joven y optimista, o es cosa de Tuttle, pero no tiene nada que ver con el enfoque de Canción de Hielo y Fuego. Aquí sí, pasan cosas malas, hay gente mala, pero siempre queda una esperanza de que las cosas pueden salir bien. Éste es el tipo de realismo que quiero leer.
Probablemente es el libro de Martin que más me ha gustado hasta el momento, y como de Tuttle no he leído nada más para comparar, pronto tendré que ponerme con algo suyo.
Probablemente es el libro de Martin que más me ha gustado hasta el momento, y como de Tuttle no he leído nada más para comparar, pronto tendré que ponerme con algo suyo.
August 5, 2024
„Планетата на ветровете“ е много приятен съвместен роман на Лайза Татъл и Джордж Мартин! В него става дума за вълнуващата история на главната героиня Марис. Тя живее на доста любопитна и опасна водна планета, където се вихрят силни бури, а пътуванията между островите се извършват с механични криле...
November 5, 2015
This was my first George R.R. Martin book and it definitely won't be the last, I assure you.
Windhaven is relatively short for the average fantasy book and yet I was SO connected, so enthralled with the characters, the world, the system...EVERYTHING. This is the type of fantasy novel I yearn for when I think of the genre.
What sticks in mind is the way the authors deal with our protaginist: Maris. She's quite immature to begin with which goes hand-in-hand with her age and we watch her grow over the course of the novel. We learn the dangers of impetuosity and restlessness. We learn that revenge is a dish best served cold. The character development of Maris is quite remarkable, if she were human I wouldn't doubt it for a second.
A Game Of Thrones here I come.
Windhaven is relatively short for the average fantasy book and yet I was SO connected, so enthralled with the characters, the world, the system...EVERYTHING. This is the type of fantasy novel I yearn for when I think of the genre.
What sticks in mind is the way the authors deal with our protaginist: Maris. She's quite immature to begin with which goes hand-in-hand with her age and we watch her grow over the course of the novel. We learn the dangers of impetuosity and restlessness. We learn that revenge is a dish best served cold. The character development of Maris is quite remarkable, if she were human I wouldn't doubt it for a second.
A Game Of Thrones here I come.
July 30, 2012
This fantasy appears to me to be in the tradition of Ursula Leguin, replete with a coming of age story bound up with social development issues, moral choices, and fable-like messages. The descendents of marooned starfarers inhabit a world of many small islands. Aside from sailing in an ocean with dangerous sea monsters, the only link between islands is via a cadre of flyers who use wings made of metal struts and special indestructible cloth left over from the ancestors. The aristocracy of flyers, who pass the skills and limited set of wings down within families, is challenged when the daughter of a fisherman, Maris, becomes enamored with flying and seeks to become one against the wishes of her adopted father, who instead wants to pass his wings down to a younger son. Her brave persistence eventually succeeds in changing the class system into one based on merit, involving establishment of flying academies and annual open challenge competitions. But this doesn�t solve the problem of classism, and the next social evolution concerns the role of landed gentry in fighting over resources and control of the flyers and the dangers of flyers taking actions to prevent war. The power and roles of singers and healers is also explored though a set of engaging characters. The thrall of flying is captured well is the narrative, but it wore a bit thin for me after a while. The parables about classism, corruption of power, are the triumph of the good hearted and brave were not especially compelling. I wonder why the book is not classified as young adult reading.
April 17, 2019
Джордж Р. Р. Мартин и Лайза Татъл обединяват сили и отвеждат читателите на „Планетата на ветровете” (изд. „Бард”). Бих ви приветствал с добре дошли, но истината е, че тук никой не е добре дошъл. Това е един свят, разкъсван от хилядолетни бури и удавен в безбрежен океан. Във водите ви дебнат страховити създания, чийто главен инстинкт е да приглушат поне за малко дивият си първобитен глад. Разумните същества са скупчени по отдалечените острови – стърчащи над водата зъбери, брулени от ветровете. А единствената връзка между островите са крилатите хора. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
October 19, 2016
Pa kažimo pre 3.5/5
Ovde imamo lepo ispričanu priču smeštenu u daleku budućnost na drugaj planeti prikazanu kroz život letača. Sama priča je podeljena u tri lepe celine čisto da se zaobiđe dosadan period kada se ne dešava ništa značajno čemu sam uvek zahvalan. Tempo je dobar, uvek se nešto dešava, imamo par interesantnih likova ali je nažalost većina dosta jednodimenzionalna.
Šta drugo reći sem knjiga je zabavna ali samo pisanje nije previše ambiciozno ili epsko. Ali nema ni smrti na svakom koraku što je uvek plus :P
I da priča nije SF :)
Ovde imamo lepo ispričanu priču smeštenu u daleku budućnost na drugaj planeti prikazanu kroz život letača. Sama priča je podeljena u tri lepe celine čisto da se zaobiđe dosadan period kada se ne dešava ništa značajno čemu sam uvek zahvalan. Tempo je dobar, uvek se nešto dešava, imamo par interesantnih likova ali je nažalost većina dosta jednodimenzionalna.
Šta drugo reći sem knjiga je zabavna ali samo pisanje nije previše ambiciozno ili epsko. Ali nema ni smrti na svakom koraku što je uvek plus :P
I da priča nije SF :)
June 21, 2022
Ésta es una historia que hace volar al lector, planeando como un azor, en brazos del viento; y descubrir un mundo tan diferente al nuestro en su geografía, como semejante en sus dilemas. Además pone de manifiesto la valentía de cuestionar las propias costumbres o tradiciones y asumir las consecuencias de cambiarlas. ¡Es una joya de novela!
___________
This is a story that makes the reader fly, gliding like a goshawk, in the arms of the wind; and discover a world as different from ours in its geography, as similar in its dilemmas. It also shows the courage to question one's own customs or traditions and assume the consequences of changing them. It is a gem of a novel!
___________
This is a story that makes the reader fly, gliding like a goshawk, in the arms of the wind; and discover a world as different from ours in its geography, as similar in its dilemmas. It also shows the courage to question one's own customs or traditions and assume the consequences of changing them. It is a gem of a novel!
September 6, 2017
Sin duda ya deberíamos saber que, George R. R. Martin, antes de su famosa saga del hielo y el fuego, ya era un narrador a tener en cuenta. Con Refugio del Viento demuestra una vez su capacidad para atraparte con su historia y no soltarte, a involucrarte como pocos logran, aunque en general, sea una novela irregular.
La primera y la tercera parte son las mejor hilvanadas y con mejor ritmo del libro. No así la segunda parte, que aunque añade a uno de los personajes más interesantes (incluso más que la protagonista), creo se pudo haber recortado un poco. Aún así, fascina la manera tan vívida en que describen los "vuelos" de Maris, uno casi siente el viento y el mar en el rostro como ellos.
Sentí una notable influencia de Ursula K. Le Guin y su saga de Terramar. No solo porque el mundo presentado es similar (archipiélagos), sino porque el tratamiento del personaje de Maris, es similar a la Tenar de Tumbas de Atuan, aunque sin hacer tanto hincapié en el mensaje feminista. Lo que sí resalta, son los dilemas morales y éticos que permean toda la narrativa, otra muestra más de que esos temas ya preocupaban mucho a Martin antes de su gran obra, en donde nadie tiene la razón y nadie está tampoco equivocado.
Lo negativo es que el mundo no está tan explotado, aunque por ser una novela de poco más de 300 páginas, puede entenderse que no era el punto en ese momento. Aquí solo importa Maris, y el resto de personajes, salvo Val, no importan demasiado. La verdad, a veces la historia tenía un ritmo constante, pero de repente desaceleraba y no sé si eso sea consecuencia de que fue escrito a cuatro manos. No he leído nada más de Lisa Tuttle para identificar su influencia en Refugio del Viento y si eso provocó cierta irregularidad.
Aún así, la novela se disfruta muchísimo. Tiene algunos toques de ciencia ficción (anecdóticos), pero sin duda, por el tono en que está contada, yo la pongo más como fantasía. Y la recomendaría a todos los que quieran descubrir más sobre Martin, pero también a los que busquen fantasía de otro tipo, no tan épica, pero contada con mucha soltura, con otro tipo de ambientes a los habituales. A mí siempre me da mucho placer leer obras de los 70 u 80 como esta que se alejaron de lo típico.
La primera y la tercera parte son las mejor hilvanadas y con mejor ritmo del libro. No así la segunda parte, que aunque añade a uno de los personajes más interesantes (incluso más que la protagonista), creo se pudo haber recortado un poco. Aún así, fascina la manera tan vívida en que describen los "vuelos" de Maris, uno casi siente el viento y el mar en el rostro como ellos.
Sentí una notable influencia de Ursula K. Le Guin y su saga de Terramar. No solo porque el mundo presentado es similar (archipiélagos), sino porque el tratamiento del personaje de Maris, es similar a la Tenar de Tumbas de Atuan, aunque sin hacer tanto hincapié en el mensaje feminista. Lo que sí resalta, son los dilemas morales y éticos que permean toda la narrativa, otra muestra más de que esos temas ya preocupaban mucho a Martin antes de su gran obra, en donde nadie tiene la razón y nadie está tampoco equivocado.
Lo negativo es que el mundo no está tan explotado, aunque por ser una novela de poco más de 300 páginas, puede entenderse que no era el punto en ese momento. Aquí solo importa Maris, y el resto de personajes, salvo Val, no importan demasiado. La verdad, a veces la historia tenía un ritmo constante, pero de repente desaceleraba y no sé si eso sea consecuencia de que fue escrito a cuatro manos. No he leído nada más de Lisa Tuttle para identificar su influencia en Refugio del Viento y si eso provocó cierta irregularidad.
Aún así, la novela se disfruta muchísimo. Tiene algunos toques de ciencia ficción (anecdóticos), pero sin duda, por el tono en que está contada, yo la pongo más como fantasía. Y la recomendaría a todos los que quieran descubrir más sobre Martin, pero también a los que busquen fantasía de otro tipo, no tan épica, pero contada con mucha soltura, con otro tipo de ambientes a los habituales. A mí siempre me da mucho placer leer obras de los 70 u 80 como esta que se alejaron de lo típico.
August 11, 2007
If like myself, you have enjoyed Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire Series and been completely blown away by the honesty of his characters, the brilliance of his politics and spent countless hours awake at night, unable to sleep because you just HAVE to know what happens next, please don't read this book. George R. R. Marin may have the utmost respect for the talents of Lisa Tuttle, but after reading this book, I can't say I share his opinion. The concept is good but the characters are flat. Half-way through the book I no longer cared what they thought or what happened to them. I just kept reading in hopes that Martin would pull some of his last minute magic....and it never came. It isn't terrible or full of typos, it is just so typical template fantasy that any ASoIaF fan is going to be frustrated. There is nothing outstanding about this book. If Terry Pratchet were no longer funny and clever or Neil Gaimen were no longer quirky and dark they would lose what distinguishes them from the first time SF/Fantasy author who doesn't know what he/she is doing and there would be no reason to read them. If you are new to the genre, there is nothing wrong with this book, but if you are looking for something more i advise you not to waste your time.
October 4, 2019
1.5
Este libro se divide en tres partes, aunque yo lo dividiría en dos: las partes que escribió George R. R. Martin y las que arruinó Lisa Tuttle.
Al principio, como de Martin sólo leí Canción de Hielo y Fuego, me preguntaba cuáles serían las partes escritas por él y cuáles las de Tuttle. Como es una obra anterior no estaba segura de si su estilo habría cambiado con el tiempo. Al ir avanzando se volvió muy claro, y cuando finalmente llegó el momento en que George Martin se puso a escribir, la diferencia fue como entrar en un ambiente con aire acondicionado un día de 45ºC.
Lisa Tuttle no escribe bien. O al menos en este libro dejó mucho que desear.
La historia está situada en un mundo formado por archipiélagos donde existe una elite a la que llaman Alados, los únicos y privilegiados usuarios de unas alas antiquísimas hechas de un material irreproducible. Estos Alados son los encargados de llevar mensajes entre las islas, honor reservado a unas pocas familias que son venerados como semi dioses.
Este sistema se cuestionará cuando Maris, una hija adoptiva de un Alado, deba renunciar a las alas que estuvo usando casi como juego mientras el verdadero heredero no las reclamara. Maris, al verse despojada de las alas, arma lo que pretende ser una compleja conspiración para ser escuchada por los Alados y que este sistema arcaico de sucesión se vuelva más flexible.
Ser o no ser (Alado), esa es la cuestión... y el argumento.
Las tres partes que componen el libro corresponden a tres diferentes puntos de la vida de Maris.
Comenzó interesante, pero a medida que se avanza, el intento de mensaje de justicia e igualdad de derechos y posibilidades me pareció más una discusión de encaprichamiento que otra cosa. A medida que las páginas corren, los diálogos se vuelven repetitivos y llegado un punto me di cuenta que estaba leyendo las mismas cosas una y otra, y otra, y otra vez, dicho por diferentes personajes o dicho a diferentes personajes.
Hay cosas importantes que se comentan tán rápido que las tuve que releer, y otras sin ninguna importancia que se repiten como si rezaran. También se desaprovecharon elementos que podrían haber sido muy interesantes, como la historia del origen de los alados (que se cuenta por encima en uno o dos parrafitos).
Cuando llegó la parte de George Martin la historia comenzó a fluir, pero a pesar de sus evidentes esfuerzos (en el tiempo que Lisa Tuttle contó una cosa, George Martin hizo que pasaran al menos nueve) el libro ya me resultaba tan aburrido y monótono que había perdido por completo el interés.
Los personajes son todos -o prácticamente todos- muy desagradables, empezando por la misma Maris y su doble discurso hipócrita que muta de acuerdo a su conveniencia.
El resto de los Alados son tan o más desagradables que ella. Hay muchas cosas traídas de los pelos (si, me refiero a las partes escritas por Tuttle) y los personajes que se supone que son tradicionalistas son tan volubles que más que Alados deberían llamarse Veletas.
La palabra Alados se repite 990 veces y 950 creo que fueron en la parte de Tuttle.
No se si fue esa la intención o no, pero durante más de la mitad del libro el tener alas parece más una adicción insana que un privilegio. En ningún momento la historia me cautivó o me hizo comprender el padecimiento de los personajes. Tampoco hay un verdadero enemigo o conflicto, sino más bien una lucha de terquedad.
El epílogo terminó de hundir al libro. Le iba a poner dos estrellas (por la parte de Martin) pero el epílogo me deprimió tanto (es muy triste y muy innecesario) que decidí que estaba siendo demasiado generosa.
Reseña de Libros junto al mar
Este libro se divide en tres partes, aunque yo lo dividiría en dos: las partes que escribió George R. R. Martin y las que arruinó Lisa Tuttle.
Al principio, como de Martin sólo leí Canción de Hielo y Fuego, me preguntaba cuáles serían las partes escritas por él y cuáles las de Tuttle. Como es una obra anterior no estaba segura de si su estilo habría cambiado con el tiempo. Al ir avanzando se volvió muy claro, y cuando finalmente llegó el momento en que George Martin se puso a escribir, la diferencia fue como entrar en un ambiente con aire acondicionado un día de 45ºC.
Lisa Tuttle no escribe bien. O al menos en este libro dejó mucho que desear.
La historia está situada en un mundo formado por archipiélagos donde existe una elite a la que llaman Alados, los únicos y privilegiados usuarios de unas alas antiquísimas hechas de un material irreproducible. Estos Alados son los encargados de llevar mensajes entre las islas, honor reservado a unas pocas familias que son venerados como semi dioses.
Este sistema se cuestionará cuando Maris, una hija adoptiva de un Alado, deba renunciar a las alas que estuvo usando casi como juego mientras el verdadero heredero no las reclamara. Maris, al verse despojada de las alas, arma lo que pretende ser una compleja conspiración para ser escuchada por los Alados y que este sistema arcaico de sucesión se vuelva más flexible.
Ser o no ser (Alado), esa es la cuestión... y el argumento.
Las tres partes que componen el libro corresponden a tres diferentes puntos de la vida de Maris.
Comenzó interesante, pero a medida que se avanza, el intento de mensaje de justicia e igualdad de derechos y posibilidades me pareció más una discusión de encaprichamiento que otra cosa. A medida que las páginas corren, los diálogos se vuelven repetitivos y llegado un punto me di cuenta que estaba leyendo las mismas cosas una y otra, y otra, y otra vez, dicho por diferentes personajes o dicho a diferentes personajes.
Hay cosas importantes que se comentan tán rápido que las tuve que releer, y otras sin ninguna importancia que se repiten como si rezaran. También se desaprovecharon elementos que podrían haber sido muy interesantes, como la historia del origen de los alados (que se cuenta por encima en uno o dos parrafitos).
Cuando llegó la parte de George Martin la historia comenzó a fluir, pero a pesar de sus evidentes esfuerzos (en el tiempo que Lisa Tuttle contó una cosa, George Martin hizo que pasaran al menos nueve) el libro ya me resultaba tan aburrido y monótono que había perdido por completo el interés.
Los personajes son todos -o prácticamente todos- muy desagradables, empezando por la misma Maris y su doble discurso hipócrita que muta de acuerdo a su conveniencia.
El resto de los Alados son tan o más desagradables que ella. Hay muchas cosas traídas de los pelos (si, me refiero a las partes escritas por Tuttle) y los personajes que se supone que son tradicionalistas son tan volubles que más que Alados deberían llamarse Veletas.
La palabra Alados se repite 990 veces y 950 creo que fueron en la parte de Tuttle.
No se si fue esa la intención o no, pero durante más de la mitad del libro el tener alas parece más una adicción insana que un privilegio. En ningún momento la historia me cautivó o me hizo comprender el padecimiento de los personajes. Tampoco hay un verdadero enemigo o conflicto, sino más bien una lucha de terquedad.
El epílogo terminó de hundir al libro. Le iba a poner dos estrellas (por la parte de Martin) pero el epílogo me deprimió tanto (es muy triste y muy innecesario) que decidí que estaba siendo demasiado generosa.
Reseña de Libros junto al mar
January 12, 2018
Windhaven is a good read but not one that got a lot traction for me. I listened to the audio book and narrator did good job bringing the story to life.
The planet Windhaven is place where star travelers crash landed. Salvaged from the ship were the materials to make wings so that some of the population could fly on the planet's strong and almost never ending winds. Eventually, the planet's islands were colonized and vital messages are carried by "flyers" to the people who inhabit the islands. These people became the "land bound." The Flyers, due to their importance, became an elite class of people. Only the descendents of the original Flyers could be flyers. That is until Maris comes along and things begin to change.
Maris is the main protagonist in the story. She is the first land bound person to become a Flyer. Well, in a manner of speaking. Since her lineage is not from the original Flyer people, is she really a Flyer? A good part of the book is about all aspects of this question. Not only for Maris but for others land bounds who manage get wings. Add to the mix, some land barons, some with dubious motives.
Overall, the book is an interesting story. I found though, even in this exotic setting, themes that are unoriginal and well exploited in other books. The characters seemed bit anemic to me. In the story, one of the worst situations a Flyer can encounter is hitting a patch of calm air which could send them down into a monster infested sea. I felt the book was a little too long with too many "calm pockets" to navigate.
Windhaven is an entertaining story that didn't knock my socks off. It could be a matter of taste. Others may find the book much more invigorating than I did.
The planet Windhaven is place where star travelers crash landed. Salvaged from the ship were the materials to make wings so that some of the population could fly on the planet's strong and almost never ending winds. Eventually, the planet's islands were colonized and vital messages are carried by "flyers" to the people who inhabit the islands. These people became the "land bound." The Flyers, due to their importance, became an elite class of people. Only the descendents of the original Flyers could be flyers. That is until Maris comes along and things begin to change.
Maris is the main protagonist in the story. She is the first land bound person to become a Flyer. Well, in a manner of speaking. Since her lineage is not from the original Flyer people, is she really a Flyer? A good part of the book is about all aspects of this question. Not only for Maris but for others land bounds who manage get wings. Add to the mix, some land barons, some with dubious motives.
Overall, the book is an interesting story. I found though, even in this exotic setting, themes that are unoriginal and well exploited in other books. The characters seemed bit anemic to me. In the story, one of the worst situations a Flyer can encounter is hitting a patch of calm air which could send them down into a monster infested sea. I felt the book was a little too long with too many "calm pockets" to navigate.
Windhaven is an entertaining story that didn't knock my socks off. It could be a matter of taste. Others may find the book much more invigorating than I did.
May 31, 2020
Отрочето на връзката между Лайза Татъл и Джордж Мартин в края на седемдесетте е обречено да бъде публикувано със силно натъртване на единия от съавторите...
Заселнически космически кораб се разбива на планетата, състояща се от вода, острови и да - ветрове. От отломките му спасяват метални платна, които правят възможна изработката на криле, които хора със заложби ползват, за да летят между островите, пренасяйки новини и съобщения. Те са нещо като каста, която се подчинява единствено на собствените си порядки. Крилете са най-ценното на планетата - платът не може да се изработи. Предават се по наследство и в обществото на летците царят строги правила.
Романът проследява животът на Марис - започнала го на дъното и успяла да промени света, в който живее. Тя е първата, родена в "безкрилно" семейство, която благодарение на огромните си желание и талант, успява да се сдобие с криле.
В средната част на книгата, се издразних на Марис за недомислените глупости, които прави, но пък в течение на сюжета това чувство се разсея.
Пресонажите са в доволно количество, а доста от тях са развити в дълбочина. Сюжетът е интересен, а и стилът на писане е качествен. Развръзката е перфе, а епилогът ме просълзи :)
Не е перфектен, но мисля, че би оставил доволен почти всеки читател, независимо от жанровите му предпочитания! 4,5
Заселнически космически кораб се разбива на планетата, състояща се от вода, острови и да - ветрове. От отломките му спасяват метални платна, които правят възможна изработката на криле, които хора със заложби ползват, за да летят между островите, пренасяйки новини и съобщения. Те са нещо като каста, която се подчинява единствено на собствените си порядки. Крилете са най-ценното на планетата - платът не може да се изработи. Предават се по наследство и в обществото на летците царят строги правила.
Романът проследява животът на Марис - започнала го на дъното и успяла да промени света, в който живее. Тя е първата, родена в "безкрилно" семейство, която благодарение на огромните си желание и талант, успява да се сдобие с криле.
В средната част на книгата, се издразних на Марис за недомислените глупости, които прави, но пък в течение на сюжета това чувство се разсея.
Пресонажите са в доволно количество, а доста от тях са развити в дълбочина. Сюжетът е интересен, а и стилът на писане е качествен. Развръзката е перфе, а епилогът ме просълзи :)
Не е перфектен, но мисля, че би оставил доволен почти всеки читател, независимо от жанровите му предпочитания! 4,5
February 19, 2017
It was an interesting book with a unique world, but although original I did find it lacking. It never had a clear direction other than recounting the protagonist's life and no real antagonist other thab tradition and society. Maybe some people would like this but it made me feel detached from the story.
November 21, 2024
Que livro incrível, se ao mesmo tempo queremos poupar a sua leitura, também queremos avançar para saber o que vem a seguir.
Uma história sublime, de tirar o fôlego e bem contada.
Uma ideia genial e extremamente interessante.
Uma história sublime, de tirar o fôlego e bem contada.
Uma ideia genial e extremamente interessante.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
Mixed feelings. Good characters, some brilliant moments and (to me) a well constructed fantasy world.
Bit of politics, a glimpse of what would be A Song of Ice and Fire.
Not good enough to give it 4 stars, but 3 feels a bit low. Next one should be The Armageddon Rag.
Bit of politics, a glimpse of what would be A Song of Ice and Fire.
Not good enough to give it 4 stars, but 3 feels a bit low. Next one should be The Armageddon Rag.
July 30, 2016
Everyone knows George R. R. Martin from his A Song of Ice and Fire series, yet a lot of his other books are fun reads as well. I admit that I have only read a handful of his standalone novels, but what I’ve read have been – mostly – good reads. Windhaven is another book to add to the list of non-ASOIAF books people should read if they’re a fan of Martin’s work.
Truthfully, this wasn’t a book I was going to go out of my way to purchase. I’d seen it whilst browsing online on more than one occasion, but I never went out of my way to purchase it. Of course, when I saw it in an offer my mind was made up. I never say no to books by my favourite authors when they’re on offer, meaning when I saw this one (along with a book by another of my favourite authors) in an offer I jumped at it. I didn’t pick it up straight away – my bookshelf is overflowing – but I worked around to it rather quickly. I was curious, after all.
For me, I’d deem this book to be a fantasy novel with a bit of a sci-fi back-story. Set on another world, seemingly extremely far in the future, we have a whole new way of living. On this planet, travel between the distant islands is hard so flyers exist to take messages back-and-forth across the planet. I feel as though I could have done with a bit more information regarding how the whole flyer thing worked – what it was about the atmosphere and the gravity of the planet that made it possible – but even without these details it was a wonderful concept.
As you would expect, though, things aren’t as straightforward as they should be. Like any good fantasy novel there is conflict. One group against another, trouble between the classes. There is a clear divide in the society and things need changing. What we’re given is the story of these changes taking place.
Whilst we follow the same main character throughout, I do feel as though it was more about the story than about her. Yes, she was important. She was a great main character to follow, she was important in the events, and I loved watching her life at these main points. Still, her life took a backseat to the main story. Not that such a thing bothered me, as it was great to see such a thing. We are merely given glimpses, for the most part, into her personal story. The personal story takes a backseat to the important changes taking place in the world, our character being our focus simply for the role she plays – and it is this role we focus on.
Honestly, it was a great read. The story is split into three parts, three points in time where big change happens. I’m not going to go into detail about what these things are, but throughout we get to see how the world has changed. As we shift from one point in time to the next, we get to see the effects of the last change on society and the characters that keep popping up. Speaking of characters, there’s quite a bit of fun to be had there. The cast is great, all having their own role to play in the story.
Truthfully, this is the kind of thing I could imagine being made into a movie. Unfortunately, I fear as though it would be one of those movies that are terribly awkward. I guess it’s a good job I’m not really one for endorsing movie adaptations of the books I read.
Certainly, though, I’d recommend this for fans of George R. R. Martin.
Truthfully, this wasn’t a book I was going to go out of my way to purchase. I’d seen it whilst browsing online on more than one occasion, but I never went out of my way to purchase it. Of course, when I saw it in an offer my mind was made up. I never say no to books by my favourite authors when they’re on offer, meaning when I saw this one (along with a book by another of my favourite authors) in an offer I jumped at it. I didn’t pick it up straight away – my bookshelf is overflowing – but I worked around to it rather quickly. I was curious, after all.
For me, I’d deem this book to be a fantasy novel with a bit of a sci-fi back-story. Set on another world, seemingly extremely far in the future, we have a whole new way of living. On this planet, travel between the distant islands is hard so flyers exist to take messages back-and-forth across the planet. I feel as though I could have done with a bit more information regarding how the whole flyer thing worked – what it was about the atmosphere and the gravity of the planet that made it possible – but even without these details it was a wonderful concept.
As you would expect, though, things aren’t as straightforward as they should be. Like any good fantasy novel there is conflict. One group against another, trouble between the classes. There is a clear divide in the society and things need changing. What we’re given is the story of these changes taking place.
Whilst we follow the same main character throughout, I do feel as though it was more about the story than about her. Yes, she was important. She was a great main character to follow, she was important in the events, and I loved watching her life at these main points. Still, her life took a backseat to the main story. Not that such a thing bothered me, as it was great to see such a thing. We are merely given glimpses, for the most part, into her personal story. The personal story takes a backseat to the important changes taking place in the world, our character being our focus simply for the role she plays – and it is this role we focus on.
Honestly, it was a great read. The story is split into three parts, three points in time where big change happens. I’m not going to go into detail about what these things are, but throughout we get to see how the world has changed. As we shift from one point in time to the next, we get to see the effects of the last change on society and the characters that keep popping up. Speaking of characters, there’s quite a bit of fun to be had there. The cast is great, all having their own role to play in the story.
Truthfully, this is the kind of thing I could imagine being made into a movie. Unfortunately, I fear as though it would be one of those movies that are terribly awkward. I guess it’s a good job I’m not really one for endorsing movie adaptations of the books I read.
Certainly, though, I’d recommend this for fans of George R. R. Martin.
August 12, 2008
Disappointment is not the right word however dispair is. There is not enough melodrama in the world to explain how awful this book is.
I am sure that I am not going to be alone in reading the 'Ice and Fire' books in awe at the characters, the comlexity, the story line. Geroge R R Martin's volume after volume of brilliance.
I then picked this up...I wanted to like it because of who wrote it but I did not believe in the characters, the plot was flimsy, the premise worse and I am not even going to go on to discuss the ending.
I think if an amnesia pill is invented I would use it to erase reading this book. (See what I said about not enough melodrama).
I am sure that I am not going to be alone in reading the 'Ice and Fire' books in awe at the characters, the comlexity, the story line. Geroge R R Martin's volume after volume of brilliance.
I then picked this up...I wanted to like it because of who wrote it but I did not believe in the characters, the plot was flimsy, the premise worse and I am not even going to go on to discuss the ending.
I think if an amnesia pill is invented I would use it to erase reading this book. (See what I said about not enough melodrama).
July 13, 2016
Bem... acabei...o Mr. Martin costuma deixar-me sem palavras mas pelos motivros contrários. Não foi mau, mas esteve longe de ser fantástico. Não é um enredo empolgante mas tinha bases para isso. São poucas personagens, e com excepção da principal - Maris - não foram muito aprofundadas e a história patinou ao longo de mais de 300 páginas sem sofrer o impulso que a poderia ter tornado extrordinária. E foi pena, porque já se conhece a capacidade do autor. Por vezes, em algumas descrições das fortes tempestades que assolam Windhaven, é possivel vislumbrar a arte descritiva de GRRM, e pouco mais ...
Este foi bem com:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiuHu...
Este foi bem com:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiuHu...
August 13, 2012
I didn't love this one, but I liked it well enough. It is probably the only GRRM story I've read that I didn't absolutely love.
I really enjoyed the premise. The descendants of "star sailors" (astronauts whose ship crashed on a watery planet) use the remnants of the original space ship as wings to fly between islands. There are only so many wings, and the "flyers" have a very special position in society.
The whole story just didn't grab me as much as they usually do. It's still worth reading though. Especially if you're a fan of George R.R. Martin.
I really enjoyed the premise. The descendants of "star sailors" (astronauts whose ship crashed on a watery planet) use the remnants of the original space ship as wings to fly between islands. There are only so many wings, and the "flyers" have a very special position in society.
The whole story just didn't grab me as much as they usually do. It's still worth reading though. Especially if you're a fan of George R.R. Martin.
July 28, 2017
Windhaven me ha generado sentimientos encontrados.
La trama me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo por el tinte ético y moral que tiñe la novela. No solo te cuenta una historia, sino que te hace posicionarte, te hace ver más allá. Personalmente, me ha conminado a reflexionar, no solo sobre la novela, sino además ha extrapolado ciertas ideas a mi vida y mi día a día. Toda novela que me hace reflexionar y pensar, ya solo por eso, es una novela que merece la pena, desde mi punto de vista.
Por otro lado, el ritmo me ha resultado un poco irregular. Como si fuera a saltos. Había muchas partes cargadas de acción y dinamismo, seguidas de otras partes mucho más lentas y casi sin avance. Esto es con partes del libro estaba totalmente enganchada y con otras partes me costaba ponerme con la lectura. Una vez que la parte más trepidante tenía su resolución, me costaba volver a meterme en la trama.
De la misma forma hay algunos personajes muy carismáticos que contrastan con otros totalmente carentes de carisma. Ojo, son personajes que se equivocan, pasionales y muchas veces hasta irracionales. Son buenos personajes, pero sí que me dio la impresión que hay algunos que brillan mucho más que el resto de forma que, al igual que la trama, hace el libro bastante irregular.
Cierto es que Windhaven es de las primeras obras tanto de Tuttle como de Martin por lo que puede tener algunos puntos flojos, pero la idea en sí me ha parecido fascinante.
Finalmente, el nivel de inglés es bastante medio. Una persona habituada a leer en este idioma no creo que tenga muchos problemas con el libro. No tiene un vocabulario muy complicado ni es muy denso en ese sentido.
La trama me ha gustado mucho, sobre todo por el tinte ético y moral que tiñe la novela. No solo te cuenta una historia, sino que te hace posicionarte, te hace ver más allá. Personalmente, me ha conminado a reflexionar, no solo sobre la novela, sino además ha extrapolado ciertas ideas a mi vida y mi día a día. Toda novela que me hace reflexionar y pensar, ya solo por eso, es una novela que merece la pena, desde mi punto de vista.
Por otro lado, el ritmo me ha resultado un poco irregular. Como si fuera a saltos. Había muchas partes cargadas de acción y dinamismo, seguidas de otras partes mucho más lentas y casi sin avance. Esto es con partes del libro estaba totalmente enganchada y con otras partes me costaba ponerme con la lectura. Una vez que la parte más trepidante tenía su resolución, me costaba volver a meterme en la trama.
De la misma forma hay algunos personajes muy carismáticos que contrastan con otros totalmente carentes de carisma. Ojo, son personajes que se equivocan, pasionales y muchas veces hasta irracionales. Son buenos personajes, pero sí que me dio la impresión que hay algunos que brillan mucho más que el resto de forma que, al igual que la trama, hace el libro bastante irregular.
Cierto es que Windhaven es de las primeras obras tanto de Tuttle como de Martin por lo que puede tener algunos puntos flojos, pero la idea en sí me ha parecido fascinante.
Finalmente, el nivel de inglés es bastante medio. Una persona habituada a leer en este idioma no creo que tenga muchos problemas con el libro. No tiene un vocabulario muy complicado ni es muy denso en ese sentido.
July 30, 2009
Anciennement titré en français “Elle qui chevauche les tempêtes”(1), ce roman est en fait un recueil de trois grosses nouvelles (encadrées par un prologue et un épilogue). Et, histoire de gâcher complètement le suspense, je vous dis tout de suite que c’est un chef d’oeuvre du niveau des meilleures oeuvres de ma bibliothèque. Oui, j’ai adoré. Mais heureusement, je vais vous dire pourquoi.
D’abord, le monde décrit m’a parlé à un niveau difficilement imaginable. Forcément, en tant qu’ancien marin de mers pas forcément riantes, j’ai été séduit par ces îlots éparpillés dans une mer rarement calme. Ca m’a rappelé certaines images qu’on peut imaginer de la bretagne et du royaume uni, quand les tempêtes d’équinoxe font fumer la mer, et que les nuages traversent le ciel dans un galop ininterrompu. Bref, ça a totallement réveillé mon sens de la mer, mais aussi, et je pense que c’est assez logique, mon goût pour l’émerveillement. Et du coup, j’ai été totallement émerveillé, même si certains détails m’ont chagriné (mais j’y reviendrai plus loin).
Donc le décor était beau. Mais ça ne suffisait pas. Dans cet archipel plus celte(2) que tahitien, les auteurs nous parlent d’une société stratifiée par ses personnages les plus emblématiques : les aériens. Ces aériens sont une caste qui, grâce à un héritage hélas en voie de disparition, peuvent transmettre rapidement des messages d’une île à l’autre en planant sur les ailes du vent. Et ça, forcément, ça ne peut que faire rêver. Imaginez, voler grâce à des ailes qu’on enfile comme un costume. Planer au ras des flots, ou au-dessus des nuages. Laisser les ascendances nous conduire plus loin. Joli, non ?
Ca nous fait un beau décor, et un beau sujet. Reste à trouver une belle histoire. Connaissant l’auteur du trône de fer, on aurait pu s’attendre à un complot, à une machination, à du sang, à des morts tragiques … Je ne sais pas si c’est la présence de sa coauteur, et honnêtement j’en doute, mais il se trouve que ça n’est pas du tout ça. Le sujet choisi par les auteurs, c’est la lutte pour plus de fraternité et plus d’égalité dans un monde qui est loin d’être facile.
Ca nous donne trois très beaux combats sur la thème de la tolérance. Un premier, d’abord(3) où l’héroïne lutte pour conserver ses ailes. Un deuxième, qui nous montre qu’il faut savoir accepter et se battre pour la différence, même quand elle nous rebute. Et un dernier enfin, où notre héroïne entreprend de réunir ceux qu’elle a divisés, malgré le drame qu’elle vit(4). Chacun de ces trois combats est décrit avec une justesse, une finesse dans le traitement des différents personnages, un désir d’éviter le manichéisme qui m’ont paru tout bonnement fabuleux. Bref, c’était génial.
Pourtant, il y a quelques défauts dans ce roman si réussi. D’abord, un petit accroc dans la construction de sa réalité. En effet, la légende du peuplement de ce monde, c’est la panne d’un vaisseau de colonisation dans le système solaire de ce monde très océanique. Je ne sais pas, mais pour moi, quand on construit un vaisseau de colonisation, on s’arrange pour qu’il soit équipé pour coloniser. Et donc, on le munit de l’ensemble des outils nécessaires pour recréer une vie moderne sur ce monde. Ceci incluant des moyens de communication, de production d’énergie, des pllans de construction, ... Et ça, tout ça, semble avoir disparu lors de l’arrivée du vaisseau. C’est quand même rudement bizarre, non ? Bah, c’est pas bien grave, mais ça titille comme une dent creuse. Comme défauts, on trouve aussi ... on trouve, donc … Ben rien. Non, franchement, j’arrive pas à vous dire que c’est mièvre, parce que ça ne l’est pas. J’arrive pas à vous dire qu’il s’agit de nantis dans un monde pauvre, parce que ça n’est pas le cas. Donc, il n’y a qu’un défaut, pas forcément évident pour tout le monde.
Est-ce que ça vous suffit pour en faire un chef-d’oeuvre ? Moi, en tout cas, ça me suffit pour le placer pas loin de Thomas le rimeur(5), de Kirinyaga, ou de Sans parler du chien, bref, tout en haut de la pile des chefs d’oeuvre.
Du coup, bien sûr, je vais vous conseiller, vous ordonner, vous supplier, vous implorer de le lire, ne serait-ce que pour la beauté du geste. Vous verrez, ce sera bien. Et vous aussi, en le refermant, vous aurez comme le sentiment de rentrer d’une balade en bord de mer, sur un bord de mer battu par les vents, à peine pratiquable, mais beau et sauvage.
(1) Un titre qui avait pour moi plus d’allure que le nouveau. M’enfin, je suis pas éditeur, moi.
(2) ou, à la rigueur néo-zélandais, patagonien, ou norvégien, enfin bref, des tas d’endroits dont on dit que la mer est belle, mais où personne ne met son maillot pour s’y baigner.
(3) Qui m’a inévitablement rappeler la nouvelle “Toucher le ciel” de Kirinyaga
(4) Oui, c’est un drame, et il faut le comprendre comme tel.
(5) Avec lequel il partage le privilège de m’avoir quasiment tiré des larmes.
D’abord, le monde décrit m’a parlé à un niveau difficilement imaginable. Forcément, en tant qu’ancien marin de mers pas forcément riantes, j’ai été séduit par ces îlots éparpillés dans une mer rarement calme. Ca m’a rappelé certaines images qu’on peut imaginer de la bretagne et du royaume uni, quand les tempêtes d’équinoxe font fumer la mer, et que les nuages traversent le ciel dans un galop ininterrompu. Bref, ça a totallement réveillé mon sens de la mer, mais aussi, et je pense que c’est assez logique, mon goût pour l’émerveillement. Et du coup, j’ai été totallement émerveillé, même si certains détails m’ont chagriné (mais j’y reviendrai plus loin).
Donc le décor était beau. Mais ça ne suffisait pas. Dans cet archipel plus celte(2) que tahitien, les auteurs nous parlent d’une société stratifiée par ses personnages les plus emblématiques : les aériens. Ces aériens sont une caste qui, grâce à un héritage hélas en voie de disparition, peuvent transmettre rapidement des messages d’une île à l’autre en planant sur les ailes du vent. Et ça, forcément, ça ne peut que faire rêver. Imaginez, voler grâce à des ailes qu’on enfile comme un costume. Planer au ras des flots, ou au-dessus des nuages. Laisser les ascendances nous conduire plus loin. Joli, non ?
Ca nous fait un beau décor, et un beau sujet. Reste à trouver une belle histoire. Connaissant l’auteur du trône de fer, on aurait pu s’attendre à un complot, à une machination, à du sang, à des morts tragiques … Je ne sais pas si c’est la présence de sa coauteur, et honnêtement j’en doute, mais il se trouve que ça n’est pas du tout ça. Le sujet choisi par les auteurs, c’est la lutte pour plus de fraternité et plus d’égalité dans un monde qui est loin d’être facile.
Ca nous donne trois très beaux combats sur la thème de la tolérance. Un premier, d’abord(3) où l’héroïne lutte pour conserver ses ailes. Un deuxième, qui nous montre qu’il faut savoir accepter et se battre pour la différence, même quand elle nous rebute. Et un dernier enfin, où notre héroïne entreprend de réunir ceux qu’elle a divisés, malgré le drame qu’elle vit(4). Chacun de ces trois combats est décrit avec une justesse, une finesse dans le traitement des différents personnages, un désir d’éviter le manichéisme qui m’ont paru tout bonnement fabuleux. Bref, c’était génial.
Pourtant, il y a quelques défauts dans ce roman si réussi. D’abord, un petit accroc dans la construction de sa réalité. En effet, la légende du peuplement de ce monde, c’est la panne d’un vaisseau de colonisation dans le système solaire de ce monde très océanique. Je ne sais pas, mais pour moi, quand on construit un vaisseau de colonisation, on s’arrange pour qu’il soit équipé pour coloniser. Et donc, on le munit de l’ensemble des outils nécessaires pour recréer une vie moderne sur ce monde. Ceci incluant des moyens de communication, de production d’énergie, des pllans de construction, ... Et ça, tout ça, semble avoir disparu lors de l’arrivée du vaisseau. C’est quand même rudement bizarre, non ? Bah, c’est pas bien grave, mais ça titille comme une dent creuse. Comme défauts, on trouve aussi ... on trouve, donc … Ben rien. Non, franchement, j’arrive pas à vous dire que c’est mièvre, parce que ça ne l’est pas. J’arrive pas à vous dire qu’il s’agit de nantis dans un monde pauvre, parce que ça n’est pas le cas. Donc, il n’y a qu’un défaut, pas forcément évident pour tout le monde.
Est-ce que ça vous suffit pour en faire un chef-d’oeuvre ? Moi, en tout cas, ça me suffit pour le placer pas loin de Thomas le rimeur(5), de Kirinyaga, ou de Sans parler du chien, bref, tout en haut de la pile des chefs d’oeuvre.
Du coup, bien sûr, je vais vous conseiller, vous ordonner, vous supplier, vous implorer de le lire, ne serait-ce que pour la beauté du geste. Vous verrez, ce sera bien. Et vous aussi, en le refermant, vous aurez comme le sentiment de rentrer d’une balade en bord de mer, sur un bord de mer battu par les vents, à peine pratiquable, mais beau et sauvage.
(1) Un titre qui avait pour moi plus d’allure que le nouveau. M’enfin, je suis pas éditeur, moi.
(2) ou, à la rigueur néo-zélandais, patagonien, ou norvégien, enfin bref, des tas d’endroits dont on dit que la mer est belle, mais où personne ne met son maillot pour s’y baigner.
(3) Qui m’a inévitablement rappeler la nouvelle “Toucher le ciel” de Kirinyaga
(4) Oui, c’est un drame, et il faut le comprendre comme tel.
(5) Avec lequel il partage le privilège de m’avoir quasiment tiré des larmes.
November 22, 2022
While the story went a bit too fast in the last 80 pages and it never reached the epicness Martins later books are known for, it was well worth the read. Both the worldbuilding and charaters were great.
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