Shards of History

Shards of History #1

by Rebecca Roland

Feared and reviled, the fierce, winged creatures known as Jeguduns live in the cliffs surrounding the Taakwa valley. When Malia discovers an injured Jegudun in the valley, she risks everything — exile from the village, loss of her status as clan mother in training, even her life — to befriend and save the surprisingly intelligent creature. But all of that pales when she learns the truth: the threat to her people is bigger and more malicious than the Jeguduns. Lurking on the edge of the valley is an Outsider army seeking to plunder and destroy her people. It’s only a matter of time before the Outsiders find a way through the magic that protects the valley — a magic that can only be created by Taakwa and Jeguduns working together.

Genres: Fantasy

ebook

First published August 21, 2012

About the author

Rebecca is the author of the Shards of History series, The Necromancer's Inheritance series, and The King of Ash and Bones, and Other Stories. Her short fiction has appeared in publications such as Nature, Flash Fiction Online, Fantasy Scroll Magazine, New Myths, and Every Day Fiction, and she is a graduate of the Odyssey Writing Workshop. You can find out more about her and her work at rebeccaroland.net or follow her on Twitter at @rebecca_roland.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shards of History has to be one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read - both visually and metaphorically. Rebecca Roland has the ability to capture you with her stunning descriptions of the world surrounding the Taakwa people, Jegudun creatures and yes, even some dragons.

Our protagonist, Malia, is a strong-willed, selfless, courageous and unyielding woman - so, needless to say, I love her! She comes from a village where typical gender roles are reversed and women have all the power; especially Malia, who is training to become a Clan Mother. In the very first scene, where we wtiness Malia putting her husband in his place - you feel an instant admiration for her character.

In a nutshell that will never do the book justice, Malia goes on a mission to prove to her people that the Jeguduns are not the evil creatures they think they are. What you have are your classic themes of judging books by their covers, forbidden friendships, and forgiveness, but done in a completely refreshing way. Malia has a long way to go to convince her village that decades of history is all wrong, but she never gives up. So many times along the way, in the face of countless obstacles, Malia could just forget the entire thing; she could go home, live happily as a Clan Mother and forget all about the Jeguduns. But that is never an option in her mind.

Again, Rebecca Roland does such an amazing job of creating a character that is so rich in history, so relentless in her quest, and so authentic in her courage, that I am in complete awe of her skills as a writer.

Throughout the novel, there is war and bloodshed, magic in friendship, love and trust. It's suspenseful, entrapping, and simply.....well, let's just say that Shards of History reminds us of why we love books in the first place.

5 out of 5 stars!
Maria@GoodChoiceReading

[Amalia Dillin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a great, rich world, and a wonderfully strong woman as the protagonist, who led us on a very natural journey of growth. There are so many possibilities and doors left open for exploration in this world, still, too, and I'm curious to see if it becomes a series.

[Nicole Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca Roland's first novel, Shards of History, is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The Taakwa, a tribal people much like the Native Americans of the southwestern United States, live in fear of the Jegudun, an avian species that they believe to be their life-long enemies. What the Taakwa don't realize is that the real threat comes from the dragon-riding Maddion, a people they have labeled The Outsiders.

One woman, Malia, learns the truth about the Jegudun, and her own people's past. Revealing this truth might force her to live in exile forever, or it might save her people, and the Jegudun.

For the first third of the novel, I did find myself wishing the stakes were higher more immediately for Malia. About halfway through though, the intensity picked up and I was pulled in. The strong writing and compelling characters were the highlights for me of this unique story. Overall, I feel that Shards of History is a very strong debut from Ms. Roland and I look forward to reading more of her work.

I would recommend this to fans of Jean M. Auel, Linda Lay Schuler, and Mercedes Lackey.

[Carolyn-anne Templeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to start a fan club for Enuwal. The novel really turns the traditional alpha male/submissive female trope on it's head. And damn it, sweet, adorable guys are hot. For some reason, don't ask me why, he reminds me of Ren from Gabriel's Ghost (who, unlike this book, was the only redeeming quality of an otherwise horrible book), which is a BIG PLUS.

The lead character, Malia, is very strong and encounters her travails with an admirable amount of confidence that is, refreshingly, not brash, but still powerful. She thinks her actions through before making them, yet is still flexible and responsive to her surroundings. Her personality reflects well on the culture she was raised in - Which I found to be the highlight of the novel, particularly when considered in conjunction with the Jegudun (especially the magic system which was unique and had severe consequences, which I loved). It was well worth the purchase for these cultural interactions alone.

However, the villains and the war in general felt... contrived. The most immediate villain, Malia's husband, was just too unreasonably mean. There wasn't much background given to their relationship or to his personality and past. Normally this wouldn't be much of an issue, but their failed relationship and his general jerkiness seemed to be a convenient impetus for every problem in the novel. It wasn't enough that he hit her. He ALSO killed her friend. He shows up and cockblocks her time with the most adorkably cute character I've ever read. When she's trying to make a grand diplomatic gesture between the two races, guess who's there to add his two cents about his ex-wife? I was honestly surprised that he didn't magically rise from the dead to start fighting for the Maddion.

As for the Maddion, the passages from their leader's perspective were incredibly well written: I ended up truly liking him and sympathizing with his plight as a leader. His back story was fascinating and the slow realization of his son's deception was actually heartbreaking. I normally don't like passages told from the 'other side's' POV (frequently they're used as a plot device to create tension in a story that was stagnating plotwise... "Let's remind the reader that evil is still occuring!"), but I found myself increasingly looking forward to stories from dragon peoples.

That being said: for the life of me I couldn't figure out why he was in this war. Vaguely, I know that they had something of a caste-based society. There's a disease. And the Taakwa waters were healing waters. But they really weren't? How did he get this foolbrained idea in the first place? What happened to all those people dying of this disease when their efforts failed? Who is the new leader of the Maddion? I don't get why a guy who seemingly has a fully functioning brain wouldn't just, you know, ASK them about it. Or why the Great War happened in the first place. Or why there were dragons? No seriously: Why the dragons? Is it because it doesn't qualify as a fantasy novel without them? We've got the cool Taakwa/Jegudun bond thingy on the one side, but the dragons just kinda seem to be fire-breathing magic mounts.

So, despite a few reservations (which may be unfounded... I read it in a rush, so I might've missed a few bits of info), I really liked this novel. Well worth the purchase! Read it for Enuwal. Mmmm. (Side note: Love the cover art.)

[A.M. Leibowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific beginning to the series. Although it does end with some loose threads, it can still be enjoyed as a complete story. The main plot of the book resolves by the conclusion.

The world-building here is excellent. While there are some longer descriptive passages, they pertain mostly to providing us a visual of the countryside, home life for Malia and her people, and the encampment of the Maddion. Nothing feels like too much or as though it’s there only for exposition. For the most part, everything is woven into the plot seamlessly. I enjoyed the vivid picture the author paints of the different cultures and people.

Malia is a wonderful hero. She isn’t without flaws, particularly her stubborn streak and her reluctance to ask for help. However, she is also brave, kind, and honest, and both her strengths and her weaknesses end up serving her well.

There’s a lot of death, but I love how it’s handled here. It doesn’t feel careless or for the sake of demonstrating violence. Instead, the characters are allowed their human moments of grief, even when the deceased is an enemy. In fact, that’s one of the things I particularly liked. The Maddion are a brutal, patriarchal society, and yet even within that the characters are not flat villains. Through the eyes of Kushtrim, we see both his desire to help his people and the brutality of the methods he’s chosen to do so.

The one thing which surprised me is that there are so few women characters, and they don’t interact much with each other. Malia’s people are matriarchal and revere their women, but I didn’t get a strong sense of this in the first installment. It doesn’t necessarily bother me, and it won’t reduce my rating. I was merely surprised.

Aside from that, this is an absolutely outstanding novel. It hit all my buttons just right, between the historical/fantasy setting, the deep character development, and the gorgeous style.

For beautiful writing, a thoroughly engaging plot, and characters who drew me in, this gets 5 stars.

[Susan Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The world building is so refreshing and captivating and the jeguduns are fascinating. Malia is a compelling heroine and I found myself wanting to live in her world. Frankly, I'd tired of traditional fantasy years ago, but I gobbled up this fantasy novel like candy. Can't wait for the sequel!!!! This book is amazing! I highly recommend it.

[Richard Flores IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads needs to add three more stars to their rating system just for this book. I loved everything about it. I love Malia and everyone she meets a long the way in her journey. The world is amazing, the description is awesome. I'm just simply in love with this book.

[Chrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malia, clan woman in training, finds her life changed forever when the magic surrounding her valley fails & the Outsiders attack. The Taakwans & the Jeguduns find themselves having to work together in order to defeat Kushtrims' forces. Will they be able to put aside their fears & differences ? Will Malia be able to convince them all to come together ? Does she have enough experience in her young life to be able to consolidate them against the Outsiders ? Definitely a book to keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to the second book by Rebecca Roland, an author I've never read before.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve picked up that was published by World Weaver Press and, once again, I was blown away by the quality of the paperback in my hands and the excellence of the writing. I will definitely e on the lookout for more books from this small press. One of my first purchases will be book #2 in the Shards of History series because I really want to see more of Malia and the intriguing world she inhabits.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how I "found" this book, but I'm so glad that I did! Even with some of the factors I knew were coming (like the love interests and how they would play out) still made me feel satisfied when they happened/were confirmed.
I am definitely looking forward to buying and reading the next in the series!

[HeatherAnne Norbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regarding world-building, Rebecca has done it beautifully in Shards of History. She eschews most fantasy novels' traditional Medieval Europe angle for a decidedly American Indian one. Malia is a strong heroine who must make perilous choices that fly in the face of generations of history to save her people. In Malia's world, gender roles are somewhat reversed. I say “somewhat” because the men are still the hunters and warriors, but the women are the leaders, and the men must show them full respect and deference. Malia's mother is the Clan Mother, and Malia is training to take her place.

To save her people, Malia must overcome countless obstacles, the biggest being her own people’s prejudice and fear of the creatures protecting them from grave danger. The Taakwa are so fearful of the Jegudun that anyone caught sympathizing with the winged creatures is exiled from the villages. The twist on why the Taakwa fear the Jeguden is brilliant and creates an incredibly nuanced layer to the story that Rebecca weaves magnificently. Malia must navigate generations of fear, a deranged husband, forest fires, potential exile, and her own sometimes faltering self-confidence to save her people. Ultimately, she trusts her instinct and heart, and neither leads her astray.

One interesting facet of the novel is that we hear not only Malia’s perspective but also Kushtrim’s, the leader of the Maddions (those are the bad guys), and Rasmus’s, an exile who aids Malia. Kushtrim almost becomes a sympathetic character. We rarely get to see both points of view in a struggle of opposing sides like this. When we do, the tactic often paints the bad guy as even worse than we could learn from the hero or heroine’s perspective. Still, Kushtrim’s troubles are painted with an empathetic brush. While I won’t say you’ll root for him, you definitely will find sympathy in your heart for his plight.

As with all fantasy, the author can add magic, mystery, and unusual beings to create their world. Shards of History has quite a few new and different twists that will delight and surprise many fantasy readers. However, Malia's tenacity and struggles are authentic and approachable, even for the non-fantasy reader. And for thrill seekers, be prepared to not put the book down by about two-thirds of the way through because it does not let up once the climactic action starts. It will keep you reading a little more, just a little more, just a little more - don't start it after midnight if you have an early day the next morning.

There is some language and some graphic depictions of violence. There are a few minor sexual references, and the “bad guys,” the Maddions, are not respectful of women at all. I would let my fantasy-loving 12-year-old read this book if you need an age reference. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys a strong heroine.

[ShingetsuMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nicely written book and a good first book from this author.

According to oral history the Taakwa and Jegudun have always been at odds with each other. The Taakwa are not allowed to leave the valley or they'll be attacked by the Jegudun. When the main character Malia encounters one in the forest she begins to see that perhaps there is more to the Jegudun race then they know.

Some of the plot was a bit predictable. The world setting doesn't extend too far and some of it is presented rather simply. But that shouldn't be counted as a strike against this book. It's a rather straightforward fantasy novel that's not overly complicated but still tells the story and moves the plot along very well.

For the Taakwa women have a pretty high standing, especially the Clan Mothers. For the Outsiders however men are clearly the ones in power. Malia herself shows a lot of strength of character. Physically she may not be all that strong but once she sets her mind on what the right course of action is she doesn't let anyone or anything stop her or get in her way. I also like the way she also stand up for herself at the beginning of the book when it became clear that her husband may not be all that he seemed to be.

While there wasn't anything incredibly innovative or different this was a well written book and a well crafted story.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shards of History proves that a book from a small press can be as absorbing, well-written, and well-edited as a book from a large press. The characters were realistic and the struggles were palpable; the writing propelled me through the pages.

My favorite portrayal was was Malia, such a strong yet vulnerable protagonist. She's stuck in crappy situation, with a husband she has to stay with because of her obligations to her village and a discovery that she can't unveil because of her society's prejudices against the species they believe they're at war with. And the world building was amazing--I don't know what it was about the beads they wrapped around their waist to signify family ties, but that struck me as so interesting.

Although I did like this book, I couldn't give it more than four stars because the plot seemed predictable. Malia's big challenge--getting her people to believe that the Jeguduns were sentient--didn't strike me as terribly difficult. Some things happened here and there, she met some people along the way, but in the end... well... no spoilers. I'm just saying that nothing came as a surprise.

But still, it's a great fantasy novel, with a world as rich as the striking cover. I would recommend this for anybody looking for a new world to sink their teeth into.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young adults and those of us who've been reading fantasy for much longer, will love this one -- particularly since it eschews the second-world fantasy trope of pseudo-Medieval Europe in favor of the rich landscape of the Native American cultures of the Southwest.

The social and cultural dynamics build to a clash and crescendo at the end of the novel. And Malia is a heroine we can all root for! Not some fainting flower, she defies the men in her life to save her people, and as it turns out, fix the very sky.

[Linn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice new world setting and interesting plot. Somehow though it never fully caught my interest and maybe I guess it was because the writing style didn't appeal to me. I'm usually one for long descriptions and visual build up, whereas this was more plot driven.

[Laura Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast, fun read. Roland creates an authentic feeling world populated by distinct creatures and cultures, magic and mayhem. Malia is a heroine from the start.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with it's imaginative world and characters. Roland makes them come to life and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I like that! Looking forward to the next book.