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The Steppe Saga #1
Of Wind and Wolves
You don’t yet know what you are. What you truly love or hate. What you’ll kill or die for. Not until you’ve been out there. . . .
When Anaiti reluctantly agrees to marry the aging king of the Skythian nomads to forge an alliance, she never expects the price of peace will be an enemy’s scalp—or that she’ll have to take it with her own hands.
Trained since youth in riding and archery, her education was cut short, and she's never faced true combat. Though she has no taste for bloodshed, her desire to remain free outweighs her fear. Thrown into the lawless wilderness, she joins a ruthless warband whose loyalties and suspicions are as fierce as the unforgiving steppe. There, her skills and courage are tested to the edge, and she forms an intense bond with their commander—a formidable warrior who believes Anaiti possesses a rare gift. Determined to evade her fate, Anaiti devises a daring plan to stay with the warband. But as her defiance threatens the pact between kingdoms, she must decide if her longing for freedom is worth the cost—of countless lives, perhaps her own.
Of Wind and Wolves is the first volume in The Steppe Saga, a haunting and subversive retelling of events recorded by Herodotus. Set against a backdrop of astonishing beauty and brutality, it reveals the lost wisdom, traditions, and beliefs of the Scythian people, whose powerful women once inspired Greek myths of the Amazons.
When Anaiti reluctantly agrees to marry the aging king of the Skythian nomads to forge an alliance, she never expects the price of peace will be an enemy’s scalp—or that she’ll have to take it with her own hands.
Trained since youth in riding and archery, her education was cut short, and she's never faced true combat. Though she has no taste for bloodshed, her desire to remain free outweighs her fear. Thrown into the lawless wilderness, she joins a ruthless warband whose loyalties and suspicions are as fierce as the unforgiving steppe. There, her skills and courage are tested to the edge, and she forms an intense bond with their commander—a formidable warrior who believes Anaiti possesses a rare gift. Determined to evade her fate, Anaiti devises a daring plan to stay with the warband. But as her defiance threatens the pact between kingdoms, she must decide if her longing for freedom is worth the cost—of countless lives, perhaps her own.
Of Wind and Wolves is the first volume in The Steppe Saga, a haunting and subversive retelling of events recorded by Herodotus. Set against a backdrop of astonishing beauty and brutality, it reveals the lost wisdom, traditions, and beliefs of the Scythian people, whose powerful women once inspired Greek myths of the Amazons.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
17 people are currently reading
1941 people want to read
About the author
J. M. Elliott
1 book7 followersJ. M. Elliott lives on a Hudson Valley farm, far from the hustle of modern life. She prefers hiking boots to heels, work gloves to manicures, and humble stories to showy prose. When she's not lost in the pages of historical fiction, you might spot her astride a horse, unearthing the mysteries of archaeological sites, or trekking into the wilds where phone signals can't reach.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 1, 2025
“How could I ever know my true fate unless I followed this road to its end?”
I was amazed by this book, and I ended up getting entirely engulfed in this universe created by J.M. Elliott. The world building and complex dynamics created a cinematic feeling, and everything on the page played like an action-packed film in my mind. I do feel torn on the main character as I found her frustrating and confusing on several occasions, though the role she played in the course of the story was extremely compelling. I was beyond impressed by Alric’s development in this story as well. I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out. 🐺
Thank you to NetGalley and Warden Tree Press for sharing this ARC in exchange for my full and honest review!
I was amazed by this book, and I ended up getting entirely engulfed in this universe created by J.M. Elliott. The world building and complex dynamics created a cinematic feeling, and everything on the page played like an action-packed film in my mind. I do feel torn on the main character as I found her frustrating and confusing on several occasions, though the role she played in the course of the story was extremely compelling. I was beyond impressed by Alric’s development in this story as well. I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out. 🐺
Thank you to NetGalley and Warden Tree Press for sharing this ARC in exchange for my full and honest review!
June 12, 2025
Of Wind and Wolves is the story today’s historical fiction genre doesn’t know it needs. Where the current market is saturated with trendy tropes, cookiecutter storylines, and sociopolitical parables, the Steppe Saga offers something unique: a thoughtful and deeply researched exploration of a little-known ancient culture, told through the lens of a heroic and humanistic fictional narrative.
Ancient civilizations receive sparse treatment in fiction nowadays, and so much rich story potential goes untapped. It was refreshing to open this book knowing very little about the Scythians and come away educated and enlightened. By no means a light read, Of Wind and Wolves is densely packed with information, yet it flows naturally, driven by story and character, and doesn’t overwhelm. The writing is elegant and noticeably superior to that of current traditionally published books. If a few similes seemed overwrought, mostly in the first half of the book, I was willing to forgive them. The descriptions are evocative, and the dialogue, at times poetic in the manner of an ancient text and other times raw and even vulgar, felt balanced and realistic—something that can be difficult to achieve when writing characters who would have been speaking in an ancient language.
The story is told entirely in first-person, through the eyes of an Amazon (or “hamazon”) warrior. Here, at last, is a “strong female character” who stands simply, unaffectedly, on her own merits, without the sense of an agenda being shoved down the reader’s throat—and most importantly, without being “strong” only at the expense and demonization of every male character in the story. In fact, the narrator is the only major female character in the book—though it took me some time to notice, as I was too engrossed in the story to tally up quotas. She is surrounded by men, some of whom are horrible, and some are heroic. Imagine that—a fair and balanced portrayal of human beings.
While the book is by no means a romance, it features a love story, of the kind that at times feels worthy of being called “epic.” Neither soapy nor overly jaded and cynical, it evolves naturally as the characters grow closer.
I can appreciate the author’s effort to portray the Scythian culture in an objective, non-judgmental way, and I made an attempt to keep a similarly open mind. To the good, I feel the portrayal is probably a realistic picture of what the Scythians might have actually been like, and the author’s enthusiasm for the subject, especially the horsmanship aspect, is evident.
It’s inevitable, though—and natural—that readers will bring their own values into play in the judgment of any work of art, and for this reason I was never able to connect fully with the Scythian culture in this book. There is a great deal of animosity portrayed against the Greeks, whom the Scythians consider effeminate, dishonest, and promiscuous. To their eyes, trade and mercantilism is suspect, and urban civilization is inferior to the nomadic way of life. No doubt this is an accurate portrayal of how the Scythian people really felt about the Hellenic influence, but as one who admires the contributions of Greco-Roman civilization, I could not relate or agree. There was a certain irony in one character’s comment about “Hellenes who came north from the colonies long ago to get rich off the spoils of trade,” since the profits of freely conducted trade are by definition not “spoils”—in fact, the very antithesis.
I sensed an effort to ascribe a certain nobility and idealism to the Scythians—though neither is the brutality and warmaking glossed over by any means—but I wasn’t convinced. While I appreciated the Scythian “side of the story,” my sympathies and preferences naturally still lie with the culture that valued, at least in theory, trade over pillage, logic over violence, enlightenment over superstition.
Another reason I did not rate this higher was a somewhat disappointing ending. I did not agree with one character’s decision and felt that plot point might have been eliminated altogether, considering its outcome. Perhaps it will be relevant later in the trilogy. Also, a character’s commitment to another, which had seemed unbreakable up to that point, suddenly weakened. This felt like a let-down, and in general the book seemed to end on a downbeat. I’m hopeful this might be resolved in the next installment.
I look forward to seeing how the story continues to play out over the next two books and would gladly read more of this inspired author. I also highly recommend her newsletter, which I found thought-provoking and informative.
Ancient civilizations receive sparse treatment in fiction nowadays, and so much rich story potential goes untapped. It was refreshing to open this book knowing very little about the Scythians and come away educated and enlightened. By no means a light read, Of Wind and Wolves is densely packed with information, yet it flows naturally, driven by story and character, and doesn’t overwhelm. The writing is elegant and noticeably superior to that of current traditionally published books. If a few similes seemed overwrought, mostly in the first half of the book, I was willing to forgive them. The descriptions are evocative, and the dialogue, at times poetic in the manner of an ancient text and other times raw and even vulgar, felt balanced and realistic—something that can be difficult to achieve when writing characters who would have been speaking in an ancient language.
The story is told entirely in first-person, through the eyes of an Amazon (or “hamazon”) warrior. Here, at last, is a “strong female character” who stands simply, unaffectedly, on her own merits, without the sense of an agenda being shoved down the reader’s throat—and most importantly, without being “strong” only at the expense and demonization of every male character in the story. In fact, the narrator is the only major female character in the book—though it took me some time to notice, as I was too engrossed in the story to tally up quotas. She is surrounded by men, some of whom are horrible, and some are heroic. Imagine that—a fair and balanced portrayal of human beings.
While the book is by no means a romance, it features a love story, of the kind that at times feels worthy of being called “epic.” Neither soapy nor overly jaded and cynical, it evolves naturally as the characters grow closer.
I can appreciate the author’s effort to portray the Scythian culture in an objective, non-judgmental way, and I made an attempt to keep a similarly open mind. To the good, I feel the portrayal is probably a realistic picture of what the Scythians might have actually been like, and the author’s enthusiasm for the subject, especially the horsmanship aspect, is evident.
It’s inevitable, though—and natural—that readers will bring their own values into play in the judgment of any work of art, and for this reason I was never able to connect fully with the Scythian culture in this book. There is a great deal of animosity portrayed against the Greeks, whom the Scythians consider effeminate, dishonest, and promiscuous. To their eyes, trade and mercantilism is suspect, and urban civilization is inferior to the nomadic way of life. No doubt this is an accurate portrayal of how the Scythian people really felt about the Hellenic influence, but as one who admires the contributions of Greco-Roman civilization, I could not relate or agree. There was a certain irony in one character’s comment about “Hellenes who came north from the colonies long ago to get rich off the spoils of trade,” since the profits of freely conducted trade are by definition not “spoils”—in fact, the very antithesis.
I sensed an effort to ascribe a certain nobility and idealism to the Scythians—though neither is the brutality and warmaking glossed over by any means—but I wasn’t convinced. While I appreciated the Scythian “side of the story,” my sympathies and preferences naturally still lie with the culture that valued, at least in theory, trade over pillage, logic over violence, enlightenment over superstition.
Another reason I did not rate this higher was a somewhat disappointing ending. I did not agree with one character’s decision and felt that plot point might have been eliminated altogether, considering its outcome. Perhaps it will be relevant later in the trilogy. Also, a character’s commitment to another, which had seemed unbreakable up to that point, suddenly weakened. This felt like a let-down, and in general the book seemed to end on a downbeat. I’m hopeful this might be resolved in the next installment.
I look forward to seeing how the story continues to play out over the next two books and would gladly read more of this inspired author. I also highly recommend her newsletter, which I found thought-provoking and informative.
August 6, 2025
"... in this country, tombs are the only permanent thing we build. Only the dead have ceased their wandering -- their bodies have, at least." [loc. 2343]
The setting is Scythia -- here spelt Skythia -- in the fifth century BC. Araiti's father has betrothed her to the ageing king of the Skythians, Ariapeithes, in order to forge a lasting peace between their tribes. Araiti, fostered by her mother's Amazon tribe, has earnt her status among her father's people, the Bastarnai: she's a formidable horsewoman and has been trained in the arts of war. The Skythians recognise her for what she is, androktones -- man-killer -- and decree that she may not marry the king until she has killed an enemy in battle and taken his scalp. She's sent out with the warband, led by the king's son Aric, to patrol the marches.
At first shunned by the Skythian warriors, Araiti gradually makes a place for herself, and revels in the freedom that few women have. She manages to conceal her 'spells', which seem to be epileptic fits, and gains respect for her wise counsel and her courage. She despises most women (it's mutual) and can't understand why Skythian women don't ride or fight -- as apparently they used to do. Creeping Hellenisation is changing their world, with Greek colonies springing up where they shouldn't be, and Aric's brother Skyles making deals with Hellenic traders.
The author is an archaeologist and a horse-trainer, and both these skills have coloured her narrative. I was fascinated by Araiti's descent into a plundered tomb, and more generally by the wealth of cultural detail. (Herodotus is cited as a source: Ariapeithes and Skyles are historical characters.) And the horses are more vivid characters than some of the humans...
There's a romantic element to the novel, but it's also an engaging piece of historical fiction. I did find some of the dialogue too colloquial ('What's that supposed to mean?') and some of the prose a little florid, but I enjoyed Of Wind and Wolves enough to be keen to read the second in the Steppe Saga.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance review copy, in exchange for this full honest review. UK Publication Date is 01 SEP 2025.
September 25, 2025
Anaiti, the daughter of an Amazon woman, raised among her mother's nomadic people, is also the daughter of a Bastarnai king—a settled and farming tribe who distrusts her Amazon heritage.
As her story begins, she is already a multi-cultured creature, but through a marriage agreement must now live among the Skythians—more wild and nomadic than her mother’s people, but just as distrustful of her Amazon identity as the Bastarnai.
Thus she arrives in her new world, but circumstances soon drive her to an even more remote and violent life than the secluded tent of a husband-king. To delay her marriage, she chooses to travel with her host’s warband, a border patrol that roams the farthest reaches of the territories, addressing threats along the frontier before these threats encroach Skythian lands.
This is a path where deprivation and violence are the norm, a land where courage, loyalty, and brutality are a daily matter of life and death.
In this context, Anaiti must navigate the intricacies of existing relationships and establish her own allies within the fighting unit as together they battle against the invasion of other peoples. As time passes, her bonds to the land and to her war leader increase the stakes of her impending future as the third wife of an elderly king. To spend her life confined in a tent, entangled with tribal politics rather than roaming the wilderness on the back of a horse becomes more untenable.
J.M. Elliot’s text enchants like the endless steppe she portrays. Anaiti’s worldview grows alongside ours as she learns to thrive in this hostile yet majestic land and people.
As her story begins, she is already a multi-cultured creature, but through a marriage agreement must now live among the Skythians—more wild and nomadic than her mother’s people, but just as distrustful of her Amazon identity as the Bastarnai.
Thus she arrives in her new world, but circumstances soon drive her to an even more remote and violent life than the secluded tent of a husband-king. To delay her marriage, she chooses to travel with her host’s warband, a border patrol that roams the farthest reaches of the territories, addressing threats along the frontier before these threats encroach Skythian lands.
This is a path where deprivation and violence are the norm, a land where courage, loyalty, and brutality are a daily matter of life and death.
In this context, Anaiti must navigate the intricacies of existing relationships and establish her own allies within the fighting unit as together they battle against the invasion of other peoples. As time passes, her bonds to the land and to her war leader increase the stakes of her impending future as the third wife of an elderly king. To spend her life confined in a tent, entangled with tribal politics rather than roaming the wilderness on the back of a horse becomes more untenable.
J.M. Elliot’s text enchants like the endless steppe she portrays. Anaiti’s worldview grows alongside ours as she learns to thrive in this hostile yet majestic land and people.
September 5, 2025
Unlike anything I’ve read before
It’s rare to find a book that’s both really well written and gives such a fair, honest take on how real men and women interact. It doesn’t sugarcoat the tough parts of history or life, which I appreciated. You can tell the author has done extensive research into the historical background of the steppe, and the setting feels completely real.
This isn’t your typical formulaic novel. It’s smart, original, and takes you in unexpected directions alongside the characters. It’s different from anything else out there right now—in the best way. Anaiti’s journey among the Skythians seamlessly blends history, mythology, and fiction. The book has warriors, but it’s not a war story. There’s mythology, but it’s not fantasy. A love story, but not your typical romance. It defies easy labels, and that’s part of what makes it so compelling.
Even though I’m excited for the next books in the trilogy, this one stands well on its own. The ending felt complete and satisfying. Anaiti’s transformation from beginning to end is subtle but powerful. I didn’t even realize how much she’d changed until those last scenes. Looking back over the story, her evolution feels very natural. Without giving anything away, the way she handles pain, tough choices, and stays true to herself makes her a true warrior.
All in all, a fantastic read, and honestly unlike anything I’ve read before.
It’s rare to find a book that’s both really well written and gives such a fair, honest take on how real men and women interact. It doesn’t sugarcoat the tough parts of history or life, which I appreciated. You can tell the author has done extensive research into the historical background of the steppe, and the setting feels completely real.
This isn’t your typical formulaic novel. It’s smart, original, and takes you in unexpected directions alongside the characters. It’s different from anything else out there right now—in the best way. Anaiti’s journey among the Skythians seamlessly blends history, mythology, and fiction. The book has warriors, but it’s not a war story. There’s mythology, but it’s not fantasy. A love story, but not your typical romance. It defies easy labels, and that’s part of what makes it so compelling.
Even though I’m excited for the next books in the trilogy, this one stands well on its own. The ending felt complete and satisfying. Anaiti’s transformation from beginning to end is subtle but powerful. I didn’t even realize how much she’d changed until those last scenes. Looking back over the story, her evolution feels very natural. Without giving anything away, the way she handles pain, tough choices, and stays true to herself makes her a true warrior.
All in all, a fantastic read, and honestly unlike anything I’ve read before.
January 5, 2026
Of Wind and Wolves by J. M. Elliott is a breathtaking historical fantasy that blends the brutal beauty of the Scythian steppe with a coming of age tale of courage, agency, and survival. Elliott masterfully transports readers into a vivid, unforgiving world, where Anaiti must navigate the deadly politics of nomadic warbands and the moral complexities of loyalty, love, and freedom.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its combination of historical depth and immersive storytelling. Rooted in the myths and customs recorded by Herodotus, the book illuminates the often overlooked traditions and power of Scythian women, giving Anaiti’s journey resonance and historical weight. From her reluctant marriage to an aging king to the deadly challenges of the wilderness, Elliott creates tension, suspense, and emotional depth with every page.
At its core, Of Wind and Wolves is a story about discovering one’s strength when confronted by impossible choices. It explores the cost of freedom, the bonds forged in adversity, and the courage it takes to defy destiny. Bold, immersive, and richly imagined, this first volume in The Steppe Saga will captivate readers who love historical fiction, strong heroines, and epic adventures.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its combination of historical depth and immersive storytelling. Rooted in the myths and customs recorded by Herodotus, the book illuminates the often overlooked traditions and power of Scythian women, giving Anaiti’s journey resonance and historical weight. From her reluctant marriage to an aging king to the deadly challenges of the wilderness, Elliott creates tension, suspense, and emotional depth with every page.
At its core, Of Wind and Wolves is a story about discovering one’s strength when confronted by impossible choices. It explores the cost of freedom, the bonds forged in adversity, and the courage it takes to defy destiny. Bold, immersive, and richly imagined, this first volume in The Steppe Saga will captivate readers who love historical fiction, strong heroines, and epic adventures.
June 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Warden Tree Press for the ARC ebook in return for my honest opinon.
Anaiti has agreed to marry the (much older) king of the Skythian nomads to further the good of her own people/family. Before she can marry the king, she has to fight alongside the nomads and collect the scalp of an enemy, despite having no combat experience. She is an Amazon (hamazon, as they refer to her in the book, which I found really off-putting) but this is still a challenge due to her lack of experience.
I truly loved this book and couldn't stop returning to it, even when I should have been sleeping or doing a million other things with my time. I loved how real the characters felt, that most of them were fleshed out so well, and I loved the pacing of the story. There were a few small things that irked me ( "hamazon" instead of "Amazon"- I couldn't help but think of an Amazon but with a little pink pig nose) but overall I was sorry to turn the last page and sorrier still to realize that it might be a long while before the rest of the books in the series are out. I only hope that the span between the first book and the next isn't too long.
Anaiti has agreed to marry the (much older) king of the Skythian nomads to further the good of her own people/family. Before she can marry the king, she has to fight alongside the nomads and collect the scalp of an enemy, despite having no combat experience. She is an Amazon (hamazon, as they refer to her in the book, which I found really off-putting) but this is still a challenge due to her lack of experience.
I truly loved this book and couldn't stop returning to it, even when I should have been sleeping or doing a million other things with my time. I loved how real the characters felt, that most of them were fleshed out so well, and I loved the pacing of the story. There were a few small things that irked me ( "hamazon" instead of "Amazon"- I couldn't help but think of an Amazon but with a little pink pig nose) but overall I was sorry to turn the last page and sorrier still to realize that it might be a long while before the rest of the books in the series are out. I only hope that the span between the first book and the next isn't too long.
December 13, 2025
Black Postmaster in a White Town is a powerful and meticulously researched account of racial injustice in late 19th-century America. Dr. Fostenia W. Baker brings to light the tragic story of Frazier B. Baker and his infant daughter, Julia, victims of a brutal lynching in Lake City, South Carolina. The narrative not only chronicles the horrifying events but contextualizes them within the systemic racism and violent resistance faced by African Americans in positions of authority.
Dr. Baker’s careful attention to historical detail, combined with her compelling storytelling, makes this book both a heartbreaking and essential read. It illuminates a past too often overlooked, ensuring that Frazier Baker’s life, sacrifice, and legacy are remembered. This work is a testament to courage, resilience, and the necessity of historical reckoning.
Dr. Baker’s careful attention to historical detail, combined with her compelling storytelling, makes this book both a heartbreaking and essential read. It illuminates a past too often overlooked, ensuring that Frazier Baker’s life, sacrifice, and legacy are remembered. This work is a testament to courage, resilience, and the necessity of historical reckoning.
October 24, 2025
I’d like to thank The Niche Reader for introducing me to this new (to me) author. Having been lucky enough to read this first book as an ARC and to beta read the sequel, I am totally hooked and can’t wait for more.
I found the scene setting evocative - with a great sense of time and place. It felt well-researched and ‘real’. It was interesting to see the Greek civilization through different, less reverential eyes.
The story was exciting and I agree with a previous reviewer that it had a film-like feel. I could ‘see’ all the scenes.
Very enjoyable - and so refreshing to have an author explore a less familiar ancient civilization.
I found the scene setting evocative - with a great sense of time and place. It felt well-researched and ‘real’. It was interesting to see the Greek civilization through different, less reverential eyes.
The story was exciting and I agree with a previous reviewer that it had a film-like feel. I could ‘see’ all the scenes.
Very enjoyable - and so refreshing to have an author explore a less familiar ancient civilization.
September 3, 2025
OMG...I hate unfinished stories.
Would've been 5 stars but for the ending. The writer picked a horrendous time to end the book, leaving the reader more than a little ticked off!! Where's the 2nd book? Talk about left hanging! This is a wonderfully gritty story, realistic enough to anger you or make you cry at the hardships our FMC chooses to face. Even though I'm Extremely unhappy at how the story ends, I will wait anxiously for the next book.
Would've been 5 stars but for the ending. The writer picked a horrendous time to end the book, leaving the reader more than a little ticked off!! Where's the 2nd book? Talk about left hanging! This is a wonderfully gritty story, realistic enough to anger you or make you cry at the hardships our FMC chooses to face. Even though I'm Extremely unhappy at how the story ends, I will wait anxiously for the next book.
November 14, 2025
For all historical fiction fans, this first book in The Steppe Saga will draw you into a compelling Scythian world of mythology and ancient history. Anaiti is an instantly relatable heroine and her world realistically visualised. The spare beauty and grit of the ancient Steppe is captured and reflected in sharp, elegant prose. Freedom and fate, duty and passion, expectation and surprise - saddle up for the great adventure!
May 29, 2025
This book was a very interesting novel to read. I admit that I did have to do a little research on the Skythian Empire becausw I had never heard of them. I actually found out that empire was located in Asia and stretched from Mongolia to Iran so overall it was very impressive. There is also a touch or Greek mythology as well.
Our main focus is on the character Anaiti who is a princess of one of the tribes. Her father wants her to marry an aging King but she does not want to andd she sets out on another journey in order to achieve peace even if it means bloodshed. On this journey she learns the skills to be a good warrior and becomes close with some of the other warriors as well.
This book was indeed an interesting read from start to ending. It opened my eyes to another empire that I had no idea existed. The history lesson at the beginning was worth it and I can't wait to read what the author comes up with next.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Our main focus is on the character Anaiti who is a princess of one of the tribes. Her father wants her to marry an aging King but she does not want to andd she sets out on another journey in order to achieve peace even if it means bloodshed. On this journey she learns the skills to be a good warrior and becomes close with some of the other warriors as well.
This book was indeed an interesting read from start to ending. It opened my eyes to another empire that I had no idea existed. The history lesson at the beginning was worth it and I can't wait to read what the author comes up with next.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
August 25, 2025
Of Wind and Wolves follows the journey of Anaiti as she must wed the Skythian king to forge an alliance to help her tribe. Before she can marry, she must prove herself by collecting her ‘tally’- the scalp of an enemy she has defeated in battle. As a trained hamazon, she is no stranger to horsemanship and archery, but she has never taken a human life. This journey will be her ultimate test as she travels with a Skythian warband to complete her mission.
This story blew me away! The descriptions of the steppes were truly beautiful and I was immersed as I watched Anaiti engage with Skythian culture. Her character arc was complex and watching her struggle with her morality, assumptions, and womanhood was very satisfying. Her story is dark, bloody, and full of feminine rage. There are also elements of magic and romance that fleshed out the story without taking over the focus. This is the kind of historical fiction I didn’t know I needed. This is the first in a trilogy and I’m dying to read the next book.
This story blew me away! The descriptions of the steppes were truly beautiful and I was immersed as I watched Anaiti engage with Skythian culture. Her character arc was complex and watching her struggle with her morality, assumptions, and womanhood was very satisfying. Her story is dark, bloody, and full of feminine rage. There are also elements of magic and romance that fleshed out the story without taking over the focus. This is the kind of historical fiction I didn’t know I needed. This is the first in a trilogy and I’m dying to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews