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Bloodline Trilogy #1
Lady of the Helm
For 5 years Niarmit, once a priestess and a princess of the Salved people, has been an orphan, thief, outlaw and assassin in her own land.
For a thousand years Maelgrum, enslaver of the Salved, has been imprisoned and forgotten.
Now, from the mountain fortress of Sturmcairn to the forests of Hershwood and beyond, the Salved Kingdom will quake at the dark lord’s return.
And Niarmit must choose. Can she
aid a people who abandoned her and her father?
overcome her darkest fears of madness and betrayal?
find a way to kill that which is already dead?
***
"He savoured the moment as he stood at the foot of the outsized bed, loosening the straps of the battered steel breastplate. He tried to gauge from the quivers in the bed clothes where the captain had hidden this evening’s frightened plaything. He guessed which side just as the metal armour fell silently to the marbled floor. Flinging aside the bedding, he had just a moment to register the oddity of the noiseless clang of metal on stone before he saw her.
She was not the type that the captain normally picked out for him. In a second he saw she was older, just past the end of adolescence as far as he was any judge of human flesh. Taller than most and sinewy, clad in dark shirt and breeches rather than the night shift he expected. Flame red hair spilled across her shoulders and green eyes blazed at him with a defiance rare in someone brought before Mayor Nordag. Rather than lying trembling within the folds of bedding this one crouched on her haunches looking up at him. The final abnormality he had time to notice was that her hands were not bound behind her, but free infront of her. One held a glinting steel dirk and the other fist grasped a crescent talisman.
Then she erupted like one of those amusing jack-in-the-box toys that more astute freeholders had learned to give Nordag as a gift. Driving upwards sword arm outstretched before her, she sprang towards him, driving her blade into his throat even as his mouth gaped open in astonishment. Standing now on the edge of the table her face was level with his chin, her green eyes glaring into his dimming yellow ones."
For a thousand years Maelgrum, enslaver of the Salved, has been imprisoned and forgotten.
Now, from the mountain fortress of Sturmcairn to the forests of Hershwood and beyond, the Salved Kingdom will quake at the dark lord’s return.
And Niarmit must choose. Can she
aid a people who abandoned her and her father?
overcome her darkest fears of madness and betrayal?
find a way to kill that which is already dead?
***
"He savoured the moment as he stood at the foot of the outsized bed, loosening the straps of the battered steel breastplate. He tried to gauge from the quivers in the bed clothes where the captain had hidden this evening’s frightened plaything. He guessed which side just as the metal armour fell silently to the marbled floor. Flinging aside the bedding, he had just a moment to register the oddity of the noiseless clang of metal on stone before he saw her.
She was not the type that the captain normally picked out for him. In a second he saw she was older, just past the end of adolescence as far as he was any judge of human flesh. Taller than most and sinewy, clad in dark shirt and breeches rather than the night shift he expected. Flame red hair spilled across her shoulders and green eyes blazed at him with a defiance rare in someone brought before Mayor Nordag. Rather than lying trembling within the folds of bedding this one crouched on her haunches looking up at him. The final abnormality he had time to notice was that her hands were not bound behind her, but free infront of her. One held a glinting steel dirk and the other fist grasped a crescent talisman.
Then she erupted like one of those amusing jack-in-the-box toys that more astute freeholders had learned to give Nordag as a gift. Driving upwards sword arm outstretched before her, she sprang towards him, driving her blade into his throat even as his mouth gaped open in astonishment. Standing now on the edge of the table her face was level with his chin, her green eyes glaring into his dimming yellow ones."
- GenresFantasy
404 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2013
6 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 29, 2024
4.5 stars
Lady of the Helm by T.O. Munro started of a bit slow. Lots of people doing all kinds of things without any connection yet recognizable.
The second third was when it picked up pace and when those plot lines started to run together and intertwine, until in the last third they formed one thick strand of plot. And that is when it went from good to great - and from 4 to five stars for me!
I liked almost all the characters - and especially their development. The characters grew throughout the book, and from an annoying whiny person they might change into a resilient kickass character. There's also some blurred lines and grey characters, even though overall there is definitely the good and the bad guys in this one.
I especially enjoyed the amount of sorcery, elves, dwarfs, orcs and even a dragon! Lately a lot of fantasy doesn't have enough magic and mystical creatures for my taste. Lady of the helm satisfied that hunger again!
There was quite some fighting, killing and action in this one - but it wasn't really gory or very dark.
I will make sure to read the next installments too! In fact book two is already on in my reader and waiting for me to have time!
Lady of the Helm by T.O. Munro started of a bit slow. Lots of people doing all kinds of things without any connection yet recognizable.
The second third was when it picked up pace and when those plot lines started to run together and intertwine, until in the last third they formed one thick strand of plot. And that is when it went from good to great - and from 4 to five stars for me!
I liked almost all the characters - and especially their development. The characters grew throughout the book, and from an annoying whiny person they might change into a resilient kickass character. There's also some blurred lines and grey characters, even though overall there is definitely the good and the bad guys in this one.
I especially enjoyed the amount of sorcery, elves, dwarfs, orcs and even a dragon! Lately a lot of fantasy doesn't have enough magic and mystical creatures for my taste. Lady of the helm satisfied that hunger again!
There was quite some fighting, killing and action in this one - but it wasn't really gory or very dark.
I will make sure to read the next installments too! In fact book two is already on in my reader and waiting for me to have time!
February 25, 2017
Darkly entertaining fantasy that doesn't pull any punches. Munro draws on tropes both classic and original and unleashes them fearlessly in the path of powerful and original protagonists. Lady of the Helm is a grim, dark debut; rough around the edges, yet pure enjoyment from start to finish.
March 29, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’ll be continuing with the rest of the series. Having laid my cards upfront on the table I’ll try to justify that view.
The downbeat side first. Normally I particularly enjoy the development of new, original worlds in which the action is played out. To my surprise the world presented here was fairly ‘conventional’ for the modern fantasy reader. Sword and Sorcery action involving dark forces composed of coarse and violent Orcs, zombies, low life humans, and a Sauron-like evil magician. Pitted against the more civilised world of elegant and long lived Elves and noble humans. There are mages thrown in on both sides, a rather interesting Medusa, and dwarves. Not an especially original fantasy world.
But where this book wins for me is in the fine characterisations and excellent storyline. So many interesting characters from humble servant girls through to traitor brothers, doubting heroines, even some of the characters on the dark side of the conflict, such as the Medusa, have filled out characters. Nice vignettes too from time to time, such as the coarse, fearless outlook of an Orc war chief. It also becomes clear from various brief backstories that many on the ‘dark side’ were forced there really because of the laws of the world they lived in and have to make the best of it. I do like characters with ambivalent moralities and beliefs, and this book has them!
The plot itself is well thought out, with twists and, in GRRM fashion, some unexpected deaths. Although there are abundant mages, for once in such a world the magic doesn’t overwhelm the less magical characters and make their efforts seem worthless. And the magical nature of the world introduces some twists of its own via ‘different planes of existence’.
When starting to read this volume there’s a prologue set in an earlier period, and some early, brief, introductions to characters that take some pages to evolve into an identifiable storyline, so bear with this introductory phase which could be a little confusing. And reference to the supplied map is useful as the action can jump around but it’s not too complex a world so you soon get used to the critical locations and their interactions.
In summary, although a fairly conventional Sword and Sorcery Fantasy world for modern readers, this book has exceptional characterisations and an excellent, intriguing plot. I always wanted to know what happens next. Recommended.
The downbeat side first. Normally I particularly enjoy the development of new, original worlds in which the action is played out. To my surprise the world presented here was fairly ‘conventional’ for the modern fantasy reader. Sword and Sorcery action involving dark forces composed of coarse and violent Orcs, zombies, low life humans, and a Sauron-like evil magician. Pitted against the more civilised world of elegant and long lived Elves and noble humans. There are mages thrown in on both sides, a rather interesting Medusa, and dwarves. Not an especially original fantasy world.
But where this book wins for me is in the fine characterisations and excellent storyline. So many interesting characters from humble servant girls through to traitor brothers, doubting heroines, even some of the characters on the dark side of the conflict, such as the Medusa, have filled out characters. Nice vignettes too from time to time, such as the coarse, fearless outlook of an Orc war chief. It also becomes clear from various brief backstories that many on the ‘dark side’ were forced there really because of the laws of the world they lived in and have to make the best of it. I do like characters with ambivalent moralities and beliefs, and this book has them!
The plot itself is well thought out, with twists and, in GRRM fashion, some unexpected deaths. Although there are abundant mages, for once in such a world the magic doesn’t overwhelm the less magical characters and make their efforts seem worthless. And the magical nature of the world introduces some twists of its own via ‘different planes of existence’.
When starting to read this volume there’s a prologue set in an earlier period, and some early, brief, introductions to characters that take some pages to evolve into an identifiable storyline, so bear with this introductory phase which could be a little confusing. And reference to the supplied map is useful as the action can jump around but it’s not too complex a world so you soon get used to the critical locations and their interactions.
In summary, although a fairly conventional Sword and Sorcery Fantasy world for modern readers, this book has exceptional characterisations and an excellent, intriguing plot. I always wanted to know what happens next. Recommended.
November 10, 2021
The Lady of the Helm grew on me the further I got into it. It’s a very traditional fantasy with orcs, elves, dwarves, wizards, and battling noble heroes in a medieval style setting, but it also strays from tradition in a few ways, particularly by featuring a high number of female characters in central roles, and also by taking a few unexpected turns and incorporating some intriguing, more unusual elements. Many of these elements resolve in the latter half of the book, so where at the start I wasn’t as engaged, toward the end my curiosity was thoroughly piqued and I was eager to see what would befall all of the characters.
In the first part of the book we jump between a broad cast of heroes and villains, so it took me a while to figure out who was who, where they were, and how they were all connected. There are also a lot of battles and sieges, and as a reader who isn’t as gripped by military strategy as other fantasy fans are, I wasn’t immediately drawn in by these (though there is one point toward the middle of the book where a devious military deception had even me shocked and impressed).
However, the story sank its hooks into me as it progressed. The interesting tension of the youthful crush and unreturned affection between Kimbolt and Hepdida intrigued me early on. I don’t think I’d read any situation like it before and the uncomfortable awkwardness of it was well rendered (and painfully reminiscent of my own foolish teenage crushes!). The interactions between Kimbolt and Dema, which initially began to feel a little repetitive with the exchanging of insults and taunts and the resulting fury, also became more intriguing as the book progressed and went in a direction I didn’t expect, subverting my gender expectations. And Niarmit, whose significance within the story I at first didn’t really understand, became much more interesting as the pieces started to fit together. Additionally, as I slowly realised that in all the battling, the various heroes didn’t seem to be winning (or in some cases even surviving) as I expected they would, I became more and more curious how everything was ultimately going to pan out. The addition of the humorous character of the illusionist toward the end is also also one I really enjoyed.
But I think for me what I ultimately love most about The Lady of the Helm is referred to in the title itself – the mysterious, magical helm. I won’t say too much about it so as not to spoil anything, but it turns out to be much more intriguing than your usual fantasy excalibur-like weapon or crown. This is a strength I’ve noticed in other stories I’ve read by T.O. Munro, namely that there is often a mystery at the core of the story, one that, when it is finally revealed, hits you with such an unexpected and fascinating twist that it leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page. The helm was no different, and I am very curious as to how it, and the problems and opportunities it presents, will feature in the sequels.
So if you like traditional fantasy elements and characters, dramatic battles with well-thought-through strategies, as well as unexpected twists and fascinating magical weapons, then I’d recommend this book. I’ll certainly be picking up the sequel to see where it goes next.
In the first part of the book we jump between a broad cast of heroes and villains, so it took me a while to figure out who was who, where they were, and how they were all connected. There are also a lot of battles and sieges, and as a reader who isn’t as gripped by military strategy as other fantasy fans are, I wasn’t immediately drawn in by these (though there is one point toward the middle of the book where a devious military deception had even me shocked and impressed).
However, the story sank its hooks into me as it progressed. The interesting tension of the youthful crush and unreturned affection between Kimbolt and Hepdida intrigued me early on. I don’t think I’d read any situation like it before and the uncomfortable awkwardness of it was well rendered (and painfully reminiscent of my own foolish teenage crushes!). The interactions between Kimbolt and Dema, which initially began to feel a little repetitive with the exchanging of insults and taunts and the resulting fury, also became more intriguing as the book progressed and went in a direction I didn’t expect, subverting my gender expectations. And Niarmit, whose significance within the story I at first didn’t really understand, became much more interesting as the pieces started to fit together. Additionally, as I slowly realised that in all the battling, the various heroes didn’t seem to be winning (or in some cases even surviving) as I expected they would, I became more and more curious how everything was ultimately going to pan out. The addition of the humorous character of the illusionist toward the end is also also one I really enjoyed.
But I think for me what I ultimately love most about The Lady of the Helm is referred to in the title itself – the mysterious, magical helm. I won’t say too much about it so as not to spoil anything, but it turns out to be much more intriguing than your usual fantasy excalibur-like weapon or crown. This is a strength I’ve noticed in other stories I’ve read by T.O. Munro, namely that there is often a mystery at the core of the story, one that, when it is finally revealed, hits you with such an unexpected and fascinating twist that it leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page. The helm was no different, and I am very curious as to how it, and the problems and opportunities it presents, will feature in the sequels.
So if you like traditional fantasy elements and characters, dramatic battles with well-thought-through strategies, as well as unexpected twists and fascinating magical weapons, then I’d recommend this book. I’ll certainly be picking up the sequel to see where it goes next.
October 17, 2014
The first book of the Bloodline Trilogy has a brilliantly thought-out plot and a good number of solid female characters in various roles – sad to say, somewhat of a rare treat in epic fantasy. The world-building is carefully developed and integrated into the story, as it gets introduced to us little by little through the characters’ eyes and dialogues.
The fairly large cast of characters includes races that are reminiscent of Tolkien’s works but we also meet various creatures from the classical Greek mythology. Both the heroes and the villains are well-layered and are crafted with believable motivations and background stories.
The story-telling itself is dynamically done, waving together the various story-lines at speed, frequently surprising the reader with unexpected twists and turns. A good start to the trilogy.
The fairly large cast of characters includes races that are reminiscent of Tolkien’s works but we also meet various creatures from the classical Greek mythology. Both the heroes and the villains are well-layered and are crafted with believable motivations and background stories.
The story-telling itself is dynamically done, waving together the various story-lines at speed, frequently surprising the reader with unexpected twists and turns. A good start to the trilogy.
February 4, 2016
Under no fault of its own this book took me such a long time to read.
Commitments such as work, education, home life and having four other books on the go were the obstacles, the book itself, during those free moments I was free to read totally gripped me.
The recipe (though not traditional in the chapter sense) is multiple POV, which is a favourite of mine. Great start! I always enjoy seeing the central story interpreted through the eyes of different characters.
The book has a strong (and I mean that in many ways) female presence, right down to the tale's deity being 'The Goddess'. This is somewhat refreshing in todays fantasy market.
It took me back to my childhood in the sense of the fantastical. We have Elves, dwarves, magic, battles and much more which I have no intention of spoiling. There is a trend, I have found more recently for authors to step away from fantasies more traditional roots and aim more towards the grimdark subgenre. This tale takes an old recipe and throws in some fresh and exciting ingredients to take what made me fall in love with fantasy and give it that edge that sits it beside todays grimdark counterparts.
Threads are woven with an exciting pace and you will be surprised by how many times you are surprised with the many curveballs that adds more excitement with each throw.
Great book and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Commitments such as work, education, home life and having four other books on the go were the obstacles, the book itself, during those free moments I was free to read totally gripped me.
The recipe (though not traditional in the chapter sense) is multiple POV, which is a favourite of mine. Great start! I always enjoy seeing the central story interpreted through the eyes of different characters.
The book has a strong (and I mean that in many ways) female presence, right down to the tale's deity being 'The Goddess'. This is somewhat refreshing in todays fantasy market.
It took me back to my childhood in the sense of the fantastical. We have Elves, dwarves, magic, battles and much more which I have no intention of spoiling. There is a trend, I have found more recently for authors to step away from fantasies more traditional roots and aim more towards the grimdark subgenre. This tale takes an old recipe and throws in some fresh and exciting ingredients to take what made me fall in love with fantasy and give it that edge that sits it beside todays grimdark counterparts.
Threads are woven with an exciting pace and you will be surprised by how many times you are surprised with the many curveballs that adds more excitement with each throw.
Great book and I can't wait for the next instalment.
March 27, 2019
😃 I LOVE this...Lady of the Helm, the ‘first’ (there are prequels ~ yippee) in T.O. Munro’s The Bloodline Trilogy.
This guy is a truly brilliant author; he has a gift thats for sure💫
Initially, I was a little befuddled by the ‘this way and that’ style of writing between the characters and the scenes ~ “...flicked at a dizzying speed between scenes and settings” (to use Mr Munro’s own words~and apparently he makes no apology for it...why the Hell should he, its his story after all 😉); I certainly couldn’t, wouldn’t want to, or didn’t put it better myself 🤗
But, as I read on, and steadily came to grips with Matthew’s style of writing, I began to love it 🖤 It is a little different, and yeah, I really love it. It has a very nippy-paced writing style indeed, so hold onto your hats folks, and enjoy the speedy ride 🤪 C’mon, keep up 🚀
This is a wonderful tale about a fantastic central character called Niarmit (the names of the characters are wonderful ~ how do SFF authors come up with these fabulous monikers eh?) who has been knocking around the empire (the Salved Kingdom) for 5 years doing not much at all (as far as I can gather), having once been a Princess, a Priestess of The Goddess, an assassin (😉), outlaw, and a goddamn thief (you’ve got to make a living I guess). Ah, thats what she has been doing for the past 5 years ~ killing and robbing folk.
Anyway, to cut a long story very short (and to avoid hitting that ‘Spoilers?’ button down there), Niarmit is called upon to ‘save the day’ against a tyrannical character by the name of Maelgrum ~ who is already dead (ish), by popping-on a Magic Helm😉 and kicking ‘hissss assss’ (that will make more sense when you read Maelgrum’s pronunciation of wordssss😝).
There are so many brilliant and wonderful characters in this story (all with fab names), and they each play a vital role. There are goodies and baddies (as expected in any good SFF story), there is kindness, magic (lots of it), humour (lots of it 😃), kings, queens, a servant girl (obvs), a priest, torture, death, heroism, slaughter, a little bit of romance, and some Orc shit 😳
And on that note...my Review is complete 😃
But honestly, this is a really wonderfully written, witty, gruesome, oftentimes funny, and extremely brilliant story ~ so I’m just off to start book 2
Hang on, hang on, I’m gonna say it; wasn’t going to, but I changed my mind (so there).
In this tale, Matthew has, like I said earlier, created some wonderful and some wierd characters ~ all brilliant....but I just have to mention, he has given us some absolutely fantastic and superbly strong female characters here ~ our main POV character is a chick, and she is definitely ‘bad ass’ (and very lovely too). Alongside Niarmit, we also have Dema, one heck of a cool Medusa (I love her character....she IS dark, yet sometimes she seems a little vulnerable, and certainly gentle occasionally) ~ shes great, and I’m chuffed to bits that book 2 is about her ~ ‘Wrath of the Medusa’🖤 And then there is the little servant girl (every good SFF should have one); there is more to Hepdida than first meets the eye (of course there is!!) ~ again, another good strong female character ⚔️
I mean, even the Deity is female 💫
I kind of get the impression that Munro has some great and strong women in his life; I know for sure that his youngest daughter Tess is his best Beta Reader, having been ‘subjected’ (that might not be the right word🤪) to her Dad’s writing as bedtime stories when she was younger 😳
I do wonder if Munro’s ‘not so usual’ use of good strong female characters in this trilogy, is maybe influenced by the real women in his life (god, I’m not suggesting that your wife has snakes for hair or anything like that Matthew 😬), I just reckon that like my Dad (whoa, not that you’re as old as my Dad either Matthew ~ shit, I think that I’m making this Review come across all wrong 😬), who also has one super strong wife and three very strong-willed daughters, Matthew is bound to be influenced by the strength of character and tenacity, and by the beautiful qualities of the women in his life too💖
Anyway.....
Go get yourselves some exceptionally wonderful SFF ~ The Lady of the Helm (The Bloodline Trilogy) by T.O. Munro is definitely worth my 5 sparkly stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (in fact, I’m giving this book an extra star, just because I love it so much, and because Matthew is such a lovely, genuine and decent chap) ⭐️
ENJOY ⚔️🖤⚔️
This guy is a truly brilliant author; he has a gift thats for sure💫
Initially, I was a little befuddled by the ‘this way and that’ style of writing between the characters and the scenes ~ “...flicked at a dizzying speed between scenes and settings” (to use Mr Munro’s own words~and apparently he makes no apology for it...why the Hell should he, its his story after all 😉); I certainly couldn’t, wouldn’t want to, or didn’t put it better myself 🤗
But, as I read on, and steadily came to grips with Matthew’s style of writing, I began to love it 🖤 It is a little different, and yeah, I really love it. It has a very nippy-paced writing style indeed, so hold onto your hats folks, and enjoy the speedy ride 🤪 C’mon, keep up 🚀
This is a wonderful tale about a fantastic central character called Niarmit (the names of the characters are wonderful ~ how do SFF authors come up with these fabulous monikers eh?) who has been knocking around the empire (the Salved Kingdom) for 5 years doing not much at all (as far as I can gather), having once been a Princess, a Priestess of The Goddess, an assassin (😉), outlaw, and a goddamn thief (you’ve got to make a living I guess). Ah, thats what she has been doing for the past 5 years ~ killing and robbing folk.
Anyway, to cut a long story very short (and to avoid hitting that ‘Spoilers?’ button down there), Niarmit is called upon to ‘save the day’ against a tyrannical character by the name of Maelgrum ~ who is already dead (ish), by popping-on a Magic Helm😉 and kicking ‘hissss assss’ (that will make more sense when you read Maelgrum’s pronunciation of wordssss😝).
There are so many brilliant and wonderful characters in this story (all with fab names), and they each play a vital role. There are goodies and baddies (as expected in any good SFF story), there is kindness, magic (lots of it), humour (lots of it 😃), kings, queens, a servant girl (obvs), a priest, torture, death, heroism, slaughter, a little bit of romance, and some Orc shit 😳
And on that note...my Review is complete 😃
But honestly, this is a really wonderfully written, witty, gruesome, oftentimes funny, and extremely brilliant story ~ so I’m just off to start book 2
Hang on, hang on, I’m gonna say it; wasn’t going to, but I changed my mind (so there).
In this tale, Matthew has, like I said earlier, created some wonderful and some wierd characters ~ all brilliant....but I just have to mention, he has given us some absolutely fantastic and superbly strong female characters here ~ our main POV character is a chick, and she is definitely ‘bad ass’ (and very lovely too). Alongside Niarmit, we also have Dema, one heck of a cool Medusa (I love her character....she IS dark, yet sometimes she seems a little vulnerable, and certainly gentle occasionally) ~ shes great, and I’m chuffed to bits that book 2 is about her ~ ‘Wrath of the Medusa’🖤 And then there is the little servant girl (every good SFF should have one); there is more to Hepdida than first meets the eye (of course there is!!) ~ again, another good strong female character ⚔️
I mean, even the Deity is female 💫
I kind of get the impression that Munro has some great and strong women in his life; I know for sure that his youngest daughter Tess is his best Beta Reader, having been ‘subjected’ (that might not be the right word🤪) to her Dad’s writing as bedtime stories when she was younger 😳
I do wonder if Munro’s ‘not so usual’ use of good strong female characters in this trilogy, is maybe influenced by the real women in his life (god, I’m not suggesting that your wife has snakes for hair or anything like that Matthew 😬), I just reckon that like my Dad (whoa, not that you’re as old as my Dad either Matthew ~ shit, I think that I’m making this Review come across all wrong 😬), who also has one super strong wife and three very strong-willed daughters, Matthew is bound to be influenced by the strength of character and tenacity, and by the beautiful qualities of the women in his life too💖
Anyway.....
Go get yourselves some exceptionally wonderful SFF ~ The Lady of the Helm (The Bloodline Trilogy) by T.O. Munro is definitely worth my 5 sparkly stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (in fact, I’m giving this book an extra star, just because I love it so much, and because Matthew is such a lovely, genuine and decent chap) ⭐️
ENJOY ⚔️🖤⚔️
February 5, 2014
I was weary considering this was self published and couldn't find it on Goodreads or B&N but all trepidation was put to rest. The book was a bit scattered to begin with but the world in which T O Munro has built, a passing glance at it won't cut it. The development of the world in Lady of the Helm comes to light throughout the book. I have always enjoyed writers that can bring about the plot, characters and the world it takes place in, bit by bit. It was about halfway when I had a grasp on the various regions and family lines and how they tied together. Well worth the wait.. :)
The characters are slowly developed giving the reader the treat of learning about them as you would a new friend. The personalities of the characters are both quite believable and stay focused with the current path through out the tale. I could see into the characters realizing the back stories and their histories are rich and complicated but T O Munro did not delve out tidbits here and there just to let you see a bit of insight into the characters. The information came forth as relevant to the plot and establishing the psychological motivation for several of the main characters.
The inventiveness of the Helm was a pleasant surprise. (no spoilers here) I was expecting the possible cliche' magical device but that was not the case. The culmination of the ending left many questions unanswered and details of the main characters open to speculation to pique my interest in what will come next and wet my appetite in anticipation.
Can't wait till December when the next book come out.
I forgot to mention, there is a Medusa with a bad temper. Every story should have one of those!!!
BC
The characters are slowly developed giving the reader the treat of learning about them as you would a new friend. The personalities of the characters are both quite believable and stay focused with the current path through out the tale. I could see into the characters realizing the back stories and their histories are rich and complicated but T O Munro did not delve out tidbits here and there just to let you see a bit of insight into the characters. The information came forth as relevant to the plot and establishing the psychological motivation for several of the main characters.
The inventiveness of the Helm was a pleasant surprise. (no spoilers here) I was expecting the possible cliche' magical device but that was not the case. The culmination of the ending left many questions unanswered and details of the main characters open to speculation to pique my interest in what will come next and wet my appetite in anticipation.
Can't wait till December when the next book come out.
I forgot to mention, there is a Medusa with a bad temper. Every story should have one of those!!!
BC
February 26, 2016
Loved this book from beginning to end!
November 21, 2015
As with everyone who looks at or considers buying this book I had initial apprehension. Solely because very few have read it and it's selfpublished, but everyone has to start somewhere.
I found this author through Mark Lawrence (Prince of Thorns) for which Munro did a short story audiobook reading. At the end of which was an excerpt for "Lady of the Helm." This piqued my interest and I bought it. Surprisingly the book itself was quite different in overall setting to what I had imagined from this snippet though to its credit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development isn't done for the sake of it. All the information you gleam is plot driven, not the general superfluous stuff one normally gets in fantasy style books. There's no unnecessary rehashing of scenes or the constant reflection from characters over the same problems that I generally wish editors would take out. The story moves at an enjoyable pace and the swapping of pov is both enjoyable and helps to keep the pace of the book interesting, moving all parts of the story forward at once and not leaving characters behind.
Since the release of information to the reader regarding the world, it's history and those who inhabit it is all done through interaction of the characters, it will take till about 1/3rd of the way through to have a reasonable grasp of the royalty, bloodlines and locations. But this is an advantage in that the story is the most important and you don't have to get bogged down by tonnes of history and set up, allowing for many twists. Every time I think I know where the story will go I'm pleasantly corrected in my assumptions.
Now I'm off the read the 2nd book in the trilogy because I already feel invested in this saga and want to know where this is going.
I found this author through Mark Lawrence (Prince of Thorns) for which Munro did a short story audiobook reading. At the end of which was an excerpt for "Lady of the Helm." This piqued my interest and I bought it. Surprisingly the book itself was quite different in overall setting to what I had imagined from this snippet though to its credit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development isn't done for the sake of it. All the information you gleam is plot driven, not the general superfluous stuff one normally gets in fantasy style books. There's no unnecessary rehashing of scenes or the constant reflection from characters over the same problems that I generally wish editors would take out. The story moves at an enjoyable pace and the swapping of pov is both enjoyable and helps to keep the pace of the book interesting, moving all parts of the story forward at once and not leaving characters behind.
Since the release of information to the reader regarding the world, it's history and those who inhabit it is all done through interaction of the characters, it will take till about 1/3rd of the way through to have a reasonable grasp of the royalty, bloodlines and locations. But this is an advantage in that the story is the most important and you don't have to get bogged down by tonnes of history and set up, allowing for many twists. Every time I think I know where the story will go I'm pleasantly corrected in my assumptions.
Now I'm off the read the 2nd book in the trilogy because I already feel invested in this saga and want to know where this is going.
November 13, 2015
Finally a fantasy book that creates a woman as one of the primary characters. Detailed down to her red hair, her speech mannerisms, and her interactions with the world around her. I was pleased to read this book. Munro not only writes you a book, he also lends you a view into the world he has created.
Each chapter gives you in depth insight into the creatures that lurk the realm. You almost want to make them the handsome bad guy, but no way. No need for a dark surly character on his black steed coming to wreck the good guys. Orcs demand, and she came calling with her sword. Niarmit is the ultimate heroine. She has passion, fear, love, and is more than able to use her sword. This book contains the dark and dreary, magic, and of course we have to add in the love and loss to make the characters more in depth. You will go through a myriad of emotions when you read this book. One moment wanting to smack a servant girl for offering herself up, to cheering on the heroine .
Munro has created a world of epic proportions, much more than the bad vs good. Magical beings delight the pages, as well as a peek into the darkest depths of human interactions. I have no doubt, that this author will take us places in each book he writes.
Each chapter gives you in depth insight into the creatures that lurk the realm. You almost want to make them the handsome bad guy, but no way. No need for a dark surly character on his black steed coming to wreck the good guys. Orcs demand, and she came calling with her sword. Niarmit is the ultimate heroine. She has passion, fear, love, and is more than able to use her sword. This book contains the dark and dreary, magic, and of course we have to add in the love and loss to make the characters more in depth. You will go through a myriad of emotions when you read this book. One moment wanting to smack a servant girl for offering herself up, to cheering on the heroine .
Munro has created a world of epic proportions, much more than the bad vs good. Magical beings delight the pages, as well as a peek into the darkest depths of human interactions. I have no doubt, that this author will take us places in each book he writes.
March 17, 2015
I bought this book on whim and was very pleasantly surprised by it.
The story takes place in a world that is well built and while its history and mythology are significant to the plot, everything unfold at its own pace leaving us with just enough information to know what is going on and what is at stake while keeping us intrigued.
The same goes for the characters, some of them might seem a bit stereotyped at first but as the story goes on, their motives appear in a clearer if not completely different light without ever sacrificing consistency.
Lady of the Helm ends with a few plot twists, some pretty predictable, others much less, that keeps the reader wondering how some of the characters will manage to reconcile their motives with what is expected of them and how some others will find their place in a world at war that is about to change, for better or worse.
I'm looking forwards to reading the next book and find out what fate has in store for Dema, Niarmit, Hepdida, Udecht, Kaylan, Kimbolt and the others.
The story takes place in a world that is well built and while its history and mythology are significant to the plot, everything unfold at its own pace leaving us with just enough information to know what is going on and what is at stake while keeping us intrigued.
The same goes for the characters, some of them might seem a bit stereotyped at first but as the story goes on, their motives appear in a clearer if not completely different light without ever sacrificing consistency.
Lady of the Helm ends with a few plot twists, some pretty predictable, others much less, that keeps the reader wondering how some of the characters will manage to reconcile their motives with what is expected of them and how some others will find their place in a world at war that is about to change, for better or worse.
I'm looking forwards to reading the next book and find out what fate has in store for Dema, Niarmit, Hepdida, Udecht, Kaylan, Kimbolt and the others.
September 10, 2015
If you're like me, and you enjoy a good epic fantasy in which female characters (characters, plural, not just one token Smurfette) occupy a central place, here's one for you. It takes a while to get started, but by the end it had a solid hold on my interest, and I'm keen to see what's next for Niarmit and Quintala. Even Hepdida, who got on my nerves early on, made me want to see more of her in the end. (I can't say too much about Dema because I'm trying to write a Spoiler-free review. I'll settle for saying, she's certainly something different.)
Yet though I liked it, I didn't quite love it. Perhaps it took me a little too long to get to know the characters; Niarmit, whom I most wanted to love, had little more than a walk-on part for the book's first half. Perhaps it was missing that polish or pizzazz that would have turned it from a good, solid read into something special. I can see it moving in that direction, and I have hope that the sequels might pick up an extra star.
Yet though I liked it, I didn't quite love it. Perhaps it took me a little too long to get to know the characters; Niarmit, whom I most wanted to love, had little more than a walk-on part for the book's first half. Perhaps it was missing that polish or pizzazz that would have turned it from a good, solid read into something special. I can see it moving in that direction, and I have hope that the sequels might pick up an extra star.
July 9, 2015
Here's my review of "Lady of the Helm" on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/NQqIlpYcx38
https://youtu.be/NQqIlpYcx38
June 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! Definitely one of the best fantasy books I have read in a long time. Just so captivating right from the start. It is so full of twists and turns! The world created is so vast and intricate, and the plot so wonderfully thought out. The multiple POVs, a format I love reading, were such a great way to understand the different characters, the plot, and the world.
The characters were so multidimensional and complex. I enjoyed watching their development throughout the book, as they grew to be resilient in the situations they were put in. The women, particularly, are amazing and badass! Even the deity was female, which was so refreshing!
The inclusion of dwarves, elves, magic, and battles, especially sword fights, just reinforced my love for fantasy. The different planes of existence and the helm itself were just so cool!
Can’t wait to read the next book!!
The characters were so multidimensional and complex. I enjoyed watching their development throughout the book, as they grew to be resilient in the situations they were put in. The women, particularly, are amazing and badass! Even the deity was female, which was so refreshing!
The inclusion of dwarves, elves, magic, and battles, especially sword fights, just reinforced my love for fantasy. The different planes of existence and the helm itself were just so cool!
Can’t wait to read the next book!!
Read
June 18, 2017Ah. Nope. DNF.
April 2, 2015
Well done! Has some great world building and characters I can care about. Will be buying the rest of the series soon. Hits the spot when it comes to darker fantasy. I'm the type of lady that reads Berserk and the Witcher so this was right amount of awesome that I like.
October 28, 2015
3.5 stars
Solid debut, looking forward to book 2.
Solid debut, looking forward to book 2.
February 24, 2015
a familiar story of immortal elves, Bad guy wizards and hidden parentage.
Bad guys are bad because they are and good guys are good because they are
Bad guys are bad because they are and good guys are good because they are
October 2, 2018
3.5 stars. Not too bad. Might read next book
not-my-taste
October 2, 2019DNF. Very well done, but too trad-fantasy for me.
September 13, 2025
Badly written hard to follow
August 8, 2014
Recommended by Mr. 'Prince of Thorns', but not a pleasant read. Rather tedious. Have experienced much better story-flow'
September 18, 2015
Such a good book, full of shocks that were completely unexpected, haven't been this interested in a book since I read the hunger games!
September 26, 2016
A great start to the series. The cast of characters you think you have is nearly all swept away and the ones that take their places are not your typical hero types.
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