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Thrall: Beyond Gold and Glory
Like heroes from an ancient tale, Aesa and Maeve plan to raid foreign shores, claiming gold and glory for their homeland. Young and in love, neither considers what will happen if one is chosen to be a warrior and the other is left behind.
On a mist-shrouded island, Aesa meets Ell, a woman enslaved by an insidious curse. Maeve walks the path of dark magic and finds Laret, a woman well acquainted with pain. Together, they must break the magic surrounding Ell, an act that will force them to choose between their dreams, their homes, and the women they love.
On a mist-shrouded island, Aesa meets Ell, a woman enslaved by an insidious curse. Maeve walks the path of dark magic and finds Laret, a woman well acquainted with pain. Together, they must break the magic surrounding Ell, an act that will force them to choose between their dreams, their homes, and the women they love.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2015
5 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Wright
19 books195 followersBarbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to her enormous book collection or ranting on her blog. Her short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. Her first novel, The Pyramid Waltz, was one of Tor.com's Reviewer's Choice books of 2012 and was a 2012 Foreword Review Book of the Year Award Finalist as well as a Golden Crown Award finalist. It won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy and made BookRiot's 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors. She's won five Rainbow Awards total, and Coils was a finalist in the 2017 Lambda Awards.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 12, 2015
Thrall by Barbara Ann Wright at Curve Magazine Lady Vikings, monsters and magic. What’s not to like?
I don't often go for fantasy novels, but I'm certainly glad I gave this one a shot. Wright did a phenomenal job with her world-building and character development, even if towards the end the massive amount of conflict became a bit jumbled and overwhelming.
My favorite part of the book was the blood witch Laret, whose soul didn’t match the body she was given at birth. She was complicated and conflicted and I wanted more of her. This is a story of finding one’s path where you would least expect it, with alliances being forged and broken. Also there are cool monsters and blood-thirsty battles, which are always nice.
Calling all lovers of lady Vikings!
Click the title to head over to Curve Magazine for the comprehensive review
Copy provided by Net Galley
I don't often go for fantasy novels, but I'm certainly glad I gave this one a shot. Wright did a phenomenal job with her world-building and character development, even if towards the end the massive amount of conflict became a bit jumbled and overwhelming.
My favorite part of the book was the blood witch Laret, whose soul didn’t match the body she was given at birth. She was complicated and conflicted and I wanted more of her. This is a story of finding one’s path where you would least expect it, with alliances being forged and broken. Also there are cool monsters and blood-thirsty battles, which are always nice.
Calling all lovers of lady Vikings!
Click the title to head over to Curve Magazine for the comprehensive review
Copy provided by Net Galley
August 25, 2015
I loved this! Polyamorous lesbian Vikings--how can this possibly go wrong? Barbara Ann Wright's characters are complex and intriguing, with real flaws that make them even more relatable. This book definitely pulled all the stops when it comes to both gender identity and roles. Laret was really well drawn and I loved her relationship with Maeve and Aesa.
This was a great read with a kickass female cast!
This was a great read with a kickass female cast!
January 4, 2016
This isn't my usual thing, but it's well done. I was particularly impressed by how polyamory was handled and that there's a trans character that was written really well.
August 11, 2015
Featured on All Our Worlds!
In Aesa’s world, men and women are warriors or witches, or thralls, common people bound to fate. Those who want to be more than thralls seek glorious destinies, but sometimes it isn’t as simple as they hoped.
Aesa has worked for years to be taken on by a thrain and join a raiding ship. She finally wins her chance when the glorious Gilka chooses her, but her lover Maeve is left behind. As Aesa’s journey continues, the reality splits even further from her dreams. Gilka’s ship travels to a mysterious island to seek battles and treasure. They find fae on this island, and the human population split into two classes: the ruling shapti and the docile, passive fini. Gilka wants to fight, plunder, and leave, but Aesa can’t help but see the injustice. Is this what being a warrior is, following orders to murder and steal while leaving these people to suffer? Especially people like the fini, who can’t even choose their destiny as Aesa’s people do.
Aesa’s struggle, and the struggles and growth of the other three protagonists, were what really drew me into the story.
Maeve, the healer Aesa left behind, is a healer witch. But she doesn’t have a wyrd, the special magic ability every witch has. The community doesn’t see her as a true witch without one; she has no chance of joining a thrain’s crew. And when she meets Laret, she must balance her love for this new woman against her old love with Aesa, and her ruined hopes of a life together.
Laret has spent her whole life trying to be recognized as a woman. While Maeve’s people are far more accepting of her gender than her the people of her home country, it’s not the only thing that sets her apart. Laret is a blood witch, controlling powers that can be used to set evil curses. Though she uses this power to break curses set by other blood witches, some people still fear her abilities.
And then there’s Ell, a fini slave on the strange island. For all her life, she’s accepted her place serving the shapti and never even experiencing strong emotions. Aesa’s appearance sparks curiosity in her, and she begins to question her people’s way of life. Can the system of shapti and fini be overcome? What will happen if it is? And is that really what’s best?
In their adventures, the women must wrestle with issues of freedom, loyalty, and justice. The characters were likable, the issues complex, and the battles were exciting. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
In Aesa’s world, men and women are warriors or witches, or thralls, common people bound to fate. Those who want to be more than thralls seek glorious destinies, but sometimes it isn’t as simple as they hoped.
Aesa has worked for years to be taken on by a thrain and join a raiding ship. She finally wins her chance when the glorious Gilka chooses her, but her lover Maeve is left behind. As Aesa’s journey continues, the reality splits even further from her dreams. Gilka’s ship travels to a mysterious island to seek battles and treasure. They find fae on this island, and the human population split into two classes: the ruling shapti and the docile, passive fini. Gilka wants to fight, plunder, and leave, but Aesa can’t help but see the injustice. Is this what being a warrior is, following orders to murder and steal while leaving these people to suffer? Especially people like the fini, who can’t even choose their destiny as Aesa’s people do.
Aesa’s struggle, and the struggles and growth of the other three protagonists, were what really drew me into the story.
Maeve, the healer Aesa left behind, is a healer witch. But she doesn’t have a wyrd, the special magic ability every witch has. The community doesn’t see her as a true witch without one; she has no chance of joining a thrain’s crew. And when she meets Laret, she must balance her love for this new woman against her old love with Aesa, and her ruined hopes of a life together.
Laret has spent her whole life trying to be recognized as a woman. While Maeve’s people are far more accepting of her gender than her the people of her home country, it’s not the only thing that sets her apart. Laret is a blood witch, controlling powers that can be used to set evil curses. Though she uses this power to break curses set by other blood witches, some people still fear her abilities.
And then there’s Ell, a fini slave on the strange island. For all her life, she’s accepted her place serving the shapti and never even experiencing strong emotions. Aesa’s appearance sparks curiosity in her, and she begins to question her people’s way of life. Can the system of shapti and fini be overcome? What will happen if it is? And is that really what’s best?
In their adventures, the women must wrestle with issues of freedom, loyalty, and justice. The characters were likable, the issues complex, and the battles were exciting. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
January 23, 2016
Really floored by the cover, I couldn't help but pick up a copy when I spotted it. Definitely don't regret the decision. The author writes a tight, fast-paced narrative that challenges traditional gender norms without being preachy. It feels fresh, natural, and progressive. Can't say enough good things. My one criticism is that the ending could have been stretched out a bit, as we get some big surprises.
Anyway, read it. You won't regret it!
Anyway, read it. You won't regret it!
September 22, 2015
Overall a lot of fun and in line with what I loved about Wright's pyramid series--thoughtful, competent writing, fun characters. Unfortunately the magic system wasn't nearly as interesting and the romance plots were similarly abrupt/flat. The ending totally fell apart, too. I'd still recommend it just for Laret's character.
November 12, 2020
This wasn't my favourite of Barbara Ann Wright's books, that goes to the Pyradisté Adventure Series, but it was well written. I did find it a bit slow to get moving into the story and the middle was somewhat boggy. I preferred the chapters when we were getting to know Ell and the fini.
There is all sorts of queerness in here, lesbian, trans, polyamory, so people are in for a treat of inclusiveness. The sex scenes are pretty much fade to black or very lightly dealt with, so if you are after something spicy, you won't find that here. It focuses on the fantasy and adventure side of story telling rather than sexual acts.
I enjoyed the read. It took me a longer to get through than normal (partly thanks to an exciting episode of sciatica - note: if you've had rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years, don't try to do 100 sit ups, your dodgy hips will grab some nerves and then throw your back out as a bonus prize). If I hadn't been flat on my back drugged up with muscle relaxants and a TENS machine plastered to various strategic locations, I would have said this was a relatively quick read for two or three sittings.
I'd recommend this to anyone who fancies a steady start and a multitude of varied characters and magic based loosely on Viking/fae history/folklore.
There is all sorts of queerness in here, lesbian, trans, polyamory, so people are in for a treat of inclusiveness. The sex scenes are pretty much fade to black or very lightly dealt with, so if you are after something spicy, you won't find that here. It focuses on the fantasy and adventure side of story telling rather than sexual acts.
I enjoyed the read. It took me a longer to get through than normal (partly thanks to an exciting episode of sciatica - note: if you've had rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years, don't try to do 100 sit ups, your dodgy hips will grab some nerves and then throw your back out as a bonus prize). If I hadn't been flat on my back drugged up with muscle relaxants and a TENS machine plastered to various strategic locations, I would have said this was a relatively quick read for two or three sittings.
I'd recommend this to anyone who fancies a steady start and a multitude of varied characters and magic based loosely on Viking/fae history/folklore.
March 12, 2018
disclaimer: I won a copy of this book
I didn't know I needed an epic fantasy story featuring mainly women written by a women until I read this book. It's hard to put my finger on specifically why this book felt different from the majority of epic fantasy I've read that is written by male authors, but it was. There was a wide diversity of women in terms of their goals, their motivations, and their interests, rather than one or two female characters having to carry the entire weight of female rep on their shoulders - and it was hugely refreshing to read an epic fantasy story where the females aren't treated as property or second class citizens (married off in arranged marriages, cut out of inheriting land, wealth, or titles, etc.), suffering domestic abuse, threatened with rape, or actually raped. These women were strong, whole, powerful, and equal. For that alone, this book was hugely refreshing and enjoyable. Beyond that, the story/plot (and world building) was rich and complex, as well, and I really enjoyed those as well.
I didn't know I needed an epic fantasy story featuring mainly women written by a women until I read this book. It's hard to put my finger on specifically why this book felt different from the majority of epic fantasy I've read that is written by male authors, but it was. There was a wide diversity of women in terms of their goals, their motivations, and their interests, rather than one or two female characters having to carry the entire weight of female rep on their shoulders - and it was hugely refreshing to read an epic fantasy story where the females aren't treated as property or second class citizens (married off in arranged marriages, cut out of inheriting land, wealth, or titles, etc.), suffering domestic abuse, threatened with rape, or actually raped. These women were strong, whole, powerful, and equal. For that alone, this book was hugely refreshing and enjoyable. Beyond that, the story/plot (and world building) was rich and complex, as well, and I really enjoyed those as well.
April 18, 2020
First of all the whole world that Barbara created is once again amazing, original, involving, fae magic, fighting, romance. Some was so cute and pure it melted my heart. Laret is a great character that won me over. It has diversity and above all I wish there would be continuation to this story. We need more! I do recommend this book! Please don't get turned off by comments saying it's poliamori (I don't see it as poli to be honest) or stuff like that, or criticizing about trans inclusion. All these are subtle and just so relatable. It's a fun ride for sure.
Do read this amazing novel by so far my favorite Author!
Do read this amazing novel by so far my favorite Author!
September 17, 2021
4.5 stars
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. But the mystery of the island really captured my interest; I was desperate to find out what was going on there. And the characters were all delightful, though I would have liked to see a bit more of Ell. It would have been nice if there had been a sequel as I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. Well, if there ever is one I'm definitely going to read it.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. But the mystery of the island really captured my interest; I was desperate to find out what was going on there. And the characters were all delightful, though I would have liked to see a bit more of Ell. It would have been nice if there had been a sequel as I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. Well, if there ever is one I'm definitely going to read it.
April 29, 2018
Hard to get into, the used terminology isn't easy to understand. Also the motivation of the people is rather kept in the dark. The HEA couldn't be anticipated before half of the book.
January 27, 2019
Oh boy. Review to come. Prepare yourselves.
January 3, 2020
It was okay, I thought each character was really awesome but I didn’t like the ending. I kinda wish they all stayed as bond mates BUT eh at least everyone was happy at the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
Wow! This book had an interesting plot. Not what I expected. A lot of magic was wieved in. The romance was low level but nicely done. And it was action packed. I enjoyed it.
September 29, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog, Leeanna.me.
==
THRALL: BEYOND GOLD AND GLORY is a standalone LGBT fantasy set in a Viking-esque world. I was drawn to this book for two reasons: strong female characters and Vikings. I mean, lesbian warriors and witches? Gimme!
In some aspects, THRALL is a fantastic book. In Aesa and Maeve’s country, there’s no judgment for liking who you like. A woman who likes women? Great. A guy who likes guys? Great. Do you want a polyamorous relationship? That’s great, too. Are you the partner of a warrior away on a raid? If there’s an agreement, there’s nothing wrong with you seeking a bed partner.
I don’t want to make it sound like THRALL is all about sex, because it isn’t. Those things are mostly mentioned in passing, which is both good and bad. Good because it’s just a part of Aesa and Maeve’s society, and there’s no need to comment. It’s just how life is. Bad because I’m a greedy reader, and I would’ve liked to see more of all the different relationships in the author’s Viking world.
Aside from Aesa and Maeve, who are both strong women who want to do what’s right, there’s another great character in THRALL. Laret is the first transgender woman I’ve read in fantasy, and she stole the book for me. I think she was good representation, and also because her magic was the most interesting to me. Laret’s a blood witch, but instead of cursing people, she breaks the curses of other blood witches.
THRALL also has an interesting take on fae, and I enjoyed puzzling out that mystery. But otherwise, the book lacked a bit for me. Maybe because THRALL is a standalone -- I really wanted to learn more about the author’s version of Vikings, to see more of their magic system and culture beyond raiding. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think I just wanted more overall. More magic, more worldbuilding, more character and relationship development, more action.
I think if THRALL were the first in a series, I’d be more lenient, because that “more” would come in other books. But then again, a standalone is always nice… I don’t know. I just went in with high expectations, and while I really liked some parts, other parts didn’t live up to those expectations.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
==
THRALL: BEYOND GOLD AND GLORY is a standalone LGBT fantasy set in a Viking-esque world. I was drawn to this book for two reasons: strong female characters and Vikings. I mean, lesbian warriors and witches? Gimme!
In some aspects, THRALL is a fantastic book. In Aesa and Maeve’s country, there’s no judgment for liking who you like. A woman who likes women? Great. A guy who likes guys? Great. Do you want a polyamorous relationship? That’s great, too. Are you the partner of a warrior away on a raid? If there’s an agreement, there’s nothing wrong with you seeking a bed partner.
I don’t want to make it sound like THRALL is all about sex, because it isn’t. Those things are mostly mentioned in passing, which is both good and bad. Good because it’s just a part of Aesa and Maeve’s society, and there’s no need to comment. It’s just how life is. Bad because I’m a greedy reader, and I would’ve liked to see more of all the different relationships in the author’s Viking world.
Aside from Aesa and Maeve, who are both strong women who want to do what’s right, there’s another great character in THRALL. Laret is the first transgender woman I’ve read in fantasy, and she stole the book for me. I think she was good representation, and also because her magic was the most interesting to me. Laret’s a blood witch, but instead of cursing people, she breaks the curses of other blood witches.
THRALL also has an interesting take on fae, and I enjoyed puzzling out that mystery. But otherwise, the book lacked a bit for me. Maybe because THRALL is a standalone -- I really wanted to learn more about the author’s version of Vikings, to see more of their magic system and culture beyond raiding. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think I just wanted more overall. More magic, more worldbuilding, more character and relationship development, more action.
I think if THRALL were the first in a series, I’d be more lenient, because that “more” would come in other books. But then again, a standalone is always nice… I don’t know. I just went in with high expectations, and while I really liked some parts, other parts didn’t live up to those expectations.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
November 29, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Thrall by Barbara Ann Wright
1) Intriguing, fast-paced and philosophically engaging, IMO, but unnecessarily complicated. Vaguely Scandinavian, and adequate for a plot-and-character-centred narrative, but the descriptions of Skelling -- the more realistic setting from which the adventurers set forth for an enchanted island -- could have been more detailed. More information about the climate, the flora and the fauna would have been useful, especially since plant magic is a key element. Awesome. Very good, but no passages really stand out, since the style is in service to the plot.
2) While this story started off slowly, it quickly gained momentum and built into something far more complex than I envisioned. To call it another Viking story is doing it a disservice; unsurprisingly from Barbara Ann Wright, there's a fully realized fantasy civilization to discover. The love stories spin out in a way that's simultaneously central to and secondary to the plot. If not for the intense bonds formed between the women, the plot would take an entirely different course, and yet the demands of the story press and harry the women into situations they'd never have dreamed of. I want a sequel!
3) Beautifully written, this fantasy tale of true love in the Viking era will steal your heart.
1) Intriguing, fast-paced and philosophically engaging, IMO, but unnecessarily complicated. Vaguely Scandinavian, and adequate for a plot-and-character-centred narrative, but the descriptions of Skelling -- the more realistic setting from which the adventurers set forth for an enchanted island -- could have been more detailed. More information about the climate, the flora and the fauna would have been useful, especially since plant magic is a key element. Awesome. Very good, but no passages really stand out, since the style is in service to the plot.
2) While this story started off slowly, it quickly gained momentum and built into something far more complex than I envisioned. To call it another Viking story is doing it a disservice; unsurprisingly from Barbara Ann Wright, there's a fully realized fantasy civilization to discover. The love stories spin out in a way that's simultaneously central to and secondary to the plot. If not for the intense bonds formed between the women, the plot would take an entirely different course, and yet the demands of the story press and harry the women into situations they'd never have dreamed of. I want a sequel!
3) Beautifully written, this fantasy tale of true love in the Viking era will steal your heart.
October 14, 2015
This seems to be a stand alone novel.
This is a Historical Action Adventure Romance Fantasy featuring many LGBTQ characters. I really enjoyed all the different aspects of this book. It is loosly based off of Norse culture and the warriors that went a Viking and has witches and fey as well.
This book is suitable for adult readers only!
Not for the close minded, bigoted or homophobic.
This is a Historical Action Adventure Romance Fantasy featuring many LGBTQ characters. I really enjoyed all the different aspects of this book. It is loosly based off of Norse culture and the warriors that went a Viking and has witches and fey as well.
This book is suitable for adult readers only!
Not for the close minded, bigoted or homophobic.
March 12, 2016
A story of living up to your loved ones' expectations vs. doing what's right--with a lesbian love quadrangle in the middle of it!--it kept me turning the page until I'd raced to the end in one sitting.
October 8, 2017
Good start, one strong storyline out of two (Maeve's), declining quality after the second time Aesa comes home, preposterous ending
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews