The Girl from the North

Pathway of the Chosen #1

by Cat Bruno

In this top-selling epic series, follow Bronwen as she explores what it means to be god-touched. Long ago, she arrived at the Healer’s Academy with no memory of her past. Her fire-streaked hair marks her as a Northerner, yet there is much that she keeps hidden. After a moonlit meeting with the mysterious Conri, High Lord of the Wolf Tribe, she learns that the dark god Nox long ago claimed her, naming her Kingmaker. Now trained as a healer, Bronwen seeks her own path, far from the immortal’s gaze. Yet, soon, she realizes how closely she is watched, now and always. Her story continues in Daughter of the Wolf, the second in the Pathway of the Chosen series. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WJUH20

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Unknown Binding

First published November 15, 2014

About the author

Pittsburgh-based, bestselling fantasy author Cat Bruno creates superhero-like protagonists and complex villains in her mythology-laced series, Pathway of the Chosen. Midwest Book Review praised Ms. Bruno's debut novel, The Girl from the North, as "Exceptional entertainment with deftly created characters and unexpected plot twists." A year later, Ms. Bruno continued the story of her strong female protagonist with the second book in the series, Daughter of the Wolf. In October, the third book and the author’s favorite, Queen of Stars and Shadows, was released and quickly entered the bestseller’s list in epic fantasy. For those looking for diversity in literature and atypical fantasy characters, Ms. Bruno offers an engaging read with uncommon voices, especially ones that are underrepresented in genre fiction. With a focus on blending historical accuracy into her fantasy world, Ms. Bruno explores and examines the scope and role of women with a modern, feminist angle.

Amazon: amazon.com/author/catbruno
Follow: @xcatbrunox
Find: www.catbruno.com
Read: www.wattpad.com/catbruno

Buy: The Girl from the North https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PHDRA3K

Daughter of the Wolf https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WJUH20

Queen of Stars and Shadows
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

Storms and Cinders
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NDVLTG

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 stars - English ebook -

[Charles van Buren · Rating 2 out of 5]

No better than average romance/fantasy, April 24, 2017

This review is from: The Girl from the North (Pathway of the Chosen Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

According to the Midwest Book Review this is "A truly exceptional entertainment." I did not find it so. At best it is an about average fantasy novel. At worst it is slow, meandering, repetitious and frequently predictable. If the reader does not immediately guess what is happening in the scene in which Bronwen treats the badly injured sailor, then the reader must be distracted or reduced to just skimming the pages.

At 53% nothing much has happened. What has happened could have been told more concisely and more entertainingly without all of the repetitious, tortured introspection and soul searching. A little of that goes a long way with me. I do not need the same ground ploughed and reploughed. The writing style which obviously appeals to some, does not engage me. I quit. I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited. If I had paid for it individually maybe I would keep plugging away at it.

[Anniken Haga · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel a little like I'm giving up on this book before it's even started, but it just annoyed me.

I got to page 25 before I gave up. Which is nothing, but by then I'd been annoyed at the storytelling, the writing, the dialogue, and the characters. I don't read to be annoyed, and so I won't waste my energy on this book.

What annoyed me?

Writing:
The writing was oh so repetative. We don't need to be told again and again and again that he said this or she did that. We got the same info in three different ways in three sentences right after one another. Talk about fluff.

Storytelling:
Ironically, I found the story telling lacking. Already in chapter 2 we're supposed to get to know so much about the MC, and I was looking forward to that story, but no. It jumped from day to night without the reader being alowed to relive the memories of the MC as she did. Then, in the same long ass chapter, the guy is supposed to explain everything, and because of that it's OK we didn't get the flashbacks, but lo and behold, the author just skips this as well! That kind of holding back isn't suspenceful, it's just annoying.

Characters and dialogue:
In this book, these two things go hand in hands, as the characters could skip from grinning wrily, to screaming in anger and sadness in just one sentence.
Also, the characters had a tendency to skip parts of a conversation, jumping from "Can you tell me about the Tribe?" to "You have to be sure you really want this, it can ruin everything for you." without any info about why it can ruin everything, or why it's so bad she want to know. There's no questions about why they want to know, either, just jumping straight for it.

So yeah, this book might have been good if an editor had been involved. Already in those 25 pages I've seen the opertunity for a whole book and/or so much character growth, and I'm not an editor!

[Shelley Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would suggest this book for anyone who is looking for a new, interesting good read! I was able to preview the first several chapters on Amazon. After previewing it, you'll be captivated and want to make the purchase so you can delve into the rest of the book. For me, it's always interesting to find new, unknown authors to read and support. It could be hit or miss, but "The Girl from the North' is definitely a hit. The author, Cat Bruno, takes her time with character development. That's always an important part of a book for me. I love being about to immerse myself into a story and really visualize the characters in both looks and mannerisms. As a reader, it makes me become emotionally invested in the story as well. Bronwen is a strong female character that makes me relate and empathize with her journey, which is an exciting one! The ending was surprising and now I'm already anxiously waiting to read the second book in the series.

[Amanda Mineard]

"The Girl from the North" had me captivated from the beginning. I felt like the author pulled me right into her transcendent world, full of dark figures and temptation. She has set the scene for an epic fantasy adventure with her overtly descriptive style. Bronwen is a strong female lead...I love when I can find a good read that exemplifies a woman's strengths and allows her vulnerabilities to be not only exposed but conquered. Cat Bruno has made me long to know how the journey will unfold in book 2. I will be following the author closely on her website.

[David K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had very slow to develop (and evolve) the main character as she starts off with memory loss and slowly remembers some of her past (childhood) as the story progresses.

There are numerous pronoun usage errors along the way and the occasional place where it is difficult to identify who is speaking.

The story takes place in a world that is vaguely medieval, and has some language usage which are accordingly early English in style, like usage the moon for passage of time (a moon is a month, moon-years as years, etc.). This styling is generally very easy to figure out and follow, but does have some inconsistent usage including some strange phrasing.

One very annoying phrase is similar to "he knew Bronwen's words to be true". This is repetitive enough to become annoying. It seems like there is never a usage like "he knew the Master's words to be [false|untrue|a lie]".

The story ended a little too abruptly, and there was too much focus on character development (though some still seemed very flat), and not enough focus on world building describing the kingdom, etc.

The plot makes the next book tempting, but the style issues are too problematic to devote the time to it.

[Amy Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled to finish but became invested in the plot after forcing myself to read onwards. Could be so much better with thorough editing. A lot of somewhat cringey YA tropes like every male character being in love/list with the female protagonist, characters often acted impulsively or unrealistically, jumping from own emotion to the next seemingly randomly, lots of filler. I actually skipped hundreds of pages due to just not caring about certain characters or plot arcs, but somehow the main characters narrative kept me going, despite being a bit of a Mary Sue. The colour of her hair is mentioned far more then necessary, as are her ‘sparkling green eyes’. Despite these cliches, there’s a lot of potential here for an engaging fantasy novel that focuses on the domestic rather than an epic adventure. If you’re very into YA Fantasy I imagine you’d enjoy this but the numerous errors missed in editing (what editing) might annoy you.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excessively frustrated by the nonending. It had been pretty good. Although a bit more polish is needed.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting world...tough to read

I very much enjoyed Bronwyn's world, but the editing in the book made it quite difficult to get through. It took me quite a few days to struggle my way through as when I'd start to get into the rhythm of the story again major editing errors threw me for a loop again.

Overall, I did enjoy the novel. I just wish that it has been better edited to make the reading of it easier.

[Jessie Mckissick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic job!

Cat Bruno has an outstanding triumph in the PATHWAY of the CHOSEN, Book 1. After just finishing this book, I'm not sure who are the good characters or the bad ones. So many twists and turns that you just hang onto each page, reading for all your worth. You need to buy this book. It was a great read.

[Lori Dunn-foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

Wonderful to read as it draws you in immediately. Tho a few parts seemed to drag a little, the author seems to have caught herself and moved it on. All in all, a fabulous book.😊

[Myla L A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read

The beginning threw me off and at first was hard to understand but then by the middle and ending it made up for the 1st portion and peaked my interest in getting the next book since it improved. So now onto the next.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written

This book was well written with likeable and unlikable characters. The story flowed nicely, and kept me interested right to the end

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with characters and a storyline that flows well together and makes the reader interested right to the end

[Glynis Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic

Thoroughly enjoyable read. Interesting twists to the tale and it pulls you in that you want to carry on reading.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! The beginning is a bit off-putting, but it just enhances the story. I highly recommend this book if you like fantasy and romance!

[Paige Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 4%

[Ashley Weese · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read but lots of extra content that makes it drag by

[Kevin Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a world.

From the first page, I could tell that this novel would be different. Many novels that take place in alternate universes read like cardboard: stale, flat, and ill-researched. The only reason these other novels qualify as "fantasy" titles is because they employ the use of ridiculous, outlandish names for people and places (Tolkien would frown).

But when a universe is properly constructed - characters with independence, personality, and agency; separate nations/factions with iconic histories and bloodlines and structured social hierarchies; a mythos unique to the universe and its inhabitants; a mystical protagonist who is far more than just a pretty-face - the effect is breathtaking.

Enter Bronwen, with an origin shrouded in unanswered questions, a memory halved and missing. She is trained to be healer at the Academy, and lives contentedly for years. Then, as she encounters a mysterious man on the beach, those distant questions rush to the forefront. The man, chiseled and handsome, turns out to be a prominent member of the nearby Wolf Tribe. The man, known as Conri, does Bronwen a massive service: he helps her remember. To remember her rattled past, to remember the true nature of Conri and his Tribesman, to remember the immense powers that they - and that she - hold at their fingertips.

Circumstances begin to shift. With Bronwen's curiosity piqued and her thirst for answers fervently renewed, her peaceful life at the Academy - unperturbed by violence and shielded from the knowledge of the secret plot that is unfolding nearby - may soon come to an end.

I am the type of person who loathes when others give spoilers, so there won't be any here. Suffice it to say - you won't be disappointed. The world that Cat Bruno has created is massive, immersive. There is so much to absorb, relish, and observe: Bronwen, Kennet, Conri and the respective masters they serve. The regions in which they live, the relationship dynamics, the conversations and the beautiful landscapes in which they take place - it's all so fascinating, and Bruno's powerfully descriptive writing style is the vehicle through which all of these aspects come to life.

Since it would be a crime to pigeonhole "The Girl From The North" into a single genre, I highly recommend this books to fans of fantasy, action, thriller, and mystery. Highly recommended!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mage and healers

The story is difficult to read, at times I had to stop and take a break. However I could not seem to stop reading. The story is definitely fascinating.

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Bruno has laid the foundations for a truly epic fantasy series with a vivid landscape and believable characters that you’ll want to follow.

After arriving in Tretoria as a small child, bloodied and wandering, Bronwen was taken into the Healer’s Academy and trained in the art of healing. In recognition of her ability and despite her Northern origins, ten years later she is named Master Apprentice to Master Rova. Soon after Conri, a frightening character visits Bronwen and unlocks her childhood memories. Like a ripple in a pond, his visit sets in motion diverging actions, many malevolent and for Bronwen, they are life changing.

I especially enjoyed the manner in which the peaceful mage-protected world of the Academy is surrounded and encroached upon by the fantastic world outside. It’s a world filled with dark magic, premonitions and prophecies. The depiction of the Tribes including the death mongering Ravens, the physical Bears and the powerful Wolves was raw and savage.

The main characters, who revolve around the bewitching Bronwen, such as Willem, Kennet, the misfit mage Aldric and scheming Pietro are well-developed and gave the story depth and complexity. I can see the various external factions and secondary characters being further explored and interacting like a Game of Thrones fantasy.

The revelations towards the end of the novel are shocking but keep you turning the pages needing to discover more.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review – The Girl from the North

>I am an independent reviewer. This is the first book in the Pathway of the Chosen series for young adults. Bronwen came to the village she grew up in as a child with no memory of her past. She is training to become a Master Healer. She has a step mom, who raised her and a best friend, Kenny, who helps in her quest to find who she really is. The reader finds out that the being that brought her to the village has been waiting for her to turn 21 before claiming her. Conri is a being of the dark that everyone seems afraid of. He had been locking up Bronwen’s memories after his visits over the years, so she wouldn’t remember him visiting. He seems to truly care for Bronwen, but the reveal at the end of the book, makes me question whether he cares for her at all. I am having a hard time reconciling all of Bronwen’s newly recalled memories with any positive feelings of Conri.

>There is a scene with Bonwen’s teacher, Willem that is confusing. I cannot tell if he took advantage of her or not. I would think not, as Conri did not kill him. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. The outcome is not clear, which makes one want to read more. I really like Conri as a character, but wish he was around a bit more.

>This story is very interesting, with hidden layers revealed throughout. This book is appropriate for a young adult (18+) to adult audience due to an instance of rape. I am giving it 4 stars.

[Taylor Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing. I normally do not read fantasy books, but the book description and the cover guided me into deciding to read this one. Cat Bruno was a new author for me and I would have to say that I do enjoy her work. The book is beautifully written and the words that she uses will take your mind to a different place. I'm starting to really enjoy the fantasy genre as it takes me out of my norm and to different places. I found myself connected with the characters. Brownen is the main character and she is the chosen one. She doesn't know why she was chosen and she is still trying to process why she was the chosen one. The mysterious man has chosen her. Brownen does not remember who she is or where she came from and it's interesting to note she does not remember her childhood. This plot blew me away, secrets get uncovered and the reader's truly get to understand what it means to be a healer. I would recommend this book to anyone. Cat Bruno gave it everything that she has and it was well-worth the read. I cannot wait to read book 2.

[Day Bracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not typically a fantasy reader, but this book caught my interest. The characters are interesting ones: fully developed, often unpredictable, and quite imperfect. Brownen, whom the story centers around, changes a great deal from the beginning of the story until the end, and I’m looking forward to what will happen with her in the second book, especially since the ending of this one was so unexpected! Conri, however, was by far my favorite character. He is equal parts mysterious and conflicted, and his relationship with Bronwen is a complicated one. His actions more than any surprised me most. This book spent a great deal of time setting up a story that I’m guessing will pick up and explode in the second book in the series. While it was slow-going at times, I did end with a deeper interest in the lives of Conri and Bronwen, and even Willem and Aldric. Which I guess is what the author intended! Looking forward to book two for sure.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is easy to fall in love with some of the characters in this book. You get to know Bronwen very well and want to be there to help her make sense of what is going on. Every few chapters the point of view will change between a few of the characters. This helps to round out the book and to better understand what is going on elsewhere. The characters seem real because they are imperfect. They sometimes let their emotions shadow the solution that is right in front of them. It is a unique fantasy book and I like how the book ended. It leaves you wanting to go out to buy the second book to figure out what is going to happen next. Special thanks in winning this book through goodreads giveaway.

To read my review check out my blog at apotpourrioflife.wordpress.com

[Stacy Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved fantasy novels with women characters who are interesting and well developed. I throughly enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down once I got into it and used to the writer's style.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Jodi Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, the only disappointment is that I wanted to continue reading when I came to the last page. This book has a lot to offer, has the ability to transport you into another world.

[Helen May · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and captivating tale. Rich characters with an interesting style of writing. I wasn't ready for it to end! Looking forward to book two.

[Phyllis Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. I'm not to critical about books but totally enjoyed this and got into it. Bought the second book....... Will read shortly.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic - extremely well written book