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Windsingers #1
Harpy's Flight
A reissue of classic backlist titles from the author of the best selling Farseer Trilogy and The Liveship Traders books. HARPY'S FLIGHT was Lindholm's first novel, and the first in the WINDSINGERS series, which introduced her popular gypsy characters, Ki and Vandien. Harpies don't give up of blood debts. Neither do the men who serve them. A life must be given in return. Devastated by the slaughter of her family and haunted by memories of her own violent revenge, Ki rejects the comfort of her husband's gypsy people and wants only to wander in solitude as an outcast. Across mountains sheathed with ice, through the treacherous shadow of the impassable Sisters, Ki finds herself running for her life, pursued by frenzied Harpies sworn to vengeance; and by one stubborn, dark-haired man who seems intent on being part of her future.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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3543 people want to read
About the author
Megan Lindholm
77 books1,057 followersThe author also writes under the pseudonym Robin Hobb. Her real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 22, 2018
This is the debut of Megan Lindholm (best known as Robin Hobb). Although it’s a bit clumsy and doesn’t have the fluency her later books have, you can see Fitz’ world and Realms of the Elderlings series blooming from here.
The style is the same – character driven stories, this one more introspective and descriptive than all others I read. I don’t think many will like it too much because of its slow pace, but I did – I missed her warm words.
And by all means, it’s a truly sweet, tragic but also hopeful story; one of an ending and a new beginning. It doesn’t have a proper magic system (yet) but the touches present here and there - mostly related to the world - are unique.
Ki and Vandien are two strong characters, easy to root for. There are also other sentient species, albeit not very detailed here but intriguing nonetheless and I hope they will be developed further in the next books.
One (more) thing I appreciate in her works is the love and respect for nature in its entirety which you can sense in every word. I have a soft spot for that.
And I loved below paragraph, even though Harpies :
, ‘[…]But a Harpy kills only in need. Only when it must feed. It is not like a Human, who may kill for sport or sheer idleness. Harpies have learned the balancing points between the worlds, between death and life itself. They could show us the paths of peace our own kind have forgotten.’
The style is the same – character driven stories, this one more introspective and descriptive than all others I read. I don’t think many will like it too much because of its slow pace, but I did – I missed her warm words.
And by all means, it’s a truly sweet, tragic but also hopeful story; one of an ending and a new beginning. It doesn’t have a proper magic system (yet) but the touches present here and there - mostly related to the world - are unique.
Ki and Vandien are two strong characters, easy to root for. There are also other sentient species, albeit not very detailed here but intriguing nonetheless and I hope they will be developed further in the next books.
One (more) thing I appreciate in her works is the love and respect for nature in its entirety which you can sense in every word. I have a soft spot for that.
And I loved below paragraph, even though Harpies :
, ‘[…]But a Harpy kills only in need. Only when it must feed. It is not like a Human, who may kill for sport or sheer idleness. Harpies have learned the balancing points between the worlds, between death and life itself. They could show us the paths of peace our own kind have forgotten.’
February 28, 2010
Harpy's Flight was written before the books that Lindholm wrote as Robin Hobb. This is evident in several ways -- the quality of the writing and plotting, the less rich characterisation, the fact that some characters seem almost like test runs for later ones (Rhesus from this book for Restart in Liveships, for example). Her potential also shows in the brightly described world, in the descriptions of cultures and rites, in the quality of the writing and the way it can grip you even when the first seven pages are just about climbing up a cliff (not the most gripping stuff). There's a lot of physicality in Hobb's writing -- when Ki is sore and raw and exhausted, it really comes through, which is something she did as well, probably better, in Farseers, with the various poison/torture/agony scenes of poor Fitz.
I like the ideas in this book, and some of the writing is wonderful. I felt like the way it's structured is a little clunky: too much diving around between past and present with the clumsy little 'going to sleep'/'waking up' transitions.
Enjoyable, and worth reading, especially if you want to see Hobb's earlier work, but not up to the standard of Farseers.
I like the ideas in this book, and some of the writing is wonderful. I felt like the way it's structured is a little clunky: too much diving around between past and present with the clumsy little 'going to sleep'/'waking up' transitions.
Enjoyable, and worth reading, especially if you want to see Hobb's earlier work, but not up to the standard of Farseers.
March 31, 2013
This mesmerizing tale of love, adventure and magic is beautifully written and a truly timeless classic.
I was a huge fan of Robin Hobb’s work when she used to write novels as Megan Lindholm, such as ‘The Ki and Vandien Quartet’ which introduced me to a great writer. I certainly feel that Harpy’s Flight projects the qualities of a great fantasy writer and those raw traits that the author possessed before the creation of epics (such as the Farseer Trilogy in which Fitz Chivalry was born). This richly evocative tale is full of distinct originality, professing the author’s uniquely individualistic style - which is apparent in all her work. Unlike others within this highly competitive and greatly popular genre, Megan Lindholm stands-out for miles with how she puts such creative vision and inspired ideas onto paper with such effortless ease and dexterity. This is a book in a collection of favorites that never cease to amaze me and leave me awestruck, for this is a writer who is so impressive as she is the creator of ambitious masterpieces.
‘Harpies don’t give up on blood debts. Neither do the men who serve them. A life must be given in return’
Within a world of ancient rituals and magic, lie harsh mountainous regions and extraordinary races. Instead of remaining in the comfort of her husband’s Gypsy people Ki chooses to become an outcast and wander in solitude whilst plagued by haunted memories. As she leaves all that is familiar, Ki encounters all kinds of beings and ends up being hunted by Harpies and a mysterious man who is intent to remain a part of her future. This supremely singular tale is wrought with danger and shrouded in secrets, which will dazzle any fan of epic fantasy and well-written literary works.
I do believe that the author’s later works (written as Robin Hobb), such as the liveship traders and her phenomenal Farseer trilogy are so accomplished and spectacular compared to her earlier published works as Megan Lindholm. However, if you are a fan of this author then I would strongly recommend reading books such as this (together with others as Megan Lindholm), for you will still enjoy a brilliantly assured work of outstanding proportions and substance. This highly readable, enjoyable tale is one that sparkles as you glimpse the writer emerging from her chrysalis…soon to blossom into something quite remarkable! Robin Hobb (aka. Megan Lindholm) has to be one of the greatest fantasy writers of all-time and who deserves her rightful place next to JRR Tolkien, Raymond E Feist and others.
Works as Megan Lindholm:
The reindeer people
The wolf’s brother
Cloven Hooves
the Ki and Vandien quartet
3.5 stars
I was a huge fan of Robin Hobb’s work when she used to write novels as Megan Lindholm, such as ‘The Ki and Vandien Quartet’ which introduced me to a great writer. I certainly feel that Harpy’s Flight projects the qualities of a great fantasy writer and those raw traits that the author possessed before the creation of epics (such as the Farseer Trilogy in which Fitz Chivalry was born). This richly evocative tale is full of distinct originality, professing the author’s uniquely individualistic style - which is apparent in all her work. Unlike others within this highly competitive and greatly popular genre, Megan Lindholm stands-out for miles with how she puts such creative vision and inspired ideas onto paper with such effortless ease and dexterity. This is a book in a collection of favorites that never cease to amaze me and leave me awestruck, for this is a writer who is so impressive as she is the creator of ambitious masterpieces.
‘Harpies don’t give up on blood debts. Neither do the men who serve them. A life must be given in return’
Within a world of ancient rituals and magic, lie harsh mountainous regions and extraordinary races. Instead of remaining in the comfort of her husband’s Gypsy people Ki chooses to become an outcast and wander in solitude whilst plagued by haunted memories. As she leaves all that is familiar, Ki encounters all kinds of beings and ends up being hunted by Harpies and a mysterious man who is intent to remain a part of her future. This supremely singular tale is wrought with danger and shrouded in secrets, which will dazzle any fan of epic fantasy and well-written literary works.
I do believe that the author’s later works (written as Robin Hobb), such as the liveship traders and her phenomenal Farseer trilogy are so accomplished and spectacular compared to her earlier published works as Megan Lindholm. However, if you are a fan of this author then I would strongly recommend reading books such as this (together with others as Megan Lindholm), for you will still enjoy a brilliantly assured work of outstanding proportions and substance. This highly readable, enjoyable tale is one that sparkles as you glimpse the writer emerging from her chrysalis…soon to blossom into something quite remarkable! Robin Hobb (aka. Megan Lindholm) has to be one of the greatest fantasy writers of all-time and who deserves her rightful place next to JRR Tolkien, Raymond E Feist and others.
Works as Megan Lindholm:
The reindeer people
The wolf’s brother
Cloven Hooves
the Ki and Vandien quartet
3.5 stars
November 3, 2022
If I didn't like it as much as this author's work under her pseudonym of Robin Hobb, I still really liked it. RTC, maybe.
July 20, 2018
2.5/5
There were way too many flashbacks for my liking and actually not that much happening BUT all that has to do with emotions and feelings was great, Lindholm/Hobb is definitely queen of my emotions
There were way too many flashbacks for my liking and actually not that much happening BUT all that has to do with emotions and feelings was great, Lindholm/Hobb is definitely queen of my emotions
March 3, 2025
I'm finally digging into Robin Hobb's other series. The one that doesn't feature Fitz.
You can tell that this series helped her formulate the magic and character traits and build that we're familiar with when reading Elderlings. Her characters aren't perfect people, yet they are so 'real'. In this, you have a woman who was part of a Romani tribe. She becomes married to someone who isn't and worships Harpies. Both of them are so-so on worshiping creatures that kill humans and animals, so they set out roaming the world in their carriage. They have a child. One day, her husband goes out riding with their child and a harpy kills them both. In anger, she travels to the harpy's lair and kills the unborn children. The mother and father harpy discover her in that moment, attack her, and in that she falls from the lair killing the mother harpy, leaving the father to hunt her down.
We gleam this story through flashbacks during moments in the present. She is currently on a mission to deliver some goods through a dangerous mountain pass. On her way, she meets up with a man who attempts to steal her carriage and, with some discussion, he agrees to travel with her through the pass. Together they learn to depend on one another.
From what reviews say, the story starts having strength in later books, and the world building also gets stronger too. And that's the books problem - you get these really good characters, but the world building is so-so. My copy of the book was under 200 pages.
If you're a Hobb fan, you should still read this book.
You can tell that this series helped her formulate the magic and character traits and build that we're familiar with when reading Elderlings. Her characters aren't perfect people, yet they are so 'real'. In this, you have a woman who was part of a Romani tribe. She becomes married to someone who isn't and worships Harpies. Both of them are so-so on worshiping creatures that kill humans and animals, so they set out roaming the world in their carriage. They have a child. One day, her husband goes out riding with their child and a harpy kills them both. In anger, she travels to the harpy's lair and kills the unborn children. The mother and father harpy discover her in that moment, attack her, and in that she falls from the lair killing the mother harpy, leaving the father to hunt her down.
We gleam this story through flashbacks during moments in the present. She is currently on a mission to deliver some goods through a dangerous mountain pass. On her way, she meets up with a man who attempts to steal her carriage and, with some discussion, he agrees to travel with her through the pass. Together they learn to depend on one another.
From what reviews say, the story starts having strength in later books, and the world building also gets stronger too. And that's the books problem - you get these really good characters, but the world building is so-so. My copy of the book was under 200 pages.
If you're a Hobb fan, you should still read this book.
July 10, 2024
3 1/2 Stars
Having completed all the books written under her pen name (Robin Hobb), I decided to check out how this fabulous storyteller started out. The verdict is in and it is obvious to me that her talent was there from a young age. For a debut, this was a great book. Many will not care for the slow pace of it, I personally liked that it was slow and and not perfect, it sees the young writer finding herself. I could immediately see where her story of Fitz came from, as if it had been building in her mind for many years before she took it to pen and paper.
Character driven, and good characters to root for and embrace.
The story of a young gypsy girl who loses everything and becomes filled with the thoughts, then the deeds of revenge. The story is told from a current perspective, and flashes back to how she came to where she is at.
Intriguing fantasy that I can see growing in the next book. As I said, it appears this author had the ability to compose a good tale from the very start of her career. Though this one ended too abruptly for my taste, I look forward to the next chapters and seeing where this world leads us.
Having completed all the books written under her pen name (Robin Hobb), I decided to check out how this fabulous storyteller started out. The verdict is in and it is obvious to me that her talent was there from a young age. For a debut, this was a great book. Many will not care for the slow pace of it, I personally liked that it was slow and and not perfect, it sees the young writer finding herself. I could immediately see where her story of Fitz came from, as if it had been building in her mind for many years before she took it to pen and paper.
Character driven, and good characters to root for and embrace.
The story of a young gypsy girl who loses everything and becomes filled with the thoughts, then the deeds of revenge. The story is told from a current perspective, and flashes back to how she came to where she is at.
Intriguing fantasy that I can see growing in the next book. As I said, it appears this author had the ability to compose a good tale from the very start of her career. Though this one ended too abruptly for my taste, I look forward to the next chapters and seeing where this world leads us.
January 15, 2017
Not as good as her books under Robin Hobb but still a very enjoyable and interesting read.
abandoned
April 19, 2025DNF because I realized I wanted the harpies to win.
July 11, 2020
A rather interesting fantasy novel that is blessedly free of the tired Tolkien tropes that so bedeviled the genre until well into the '80s.
Ki is a sympathetic, albeit not particularly likable, protagonist, who has a very well-established and consistent character that provides ample justification and explanation for her actions.
Vandien is much more of a cipher until close to the end of the book—we are not entirely sure of his motivations and loyalties because we only see him through the lens of Ki's preconceptions and suspicions. Still, I couldn't help imagining his appearance to be the same as Marcus Cole from Babylon 5, so the whole trek through the mountains took on a bit of the Ivanova/Marcus tone in my mind.
The best thing about the book for me was the world it described—not a fantasy world of clashing armies and evil wizards—but instead a world of travellers and townsfolk, of primitive customs and superstitions, and of elemental and inexplicable enchanted places with dangers to consume unwary visitors.
I'd be more than happy to read the other books in this series (I didn't know it was the first part of a series until after I'd finished it), and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the fantasy genre who prefers character-led pieces rather than traditional Manichean swords-and-sorcery epics.
Ki is a sympathetic, albeit not particularly likable, protagonist, who has a very well-established and consistent character that provides ample justification and explanation for her actions.
Vandien is much more of a cipher until close to the end of the book—we are not entirely sure of his motivations and loyalties because we only see him through the lens of Ki's preconceptions and suspicions. Still, I couldn't help imagining his appearance to be the same as Marcus Cole from Babylon 5, so the whole trek through the mountains took on a bit of the Ivanova/Marcus tone in my mind.
The best thing about the book for me was the world it described—not a fantasy world of clashing armies and evil wizards—but instead a world of travellers and townsfolk, of primitive customs and superstitions, and of elemental and inexplicable enchanted places with dangers to consume unwary visitors.
I'd be more than happy to read the other books in this series (I didn't know it was the first part of a series until after I'd finished it), and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the fantasy genre who prefers character-led pieces rather than traditional Manichean swords-and-sorcery epics.
May 19, 2014
I love Robin Hobb, but I wouldn't recommend this as a first read for anyone new to her work. Compared to the rich characterisation and deftly interwoven plots of her work as Hobb, Lindholm, in this novel anyway, reads more like a writing workshop offering. The characters are flat, the drama seems contrived. The setting is interesting and well described, but the world doesn't feel as expansive and diverse as the six duchies and the cursed shores of her work as Hobb. I would recommend reading the Robin Hobb novels well exhaustively before turning to this one. In fact I read this only because I have currently read all of Hobb's work and am starting over with the Megan Lindholm books until the new series comes out this fall.
August 30, 2022
While not as skillfully written as her later works this still has the emotional depth I've come to love from Lindholm/Hobb.
Telling the story in two timelines worked perfectly: One tells of suffering, grieve and not belonging while the other seems lighter in comparison, showing Ki travelling and beginning the heal. The emotions are portrayed so well. Even if the prose has it's moments of stumbling, it's detailed, intense and holds you close to Ki. There are interesting cultures portrayed in a very loving and understanding way, even when them clashing causes discomfort to the characters you never feel like you are told whom to blame.
I wonder where the 3 sequels will take me since this has a satisfying conclusion but I'm exited to find out.
Telling the story in two timelines worked perfectly: One tells of suffering, grieve and not belonging while the other seems lighter in comparison, showing Ki travelling and beginning the heal. The emotions are portrayed so well. Even if the prose has it's moments of stumbling, it's detailed, intense and holds you close to Ki. There are interesting cultures portrayed in a very loving and understanding way, even when them clashing causes discomfort to the characters you never feel like you are told whom to blame.
I wonder where the 3 sequels will take me since this has a satisfying conclusion but I'm exited to find out.
May 21, 2012
...Harpy's Flight is not Lindholm's best novel but it is still an impressive read. The emptiness Ki experiences after the loss of her family and the violence she unleashes on their killers is heartbreaking. Whatever the technical flaws of this novel, on an emotional level is works very well. It is very clear that there is a lot more to discover about this world in the later three volumes. I think I saw a few more imperfections in the novel the second time around but I am still glad to have my copy of the second volume, The Windsingers, on hand.
Full Random Comments review
Full Random Comments review
July 19, 2018
2.5 / 5
October 5, 2024
I found this unusually difficult to get into - the initial chapters' writing took a minute to find its rhythm and pace.
This is a completely unique world with its own diverse ecosystems, ethnicities, and cultures. I struggled to adapt to the concept of Harpy's a lot. It's definitely not been done like this before.
I'm super intrigued about the windsingers and their magic, definitely gonna read the second in the series right away.
This is a completely unique world with its own diverse ecosystems, ethnicities, and cultures. I struggled to adapt to the concept of Harpy's a lot. It's definitely not been done like this before.
I'm super intrigued about the windsingers and their magic, definitely gonna read the second in the series right away.
July 23, 2018
This was a fairly quick read, centering around two main characters Ki & Vandien, who were reasonably well drawn. The story was interesting enough to encourage me to try the next in the series but I didn't find it particularly gripping.
June 15, 2025
This book (and series) has quickly become one of my most favourites. I think it's even better than the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb (omg, you wash your mouth out with soap, girl, for that blasphemy!!!) :D
So wonderful! SO addictive. It has that same wonderful addictive quality I have found throughout ALL of this amazing writer's works.
So wonderful! SO addictive. It has that same wonderful addictive quality I have found throughout ALL of this amazing writer's works.
January 17, 2018
https://leslecturesdegribouille.blogs...
Je n'ai découvert Robin Hobb que l'année dernière, mais j'ai tout de suite été subjuguée par sa plume et son talent de conteuse. Chacun des trois romans que j'ai lu a été un pur bonheur, et si celui-ci n'est pas un coup de cœur, j'ai quand même pris un très grand plaisir à le lire.
Tout commence par la vengeance de Ki, un petit bout de femme qui a perdu son mari et ses deux enfants, massacrés par des Harpies. Dans la mythologie et les légendes populaires, les Harpies sont des créatures à tête de femme et au corps d'oiseau. Mais pas ici. Ici, ce sont des sortes d'aigles géants avec des becs de tortue et des bras maigres terminés par des serres, et ils peuvent être mâles ou femelles. De plus, à la différence des rapaces classiques, ce sont des êtres intelligents, dans le sens de "intelligence humaine", "conscience". Non seulement elles pensent et réfléchissent, mais apparemment, elles ont également des sortes de pouvoirs surnaturels. Elles sont une porte, un lien entre le monde réel et celui des morts.
D'ailleurs, dans le monde de ce roman, certains peuples les vénèrent pour cela, et leur font régulièrement des offrandes de viande fraîche pour avoir le privilège, en échange, de pouvoir discuter avec un membre de leur famille décédé. Sven, le mari de Ki, faisait partie de l'un de ces peuples, mais s'était détourné de cette foi qui lui semblait creuse et morbide. En épousant Ki, il avait renoncé à cultiver ses terres reçues en héritage, quitté son village et sa famille et adopté le mode de vie itinérant de sa femme. Car Ki est une Romni, l'équivalent des tziganes chez nous, en quelque sorte. Ils vivent en roulotte et font du commerce avec les marchants pour subvenir à leurs besoins.
Folle de douleur et rendue inconsciente du danger par la haine, Ki va exercer une vengeance terrible, en mettant le feu à un repaire de Harpies, tuant la mère et 3 futurs bébés encore dans leurs œufs, et blessant grièvement le père. Mais cela n'apaise pas son chagrin, et, refusant de se plier à la coutume romni qui veut qu'une veuve fasse don de toutes les affaires de son mari à la communauté pour pouvoir tourner la page et en finir avec son deuil, elle se condamne ainsi elle-même à la solitude. Mais ce n'est pas une punition pour elle, car de toute façon, elle ne supporte aucune présence et ne désire qu'une chose : qu'on la laisse vivre pleinement son chagrin.
Deux ans passent, et quand nous la retrouvons, elle est sur le point d'entreprendre de franchir un col de montagne mortellement dangereux, en plein hiver, avec sa roulotte et ses deux chevaux, afin de livrer une marchandise plus ou moins douteuse à un riche négociant, de l'autre côté de la montagne en question. C'est alors qu'elle fait la rencontre d'un jeune homme sympathique mais un peu mystérieux, qui lui propose de l'aider à franchir le col car contrairement à elle, il connaît bien la région. Ki n'a pas envie de compagnie et pense pouvoir s'en sortir seule, mais elle accepte néanmoins, sans pouvoir vraiment s'expliquer pourquoi.
Leur voyage sera pénible et rempli de dangers, mais ils se soutiendront mutuellement, et apprendront petit à petit à se connaître. Mais surtout, pendant ce périple, Ki fera également un vrai voyage intérieur, se remémorant tout ce qu'il lui est arrivé ces deux dernières années et en même temps, cheminant et évoluant sur la question de son deuil, de son désir - et de sa capacité - à y mettre fin (ou pas).
Ainsi, le récit au présent est ponctué de fréquents flashs-back, et même de flashs-back à l'intérieur des flashs-back, comme des poupées russes, mais sans que jamais on ne s'y perde ou qu'on ne soit embrouillé. Nombre de ces souvenirs nous ramènent à la période où Ki est venue annoncer sa mort à la famille de son mari et où elle a séjourné assez longuement parmi eux. Séjour qui ne s'est pas très bien passé, d'ailleurs...
Au niveau de leur habitat, le peuple de Sven me fait beaucoup penser aux Vikings, mais ils s'en éloignent par ailleurs sur de nombreux autres points : leur culte aux Harpies, leur mode de vie comme cultivateurs et non navigateurs, leur organisation sociale (on ne sait pas trop s'ils ont un chef, mais je n'en ai pas eu l'impression)...
La fantasy de Robin Hobb n'est pas une fantasy d'action, qui part dans tous les sens et nous fait vivre des sensations fortes à chaque page. A part deux ou trois scènes de bagarre ou de suspense, on est plutôt sur de la lenteur : lenteur du voyage au rythme des chevaux et de la roulotte, lenteur du cheminement intérieur de Ki et de ses introspections, lenteur du développement de l'intrigue et enfin, de l'évolution des relations entre Ki et Vandien...
Mais cela ne m'a pas dérangée car ce que j'aime chez cette auteure, c'est que ses histoires se savourent. Quand je les lis, j'aime prendre mon temps et aller au rythme de la narration. De plus, cette apparente inaction n'était pas synonyme de longueurs ou d'ennui. L'écriture est dense, l'univers simple en apparence mais très riche en réalité, les réflexions personnelles des personnages toujours intéressantes et malgré tout, il se passe tout le temps quelque chose.
Et puis si l'intrigue ne regorge pas de rebondissements et de coups de théâtre, les émotions des personnages, elles, sont souvent très fortes, parfois même violentes, et remplacent les prouesses physiques ou les scènes de bagarre.
Ki est un personnage beaucoup plus complexe qu'on pourrait le penser de prime abord. Très peu causante, elle est toute en émotions intériorisées, ne laissant presque rien transparaître. La perte de son mari et de ses deux enfants l'a brisée, laissée comme une coquille vide de tout, sauf de la haine, seul sentiment qu'elle arrive encore à ressentir, mais avec quelle puissance ! C'est comme si sa vie s'était arrêtée en même temps que la leur ou qu'elle s'interdisait d'y reprendre goût. Même si elle n'est pas follement sympathique, on s'attache malgré tout énormément à elle, parce qu'on connaît sa souffrance, on sait tout ce qu'elle pense et tout ce qu'elle ressent. Vandien essaye de toutes ses forces de la secouer, de lui redonner l'envie de vivre, et on se surprend à espérer qu'il y arrivera.
Lui, c'est un personnage beaucoup plus sympathique que Ki, et on l'apprécie instantanément. Même si l'on sens qu'il cache des choses, on sait aussi d'instinct qu'il n'est pas mauvais. Il est d'une aide précieuse pour Ki, autant au niveau pratique que pour son moral. Pour nous, lecteur, il devient assez vite évident qu'il est la personne dont Ki avait besoin sans même le savoir. Le seul être humain, peut-être, qui était de taille, dans sa chaleureuse simplicité, à la sortir de son apathie morbide. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur relation toute en pudeur, où le caractère bourru de Ki se heurte à la gentillesse et l'humanité de Vandien, la faisant peu à peu, à son insu, revenir du côté des vivants.
Le contexte va également contribuer fortement à les rapprocher : le froid extrême, la neige, les conditions de voyage horriblement difficiles, les dangers, et par-dessus tout, l'étroitesse de la roulotte. Mais ici, le romantisme n'a pas sa place, et c'est aussi cela, la force de ce texte : il n'y a pas de flirt ni de tentative de charme, rien n'est dit explicitement, tout est dans un geste (ou même un geste esquissé mais qu'on se retient de faire), dans un acte de pure générosité, sans arrière-pensée, dans un regard, dans un mot. Ou même juste dans l'atmosphère ambiante. C'est très subtil et tellement fort à la fois !
Ki sauvera la vie de Vandien, mais celui-ci sera également salutaire à Ki de bien des façons, et notamment en lui tenant tête. Ki est une femme qui sait ce qu'elle veut, au point parfois de se montrer obstinée jusqu'à l'imprudence. De même, son sens de l'honneur extrêmement élevé la pousse à accomplir sa mission sans se poser de questions, alors que de nombreux faits et indices démontrent qu'elle devrait. Pour tout cela, Vandien a la force de s'opposer à elle et de lui ouvrir les yeux, l'amenant à se poser les bonnes questions et à réfléchir différemment, à regarder au-delà des apparences.
Quant à la fin de ce tome, je l'ai également beaucoup appréciée, car c'est une vraie fin, c'est-à-dire que l'on pourrait s'arrêter là si on voulait, tout en laissant présager que leurs aventures ne font que commencer. D'ailleurs, je sais que je ne tarderai pas trop à lire la suite.
Conclusion : Un excellent premier tome pour une fantasy dense et riche, qui se savoure, avec des personnages forts et attachants. Assez peu d'action, mais de violentes émotions intérieures pour les personnages, et un univers qui ne dévoile ses subtilités qu'au compte-gouttes. De la très très bonne fantasy, comme toujours avec Robin Hobb.
Je n'ai découvert Robin Hobb que l'année dernière, mais j'ai tout de suite été subjuguée par sa plume et son talent de conteuse. Chacun des trois romans que j'ai lu a été un pur bonheur, et si celui-ci n'est pas un coup de cœur, j'ai quand même pris un très grand plaisir à le lire.
Tout commence par la vengeance de Ki, un petit bout de femme qui a perdu son mari et ses deux enfants, massacrés par des Harpies. Dans la mythologie et les légendes populaires, les Harpies sont des créatures à tête de femme et au corps d'oiseau. Mais pas ici. Ici, ce sont des sortes d'aigles géants avec des becs de tortue et des bras maigres terminés par des serres, et ils peuvent être mâles ou femelles. De plus, à la différence des rapaces classiques, ce sont des êtres intelligents, dans le sens de "intelligence humaine", "conscience". Non seulement elles pensent et réfléchissent, mais apparemment, elles ont également des sortes de pouvoirs surnaturels. Elles sont une porte, un lien entre le monde réel et celui des morts.
D'ailleurs, dans le monde de ce roman, certains peuples les vénèrent pour cela, et leur font régulièrement des offrandes de viande fraîche pour avoir le privilège, en échange, de pouvoir discuter avec un membre de leur famille décédé. Sven, le mari de Ki, faisait partie de l'un de ces peuples, mais s'était détourné de cette foi qui lui semblait creuse et morbide. En épousant Ki, il avait renoncé à cultiver ses terres reçues en héritage, quitté son village et sa famille et adopté le mode de vie itinérant de sa femme. Car Ki est une Romni, l'équivalent des tziganes chez nous, en quelque sorte. Ils vivent en roulotte et font du commerce avec les marchants pour subvenir à leurs besoins.
Folle de douleur et rendue inconsciente du danger par la haine, Ki va exercer une vengeance terrible, en mettant le feu à un repaire de Harpies, tuant la mère et 3 futurs bébés encore dans leurs œufs, et blessant grièvement le père. Mais cela n'apaise pas son chagrin, et, refusant de se plier à la coutume romni qui veut qu'une veuve fasse don de toutes les affaires de son mari à la communauté pour pouvoir tourner la page et en finir avec son deuil, elle se condamne ainsi elle-même à la solitude. Mais ce n'est pas une punition pour elle, car de toute façon, elle ne supporte aucune présence et ne désire qu'une chose : qu'on la laisse vivre pleinement son chagrin.
Deux ans passent, et quand nous la retrouvons, elle est sur le point d'entreprendre de franchir un col de montagne mortellement dangereux, en plein hiver, avec sa roulotte et ses deux chevaux, afin de livrer une marchandise plus ou moins douteuse à un riche négociant, de l'autre côté de la montagne en question. C'est alors qu'elle fait la rencontre d'un jeune homme sympathique mais un peu mystérieux, qui lui propose de l'aider à franchir le col car contrairement à elle, il connaît bien la région. Ki n'a pas envie de compagnie et pense pouvoir s'en sortir seule, mais elle accepte néanmoins, sans pouvoir vraiment s'expliquer pourquoi.
Leur voyage sera pénible et rempli de dangers, mais ils se soutiendront mutuellement, et apprendront petit à petit à se connaître. Mais surtout, pendant ce périple, Ki fera également un vrai voyage intérieur, se remémorant tout ce qu'il lui est arrivé ces deux dernières années et en même temps, cheminant et évoluant sur la question de son deuil, de son désir - et de sa capacité - à y mettre fin (ou pas).
Ainsi, le récit au présent est ponctué de fréquents flashs-back, et même de flashs-back à l'intérieur des flashs-back, comme des poupées russes, mais sans que jamais on ne s'y perde ou qu'on ne soit embrouillé. Nombre de ces souvenirs nous ramènent à la période où Ki est venue annoncer sa mort à la famille de son mari et où elle a séjourné assez longuement parmi eux. Séjour qui ne s'est pas très bien passé, d'ailleurs...
Au niveau de leur habitat, le peuple de Sven me fait beaucoup penser aux Vikings, mais ils s'en éloignent par ailleurs sur de nombreux autres points : leur culte aux Harpies, leur mode de vie comme cultivateurs et non navigateurs, leur organisation sociale (on ne sait pas trop s'ils ont un chef, mais je n'en ai pas eu l'impression)...
La fantasy de Robin Hobb n'est pas une fantasy d'action, qui part dans tous les sens et nous fait vivre des sensations fortes à chaque page. A part deux ou trois scènes de bagarre ou de suspense, on est plutôt sur de la lenteur : lenteur du voyage au rythme des chevaux et de la roulotte, lenteur du cheminement intérieur de Ki et de ses introspections, lenteur du développement de l'intrigue et enfin, de l'évolution des relations entre Ki et Vandien...
Mais cela ne m'a pas dérangée car ce que j'aime chez cette auteure, c'est que ses histoires se savourent. Quand je les lis, j'aime prendre mon temps et aller au rythme de la narration. De plus, cette apparente inaction n'était pas synonyme de longueurs ou d'ennui. L'écriture est dense, l'univers simple en apparence mais très riche en réalité, les réflexions personnelles des personnages toujours intéressantes et malgré tout, il se passe tout le temps quelque chose.
Et puis si l'intrigue ne regorge pas de rebondissements et de coups de théâtre, les émotions des personnages, elles, sont souvent très fortes, parfois même violentes, et remplacent les prouesses physiques ou les scènes de bagarre.
Ki est un personnage beaucoup plus complexe qu'on pourrait le penser de prime abord. Très peu causante, elle est toute en émotions intériorisées, ne laissant presque rien transparaître. La perte de son mari et de ses deux enfants l'a brisée, laissée comme une coquille vide de tout, sauf de la haine, seul sentiment qu'elle arrive encore à ressentir, mais avec quelle puissance ! C'est comme si sa vie s'était arrêtée en même temps que la leur ou qu'elle s'interdisait d'y reprendre goût. Même si elle n'est pas follement sympathique, on s'attache malgré tout énormément à elle, parce qu'on connaît sa souffrance, on sait tout ce qu'elle pense et tout ce qu'elle ressent. Vandien essaye de toutes ses forces de la secouer, de lui redonner l'envie de vivre, et on se surprend à espérer qu'il y arrivera.
Lui, c'est un personnage beaucoup plus sympathique que Ki, et on l'apprécie instantanément. Même si l'on sens qu'il cache des choses, on sait aussi d'instinct qu'il n'est pas mauvais. Il est d'une aide précieuse pour Ki, autant au niveau pratique que pour son moral. Pour nous, lecteur, il devient assez vite évident qu'il est la personne dont Ki avait besoin sans même le savoir. Le seul être humain, peut-être, qui était de taille, dans sa chaleureuse simplicité, à la sortir de son apathie morbide. J'ai beaucoup aimé leur relation toute en pudeur, où le caractère bourru de Ki se heurte à la gentillesse et l'humanité de Vandien, la faisant peu à peu, à son insu, revenir du côté des vivants.
Le contexte va également contribuer fortement à les rapprocher : le froid extrême, la neige, les conditions de voyage horriblement difficiles, les dangers, et par-dessus tout, l'étroitesse de la roulotte. Mais ici, le romantisme n'a pas sa place, et c'est aussi cela, la force de ce texte : il n'y a pas de flirt ni de tentative de charme, rien n'est dit explicitement, tout est dans un geste (ou même un geste esquissé mais qu'on se retient de faire), dans un acte de pure générosité, sans arrière-pensée, dans un regard, dans un mot. Ou même juste dans l'atmosphère ambiante. C'est très subtil et tellement fort à la fois !
Ki sauvera la vie de Vandien, mais celui-ci sera également salutaire à Ki de bien des façons, et notamment en lui tenant tête. Ki est une femme qui sait ce qu'elle veut, au point parfois de se montrer obstinée jusqu'à l'imprudence. De même, son sens de l'honneur extrêmement élevé la pousse à accomplir sa mission sans se poser de questions, alors que de nombreux faits et indices démontrent qu'elle devrait. Pour tout cela, Vandien a la force de s'opposer à elle et de lui ouvrir les yeux, l'amenant à se poser les bonnes questions et à réfléchir différemment, à regarder au-delà des apparences.
Quant à la fin de ce tome, je l'ai également beaucoup appréciée, car c'est une vraie fin, c'est-à-dire que l'on pourrait s'arrêter là si on voulait, tout en laissant présager que leurs aventures ne font que commencer. D'ailleurs, je sais que je ne tarderai pas trop à lire la suite.
Conclusion : Un excellent premier tome pour une fantasy dense et riche, qui se savoure, avec des personnages forts et attachants. Assez peu d'action, mais de violentes émotions intérieures pour les personnages, et un univers qui ne dévoile ses subtilités qu'au compte-gouttes. De la très très bonne fantasy, comme toujours avec Robin Hobb.
February 29, 2016
I would never have picked this up were it not for Book Club as I've always avoided Fantasy.
However, I have to say this wasn't as bad as I feared. Fantasy is often lumped in with Sci-Fi as a genre, but I didn't find this book confusing or annoying as I do with most Science Fiction.
I understood what was going on most of the time (in stark contrast to Sci-Fi) and how the book was trying to portray Ki's new-found grief. Likening Sven's family's devotion to harpies to that of organised religion was something that had to be pointed out to me, but once I clocked on it came through and was an interesting idea.
The plot was quite slow and the book felt more like 500 pages than 300. Sadly, my interest did wane at some points. If you're expecting an action packed romp through a fantasy land then you may be disappointed. If you take the book on what it's trying to say rather than what is actually happening then the experience is more rewarding.
That's not to say the storyline was all bad. I liked being slowly fed the backstory (although I did get a little muddled when it jumped forward and back in time mid-chapter too often). The appearance of Vandien and the possible future with Ki was also intriguing. I enjoyed the writing style here too. There was enough description to build up a picture of the surroundings, but not so much that it dragged on. It was was an easy read in that regard – not too verbose.
I don't think I liked this enough to read on for the rest of the series, but it hasn't put me off trying another Fantasy book one day.
However, I have to say this wasn't as bad as I feared. Fantasy is often lumped in with Sci-Fi as a genre, but I didn't find this book confusing or annoying as I do with most Science Fiction.
I understood what was going on most of the time (in stark contrast to Sci-Fi) and how the book was trying to portray Ki's new-found grief. Likening Sven's family's devotion to harpies to that of organised religion was something that had to be pointed out to me, but once I clocked on it came through and was an interesting idea.
The plot was quite slow and the book felt more like 500 pages than 300. Sadly, my interest did wane at some points. If you're expecting an action packed romp through a fantasy land then you may be disappointed. If you take the book on what it's trying to say rather than what is actually happening then the experience is more rewarding.
That's not to say the storyline was all bad. I liked being slowly fed the backstory (although I did get a little muddled when it jumped forward and back in time mid-chapter too often). The appearance of Vandien and the possible future with Ki was also intriguing. I enjoyed the writing style here too. There was enough description to build up a picture of the surroundings, but not so much that it dragged on. It was was an easy read in that regard – not too verbose.
I don't think I liked this enough to read on for the rest of the series, but it hasn't put me off trying another Fantasy book one day.
November 4, 2018
Like it happened a long time ago with , I was smitten from the first pages by Megan Lindholm's flowing writing, even if her debut work isn't quite as chiseled as her later works, written under the pseudonym Robin Hobb.
Although much of the story is rather slow paced (a thing that might bore some readers), it's a work of great beauty and tragedy, packed with emotions and emanating raw feelings, but also humour and wits.
Strictly about the narrative, I was especially interested to find more about the people and customs from Harper's Ford and those of the Romni’s, and was less interested about fighting with harpies and the struggles with the Sisters, which I guess were the more action packed scenes. So the character oriented nature of the majority of the book was exactly to my taste.
I look forward to find lots more about the other sentient species mentioned and not (yet, I hope) detailed.
Although much of the story is rather slow paced (a thing that might bore some readers), it's a work of great beauty and tragedy, packed with emotions and emanating raw feelings, but also humour and wits.
“And you might have asked. It would have cost you only a small bit of pride. Of that abundance you carry, you can afford to part with a little.”It's a tale of love and revenge, of adventure and grief and new beginings. We get a glimpse of magic and ancient rituals, which unfortunately are not developed enough, but I hope she'll come back to them in the future books.
Strictly about the narrative, I was especially interested to find more about the people and customs from Harper's Ford and those of the Romni’s, and was less interested about fighting with harpies and the struggles with the Sisters, which I guess were the more action packed scenes. So the character oriented nature of the majority of the book was exactly to my taste.
I look forward to find lots more about the other sentient species mentioned and not (yet, I hope) detailed.
“When I was small, I believed that the moon was the mother of us all. She had birthed every race: Human, Harpies, Dene, Tcheria, Alouea, Windsingers, Calouin, and all the others. To each she gave a different gift, and she placed us all on this world. She gave us a law: Live in peace together.”
May 25, 2014
I love world-building, and this is an excellent world. Five sentient races, each of whom is very different from each other, with difficulties in reconciling such and working together.
This book (while it read as a stand-alone, there are apparently others set in the world) focuses on the relationships between the humans and the harpies. Some humans hate them; some worship them. What happens when these collide? The harpies are well-drawn, though- and this might be a spoiler- in the end it looks like they are using their worshippers as dupes.
Ki isn't having any of that, given her experiences. Though- her choices were ambiguous; she clung to memories even when they were hurting her. The plot was well-crafted to show character growth, and her tentative transition between mourning the past and having a future. Other characters also grew and changed.
The plot and pacing were excellent., handled by a series of flips between the current situation and flashbacks- but very well-handled.
I am pleased to see there are more in this series, because this one read like a stand-alone novel; no cliffhangers, and the plot threads were resolved. Still, the world and the writing are fascinating enough that I look forward to reading more.
Triggers: some serious violence, but nothing rapey.
This book (while it read as a stand-alone, there are apparently others set in the world) focuses on the relationships between the humans and the harpies. Some humans hate them; some worship them. What happens when these collide? The harpies are well-drawn, though- and this might be a spoiler- in the end it looks like they are using their worshippers as dupes.
Ki isn't having any of that, given her experiences. Though- her choices were ambiguous; she clung to memories even when they were hurting her. The plot was well-crafted to show character growth, and her tentative transition between mourning the past and having a future. Other characters also grew and changed.
The plot and pacing were excellent., handled by a series of flips between the current situation and flashbacks- but very well-handled.
I am pleased to see there are more in this series, because this one read like a stand-alone novel; no cliffhangers, and the plot threads were resolved. Still, the world and the writing are fascinating enough that I look forward to reading more.
Triggers: some serious violence, but nothing rapey.
August 27, 2010
The first chapter of this book gripped me. I love the creative freedom that Hobb has when she writes as Megan. I read this book before I read anything by her as Hobb and I enjoy both styles of writing although I find that as Hobb she is more restricted and rather depressing at the end of each trilogy.
The fact that Ki isn't a young, doe-eyed thing as so many fantasy protagonists HAVE to be these days to be enjoyable. I feel that Hobb put a lot of her own pain, joy and experiences into this series of books which is why it is so rich with emotion.
There is freedom in this series to explore a world without needing to be a best-selling, Adult Fiction fantasy writer. You may not always know where she is headed with the story (it is rather unconventional) but I found it great to just enjoy the ride.
The fact that Ki isn't a young, doe-eyed thing as so many fantasy protagonists HAVE to be these days to be enjoyable. I feel that Hobb put a lot of her own pain, joy and experiences into this series of books which is why it is so rich with emotion.
There is freedom in this series to explore a world without needing to be a best-selling, Adult Fiction fantasy writer. You may not always know where she is headed with the story (it is rather unconventional) but I found it great to just enjoy the ride.
April 9, 2017
Some would argue that this book by Megan Lindholm is not up to the standard of her work as Robin Hobb, and in some ways I agree. The world is not as fleshed out as it could be, but it still feels complete, with a lot of mystery and magic left to be explored. This is still, however, a gut-wrenching, emotionally charged story with characters that feel real and interesting, and that is what I love about Hobb. The world feels larger than the characters and the events they are involved in. There is action, but the emotional investment in the characters is what makes you give a shit about the result.
My pet peeve when it comes to fantasy writers such as Raymond E Feist is that they are too busy packing action and romance and bad assery into their books to build their characters beyond one dimensional stereotypes. I want to know whose ass it it and why it's farting!
4 stars
My pet peeve when it comes to fantasy writers such as Raymond E Feist is that they are too busy packing action and romance and bad assery into their books to build their characters beyond one dimensional stereotypes. I want to know whose ass it it and why it's farting!
4 stars
July 21, 2016
Although I fiercely love Robin Hobb's books, it took me a long time to try a Megan Lindholm novel. I was surprised to discover that this was her first book, since so many elements of her writing as Robin Hobb seemed strongly present in this book (a visceral phsysicality, emotionally devastating, intense descriptions of cold and privation).
This book only pales in comparison to the Farseer books. It's much better than most fantasy. I also like that it's short and wraps up the main conflict, even though there are sequels.
This book only pales in comparison to the Farseer books. It's much better than most fantasy. I also like that it's short and wraps up the main conflict, even though there are sequels.
August 24, 2024
"Flight of the Harpy". Ki had everything: a loving husband, two beautiful children, and their van, which contained the whole world. Until one morning she did not lag behind her own, and when she caught up, she saw instead of the family bloody scraps - the remains of a harpy feast. The creatures, revered by many in this world for supernatural creatures and were a symbol of faith among the people to whom Ki Sven's husband belonged, tore the travelers to shreds. The delay on the way saved the girl from becoming a part of their lunch. After burying her own, Ki climbed up the rocks to the nest, burned a clutch of eggs, injured the male and killed the female, miraculously surviving
The van is intact, the horses are too, but there is no family, and the only thing that keeps Ki in life is the need to stop by Sven's community on the way, to pay tribute to the memory of his mother and fellow countrymen. There she has to take part in a farewell ceremony, the details of which the young woman does not know, her husband did not share with her about his people. what was connected with death, I did not like this topic. Part of the ritual is sharing a drink, which makes it possible to share memories with others in their entirety, making them participants. As a rule, the best memories of the dead, reliving them. Not knowing the details, the heroine shares with her husband's tribesmen the story of the death of her family and her revenge, forcing not only to experience a cultural shock - their gods are ruthless murderers, but also severing ties with harpies, on whose favor their existence largely depends.
She can't stay, but now she can't leave either, there are complicated property relations, according to which she must be allocated Sven's hereditary share, for which the family has no money, and they can't let Ki go without ransom. It's not easy there, but that's what Hobb's books are good for - this intoxicating versatility. And all this is essentially just a backstory, a series of flashbacks invading the heroine's day - a task for which the employer promised to pay handsomely, you need to transport a bag of precious crystals through the pass, the cargo is so valuable, and its transportation needs to be kept so secret that to distract the eyes, the van was filled with all sorts of marketable goods. And now, in a forced partnership with Vandien, the girl is following her own deadly path.
О несчастных и счастливых, о добре и зле
Робин Хобб, под этим именем Линдхольм более известна. Псевдоним Хобб она возьмет позже, когда примется за эпические фентези-саги "О Видящих", "О живых кораблях", "О Шуте и Убийце", etc. "Заклинательницы ветров" дебютный цикл, который писался в восьмидесятых - это уточнение, чтобы избежать путаницы с именами. Я узнала о писательнице с легкой руки Ирины Епифановой, ведущего редактора Астрели (СПБ), с год назад она рассказала в своем телеграм-канале "Старый пес, канарейка и ужин" об "Ученике убийцы" и следующую неделю я читала всю трилогию, уже зная, что когда-нибудь непременно продолжу знакомство с книгами Хобб.
Два романа сборника объединены сквозными персонажами: возчица Ки, которая доставляет на своем фургоне грузы в отдаленные точки, и прибившийся к ней при драматичных обстоятельствах Вандиен: не самых строгих моральных правил парень, он же - лишенный прав узурпатором-дядей, наследник знатного рода. Первый роман "Полет гарпии". У Ки было все: любящий муж, двое прекрасных детей, их фургон, вмещавший целый мир. Пока одним утром она не отстала от своих, а нагнав, увидела вместо семьи кровавые ошметки - остатки пиршества гарпий. Твари, почитаемые многими в этом мире за сверхъестественных созданий и бывшие символом веры у народа, к которому принадлежал муж Ки Свен, разорвали путников в клочья. От того, чтобы сделаться частью их обеда девушку спасла задержка в пути. Похоронив своих, Ки взобралась по скалам к гнезду, сожгла кладку яиц, ранила самца и убила самку, чудом оставшись в живых
Фургон цел, лошади тоже, а семьи нет и единственное, что держит Ки в жизни - необходимость заехать по пути в общину Свена, отдать долг памяти его матери и землякам. Там ей приходится принять участие в обряде прощания, подробностей которого молодая женщина не знает, муж не делился с ней тем о своем народе. что связано было со смертью, не любил этой темы. Часть ритуала - совместное принятие некоего напитка, который дает возможность делиться с другими воспоминаниями во всей полноте, делая их участниками. Как правило - лучшими воспоминаниями об умерших, переживая их заново. Не знавшая подробностей, героиня делится с соплеменниками мужа историей гибели семьи и своей мести, заставляя не только пережить культурный шок - их боги безжалостные убийцы, но также разрывая связь с гарпиями, от благорасположения которых во-многом зависит их существование.
Она не может остаться, но и уйти теперь не может, там сложные отношения собственности, согласно которым ей должны выделить наследственную долю Свена, на выкуп которой у семьи нет денег, а отпустить Ки без выкупа они не могут. Там все непросто, но книги Хобб тем и хороши - этой упоительной многогранностью. И все это по сути лишь предыстория, серией флэшбэков вторгающаяся в день сегодняшний героини - задание, за которое наниматель обещал щедро заплатить, нужно переправить мешочек с драгоценными кристаллами через перевал, груз столь ценен, а перевозку его нужно держать в таком секрете, что для отвода глаз фургон набили всяким ходовым товаром. И вот теперь, в вынужденном партнерстве с Вандиеном, девушка следует своим смертельно опасным путем.
The van is intact, the horses are too, but there is no family, and the only thing that keeps Ki in life is the need to stop by Sven's community on the way, to pay tribute to the memory of his mother and fellow countrymen. There she has to take part in a farewell ceremony, the details of which the young woman does not know, her husband did not share with her about his people. what was connected with death, I did not like this topic. Part of the ritual is sharing a drink, which makes it possible to share memories with others in their entirety, making them participants. As a rule, the best memories of the dead, reliving them. Not knowing the details, the heroine shares with her husband's tribesmen the story of the death of her family and her revenge, forcing not only to experience a cultural shock - their gods are ruthless murderers, but also severing ties with harpies, on whose favor their existence largely depends.
She can't stay, but now she can't leave either, there are complicated property relations, according to which she must be allocated Sven's hereditary share, for which the family has no money, and they can't let Ki go without ransom. It's not easy there, but that's what Hobb's books are good for - this intoxicating versatility. And all this is essentially just a backstory, a series of flashbacks invading the heroine's day - a task for which the employer promised to pay handsomely, you need to transport a bag of precious crystals through the pass, the cargo is so valuable, and its transportation needs to be kept so secret that to distract the eyes, the van was filled with all sorts of marketable goods. And now, in a forced partnership with Vandien, the girl is following her own deadly path.
О несчастных и счастливых, о добре и зле
Робин Хобб, под этим именем Линдхольм более известна. Псевдоним Хобб она возьмет позже, когда примется за эпические фентези-саги "О Видящих", "О живых кораблях", "О Шуте и Убийце", etc. "Заклинательницы ветров" дебютный цикл, который писался в восьмидесятых - это уточнение, чтобы избежать путаницы с именами. Я узнала о писательнице с легкой руки Ирины Епифановой, ведущего редактора Астрели (СПБ), с год назад она рассказала в своем телеграм-канале "Старый пес, канарейка и ужин" об "Ученике убийцы" и следующую неделю я читала всю трилогию, уже зная, что когда-нибудь непременно продолжу знакомство с книгами Хобб.
Два романа сборника объединены сквозными персонажами: возчица Ки, которая доставляет на своем фургоне грузы в отдаленные точки, и прибившийся к ней при драматичных обстоятельствах Вандиен: не самых строгих моральных правил парень, он же - лишенный прав узурпатором-дядей, наследник знатного рода. Первый роман "Полет гарпии". У Ки было все: любящий муж, двое прекрасных детей, их фургон, вмещавший целый мир. Пока одним утром она не отстала от своих, а нагнав, увидела вместо семьи кровавые ошметки - остатки пиршества гарпий. Твари, почитаемые многими в этом мире за сверхъестественных созданий и бывшие символом веры у народа, к которому принадлежал муж Ки Свен, разорвали путников в клочья. От того, чтобы сделаться частью их обеда девушку спасла задержка в пути. Похоронив своих, Ки взобралась по скалам к гнезду, сожгла кладку яиц, ранила самца и убила самку, чудом оставшись в живых
Фургон цел, лошади тоже, а семьи нет и единственное, что держит Ки в жизни - необходимость заехать по пути в общину Свена, отдать долг памяти его матери и землякам. Там ей приходится принять участие в обряде прощания, подробностей которого молодая женщина не знает, муж не делился с ней тем о своем народе. что связано было со смертью, не любил этой темы. Часть ритуала - совместное принятие некоего напитка, который дает возможность делиться с другими воспоминаниями во всей полноте, делая их участниками. Как правило - лучшими воспоминаниями об умерших, переживая их заново. Не знавшая подробностей, героиня делится с соплеменниками мужа историей гибели семьи и своей мести, заставляя не только пережить культурный шок - их боги безжалостные убийцы, но также разрывая связь с гарпиями, от благорасположения которых во-многом зависит их существование.
Она не может остаться, но и уйти теперь не может, там сложные отношения собственности, согласно которым ей должны выделить наследственную долю Свена, на выкуп которой у семьи нет денег, а отпустить Ки без выкупа они не могут. Там все непросто, но книги Хобб тем и хороши - этой упоительной многогранностью. И все это по сути лишь предыстория, серией флэшбэков вторгающаяся в день сегодняшний героини - задание, за которое наниматель обещал щедро заплатить, нужно переправить мешочек с драгоценными кристаллами через перевал, груз столь ценен, а перевозку его нужно держать в таком секрете, что для отвода глаз фургон набили всяким ходовым товаром. И вот теперь, в вынужденном партнерстве с Вандиеном, девушка следует своим смертельно опасным путем.
April 4, 2014
I truly enjoyed this. The characters believable and the plot well-drawn. I started reading some Megan Lindholm (a.k.a.) Robin Hobb's short stories in a couple of anthologies and really enjoyed them. They led me to this book, and I'm glad the author has many titles to her name. Wonderful fantasy!
March 25, 2016
Am having a bit of a Robin Hobb withdrawal, having now caught up with her newest series. So decided to try some of her books under the Megan Lindholm pseudonym. I liked this first entry into the Windsinger series and have already reserved the next book. The world-building is top-notch, and the characters and plot are involving.
August 18, 2016
Dit is het eerste deel in een reeks met in de hoofdrollen Ki en Vandien. Een groot deel van dit eerste boek gaat over Ki's verleden. En dan ontmoet ze Vandien, en samen maken ze een tocht door een gevaarlijk gebied.
Ik vond het goed geschreven en heb ervan genoten. Ik ga zeker ook de volgende delen lezen.
Ik vond het goed geschreven en heb ervan genoten. Ik ga zeker ook de volgende delen lezen.
September 17, 2015
Re-read this novel a few years ago and still loved it. The beginning, where Ki is climbing up the cliff to exact vengeance on the harpies who murdered her family is absolutely stunning and gut wrenchingly emotional.
March 12, 2017
Not bad at all, the only other books from Robin Hobb/Megan Lindholm that I actually like... The Ship and Shaman series failed to drag me in but bot this one.
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