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The Swordswoman #1
The Swordswoman
The Norse thought they could conquer Scotland. They were wrong. Melcorka is an ordinary young woman from the Isles. But when her homeland of Alba is attacked by the Viking horde, Melcorka abandons her life of luxury and chooses the path of a warrior. With a ragtag band of companions, she heads south to unite the clans and free the land from the Norsemen's scourge - and claim her destiny.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2016
405 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Archibald
130 books71 followersMy primary interest is historical, either fiction or non fiction, but I can enjoy most anything from Jane Austin to Kipling to J K Rowling. I have been very quiet on this site, but I think I might be a bit more active now.
I also enjoy the stimulation of meeting people and finding out about them.
I also enjoy the stimulation of meeting people and finding out about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 23, 2017
Be taken to Schotland when the Picts still ruled over the high nord of now Great Britain. Alba the land is called. A young woman grows up in a little village on an island. When she finds a naked man it puts in motion a series van events that can not be stopped. They have to get the news to the King. The Norse are coming. Melorka is unaware of what here mother realy is and that she wieles a great sword. The sword of Arthur. The Romans are gone and again the Norse invate the lands.
Great story of a young girl becoming a great worrior with Defender in her hands. Read for yourself witch sword it is, who made it and what it does for Malorka and Alba. Loved every word of it.
Great story of a young girl becoming a great worrior with Defender in her hands. Read for yourself witch sword it is, who made it and what it does for Malorka and Alba. Loved every word of it.
April 6, 2018
Pretty mediocre writing, there were spelling and grammatical errors. Pretty sure some of the historical context is wrong. There are also issues with spatial context, if you are watching a major battle happen from far away on the top of a hill, you can NOT hear what individual people are saying, nor see an individual well enough to be able to describe them in detail.
The author also visits old cliches, such as 'we can't tell you anything because you're too young'... this girl is 20 years old (old enough in that period to have a family) and just found out that everyone in her life has been lying to her.... The girl also fulfils the cliche of the reckless youth who wants go out and fight and become a hero. In this case however the girl wants to fight an army of 3000 with only 20 people, that's not headstrong or reckless or naive, it is just plain stupid.
I'm going to try and finish it, so fingers crossed the writing gets better, it's a shame as the story could be quite interesting if done right.
The author also visits old cliches, such as 'we can't tell you anything because you're too young'... this girl is 20 years old (old enough in that period to have a family) and just found out that everyone in her life has been lying to her.... The girl also fulfils the cliche of the reckless youth who wants go out and fight and become a hero. In this case however the girl wants to fight an army of 3000 with only 20 people, that's not headstrong or reckless or naive, it is just plain stupid.
I'm going to try and finish it, so fingers crossed the writing gets better, it's a shame as the story could be quite interesting if done right.
August 15, 2018
I like a good fantasy. I am perfectly willing to suspend my disbelief for a good yarn. I am less willing to suspend my expectations for good writing and good editing. I got as far as Chapter 4, and the spelling of one of the chief supporting characters's name had still not settled down. And the lapses in logic and continuity were apallingly frequent. For example, in one paragraph, Bearnas/Berneas is standing proudly in the prow of a birlinn big enough to hold two dozen rowers. In the next paragraph, her knuckles are white on the steering oar, and in the next paragraph, Oengus is holding the vessel offshore, presumably with the steering oar. The gaffes just became too much and I abandoned the attempt to read the book.
June 1, 2017
This was a very enjoyable book. Melcorka is an island girl with an unknown destiny, her mother presents her with a magical sword. Nothing is ever the again, join Melcorka as she strikes out against the invading Norse. When Scotland was known as Alba, Melcorka United the clans along the Picts.
Don't miss this historical fantasy.
Don't miss this historical fantasy.
September 3, 2019
A superb tale. Yes, it is fantasy as Melcorka, a simple island girl suddenly has a task. She climbs a dangerous trail and her choice is a life of opulent ease or a rusty sword that is her destiny. She reaches the rusty sword that transforms into a sword of power. Her mother warns her though, the sword must never be worn for evil or revenge. It must be used to protect the innocent and fight off the evil that will afflict the land. The evil however is not that of the magical kind, but the evil of the Norsemen breaking the treaty and attacking. The islanders try to reach their king and help defend the land. The Norse overrun the peaceful kingdom and all are slain except Melcorka. She see her friends and her mother slain while she is able to fight off all who attack her. She follows her special bird as she has been directed and she will reach safety. There she meets Bradan, the Walking Man. He cannot even tell her where he is from, but he and his “stick” have always walked. He will guide her through mountains, moors, heather, and try to keep her from the People of Peace, in other words, the Fairy Folk. There she finds that the twin to the slain King still lives and she is to approach the Picts to help defend and defeat the Norse. This is a smashing good tale. The author gives you more than fantasy. The description of the Norse, their weapons, and tactics is flawless. The same can be said of his description of the Picts and the various clans of Scotland. They all have their differences but will unite to defeat the Norse in battle if they can. Twice Melcorka is separated from her sword named the Defender, and the last time if may be the death of her. I humbly suggest you read this magnificent tale of another era.
April 2, 2017
Melcorka thinks she is just a simple island girl with no father. Then the Norse invade Alba, and Melcorka loses everything she thought she had--and gains much more.
"The Swordswoman" takes part in the popular genre of semi-historical fantasy novels. Melcorka lives in what is recognizably medieval Scotland, but magic swords exist (Melcorka finds one) and the Sidhe come out from their fairy mounds to interact with ordinary mortals. Readers who are at least vaguely familiar (that's about the best I myself can claim) with Scottish history and geography will be able to recognize certain events and places, but the book is not so much about faithful representation of historical reality as it is about giving a loosely historical atmosphere of Scottish mythology. So if you're a stickler for historical or cultural accuracy, you're likely to be disappointed, but if you enjoy quick-moving tales of magic, battle, and adventure, then it's likely you'll find a lot to like in "The Swordswoman." I frankly confess that this kind of book is much less literary than what I normally read, but I found Melcorka's adventures and love-troubles quite readable as some fun, escapist fantasy set in one of my favorite countries. Reading "The Swordswoman" brought me back to my adolescence and my searches then for fantasy books about girls who were not just love interests. We're fortunate that fantasy is currently seeing an explosion of female characters, and "The Swordswoman" is a nice addition to that trend. A fun, quick read for me now, and I could certainly see my teenage self enjoying it quite a lot.
"The Swordswoman" takes part in the popular genre of semi-historical fantasy novels. Melcorka lives in what is recognizably medieval Scotland, but magic swords exist (Melcorka finds one) and the Sidhe come out from their fairy mounds to interact with ordinary mortals. Readers who are at least vaguely familiar (that's about the best I myself can claim) with Scottish history and geography will be able to recognize certain events and places, but the book is not so much about faithful representation of historical reality as it is about giving a loosely historical atmosphere of Scottish mythology. So if you're a stickler for historical or cultural accuracy, you're likely to be disappointed, but if you enjoy quick-moving tales of magic, battle, and adventure, then it's likely you'll find a lot to like in "The Swordswoman." I frankly confess that this kind of book is much less literary than what I normally read, but I found Melcorka's adventures and love-troubles quite readable as some fun, escapist fantasy set in one of my favorite countries. Reading "The Swordswoman" brought me back to my adolescence and my searches then for fantasy books about girls who were not just love interests. We're fortunate that fantasy is currently seeing an explosion of female characters, and "The Swordswoman" is a nice addition to that trend. A fun, quick read for me now, and I could certainly see my teenage self enjoying it quite a lot.
August 24, 2018
This fantasy is set in my favorite place to read about: Scotland. The story takes place roughly around 800 A. D. during the times of troubles with Vikings raiding the British Isles. The main groups are the invading Vikings, The Albans (mainland Scots), Scots Islanders (The Hebrides Isles), and the Picts.
This is an adventure story full of action and bloody war violence (my kind of read), and centers around Melcorka, a young woman from a small island off of Alba (Scotland), who has a big destiny and wins a very special sword.
On a personal note, my beloved Clan Gregor makes a favorable appearance and offers their aid more than once through the book. The MacGregors have too often received an unfair shake in their history, largely for the act of soundly defeating a larger force of Colquhouns in battle where they were set upon by their enemies. Anyway, thank you, Malcolm.
I have only two things from this book I would mention that I might complain about. First, a better proof-reader would do the writing a lot of good; the proof-reader used for this book was either lazy or just not paying attention. Second, although this is fiction, it should be noted that Clan Gregor was outlawed from the Glen Fruin battle, that incident did not happen for several hundred years after the time that this story might have taken place. Just saying.
I enjoyed reading this book and plan on reading the sequel.
This is an adventure story full of action and bloody war violence (my kind of read), and centers around Melcorka, a young woman from a small island off of Alba (Scotland), who has a big destiny and wins a very special sword.
On a personal note, my beloved Clan Gregor makes a favorable appearance and offers their aid more than once through the book. The MacGregors have too often received an unfair shake in their history, largely for the act of soundly defeating a larger force of Colquhouns in battle where they were set upon by their enemies. Anyway, thank you, Malcolm.
I have only two things from this book I would mention that I might complain about. First, a better proof-reader would do the writing a lot of good; the proof-reader used for this book was either lazy or just not paying attention. Second, although this is fiction, it should be noted that Clan Gregor was outlawed from the Glen Fruin battle, that incident did not happen for several hundred years after the time that this story might have taken place. Just saying.
I enjoyed reading this book and plan on reading the sequel.
September 29, 2018
I couldn't finish, didn't get half way. 20 year old Melcorka is treated like she is 10 and she acts like it to. Then she gets a special sword and suddenly she's ready to take on a thousand Norseman. The book got worse as I forced myself to read on. Repitition and no flow. I love fantasy and medieval time frame. Just couldn't get through this one.
August 23, 2018
Very enjoyable
Really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting in parts (I love history) but what I loved most was the strong females in it. It always used to annoy me that females were portrayed as weak & screaming a lot. Thank goodness for characters like Melcorka!
Really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting in parts (I love history) but what I loved most was the strong females in it. It always used to annoy me that females were portrayed as weak & screaming a lot. Thank goodness for characters like Melcorka!
July 1, 2022
Stopped at 39%
The book seems out of balance for me. The scenes with the attacking Norseman are full of (possibly historic) graphic details about maneuvers, wounds, and weaponry, but the scenes with the fictional protagonist lack believability. Is she twenty or a young teenager? Despite her sheltered upbringing, she seems ready to take on the enemy and rally the survivors. But she has just witnessed a terrible slaughter, and yet she thinks she can do something to save the day? There needs to be some (more) introspection regarding her innocent self versus the experience granted by the sword.
Also, the secondary characters lack physical details beyond initial appearances, especially faces and facial expressions. Often it feels like reading a radio script instead of a three-dimensional experience. The characters have personalities, but they are difficult to visualize. However, the setting details are lovely and immersive.
Plot concerns—how many people lived on the island with the protagonist? Did they all go adventuring? How did Granny get her name? Are there grandkids around? How is it that the protagonist is the only one her age? Why wouldn’t the Norsemen in the boat fill her full of arrows (like her other clan members that floated by) or snag her as a slave?
There are too many (unfamiliar) “B” names at the start of this story.
I wanted to like this story, but I am frustrated because the protagonist has too quickly morphed from a curious young woman into a bloodthirsty hothead.
The book seems out of balance for me. The scenes with the attacking Norseman are full of (possibly historic) graphic details about maneuvers, wounds, and weaponry, but the scenes with the fictional protagonist lack believability. Is she twenty or a young teenager? Despite her sheltered upbringing, she seems ready to take on the enemy and rally the survivors. But she has just witnessed a terrible slaughter, and yet she thinks she can do something to save the day? There needs to be some (more) introspection regarding her innocent self versus the experience granted by the sword.
Also, the secondary characters lack physical details beyond initial appearances, especially faces and facial expressions. Often it feels like reading a radio script instead of a three-dimensional experience. The characters have personalities, but they are difficult to visualize. However, the setting details are lovely and immersive.
Plot concerns—how many people lived on the island with the protagonist? Did they all go adventuring? How did Granny get her name? Are there grandkids around? How is it that the protagonist is the only one her age? Why wouldn’t the Norsemen in the boat fill her full of arrows (like her other clan members that floated by) or snag her as a slave?
There are too many (unfamiliar) “B” names at the start of this story.
I wanted to like this story, but I am frustrated because the protagonist has too quickly morphed from a curious young woman into a bloodthirsty hothead.
April 5, 2023
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/swordswoman...
It’s not quite historical, not quite fantasy: or, rather, this has elements of both. Events occur in real places: fun fact, up until he retired, my father worked in Burghead, the modern site of Pictish capital Am Broch in the book – I grew up less than 20 miles away. I kept found myself going to Wikipedia to look up particular locations, as Melcorka and her allies moved through the country. But there are some elements which are mystical, such Melcorka venturing into Elfhame, the realm of Faery. At least in this volume, those are limited, and the rest feels grounded.
Melcorka realizes there’s a gulf between battle as described in the sagas and heroic songs, and the real thing. It’s part of her development as a heroine, which may be this book’s strongest suit. She starts as an innocent, almost naive young woman, takes her lumps and comes out the other side, wiser if not necessarily happier for it. Credit is also due to Archibald for telling a complete, satisfying story without the need for a gratuitous cliff-hanger.
It’s not quite historical, not quite fantasy: or, rather, this has elements of both. Events occur in real places: fun fact, up until he retired, my father worked in Burghead, the modern site of Pictish capital Am Broch in the book – I grew up less than 20 miles away. I kept found myself going to Wikipedia to look up particular locations, as Melcorka and her allies moved through the country. But there are some elements which are mystical, such Melcorka venturing into Elfhame, the realm of Faery. At least in this volume, those are limited, and the rest feels grounded.
Melcorka realizes there’s a gulf between battle as described in the sagas and heroic songs, and the real thing. It’s part of her development as a heroine, which may be this book’s strongest suit. She starts as an innocent, almost naive young woman, takes her lumps and comes out the other side, wiser if not necessarily happier for it. Credit is also due to Archibald for telling a complete, satisfying story without the need for a gratuitous cliff-hanger.
May 28, 2020
Magic and the sturdy Scots character combine to make this an unforgettable read, especially if your heritage is Scottish.
Melcorka is an engaging and heroic heroine of Scotland. There's much to learn about history and legend of Scotland and its isles. Donald of the Isles, my much despised ancestor, was surprising. The fairies were lightly done and no fear in this book of larger than life personalities but with human frailties to make the entire story believable. The characterizations are human, sometimes scary and evil, but mainly warm and legendary - I read far into the night to reach its satisfying conclusion.!
Treachery, intrigue, and a surprising twist at the end when a minor and somewhat unpleasant woman saves the day! Eagles, ravens, and the magical and ubiquitous oystercatcher bird of omen and protection for the island girl torn from her roots to a heroic and unasked for but inevitable destiny.
Can hardly wait to read the next in this series of Melcorka, the Swordswoman.
Melcorka is an engaging and heroic heroine of Scotland. There's much to learn about history and legend of Scotland and its isles. Donald of the Isles, my much despised ancestor, was surprising. The fairies were lightly done and no fear in this book of larger than life personalities but with human frailties to make the entire story believable. The characterizations are human, sometimes scary and evil, but mainly warm and legendary - I read far into the night to reach its satisfying conclusion.!
Treachery, intrigue, and a surprising twist at the end when a minor and somewhat unpleasant woman saves the day! Eagles, ravens, and the magical and ubiquitous oystercatcher bird of omen and protection for the island girl torn from her roots to a heroic and unasked for but inevitable destiny.
Can hardly wait to read the next in this series of Melcorka, the Swordswoman.
June 26, 2022
Melcorka finds a naked man on the island shore and throws her life into turmoil, there must be a moral there something like let sleeping dogs lie. She is taken to the mainland after a quest to decide if she is worthy which resulted in her finding the sword which seems to be the one all heroes throughout history have used in their quests against their enemies (Excalibur springs to mind) and she unites the clans and their leaders against the Norse foe and avoids marrying the Pict Aharn to go off with her spirit guide Bradan. Inspiring fantasy writing with fairies and tests to try the heroine along with her conquests and amorous disappointment Douglas. She doesn't get to avenge her mother's death but she did kill Baetan, Alba gu brath !
December 23, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book! Quick Fantasy and awesome Read Set in One of My Favorite Country Scotland!
December 31, 2017
Engrossing
From start to finish this book held my attention. The characters are believable and the storyline well-paced. I found myself sneaking away to read "just a few more pages" and was quite sad to finish. I only wish I knew the correct pronunciation for some of the unfamiliar names and terms!
From start to finish this book held my attention. The characters are believable and the storyline well-paced. I found myself sneaking away to read "just a few more pages" and was quite sad to finish. I only wish I knew the correct pronunciation for some of the unfamiliar names and terms!
September 27, 2018
Bloody Scots war
A young woman, a magic sword said to have once belonged to Arthur, and a ragtag man with a stick. Of such are legends made.
The story is heroic, the words are many and the chapters don’t fit well together. It’s as if a long tale were cut apart and stitched together like a crazy quilt. It works but it could have been better. Numerous editing errors.
A young woman, a magic sword said to have once belonged to Arthur, and a ragtag man with a stick. Of such are legends made.
The story is heroic, the words are many and the chapters don’t fit well together. It’s as if a long tale were cut apart and stitched together like a crazy quilt. It works but it could have been better. Numerous editing errors.
October 20, 2018
One woman, one sword, and a destiny to be discovered.
A well crafted story. The author brought Melcorka from a nearly uninhabited island to the forefront of nations clashing for their very survival. He successfully wove in several themes and brought them all to satisfying conclusion.
A well crafted story. The author brought Melcorka from a nearly uninhabited island to the forefront of nations clashing for their very survival. He successfully wove in several themes and brought them all to satisfying conclusion.
March 18, 2023
I enjoyed this S&S fantasy. Melcorka is ignorant about her personal history, but an invasion by the Norsemen changes her life dramatically. Her mother dies before she can explain to Melcorka who she is. By then it is too late, Melcorka has chosen her destiny. She becomes one of the leaders of the Scottish defenders.
September 25, 2023
Swords Woman...
What a refreshing change from the usual damsel in distress books. This was an empowering tome that should be read by each and every girl, and woman out there. Great battle scenes, dialogue, and scenery descriptions. I found myself lost in time and was just having a bird's eye view of what was going on the entire story. Loved it!
What a refreshing change from the usual damsel in distress books. This was an empowering tome that should be read by each and every girl, and woman out there. Great battle scenes, dialogue, and scenery descriptions. I found myself lost in time and was just having a bird's eye view of what was going on the entire story. Loved it!
March 6, 2024
Melcorka is an ordinary young woman from the Isles. But when her homeland of Alba is attacked by the Viking horde, Melcorka abandons her life of luxury and chooses the path of a warrior.
With a ragtag band of companions, she heads south to unite the clans and free the land from the Norsemen's scourge - and claim her destiny.
This was an enjoyable quick read.
With a ragtag band of companions, she heads south to unite the clans and free the land from the Norsemen's scourge - and claim her destiny.
This was an enjoyable quick read.
July 18, 2024
Strong, fierce warriot woman
I enjoyed this book for what it was, a tale of early England and fights against Norse raiders. Not a historical story, don't be trying to relate it to history as we know it. But it was fun escapism. Also a strong female character that drove the story to a fun conclusion.
I enjoyed this book for what it was, a tale of early England and fights against Norse raiders. Not a historical story, don't be trying to relate it to history as we know it. But it was fun escapism. Also a strong female character that drove the story to a fun conclusion.
September 17, 2017
Sparse
Could be good for a younger reader. The pace is fast and not terribly descriptive. For example: after the death of an important character, she simply goes on. Later she takes a moment to cry.....
Could be good for a younger reader. The pace is fast and not terribly descriptive. For example: after the death of an important character, she simply goes on. Later she takes a moment to cry.....
September 30, 2018
Impossible to put down
Malcolm Archibald took me on a wild ride in "The Swordswoman". Amazing characters to love and to hate in a world crafted so well that I was present to rejoice and despair with relish.
Malcolm Archibald took me on a wild ride in "The Swordswoman". Amazing characters to love and to hate in a world crafted so well that I was present to rejoice and despair with relish.
May 30, 2020
This book is an enjoyable romp through a fantasy world resembling Scotland during the time of the Viking invasions. The heroine matures quickly as life-changing events are thrust upon her. Her nation needs her and her magical sword, which she must learn to use wisely.
June 28, 2022
This is a wonderfully written exciting tale based on European lore. Weaving magic throughout, the development of the main characters captivate the imagination. The brutal reality of war is explicit. I cannot wait to continue the travels through Scotland and the British Isles.
June 16, 2017
An excellent read. Archibald does an admirable job of weaving historical fantasy in a believable tale. a maiden set as her goal the protection and cohesion of Scotland as it faces a Norse invasion.
November 6, 2017
Awesome
What a great story about something that might have been. I was caught up from the beginning and didn’t put it down till it was finished. Now on to the next adventure.
What a great story about something that might have been. I was caught up from the beginning and didn’t put it down till it was finished. Now on to the next adventure.
December 28, 2017
The Swordswoman
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
August 20, 2018
Good story, keeps you on the edge. Plan to stay up to finish this book.
September 19, 2020
History in power!
If you like a book with all the secret history of the isles then this is your book. So many twists and turns, you will love the journey,!
If you like a book with all the secret history of the isles then this is your book. So many twists and turns, you will love the journey,!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews