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When Women Were Warriors #1
The Warrior's Path
In Book I of the trilogy, Tamras, our hero, arrives in Merin’s house to begin her apprenticeship as a warrior, but her small stature causes many, including Tamras herself, to doubt that she will ever become a competent swordswoman. To make matters worse, the Lady Merin assigns her the position of companion, little more than a personal servant, to a woman who came to Merin’s house, seemingly out of nowhere, the previous winter, and this stranger wants nothing to do with Tamras.
Tamras’s journey begins with the smallest of steps. She sets aside her disappointment and performs as well as she can the humble tasks given her, and eventually she succeeds in winning the trust and then the friendship of the cantankerous warrior to whom she has been assigned.
In the first year of her journey, Tamras will make a series of choices that often seem insignificant, but they will flow from her character and from her good intentions, and they will determine her destiny.
Tamras’s journey begins with the smallest of steps. She sets aside her disappointment and performs as well as she can the humble tasks given her, and eventually she succeeds in winning the trust and then the friendship of the cantankerous warrior to whom she has been assigned.
In the first year of her journey, Tamras will make a series of choices that often seem insignificant, but they will flow from her character and from her good intentions, and they will determine her destiny.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2008
1116 people are currently reading
14498 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
October 26, 2013
I read this book mostly in challenge of negative reviews I saw on Amazon. Clearly, those people are not from cultures with oral traditions, because Wilson's prose is beautiful and captures those traditions wonderfully. If you have problems with women exploring their sexuality together, you are not mature enough for this trilogy. That's not the point of the story. The point is that women can be all sorts of warriors: some with swords, some with children, and some with both. Weapons are both tangible [swords, bows, etc.] and intangible [Maara says that the greatest weapon of all is truth in Book II].
It's about a girl who is small in stature, but large of heart. It's about a girl who challenges the world around her. I feel like all women need to read it, but don't stop there! Challenge the men in your life to read a book about women. We've had to read countless books with male heroes, so why can't they read books about female heroes?
It's about a girl who is small in stature, but large of heart. It's about a girl who challenges the world around her. I feel like all women need to read it, but don't stop there! Challenge the men in your life to read a book about women. We've had to read countless books with male heroes, so why can't they read books about female heroes?
June 7, 2013
I was expecting epic battles and stories of fierce female warrior legends, but this has none of that. I guess I have just grown used to that formula from other conventional sci fi books. This story is refreshingly calmer with only semi-dramatic events. It is a nice break from the lone prophecized hero destined to save the world from ultimate evil. This is more of how life once might have been in a matriarchial society and the timeless lessons we have forgotten in today's mans world. I am captivated with CW's portrayal of the old world celtic culture, her imagery of their customs and divinity. She paints such a picturesque story of these warrior women and their camraderies. Its a such a simple way of life with so many depths of love and devotion. I also love how she weaved in folklore storytelling into the book. I have always been enthralled with storytelling from elders of all walks of life and even now it still gives me a sense of home. This was a lovely read for me.
I do also want to alert readers that this may not be your cup of tea if you are not one of an open mind or open heart. It has a few same sex scenes which is not for the prude of heart. Also, if you are more of a 2 dimensional person rather than a multifaceted person, you will not grasp the true brilliance of this story or its allegories. This has no teen angst Twilight junk.
I do also want to alert readers that this may not be your cup of tea if you are not one of an open mind or open heart. It has a few same sex scenes which is not for the prude of heart. Also, if you are more of a 2 dimensional person rather than a multifaceted person, you will not grasp the true brilliance of this story or its allegories. This has no teen angst Twilight junk.
April 10, 2016
I would consider putting this in the top 10 of my favorite f/f books I've read. Don't hesitate to read this one!
March 19, 2022
This is one of my all-time favorite books ever since I first read it in 2015, and now 7 years later I feel I have grown and changed so much, I thought it was time to do a proper re-read. Not to see if I still love it—there was never a doubt—, but because I thought I could appreciate it all the much more now, in all its brilliance, and I was right about that. The first time I read I was looking for lesbian romance, and even though I liked everything else a lot, I know I didn't give it as much attention, in my impatience to eat up the slow burn and see Tamras and Maara together. I have grown out of that a little, I think—at the wise old age of 25, grown more appreciative of general literary fiction as much as romance, of secondary plots and characters and worldbuilding. All of which this book absolutely nails, and I'm happy to share that it has not only once again warmed my heart, but perhaps this time more than ever before.
(source)
Tamras and Maara are two of the most unique characters I've ever read and their dynamic is endlessly interesting, each dialogue special in its own, every small detail building the picture of a love like no other.
Tamras is my precious baby; she's very small and has a heart so big I don't know how it fits in her chest. She's innocent and expects the best of everyone until they give her any reason not to. She feels a lot and cries a lot and gets easily overwhelmed by anger or hurt, and has a lot to learn. She listens, and she cares so much, and she's brave and speaks her mind and stands her ground. She takes care of others around her and asks for help and gets lonely and asks every question that pops into her mind and can talk something out for hours until it is clear to her. It is only right that she is the first person Maara opens her heart too.
Maara is the opposite in many ways: tall and strong and probably the most skilled warrior in the house in terms of raw fighting and survival skills. She is also a "stranger" amongst them and has been alone most of her life, almost entirely unaware of where (and who) she's from. But she's also dark-skinned and although the society portrayed here is nothing like our modern one, there is a lot of clear racism in how she's treated by the rest of the house. Add all of that up and of course she's very quiet and keeps to herself and seems unapproachable, though of course we quickly find out that simply no one was trying.
Their first interactions are like this video of a parrot insistently touching and biting the face of a cat who just looks baffled like he's wondering why that's happening to him. Tamras is assigned as Maara's companion whom Maara didn't ask for, and two scenes in she's instantly sure Maara doesn't want anything to do with her, all the while Maara just doesn't know how to handle the whole ordeal of having someone care for her and wish to get to know her properly. But she also has a heart of gold and to anyone who actually makes the effort to understand her, she proves to be immensely wise, patient, caring, loyal, open-minded, and she has so much love to give, she just has to remember how.
This dialogue between them early on was probably the earliest I suspected this book would secure its permanent spot in my favorites, and it so perfectly sums up how fascinating their relationship is. Tamras can't help wearing her feelings on her sleeve and Maara is often dumbfounded, and often also amused, and even though she's the warrior and Tamras the companion, Maara is not at all opposed to learning a thing or ten from her.
And all I've said about them is not restricted to just their relationship with each other. Tamras's character and spirit are unwavering as she learns to respect the leadership of the Lady without bowing her head down when she feels she's right, to navigate her friendly love for Sparrow and her animosity towards Vintel, and as she learns from both the young and the elders' words of wisdom and lets them all support her in her journey to becoming the incredible woman and warrior she doesn't know yet she will be. And Maara, my love, Maara whom I would defend until the end of the world, Maara makes me the happiest every time she peeps her head out of her shell, and even though she doesn't yet make many friends, she's front and center in the most heartwarming plot line towards the end of this volume.
I say "plot line" to mean "thing that happens in the story" but if you're thinking of plot in the sense of some sort of great adventure that our heroines are a part of, some mission they have to complete or whatever, there is not really much of that at all here. It is quite a stark diference from your typical fantasy book that spans at most a couple of weeks or months packed full of action. Just this first book covers around two whole years time since Tamras arrives at the house, all all of what goes on is important mostly in terms of character development, prompted by relatively small events. This book will gladly spend an entire chapter narrating a couple of warm spring days in which the protagonists did nothing but sunbathe and play around in the river, take naps and watch the night sky, and it is simply magnificent. It's not a time of war and the story is very much focused on the characters, the only overarching plots being Tamras's training to become a warrior, and the romance.
Nevertheless, a lot of cool things happen in times of peace, and I'm overjoyed with all of the ceremonies and festivals, the rituals, the traditions, everything that Catherine M. Wilson crafted for this story. Most importantly of all, the matriarchal society. Rather than inventing a world that serves as background for the heroes' adventure, this society is the author's greatest gift to the readers. Houses led by wise women advised by councils of fellow wise women, where women carry power, women are warriors, women get married and have children if they want to, and women strive to maintain the peace. Women who sleep together just for warmth or for much more than that, as they wish, with no shame. Motherly love that is not defined by blood ties but by choice. Elders who are respected because they earn it by respecting their young too, and by caring for them. Women who argue and talk it out and apologize and genuinely try to do better. Women who have feelings and learn not to suppress them but to understand them and act on them in the most appropriate ways. Women who love other women in every possible way—mothers and daughters, mentors and mentees, warriors and apprentices, leaders and followers, friends and lovers.
———
Old review kept for posterity:
There's nothing I value more in what I read or watch than when character development is clearly the priority in the story rather than plot development. For starters, this book doesn't even have an overarching storyline; a part of me kept waiting for a major plot to begin at some point and last until the end of the book, but it didn't, and I was so glad.
The focus is completely on the women, of all ages and all their different backgrounds, and the importance of the small storylines lies entirely in how they affect these characters, the dynamics between them, and Tamras’s journey to become a warrior. And she doesn’t need to be the one destined to save her kingdom from all evil or something in order for the story to be interesting. She can learn valuable lessons while just helping watch out for cattle raiders.
I had never before read another book with so many kinds of relationships between women, and all of them so well developed. It’s all about friends, mothers and daughters, leaders, mentors and mentees, and lovers. I especially liked Tamras and Maara’s relationship and how both of them consistently contributed to it, as one could often teach the other different things and they would always look out for each other the same way.
One last thing: it was so refreshing to see how well Tamras and Maara were able to communicate. I appreciated the break from all the drama and angst caused by the characters’s poor communication skills in other stories. The two of them talk about everything and rarely have trouble being honest with each other about what’s upsetting or confusing them. No misunderstandings are left unclarified, no falling outs left unresolved, and that allowed their relationship to evolve healthily so that Tamras learned to fully trust her warrior as any other companion or apprentice should be able to.
Needless to say I’m starting the second book straight away, while already worrying about what I’m going to do when I’m done with this trilogy.
(source)
Tamras and Maara are two of the most unique characters I've ever read and their dynamic is endlessly interesting, each dialogue special in its own, every small detail building the picture of a love like no other.
Tamras is my precious baby; she's very small and has a heart so big I don't know how it fits in her chest. She's innocent and expects the best of everyone until they give her any reason not to. She feels a lot and cries a lot and gets easily overwhelmed by anger or hurt, and has a lot to learn. She listens, and she cares so much, and she's brave and speaks her mind and stands her ground. She takes care of others around her and asks for help and gets lonely and asks every question that pops into her mind and can talk something out for hours until it is clear to her. It is only right that she is the first person Maara opens her heart too.
Maara is the opposite in many ways: tall and strong and probably the most skilled warrior in the house in terms of raw fighting and survival skills. She is also a "stranger" amongst them and has been alone most of her life, almost entirely unaware of where (and who) she's from. But she's also dark-skinned and although the society portrayed here is nothing like our modern one, there is a lot of clear racism in how she's treated by the rest of the house. Add all of that up and of course she's very quiet and keeps to herself and seems unapproachable, though of course we quickly find out that simply no one was trying.
Their first interactions are like this video of a parrot insistently touching and biting the face of a cat who just looks baffled like he's wondering why that's happening to him. Tamras is assigned as Maara's companion whom Maara didn't ask for, and two scenes in she's instantly sure Maara doesn't want anything to do with her, all the while Maara just doesn't know how to handle the whole ordeal of having someone care for her and wish to get to know her properly. But she also has a heart of gold and to anyone who actually makes the effort to understand her, she proves to be immensely wise, patient, caring, loyal, open-minded, and she has so much love to give, she just has to remember how.
This dialogue between them early on was probably the earliest I suspected this book would secure its permanent spot in my favorites, and it so perfectly sums up how fascinating their relationship is. Tamras can't help wearing her feelings on her sleeve and Maara is often dumbfounded, and often also amused, and even though she's the warrior and Tamras the companion, Maara is not at all opposed to learning a thing or ten from her.
And all I've said about them is not restricted to just their relationship with each other. Tamras's character and spirit are unwavering as she learns to respect the leadership of the Lady without bowing her head down when she feels she's right, to navigate her friendly love for Sparrow and her animosity towards Vintel, and as she learns from both the young and the elders' words of wisdom and lets them all support her in her journey to becoming the incredible woman and warrior she doesn't know yet she will be. And Maara, my love, Maara whom I would defend until the end of the world, Maara makes me the happiest every time she peeps her head out of her shell, and even though she doesn't yet make many friends, she's front and center in the most heartwarming plot line towards the end of this volume.
I say "plot line" to mean "thing that happens in the story" but if you're thinking of plot in the sense of some sort of great adventure that our heroines are a part of, some mission they have to complete or whatever, there is not really much of that at all here. It is quite a stark diference from your typical fantasy book that spans at most a couple of weeks or months packed full of action. Just this first book covers around two whole years time since Tamras arrives at the house, all all of what goes on is important mostly in terms of character development, prompted by relatively small events. This book will gladly spend an entire chapter narrating a couple of warm spring days in which the protagonists did nothing but sunbathe and play around in the river, take naps and watch the night sky, and it is simply magnificent. It's not a time of war and the story is very much focused on the characters, the only overarching plots being Tamras's training to become a warrior, and the romance.
Nevertheless, a lot of cool things happen in times of peace, and I'm overjoyed with all of the ceremonies and festivals, the rituals, the traditions, everything that Catherine M. Wilson crafted for this story. Most importantly of all, the matriarchal society. Rather than inventing a world that serves as background for the heroes' adventure, this society is the author's greatest gift to the readers. Houses led by wise women advised by councils of fellow wise women, where women carry power, women are warriors, women get married and have children if they want to, and women strive to maintain the peace. Women who sleep together just for warmth or for much more than that, as they wish, with no shame. Motherly love that is not defined by blood ties but by choice. Elders who are respected because they earn it by respecting their young too, and by caring for them. Women who argue and talk it out and apologize and genuinely try to do better. Women who have feelings and learn not to suppress them but to understand them and act on them in the most appropriate ways. Women who love other women in every possible way—mothers and daughters, mentors and mentees, warriors and apprentices, leaders and followers, friends and lovers.
“Every thing in the world can wait but one. Only love can’t wait.
———
Old review kept for posterity:
There's nothing I value more in what I read or watch than when character development is clearly the priority in the story rather than plot development. For starters, this book doesn't even have an overarching storyline; a part of me kept waiting for a major plot to begin at some point and last until the end of the book, but it didn't, and I was so glad.
The focus is completely on the women, of all ages and all their different backgrounds, and the importance of the small storylines lies entirely in how they affect these characters, the dynamics between them, and Tamras’s journey to become a warrior. And she doesn’t need to be the one destined to save her kingdom from all evil or something in order for the story to be interesting. She can learn valuable lessons while just helping watch out for cattle raiders.
I had never before read another book with so many kinds of relationships between women, and all of them so well developed. It’s all about friends, mothers and daughters, leaders, mentors and mentees, and lovers. I especially liked Tamras and Maara’s relationship and how both of them consistently contributed to it, as one could often teach the other different things and they would always look out for each other the same way.
One last thing: it was so refreshing to see how well Tamras and Maara were able to communicate. I appreciated the break from all the drama and angst caused by the characters’s poor communication skills in other stories. The two of them talk about everything and rarely have trouble being honest with each other about what’s upsetting or confusing them. No misunderstandings are left unclarified, no falling outs left unresolved, and that allowed their relationship to evolve healthily so that Tamras learned to fully trust her warrior as any other companion or apprentice should be able to.
Needless to say I’m starting the second book straight away, while already worrying about what I’m going to do when I’m done with this trilogy.
April 24, 2019
I've never heard of Catherine M. Wilson nor When Women Were Warriors so here's the book chain to me reading this book.
Lex Kent - Kate Christie - Tere - Kate Christie - Jenna - Kate Christie - Catherine M. Wilson - Lex Kent - F - Carrie - Amazon - Farah - You perhaps?
Thank you so much, Somia for sharing the ultimate good news that this book is currently free on Amazon.
I. Love. This. So. Very. Much.
A 16 year old lead, Tamras daughter of Tamnet. Do not let her size and age fool you - she is one of the wisest, kindest and most wonderful fictional character I have ever read. I'm in awe of her, she keeps taking a piece of my heart and I've got nothing to offer to the next leads in my next read as I've met my quota for this month.
Maara the Warrior, the unwelcomed and misunderstood by everyone in the clan except by the phenomenal young lady up there and me, myself and I, is also a character that you can't help but to fall madly for. It's obvious that she's carrying a lot of pain from her past and Tamras is perfect for her!
Strong, Intelligent, Sensible, Independent and not affected by the negative vibes given by the others towards her warrior, Tamras is right there for Maara from the very beginning and they experienced everything incredibly profound together.
Get the book, get to know Tamras and Maara, experience their unique and out of this world, strangers - confidants relationship, be a part of their adventures, feel their tears and fears and fall in love with them, just like I did.
Lex said this book is in her top 1O list, F had nothing but beautiful things to say about it and Carrie rated it pretty high. Don't trust me, fine. But trust the Emperor, Our Resident Curmudgeon and The Angst Admirer.
Lex Kent - Kate Christie - Tere - Kate Christie - Jenna - Kate Christie - Catherine M. Wilson - Lex Kent - F - Carrie - Amazon - Farah - You perhaps?
Thank you so much, Somia for sharing the ultimate good news that this book is currently free on Amazon.
I. Love. This. So. Very. Much.
A 16 year old lead, Tamras daughter of Tamnet. Do not let her size and age fool you - she is one of the wisest, kindest and most wonderful fictional character I have ever read. I'm in awe of her, she keeps taking a piece of my heart and I've got nothing to offer to the next leads in my next read as I've met my quota for this month.
Maara the Warrior, the unwelcomed and misunderstood by everyone in the clan except by the phenomenal young lady up there and me, myself and I, is also a character that you can't help but to fall madly for. It's obvious that she's carrying a lot of pain from her past and Tamras is perfect for her!
Strong, Intelligent, Sensible, Independent and not affected by the negative vibes given by the others towards her warrior, Tamras is right there for Maara from the very beginning and they experienced everything incredibly profound together.
Get the book, get to know Tamras and Maara, experience their unique and out of this world, strangers - confidants relationship, be a part of their adventures, feel their tears and fears and fall in love with them, just like I did.
Lex said this book is in her top 1O list, F had nothing but beautiful things to say about it and Carrie rated it pretty high. Don't trust me, fine. But trust the Emperor, Our Resident Curmudgeon and The Angst Admirer.
June 22, 2017
"The Warriors Path” is Book One of the “When Women Were Warriors” trilogy. Wow, just wow. 5* - there, I’ve said it. I’ve always put my rating at the end of a review for some reason, but I don’t want you guessing. 5*. No question.
This book flows like a poem. Listening to the characters as they think, and as they interact, is simply magical. Maara, Tamras, Sparrow, The Lady, Gnith, Vintel, Namet….and so many others. I name these few only to have you consider that the book is about people. People who are sometimes happy, sometimes lonely, sometimes fearful, sometimes sexual, sometimes filled with despair. But they are people. Despite the title, this is not an uber-feminist man hating book about womyn. This is a joyful book about people….most of whom happen to be women.
And, perhaps, what a difference our own world of rulers and military could be if “once upon a time, when only women were warriors” were more than just a way to begin a story.
This is not a book of battles, bravery and death….though it includes all that. This is a book of duty, of belonging, of sharing and caring. Gnith, at one point, tells Tamras:
Yet wait it does, as it often does as it grows.
The narrator was absolutely perfect….such a balm for me, a lover of audiobooks, after so many bad narrators recently.
I messaged the author, Catherine Wilson, asking about plans for audiobooks for the second and third books of the trilogy (it’s been three years since Book One was released on Audible). She shared with me that both she and her producer at Dog Ear Audio have had health and other personal setbacks during the last few years, but they are both currently healthy, back at work, and trying to make plans for bringing books two and three to Audible. This will probably (my estimate) be awhile, and as much as I prefer audiobooks to Kindle, I’m just not sure I can wait to read books two and three.
Regardless of your preferred format, get Book One now….did I mention it’s very definitely 5*+?
This book flows like a poem. Listening to the characters as they think, and as they interact, is simply magical. Maara, Tamras, Sparrow, The Lady, Gnith, Vintel, Namet….and so many others. I name these few only to have you consider that the book is about people. People who are sometimes happy, sometimes lonely, sometimes fearful, sometimes sexual, sometimes filled with despair. But they are people. Despite the title, this is not an uber-feminist man hating book about womyn. This is a joyful book about people….most of whom happen to be women.
And, perhaps, what a difference our own world of rulers and military could be if “once upon a time, when only women were warriors” were more than just a way to begin a story.
This is not a book of battles, bravery and death….though it includes all that. This is a book of duty, of belonging, of sharing and caring. Gnith, at one point, tells Tamras:
“Listen,” she said. “I’m going to tell you a secret.” She crooked her finger at me, and when I leaned toward her, she whispered, “Every thing in the world can wait but one. Only love can’t wait.”
Yet wait it does, as it often does as it grows.
The narrator was absolutely perfect….such a balm for me, a lover of audiobooks, after so many bad narrators recently.
I messaged the author, Catherine Wilson, asking about plans for audiobooks for the second and third books of the trilogy (it’s been three years since Book One was released on Audible). She shared with me that both she and her producer at Dog Ear Audio have had health and other personal setbacks during the last few years, but they are both currently healthy, back at work, and trying to make plans for bringing books two and three to Audible. This will probably (my estimate) be awhile, and as much as I prefer audiobooks to Kindle, I’m just not sure I can wait to read books two and three.
Regardless of your preferred format, get Book One now….did I mention it’s very definitely 5*+?
October 9, 2022
5 stars
I really liked this. It's rare to find a good high fantasy series with lesbian protagonists, that isn't just about the romance.
And I really liked this authors writing style...
I really liked this. It's rare to find a good high fantasy series with lesbian protagonists, that isn't just about the romance.
And I really liked this authors writing style...
December 28, 2022
“Every thing in the world can wait but one. Only love can’t wait.”
RE-READ 2022. It's weird to think that my first read of this was 8 years ago. I've held it up in my mind for so long as one of my favourite books, and even though I'm a different person and a different reader than I was all those years ago, this still touched me super deeply. A lot of what I feel for this now is irrevocably connected to my nostalgia; that is, thinking about the way this affected me when I first read it makes my heart so full. It didn't quite inspire that depth of emotion on the reread, but it still has so much of what I want out of fantasy, out of queer lit, out of storytelling. I love fairly tales, I love stories within stories, I love relationships between women and all the different shades and forms that can take. Tamras and Maara's relationship means soooo much to me. How can I not adore the long and loving exploration of a warrior/apprentice relationship, as told from its shaky beginnings and as it matures into something beautiful? I can't not love it!
I listened to parts of this via the audiobook as read by Janis Ian while reading along with my copy. Not my favourite narrator ever, but I did like the musical interludes, and the way she rendered the songs. This is really something special, holds up so well, and I can't wait to continue and finally finish this series.
--
I don't even know how to express how much I loved this book. It had so many things that were important to me. It's low on plot, true enough, and I might have been too generous with my rating, but I can't remember the last time I read a book where I was so completely satisfied with everything and there was pretty much nothing that I disliked.
The book thrives on relationships between women, and I loved that above all else. Friendships, romantic relationships, mother/daughter relationship, mentor/apprentice... they all played an important part of the story and I was so happy about that. I absolutely adored Tamras and Maara's relationship, and how they slowly came to trust each other, and learn from each other, and love each other. It was amazing to read, and I loved it all the more because I can't think of the last time I read something where relationships between women were the driving force.
It was beautifully written as well, and I loved the worldbuilding and the stories that were woven throughout. My heart genuinely leapt with delight every time a section opened with "In ancient days, when only women were warriors..." It was a lovely and inventive way to tell us more about the world and their folklore and customs.
I LOVED this book, and I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series.
August 6, 2017
This book tried to be clever, but failed leaving it with a odd vibe; like it's attempting to be poetry, but it's not clever enough and only comes off as a obtuse simpleton, explaining a lot with obscure "this and that." The story itself is decent, although vague; it has no phases, no climax, no tension to speak of. It starts on a monotone pace and keeps going at it through the entire book. It is VERY obviously made with a series in mind, not caring much for the first book only to make sure it's continued on to the next installment, which I will neither recommend nor pick up myself.
This book asks so many great questions in the graceful fashion of repeating "why why why why why" until you either go mad or go through the wonderful experience of achieving all natural ear periods. The conversational flow sounds like 5yr old's who still are in desperate need to know the world, unable to make up a thought or reflect and carry a proper conversation. Along with this there is a utter lack of descriptions that leave all imagery up to the reader's mind, which is weird for fantasy, but I didn't mind as the trade of details makes the story move at a (much needed) faster pace. At least the story gets quickly to the point, even if the point is horrendously vague. However, the lack of descriptions takes it's toll as the sex scenes are just bizarre, they're written like a horrible attempt at poetry and not at all a turn on. Couldn't the writer at least attempt descriptions for once? I shudder at one specific attempt that sounded eerily like something my senile grandmother would write.
For a book called Warrior's path, there sure isn't a lot of warrior training. Actually, there isn't ANY mention of military training at all. There is no overseen training practice, instead every warrior trains their apprentice/companion, but there really isn't any mention of singular practice either, so I don't know. They just walk around and do nothing all day. Like seriously, they do NOTHING, but sit on their butts, what kind of place is this? Is this some kind of vacation camp???
Which brings me to the point: The military disorganization this book portrays is unrealistic, desertion is not even seen as an issue. There are no rules or expectations for any station or position and the people can pretty much do whatever they want. There is just too much leniency going around to be a military flick. Now that I'm at it, there is actually little explanation for anything and it drove me mad. While it's clear the society is a matriarchy with little mention of men apart from some slight talk of marriage. I still don't understand the dynamic of this society. Are all the women bisexual? Or is it the lack of men that make them seek comfort in each other? There is a men's house, but as said, its hardly mentioned. Lesbianism seems to be approved of, and sort of expected? But so is straight marriage? I have no idea, this confuses me to no end.
Lastly and finally. The narrator is not to my liking, she sounds monotone and incredibly careful when she talks, like the next word she utters will get her beaten. I mean honestly, it's an awesome bed story voice - if you want the kids to fall sleep before you've even read the first page.
Story is overall, monotone, obtuse and sleep inducing, and unlike the book, my review actually has a start, a middle and an ending, maybe the author can pickup on that.
This book asks so many great questions in the graceful fashion of repeating "why why why why why" until you either go mad or go through the wonderful experience of achieving all natural ear periods. The conversational flow sounds like 5yr old's who still are in desperate need to know the world, unable to make up a thought or reflect and carry a proper conversation. Along with this there is a utter lack of descriptions that leave all imagery up to the reader's mind, which is weird for fantasy, but I didn't mind as the trade of details makes the story move at a (much needed) faster pace. At least the story gets quickly to the point, even if the point is horrendously vague. However, the lack of descriptions takes it's toll as the sex scenes are just bizarre, they're written like a horrible attempt at poetry and not at all a turn on. Couldn't the writer at least attempt descriptions for once? I shudder at one specific attempt that sounded eerily like something my senile grandmother would write.
For a book called Warrior's path, there sure isn't a lot of warrior training. Actually, there isn't ANY mention of military training at all. There is no overseen training practice, instead every warrior trains their apprentice/companion, but there really isn't any mention of singular practice either, so I don't know. They just walk around and do nothing all day. Like seriously, they do NOTHING, but sit on their butts, what kind of place is this? Is this some kind of vacation camp???
Which brings me to the point: The military disorganization this book portrays is unrealistic, desertion is not even seen as an issue. There are no rules or expectations for any station or position and the people can pretty much do whatever they want. There is just too much leniency going around to be a military flick. Now that I'm at it, there is actually little explanation for anything and it drove me mad. While it's clear the society is a matriarchy with little mention of men apart from some slight talk of marriage. I still don't understand the dynamic of this society. Are all the women bisexual? Or is it the lack of men that make them seek comfort in each other? There is a men's house, but as said, its hardly mentioned. Lesbianism seems to be approved of, and sort of expected? But so is straight marriage? I have no idea, this confuses me to no end.
Lastly and finally. The narrator is not to my liking, she sounds monotone and incredibly careful when she talks, like the next word she utters will get her beaten. I mean honestly, it's an awesome bed story voice - if you want the kids to fall sleep before you've even read the first page.
Story is overall, monotone, obtuse and sleep inducing, and unlike the book, my review actually has a start, a middle and an ending, maybe the author can pickup on that.
November 13, 2012
I'm not entirely sure how this book landed up in my shopping cart and ultimately on my stack of to-be-read books, but I am so incredibly glad that it did. Catherine M. Wilson is a true storyteller and I believe this story, and the series, will be considered a classic. The story is told through the eyes of Tamras, a young woman entering the house of the Lady of the land in order to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a warrior. She is first presented with the task of being a companion to the one warrior no one trusts, likes, or understands. The relationship of warrior and young apprentice that builds between these two women is filled with life lessons every person can learn from. I found myself pondering each chapter and being amazed at how such a simple lesson can apply to my own life. The way I described the story above probably sounds simple, but it truly is not. The way that Catherine M. Wilson is able to create the characters, the setting, the challenges and the world is truly amazing. She has a gift and is sharing that gift on the pages of her book. No reader will be disappointed from reading this story that is for certain.
November 1, 2012
I reading reviews I have seen a lot made of the fact that this is a book about lesbians, but this is not about sex at all. It is about finding comfort, friendship and strength with other human beings in a time of great hardship. The set up of this book is different and strong and is not salacious or tawdry
Set in a time before Christ when tribes are at odds, women take centre stage. When warriors are needed to protect settlements and men are scarce, women take on protective roles; apprentice with warriors and become fighters themselves..
I liked this story. As the first in a trilogy, it set up some great female characters with believable flaws and strengths. The tone is mythical and epic and I feel would appeal to the Game Of Thrones generation. I found myself rooting for Tamras and Maara pretty much from the outset and without giving too much away was glad the plot was not too predictable.
This period of history is not one I have explored much so in a way this was even more refreshing to begin a fiction genre with such a good opener...
Set in a time before Christ when tribes are at odds, women take centre stage. When warriors are needed to protect settlements and men are scarce, women take on protective roles; apprentice with warriors and become fighters themselves..
I liked this story. As the first in a trilogy, it set up some great female characters with believable flaws and strengths. The tone is mythical and epic and I feel would appeal to the Game Of Thrones generation. I found myself rooting for Tamras and Maara pretty much from the outset and without giving too much away was glad the plot was not too predictable.
This period of history is not one I have explored much so in a way this was even more refreshing to begin a fiction genre with such a good opener...
November 12, 2017
There's something captivating in this book - the language, the tales the girl tells, the traditions of a tribe. It all feels... important, it has substance. The imagery my brain came up with was something I've not felt for a long time while reading a book. And even though it's lacking in other areas like describing the world which is not explained all that much and leaves the readers to fill in the blanks themselves I found it all engaging nonetheless. 4 stars for a solid coming of age story.
September 30, 2018
This book was the September's Sapphic Book Club read hosted by sapphicbookclub.
My first impression was that the writing is definitely very good, but unusual. The book does a few things when it comes to writing that I wouldn't usually like that much, like first person perspective. And the way the story is told doesn't feel like I'm actually 'in' the story, but more like I'm sitting at a camp fire and someone tells me the story of their life. Which is not bad in particular, just very different from what I’m used to.
At first I suspected that only the beginning would be written like that, like a prologue that makes it feel more historic. But then it went on.
And to my own surprise, it didn't bother me after all (although I wouldn't want all books I read to be written that way). It gave it a special aesthetic since in this case it's well done.
And while the story has a nice flow to it and Tamras is a likable main character, at first the characters also came across a bit faceless to me. The name of the main character is so rarely used that I only really learned it at around 30% of the book. And then she also called her warrior by her title most of the time, which created a distance and respect between them that is necessary for the story, but didn’t help me rooting for them.
But that also changed.
I ended up being amused to no end by the interactions between Tamras and Maara and especially by Tamras coming to terms with her feelings.
A little detail I really liked is the title being a real part of the book: Tamras telling the stories about a time where only women were warriors. And the book title is their own version of 'once upon a time'.
My editor heart was a bit taken back that her stories weren't marked in the text as part of the dialogue. BUT that doesn't really matter. The stories are a nice idea and another beautiful detail that just works great for the book.
... I might also just be extra happy that in this verse there was a time where literally all warriors were women.
After I finished the book I had to sum up that this first book doesn't have big conflicts and dramatic highs at the end. But I still really enjoyed the book.
It just makes me feel like a hypocrite because I’m always the first to shout that a first book in a series needs to be a well rounded standalone story on its own too. But well, you can get away with a lot when you do it that well. And it’s not that it doesn’t have any real ‘ending point’, but it feels more calm/quiet than what I’m used to from books by now.
In case anyone has missed that I used the words 'unusual but good' in 300 variations in this review, that's basically what this book is to me.
I’ll definitely read the next part of the series as soon as I can.
My first impression was that the writing is definitely very good, but unusual. The book does a few things when it comes to writing that I wouldn't usually like that much, like first person perspective. And the way the story is told doesn't feel like I'm actually 'in' the story, but more like I'm sitting at a camp fire and someone tells me the story of their life. Which is not bad in particular, just very different from what I’m used to.
At first I suspected that only the beginning would be written like that, like a prologue that makes it feel more historic. But then it went on.
And to my own surprise, it didn't bother me after all (although I wouldn't want all books I read to be written that way). It gave it a special aesthetic since in this case it's well done.
And while the story has a nice flow to it and Tamras is a likable main character, at first the characters also came across a bit faceless to me. The name of the main character is so rarely used that I only really learned it at around 30% of the book. And then she also called her warrior by her title most of the time, which created a distance and respect between them that is necessary for the story, but didn’t help me rooting for them.
But that also changed.
I ended up being amused to no end by the interactions between Tamras and Maara and especially by Tamras coming to terms with her feelings.
A little detail I really liked is the title being a real part of the book: Tamras telling the stories about a time where only women were warriors. And the book title is their own version of 'once upon a time'.
My editor heart was a bit taken back that her stories weren't marked in the text as part of the dialogue. BUT that doesn't really matter. The stories are a nice idea and another beautiful detail that just works great for the book.
... I might also just be extra happy that in this verse there was a time where literally all warriors were women.
After I finished the book I had to sum up that this first book doesn't have big conflicts and dramatic highs at the end. But I still really enjoyed the book.
It just makes me feel like a hypocrite because I’m always the first to shout that a first book in a series needs to be a well rounded standalone story on its own too. But well, you can get away with a lot when you do it that well. And it’s not that it doesn’t have any real ‘ending point’, but it feels more calm/quiet than what I’m used to from books by now.
In case anyone has missed that I used the words 'unusual but good' in 300 variations in this review, that's basically what this book is to me.
I’ll definitely read the next part of the series as soon as I can.
December 22, 2016
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read - once picked up it was hard to put down. Real chicken soup for the soul. The author really draws you into the story and it's not hard to imagine yourself being a resident in Merins house. A slow start, but if you persist, you will be richly rewarded.
June 2, 2016
Can't stop reading.
November 21, 2020
I went into this book expecting to love it. I usually feel like the books I read are too plot-driven, and that they focus too much on"end of the world" scenarios and not enough on the everyday struggles and development of the characters involved. I was excited at the prospect of reading a slow, methodical, and intricate work about the mundanely interesting lives of ordinary people in a fascinating world, and I was doubly excited at the idea of a matriarchal society that openly accepts same-sex relationships.
On many fronts, I think the book definitely delivered. The world was interesting, I loved the matriarchal setup of the society, and I loved watching the female cast of characters interact and grow together. I didn't personally feel like the book needed any more plot than it had; the focus was not on some dramatic challenge that the main character had to face, rather the story followed a young woman as she took her first steps into the world and explored both herself and her new surroundings, and that was plenty of intrigue for me on its own.
In my eyes, what ruined the book was the writing style. I'll keep the rest of this review as spoiler-free as I possibly can as I elaborate on this point.
The story is told mostly through stilted dialogue, with almost no indications of what a character is thinking or feeling at a given time. Emotional reactions are muted and hard for the reader to fully connect with. For example, take this exchange, directly after (what should have been) a rather dramatic interaction between two main characters:
There's no indication of how either character feels about what's going on, beyond one character expressing vague confusion via dialogue. The writing is flat and lifeless, and it sucks the emotion and impact from the scene. I generally don't have a problem with subtly conveying information about characters through dialogue, but the dialogue here is entirely devoid of personality or character quirks. It reads as if someone else is dispassionately recounting how this scene happened, not as if this scene is being described by someone who is emotionally involved, experiencing it in real time.
This is actually part of a larger, more problematic issue that's pervasive throughout the book: the story is about 90% dialogue, but all of the characters talk in exactly the same way, so there's no personality to the book's events, and it's rare that we can ever learn about the characters through reading about their interactions.
When characters' emotions and personalities are explored more explicitly, it's generally through "telling", and not "showing." Take this passage about a character that was only recently introduced to the reader:
We don't get to see several instances of this character saying hurtful things, followed by a slow realization that she is really trying to help the main character; instead we get an awkward chunk of narration that tells us explicitly how we should feel about future interactions with this relatively new character. As a result, the reader can't connect to this new figure nearly as well. I can mentally decide to put "callous, but caring in her own way" under the list of attributes defining this character, but it's not as powerful a connection as piecing that together myself through observation.
The book suffers from expositional montages in general, explaining aspects of characters' personalities without actually showing what a character is like.
There is an opportunity here to show the reader that this mentor figure first demonstrates a skill and then leaves the protagonist to 'fumble' with the task; there is an opportunity to show the reader that the main character frequently gets frustrated, and let the reader watch as she slowly learns and improves. Instead we are simply told that all of this is true in a few sentences. Again, I can easily add this dynamic to my list of attributes mentally defining the relationship between these two characters, but I haven't had the chance to connect with either of them and make judgments for myself.
All of the above prevents any real emotional connection with the characters in this book or caring about their stories. The reader is mostly told, point blank, what their personality traits are meant to be. Character development generally occurs in this way, too. It's difficult to be invested in characters when we don't actually see how they learn and grow in real time.
I also took issue with the strange cadence and flow of the writing. I won't put in an example here, since I think the style comes across well enough above. It's sort of odd and stiff, and it makes me feel like the author is trying to be poetic or minimalist in their writing, but the writing just feels underdeveloped. Like I mentioned above, it feels like some neutral third party is describing the events much later, rather than the in-depth storytelling I would expect from first-person narration. I felt like I had to fill in too many details myself, and that prevented me from immersing myself in the story.
The writing style created what felt like a wall of glass between the reader and the characters, since we could never really see into their heads or truly understand them or relate to them. In a book whose main purpose is exploring these characters, that's a true death blow.
I'm not sure I enjoyed reading this book. It was calming and nice, like a mug of chamomile tea on a slow day, but I mostly found myself bored and looking for other things to do instead of read. It was very disappointing, since I felt like the premise was promising, and I was incredibly intrigued by reviews saying that the story was character-driven at its core, but at the end of the day I simply didn't like it.
On many fronts, I think the book definitely delivered. The world was interesting, I loved the matriarchal setup of the society, and I loved watching the female cast of characters interact and grow together. I didn't personally feel like the book needed any more plot than it had; the focus was not on some dramatic challenge that the main character had to face, rather the story followed a young woman as she took her first steps into the world and explored both herself and her new surroundings, and that was plenty of intrigue for me on its own.
In my eyes, what ruined the book was the writing style. I'll keep the rest of this review as spoiler-free as I possibly can as I elaborate on this point.
The story is told mostly through stilted dialogue, with almost no indications of what a character is thinking or feeling at a given time. Emotional reactions are muted and hard for the reader to fully connect with. For example, take this exchange, directly after (what should have been) a rather dramatic interaction between two main characters:
"What's the matter?" she said.
She was sitting on the floor beside me, rubbing her jaw.
"You nearly choked the life out of me."
"What?" Then she saw where we were.
"You were asleep," I said. "You were ghostwalking."
I struggled to sit up. I was dizzy, and my throat hurt.
"Ghostwalking?"
I nodded.
"How did you know?"
"You've done it before."
"I have?"
"You did it once last summer."
"I don't remember."
"You never woke up that time."
"Oh," she said.
There's no indication of how either character feels about what's going on, beyond one character expressing vague confusion via dialogue. The writing is flat and lifeless, and it sucks the emotion and impact from the scene. I generally don't have a problem with subtly conveying information about characters through dialogue, but the dialogue here is entirely devoid of personality or character quirks. It reads as if someone else is dispassionately recounting how this scene happened, not as if this scene is being described by someone who is emotionally involved, experiencing it in real time.
This is actually part of a larger, more problematic issue that's pervasive throughout the book: the story is about 90% dialogue, but all of the characters talk in exactly the same way, so there's no personality to the book's events, and it's rare that we can ever learn about the characters through reading about their interactions.
When characters' emotions and personalities are explored more explicitly, it's generally through "telling", and not "showing." Take this passage about a character that was only recently introduced to the reader:
In time I came to realize that [character] meant well. Sometimes she said hurtful things, but when the sting was gone, I saw that she was teaching me how to conduct myself in Merin's house.
We don't get to see several instances of this character saying hurtful things, followed by a slow realization that she is really trying to help the main character; instead we get an awkward chunk of narration that tells us explicitly how we should feel about future interactions with this relatively new character. As a result, the reader can't connect to this new figure nearly as well. I can mentally decide to put "callous, but caring in her own way" under the list of attributes defining this character, but it's not as powerful a connection as piecing that together myself through observation.
The book suffers from expositional montages in general, explaining aspects of characters' personalities without actually showing what a character is like.
[Character] was a gifted teacher. She asked me questions and let me find the answers for myself. When she taught me a new skill—camp craft or the care of weapons—she first showed me what to do, then left me alone to fumble with my task. Though I often grew frustrated and impatient, I soon learned.
There is an opportunity here to show the reader that this mentor figure first demonstrates a skill and then leaves the protagonist to 'fumble' with the task; there is an opportunity to show the reader that the main character frequently gets frustrated, and let the reader watch as she slowly learns and improves. Instead we are simply told that all of this is true in a few sentences. Again, I can easily add this dynamic to my list of attributes mentally defining the relationship between these two characters, but I haven't had the chance to connect with either of them and make judgments for myself.
All of the above prevents any real emotional connection with the characters in this book or caring about their stories. The reader is mostly told, point blank, what their personality traits are meant to be. Character development generally occurs in this way, too. It's difficult to be invested in characters when we don't actually see how they learn and grow in real time.
I also took issue with the strange cadence and flow of the writing. I won't put in an example here, since I think the style comes across well enough above. It's sort of odd and stiff, and it makes me feel like the author is trying to be poetic or minimalist in their writing, but the writing just feels underdeveloped. Like I mentioned above, it feels like some neutral third party is describing the events much later, rather than the in-depth storytelling I would expect from first-person narration. I felt like I had to fill in too many details myself, and that prevented me from immersing myself in the story.
The writing style created what felt like a wall of glass between the reader and the characters, since we could never really see into their heads or truly understand them or relate to them. In a book whose main purpose is exploring these characters, that's a true death blow.
I'm not sure I enjoyed reading this book. It was calming and nice, like a mug of chamomile tea on a slow day, but I mostly found myself bored and looking for other things to do instead of read. It was very disappointing, since I felt like the premise was promising, and I was incredibly intrigued by reviews saying that the story was character-driven at its core, but at the end of the day I simply didn't like it.
January 23, 2020
(Updated after second reading)
“There’s no putting spilled blood back.”
More like 3.5 stars. A well-conceived and well-realized epic-style fantasy about a time and place were all (well, most) of the warriors were women. This story follows a young woman on her quest to become a warrior. On the way, she finds value, belonging and love. Not a bad start.
“Tell me later,” she said. “Sit down. Let’s just be quiet for a while.” “I need to tell you — ” “Hush,” she said. “You won’t find the truth in so much talk.” When I stopped talking, my trapped thoughts flew around like dry leaves in a whirlwind.
An iron age culture where all the warriors were women fits modern sensitivities but not historical trends--the Amazons notwithstanding. Not because men are better warriors--though they do tend to have greater upper body strength--but because men are more expendable, even in--especially in small, primitive communities. Child-bearing age women are not. In fact, given the mortality rate of infants and mothers until just 200 years ago, a culture would risk extinction allowing its women to be the sole warriors. Unfortunately, modern times have made women as expendable as men.
“In the dark, you can’t see more than a little piece of anything, and most of what you see in the shadows might be things your mind makes up.” “Oh,” I said. She smiled. “Didn’t your mother ever say that things always look better in the morning?” I had to smile too. “Everybody’s mother says that.” “Then it must be true.”
The writing and story has a gentle spirit, despite the martial theme. In fact, all the fighting occurs off-stage--as in Shakespeare. Too bad the sex wasn't similarly left under the covers. The multi-page sex scenes seem pornographic and forced relative to the general tone of the story.
“How old am I?” “I don’t know, Mother. Very old, I think.” “Once I was like you.” “What lies between, Mother?” “Lunch.” “What?” “Bring me some lunch.”
Unlike many multi-volume works Wilson made a pleasing end to this first installment, while leaving plenty of hooks into the continuing story.
“Someday I will be a warrior, bird bones and all!” Maara laughed at my anger. “Someday you’ll be what it’s in you to be. It does no good to argue with the gods about it.”
A good read.
“Do you think I need a mother?” “We all need our mothers.” “Warriors too?” “Warriors too.”
“There’s no putting spilled blood back.”
More like 3.5 stars. A well-conceived and well-realized epic-style fantasy about a time and place were all (well, most) of the warriors were women. This story follows a young woman on her quest to become a warrior. On the way, she finds value, belonging and love. Not a bad start.
“Tell me later,” she said. “Sit down. Let’s just be quiet for a while.” “I need to tell you — ” “Hush,” she said. “You won’t find the truth in so much talk.” When I stopped talking, my trapped thoughts flew around like dry leaves in a whirlwind.
An iron age culture where all the warriors were women fits modern sensitivities but not historical trends--the Amazons notwithstanding. Not because men are better warriors--though they do tend to have greater upper body strength--but because men are more expendable, even in--especially in small, primitive communities. Child-bearing age women are not. In fact, given the mortality rate of infants and mothers until just 200 years ago, a culture would risk extinction allowing its women to be the sole warriors. Unfortunately, modern times have made women as expendable as men.
“In the dark, you can’t see more than a little piece of anything, and most of what you see in the shadows might be things your mind makes up.” “Oh,” I said. She smiled. “Didn’t your mother ever say that things always look better in the morning?” I had to smile too. “Everybody’s mother says that.” “Then it must be true.”
The writing and story has a gentle spirit, despite the martial theme. In fact, all the fighting occurs off-stage--as in Shakespeare. Too bad the sex wasn't similarly left under the covers. The multi-page sex scenes seem pornographic and forced relative to the general tone of the story.
“How old am I?” “I don’t know, Mother. Very old, I think.” “Once I was like you.” “What lies between, Mother?” “Lunch.” “What?” “Bring me some lunch.”
Unlike many multi-volume works Wilson made a pleasing end to this first installment, while leaving plenty of hooks into the continuing story.
“Someday I will be a warrior, bird bones and all!” Maara laughed at my anger. “Someday you’ll be what it’s in you to be. It does no good to argue with the gods about it.”
A good read.
“Do you think I need a mother?” “We all need our mothers.” “Warriors too?” “Warriors too.”
December 12, 2021
(above the asterisk is my review from April 2012 of the Kindle version.)
In ancient days, when womyn* were warriors...
Why would womyn be warriors? Who but the life bringers would care? Who but womyn would be cautious about taking the life of a family member of another home.
Yes, there are men in the book. They have redeeming ways. But this story is about womyn. In particular, a young teen and her strange warrior.
Many subplot lines kept this book moving. There are questions to ponder, such as the difference between a secure upbringing and an orphaned life.
The most interesting thought is about anger and its purpose. Then there is jealousy and love versus friendship.
I can't wait till payday so I can get the next book in the series. For those who don't care for series, the first book does a nice stand-alone. Nice settling ending. But I love to watch the characters mature and learn as they do.
* my spelling, not the author's.
***
I just finished listening to the audible version of this book. I stick with the above critic of the Kindle version. I think having Janis Ian's narration made this a more enjoyable experience. Now I need to find the next in the series to listen to.
In ancient days, when womyn* were warriors...
Why would womyn be warriors? Who but the life bringers would care? Who but womyn would be cautious about taking the life of a family member of another home.
Yes, there are men in the book. They have redeeming ways. But this story is about womyn. In particular, a young teen and her strange warrior.
Many subplot lines kept this book moving. There are questions to ponder, such as the difference between a secure upbringing and an orphaned life.
The most interesting thought is about anger and its purpose. Then there is jealousy and love versus friendship.
I can't wait till payday so I can get the next book in the series. For those who don't care for series, the first book does a nice stand-alone. Nice settling ending. But I love to watch the characters mature and learn as they do.
* my spelling, not the author's.
***
I just finished listening to the audible version of this book. I stick with the above critic of the Kindle version. I think having Janis Ian's narration made this a more enjoyable experience. Now I need to find the next in the series to listen to.
September 1, 2017
This book is free on Amazon and it's well-written for an indie novel, even well-edited if overlong. I like indie books and I adjust my expectations accordingly, this way I can truly enjoy the stories that manage to surprise me. It’s just partly the case here because I decided not to continue with the series, but I appreciated the editorial effort and the author’s style.
It is a simple and linear coming-of-age tale with a few interesting moments and a nice setting. It’s slow-moving and that’s ok because the focus is on the characters’ growth and their everyday lives, it also portrays a F/F romance and I think this is the first time I read a novel with this kind of relationship. While I don't like emphasis on romance in my fantasy (I prefer proper romance novels for that), I'm really starting to like reading about diversity, be it skin and culture or sexual orientation.
Anyway it’s a 2.5 star read for me, rounded down because while I knew this was the first installment of a series, the ending is abrupt (fortunately no cliffhanger), and while I understand slice-of-life and everything there is really little plot progress. The characters are nice but not very rounded. Overall, there are good concepts in this book but it wasn't a hit for me.
It is a simple and linear coming-of-age tale with a few interesting moments and a nice setting. It’s slow-moving and that’s ok because the focus is on the characters’ growth and their everyday lives, it also portrays a F/F romance and I think this is the first time I read a novel with this kind of relationship. While I don't like emphasis on romance in my fantasy (I prefer proper romance novels for that), I'm really starting to like reading about diversity, be it skin and culture or sexual orientation.
Anyway it’s a 2.5 star read for me, rounded down because while I knew this was the first installment of a series, the ending is abrupt (fortunately no cliffhanger), and while I understand slice-of-life and everything there is really little plot progress. The characters are nice but not very rounded. Overall, there are good concepts in this book but it wasn't a hit for me.
November 9, 2017
maybe it was just the fact that i read this at an incredibly staggered pace but i couldn't really get into this. there's essentially no plot, which usually i don't care about but LITERALLY like 2 things happen in the whole entire book (and even those are unrelated). it does have pretty writing and gay leads, though!
September 25, 2018
This was the September read for Sapphic Book Club. I really, really enjoyed it. The characters were likable, and the world building was very interesting to me. It's sort of a fantasy-adjacent setting, but it's built so naturally that at no point is there just a boring info dump about the setting and culture. Aside from the characters' daily lives painting a good picture of the setting, it's supplemented by a few in-universe fairy tales that Tamras tells -- all beginning with the book title "when women were warriors" as their version of "once upon a time."
I really liked Tamras' relationship with both Maara and Sparrow. Both were very different, but still interesting and still very important to Tamras. Her relationship with Sparrow, without getting into too much detail, felt very unique and not the sort of relationship I've read about very often. The book makes wlw relationships very normal, which is something I love in fiction. There's no confusion and stumbling over coming out, it just simply IS.
I very much look forward to reading more of this series, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good female-focused fantasy-type story.
I really liked Tamras' relationship with both Maara and Sparrow. Both were very different, but still interesting and still very important to Tamras. Her relationship with Sparrow, without getting into too much detail, felt very unique and not the sort of relationship I've read about very often. The book makes wlw relationships very normal, which is something I love in fiction. There's no confusion and stumbling over coming out, it just simply IS.
I very much look forward to reading more of this series, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good female-focused fantasy-type story.
September 25, 2014
As I finished this book I began to wonder if the classic pattern of character building followed by a more action orientated sequel. It is not to say there was no action, just some surprisingly laid back sections where you thought there might be a skirmish at least. As for the sex in this novel that occurred between the characters I thought came across as the "waves lapping on a seashore" variety. Those who want to be shocked or excited should look elsewhere. Hopefully people who come to read this book are tolerant and mature enough to realise that there are women involved in same sex relationships and this book deals with that and also it's great strength is it shows the love and affection that binds them. There is also a small element of mystery which I feel will unfold but to dwell on it would lead to a spoiler. I will probably read the sequels to see how the characters fare. Magic is also played down and it intrigues me whether more references to magic will appear along with fantastic creatures.
November 30, 2020
I can’t write a review that is worthy of this book. It is so beautiful. This is definitely in my top 5 that I’ve ever read 😭
June 21, 2025
I stumbled over a couple of mentions of this book series in some old LGBTQ literature forums when I was researching early Obama-era queer zines. Self-published by a lesbian living in a cottage in the woods in her 70s in 2008. The first two books in this series rank up there with Priory of the Orange Tree for me. I couldn’t put them down. They made my entire spirit sing. The last book is way more men and military strategy so I liked that one the least (but I still loved it). Volume 2 was my favorite. The series, which really is just a thousand-page book split into thirds, reads like an oral history of a young teen girl who’s too weak to hold up a sword when we first meet her, but in the end, she becomes a warrior queen. It’s a Bronze Age-ish matriarchal society in Europe. Kinda Celtic but not fully. It’s epic but it’s not endless battles in a LOTR kinda way. The first two books especially are so soft. I’m not doing it justice. It’s very gay and I just loved it.
August 26, 2018
First, I need to address the fact that this story is classified as LGBT literature. Don’t let that turn you away because that really is a tiny part of this novel and not the focus of the story. It is a logical progression of this primarily female society, however.
This is really a Bildungsroman following the maturation of Tanis, the narrator. The character development is top notch here. Tanis and Maara are fully developed characters that the reader cares about by the end of the book. This is the first book in a trilogy.
The story is set in a Celtic/ Viking/ Pictish sort of society that is female dominated. All of the women, whether main or supporting characters are strong and capable. Story telling in this society is of the oral tradition, and there is a lot of that throughout this book. It’s quite lovely and believable prose.
I really enjoyed this book and plan to continue following the development of Tanis and of Maara.
This is really a Bildungsroman following the maturation of Tanis, the narrator. The character development is top notch here. Tanis and Maara are fully developed characters that the reader cares about by the end of the book. This is the first book in a trilogy.
The story is set in a Celtic/ Viking/ Pictish sort of society that is female dominated. All of the women, whether main or supporting characters are strong and capable. Story telling in this society is of the oral tradition, and there is a lot of that throughout this book. It’s quite lovely and believable prose.
I really enjoyed this book and plan to continue following the development of Tanis and of Maara.
August 11, 2016
-Propuesta poco común por la conjunción de fondo y forma.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica (por los pelos).
Lo que nos cuenta. Tamras es una jovencita que, como todas las mujeres de su linaje antes que ella, debe tomar el camino del guerrero, por lo que se presenta en la fortaleza de Lady Merin para comenzar su aprendizaje, pero su edad, complexión física y la voluntad de Lady Merin hacen que comience siendo la compañera (título entre asistente personal y criada) de la guerrera Maara, casi una desconocida en la fortaleza y aparentemente con poco deseo de ser asistida por Tamras. Primer volumen de la trilogía When Women Were Warriors (aunque más bien parece un solo libro dividido en tres partes).
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica (por los pelos).
Lo que nos cuenta. Tamras es una jovencita que, como todas las mujeres de su linaje antes que ella, debe tomar el camino del guerrero, por lo que se presenta en la fortaleza de Lady Merin para comenzar su aprendizaje, pero su edad, complexión física y la voluntad de Lady Merin hacen que comience siendo la compañera (título entre asistente personal y criada) de la guerrera Maara, casi una desconocida en la fortaleza y aparentemente con poco deseo de ser asistida por Tamras. Primer volumen de la trilogía When Women Were Warriors (aunque más bien parece un solo libro dividido en tres partes).
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
November 10, 2022
Look, this is a slow burn, 150k, lesbian, bronze-age, slice-of-life and it’s absolutely my cup of tea. We’re in this for the long haul, we’re in this for healing and found family, and just the slightest wisp of fantasy. I can’t recommend the audiobook, narrated by Janis Ian, enough; I looked forward to her warm, calm telling of this story every day on my commute. I need to read the next book immediately to find out what happens, bc despite a whole lot of nothing happening in the first volume: I’ve latched onto these characters and their lives and relationships. I need to see if what the author’s been teasing at will happen. I need to see my favorite character happy at last. Most of all, I need more of these cozy fireside stories.
August 27, 2012
This is one of the finest Lesbian Genre books ever.
December 24, 2014
Isto não costuma ser o tipo de livro que leio, mas senti a necessidade de ler algo mais leve depois de ter lido alguns livros considerados densos e mentalmente um pouco exaustivos.
Temos a história ligada à lenda da época em que as mulheres eram guerreiras, ainda antes dos homens. A autora, vendo que isso ainda não existia na história da literatura (ou talvez por não ter procurado o suficiente), escreveu este livro sobre as suas própria ideias de uma altura em que os homens faziam sabe-se lá o quê (ela não especificou o que faziam os homens mas tendo em conta o livro eles simplesmente acompanhavam as mulheres como vigilantes ou ficavam em casa a tomar conta das colheitas, isto é, quando não tinham de roubar as colheitas dos outros durante o inverno).
Nessa época, todas as mulheres, chegadas aos 16 anos, iam ter à casa da guerreira mãe. Neste caso, foi Tamras que foi dirigida para a casa onde a sua mãe também já tinha sido uma guerreira, que pertence a uma longa estirpe de guerreiros liderada, no momento, pela guerreira-mãe, Merian.
Ao lá chegar, Tamras tem de ser a acompanhante de uma da guerreiras. Neste caso foi-lhe apontada a guerreira Maara, uma estranha que foi lá parar por sorte, sem ninguém conhecer a sua família ou ascendência. Todos a olham de lado, tem um feitio anti-social e ninguém gosta dela. Mas Tamras tenta dar a volta à situação e com a sua teimosia desperta o lado humano de Maara.
Existem mais alguns acontecimentos dos quais podia falar para fazer com que os leitores se interessassem pelo livro, mas a minha ideia é de que este livro é muito básico. A autora tentou implementar umas ideias cliché que ficaram já perdidas no fim do século XX, onde andava tudo na onda do New Age.
Para tornar a coisa um pouco mais edgy a escritora criou algumas relações sexuais entre as mulheres da trama. Não tenho nada contra isso e pouco me importa, desde que a relação não se torne mecânica e forçada, e foi o que me pareceu. As acções pareciam demasiado expostas ao leitor como se fosse feito propositadamente para tornar a trama mais interessante, mas, a meu ver, falhou redondamente.
Além disso, a personagem principal encontra-se sempre num destes estados de espírito: furiosa - enervada - zangada - chateada - triste.
As personagens desenvolvem relações do dia para a noite com a maior naturalidade possível. São implementados rituais de magia e coisas inexplicáveis que estragaram a minha experiência de leitura, pois o ar de algo antiquado, mágico e quase obsoleto realmente não funcionaram nas mãos desta escritora.
Entendo porque é que as pessoas gostaram e deram uma alta avaliação mas, para quem está habituado a ver a alma humana a ser explorada até ao mais ínfimo detalhe, este livro só teve coragem de explorar a superfície de um poço muito, mesmo muito fundo.
Temos a história ligada à lenda da época em que as mulheres eram guerreiras, ainda antes dos homens. A autora, vendo que isso ainda não existia na história da literatura (ou talvez por não ter procurado o suficiente), escreveu este livro sobre as suas própria ideias de uma altura em que os homens faziam sabe-se lá o quê (ela não especificou o que faziam os homens mas tendo em conta o livro eles simplesmente acompanhavam as mulheres como vigilantes ou ficavam em casa a tomar conta das colheitas, isto é, quando não tinham de roubar as colheitas dos outros durante o inverno).
Nessa época, todas as mulheres, chegadas aos 16 anos, iam ter à casa da guerreira mãe. Neste caso, foi Tamras que foi dirigida para a casa onde a sua mãe também já tinha sido uma guerreira, que pertence a uma longa estirpe de guerreiros liderada, no momento, pela guerreira-mãe, Merian.
Ao lá chegar, Tamras tem de ser a acompanhante de uma da guerreiras. Neste caso foi-lhe apontada a guerreira Maara, uma estranha que foi lá parar por sorte, sem ninguém conhecer a sua família ou ascendência. Todos a olham de lado, tem um feitio anti-social e ninguém gosta dela. Mas Tamras tenta dar a volta à situação e com a sua teimosia desperta o lado humano de Maara.
Existem mais alguns acontecimentos dos quais podia falar para fazer com que os leitores se interessassem pelo livro, mas a minha ideia é de que este livro é muito básico. A autora tentou implementar umas ideias cliché que ficaram já perdidas no fim do século XX, onde andava tudo na onda do New Age.
Para tornar a coisa um pouco mais edgy a escritora criou algumas relações sexuais entre as mulheres da trama. Não tenho nada contra isso e pouco me importa, desde que a relação não se torne mecânica e forçada, e foi o que me pareceu. As acções pareciam demasiado expostas ao leitor como se fosse feito propositadamente para tornar a trama mais interessante, mas, a meu ver, falhou redondamente.
Além disso, a personagem principal encontra-se sempre num destes estados de espírito: furiosa - enervada - zangada - chateada - triste.
As personagens desenvolvem relações do dia para a noite com a maior naturalidade possível. São implementados rituais de magia e coisas inexplicáveis que estragaram a minha experiência de leitura, pois o ar de algo antiquado, mágico e quase obsoleto realmente não funcionaram nas mãos desta escritora.
Entendo porque é que as pessoas gostaram e deram uma alta avaliação mas, para quem está habituado a ver a alma humana a ser explorada até ao mais ínfimo detalhe, este livro só teve coragem de explorar a superfície de um poço muito, mesmo muito fundo.
September 27, 2018
This book was read for Sapphic Book Club, hosted by sapphicliterature.
I started this book thinking that it’d be about warriors and there’d be gay stuff. Sure, it really had those things, but it was so different from what I expected. And it was really great?
The writing style was beautiful. I could imagine myself listening to this story to be told out loud, and it was wonderful. There were things that could’ve been left out if it wasn’t so fitting for the style of writing. Even though this was a story, it didn’t follow the usual structure of a story, for example there wasn’t an epic, big battle in this book. I can’t help but feel like I would easily complain about obvious things. There were no big plot points and some tales told in the book didn’t seem exactly necessary. This book had several things that don’t usually seem like good ideas to me, but they fitted in the story and the style, so I guess I liked them anyway? So weird.
However, while the style was gorgeous, and I enjoyed the book, this wasn’t a perfect read for me. The characters were likable, I didn’t get bored, the world-building was nice. In general, the only real complain I have is the ending. It didn’t seem to wind anything together, it simply ended there? The story didn’t seem complete. This is the first book of the series, but there still should be a structured ending. I was left kind of confused.
Confusion might indeed be what I feel towards this book. It’s a beautiful thing, but I don’t actually feel any curiosity towards the later books. I like the characters, but I haven’t become so attached to them that I’d want to read the second book right away. Shame. The story was enjoyable, I can definitely recommend it if you want to read something a bit different about female warriors. Yet, I was a bit unsatisfied with or, perhaps, I was so satisfied that I don’t need anything more? I don’t think it even makes sense.
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