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When Women Were Warriors #2
A Journey of the Heart
"A Journey of the Heart [Book II] shows the same strong storytelling ability of the first book. The language is still almost musical and wraps its sweet spell around you.… Storylines that were just starting to grow in the first book are also very well developed here. Intrigue and conflict are fleshed out and take some surprising twists. All that I had hoped for, reading the first book, begins to bloom.…"--from a review by Kate Genet on the website, Kissed By Venus"Catherine Wilson creates a magical sense of place, and of belonging to that place. Within that, she also tells how it feels to not belong. … Ms. Wilson’s is a tale of bone wisdom. It whispers of what we remember when we sleep at night and dream. It calls us to remember that women had, and still have, a wise and powerful place in the world."--from a review on the blog, The Rainbow Reader, by Baxter Clare Trautman"In this book we see Tamras’ world open from the House of Merin and its immediate environs into the lands beyond its borders. She meets other peoples, whose ways are different from those she knows. Similarly Tamras’ inner life expands as the feelings within her blossom into the romantic love that will be the linchpin her life will hinge on…"--from a review by Charles Ferguson on the Goodreads websiteIn Book II of the trilogy, Tamras’s apprenticeship as a warrior isn’t turning out quite the way she expected. Her unconventional choices lead to her crossing swords, almost literally, with Vintel, the war leader of Merin’s house. She finds herself embroiled in a power struggle she is doomed to lose, but the loss sends her on a journey that will change her destiny and decide the fate of her people.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2008
173 people are currently reading
2420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
April 13, 2016
Sometimes it's hard, for me, to write a review about a book I loved so much. It's difficult to put into words what a really good book makes you feel. Not only is this a beautifully written f/f-fantasy book, its a beautifully written book period. It's the kind of book that makes you think of the characters and the story, many days after you have finished reading.
I can not wait to read the final book, and would not hesitate to recommended this series to all.
I can not wait to read the final book, and would not hesitate to recommended this series to all.
February 11, 2015
Second volume in trilogy and again my affection for the book continues to baffle me. Despite strong aspects of fantasy and a sort of peculiar mix of zen and hippie language, none of which I'm a fan of, there is something strangely compelling about Wilson's world of female warriors and despite the peculiarity of language there is a beauty to it. This volume offers up more character backstories and development and although there are various things going on including war, power struggles and inner circle intrigues, there is an overpowering romance theme here. So it's all love, oat cakes, eye gazing, soul gazing, profound conversations and some more love. And yet all very engaging and entertaining somehow.
October 29, 2012
I love this tale. This isn't a series, it's a long book broken up into thirds so you don't get much backstory to keep up and they don't stand alone. I love how this story sucks me in and holds me. I don't want it to end. Love in all its forms: friendship, mother/child, soul mate. Yeah, it's about warriors and there's a lot of treachery and intrigue, some fighting. It's not your swashbuckling sword story, and I like that. I like entering this world and settling by the fire to be told a beautiful tale. This also has possibly the best love scene I've ever read. At least best in a very long while.
February 17, 2018
I stayed up very late to finish it. Wow, the last 20% part had made up handsomely for the loose plot in the middle. Only at the end that I got what I want-- The only thing that I came for, cared for in the whole series and have waited since the beginning: the real romance of T & M. I have to say that the lovemaking scenes were very well-written, deep and unusually good.
December 29, 2022
“Your task will be to let your heart grow large enough not to break.”
RE-READ 2022. When I started my reread, I glanced at my first review and was disappointed to see that I'd only written one sentence. I love looking back to see what I thought of books in the past; it's why I try to write a review for every book I read, even if it's just one paragraph. Now that I've completed my reread, I understand why past Laura only had one sentence in her. I loved this so much. SO SO MUCH. It's no wonder I had trouble putting it into words. Yesterday when I finished the first book, I understood why it affected me so much in the past, even if it didn't quite get me in the same way in the present. But this? This is just as much of an emotional gut punch as it was when I first read it.
The writing is terrifically simple, but sometimes it just reaches off the page and slaps me in the face. There aren't a lot of frills to this coming of age, coming into power, adventure and love story, but it's told so honestly and beautifully it truly just makes me want to cry. I love Tamras and Maara with my whole, whole heart. The deepening of their relationship, the way Wilson takes her time with it, never neglecting other bonds and ties that they have, but showing how they circle each other slowly and irrevocably before coming to the same point? It's just so good. In every line of this book, there's something about the way strength and tenderness are juxtaposed that means so much to me. It priorities women and relationships between women without getting essentialist about it; talks about motherhood as something beautiful, but not universally desirable. So much about this was perfect to me and for me. Ever get the zoomies from a book? Like, you read a line and you just need to put the book down and walk around your living room? Yeah. That was me, several times while reading this.
I'm mad at myself that it took me so long to reread this series, and I'm also terrified because the third book is the only one I haven't read and I'm scared for it to end. I'm still going to start it immediately. I can't do anything but that. I adore these characters, and right now, all I want to do is spend more time with them.
I felt no fear. No harm will come to me, not like this, not when love asks the question.
--
I'm too emotional to write a proper review but this series continues to be perfect and everything I want out of life and fiction.
March 1, 2019
Rarely does a sequel hold up to the original. This one surpasses it’s predecessor.
November 21, 2018
I'm sorry, I just have something in my eye, like a contact or an eyelash or a twig... or a branch....
I really, really enjoyed the first one, because of the sense of warmth and growth that infused it throughout, even as it was low on plot. This one, however, swept me away even more. The scope continues to remain limited; we're not talking about great clashes between two empires or anything, but with the way this book is written, we don't need to be. Even if the scope is small, the stakes still feel high, and this builds off of the intrigue hinted at in the first book in such careful, solid way.
But man, the characters in this series really knock it out of the park for me. I love Tamras' narration; she has such emotional strength, a combination of true empathy and inner steel that make her such a wonderful leading lady. I also love Maara, and I love this book for bringing us closer to her. Even after dealing with some of her demons in the first book, we have a lot to learn about Maara, and this book brings some of it out. She's the kind of character I just love to see pushed into a vulnerable place, because it feels so worth it when she gets there. (And she's also just. so wise and badass). Even Vintel, our antagonist, is incredibly well written: although she can resort to being petty and even bullying, the book shows that she too is a complicated character, with her own flaws, strengths, and motivations.
Once again, relationships drive this series so beautifully, particularly because all of the most prominent ones are between women: mothers and daughters, sisters, comrades, friends, lovers... This book has all of them. As far as reading goes, it kinda feels like my own personal heaven in that sense.
I can't wait to read the next one, but I'm also going to be So Sad to finish it.
I really, really enjoyed the first one, because of the sense of warmth and growth that infused it throughout, even as it was low on plot. This one, however, swept me away even more. The scope continues to remain limited; we're not talking about great clashes between two empires or anything, but with the way this book is written, we don't need to be. Even if the scope is small, the stakes still feel high, and this builds off of the intrigue hinted at in the first book in such careful, solid way.
But man, the characters in this series really knock it out of the park for me. I love Tamras' narration; she has such emotional strength, a combination of true empathy and inner steel that make her such a wonderful leading lady. I also love Maara, and I love this book for bringing us closer to her. Even after dealing with some of her demons in the first book, we have a lot to learn about Maara, and this book brings some of it out. She's the kind of character I just love to see pushed into a vulnerable place, because it feels so worth it when she gets there. (And she's also just. so wise and badass). Even Vintel, our antagonist, is incredibly well written: although she can resort to being petty and even bullying, the book shows that she too is a complicated character, with her own flaws, strengths, and motivations.
Once again, relationships drive this series so beautifully, particularly because all of the most prominent ones are between women: mothers and daughters, sisters, comrades, friends, lovers... This book has all of them. As far as reading goes, it kinda feels like my own personal heaven in that sense.
I can't wait to read the next one, but I'm also going to be So Sad to finish it.
July 1, 2016
Honestly, this is one of the best love stories I have ever read. Definitely the best WLW love story I have ever read, and the fact that it is set within a fantasy world of women warriors only makes it that much better. Seriously, why haven't you read it already? Go! Right now! Also, some quotes:
"She had held out to me the hope that, by letting something go, I might be able to take hold of something better."
"My heart knew how much others cared for me, but my body needed to be told, in a language it could understand, that someone loved all of me, enough to create this need in me and satisfy it."
"I wanted to take into my own heart all the pain, the loneliness, the hearthache she had known; not to take it from her, but to bear it with her."
"Hearts break because they are too small to contain the gifts life gives us."
"Again and again I asked for permission. May I? Here? And here? Is this too much? Too little? Can you hear me? This is my heart."
"She had held out to me the hope that, by letting something go, I might be able to take hold of something better."
"My heart knew how much others cared for me, but my body needed to be told, in a language it could understand, that someone loved all of me, enough to create this need in me and satisfy it."
"I wanted to take into my own heart all the pain, the loneliness, the hearthache she had known; not to take it from her, but to bear it with her."
"Hearts break because they are too small to contain the gifts life gives us."
"Again and again I asked for permission. May I? Here? And here? Is this too much? Too little? Can you hear me? This is my heart."
August 22, 2023
This book lets you spend more time with the characters you’ve gotten to know and for the first time lets you get to know the Lady Merin, who was a minor and mysterious character in the first book. Although the dialogue could get a bit tedious at times as the characters discuss events that you just read about, overall I like how openly they communicate with each other about their thoughts and feelings.
Tamras begins training with a bow instead of a sword, much to her disappointment. She takes a lot of time and practice to learn to shoot at even a beginner’s level. I like how hard she works to develop her skill. It’s much better than reading about protagonists who master their training easily and quickly manage to surpass all their classmates and even their teachers.
Lesbian relationships continue to be a prominent part of the series. It was silly how long it took Tamras to realise she was in love with . There was never any hint their relationship would become romantic until near the end of the book, so it feels too quick and sudden when it does happen. There’s no appropriate build-up, no lust or yearning shown to intensify over time, and considering how openly and honestly they communicate it seems to me a bit mystifying that they didn’t speak about their experiences with crushes or infatuation or being in love. Tamras knew she wasn’t in love with so there was nothing holding her back from exploring other possibilities.
There were a few problems with the plot that made it hard to suspend my disbelief. We learn almost nothing about the northerners. Who are they and what do they want? So far their motivations make no sense. It is in their best interest to forge an alliance with Merin’s people because they desperately need food. The northerners’ raids are often unsuccessful and they lack adequate resources to maintain a strong agriculture, yet somehow they have the energy for annual warfare…which realistically would be quite draining on the few food sources they do have. People who are starving will do just about anything to obtain food. The only thing I can think is that the northerners subsist on territory that’s full of wild game, but prey animals also need adequate food to eat. If they don’t have enough food and don’t have anything to trade for food, the majority of them should have starved to death by now. Based on the little information we do get about the northern tribes it seems like that’s exactly what Merin’s people should have let happen years ago. It’s like the raids happen just to give the main protagonists something to do. I’m hoping the final book will be more forthcoming about what’s really going on in the north and how they have survived there.
There are vague mentions of “the painted people” and “the people in the mountains” but with only the warrior women and the raiders to the north of them carrying on their decades-long conflict whose origin nobody knows anymore, the world feels a little small sometimes. Surely some of the warriors from the past or present have explored and mapped out land beyond the borders of their own territory? Surely the northerners would have raided in lands beyond Merin’s land?
Despite these issues I had, the positives outweigh the negatives. I really enjoy this series and I can see myself coming back to it multiple times in the future.
Tamras begins training with a bow instead of a sword, much to her disappointment. She takes a lot of time and practice to learn to shoot at even a beginner’s level. I like how hard she works to develop her skill. It’s much better than reading about protagonists who master their training easily and quickly manage to surpass all their classmates and even their teachers.
Lesbian relationships continue to be a prominent part of the series. It was silly how long it took Tamras to realise she was in love with . There was never any hint their relationship would become romantic until near the end of the book, so it feels too quick and sudden when it does happen. There’s no appropriate build-up, no lust or yearning shown to intensify over time, and considering how openly and honestly they communicate it seems to me a bit mystifying that they didn’t speak about their experiences with crushes or infatuation or being in love. Tamras knew she wasn’t in love with so there was nothing holding her back from exploring other possibilities.
There were a few problems with the plot that made it hard to suspend my disbelief. We learn almost nothing about the northerners. Who are they and what do they want? So far their motivations make no sense. It is in their best interest to forge an alliance with Merin’s people because they desperately need food. The northerners’ raids are often unsuccessful and they lack adequate resources to maintain a strong agriculture, yet somehow they have the energy for annual warfare…which realistically would be quite draining on the few food sources they do have. People who are starving will do just about anything to obtain food. The only thing I can think is that the northerners subsist on territory that’s full of wild game, but prey animals also need adequate food to eat. If they don’t have enough food and don’t have anything to trade for food, the majority of them should have starved to death by now. Based on the little information we do get about the northern tribes it seems like that’s exactly what Merin’s people should have let happen years ago. It’s like the raids happen just to give the main protagonists something to do. I’m hoping the final book will be more forthcoming about what’s really going on in the north and how they have survived there.
There are vague mentions of “the painted people” and “the people in the mountains” but with only the warrior women and the raiders to the north of them carrying on their decades-long conflict whose origin nobody knows anymore, the world feels a little small sometimes. Surely some of the warriors from the past or present have explored and mapped out land beyond the borders of their own territory? Surely the northerners would have raided in lands beyond Merin’s land?
Despite these issues I had, the positives outweigh the negatives. I really enjoy this series and I can see myself coming back to it multiple times in the future.
March 22, 2022
It feels a little weird to review each book when it's not so much a trilogy rather than a long story split into three volumes, but regardless, as this one might as well be my favorite of the three, it also feels wrong to leave it blank. This volume is pure excellence from the very first page.
It is, as could be expected from the 2nd volume out of 3, a time of many transitions in the story. Quite a lot happens in this one as opposed to an uneventful first volume. Tamras has grown a lot and started her training with weapons to become a warrior, and Maara as her teacher has got to be probably my favorite thing in the series. She is so so wise and always ten steps ahead and also so patient and careful, always has her mind open to advice and to adjust her ways and find what would be best for Tamras, it's just incredible. Everything about Tamras's training is the major reason why I love this volume so much.
We also get to see much more of important characters such as Sparrow and Vintel, but especially of Lady Merin, who also has her own love story to tell, and you will never guess who her sweetheart is. I'll just say it's such a delightful, bittersweet story I appreciated all the much more on this second read. Her relationship with Tamras is also endlessly complex and interesting and takes the spotlight for the bulk of this book. It also sets Tamras just in the beginning of a much longer path than that of a warrior, one she's too young to even acknowledge, but that others already see her in, as she learns so much from the wisdom of all the women around her, and shows them that she has quite a lot of wisdom herself too.
As I mentioned about transitions, this volume starts off quite light-hearted with a focus on Tamras's training, but takes a gradual turn towards much darker stories, which feels fitting as I remember book III is *heart wrenching*. This turn is not only due to politics and disputes around the house, but also because we finally hear more about Maara's past, which everyone knew had not been an easy one (but boy had no one ever said it would be this hard). It's still a very hopeful kind of darkness, though, the first sign of which being Maara willing to open up about all this in the first place, all thanks to the love she continuously receives from Tamras and Namet, healing her wounds. Thus there is that, but all will be well; do not forget this is still mainly a story about love, love which is very much everywhere, in Merin's land and beyond.
(For slightly more ellaborate thoughts on the series, my review of volume I).
It is, as could be expected from the 2nd volume out of 3, a time of many transitions in the story. Quite a lot happens in this one as opposed to an uneventful first volume. Tamras has grown a lot and started her training with weapons to become a warrior, and Maara as her teacher has got to be probably my favorite thing in the series. She is so so wise and always ten steps ahead and also so patient and careful, always has her mind open to advice and to adjust her ways and find what would be best for Tamras, it's just incredible. Everything about Tamras's training is the major reason why I love this volume so much.
We also get to see much more of important characters such as Sparrow and Vintel, but especially of Lady Merin, who also has her own love story to tell, and you will never guess who her sweetheart is. I'll just say it's such a delightful, bittersweet story I appreciated all the much more on this second read. Her relationship with Tamras is also endlessly complex and interesting and takes the spotlight for the bulk of this book. It also sets Tamras just in the beginning of a much longer path than that of a warrior, one she's too young to even acknowledge, but that others already see her in, as she learns so much from the wisdom of all the women around her, and shows them that she has quite a lot of wisdom herself too.
"Tell him that though you are young and small of body, your spirit is large and powerful. (...)"
"But my spirit isn't large and powerful," I said.
"You think not?"
As I mentioned about transitions, this volume starts off quite light-hearted with a focus on Tamras's training, but takes a gradual turn towards much darker stories, which feels fitting as I remember book III is *heart wrenching*. This turn is not only due to politics and disputes around the house, but also because we finally hear more about Maara's past, which everyone knew had not been an easy one (but boy had no one ever said it would be this hard). It's still a very hopeful kind of darkness, though, the first sign of which being Maara willing to open up about all this in the first place, all thanks to the love she continuously receives from Tamras and Namet, healing her wounds. Thus there is that, but all will be well; do not forget this is still mainly a story about love, love which is very much everywhere, in Merin's land and beyond.
"All I can tell you is this. Some hearts break from grief and some from joy. Some even break from love. But hearts break because they are too small to contain the gifts life gives us. Your task will be to let your heart grow large enough not to break."
(For slightly more ellaborate thoughts on the series, my review of volume I).
March 27, 2021
This book is everything I could want. Wow. I am beyond in love with Wilson's style, the gentle way she unravels these characters and this world. Perfection.
July 19, 2024
Really liking this, especially the emphasis on folktales and storytelling.
February 13, 2025
I answered her honestly. “I’m jealous of Elen.”
“Why?“ she asked, surprised.
“Because she knew you then. I wish I’d known you then.”
“Why?” she said, more softly.
“Because I would have loved you.”
basically what the fuckkkk. what the fuckkk. my heart hurts. this series is so tender and so character driven and so wonderful and i feel like i’m with tamras and maara and i can physically feel the love between them. they care so much about each other. slowburn (actual slowburn!!!) goes so crazy. honestly i have no words for this right now i’m just excited to read the next book. i’m looking forward to rereading this in the future that’s how much i’m loving this
9.5/10 or 5/5 & e-book
some other quotes i saved
“So little?” She waited for me to meet her eyes. “I think the world of you.”
“I used to make her tell me all the time. I lived in fear that she would stop loving me. I used to make her tell me, over and over again.”
“The path I chose has brought trouble to people I care for,” I told her. “It has brought trouble to Sparrow, to Merin, to Namet.” I met her eyes. “To you.”
“Not to me,” she whispered. “Not to me.”
I had never felt more intimate a touch, because it was she who touched me.
I took her lower lip between my lips and loved it, because it had trembled, because it had given her away.
Again and again I asked her permission. May I? Here? And here? Is this too much? Too little? Can you hear me? This is my heart.
“To me, your love has been a blessing. Your love is all I want, and I would say the same if I were to die of it tonight.”
“Why?“ she asked, surprised.
“Because she knew you then. I wish I’d known you then.”
“Why?” she said, more softly.
“Because I would have loved you.”
basically what the fuckkkk. what the fuckkk. my heart hurts. this series is so tender and so character driven and so wonderful and i feel like i’m with tamras and maara and i can physically feel the love between them. they care so much about each other. slowburn (actual slowburn!!!) goes so crazy. honestly i have no words for this right now i’m just excited to read the next book. i’m looking forward to rereading this in the future that’s how much i’m loving this
9.5/10 or 5/5 & e-book
some other quotes i saved
“So little?” She waited for me to meet her eyes. “I think the world of you.”
“I used to make her tell me all the time. I lived in fear that she would stop loving me. I used to make her tell me, over and over again.”
“The path I chose has brought trouble to people I care for,” I told her. “It has brought trouble to Sparrow, to Merin, to Namet.” I met her eyes. “To you.”
“Not to me,” she whispered. “Not to me.”
I had never felt more intimate a touch, because it was she who touched me.
I took her lower lip between my lips and loved it, because it had trembled, because it had given her away.
Again and again I asked her permission. May I? Here? And here? Is this too much? Too little? Can you hear me? This is my heart.
“To me, your love has been a blessing. Your love is all I want, and I would say the same if I were to die of it tonight.”
January 1, 2014
I loved this book and stayed up into the late hours reading it. Wilson does such a good job conveying emotion- both subtle and obvious. The depth of emotion in this text is probably the only reason it took me so long to read. I didn't want to miss a single description or word and carefully read every word and line so as to miss nothing.
As the second book of a trilogy this book did what many 2nd of 3rd books do and leaves much unknown: forcing the reader to speculate and wonder and, of course, buy the third book. I tend to hate 2nd of 3rds (in books and movies). A Journey of the Heart however isn't just a means to an end though, like many 2nd of 3rds. While the story cannot stand alone apart from the 1st or assumedly the 3rd it was a full story with details and descriptions and more revelations (and of course many more unanswered questions).
This is such a great heroine story and there are sadly still so few in this world. I wish the romantic parts (specifically the erotic romance parts) weren't present so I could hand this to my eleven year old niece or any young girl or older woman. We need heroes and role models like Tamras and Marra in the world. I view them as great role models and amazing feminine literary characters- the likes of whom I can currently think of no equal (Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games doesn't even reach their level). I deeply hope nothing in the 3rd book changes my opinion of them as honest, true, and loyal.
A Journey of the Heart has the hallmarks of a great warrior tale and mythology. It captures the imagination and draws the reader in so he/she feels like they're a part of the story.
Catherine M. Wilson's words are poetic and deep. Her descriptions are beautiful. The book is like a song. I have never been this in love with a writer's work. I wish she had more than just the three books. I'm holding off on the third (despite the curiosity that is killing me) because I want to savor the books.
As the second book of a trilogy this book did what many 2nd of 3rd books do and leaves much unknown: forcing the reader to speculate and wonder and, of course, buy the third book. I tend to hate 2nd of 3rds (in books and movies). A Journey of the Heart however isn't just a means to an end though, like many 2nd of 3rds. While the story cannot stand alone apart from the 1st or assumedly the 3rd it was a full story with details and descriptions and more revelations (and of course many more unanswered questions).
This is such a great heroine story and there are sadly still so few in this world. I wish the romantic parts (specifically the erotic romance parts) weren't present so I could hand this to my eleven year old niece or any young girl or older woman. We need heroes and role models like Tamras and Marra in the world. I view them as great role models and amazing feminine literary characters- the likes of whom I can currently think of no equal (Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games doesn't even reach their level). I deeply hope nothing in the 3rd book changes my opinion of them as honest, true, and loyal.
A Journey of the Heart has the hallmarks of a great warrior tale and mythology. It captures the imagination and draws the reader in so he/she feels like they're a part of the story.
Catherine M. Wilson's words are poetic and deep. Her descriptions are beautiful. The book is like a song. I have never been this in love with a writer's work. I wish she had more than just the three books. I'm holding off on the third (despite the curiosity that is killing me) because I want to savor the books.
July 5, 2020
I have to be honest,
halfway through this book I started to lose all hope that Maara and Tamras were going to fall in love, and BOY, was I not pleased when I got to the 80%.
I looove the plot of this book. While in the first book Tamras was young and was fighting her way through her new life, in this book she is a woman with clearer desires and purpose. It's so satisfying reading how she learns to master the bow, how she saved Maara's life, it's like watching a person you love become who you knew they were going to be all along.
I can't express enough how much I love Maara and Tamras as a couple. I would have loved for Tamras to realize sooner, because it was kinda tiring reading her make out with Sparrow, but the moment she knows, it's just so beautiful. The way they open to the other person and finally embrasse their mutual feelings... I loved it.
I can't way to read the next book!
halfway through this book I started to lose all hope that Maara and Tamras were going to fall in love, and BOY, was I not pleased when I got to the 80%.
I looove the plot of this book. While in the first book Tamras was young and was fighting her way through her new life, in this book she is a woman with clearer desires and purpose. It's so satisfying reading how she learns to master the bow, how she saved Maara's life, it's like watching a person you love become who you knew they were going to be all along.
I can't express enough how much I love Maara and Tamras as a couple. I would have loved for Tamras to realize sooner, because it was kinda tiring reading her make out with Sparrow, but the moment she knows, it's just so beautiful. The way they open to the other person and finally embrasse their mutual feelings... I loved it.
I can't way to read the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
Kept me up late again damn you
I have to work tomorrow Catherine. You are stealing my sleep. Robbing me of my wits in daylight. You are blinding me with the thrills and depths of your tide of words so that i cannot rise to breath until i read the last ebb written
I have to work tomorrow Catherine. You are stealing my sleep. Robbing me of my wits in daylight. You are blinding me with the thrills and depths of your tide of words so that i cannot rise to breath until i read the last ebb written
November 21, 2020
WOMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
January 7, 2025
one of my favorite, well written, accurate depictions of queer love i have yet to read. v much a slow burn but soooo worth it. again, this series seems to speak directly to my soul. i feel seen and understood and i want to curl up next to a fire in my cloak with my beloved.
beloved.
“My love for her filled my heart. Everything was there all at once — the sweet warmth of tenderness, the ache of longing, a joy that bubbled up inside me and made me want to laugh, a piercing pain that brought tears to my eyes, and a deep glow that would, with the slightest breath, burst into the flame of desire.”
beloved.
“My love for her filled my heart. Everything was there all at once — the sweet warmth of tenderness, the ache of longing, a joy that bubbled up inside me and made me want to laugh, a piercing pain that brought tears to my eyes, and a deep glow that would, with the slightest breath, burst into the flame of desire.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
Oh my GOD. Everyone go read this book, NOW. (Start with Book I though.) It’s beautiful. 😭❤️
I want to say MORE TBA so badly buuut I’ve promised that before lol and have produced zip, so we’ll see!
I want to say MORE TBA so badly buuut I’ve promised that before lol and have produced zip, so we’ll see!
July 9, 2025
this was good! it’s basically one big book but separated I think to make it easier for people to commit to it lol, sometimes repetitive but not so much that it’s distracting.
February 26, 2022
The plot thickens. Intrigue galore. Still loving the beautifully lyrical descriptions of how relationships between characters deepen. On the edge of my seat to find out what happens next.
March 1, 2025
i will NEVER shut up about this qué cojones acabo de leer socorro wlw excellence
January 29, 2018
When Tamras continued her journey ‘when women were warriors’, I slipped back easily into her world again as the characters and settings were familiar from Book 1. As was the writing, which continued to weave its spell over me.
The rhythm that Catherine Wilson chooses continued to remind me of an oral storyteller. Once again, the beautiful poetic phrases kept me reading and held my attention throughout.
As events at Merin’s House and on the northern frontier unfold, Tamras faces crucial decisions and discovers her real friends – and the conflict with Merin’s war leader Vintel intensifies as does her relationship with Maara, the warrior that she is apprenticed to.
Love is the central theme to this book and the trilogy. Not just romantic love but the emotion that is special and deep, that ties people together and gives them life but also hurts. Love is explored in a multitude of ways – mother/child, siblings, woman/woman, warrior/apprentice, wife/husband, first loves. The writer helps the reader feel the intricacies of the emotions involved, never rushing the scenes where characters interact with dialogue, glances or caresses.
Although women are central to the tale and women hold the main warrior role, this is not a simplistic role reversal. Some reviewers, mainly fellow men sadly, have missed the fact that there are warriors at Merin’s House who are men. In modern society, women wanting to fight was frowned on until recently, to the extent that some disguised themselves as men. In contrast, this world-building portrays a more balanced society where such strict divisions are not present.
The reader experiences the battle emotions and reactions as Tamras has her first encounter with the raiding northern tribes. In most cases, the reactions are rooted in respect between fellow warriors and apprentices, and even between rivals.
However, this world is realistic with characters that have been slaves and that issue is gradually explored as the revelations paint a complex world and the war that created much of the backstory emerges into view. The reader discovers more about Merin and her fellow elders as well as her importance to Tamras.
Caring for others has many angles – and complications – as Tamras learns…with love playing its complex role. Once again, there are lessons at every growth point regardless of age and previous experiences. How does one wield that delicate position called ‘Power’ and what is the nature of that ability? The novel is filled with crucial questions for Tamras and the reader – challenges.
The characterisation continues to be rich and the central characters grow as events unfold. Some learn, and others just react, although motives are cleverly revealed – but not too soon. Tamras’s path got clearer but rockier as the mid-point of the trilogy was reached. From there onwards, lines are drawn as the inner and outer conflicts simmer. There will be a climactic clash but as in other great epics, that is being set up with physical and psychological skirmishes that test characters.
There is more great wisdom here, and there are ancient tales woven into the whole – fireside storytelling within a saga. Tamras, especially, told stories that she had learnt while growing up – tales that are told in the style of oral ‘tales of yore’. These add to the magic of the novel, and to the sense of an older world more in touch with its roots.
All the events and revelations set up Book 3 neatly, so A Hero’s Tale has moved top of my ‘Must Reads’ list. Although I’m reading the trilogy on Kindle, I have just ordered the paperbacks to place on my bookshelf alongside my prized copies of The Lord of the Rings.
Story – five stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Diversity – five stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
The rhythm that Catherine Wilson chooses continued to remind me of an oral storyteller. Once again, the beautiful poetic phrases kept me reading and held my attention throughout.
As events at Merin’s House and on the northern frontier unfold, Tamras faces crucial decisions and discovers her real friends – and the conflict with Merin’s war leader Vintel intensifies as does her relationship with Maara, the warrior that she is apprenticed to.
Love is the central theme to this book and the trilogy. Not just romantic love but the emotion that is special and deep, that ties people together and gives them life but also hurts. Love is explored in a multitude of ways – mother/child, siblings, woman/woman, warrior/apprentice, wife/husband, first loves. The writer helps the reader feel the intricacies of the emotions involved, never rushing the scenes where characters interact with dialogue, glances or caresses.
Although women are central to the tale and women hold the main warrior role, this is not a simplistic role reversal. Some reviewers, mainly fellow men sadly, have missed the fact that there are warriors at Merin’s House who are men. In modern society, women wanting to fight was frowned on until recently, to the extent that some disguised themselves as men. In contrast, this world-building portrays a more balanced society where such strict divisions are not present.
The reader experiences the battle emotions and reactions as Tamras has her first encounter with the raiding northern tribes. In most cases, the reactions are rooted in respect between fellow warriors and apprentices, and even between rivals.
However, this world is realistic with characters that have been slaves and that issue is gradually explored as the revelations paint a complex world and the war that created much of the backstory emerges into view. The reader discovers more about Merin and her fellow elders as well as her importance to Tamras.
Caring for others has many angles – and complications – as Tamras learns…with love playing its complex role. Once again, there are lessons at every growth point regardless of age and previous experiences. How does one wield that delicate position called ‘Power’ and what is the nature of that ability? The novel is filled with crucial questions for Tamras and the reader – challenges.
The characterisation continues to be rich and the central characters grow as events unfold. Some learn, and others just react, although motives are cleverly revealed – but not too soon. Tamras’s path got clearer but rockier as the mid-point of the trilogy was reached. From there onwards, lines are drawn as the inner and outer conflicts simmer. There will be a climactic clash but as in other great epics, that is being set up with physical and psychological skirmishes that test characters.
There is more great wisdom here, and there are ancient tales woven into the whole – fireside storytelling within a saga. Tamras, especially, told stories that she had learnt while growing up – tales that are told in the style of oral ‘tales of yore’. These add to the magic of the novel, and to the sense of an older world more in touch with its roots.
All the events and revelations set up Book 3 neatly, so A Hero’s Tale has moved top of my ‘Must Reads’ list. Although I’m reading the trilogy on Kindle, I have just ordered the paperbacks to place on my bookshelf alongside my prized copies of The Lord of the Rings.
Story – five stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Diversity – five stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
May 2, 2022
"The grass on the surrounding hillsides waved and billowed in the wind like an immense cloak shaken by an unseen hand."
How do you start writing a review for a book that altered your way of thinking without diminishing the impact it got on you? A question for the ages, apparently.
Second installment of the When Women Were Warriors series, A Journey of the Heart feels like a long walk among the vastness of the world, and I don't think you can find a way to enjoy it without first losing yourself in it. This book is a tribute to the stories our elders used to tell us when we were small and have made our own. It is a tribute to love, in all its different ways. It is, especially, a tribute to the love women have for each other. Motherly love, love between sisters, the love you have for a friend or even for nature. And the love you keep safe for this one and only person. Never in a book have I felt so surrounded by the love of all women.
"To me your love has been a blessing. Your love is all I want, and I would say the same if I were to die of it tonight."
You might find yourself attracted to this book knowing you will find lesbian protagonists. I think it's safe to assume you will be drawn to this story by so many other things. But like all books that leave a lasting impression, it's best to go into it without knowing too much about them. But know this ; though it includes all those elements, this book is not about epic battles, or stories of fearlessness, or even tales of deaths. It dwelves into the aftermath of those events, on how drawing your arrow toward the neck of your opponent will shape you forever, how to love and to lose love will leave you with joy and grief, how it is always important to see the two faces of a coin.
That is why I think Tamras is a wonderful protagonist. Innocent and impossibly kind at first, she embodies the reader and through her, we make the same mistakes and learn from them. Her journey makes her grow, but never forget herself. It is an absolute joy to read her as she thinks and interact with other characters, whether it's Maara, Merin, Sparrow or even Vintel. Through her eyes, you learn to care about each of these characters, and you learn to understand why they might act like they do. The world is never only black and white, and Tamras understands it. That is also why I think Maara is also a wonderful character, because she is the one who makes Tamras understand this notion. She teaches her how to be more patient, to understand things by herself. Maara teaches Tamras to hunt, to set traps, to build her strength little by little to finally draw the bow, and by doing so she teaches her patience. Those two characters respond to each other beautifully.
"She too cried out, a cry of pleasure mixed with pain, as if something within her had broken, so that her heart could find me."
In summary, read this book!! It is unlike anything you've read, I promise. It is kind, hopeful, reflective, vibrant and vivid. It's also sometimes sad and bittersweet, but it's a small price to pay for such a great story. Please read this series and then talk about it because it deserves so many more exposure.
How do you start writing a review for a book that altered your way of thinking without diminishing the impact it got on you? A question for the ages, apparently.
Second installment of the When Women Were Warriors series, A Journey of the Heart feels like a long walk among the vastness of the world, and I don't think you can find a way to enjoy it without first losing yourself in it. This book is a tribute to the stories our elders used to tell us when we were small and have made our own. It is a tribute to love, in all its different ways. It is, especially, a tribute to the love women have for each other. Motherly love, love between sisters, the love you have for a friend or even for nature. And the love you keep safe for this one and only person. Never in a book have I felt so surrounded by the love of all women.
"To me your love has been a blessing. Your love is all I want, and I would say the same if I were to die of it tonight."
You might find yourself attracted to this book knowing you will find lesbian protagonists. I think it's safe to assume you will be drawn to this story by so many other things. But like all books that leave a lasting impression, it's best to go into it without knowing too much about them. But know this ; though it includes all those elements, this book is not about epic battles, or stories of fearlessness, or even tales of deaths. It dwelves into the aftermath of those events, on how drawing your arrow toward the neck of your opponent will shape you forever, how to love and to lose love will leave you with joy and grief, how it is always important to see the two faces of a coin.
That is why I think Tamras is a wonderful protagonist. Innocent and impossibly kind at first, she embodies the reader and through her, we make the same mistakes and learn from them. Her journey makes her grow, but never forget herself. It is an absolute joy to read her as she thinks and interact with other characters, whether it's Maara, Merin, Sparrow or even Vintel. Through her eyes, you learn to care about each of these characters, and you learn to understand why they might act like they do. The world is never only black and white, and Tamras understands it. That is also why I think Maara is also a wonderful character, because she is the one who makes Tamras understand this notion. She teaches her how to be more patient, to understand things by herself. Maara teaches Tamras to hunt, to set traps, to build her strength little by little to finally draw the bow, and by doing so she teaches her patience. Those two characters respond to each other beautifully.
"She too cried out, a cry of pleasure mixed with pain, as if something within her had broken, so that her heart could find me."
In summary, read this book!! It is unlike anything you've read, I promise. It is kind, hopeful, reflective, vibrant and vivid. It's also sometimes sad and bittersweet, but it's a small price to pay for such a great story. Please read this series and then talk about it because it deserves so many more exposure.
November 23, 2021
Tamras continues her apprenticeship to Maara and becomes closer to Merin, the Lady of the house. Vintel, bearing a grudge against Tamras for refusing to be her apprentice, is threatened by Tamras’s growing status. Tamras and Maara face the prejudices of the people of Merin’s house and clash with Vintel as Merin’s ailing health pushes her to choose a successor.
This was just as good as the first book, and is a direct continuation, like the second part to one large book. Tamras grows older in this coming-of-age narrative, and we see her start to come into her own as a warrior. The bond between her and Maara deepens, which I was eager to see. The loyalty they have for each other is wonderful and heartwarming; the highlight of the story.
The tension grows in this one, and the pacing picks up. There are several edge-of-your-seat moments, and I was so connected to the characters that I couldn’t stop reading until the resolution. I had to see it resolved, and walking away was out of the question.
The philosophical questions posed are interesting, as Tamras is faced with recognizing the humanity of her enemies while still having to fight them, often to the death. She tends to compassion, but a past betrayal of an alliance keeps the others in suspicion and they warn her against it. The struggle is visceral, and you can understand all sides of it.
As noted in my review of the first book, the author’s writing has a way of absorbing you completely into the setting. It feels so real that it’s strange to come back to the real world after finishing. I borrowed the last book from the library immediately afterward. I don’t want this series to end.
PS: A review on Goodreads says there are too many “lesbian encounters” in the story. I can’t think of a higher recommendation than that.
This was just as good as the first book, and is a direct continuation, like the second part to one large book. Tamras grows older in this coming-of-age narrative, and we see her start to come into her own as a warrior. The bond between her and Maara deepens, which I was eager to see. The loyalty they have for each other is wonderful and heartwarming; the highlight of the story.
The tension grows in this one, and the pacing picks up. There are several edge-of-your-seat moments, and I was so connected to the characters that I couldn’t stop reading until the resolution. I had to see it resolved, and walking away was out of the question.
The philosophical questions posed are interesting, as Tamras is faced with recognizing the humanity of her enemies while still having to fight them, often to the death. She tends to compassion, but a past betrayal of an alliance keeps the others in suspicion and they warn her against it. The struggle is visceral, and you can understand all sides of it.
As noted in my review of the first book, the author’s writing has a way of absorbing you completely into the setting. It feels so real that it’s strange to come back to the real world after finishing. I borrowed the last book from the library immediately afterward. I don’t want this series to end.
PS: A review on Goodreads says there are too many “lesbian encounters” in the story. I can’t think of a higher recommendation than that.
September 8, 2015
Tamras' enemy continues to work against her, and it becomes more clear that every major npc is in love with another woman (not a bad thing, but adds to the whole 'lesbian fantasy' element that the series embodies). Tamras and Maara's relationship changes such that Tamras relies on Maara less and less, losing much of the student/master vibe from the first book. While that might have been inevitable, it also made me sad, because I loved that part of their relationship.
I had such a strong reaction to book 1 that nothing really could compare to that; by book 2 I had moved out of the honeymoon phase and could view it more objectively.
While I enjoyed book 2, it didn't evoke in me the high emotion from book 1, perhaps because it started following a more distinctly conventional story pattern; I'm not sure. I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys lesbian fantasy or lesbian historical fiction. While it's low to no magic, there are spiritual elements that have a magical resonance to them that might appeal to fantasy fans. You do have to commit to reading the whole trilogy, however, as books 2 and 3 don't standalone.
See my reviews of Book 1 and Book 3.
I had such a strong reaction to book 1 that nothing really could compare to that; by book 2 I had moved out of the honeymoon phase and could view it more objectively.
While I enjoyed book 2, it didn't evoke in me the high emotion from book 1, perhaps because it started following a more distinctly conventional story pattern; I'm not sure. I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys lesbian fantasy or lesbian historical fiction. While it's low to no magic, there are spiritual elements that have a magical resonance to them that might appeal to fantasy fans. You do have to commit to reading the whole trilogy, however, as books 2 and 3 don't standalone.
See my reviews of Book 1 and Book 3.
April 3, 2023
So beautiful - not an easy world to live in, but still. I guess I would want to live in it. With people like Tamras, Maara, Namet. Such wisdom, truthful and careful, impeccable ways with words, such understanding of life. Of emotions. The descriptions of love are incredibly beautiful. I love how living with nature, ritual, healing are core elements of the story.
This series is easily a new favorite. I think I can read these books time and again, and never tire of them (and I haven't even read the last book yet!). While writing this review I realize that I don't even think the last book could be a disappointment. It's just not possible. The writing is too good. These books are on a whole other level. I'm intrigued by what happens, nothing is truly predictable, but as the story develops there's just no other way it could have been. Everything is just absolutely right, everything fits and makes sense. The emotional depth and growth of all the people in this story is amazing. (I don't even dare to call them 'characters'. That doesn't feel fitting here.) I feel like my soul is learning and growing through reading these books. I am absolutely delighted to have found them. Nothing but praise!
This series is easily a new favorite. I think I can read these books time and again, and never tire of them (and I haven't even read the last book yet!). While writing this review I realize that I don't even think the last book could be a disappointment. It's just not possible. The writing is too good. These books are on a whole other level. I'm intrigued by what happens, nothing is truly predictable, but as the story develops there's just no other way it could have been. Everything is just absolutely right, everything fits and makes sense. The emotional depth and growth of all the people in this story is amazing. (I don't even dare to call them 'characters'. That doesn't feel fitting here.) I feel like my soul is learning and growing through reading these books. I am absolutely delighted to have found them. Nothing but praise!
September 11, 2017
The sequel to The Warrior's Path starts off exactly at the point that TWP ends; the transition is smooth as marble and the two books have melted into one. After digging around a bit on the internet I found some information as to the historical and geographical setting, which really consolidated the plot for me, and in the sequel I found it easier to make a sense of things with a place and a time in mind. That said, the sequel has more of a plot line than the first book did, the various tidbits of character backgrounds and relations are explained, and I loved it.
When I picked up the sequel, it was to have the characters explained.
Now I'm picking up part III with the anticipation of someone left at a cliffhanger.
Great characters, beautifully written. I need more.
When I picked up the sequel, it was to have the characters explained.
Now I'm picking up part III with the anticipation of someone left at a cliffhanger.
Great characters, beautifully written. I need more.
September 19, 2013
I wasn't disappointed when I read the second part of this lovely story.I particularly liked the memories told about Merin and Tamnet. One sentence stuck out to me as if it were the perfect measurement for love. "My mother is to Merin what Emaret was to you." Ofcourse I liked the growing relationship between the two female protagonist from love to in love but I suppose that's just the inner romantic in me. Besides that I really liked the plot twists and I have a feeling I will love the third part even more. Spoiler: I long for the part when they get their revenge! :p
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April 24, 2012I was not overly impressed with the first book but thought I would give the second book a try. Basically a waste of my time.
Also, I am not prejudiced or judgmental, I have and will always have many friends of all shapes, sizes and various sexual orientations. But this book is page after page of women "loving" each other and not well-written at that. I won't bother to read the third volume.
Also, I am not prejudiced or judgmental, I have and will always have many friends of all shapes, sizes and various sexual orientations. But this book is page after page of women "loving" each other and not well-written at that. I won't bother to read the third volume.
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