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ajbrunner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
wordnerdy's review against another edition
3.0
https://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2021/06/2021-book-125.html
I liked the concept of this a lot, but the execution left a little to be desired. The main character is a half-giant in old Norse times, who was part of a famous band of warrior women until she got pregnant and retired. Now it’s ten years later and her old best friend needs her help on a rescue mission—and maybe preventing Ragnarok while they’re at it? But maybe they need more than just the two of them? Yup, it’s time to get the gang back together! (The other two are magical immortal types, one is the consort of Hel!) Anyway, that is all fine and dandy, but the book needed one more pass with a proofreader (lots of typos, and some weird repetitions), and maybe for the messages to be a little more subtle. Lots of gory battle scenes which are not really my thing, but I did like all the lady camaraderie and motherly feelings (still, despite the many hints toward her daughter's parentage, it’s frustrating not to have it confirmed). So this was fine, but it could have been awesomer? Oh well. B.
I liked the concept of this a lot, but the execution left a little to be desired. The main character is a half-giant in old Norse times, who was part of a famous band of warrior women until she got pregnant and retired. Now it’s ten years later and her old best friend needs her help on a rescue mission—and maybe preventing Ragnarok while they’re at it? But maybe they need more than just the two of them? Yup, it’s time to get the gang back together! (The other two are magical immortal types, one is the consort of Hel!) Anyway, that is all fine and dandy, but the book needed one more pass with a proofreader (lots of typos, and some weird repetitions), and maybe for the messages to be a little more subtle. Lots of gory battle scenes which are not really my thing, but I did like all the lady camaraderie and motherly feelings (still, despite the many hints toward her daughter's parentage, it’s frustrating not to have it confirmed). So this was fine, but it could have been awesomer? Oh well. B.
guerrichache's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
filipmagnus's review against another edition
4.0
The review below is an excerpt from the Fantasy Hive's SPFBO review of this book, one of our semi-finalists, and one of the titles I've had the most fun with, during this bleak, crappy year. Wonderful work, Timandra! And here, you can find the full review!
While we read, we all fashion meaning for ourselves of a given text. But with the better books one reads, there is an objective reason to speak of far-reaching themes. Such is the case here: Whitecastle’s themes should resonate with many a reader; one of the most important of them decries notions of individual glory–and ego-driven individualism, by extension–while celebrating community and family (not only the one connected to us by blood, but also by fiercer bonds — of sisterhood, friendship, and loyalty).
That said, I’ve had such fun with Queens of the Wyrd. It’s a rare book that’ll have me laugh through so many jokes and references that border on the cheesy, but Whitecastle’s semi-finalist is the rare exception. Rarer still is the strength of its themes — which I have plenty to say about below.
Few moments reveal character in Queens of the Wyrd the way that combat does.
At the height of Whitecastle’s combat sequences, you can almost taste the sweat and blood, your muscles clenching in response to Lovis’ draconian efforts to keep her daughter and friends alive, while often showing an absolute disregard for her own physical health – the places this half-giant warrior dives headlong into will make you question her mental health. She is a shield — hel, she’s a full bloody suit of armour for her sisters.
olveig the Golden experiences a joy in combat, in the sheer bloody nature of it, its chaos and its glory. It sweeps her up, burns her like a hunger. She’s ruthlessness and recklessness, and she is magnificent.
Torune is frigid, unmoving; winter itself. And no less horrifying.
Eira is the kind of idjit that’ll sing along to Frozen, while changing the lyrics to be topical: “Let it grow, let it grow! Can’t hold it in anymore!”
Birke is proof that the phrase “Thinking with portals,” is alive and well in the cultural zeitgeist.
As for the framework is adopts, Queens of the Wyrd is an irreverent take on Norse mythology, one that reimagines and adds a whole lot, using myth as a starting point to propel this action-fueled adventure. Whitecastle isn’t trying to create a historically accurate world to that of the pre-Christian Scandinavians. No, this is a world chock-full of pop-culture references (Nils has pointed us to Titanic and Heroes, but I came across a paraphrase of Frozen’s “Let it snow” song, and a sentence I’m near-certain is a nod to Joe Abercrombie: “Say one thing for Eira as the Spring Maiden, say she was the epitome of green-grass smells and flowers in spring rain”). The folks who inhabit this world speak in much the same way as we do; you won’t come across any “thou”s and “thee”s.
But let’s return to the mythological elements. One of the more interesting choices Whitecastle makes is in referring to Odin as the “Valfather”, which I’ve seen used in the Poetic Edda but nowhere else–until I read it in this novel. It doesn’t even figure into my Dictionary of Mythology! (Call me a nerd, I dare you; c’mon, you know you want to!)
Plenty of Norse-sounding monsters and beasties to be found, though most of them are additions of Whitecastle’s own make — something she admits to; what’s important is, she succeeds in keeping them thematically true to the roots of this norse-based myth. I enjoyed what Timandra has brought to the table — making these myths one’s own is part of the fun in writing (and reading) fantasy like this.
A favourite quote of mine is this one:
Lovis, Birke, Sol, Torune, Eira and Astrid – I grew fiercely attached to every last one of them. The camaraderie, friendship, and honesty between them caught the spirit of such anthology series as DC Comics’ Birds of Prey and even Mad Max: Fury Road, in those intense action sequences. I could see a movie based on Queens of the Wyrd directed by the likes of James Gunn, with action sequences served by Heart’s “Barracuda” as a backdrop.
The only thing that holds this book back are the errors. I don’t know if a proof-reader was hired to take a look at Queens of the Wyrd but I would make the argument that they could’ve been of help; I’ve marked over thirty errors, typos or otherwise, and I wasn’t really looking for them. I hate to bring this up, on account of how much I enjoyed Whitecastle’s work, but these errors are numerous enough not to be overlooked.
But I shan’t end on this bitter note. Queens of the Wyrd deserves your attention — it makes an excellent argument about using mythology to one’s own purposes, and it does so with heart. I hope to read more about these queens of the wyrd, I really do.
While we read, we all fashion meaning for ourselves of a given text. But with the better books one reads, there is an objective reason to speak of far-reaching themes. Such is the case here: Whitecastle’s themes should resonate with many a reader; one of the most important of them decries notions of individual glory–and ego-driven individualism, by extension–while celebrating community and family (not only the one connected to us by blood, but also by fiercer bonds — of sisterhood, friendship, and loyalty).
That said, I’ve had such fun with Queens of the Wyrd. It’s a rare book that’ll have me laugh through so many jokes and references that border on the cheesy, but Whitecastle’s semi-finalist is the rare exception. Rarer still is the strength of its themes — which I have plenty to say about below.
Few moments reveal character in Queens of the Wyrd the way that combat does.
At the height of Whitecastle’s combat sequences, you can almost taste the sweat and blood, your muscles clenching in response to Lovis’ draconian efforts to keep her daughter and friends alive, while often showing an absolute disregard for her own physical health – the places this half-giant warrior dives headlong into will make you question her mental health. She is a shield — hel, she’s a full bloody suit of armour for her sisters.
olveig the Golden experiences a joy in combat, in the sheer bloody nature of it, its chaos and its glory. It sweeps her up, burns her like a hunger. She’s ruthlessness and recklessness, and she is magnificent.
Torune is frigid, unmoving; winter itself. And no less horrifying.
Eira is the kind of idjit that’ll sing along to Frozen, while changing the lyrics to be topical: “Let it grow, let it grow! Can’t hold it in anymore!”
Birke is proof that the phrase “Thinking with portals,” is alive and well in the cultural zeitgeist.
As for the framework is adopts, Queens of the Wyrd is an irreverent take on Norse mythology, one that reimagines and adds a whole lot, using myth as a starting point to propel this action-fueled adventure. Whitecastle isn’t trying to create a historically accurate world to that of the pre-Christian Scandinavians. No, this is a world chock-full of pop-culture references (Nils has pointed us to Titanic and Heroes, but I came across a paraphrase of Frozen’s “Let it snow” song, and a sentence I’m near-certain is a nod to Joe Abercrombie: “Say one thing for Eira as the Spring Maiden, say she was the epitome of green-grass smells and flowers in spring rain”). The folks who inhabit this world speak in much the same way as we do; you won’t come across any “thou”s and “thee”s.
But let’s return to the mythological elements. One of the more interesting choices Whitecastle makes is in referring to Odin as the “Valfather”, which I’ve seen used in the Poetic Edda but nowhere else–until I read it in this novel. It doesn’t even figure into my Dictionary of Mythology! (Call me a nerd, I dare you; c’mon, you know you want to!)
Plenty of Norse-sounding monsters and beasties to be found, though most of them are additions of Whitecastle’s own make — something she admits to; what’s important is, she succeeds in keeping them thematically true to the roots of this norse-based myth. I enjoyed what Timandra has brought to the table — making these myths one’s own is part of the fun in writing (and reading) fantasy like this.
A favourite quote of mine is this one:
“To hear the bards sing of battle was all rhymes and clever imagery. This was because the bards mainly fought with words. They wrestled with the abstract, fiddled with rhythm and cadence, and then worked out the performance of their songs making minor adjustments night after night. They were craftsmen with certain tools. But very few had ever actually seen a battlefield from close up, or witnessed its carnage. If they had, they’d know that most of a battle is a lot [of] meticulous planning going to absolute shit in a matter of seconds. But this was very familiar territory to anyone with kids…”
Lovis, Birke, Sol, Torune, Eira and Astrid – I grew fiercely attached to every last one of them. The camaraderie, friendship, and honesty between them caught the spirit of such anthology series as DC Comics’ Birds of Prey and even Mad Max: Fury Road, in those intense action sequences. I could see a movie based on Queens of the Wyrd directed by the likes of James Gunn, with action sequences served by Heart’s “Barracuda” as a backdrop.
The only thing that holds this book back are the errors. I don’t know if a proof-reader was hired to take a look at Queens of the Wyrd but I would make the argument that they could’ve been of help; I’ve marked over thirty errors, typos or otherwise, and I wasn’t really looking for them. I hate to bring this up, on account of how much I enjoyed Whitecastle’s work, but these errors are numerous enough not to be overlooked.
But I shan’t end on this bitter note. Queens of the Wyrd deserves your attention — it makes an excellent argument about using mythology to one’s own purposes, and it does so with heart. I hope to read more about these queens of the wyrd, I really do.
justasking27's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this story, with an exciting plot against an epic backdrop, plus I loved the exploration of relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters, and of the idea of found family and blood family.
thinkbooksgreat's review against another edition
5.0
What a great re-interpretation of Norse mythology. I loved Norse mythology as a child and read everything about it (i even own an Edda or two). Therefore I love to read books which are based on it because I feel right at home and understand the pictures and subtleties.
This book is a great story about the journey of great protagonists with flaws and strength. These are women one can relate to. They all learn from their errors and change in some ways. The story took me in right away and I red the whole book in one go. I think I have to read it another time but much slower to get all the small details I am sure I overlooked.
Because the author asked in the end: I would love to read more about Lovis and Solveig. Maybe about the golden glory day or even how they fare now. Also about Birke.
This book is a great story about the journey of great protagonists with flaws and strength. These are women one can relate to. They all learn from their errors and change in some ways. The story took me in right away and I red the whole book in one go. I think I have to read it another time but much slower to get all the small details I am sure I overlooked.
Because the author asked in the end: I would love to read more about Lovis and Solveig. Maybe about the golden glory day or even how they fare now. Also about Birke.
alexsbradshaw's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book! Norse-inspired heroic warriors showing that women have much more to offer than just bringing up children to let them do the heroics!
I'd give this 4.5 stars (so rounding up to 5 stars here, which still covers the 'it was amazing' criteria of Goodreads, I hope!). A really great story that came together really well in the end with moments that gave me goosebumps!
Definitely recommended!
I'd give this 4.5 stars (so rounding up to 5 stars here, which still covers the 'it was amazing' criteria of Goodreads, I hope!). A really great story that came together really well in the end with moments that gave me goosebumps!
Definitely recommended!
rowena_m_andrews's review against another edition
4.0
Queens of the Wyrd was one that had popped up on my radar from various sources again and again, and this was a great opportunity to finally pick it up and I’m glad that I did, because I really enjoyed this one.
This is a wonderful quest fantasy that follows a retired band of shieldmaidens as they form up once more to rescue one of their member’s daughter. Right away, I was hooked on the premise, because we so rarely see mothers so directly involved in the action of fantasy, let alone in the form of a fierce band of warrior women intent on saving the day, and the delivery sealed the deal for me. This was fun, with a wonderful blend of history and mythology, and a really unique take on both, and the worldbuilding was the perfect balance of fantastic and subtle, never overwhelming the plot but leaving me longing to know more.
The characters were the cherry on top with this one, because every one of them had a unique voice, their own history and motivations, and it made for an interesting tapestry of personalities within the group. As much as this book is about the quest and adventure and action, it is also about their relationships, the bonds of friendship, motherhood, love and loyalty and it gave Queens of the Wyrd the kind of depth that leaves a lingering impression, and this will certainly be one that I return to in the future.
This is a wonderful quest fantasy that follows a retired band of shieldmaidens as they form up once more to rescue one of their member’s daughter. Right away, I was hooked on the premise, because we so rarely see mothers so directly involved in the action of fantasy, let alone in the form of a fierce band of warrior women intent on saving the day, and the delivery sealed the deal for me. This was fun, with a wonderful blend of history and mythology, and a really unique take on both, and the worldbuilding was the perfect balance of fantastic and subtle, never overwhelming the plot but leaving me longing to know more.
The characters were the cherry on top with this one, because every one of them had a unique voice, their own history and motivations, and it made for an interesting tapestry of personalities within the group. As much as this book is about the quest and adventure and action, it is also about their relationships, the bonds of friendship, motherhood, love and loyalty and it gave Queens of the Wyrd the kind of depth that leaves a lingering impression, and this will certainly be one that I return to in the future.