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readyeddi's review against another edition
4.0
Let me begin by saying that if you're looking for a book that is full of quick-paced action then this is not the book for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the fact that it is drastically different that the typical stories I read. This is a story about a girl, Tamras, leaving her home to stay with the Lady of the land along side with several other women, both young and old, from all over. Tamras takes us through her first year or so of her stay at Lady Merin's house, detailing her relationship with her fellow companions, warriors, and Mothers. This is very much the beginnings of a coming-of-age story as Tamras spends a lot of time struggling to understand her own feelings around the group of strangers she now lives with and the odd mannerisms and attitude of the outsider Tamras calls her warrior.
Tamras reminds me of myself when I was a teenager, stubborn with the idea that I knew what was best for myself and no one would change my mind. And i think that's what really drew me into the story. I'm very excited to ready the other books in the trilogy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the fact that it is drastically different that the typical stories I read. This is a story about a girl, Tamras, leaving her home to stay with the Lady of the land along side with several other women, both young and old, from all over. Tamras takes us through her first year or so of her stay at Lady Merin's house, detailing her relationship with her fellow companions, warriors, and Mothers. This is very much the beginnings of a coming-of-age story as Tamras spends a lot of time struggling to understand her own feelings around the group of strangers she now lives with and the odd mannerisms and attitude of the outsider Tamras calls her warrior.
Tamras reminds me of myself when I was a teenager, stubborn with the idea that I knew what was best for myself and no one would change my mind. And i think that's what really drew me into the story. I'm very excited to ready the other books in the trilogy.
lezreadalot's review against another edition
5.0
“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.
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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.
assassinslover's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't put it down. Read all three books in the space of a few days, and have re-read twice since (with another round on the way).
saelrod's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ktaylor1164's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed so much this mythic hero's journey told in the context of a matriarchal society.
chelzkaye's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first experience I’ve ever had with an audiobook and I’m just proud I made it through. I gave this 4 stars, but I feel as if I would have given it 5 stars had I read it rather than listened to it. This was a beautiful story and I’m definitely reading the next two in the series.
kimcheel's review against another edition
4.0
It's clear a lot of work has been done to develop the world in the book. The characters for the most part was interesting, but it felt like there was an underlying secret. That in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it didn't seem like the characters cared, which makes me think that maybe it won't be pursued. I just feel like there wasn't enough overall to engage me to continue the series, though I appreciated the read of this book.
freyamoongana's review against another edition
4.0
The narration of this book is beautifully written.
paigepon's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. Just before you start it make sure you order book 2 and 3 in the series because you won't want to stop. It really is a great book with LGBT themes that aren't the focus of the entire series. It's an amazing work Ms. Wilson creates and you get completely lost in it.