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maidinnah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
The fable-like quality of the prose is beautiful, but I wasn't too emotionally invested in the story. I did enjoy following Eyvind's journey through 9th-century Central Asia, which evoked the fantastical nature of a distant past. It also had some insightful tidbits about cross-cultural exchange. A well-researched, quick read for lovers of horses and medieval history, that feels like an ancient origin myth passed down through the generations. Would have benefitted greatly from a map to avoid confusion and ground the story, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Gore and Racism
jennikreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Animal cruelty
jaan's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Loved this book! I am a huge fan of stories like these, which are simply stories and nothing more. Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness: Arab Travellers in the Far North (Penguin Classics) is a great historical resource to pair with this, especially the first half. I really enjoyed watching people from his travels come to life in this novella. A short, edible book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Alcohol and War
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