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leen_machine89's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bory's review
4.0
An excellent book, held back by some minor frustrations.
I really, really liked Windborn. The characters, from Edda to Valna, are well-crafted. You get where these people are coming from and why they take the action they take, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. Yes, Edda's motivation is a twist on the "girlfriend in the fridge" trope, but it is different enough from the norm that it's not a drawback. Even the antagonist, at the end, you can empathize with... to a point.
The magic system is interesting, though the Windborn powers themselves are rather uninspired.
The story flows, with no major lulls or problems along the way. The action is excellent and plentiful, but it's also where my one semi-major issue with the book comes from. Edda... kind of really sucks as a Windborn. Maybe it's because I've watched Avatar: The Last Airbender one too many times (not possible), but I have seen how cool ice manipulation can look and be in battle, and Edda just kept her ass handed to her for some 80% of the book.
It would have been nice to have some closure for the supporting cast - Runar, Valna, and especially Fjola, whom I was genuinely sad to part ways with mid-book.
Let me just say, it's a breath of fresh air to have a Viking fantasy story without the Norse gods prancing around, for a change.
Overall, though, this is a great read. Highly recommended.
I really, really liked Windborn. The characters, from Edda to Valna, are well-crafted. You get where these people are coming from and why they take the action they take, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. Yes, Edda's motivation is a twist on the "girlfriend in the fridge" trope, but it is different enough from the norm that it's not a drawback. Even the antagonist, at the end, you can empathize with... to a point.
The magic system is interesting, though the Windborn powers themselves are rather uninspired.
The story flows, with no major lulls or problems along the way. The action is excellent and plentiful, but it's also where my one semi-major issue with the book comes from. Edda... kind of really sucks as a Windborn. Maybe it's because I've watched Avatar: The Last Airbender one too many times (not possible), but I have seen how cool ice manipulation can look and be in battle, and Edda just kept her ass handed to her for some 80% of the book.
It would have been nice to have some closure for the supporting cast - Runar, Valna, and especially Fjola, whom I was genuinely sad to part ways with mid-book.
Let me just say, it's a breath of fresh air to have a Viking fantasy story without the Norse gods prancing around, for a change.
Overall, though, this is a great read. Highly recommended.
syssneck's review
This is a decent viking-based fantasy story with so called 'Windborn', who are resurrected fighters that got some kind of special powers. For me, it started out pretty well, but the pace got slower and slower, so unfortunately it couldn't hold my attention to the end.
barb4ry1's review
4.0
Windborn is Alex Bradshaw's debut novel, and it is an intriguing first work. Its main character, Edda Gretasdottir, has much more to offer than just a shield and ax. All she wanted out of life was a farm and freedom from the oppressive chief of her clan's oppressive chieftain. She got killed instead.
Okay, not really, but it's complicated. What matters is that she got superpowers in the process. She didn't ask for them, but now that she has them, she's going to use them to get revenge. Her narrative is fueled by rage and a short temper that gets her embroiled in something much, much bigger, and more dangerous.
Windborn has a lot of coolness to offer and display. With its Norse superheroes using elemental powers to wreak havoc and win battles, and Edda's internal turmoil the book is never lacking action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. On the other hand, I felt the middle part was bloated and slightly repetitive. I could do with a few fights less, but it's just me, I guess.
But it's just a minor criticism. Windborn is consistently well-written, entertaining, and held aloft by cool ideas, immersive setting, and compelling characters.
Okay, not really, but it's complicated. What matters is that she got superpowers in the process. She didn't ask for them, but now that she has them, she's going to use them to get revenge. Her narrative is fueled by rage and a short temper that gets her embroiled in something much, much bigger, and more dangerous.
Windborn has a lot of coolness to offer and display. With its Norse superheroes using elemental powers to wreak havoc and win battles, and Edda's internal turmoil the book is never lacking action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. On the other hand, I felt the middle part was bloated and slightly repetitive. I could do with a few fights less, but it's just me, I guess.
But it's just a minor criticism. Windborn is consistently well-written, entertaining, and held aloft by cool ideas, immersive setting, and compelling characters.
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