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A review by truetonywolf
Rand by Silvia Shaw
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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? No
4.5
A copy of the book was provided to <a href="https://sapphicbookclub.tumblr.com/">Sapphic Book Club</a> in exchange for an honest review.
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!
<img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/360649019070087188/661195730282610748/sapphic_Book_Club.png" width="520" height="120"/>
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!