Scan barcode
A review by storyorc
Spear by Nicola Griffith
adventurous
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
A good cozy read before bed. The writing style has a mythic quality that, paired with the natural magic of the setting, renders it quite a dreamy experience. It is a treat to hear all the Welsh names for Arthurian characters as well, especially Llanza with the ll. Most characters have a casually enchanting nature to them that makes everything feel intimate and significant.
Unfortunately, Spear also carries many aspects of myths that dovetail with my tastes: the POV holds itself at a distance from its characters, it takes its time documenting Peretur's entire life instead of the most exciting slice that you would typically find carved out for a modern novel, and she barely had any moral or physical difficulties. My ears perked up at a few signs of internal dilemma , such aswith her loyalty to her mother vs Artos and when some commoners she'd broke bread with feared her as a knight , but these moments didn't cause much significant strife.
The nature of Spear's ending also left me feeling that Peretur had little impact on the overarching Arthurian mythos. Perhaps that was not the author's goal. I will say that even if Spear was small in scope, it was a fun female knight power fantasy (with a believable lore justification to boot). Usually, a woman will need to be throwing fireballs or sniping to be that much of a threat so part of me appreciated seeing a woman flattening her competition with her own muscle even though it lessened the stakes.
Unfortunately, Spear also carries many aspects of myths that dovetail with my tastes: the POV holds itself at a distance from its characters, it takes its time documenting Peretur's entire life instead of the most exciting slice that you would typically find carved out for a modern novel, and she barely had any moral or physical difficulties. My ears perked up at a few signs of internal dilemma , such as
The nature of Spear's ending also left me feeling that Peretur had little impact on the overarching Arthurian mythos. Perhaps that was not the author's goal. I will say that even if Spear was small in scope, it was a fun female knight power fantasy (with a believable lore justification to boot). Usually, a woman will need to be throwing fireballs or sniping to be that much of a threat so part of me appreciated seeing a woman flattening her competition with her own muscle even though it lessened the stakes.