Kathryn Hinds

What a splendid first novel! The story is told from different characters' viewpoints, all of which lend themselves to expanding the world-building in a subtle and organic fashion. The Sharhaya, an agricultural and artistic peoples who celebrate Goddess worship, are over-run by the Forstene army and eventually conquered. The dialogue answers questions about who each character and what each faction is, and the action remains believable and heart-rending.

One can almost imagine the peoples show more conquered by the Romans reaching forward several millennia to tell their story. The culture of the Sharhaya is well-written and involves healing, music, and a healthy dose of magic that is still grounded in the earth. That of the Forstene scoffs that any woman could possibly achieve greatness for herself, and comes to great conflict when the leader of the Forstene Army, Corvalen, begins to question the wisdom of annihilating a conquered peoples. Good fantasy novel that is believable and mind-opening without being preachy or pedantic. show less

Exceptional epic fantasy.

The characters are varied and true-to-life, and every one is rooted in the imagined cultures in which they live. The world-building is complex and beautifully wrought, from the smallest details of daily living to the intricacies of war, medicine, philosophy, religion, and magic. The story is multi-faceted, with twists and surprises that are alternately exhilarating and heart-breaking.

The author manages multiple viewpoint characters and story lines with a deft touch, show more keeping the reader intrigued. She even throws in some lovely poetry that feels authentic to the people and times she writes about. Magical!

More, Ms. Hinds! More! show less

Well....
That was different, I just read an entire history book.

4SPPKSJZ