Frostflower and Thorn

I know I've come across short stories by Phyllis Ann Karr before, but this was the first novel I'd read by her. An early entry into the sword-and-sorceresss genre, it's a tale about two very different women: Thorn, a foul-mouthed, sex-loving, polytheistic warrior - and Frostflower, a virginal, vegetarian, monotheistic sorceress. With the topics of abortion and religion featuring significantly in the plot, I kept worrying that the story would veer into moralizing - but it gracefully steered clear, maintaining a respect for both women and their different points of view, while telling a fun and entertaining story.

The best part of this book is the world. Karr really thought it out- the social classes, the magical systems, the theologies, and the economics. It's basically a spin on feudal, but with the towns more independent. The prejudice against the sorcerers is rampant, partly because their theology differs from most (most are polytheists; the sorcerers are monotheists), and because of their power. The sorcerers are feared, even though they are utterly non-violent.

The sex/gender egalitarianism is also a surprise. ALL the soldiers are women; men are not seen as suited to that lifestyle... and soldiers have a social status higher than that of merchants, etc.

So- the world is fascinating, and well-worth visiting.

The characters are distinctly drawn, show more sometimes in an exaggerated way, espeically with the swordswomen. The plot hinges on choices various well-described characters make.

I'm giving it a 4, though, because some of the violence, and the carefully described tortures, were shocking. OK, maybe that's a good thing... but it's not necessarily what I want to read unless I'm pre-warned.

Also, some of the action got repetitive. Escape from the pursuers kept going around in circles, and it felt stuck. Eventually things resolved... but only after a LOT of static circling. Karr tried to raise the stakes each time, and did- but it still felt static to me.

It's worth reading for the world, if you are prepared for the ugliness. (The ugliness was not exactly gratuitous, but I'm not convinced so much of it was necesary, either.) show less

I first read the sequel to this years and years ago, and it was a good quick read with really great worldbuilding. I saw this in a used bookshop the other day, so I picked it up to read the beginning of the story. It has the same lovely worldbuilding, but it was a good deal more violent than [b:Frostflower and Windborn]. And I just don't think I was really in the mood for this story right now.

Also, I completely love the dated cover featuring the warrior and sorceress. It's kind of the best part of the book.

I'm usually not a big fan of fantasy but this story of the Sorceress Frostflower and the Swordswoman Thorn was pretty good.