I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The plot is complex and layered, the swordplay should please fans of action, and women are well represented. There were some minor polish issues but far fewer than you expect from self published work and they didn't detract from my ability to enjoy the story. The Widow and Theis are joined by other characters, like a man at arms and a dashing prince. The narrative unflinchingly looks at what it means to be a flowering young girl in a society where women are sold off into marriage. She has to find a way to overcome past betrayal, because she has been entrusted with the welfare and training of a young ten year old girl who has magical power. Far from a perfect person, the Widow is driven by her doubts as much as her will to do the right thing. The Widow Lantal fills Gandalf's shoes nicely in the 'hedge wizard who knows what's what,' and does so without being a nymphomaniac in a skimpy outfit. Or, they go too far in the other direction and you have a character who is essentially a man in women's skin (like Ripley from Aliens.)Īcelia avoids both of those pitfalls, and does so admirably. In the world of epic fantasy, women are often reduced to one of two roles Sword swinging sex toy or the damsel in distress.
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