Catherine M. Wilson

This is a very sweet coming-of-age story, set in an interesting culture.

I'd give it 3.5 stars, but rounded up because of how refreshing it was to read a fantasy novel in which every significant character was a woman, and the men have only bit parts.

I'll probably read the sequels at some point.

A different take on a warrior's path describing the emotional journey of women seeking to bind themselves to one another. I prefer blades.

I enjoyed this; the characters are nicely defined, the settings evocative and consistent, and the story keeps moving. I enjoyed it so much I bought the two sequels. Catherine M. Wilson is an assured writer who should be picked up by mainstream publishers. Well done.

When I started this book I did not think I would like it, the first few pages seemed somehow out of sorts, however I persisted and was glad I did. The author has a wonderful way with words that completely dispels cliche. It reminded me of Clan of the Cave Bear but with more of an intimate relationship between the story and the reader. You can truly disappear into this book and I am looking forward to reading the rest in the series.