Saturday, October 24, 2015

When Women Were Warriors ~ Book I: The Warrior's Path

Tamras has been sent to Merin's fortress for what she thinks is to be training as a warrior, however Merin tells her that she is to start as a companion to a warrior by the name of Maara.  Unfortunately Maara doesn't want a companion.  She persists in helping Maara anyway.  When Maara is badly wounded, Tamras uses healing skills taught to her by her mother, helping the warrior to survive.

Merin asks Tamras to find out more about Maara because so little is known about her.  Merin is concerned that she may be a spy.  Tamras feels a loyalty to both women, so it is difficult for her to do as asked.  Once Maara becomes well enough, she begins to train Tamras in sword play.  She also takes Tamras into the wilderness to find her guardian spirit.

When Maara goes to the northern front on her own, the community is concerned that she may have taken information to the enemy.  Tamras believes that she will return.  When she does return, she is treated as a spy.  However, she provides information that tells of a threat to the community.  Merin warns her that if she has been false, then Tamras' life is forfeit.  Fortunately the information is true.

Wise beyond her years, Tamras provides advise to Merin, which she takes to heart.  During the ensuing winter, Maara teaches Tamras much about skills needed to be a warrior and how to survive off the land.  However, when spring arrived, so did a crisis for Maara.  How will she, Tamras and the community handle it?

Author Catherine M. Wilson has written a novel of a different time, of life, confusion and enlightenment.  At times she is wordy, and at times the story seems to lack direction, but she brings the meanderings back together.  A short, quick read.

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