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A review by mardie
Woodborn by Heather Nix
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is astounding! I enjoyed every moment and became more and more caught up in the story and with the characters as each page passed. It's a good, long novel, but I could have happily kept reading and am so glad there is another long story to wind up the series.
The author's writing style is the perfect vehicle to solidly and colourfully build this world and develop the characters who fill it. I liked that we saw the MC's each endure adversity, then grow through and move past it. We watched as they were forged into determined and resilient people, and as each was given their own first person POV chapters, having the insight into their thinking cemented them as real, nuanced people.
There is a strong found family arc, which I loved. Pirates and tavern workers and patrons make for a light-hearted, passionate and memorable foundation. I also appreciated the diversity of the characters and the acceptance shown to them - except by the baddies, who I sincerely hope get a huge portion of well deserved come-uppance in the next book.
There are quite a few trigger warnings accompanying this book, and while none of those incidents upset me, I appreciated the advance warning. I would suggest readers visit the author's page to check that list before commencing their read.
Woodborn is a rare fantasy novel that is able to transport readers to a highly unique world without losing them in detail-heavy prose. The language is concise but vivid, the flow and tension are perfect to build empathy, and the story is enthrallingly layered. This author and book deserve much more attention and I only wish I could give more stars.
The author's writing style is the perfect vehicle to solidly and colourfully build this world and develop the characters who fill it. I liked that we saw the MC's each endure adversity, then grow through and move past it. We watched as they were forged into determined and resilient people, and as each was given their own first person POV chapters, having the insight into their thinking cemented them as real, nuanced people.
There is a strong found family arc, which I loved. Pirates and tavern workers and patrons make for a light-hearted, passionate and memorable foundation. I also appreciated the diversity of the characters and the acceptance shown to them - except by the baddies, who I sincerely hope get a huge portion of well deserved come-uppance in the next book.
There are quite a few trigger warnings accompanying this book, and while none of those incidents upset me, I appreciated the advance warning. I would suggest readers visit the author's page to check that list before commencing their read.
Woodborn is a rare fantasy novel that is able to transport readers to a highly unique world without losing them in detail-heavy prose. The language is concise but vivid, the flow and tension are perfect to build empathy, and the story is enthrallingly layered. This author and book deserve much more attention and I only wish I could give more stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Rape, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail