Book Review: Wind Follower by Carole McDonell

Wind Follower
Carole McDonell
Juno Books, 2007
ISBN 0809557797
Trade Paperback

“Wind Follower” is a breath of fresh air in the romantic fantasy genre.  While a freshman effort for the author, Carole McDonnell has a deft grip of social concepts and worldbuilding and a gift for lyrical prose.  McDonnell’s world is based on a multiracial culture, including ancient African, Asian, and Caucasian tribes with multiple religious beliefs.

Wind Follower

Wind Follower

The primary tale is a love story between impulsive young Loic, a sensitive Pagatsu warrior with falling-disease and the ability to see others’ hearts, and Satha, a Theseni spinster who was not chosen for marriage because of her too-dark skin and poverty. Eighteen year old Loic falls instantly in love with Satha, who was old enough to have known him as a baby, and insists upon an instant marriage.  Satha is not so quick to fall for her passionate young husband, but she agrees to the arrangement to help elevate her family from their misfortunes.

Satha is thrust without the customary year’s training in horse riding, food knowledge, daggerwork and diplomacy into the role of Arhe and soon-to-be mother.  Her compassion for an adulterous mother-in-law leads her into rape and degradation and war with a former ally.  This particular scene was difficult to read. Kudos to Ms. McDonnell who depicted rape as an act of violence and power rather than erotica.  The results of this act change the lives of the couple dramatically.  While an angry Loic goes off to fight, Satha is kidnapped and taken into slavery by the Angleni, the fair-skinned invaders.

McDonnell’s literary sword is as fine as Damascus steel.  While most writers strive for a good line every few pages, “Wind Follower” is chock full of memorable verbiage.  In addition, the story has some excellent advice for everyone, including:  Those who gossip with you will often gossip about you.

Not only is McDonnell a gifted wordsmith, the Glossary at the end of this novel shows how much time and consideration she’s put into world-building.  These documents, along with Patricia Wrede’s world-building questionnaire, are fine examples for any aspiring fantasy author.

Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Becky Kyle.

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December 6, 2009  Tags: , , ,   Posted in: Full Reviews

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