The Swordswoman

I usually try to read every book I get no matter how hard it is to read. They usually get better by the 3 chapter. In this case I was so dumbed down by the writing I couldn't keep track of the story. I'm not sure if the author had the book edited before he had it sent out but it definitely needs some editing. The name of the mother 'Bearnas' Changes a few times to 'Barneas', the name of the ship/boat changes from 'Waveskimmer' to Wavedancer' at one point. It is just confusing and makes you wonder how much effort the author actually put in the story telling. Also the conversations lack emotion. It seemed like it would have been a great story but needs more thought behind it.

Melcorka thinks she is just a simple island girl with no father. Then the Norse invade Alba, and Melcorka loses everything she thought she had--and gains much more."The Swordswoman" takes part in the popular genre of semi-historical fantasy novels. Melcorka lives in what is recognizably medieval Scotland, but magic swords exist (Melcorka finds one) and the Sidhe come out from their fairy mounds to interact with ordinary mortals. Readers who are at least vaguely familiar (that's about the best I myself can claim) with Scottish history and geography will be able to recognize certain events and places, but the book is not so much about faithful representation of historical reality as it is about giving a loosely historical atmosphere of Scottish mythology. So if you're a stickler for historical or cultural accuracy, you're likely to be disappointed, but if you enjoy quick-moving tales of magic, battle, and adventure, then it's likely you'll find a lot to like in "The Swordswoman." I frankly confess that this kind of book is much less literary than what I normally read, but I found Melcorka's adventures and love-troubles quite readable as some fun, escapist fantasy set in one of my favorite countries. Reading "The Swordswoman" brought me back to my adolescence and my searches then for fantasy books about girls who were not just love interests. We're fortunate that fantasy is currently seeing an explosion of female characters, and "The Swordswoman" is a nice addition to that trend. A fun, quick read for me now, and I could certainly see my teenage self enjoying it quite a lot.

A superb tale. Yes, it is fantasy as Melcorka, a simple island girl suddenly has a task. She climbs a dangerous trail and her choice is a life of opulent ease or a rusty sword that is her destiny. She reaches the rusty sword that transforms into a sword of power. Her mother warns her though, the sword must never be worn for evil or revenge. It must be used to protect the innocent and fight off the evil that will afflict the land. The evil however is not that of the magical kind, but the evil of the Norsemen breaking the treaty and attacking. The islanders try to reach their king and help defend the land. The Norse overrun the peaceful kingdom and all are slain except Melcorka. She see her friends and her mother slain while she is able to fight off all who attack her. She follows her special bird as she has been directed and she will reach safety. There she meets Bradan, the Walking Man. He cannot even tell her where he is from, but he and his “stick” have always walked. He will guide her through mountains, moors, heather, and try to keep her from the People of Peace, in other words, the Fairy Folk. There she finds that the twin to the slain King still lives and she is to approach the Picts to help defend and defeat the Norse. This is a smashing good tale. The author gives you more than fantasy. The description of the Norse, their weapons, and tactics is flawless. The same can be said of his description of the Picts and the various clans of Scotland. They all have their differences but will unite to defeat the Norse in battle if they can. Twice Melcorka is separated from her sword named the Defender, and the last time if may be the death of her. I humbly suggest you read this magnificent tale of another era. Yes, the gore of an epic battle is there.

I love fantasy novels, and this book reminded me of my favorite authors’ best works: David Gemmell. The characters are relatable and easy to get emotionally invested in. I love strong female characters, and Melcorka is as strong as they get. The story is fast-paced, which makes the book difficult to put down. I enjoyed the twist ending, and I will definitely start reading the second book in the series ASAP. My only very minor complaint is I ran into a few grammar/punctuation errors that should have been dealt with during edit/proofreading. All in all, highly recommended to historical fantasy fans.

This was a very enjoyable book. Melcorka is an island girl with an unknown destiny, her mother presents her with a magical sword. Nothing is ever the again, join Melcorka as she strikes out against the invading Norse. When Scotland was known as Alba, Melcorka United the clans along the Picts.Don't miss this historical fantasy.

A young woman, a magic sword said to have once belonged to Arthur, and a ragtag man with a stick. Of such are legends made. The story is heroic, the words are many and the chapters don’t fit well together. It’s as if a long tale were cut apart and stitched together like a crazy quilt. It works but it could have been better. Numerous editing errors.

I really enjoyed Swordswoman. Her character development is so interesting I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical novels with sword fighting and war. I found this to be a great read. Well written, great characters and plot. Give this a shot. I think you'll be very pleased.

I could not put this book down! I would recommend the book to anyone that enjoys action parked adventure. I was really surprised with the twist at the end. Even though it was an appropriate end . I thought through the whole story that Melcorka and Bradan should be together.

All hail to the master of the Scottish historical thriller! That is certainly how I now view Malcolm Archibald after this latest foray into the dark mists of time. Melcorka, a young woman living a peaceful existence on a remote Scottish island, finds her life transformed after finding the naked body of a man washed up on the beach. Still alive, the man bears a message for her mother, who, unknown to the girl, was once a feared warrior who led her people in battle against the feared Norsemen, the Vikings.So begins a wondrous tale, set in an undefined time, long ago, in a Scotland exemplified by dark lochs, barren moors and heather-clad mountains. Accompanied by the almost mystical Bradan the Wanderer, Melcorka sets off in pursuit of her destiny. An ensemble vast of strangely named characters lend their weight to a superbly crafted story.The book is an action packed rendition of life before the 'civilisation' of Scotland, when warring clans fought themselves as much as they dd the Viking invaders. There is enough blood, guts, and gore to satisfy the most bloodthirsty of palates. Mystical creatures and mythical legends combine in one of Mr. Archibald's finest works. I could read his books any time, day and night, and never become bored from the experience. An easy five stars to award.

Really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting in parts (I love history) but what I loved most was the strong females in it. It always used to annoy me that females were portrayed as weak & screaming a lot. Thank goodness for characters like Melcorka!

This is a good book. Well written and an entertaining story. With interesting characters. I will certainly read other books by Malcolm Archibald.

Good easy to read story, however, i am more of a dragon story person with respect to this category. I will read another book from this author though.