The Knife and the Water [Kindle Edition]

I read the kindle version, so I'm not quite sure what the print version offers, but I was really sucked into the story. It ends with something of a cliffhanger (not quite so suspenseful, so maybe more of a ledge-hanger), so I'm hoping there's more to come.

Generally, I'm not a big fan of first-person narratives, which this story is. That being said, the story is so intimate, the tone so conversational that it feels more like reading a letter from a friend than reading a book about imaginary characters. Unlike other books, I was never distracted by the narrative voice which stays solidly in first-person. It's also tightly written - there aren't many extraneous details in the story. I like that. Too many writers (and readers) seem to think that word count supersedes content. Overall, the writing style was highly enjoyable.

Ainsha, that main character, is engaging and likeable. I like that she admits to and even describes her wide-eyed-ness. That seems like an uncommon admission from the heroine of a story. The other characters are equally real, some likeable, others not so.

The events flow sequentially, keeping the story simple. On the other hand, there's a lot of back story that the reader only gets in bits and pieces (along with Ainsha) which prevents the story from being simplistic. This seems like the beginning of (or part of) an epic series. I haven't checked to see if Skovmand has written more in English, but I certainly hope she has!

The only part of this book that made me roll my eyes were the romance bits. Thankfully, they're short and not tacky (no 'pulsating members' in this story), so the romance was mostly forgivable. At the very least, it wasn't enough to ruin the book for me.

I really look forward to seeing more from this author

THE KNIFE AND THE WATER is the first book in a trilogy from author Karen Skovmand.
I absolutely loved the first half of this book, but the second half did not seem as original or magical. My heart went out to young Ainsha when she was taken from her mother to live amongst fierce warriors in their mountain hideaway. It was fascinating to see how she adapted and formed close bonds with some of the men. Ainsha's relationship with her father was also fascinating. Maghan obviously cared for his daughter on some level, but he was very quick to anger and could be very cruel. Whenever Ainsha got close to a friend, teacher, mentor, or a pet, Maghan always seemed to take them away from her. She learned to be very strong and self-reliant. This harsh upbringing certainly helped to forge her character and helped her to cope with her future trials. I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy.

I never recommend/review books. That is all about to change.
This book is free for April. It is NOT in the tradition of Robin Hood. No BS rescues and romance. It is gritty and authentic and gripping. I read a ton of books and then one is definitely noteworthy. Any one who enjoyed Outlander Clan of the Cave Bear, and Hunger Games will feel drawn into this story.

This is a true novel. It is not what you would find at the $2.99 and under price range. I suggest that readers take advantage of the April special!

Warning- it is part of a series and the sequel is not yet available on Kindle.