Warrior Daughter
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Review
'Epic... It's a rip-roaring yarn. WARRIOR DAUGHTER, with its lochs and brochs and barely clothed lusty warriors turning cartwheels at dawn, would make a fantastic film'
--Scotsman
--Scotsman
Review
'Paisley's evocation of an ancient Celtic fiefdom is a marvellous marriage of imagination and scholarship ... a unique and inspiring story that goes far beyond the usual bounds of an historical novel. Truly memorable!'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Warrior Daughter has a strong, brave heroine and is powerfully written by an author who pulls no punches when it comes to taking the reader to the heart of the action.
It is the story of the child Skaaha's journey to womanhood on an Iron Age Scottish island. Her life, and that of her sister Eefay, changes dramatically when their mother, a warrior queen, dies in a chariot race. They are sent to new communities, separately, distancing them from the unpopular new queen, Mara. Skaaha goes to the father she never knew, to train as a blacksmith, but continues the warrior type exercises she practiced previously. Aged 11, she has many challenges to face, culminating in a personal crisis some years later, which takes her to the edge of insanity. Aware now that some-one wants her dead, Skaaha does intensive warrior training in order to challenge her adversary, determined to fight to the death.
Warrior Daughter contains a rare insight into a first century society, based on the island we now know as Skye. Showing us a culture very different from our own, we discover that the leading is done by women and of course the warriors are of both sexes. This does not mean the men are powerless wimps - far from it. Both genders have important roles and we meet many interesting characters in the novel. Two of my personal favourites are the gorgeous Druid Priest, Ruan, and Jiya, Skaaha's aunt, who has mental problems. Also a warrior, she is loyal and funny.
The laws and ethics of living in such a community are enviably clear-cut, with helpful boundaries on one hand, and the sexual freedom and respect of women on the other. Of course, there are some who would break the rules, as in today's society. We are also given an insight into Druid beliefs and practices, including the four main festivals of a year. Into the background are threaded descriptions of clothing, jewellery and food. Sound, through the cries of birds, or the throb of a festival drum brings the reader right into the action.
Janet Paisley never shirks from graphic depictions when it comes to sex scenes, nor ones of violence. These are never gratuitous; rather they take the story forward, inviting the reader to experience them along with the characters. Such a scene, one of revenge, reveals exactly how a victim feels when they are being violated, one which I felt was particularly cleverly written. However, the novel is not without its share of humour, which is well handled, and well placed.
Equally powerful are the beautiful descriptions of early morning mists and landscapes, firelight story-telling gatherings, tender moments between characters and the sad aftermath of an infant's death, where raw emotions are expertly handled. The author has a great understanding of human nature and gives us people to believe in. To place them in the Iron Age is a feat in itself which demonstrates the extent of research done, confirmed in the author's note at the back.
Skaaha's earlier life is fiction, based on the Historical Sgathach, Iron Age Warrior, whose legend was recorded in the oral traditions of the time and later in the Ulster Cycle, written by medieval monks. It is a believable precursor to the woman of legend, and a superb story brilliantly told.
It is the story of the child Skaaha's journey to womanhood on an Iron Age Scottish island. Her life, and that of her sister Eefay, changes dramatically when their mother, a warrior queen, dies in a chariot race. They are sent to new communities, separately, distancing them from the unpopular new queen, Mara. Skaaha goes to the father she never knew, to train as a blacksmith, but continues the warrior type exercises she practiced previously. Aged 11, she has many challenges to face, culminating in a personal crisis some years later, which takes her to the edge of insanity. Aware now that some-one wants her dead, Skaaha does intensive warrior training in order to challenge her adversary, determined to fight to the death.
Warrior Daughter contains a rare insight into a first century society, based on the island we now know as Skye. Showing us a culture very different from our own, we discover that the leading is done by women and of course the warriors are of both sexes. This does not mean the men are powerless wimps - far from it. Both genders have important roles and we meet many interesting characters in the novel. Two of my personal favourites are the gorgeous Druid Priest, Ruan, and Jiya, Skaaha's aunt, who has mental problems. Also a warrior, she is loyal and funny.
The laws and ethics of living in such a community are enviably clear-cut, with helpful boundaries on one hand, and the sexual freedom and respect of women on the other. Of course, there are some who would break the rules, as in today's society. We are also given an insight into Druid beliefs and practices, including the four main festivals of a year. Into the background are threaded descriptions of clothing, jewellery and food. Sound, through the cries of birds, or the throb of a festival drum brings the reader right into the action.
Janet Paisley never shirks from graphic depictions when it comes to sex scenes, nor ones of violence. These are never gratuitous; rather they take the story forward, inviting the reader to experience them along with the characters. Such a scene, one of revenge, reveals exactly how a victim feels when they are being violated, one which I felt was particularly cleverly written. However, the novel is not without its share of humour, which is well handled, and well placed.
Equally powerful are the beautiful descriptions of early morning mists and landscapes, firelight story-telling gatherings, tender moments between characters and the sad aftermath of an infant's death, where raw emotions are expertly handled. The author has a great understanding of human nature and gives us people to believe in. To place them in the Iron Age is a feat in itself which demonstrates the extent of research done, confirmed in the author's note at the back.
Skaaha's earlier life is fiction, based on the Historical Sgathach, Iron Age Warrior, whose legend was recorded in the oral traditions of the time and later in the Ulster Cycle, written by medieval monks. It is a believable precursor to the woman of legend, and a superb story brilliantly told.
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a most unusual book, set as it is in the first century. I'm not sure why I bought it as I prefer novels set either in the present day or the comparatively recent past but this has changed my mind. It was a superb read, tightly written and with a strong narrative drive. The characters are very well realised and Skaaha, the heroine of Warrior Daughter is someone who will stay in my mind for years to come. The novel is very well researched and Janet Paisley has done a great job in bringing the Iron Age to life. I can't imagine why it wasn't shortlisted for the new Walter Scott prize for historical fiction. I loved it and look forward to the next novel from Janet Paisley.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As reviewed by Pam Norfolk in the Lancashire Evening Post:
An exciting new novel from Janet Paisley is not so much an adventure story as an enthralling lesson in Iron Age social history ...
Far removed from the precious sensibilities of 21st century Britain, this tale of a Celtic warrior princess presents a young woman's rite of passage in an age when life was a raw fight for survival.
Sentiment played little part in a child's life ... our heroine Skahaa, daughter of the Isle of Skye's warrior queen, is lucky to have been raised by her birth mother ; most children were placed into the hands of selected foster mothers.
When 11-year-old Skahaa's mother dies in a chariot race, she must witness her gruesome `disposal' into the afterlife - an ancient ritual in which her body is devoured by carrion eagles in a feeding frenzy at High Sun.
But Skahaa's troubles are only just beginning; the new warrior queen Mara is hostile to the young girl and she is forced to forge a new life beyond the queen's reach.
With rumour, fear and danger sweeping the island, the fast maturing Skahaa cannot remain unmoved and must find the courage to confront her enemies in defence of her people.
The unfolding story of Skahaa is a unique and revealing account of a long forgotten world in which a daughter was `worth two boys, maybe more' and men spoke only when addressed by their women and were useful only for breeding purposes.
Skahaa's journey through life depends heavily on old certainties and rigidly observed ancient customs but there is also a touching recognition that their beliefs are not infallible.
`They are stories we use to explain the world, to help us understand ourselves. Every story has its own truth,' observes a wise druid priest.
Skahaa's world is basic and sometimes brutal but it still has those eternally human qualities that any young woman would recognise ... shared secrets with close friends, the banter, the giggles, the escapades with lusty young men.
Paisley's evocation of an ancient Celtic fiefdom is a marvellous marriage of imagination and scholarship ... a unique and inspiring story that goes far beyond the usual bounds of an historical novel.
Truly memorable!
An exciting new novel from Janet Paisley is not so much an adventure story as an enthralling lesson in Iron Age social history ...
Far removed from the precious sensibilities of 21st century Britain, this tale of a Celtic warrior princess presents a young woman's rite of passage in an age when life was a raw fight for survival.
Sentiment played little part in a child's life ... our heroine Skahaa, daughter of the Isle of Skye's warrior queen, is lucky to have been raised by her birth mother ; most children were placed into the hands of selected foster mothers.
When 11-year-old Skahaa's mother dies in a chariot race, she must witness her gruesome `disposal' into the afterlife - an ancient ritual in which her body is devoured by carrion eagles in a feeding frenzy at High Sun.
But Skahaa's troubles are only just beginning; the new warrior queen Mara is hostile to the young girl and she is forced to forge a new life beyond the queen's reach.
With rumour, fear and danger sweeping the island, the fast maturing Skahaa cannot remain unmoved and must find the courage to confront her enemies in defence of her people.
The unfolding story of Skahaa is a unique and revealing account of a long forgotten world in which a daughter was `worth two boys, maybe more' and men spoke only when addressed by their women and were useful only for breeding purposes.
Skahaa's journey through life depends heavily on old certainties and rigidly observed ancient customs but there is also a touching recognition that their beliefs are not infallible.
`They are stories we use to explain the world, to help us understand ourselves. Every story has its own truth,' observes a wise druid priest.
Skahaa's world is basic and sometimes brutal but it still has those eternally human qualities that any young woman would recognise ... shared secrets with close friends, the banter, the giggles, the escapades with lusty young men.
Paisley's evocation of an ancient Celtic fiefdom is a marvellous marriage of imagination and scholarship ... a unique and inspiring story that goes far beyond the usual bounds of an historical novel.
Truly memorable!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
when the women ruled
this is my second Janet Paisley story.and it is equally as good as White rose Rebel,a thoroughly enjoyable fast moving story, and like white rose rebel tells of strong fiery women,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by weedkiller
My number one book of 2010
Deeply evocative writing style which engages all of the senses and makes the reader feel the landscape and the times. Read more
Published 16 months ago by rhiannon
A decent novel but no masterpiece
An interesting book with some severe weaknesses and some great strengths. The book deals with the adolescent life of a famous celtic warrior queen of the sland of Albion (Britain)... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Frank Bierbrauer
Great writer, but this is not my era
I got this because I'd absolutely loved "White Rose Rebel" by the same author, set in the 18th century. Read more
Published 17 months ago by H. Petre
Historical novel writing at its best
I can't make up my mind if this is better than Janet Paisley's first historical novel White Rose Rebel, or not. Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2009 by West Lothian Drifter
A compulsive read
The other reviews say it all. Congratulations Janet, another great read. I was enthralled from the first chapter and finished the book wanting to know about Skaaha's future life. Read more
Published on 21 July 2009 by H. A. Packham
Enthralling and Emotive
After reading Janet Paisley's White Rose Rebel I was eagerly awaiting her next novel. Warrior Daughter more than fulfilled my expectations. Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2009 by Ailsa
A tale of incredible courage, set in Scotland
Warrior Daughter tells the story of Skaaha, daughter of a warrior queen in Scotland during the Iron Age. Read more
Published on 7 Jun 2009 by Jessica
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