Rating: 4.5⭐️
Windwalker, the first novel in the Forbidden Flight YA fantasy series by H.G. Chambers, is my first introduction to this author. What a fantastic read this book is.
It reminds me of the time I found my first dragonrider story by Anne McCaffrey, although this reads for a younger audience.
The world building is deeply layered with a remarkably beautiful desert landscape that lends a sense of awe and credence to the story and dangers of the life lived there. What I really love is that the author created a unique main female character and group of people that are themselves a part of the landscape, desert clan and a community that has been created by the desert landscape its dwelling within. That includes its religious and societal structures.
Furthermore, the story of a young girl, Kiva, who believes that she deserves to become a Windwalker, someone who bonds with the fierce flying sentient creatures known as Kiraeen, against the clan’s rules, is unusual in many respects.
In some instances you would expect to see a character like Kiva isolated, without support against the clan rules that say only men can become Windwalkers. However, this story is slowly built around how Kiva’s family rallies the community, especially the women, to support her.
It’s emotional, full of a range of scenes that reflect the family’s struggles with Kiva’s journey to Kiva herself as she grows through her bond and then the dangers that come with it.
Each character, whether human or mythical creature, is beautifully written, detailed in every aspect. They are believable and beings the reader can connect with.
This story just flows from beginning to end. And I am quickly heading to the next novel.
Highly recommended, and a lovely change from dragon and Dragonriders.
Cover Design: vividcovers
Windwalker Series:
Forbidden Flight #1
Order of the Red Sons #2
Bonds of the Forsaken #3
Buy link
Blurb
They say no woman can touch a kiraeen and live.
Kiva intends to prove them wrong.
In the harsh deserts of the Miralaja, the legendary Windwalkers rule the skies, bonded to deadly flying beasts known as kiraeen. For generations, only men have been allowed to attempt the proving trials and join their ranks.
When tradition denies her the chance to become a Windwalker, she sets out to prove that skill, not birth, should decide who earns the sky. Defying centuries of law could cost her everything: exile, disgrace… even death.
But some rules exist for a reason.
And the bond between rider and kiraeen is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
If Kiva wants to survive the skies, she’ll have to risk everything — because once a kiraeen chooses you, there is no turning back.
Perfect for readers who love dragon rider stories, fierce heroines, and epic desert fantasy.
April 23, 2018
Language
English
Print length
273 pages
Book 1 of 3
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 