Review: A Heartbreaking Beginning of a Warrior
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2014
Joint review with Karina:ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for fair and honest review.Vika:Absolutely heartbreaking but beautifully done, Elizabeth Hunter delivers another great story for the fans of the Elemental World series.Tenzin is one of the most enigmatic characters of the series; her history and especially the story of her making were only ever alluded to before, and this novella is a true treat for the fans. Chilling and violent, The Bronze Blade is a dark tale.Reading it, I was both anxious and anguished, even though I knew Tenzin will persevere. What did you think K.?Karina:Mesmerizing. Tenzin has always been an absolutely fascinating character, - I expected something extraordinary in her back story, and as usual Elizabeth did not disappoint.Like Vika said, The Bronze Blade is dark, brutal and chilling. It follows a young girl's capture, her losses and her turning. It talks about her everyday torments and the sharpening of her will; it gifts us with her vengeance, weariness and wisdom. It starts with a bronze blade and it ends with one.For such a short story, it's woven beautifully and it feels complete, and the reader feels empathy to the main heroine's metamorphosis from the beginning to its end, from Saraal to Aday and at last to her present day's name - Tenzin.Vika:I couldn't have said it better myself, K.Tenzin had a rough start to her immortal life but I think this story makes a wonderful character study and the reader gets a great insight into Tenzin's character. From her short human life and separation from her kids, to the years of abuse she experienced at the hands of the fellow Sida, to her revenge, then a reluctant truth with her maker and of course her place at the Penglai Island. She is truly a warrior and a survivor.I enjoyed this short glimpse and would definitely look forward to more. I'm sure Tenzin has an arsenal of great stories from her very long and fascinating life. So it's 4.5/5 for me!Karina:I will be looking forward to more snippets from Tenzin's amazing journey. This is one novella no fan of the series should miss. I don't usually like short fiction, but this is superbly done and reads like a complete and a very strong story. 5/5 from me, and much admiration to Elizabeth for crafting such a striking tale.***For this and other reviews please visit Nocturnal Book Reviews.