Review: Warrior of the World

Warrior of the World by Jeffe Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 When bad things happen to good people, they can go one of two directions. They become victims and spiral down or they become survivors who fight back. It is pleasing to see a pampered princess become a Warrior Woman. With a life changing event like this, it is only appropriate to choose a new name. Jenna grows into her new persona as Ivariel. Still with this new name and new fighting skills, Jenna is not fully recovered from her ordeal. She does not share her past pains with her new adopted people. She does her best to integrate into the Nyambura lifestyle. But it is hard as they share everything wish to have her wed to one of their own.

I enjoyed the slower pace in this story as we learn more about this world. I also tried to fit this world into what I know about the Twelve Kingdoms. I think I still need this all drawn out with connections or perhaps Venn diagrams to understand how all these kingdoms relate to each other. Nyambura comes across as a civilization which I learned about in Ancient History class. Their way of life tickles at the back of my brain, trying to remember which ancient civilization carried similar philosophies.

This gentle unfolding of Ivariel's healing is cut short when enemies of old come to attack the Nyambura. Since the Nyambura are more gathers and farmers, the aggressive enemy of old attacking them comes as a shock. They are not surprised by the attacks because it has happened previously in older generations. There are warnings for the Nyambura to keep an eye on them. What I find interesting is learning the history of the Nyambura's enemies. This twist makes the attacks a bit more brutal. Thankfully, Ivariel's martial training since she escaped her abusive husband can help prepare her new people. This story ends gradually with a happily for now. The ending also ends in a twist which hooks a reader in to see what happens next. When it comes down to it, family feuds are the most bloody. Looking forward to see what happens next. This high fantasy is recommended to readers who enjoy a coming of age theme.

*provided by NetGalley