When Women Were Warriors Book I

By: Catherine M. Wilson

Narrated by: Janis Ian

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

"All the women of my family had gone to war... Now my turn had come... So, it is the custom that a free woman leave her mother's house to bind herself and those of her blood to a neighboring clan, either by the sword or by the cradle."

So begins the story of young Tamras, as she embarks on her journey to become a warrior's apprentice. This epic story is not about battles and armor, but rather about relationships, coming of age and wisdom, and deep insights into the human experience.

©2008 Catherine M. Wilson (P)2013 Dog Ear Audio

Unique and highly entertaining

I don't think that I have listened to a more unique book in ages. I couldn't stop listening and it was not only entertaining but made me think. There is a poetic or lyrical feeling to the writing that makes me think of my favorite classics. Those books that you see made into movies over and over but are never captured as well as the book and the only ones that come close to capturing it are BBC or PBS. Classics that keep you entertained but have depth. There was such a beauty to the storytelling which the narrator, Janis Ian, had a lot to do with, I suspect. The writing was there but she did it justice. .

The historical aspect of a matriarchal society with the oral traditions of storytelling that have meaning kept me entranced. I think that the fast pace of society today has lost something because we don't have much of that anymore. Each story told was a lesson learned but was also kept me riveted to the book.

All I can say is Congratulations Catherine M. Wilson. I hope that others realize what a wonderful book you have written & the choice of Janis Ian as the narrator couldn't have been better. She complimented your wonderful stories within the story you told. This book is so multi-layered and a perfect example of the complexities of any society not just stone age society.

What saddens me is that I didn't know this book existed. It is definitely a book everyone should read or listen to & I'm surprised it has't made the best seller's list.[or did I miss it?]

I think I have found a favorite author & narrator. This is a book to listen to again and again.
I can't wait to hear the other books in this series & hopefully with the same narrator.

36 of 36 people found this review helpful

Janis Ian's Narration is Sheer Excellence !

The story is very good, but is exceeded by the narration , which includes humming & singing by Janis Ian. When I found out the sequel is not narrated by her, I decided just to read it for myself..if only the author could convince Ian to do the rest !

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Amazing, Excellent, Addictive!!!

Any additional comments?

I gladly purchased book II & III before I finished book I…YES the story is “that” good, and I feel no resentment paying for the additional volumes. The story is thoughtful, adventurous, emotional, and exciting. The writing is smart, relatable, and easy to follow. I felt everything the storyteller was feeling, what an amazing writer who can consistently lead her audience to feel so deeply. I am honored to support the author who labored to create such a fantastic story. Catherine M. Wilson successfully created a wonderfully entertaining story. After completing book III I find myself missing the characters as I would miss good friends. A story that invokes such an emotional response is indeed, very well written. Normally I don’t re-read books; I will make an exception and look forward to experiencing these books again and again!

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Loved it

Beautiful story about kindness, bravery and love. If you're interested in stories about women and the relationships they have with each other (romantic or platonic) and enjoy the fantasy genre, you'll love this book. Janis Ian has a great voice for this type of story

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I've read it twice, I've listened twice. Awesome.

Only regret that books two and three aren't on Audible. This is one of the best stories I've ever read and I've never in my life reread anything but this I will read and listen to over and over again.
Ever young women should read this, I wish it was around when I was young it would have helped me alot.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Simply couldn't get into it.

I enjoyed Janis Ian as a singer, however combined with a low key story, her voice just put me to sleep.

I really wanted to enjoy the book, the concept is interesting and I usually like strong women type novels, but perhaps I'm too accustomed to more action....though I do love the original strong women book "The Gate To Womens Country" and it's very low key....

In any case, I'm sending this one back..hopefully you'll like it more than I did

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

where is book 2

an absolutely amazing story the the narrator made everything come to life Please put book to on audible

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Francisco

Great story narrated with a rich and clear voice. Book 1 only is not enough. Looking forward for more.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Attention Keeper

I loved the whole audio, kept my interest, brought out all my emotions and really can wait to hear the other volumes. Hope it is soon!!

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

The birth of a spiritual warrior

This refreshing work of fantasy, set in a matriarchal past, is completely relevant for contemporary readers. The writer takes you into the rich inner life of a young female who aspires to be a warrior. The lead character's dauntless courage for self reflection, combined with her absolutely honest approach to relationships, provides a rich tapestry to weave an intriguing coming-of-age tale.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

great writing in epic tradition

The novel is about strong characters who are growing and finding themselves and their ties with each other. It is primarily a 'celtic' fantasy novel, the relationships are primary female and a slow burning romance underpins the story. In this first book most of the story is the development of that relationship and the characters involved. Set in a celtic style land, woman are trained as warriors and have apprentices who assist them and learn from them. Here the main characters are a Tamras a young woman with a strong sense of what is right and determination, she saves the life warrior (Maar), creating a bond which develops. She shows her courage to stand up for what is right, and starts to break through Maar's reclusive personality to gain her trust, Maar is a refuge from another destroyed tribe, she was taken into the clan, but feels as she has no home, and still morns over the security she lost without knowing it. The story is amazingly well created, and the strength of the characters and how they develop is a joy to read/listen to, as well as being captivating. I have to say for me it took a two chapters for I connected well with what was going on. It is the genre of story I hope to write at some point. This novel as many great ratings and I agree with it. For the audio book, the narrator Janis Ian, is good, it could be my ear, or her, but she seems to get a lot better as the book progresses. I cant wait until the second book is released on audio. I strong recommend this book, for those who like slow burning female/female romances, very strong characters and a focus on them, stories share wisdom, and likely to be one you wont easily put down.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

I've read all 3 books and absolutely loved them, thought I'd give the audiobook a try and I wasn't disappointed! Its just so easy to fall in love with the characters and the story When are the other 2 out?! Fingers crossed it will be soon!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love, love love! cant put it down

love this series. though never ready for the end!!! the characters resonate with me. brilliant

Delicious

I'm not going to review this as others have already done a better job than I can. However, if you want bloody battle scenes, rape and pillage you'll be disappointed. All I can say, is do yourself a favour and listen to this - Janis Ian is fabulous and reads this beautiful book with a slow calm rhythmic voice of the Scandinavian people. Now I want more but see that Audible hasn't obliged, so I'm off to Buy the Book, oh and hunt out some Janis Ian records on Spoty.

I can't stop listening! Beautiful & so much more.

What did you like most about When Women Were Warriors Book I?

I love how you learn about each of the main characters, and hear their stories. I love that it celebrates women being strong and venerable, fighting hard but loving harder. And of course I love the actual stories within the When Women were warriors. It's cleverly written, with so much imagination. I absolutely love this audio book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of When Women Were Warriors Book I?

The relationship between the women. So many wonderful and powerful memorable moments. But they would spoil the read or listen.

Have you listened to any of Janis Ian’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't but I do love her voice. And believed it was perfect for this book.

Any additional comments?

Loved listening to this book. I really hope the other two are recorded at some point too. Highly recommended.