Customer Reviews

The Wolf and the Raven

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4 star:		(2)
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Diana Paxson has done a great job of re-creating the world of fifth-century Europe. The reader gets a good sense of what that chaotic era was like. This is one of the strongest aspects of the book. (As a student of history, I was pleased with the notes and bibliography that Paxson provides at the end.) The huge cast of characters is somewhat bewildering. It is difficult, at first, to keep track of them all, though well worth the effort. Many of the supernatural characters from the original, ancient tales are made into humans in this rendition, but this only makes them more interesting. For example, Brunahild, who is an immortal demigoddess in the original, here becomes a Hun princess who joins up with the Walkyriun, an order of priestesses. Likewise, Ragan, the dwarf from the old saga, is here made into a man of the Earthfolk, a race that is far older than the Germanic tribes, and even older than the Celts. The story follows the lives of Brunahild and Sigfrid as they go through childhood, grow into their respective powers, and, finally, meet. While Brunahild is learning the ways of the Walkyriun, Sigfrid is being fostered by Ragan out in the woods, where he learns to utilize the shapeshifting powers inherited from his late father. Both Brunahild and Sigfrid are very likable characters, and it is easy to sympathize with them. Theirs is a grand story and Paxson does a fine job of telling it.

Wow... Being German and living in the area of Cologne, this saga has accompanied me from earliest childhood. I've been to all these places and it was like reading a report on your home town. It definitely rang true and I could recognize my home in Diana's story. The approach she takes is unusual but it gives the story a welcome twist in explaining - or rather attempting to explain - what the motivation for the betrayal is and where the bitterness in the characters stems from. I felt it hard to enjoy their time together, as it is obvious how the story must end. No Disney end to this saga. Thank God! Overall, a MUST READ!!!

Paxson has written an engrossing rendition of Sigfried and Brunahild, both of German legend. Sigfried is raised by a dwarf smith who wants revenge on his brother (now a dragon with a great hoard). Brunahild is called by the god, Wodan, and is trained by the Walkyriun, warrior women with spiritual powers. Raised by different tribes for their own means, they eventually come together to seek their own glory. If you've read as many King Arthur stories as I have, this makes a nice change

The tale of Sigfried the dragon slayer has been told and re-told for over 1,500 years in many forms. This modern re-telling brings the world of fifth century germania to life in a way which is a pleasure to read.

Diana Paxon has woven the threads of the story and embellished as all storytellers do in a way which clothes the tale with intrigue and power of magic and wyrd. The authors background as a respected teacher of magic and sedir in the norse tradition shine through in the truth of her descriptions of the power, magic, and deities. The knowledge of runes and herbs in the book aren't just fiction, and reading this book can be a lesson in learning the ways of Wodan.

Although I have read this story in other forms from eddic poetry to other novelizations, and know the tragic end this tale will become, I still find myself hoping for Sigdrifia and Sigfried. You will find more focus on the woman's world of ancient magic than in other re-tellings, but it's a facet to the story which gives another perspective to the depth of the Saga of the Volsungs.

Spine tingling when it comes to the words printed from AllFather himself! Diana L Paxson is probably the best writer in this particular genre alive today. I highly recommend this entire series, as well as Brisingamen!

This book was very engrossing from the start. It was a colorful and beautiful story. I could not wait for Brunahild and Sigfrid to meet. Yet I was anticipating a beautiful love story. A lovely romance. They didn't fall in love, they fell in lust. That scene at the end was of desire, not true love. It disgusted me! Still, if you are able to brace yourself, read the novel. It is worth the read.