I purchased this book for my Kindle after watching Stewart's videos on Youtube.
It is rare for me to write a review of a book I have not completed but I am only 30% into this one and feel compelled to tell people that they should read this book.
The story flows well and I am really enjoying the style. The standard creatures of fantasy are present - orcs, trolls, elves - and there are other creatures about whom we know much less to include speaking ravens and seer-like witches called volvas.
Somewhat jarring is that the individuals the protagonist, Helga, meets tend not to be malevolent, at least not in the main. People, elves, and orcs are helpful even moral. Helga herself relies on the kindness of strangers since her forestry and combat skills are subpar, at least at the outset of her adventure.
There are some editing errors. They do not detract from the story. At the price, for those minor issues, no complaints.
I am now 60% in and am really enjoying the story more. Stewart has dipped into Norse mythology to create and, I think, explain the supernatural in this world. Some interesting things have happened. Helga has been trapped in a place that passes through worlds as time does. She has also been throughly demoralized and betrayed. All bracing.
Small editing problems persist. Still, the story and the writing style are worth the money and time to read this book.
In fact, let me draw a quick comparison with The 'Kingkiller Chronicles.' In 'Water' Helga's love for her ailing husband is clear and palpable when described by Stewart. In 'Kingkiller' the protagonists' love for his muse is vacuous, shallow, and unrequited - she is a prostitute! In 'Water' Helga is lucky, escaping faerie lands with help and luck. In 'Kingkiller' the protagonist beds a faerie who kills men with pleasure or keeps them as play things. The protagonist, uniquely, survives the lusty throes then again, uniquely, outsmarts the ancient faerie and gets a magic cloak to boot!
I like 'Water' much more, much more reasonable.
The conclusion of 'Water' was enjoyable. Tension was built and maintained well, I think. The characters were developed nicely. Overall an enjoyable read which I consumed rapidly.
Of note, people and animals tend to be good and helpful in this tale. Frequently, fantasy works are populated with malevolence - a Dungeons and Dragons approach to fantasy where the only avenue of experience and growth is through killing enemies. Not so in 'Water.' People are helpful, animals are generally helpful, and eternal beings are helpful. The only real enemies are the undead and those creatures seeking to steal human traits from the living.
I'm certain there is an excellent message there.
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