The Woman and the Raven
by Marlene van der Hake
Published by Pictogram
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Reviewed by C. L. Rossman
This brief book reads like a mythic tale out of Icelandic folklore--and perhaps it is. The author spent time as writer in residence at the cultural center in Gunnarssfnun, Iceland, and thanks the people for their songs and stories.
The story takes place at a time "when trolls and elves roamed the earth." The unknown woman heroine, the chief character, is a magic-user, but she can no longer fly to the stars, our ancient home. She is set on a difficult path by a Raven-Wizard: she must use a runic sword, slay a vicious wyvern and recover a lost Elven gem, which gives our world its light. These seem impossible tasks, since she must oppose the Shadow Sorcerer, the evil one loosed upon our world.
The writing has a lyric mystical quality about it, even though it uses simple words; and in a few sentences it reminds us that men can make of Earth either a heaven or a hell.
Armchair Interviews says if mythic fantasy is your forte, then you will want to read this one.