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A review by nikkisbooknook
The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston
5.0
OMG John McLaine and Xena had a baby and she is named Briar! Tough as nails, easily irritated, no time for wusses but she has a heart dipped in loyalty and doesn't know the meaning of the word fail. To get to be the Commander of the Shields she gave up on just about everything else - her family, love, a chance of an uninjured future! But to her protecting Sunweald, the heir in waiting and his uncle, the Regent, was worth it.
This older warrior may be looked upon by the newer recruits as a bit of a carmudgeon and past her prime but she can swing a sword and lop off limbs with the best of them. But when an assassin strikes and Briar finally succumbs to an injury she can't just shrug off, she realises that she may just be past her best and *gulp* determines it may be time to hang up her sword!
But an attack by Wildwood Reivers with the help of traitorous allies within her own castle walls, means Briar is back in protector mode and she will face down any and all enemies!
Fantasy with plenty of blood, guts, action and derring-do but with a core of humour, found family and a burgeoning romance! I loved that the main characters are older and a bit cranky and slow to bounce back. They are so much more lifelike. The camaraderie between the Warband Shields, Briar and the Regent is really heartwarming and the insults fly thick and fast.
Early on, Briar suffers an injury which makes her question her entire purpose and ability. Pushing past this, recovering physically and mentally, was written deftly with great care and exceeding insight to Briar’s character.
I am rather proud of Briar and her denial/acceptance of her new limitations. As a mobility challenged person I did all the same things - denied it, face-planted more than once, forgot not to try and do some things and made injuries worse. The slow acceptance of your new normal - it was like seeing a rather more blood-thirsty and capable me on the page!
I am ecstatic that I guessed all the bad guys - even that sneaky once that I almost thought was going to be a good guy! I had a rollicking good time in Sunweald and I really hope we haven't seen the last of Briar, Alaric and co.
This older warrior may be looked upon by the newer recruits as a bit of a carmudgeon and past her prime but she can swing a sword and lop off limbs with the best of them. But when an assassin strikes and Briar finally succumbs to an injury she can't just shrug off, she realises that she may just be past her best and *gulp* determines it may be time to hang up her sword!
But an attack by Wildwood Reivers with the help of traitorous allies within her own castle walls, means Briar is back in protector mode and she will face down any and all enemies!
Fantasy with plenty of blood, guts, action and derring-do but with a core of humour, found family and a burgeoning romance! I loved that the main characters are older and a bit cranky and slow to bounce back. They are so much more lifelike. The camaraderie between the Warband Shields, Briar and the Regent is really heartwarming and the insults fly thick and fast.
Early on, Briar suffers an injury which makes her question her entire purpose and ability. Pushing past this, recovering physically and mentally, was written deftly with great care and exceeding insight to Briar’s character.
I am rather proud of Briar and her denial/acceptance of her new limitations. As a mobility challenged person I did all the same things - denied it, face-planted more than once, forgot not to try and do some things and made injuries worse. The slow acceptance of your new normal - it was like seeing a rather more blood-thirsty and capable me on the page!
I am ecstatic that I guessed all the bad guys - even that sneaky once that I almost thought was going to be a good guy! I had a rollicking good time in Sunweald and I really hope we haven't seen the last of Briar, Alaric and co.