Title: Warrior of the Wild
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Publication Date: February 26, 2019
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 336
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//I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review//
How do you kill a god?
As her father’s chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: to win back her honour, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.
Tricia Levenseller is an author I have heard a ton about but never read before now. Although pirates never really struck my interest, this Viking-inspired book most definitely did! I was intrigued by this female character being tasked to kill the god and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this beautiful book!
Rasmira has spent her entire life preparing to lead her village as her father’s heir. She’s a warrior-in-training and just needs to pass her final trial before being considered a true warrior. When she’s betrayed by someone she trusts and her trial is sabotaged, her father has no choice but to banish her and assign an unbeatable task in line with their customs. Banishment is as good as a death sentence because of the dangers of the wilds outside the villages. Unlike many, though, Rasmira doesn’t accept that her task isn’t one she can complete and sets out fully intending to restore her honor and return to her village.
I. Loved. Rasmira. She was such an incredible, strong heroine and I loved her persistence from the very first page! Although she had moments of doubt, she never let herself be swayed from her goal and always kept fighting. She was fierce and a complete badass and I would love to read a whole series about her adventures!
I also must mention the two incredible side characters of this story, Soren and Iric. Both have managed to survive the wild against all odds and fully intend to live out their lives there, with no plans of attempting their quests. Rasmira befriends them and helps them both to be their best selves and, of course, there’s super swoony romance! These three were so wonderful together. Their friendship, even without the romance, was wonderful and refreshing.
But let’s talk about the world of this book! I admittedly have not watched Vikings. I don’t watch many Viking movies or shows or read many Viking-inspired books, but this absolutely planted me right in the middle of the world and made me feel like I was there. I was especially fascinated by the god’s mountain and his lair. I would have perhaps liked to see a little of the wider world. It’s true that Warrior of the Wild doesn’t span a very large area, but the world we’re given is incredible.
This story is unique and action packed and I loved every second of it! There are twists and not all of them are hard to guess, but they’re all a lot of fun. Warrior of the Wild has definitely found a spot on my favorites shelf and Tricia Levenseller has made it to my auto buy list. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, badass heroines, and amazing friendships, you don’t want to miss this book!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tricia Levenseller is the author of the Daughter of the Pirate King duology and forthcoming standalone, Warrior of the Wild. She likes to describe her books as young adult alternate–world historical fantasies with heavy romantic subplots.
Initially from a small town in Oregon, Tricia now lives next to the Rocky Mountains with her bossy dog, Rosy. She received her degree in English Language and editing, and she is thrilled that she never has to read a textbook again. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing volleyball, playing Overwatch with her siblings, and watching shows while eating extra-buttered popcorn.
