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Children of the Changeling #1
The Waterborn
The River flowed through all the land, deep and unstoppable, a god in his own right. His head was in the mountains; his arms embraced the outlands; his body lay at the core of all the civilized realms; and his legs stretched on to the distant sea. Dark and sluggish, he rolled unchallenged, dreaming his own invincible might and glory into stark reality.
Everywhere he touched, the River God held dominion. And in Nhol, the fabled city at the heart of the world, an emperor ruled as the living aspect of the god, presiding over the splendors and intrigues of a prosperous land and a glittering court.
Hezhi was an imperial princess; her blood carried the seeds of the River's power. When her favorite cousin disappeared, Hezhi searched throughout the sumptuous palace with its ghosts and priests, giants and courtiers, and frightening creatures of wizardry. And the magic within her began to grow; soon it must attract dangerous attention. Hezhi's anxious quest ripened into a desperate fight for her own life--a battle she could not hope to win alone.
Small wonder that the princess wished for a hero.
And far away, a hero's journey began...
Everywhere he touched, the River God held dominion. And in Nhol, the fabled city at the heart of the world, an emperor ruled as the living aspect of the god, presiding over the splendors and intrigues of a prosperous land and a glittering court.
Hezhi was an imperial princess; her blood carried the seeds of the River's power. When her favorite cousin disappeared, Hezhi searched throughout the sumptuous palace with its ghosts and priests, giants and courtiers, and frightening creatures of wizardry. And the magic within her began to grow; soon it must attract dangerous attention. Hezhi's anxious quest ripened into a desperate fight for her own life--a battle she could not hope to win alone.
Small wonder that the princess wished for a hero.
And far away, a hero's journey began...
436 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Greg Keyes
73 books639 followersGregory Keyes is a writer of science fiction and fantasy who has written both original and media-related novels under both the names J. Gregory Keyes and "Greg Keyes".
Greg Keyes was born in to a large, diverse, storytelling family. He received degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia before becoming a fulltime writer.
He lives in Savannah, Georgia.
Greg Keyes was born in to a large, diverse, storytelling family. He received degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia before becoming a fulltime writer.
He lives in Savannah, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 1, 2024
I'm off to the store to buy BLACKGOD!
At heart, an unforgettable fantasy replete with all the requisite elements - a pretty damsel in distress, heroes and their sagas, gods, battles, good and evil, with lots of credible dialogue to bring it home! Did I mention a couple of plot twists that would make the most jaded thriller or mystery reader's eyes light up?
At a deeper level, Keyes also addresses issues such as the relationship of man to his gods in a belief system similar to the Greek and Roman pantheon of mortal gods and half-gods with emotions and motivations that are all too human. He also seems openly critical of a priesthood that has misinterpreted its role in society and as a result has misappropriated and abused the power that history accorded it. Religious and racial intolerance also make cameo appearances.
But, all the while, Keyes never forgets that he is telling a story - and, it's one you won't be forgetting for a long time to come!
Paul Weiss
At heart, an unforgettable fantasy replete with all the requisite elements - a pretty damsel in distress, heroes and their sagas, gods, battles, good and evil, with lots of credible dialogue to bring it home! Did I mention a couple of plot twists that would make the most jaded thriller or mystery reader's eyes light up?
At a deeper level, Keyes also addresses issues such as the relationship of man to his gods in a belief system similar to the Greek and Roman pantheon of mortal gods and half-gods with emotions and motivations that are all too human. He also seems openly critical of a priesthood that has misinterpreted its role in society and as a result has misappropriated and abused the power that history accorded it. Religious and racial intolerance also make cameo appearances.
But, all the while, Keyes never forgets that he is telling a story - and, it's one you won't be forgetting for a long time to come!
Paul Weiss
June 15, 2015
I was introduced to Greg Keyes' work by the magnificent 'Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone' series. 'The Waterborn' was his first published novel, which I sought out after finishing those. It's not as polished as 'Kingdoms..' but it feels like the same author, also doing high fantasy. It's got some close-to-stock characters, but it's also intriguing, with appealing drama and a world with convincingly different cultures interacting.
It parallels the story of Hezhi [a sheltered, isolated princess coming of age in a family with strange powers] with the story of Perkar [a young cattle-herder who is selected for a mission to try to gain his tribe more pasture lands.] Gods and spirits entwine themselves with their destiny, and it's got some interesting commentary on what it means to be a hero, or a princess. Well-crafted and structured, I'd recommend the book.
I'd still recommend 'Kingdoms' first, but I'd recommend this one as well.
I initially read the book in 2011, but I've just found out that it's being re-released as an eBook by Open Road Media, so it'll be easier to find than it has been - which is a good thing!
It parallels the story of Hezhi [a sheltered, isolated princess coming of age in a family with strange powers] with the story of Perkar [a young cattle-herder who is selected for a mission to try to gain his tribe more pasture lands.] Gods and spirits entwine themselves with their destiny, and it's got some interesting commentary on what it means to be a hero, or a princess. Well-crafted and structured, I'd recommend the book.
I'd still recommend 'Kingdoms' first, but I'd recommend this one as well.
I initially read the book in 2011, but I've just found out that it's being re-released as an eBook by Open Road Media, so it'll be easier to find than it has been - which is a good thing!
April 24, 2013
Waterborn is a gem, possibly plucked out of another bizarro dimension and very roughly shaped by a novice who didn't quite know what he was doing, but who managed to strike and polish exactly where needed.
Oxymoronical? Impossible? Especially compared to Keyes's other books like the Briar King etc. saga, Waterborn is a very fresh and quick read. Storylines don't drag, characters don't have time to bore me.
And while the whole plot setup is quite archetypal, as the characters seem to be, the setting feels fresh and new in a way I can't quite describe (or understand).
Keyes showed me a new fantasy which was old at the same time, one which rang true and solid. Only when I started reading the Briar King series, I learnt of his interest and research into etymology and linguistics. But even before, while reading The Waterborn and The Blackgod, I somehow knew. I recognized aspects of his writing style similar to Tolkien's, there was something clicking with my own interests.
I noticed some readers found the book unpolished, they recognized it was the author's first. Some felt the characters were flat and the story too simplistic.
To me it's almost a perfect blend of familiar and surprising. Overall a very pleasant read. There really should be a roleplaying game set in this world, I sure would love to play that!
Oxymoronical? Impossible? Especially compared to Keyes's other books like the Briar King etc. saga, Waterborn is a very fresh and quick read. Storylines don't drag, characters don't have time to bore me.
And while the whole plot setup is quite archetypal, as the characters seem to be, the setting feels fresh and new in a way I can't quite describe (or understand).
Keyes showed me a new fantasy which was old at the same time, one which rang true and solid. Only when I started reading the Briar King series, I learnt of his interest and research into etymology and linguistics. But even before, while reading The Waterborn and The Blackgod, I somehow knew. I recognized aspects of his writing style similar to Tolkien's, there was something clicking with my own interests.
I noticed some readers found the book unpolished, they recognized it was the author's first. Some felt the characters were flat and the story too simplistic.
To me it's almost a perfect blend of familiar and surprising. Overall a very pleasant read. There really should be a roleplaying game set in this world, I sure would love to play that!
November 13, 2020
I've read Gregory Keyes before and have been intrigued with his ability to write fantasy fiction without all of the usual fantasy tropes. So I turned to his very first published work, The Waterborn and found a more traditional fantasy plot, albeit with some thoughtful takes on cultures and societies. Not surprising, I suppose, given the author's background in anthropology, specifically mythology and belief systems. A lot of that comes out in this novel.
Overall, this was a decent fantasy novel but I felt the first parts plodded along much too slowly. It finally picked up about two thirds of the way in and was a full 5-star read at that point. Because of that, I will soon give the sequel a try.
Overall, this was a decent fantasy novel but I felt the first parts plodded along much too slowly. It finally picked up about two thirds of the way in and was a full 5-star read at that point. Because of that, I will soon give the sequel a try.
May 21, 2015
**I got this from Netgalley***I was not entirely sure about this going in. Princess....Hero...a journey. It sounds like all the other fantasy novels out there. I resigned myself and began to read and to read and to read. I discovered a well written, well thought out solid fantasy story. And better yet, I could not put it down. I was taken away. I loved the world the author created, and I liked the characters and I enjoyed the journey. Don't let the silly cover scare you away. It was a most enjoyable read!
January 11, 2017
Greg Keyes was een naam die ik al eens had zien passeren, hier op Goodreads. Toen ik vorig jaar in Brugse Boekhandel deze tweedelige reeks voor een spotprijs zag staan, en de flapteksten me wel leuk leken, ben ik overstag gegaan. J. Gregory Keyes zou een deel van z'n jeugd doorgebracht hebben in het Navajo-reservaat in Arizona en zo inspiratie opgedaan hebben voor deze 2 boeken, Dochter van de rivier en het vervolg, De Berg der Goden, dat nog eens een goeie 100 bladzijden meer telt. De verhalen sluiten ook aan op z'n onderzoek (nog van toepassing?) naar de antropologie van mythen en geloofssystemen.
Maar goed, fantasy in een originele setting: bij de indianen. Eh, Native Americans. Er zijn twee verhaallijnen: 1) Hezhi, de prinses die nog te jong is om naar een andere vleugel van het paleis te verhuizen en zich bij haar ouders te voegen (ze wordt opgevoed door een oudere bediende, Qey, en heeft een dienaar, Tsem, een grote, sterke kerel), en 2) Perkar, een jonge krijger (nuja, boerenjongen die krijger wordt en tot de Mang behoort, een paardenvolk) uit een zeer verre streek die op de een of andere manier een queeste moet vervullen. Beide personages leven in totaal verschillende maatschappijen en hebben elk aparte geloofsovertuigingen.
Er komt dus geloof/spiritualiteit aan te pas: goden van allerlei pluimage. Goden die over domeinen heersen, goden die in plaatsen en objecten zitten (wapens, bomen, ...). Opdat Perkars volk goede dagen zou kennen, worden er af en toe offers gebracht. Dat hoeft niet groots te zijn; wat wierook branden, bijvoorbeeld, is ook goed. Waar Hezhi woont, Nohl, zijn het de priesters en de Rivier (de Kenterling) die de plak zwaaien; er zijn geen goden die overal huizen.
De Rivier is allesbepalend in dit verhaal. Het is zowel een waterstroom als een god (de Kenterling). De Rivier bepaalt hoe Perkars queeste/tocht verloopt, hoe Hezhi zich gedraagt, enz. Opletten wanneer je bepaalde levenssappen in de Rivier loost (bloed of anders), want dan "kent" de Riviergod je, zal hij je weten te traceren en proberen te beïnvloeden. Want deze god wil alle macht, volledige dominantie van de mensenvolkeren en hun leefgebieden, en zal dat op allerlei manieren proberen te verwerkelijken.
Maar omdat macht corrumpeert, sloten de Rivierkinderen lang geleden een pact met de Kenterling: in ruil voor een rijkgevuld en royaal leven, zouden er van elke generatie kinderen geofferd worden aan Hem. Tot Hezhi op een dag haar beste vriend D'en verliest en zij op onderzoek trekt, tegen alle regels in.
Beide verhaallijnen (Hezhi's en Perkars) verlopen elk op hun manier, waarbij Perkar vooral (onbedoeld, weliswaar, maar toch, misschien ook door z'n jeugdige naïviteit) kwaad aanricht t.o.v. de groep waarmee hij reist, o.l.v. de Kapaka (een soort koning, hoofd van een stam) die met de Heer van het Woud wilt onderhandelen over meer grond om te bewerken, hoewel de zaak zeer subtiel moet aangepakt worden, omdat de mens niet meer zo respectvol omgaat de harmonie tussen natuur en mens), met zeer kwalijke gevolgen. De "boetedoening" zal een serieuze opdracht zijn, een die hij met een klein hartje, maar toch vastberaden aanpakt.
Hezhi vindt uitvluchten uit om toch maar meer te weten te komen over de geschiedenis van de koninklijke families, om te weten wat er precies gaande is, waarom bijv. D'en verdwenen is. Ghan, de oude bibliothecaris (en een van de laatste van zijn stam), is eerst weigerachtig, besluit dan toch haar wat klusjes te laten uitvoeren, zodat hij z'n aandacht elders op kan richten.
En zo komt van het een het ander, met de nodige spanning en variëteit. De verschillen in cultuur, in levensopvatting, ... Of, het contrast tussen een boerenjongen die zich opwerkt (dankzij tussenkomst van de goden) en een jonge prinses die gebonden is aan haar kamers, aan haar beperkte leefwereld, steeds de nodige regels in acht moet nemen en bijna geen vrijheid heeft. Zelfs haar ouders kijken amper naar haar om, wachten gewoon tot ze oud genoeg is om naar de andere vleugel te verhuizen.
Op zich zou je dit verhaal als eindig kunnen beschouwen, want - hoe kan het ook anders? - eind goed, al goed? Iedereen terug vrij van alle kommer en kwel? Maar dan lees je de eerste pagina's van boek 2, De Berg der Goden, en weet je dat het kwaad niet volledig verdelgd is. Integendeel. Er staat ons duo (Hezhi en Perkar), samen met hun kompanen, nog een zware opdracht te wachten.
Op de flap stond ook: "Dochter van de rivier is te lezen als een sprookje, maar ook als een prachtige fabel over de consequenties van een levenswijze die zich afkeert van de natuur." Dat kan ik zeker beamen. Het is prachtig geschreven (althans het Nederlands), zowel de beschrijving van de wereld als hoe de personages zich gedragen en voelen. Hier en daar staan er enkele levenswijsheden in. Uiteraard houdt niet alles wat gebeurd steek, het blijft een fictief verhaal, het blijft fantasy, zij het met culturele, etnische elementen, die het verhaal meer charme geven. Zeker en vast een aanrader!
Maar goed, fantasy in een originele setting: bij de indianen. Eh, Native Americans. Er zijn twee verhaallijnen: 1) Hezhi, de prinses die nog te jong is om naar een andere vleugel van het paleis te verhuizen en zich bij haar ouders te voegen (ze wordt opgevoed door een oudere bediende, Qey, en heeft een dienaar, Tsem, een grote, sterke kerel), en 2) Perkar, een jonge krijger (nuja, boerenjongen die krijger wordt en tot de Mang behoort, een paardenvolk) uit een zeer verre streek die op de een of andere manier een queeste moet vervullen. Beide personages leven in totaal verschillende maatschappijen en hebben elk aparte geloofsovertuigingen.
Er komt dus geloof/spiritualiteit aan te pas: goden van allerlei pluimage. Goden die over domeinen heersen, goden die in plaatsen en objecten zitten (wapens, bomen, ...). Opdat Perkars volk goede dagen zou kennen, worden er af en toe offers gebracht. Dat hoeft niet groots te zijn; wat wierook branden, bijvoorbeeld, is ook goed. Waar Hezhi woont, Nohl, zijn het de priesters en de Rivier (de Kenterling) die de plak zwaaien; er zijn geen goden die overal huizen.
De Rivier is allesbepalend in dit verhaal. Het is zowel een waterstroom als een god (de Kenterling). De Rivier bepaalt hoe Perkars queeste/tocht verloopt, hoe Hezhi zich gedraagt, enz. Opletten wanneer je bepaalde levenssappen in de Rivier loost (bloed of anders), want dan "kent" de Riviergod je, zal hij je weten te traceren en proberen te beïnvloeden. Want deze god wil alle macht, volledige dominantie van de mensenvolkeren en hun leefgebieden, en zal dat op allerlei manieren proberen te verwerkelijken.
Maar omdat macht corrumpeert, sloten de Rivierkinderen lang geleden een pact met de Kenterling: in ruil voor een rijkgevuld en royaal leven, zouden er van elke generatie kinderen geofferd worden aan Hem. Tot Hezhi op een dag haar beste vriend D'en verliest en zij op onderzoek trekt, tegen alle regels in.
Beide verhaallijnen (Hezhi's en Perkars) verlopen elk op hun manier, waarbij Perkar vooral (onbedoeld, weliswaar, maar toch, misschien ook door z'n jeugdige naïviteit) kwaad aanricht t.o.v. de groep waarmee hij reist, o.l.v. de Kapaka (een soort koning, hoofd van een stam) die met de Heer van het Woud wilt onderhandelen over meer grond om te bewerken, hoewel de zaak zeer subtiel moet aangepakt worden, omdat de mens niet meer zo respectvol omgaat de harmonie tussen natuur en mens), met zeer kwalijke gevolgen. De "boetedoening" zal een serieuze opdracht zijn, een die hij met een klein hartje, maar toch vastberaden aanpakt.
Hezhi vindt uitvluchten uit om toch maar meer te weten te komen over de geschiedenis van de koninklijke families, om te weten wat er precies gaande is, waarom bijv. D'en verdwenen is. Ghan, de oude bibliothecaris (en een van de laatste van zijn stam), is eerst weigerachtig, besluit dan toch haar wat klusjes te laten uitvoeren, zodat hij z'n aandacht elders op kan richten.
En zo komt van het een het ander, met de nodige spanning en variëteit. De verschillen in cultuur, in levensopvatting, ... Of, het contrast tussen een boerenjongen die zich opwerkt (dankzij tussenkomst van de goden) en een jonge prinses die gebonden is aan haar kamers, aan haar beperkte leefwereld, steeds de nodige regels in acht moet nemen en bijna geen vrijheid heeft. Zelfs haar ouders kijken amper naar haar om, wachten gewoon tot ze oud genoeg is om naar de andere vleugel te verhuizen.
Op zich zou je dit verhaal als eindig kunnen beschouwen, want - hoe kan het ook anders? - eind goed, al goed? Iedereen terug vrij van alle kommer en kwel? Maar dan lees je de eerste pagina's van boek 2, De Berg der Goden, en weet je dat het kwaad niet volledig verdelgd is. Integendeel. Er staat ons duo (Hezhi en Perkar), samen met hun kompanen, nog een zware opdracht te wachten.
Op de flap stond ook: "Dochter van de rivier is te lezen als een sprookje, maar ook als een prachtige fabel over de consequenties van een levenswijze die zich afkeert van de natuur." Dat kan ik zeker beamen. Het is prachtig geschreven (althans het Nederlands), zowel de beschrijving van de wereld als hoe de personages zich gedragen en voelen. Hier en daar staan er enkele levenswijsheden in. Uiteraard houdt niet alles wat gebeurd steek, het blijft een fictief verhaal, het blijft fantasy, zij het met culturele, etnische elementen, die het verhaal meer charme geven. Zeker en vast een aanrader!
July 14, 2009
I found myself very conflicted about this book. At first glance, it would appear to be a standard fantasy novel, with the farm boy who goes on a journey to be a hero, and princess in distress, and an incredibly powerful enemy that must be overcome. However, things are not what they appear to be. The "hero" turns out to have little to no idea what he's doing, nor does he have some set or prophesied destiny to fulfill. In fact, several other characters comment consistently about how stupid and unwise he behaves. The princess in distress is actually very intelligent and inquisitive with a latent power in all members of her family that make her more dangerous than anyone else. And the true nature of the gods makes the reader question what is really going on. There's an ancient secret about the Rivergod and his enemies, and the characters are realizing that they may simply be pawns in a game of the gods.
Keyes creates an incredibly interesting world, where gods exist in everything, from the field of grass, to the streams that cut the land, to the very campfires that the characters gather around, all the way to the great Rivergod which consumes all other gods around him. The characters are quite dynamic and change and learn during the course of the story in this book and it's sequel, "The Blackgod." However, the reason I can only gives this novel three stars is because it is painfully obvious that this was Keyes first book. Some of the prose and the dialogue feel rather clumsy, and certain aspects that seemed like they were supposed to be mysteries became painfully obvious much earlier than the actual reveal. Which leaves me very torn. If Keyes had waited longer in his career before he wrote this book and its sequel, I feel that it would have turned out much, much better. Still, it is very worth the read if you can look past it being a freshman effort that turns the standard high fantasy fare on its head (much like how George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series challenges the low fantasy genre). Fascinating, but far from perfect.
Keyes creates an incredibly interesting world, where gods exist in everything, from the field of grass, to the streams that cut the land, to the very campfires that the characters gather around, all the way to the great Rivergod which consumes all other gods around him. The characters are quite dynamic and change and learn during the course of the story in this book and it's sequel, "The Blackgod." However, the reason I can only gives this novel three stars is because it is painfully obvious that this was Keyes first book. Some of the prose and the dialogue feel rather clumsy, and certain aspects that seemed like they were supposed to be mysteries became painfully obvious much earlier than the actual reveal. Which leaves me very torn. If Keyes had waited longer in his career before he wrote this book and its sequel, I feel that it would have turned out much, much better. Still, it is very worth the read if you can look past it being a freshman effort that turns the standard high fantasy fare on its head (much like how George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series challenges the low fantasy genre). Fascinating, but far from perfect.
November 30, 2010
The beauty of this tale is in it's searching quality. The hero is young, has heady ideals of what he wants to do with his life and which direction to take but not quite how to get there or behave. And there's an invisible line of fate drawing him forward to a meeting with a young princess who needs rescuing. Keyes books are immersive, and this one is no different. If you allow yourself you can sink into these waters and characters smoothly. World building and realization is also strong.
I love fantasy. Love it absolutely. I love when a writer has such a power vision as J. Gregory ably displays in this first book in the Children of Changeling series. He presents this world as he wishes it to be. One can either accept that or leave it behind. I chose to accept it without complaint or second-guessing his view to suit my own and I am fully glad I did. Excellent novel.
I love fantasy. Love it absolutely. I love when a writer has such a power vision as J. Gregory ably displays in this first book in the Children of Changeling series. He presents this world as he wishes it to be. One can either accept that or leave it behind. I chose to accept it without complaint or second-guessing his view to suit my own and I am fully glad I did. Excellent novel.
December 23, 2007
I remember enjoying this book when I read it a few years back, in part because it doesn't take place in a quasi-medieval-European setting like so many fantasy novels, so I recommended it to my husband. He liked it, too, and bought the second novel in this duology, The Blackgod. As I’ve already forgotten most of the plot, I reread The Waterborn before continuing to the second book.
Well, the second time around wasn’t as magical as the first time. The story takes a while to really take off. Nothing really happens in the first hundred of pages or so and it didn't help that I had a hard time liking the two main characters, at least at first.
The first protagonist is Hezhi, a princess in the city of Nhol, located near the mouth of the River. Her mission is to find her cousin, so she goes down to the submerged tunnels beneath the palace and spends time in the library to research things that might help her in her task. She's an okay character, I guess, but it just seems to me that the fantasy genre is filled with wayward princesses who shun all things princess-y and want to be warriors or scholars, or sneak around in the hidden passages in their castles. I've seen these types before. Ho-hum.
The second protagonist is Perkar, a villager in the Cattle Lands, near the head of the River. He's completely infatuated with the river goddess, giving him some foolish notion about "rescuing" her from the River god. So his mission is to kill the evil god, with little regard for anything else, including his friends. Not at all a likable character.
Fortunately, the story gets better into the second part of the book. Hezhi's research in the library reveals some mysterious information about the royal family and the River god and it is somehow connected to her cousin's disappearance. Very interesting. A romantic interest also emerges. Meanwhile, Perkar learns his lesson about the way of the gods, gains some maturity and becomes less annoying. By the end of the book, I was rooting for both of them.
I'm starting the second book now, and it looks very promising!
Well, the second time around wasn’t as magical as the first time. The story takes a while to really take off. Nothing really happens in the first hundred of pages or so and it didn't help that I had a hard time liking the two main characters, at least at first.
The first protagonist is Hezhi, a princess in the city of Nhol, located near the mouth of the River. Her mission is to find her cousin, so she goes down to the submerged tunnels beneath the palace and spends time in the library to research things that might help her in her task. She's an okay character, I guess, but it just seems to me that the fantasy genre is filled with wayward princesses who shun all things princess-y and want to be warriors or scholars, or sneak around in the hidden passages in their castles. I've seen these types before. Ho-hum.
The second protagonist is Perkar, a villager in the Cattle Lands, near the head of the River. He's completely infatuated with the river goddess, giving him some foolish notion about "rescuing" her from the River god. So his mission is to kill the evil god, with little regard for anything else, including his friends. Not at all a likable character.
Fortunately, the story gets better into the second part of the book. Hezhi's research in the library reveals some mysterious information about the royal family and the River god and it is somehow connected to her cousin's disappearance. Very interesting. A romantic interest also emerges. Meanwhile, Perkar learns his lesson about the way of the gods, gains some maturity and becomes less annoying. By the end of the book, I was rooting for both of them.
I'm starting the second book now, and it looks very promising!
March 2, 2018
It started off slow. I almost gave up on it, honestly. Then, about a quarter of the way through, the pace started to pick up and I actually started to like the story. There was a lot of world building and set up (I assume) for the second book. I bounced back and forth about what to give this first novel. In the end I would probably give it something like 3.5 stars. It way OKAY, but, after all was said and done, not a lot actually happened.
April 18, 2008
This book was amazing, for those who don't a little polytheism thrown into the mix. Great story of a boys journey to become a man and help his people, reccomend the sequel too.
August 17, 2020
I read this when i was a teenager and remember it with find feelings but have no idea what it was about i was looking trough my shelves of books and what authors i still hear about and who aren't spoken about. Each country has its own top picks and diff pr stunts so i understand that my small country of the netherlands differs from the usa or the uk but my book shop back then had this front and center in the fantasy section and the second book got picked up within a week. I will reread this and find his other books because back then i couldn't find any and i did started to read in English at 16 but even then the selextion was limited ... but now we have ebooks and online book shops.. so its so much easier to get books. I recomend to give this author a try
May 13, 2007
Just reread this--it's still terrific. Please ignore the hokey cover. A quest fantasy that isn't based on Lord of the Rings and its zillion offspring. It's got a hero, an enchanted sword, a heroine in jeopardy, but from there on out the novel takes its own path. The best part is all the gods, inhabiting just about everything, some friendly, some indifferent, some hostile. It feels like this is really how people used to view the world. I also liked the hero's realization that he hadn't been noble and brave -- just stupid and deluded. Now he's stuck on an impossible quest and just wants to go home.
July 13, 2014
When I was 9 my teacher handed me this book to read during some silent time we were having. She never asked for the book back and I never returned it to her.
I have many, many favorite books from my childhood, but none are quite as special to me as this book is. The hardcover edition has maps and beautifully done drawings. Its pages aren't cut like a book normally is, instead they are rugged and choppy. I'm sure all of that played a part into falling in love with this book as a child, but I also remember the story and its characters like I just read it yesterday.
It's been 18 years since I first fell in love with this story, it is still my favorite book and I treasure my stolen copy.
I have many, many favorite books from my childhood, but none are quite as special to me as this book is. The hardcover edition has maps and beautifully done drawings. Its pages aren't cut like a book normally is, instead they are rugged and choppy. I'm sure all of that played a part into falling in love with this book as a child, but I also remember the story and its characters like I just read it yesterday.
It's been 18 years since I first fell in love with this story, it is still my favorite book and I treasure my stolen copy.
October 30, 2020
This book loses a lot of it's potential charm in the Dutch translation. The world building is well done, it's an interesting backdrop filled with non-European ideas. Very refreshing.
The language however is stilted and clunky. Nothing anyone said sounded like things people would say, songs were super awkward and weird, descriptions were rather hit or miss.
I might read the sequel, but it would definitely have to be in the original language. This Dutch version is quite terrible, alas.
The language however is stilted and clunky. Nothing anyone said sounded like things people would say, songs were super awkward and weird, descriptions were rather hit or miss.
I might read the sequel, but it would definitely have to be in the original language. This Dutch version is quite terrible, alas.
May 9, 2023
There's a lot of obvious past research into many cultures here that blend together to make a really well built world.
I found it super easy to get involved with the worldbuilding, and the characters, as well. It felt rich and complex and the motivations easy to follow while having new things to discover and find out as you go.
Satisfying read.
I found it super easy to get involved with the worldbuilding, and the characters, as well. It felt rich and complex and the motivations easy to follow while having new things to discover and find out as you go.
Satisfying read.
September 3, 2011
This was the first Fantasy novel I ever picked up. After reading his books, I didn't want to read anyone else. He is a great author. If you are looking for a really great novel try this one, and The Black God.
October 24, 2013
It took me a while to get into the story, bud then I was even surprised how good the book become to be. Good story about brave young princess and boy, who tries to do his best but always turns out to do the right opposite.
February 14, 2013
Good idea, good characters and well-built world but the plot could have been a little less simple. Still I prefer simple to stupid, so am looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 13, 2013
Nobody knows about or will every read this book which is sad cause it's good.
August 15, 2024
After getting halfway through this book, I was considering giving it a one star review. However, this book is all about the last hundred pages or so, which more than makes up for the mundane nature of the first part of the book. I was even surprised about the one revelation concerning one of the players in the book(although I may have simply been soo bored reading the first part of the book, that I totally forgot about the jik in the 5 page interlude portion of said first part). The book finished up so quickly and well that I am actually looking forward to reading the sequel. However, if it takes that long again to get into the main portion of the storyline, I am going to be disappointed, as will likely be reflected in my synopsis of Blackgod. Lets find out shall we?
March 4, 2018
I read this book some years ago and the only thing I remembered was that it was a good story. Rereading this, I am not disappointed. I like the tale of the eastern, Egypt-like princes Hezhi and the western barbarian Perkar, destined to get together. Not really fantasy, more like Egyptian and Celtic stories with gods in every 'thing' which gives it a special flavor. The story is well paced and interesting. And exciting enough to keep in reading. Four stars earned and I am looking forward to the next book.
December 21, 2023
I enjoyed Greg Keyes' Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone very much and was eager to read more of his work. The Waterborn, being Keyes' first book, is not as polished as the other series but was still a very interesting read with an interesting take on cultures, informed by Keyes' degree in anthropology. I was unable to find the sequel in English (cheaper than $85, I mean), so I will be reading it in French.
November 22, 2019
Epic Adventure
I’ve read and re-read this book and it’s sequel three times now. The character development and world building is as wonderful as some of most popular epic fantasy novels. The main characters are endearing and the story itself is riveting. These two books are one of my most favorite fantasy reads. Highly recommended.
I’ve read and re-read this book and it’s sequel three times now. The character development and world building is as wonderful as some of most popular epic fantasy novels. The main characters are endearing and the story itself is riveting. These two books are one of my most favorite fantasy reads. Highly recommended.
August 25, 2023
Bar none, one of my favorite stories of all time. Coupled with the follow up, The Blackgod, these novels are a one-two combo that's guaranteed to knock any fantasy fan's socks off. I can't even begin to describe the perfection of Greg Keyes' prose here... this is writing of the very highest quality. Imaginative, immersive, emotional, surprising, and a sheer pleasure to read.
February 23, 2020
An original
The storyline in it self is not original, but how it is told and how the different aspects in the book is combined are. Looking forward to read the continuation of this book.
The storyline in it self is not original, but how it is told and how the different aspects in the book is combined are. Looking forward to read the continuation of this book.
August 14, 2018
3/5 stars
September 16, 2018
It wasn't as good as I remembered, but still an awesome read.
April 2, 2022
6/10*
The ending and unique story make up for some lack in execution.
The ending and unique story make up for some lack in execution.
November 1, 2024
I first read this book when I was very young, but I remember how much I enjoyed it. Great character development, great world building and great plot, literally everything was great. Well, except maybe Perkar. He seemed like the awkward fruit of gay love between Conan the Barbarian and the Farm Boy of classic fantasy.
I recently reread the book. It's not unusual for books to lose their appeal after a second reading, and this is especially true of books you first read as a child. But Waterborn still fascinates me. So I think it's a really great book that can appeal to a wide variety of people, regardless of age or life experience.
And by the way, I now realise that Perkar was probably intended by the author to look like the awkward fruit of gay love between Conan the Barbarian and Farm Boy from classic fantasy. It was probably just a joke.
I recently reread the book. It's not unusual for books to lose their appeal after a second reading, and this is especially true of books you first read as a child. But Waterborn still fascinates me. So I think it's a really great book that can appeal to a wide variety of people, regardless of age or life experience.
And by the way, I now realise that Perkar was probably intended by the author to look like the awkward fruit of gay love between Conan the Barbarian and Farm Boy from classic fantasy. It was probably just a joke.
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