Windwalker

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In a world divided by ancient conflicts and deep-seated distrust, fate weaves an unlikely alliance between two outcasts. Windwalker by Donna Sundblad is an epic fantasy adventure that delves into the power of prophecy, the consequences of past mistakes, and the hope for unity in a world teetering on the edge of destruction.

Centuries ago, the Stygians, a proud and mystical people, ignored prophetic warnings and welcomed the disease-ridden Jonnick refugees to their shores. Among them was one cursed individual who carried the dark magic of the Magestone—an artifact of corruption that spread sickness and death. The resulting devastation created an unbridgeable rift between the two cultures, leading to centuries of strife. Now, the fragile balance of power is threatened once more, and the ancient prophecies foretell the coming of a savior who will unite the land.

Jonnick Queen Riona, consumed by paranoia and a desire to maintain control, issues royal decrees meant to prevent the rise of the prophesied Stygian Arich and his Augur. Her actions set into motion a chain of events that could either heal the world—or shatter it forever.

In the midst of this turmoil, two unlikely heroes emerge. Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl, are thrust into a world they barely understand. Their journey is fraught with danger as they navigate political intrigue, dark magic, and the deep wounds of history. With the fate of their people resting on their shoulders, they must embrace their destinies and forge alliances where none were thought possible.

Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, Windwalker is a tale of sacrifice, discovery, and the unyielding hope that even in the darkest of times, unity can prevail. Donna Sundblad crafts a breathtaking adventure that will captivate readers with its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and timeless themes of courage and redemption.

Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, Windwalker is a must-read for those who love stories of prophecy, magic, and the enduring struggle between darkness and light. ~ Goodreads

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Windwalker presents a refreshingly original experience in fantasy literature, setting itself apart from anything I've read before. The story's tension skillfully escalates as it delves deeper into the back stories of Manelin and Jalil. Watching these two misfit characters battle their way through trials and revelations is both thrilling and rewarding. Their evolving relationship and personal quests transform the novel into a gripping, fast-paced adventure.

While I initially struggled with the "Telling" section at the beginning—an aspect of fantasy that sometimes leaves me feeling disoriented—this was a minor hurdle. Once the focus shifted to Manelin and Jalil’s exploits, the narrative gained momentum with each chapter building on the last, making it a challenging book to put down.

Overall, Windwalker is a wonderful adventure that offers a unique twist on the fantasy genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and would recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.

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Let's begin with what Windwalker is not. It's not a heavy handed bludgeoning of the gospel. Like Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, Donna's symbolism of faith and monotheism whispers in its subtlety. In her own words: "You never know what you may see in this story. It is the story of the One that unites."

Windwalker begins with a people waiting for a savior who's arrival will be clouded by dark times. Times that have dropped anchor in the harbor. Then things get epic.
Prophecy's fulfilled by certain births. Hidden away from a wicked queen, this new generation comes of age. Manelin, the prophecized Arich, is the One who will unite the natives of the land with their newly arrived oppressors. Together with his Augur, thy must erase the legacy of hatred that's cursed the land.

The beauty of this story is its very human humility. Manelin, a peasant goatherd, has been raised by a man he thinks is his grandfather. The old man is the only one left who knows the boy to be the Arich. Dark times thrust greatness upon both a reluctant goatherd messiah, and his crippled Augur. Can the faith of commoners save the land, and their people?

You'll enjoy this read, and the prophetic "Tellings" of the Windwalkers.

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One of the first things you will notice about the novel Windwalker is the vividly described and well-crafted world that Donna Sundblad created. The reader will be pulled into the story with its scenery of sandy shores, dark thunderous waves and strikingly beautiful landscapes.

The tale opens with the arrival of several natives of the Jonnick clan to the Stygian shores. Their appearance was foreseen by the Stygian leader Cedrick in a dream. His vision warned him that the Jonnick would bring with them sickness and a lingering menace. Despite the ominous omen, the Jonnick are welcomed, showing a side of humanity that is rarely seen.

Sundblad provides a rich adaptation of ethical issues against a backdrop of fascinating races from the ill-fated Jonnick's to the brave and noble Stygian's.

Windwalker is sure to be a hit. Its elements of romance and jeopardy will charm enthusiasts of fantasy, romance and adventure. It's an enjoyable, enticing read that will want you to pick up the next Sundblad novel. ~ Amazon review

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"Donna Sundblad's, Windwalker, is a journey abundant with fantasy, compassion, promise, romance, and fright.

Windwalker is set along volatile seashores, under the dreamy skis of the mystical world of Ranaan. A world engaged by intense protagonists who struggle against despair with courage, while others swell with hatred and intolerance.

Unerringly, as ancient prophecies warned, a fair-skinned native tribe, the Jonnick, arrive on the shores of Ranaan, plagued by sickness, beset with a curse, seeking refuge.

The righteous Stygian welcome the tribe, unaware that the foreseen disease that the foreigners bring is the least of their worries.

Five hundred years later, the births of the Arich born on a moonless night and the Augar born with a bumble foot, mark the onset of prophecy fulfilment, and the time of joining.

A few years later, with their world on the verge of destruction, the most improbable couple, a crippled Jonnick girl with a hidden Stygian bloodline (Jalil), and a lonely Stygian boy, raised as a Jonnick, (Manelin) unite, and find themselves thrust into challenges beyond their wildest fears, as they set out on a quest to unravel the true meaning of the prophecies, while a wicked queen does everything in her power to thwart the fulfillment.

Author Donna Sundblad, does an amazing job of pulling you into her fantasy world. She awakens the senses and stimulates curiosity. You feel, the cool mist spray your skin, as you see and hear the waves crash at the mountain base, the breeze through your hair. Salt from the sea tantalises your taste buds and fear rips at your intellect.

Donna convinces the readers of many convoluted effects, one being the ability of Windwalker characters to transform and travel with the wind from the past, present and into the future.
Windwalker

The Stygian prophecies may or may not be fulfilled, but there is promise that the reader will be. This is a journey you don't want to miss. It will leave you yearning for the sequel and fantasizing about walking on the wind. ~ Amazon review

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In Windwalker, the author weaves a dark and captivating narrative that explores themes of prophecy, fear, and cultural division. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world, the story begins with the Stygian race's fateful decision to welcome the disease-riddled Jonnick refugees to their shores. Prophecies are ignored as are warning of the dangers that accompany them. This single act sets in motion centuries of distrust and conflict between the two races, unknowingly entangled by an ancient power.

The novel masterfully explores the consequences of paranoia and the fear of the unknown. Royal decrees, born from fear of the foretold Stygian savior known as the Arich, lead to laws where midwives are required to report any child born on a moonless night—a birth that means certain death for the child. These draconian laws continue to echo in the present, creating an atmosphere of tension and oppression for generations.

Immersive worldbuilding and the painting of a vivid picture of divided cultures and the mystical undercurrents that shape their fates. The tension is palpable. The reader is taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists and mounting stakes.

Windwalker is a thought-provoking tale, delving into the darker aspects of humanity, fear and prejudice, and the lengths to which people will go to avoid an uncertain future. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a strong focus on character-driven storytelling and intricate worldbuilding.

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I recommend Windwalker to anyone who loves Fantasy and Lore. This novel is beautifully written and describes the tale of two cultures, sharing the same land, who are at odds. The dominant side, run by an evil queen, calls upon dark magic to rid the land, and prevent an ancient prophecy from unfolding which will mean the end to her reign. Little does she know, the prophecy is already fulfilling with the birth of the savior, or Arich, even though she ordered the death of any child born on a moonless night.
The storytelling was beautifully done in this tale, and I especially enjoyed the scenes describing the Windwalkers abilities, as I could visualize the movement the author was illustrating. ~ Amazon review