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Rising to the Challenge  by annmarwalk 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 6/29/2005
Aha--I find I like how the sword and needle are both put to work. See why you suggested I read this one as well. Beautifully done!

Author Reply: Thank you! She must have had a trememdously difficult girlhood, but we have the pleasure of imagining loving women surrounding her, teaching what was necessary (even if she didn't appreciate the teaching at the time.)

BranwynReviewed Chapter: 7 on 6/27/2005
I especially liked

"Shieldmaidens do not sew."
"Nor do they weep."


That sewing skill could be very useful on the battlefield (ick). Well, at least she does eventually get to practice with that sword (or she would not have dispatched the Wiki and his mount).

Author Reply: Very true. I was strongly influenced here by another young shieldmaiden, Arya Stark from "A Song of Ice and Fire", whose trickery and skill (and rage) enable her to escape the massacre of her father and companions. We don't know how Arya's going to end up (we've been waiting 3 years for the 4th book) but I can't envision a life of quiet embroidery for her anytime soon. Unlike fortunate Eowyn!

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