Woman of the Woods (Meji Novel) Paperback – July 1, 2013

I first became acquainted with sword and soul fiction via the work of Carole McDonnell. Her book, "Wind follower," made me seek out other authors, including Mr. Davis and Charles Saunders."Woman of the Woods" cover snagged my attention immediately. I predict big things for illustrator, Chase Conley.The story takes place in Davis' alternate Africa. A forbidden relationship creates a lovechild who would have been condemned to death had anyone in power known. The Shosa, warrior woman, who bore the child sought a safe place for her on a local farm with the young couple who had another child.Yet there is no safe place for the warrior born. When Sadatina's village is threatened by the enemy, Mosele, her natural abilities come to bear. Sadatina saves a pair of lioness cubs and the trio go out to fight the enemy."Woman of the woods" is beautifully written. I found myself lost in an imaginary world, not wanting the book to end. the writing is so evocative it could easily lend itself to film our graphic novels.While this book is part of a series, it is possible to read it independently of the prior books. However I plan to seek out the rest of the MEJI novels and read them. Rebecca McFarland Kyle, June 2013

This is my first Sword and Soul novel, and now I'm completely hooked. Mr. Davis' characters hit all the high spots for me - a strong female lead who shines entirely on her own without diminishing the strength of the other characters, complex characters with deep wells from which to grow, and clearly sympathetic foes and heroes. Best of all, it is filled with lush details into his obviously well-researched world - I'm a fiend for early cultures and supernatural lore, and Mr. Davis' land of Meji is a pure delight from beginning to end. Speaking of - I'm diving into Meji Book One next!

This wasn't a good book. The book is separated in three "books" but they really feel like three separate, unfinished stories. The first book was way too long; I don't even know how much time has passed between book 1 and book 2 until the ruler of the Shosa warriors mentions that they've been plagued by the demon creatures for hundreds of years.Milton sues swahili words to describe creatures like lions and elephants, but uses the swahili word "nyoka", which means snake, to describe the gargoyle-looking demons. Half the novel I was assuming that the nyokas were snakes, but when he describes them and describes the scene the cover art is taken from, I was disappointed and confused.There were too many plot holes (If the Nana knew that their god didn't decree the Shosa women to abstain from marriage and having children, why hasn't she done anything about it, and why doesn't Sadatina's mother? I'm pretty sure their population was cut in half because of all the women who were celibate warriors), and it was way too long.Another thing: the cover art is taken exactly from a scene in the novel, but Sadatina is 13 when she appears holding a demon with her two lionesses. He even describes the same outfit. So the woman on the cover art is 13 years old, and that made me extremely uncomfortable.

This novel is my first foray into the Sword and Soul genre. It won't be my last! Sadatina is a young woman never quite sure of her place in youth who eventually accepts her destiny among the Shosa, the hardy warriors and demon hunters of the tale. As you read, the story will also add some perspective from the side of the demons' god and his minions, as well as other major players in Davis' world. I especially liked how the warriors and their foes alike had layers and nuance while striving for their goals. The best reads are the ones where the lines between 'good' and 'evil' start to blur, and you'll find that here. I recommend this, and look forward to reading more of this author's work!

Even if it's a fairly short novel, it's a very satisfying read with rich world-building (influenced by real African history and culture) and deep, complex characters. The writing style is effectively descriptive without bogging the reader down in details or obscure word choices. My only serious criticism is that, in various spots of the novel and his other writing, Mr. Davis should say "and then" rather than simply "then". But otherwise a worthy addition to your sword & soul collection.

The book was a fun read that held my interest. The only complaint I have the author uses some African weapons which are unfamiliar and doesn't give a description of the weapon. I Googled the name but was unable to find anything.

a good female lead character without having the male characters being less then men. I like that she had a good relationship with her father and brother, and that she did not bitterness to rule her after what happened to her family and lover. I also liked the fact that she was able to connect with her birth mother as well.

This was my first time reading a sword and soul novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great mix of action, suspense, fantasy and drama. Sadatina was the bomb (no other way to say it)!