What Reviews Mean

A new review from the US Review of Books

I’m extremely gratified to receive a Recommended Review from the US Review of Books for Of Wind and Wolves. Among other things, the reviewer compared the historical novel favorably to George R.R. Martin's epic A Song of Ice and Fire, saying:

Elliott has written a remarkable first book . . . full of memorable sentences and reflections on the human condition. Her characters are complicated, honorable, and flawed. . . . This is an excellent work of historical fiction.

Wow! Sure, professional book reviews are a nice way for largely overlooked indie books to gain a little visibility and credibility. But their real value lies in allowing authors to see how impartial readers experience and interpret their work. There’s no guarantee that a reader will get what we’re trying to do or like our characters, story, or style. In fact, there’s a good chance a lot of readers are going to hate what we do.

Good or bad, I’m always excited to hear what readers drew from my attempt to portray characters and their stories because the shades of interpretation are infinite. Each is its own artwork and, in that light, every review is special. An author and a reader each create something new every time a reader picks up a text and decides to engage with it, and this experience—this new creation—transcends time and space. We can engage with the works of authors who lived thousands of years ago or who live next door—or try to.

So, I could not be more thrilled that so many readers have taken an interest in this book and are willing to share their experience with it. I won’t lie; I’m also glad most of those experiences have been positive!

Here’s a sampling of some other editorial reviews the book has received since its publication:

A historical novel of extraordinary complexity set against a harsh background of tribal warfare, love, and survival. —Foreword Clarion Reviews (Five Stars)

A deft, hypnotic tale that fuses poetry, mythology, and the hard realities of life on the ancient steppe. Elliott’s powerful characters shine brightly in the well-drawn, well-researched historical context. —BlueInk Review (Starred Review)

Gritty, entertaining, and intriguing. . . . Our Verdict: GET IT. —Kirkus Review (Recommended Review)

The prose is often lyrical, and the pace is as relentless as a horse’s gallop across the fierce steppes. . . . Highly recommended. —Historical Novel Review

A story of truly epic proportions, spanning vast distances both geographically and metaphorically. —Independent Book Review

Brutal, poetic, and unforgettable. . . . A haunting, vivid read that lingers long after the final page. —The Prairies Book Review

And that doesn’t include the wonderfully thoughtful, insightful reviews from readers on sites like Goodreads, Amazon, and beyond. I’m grateful for them all. If you’ve read the book or are interested in reading it, please feel free to reach out in a review, a comment, or an email. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

You can read the full Recommended Review from the US Review of Books here:

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