In this fascinating, beautiful, and exciting historical fiction novel, readers follow Cwen across ancient Germania and Britannia as magic, religion, and war collide in a match for the ages, shaping Cwen’s life and choices as a sorceress and priestess of Ashtoreth. Paired with vibrant and beautiful illustrations, the novel traces Cwen’s life from her childhood with her parents and siblings to a world of power, intrigue, and dark magic under a Seidr sorceress whose power is compelling yet dangerous. With a dangerous quest reminiscent of the fascinating ordeals from ancient literature full of high stakes and epic fantasy adventures, fans of fantasy and historical fiction will love the latest book in the Annals of the Heroic (standalone novels) series and want to explore this world further in the other books. With brilliant characters and an incredibly complex magic system, the novel is engrossing, complex, and incredibly written, and readers will lose themselves in Gibby’s world and the adventures in Cwen’s future. With its incredible setting, fascinating characters, and impeccable world-building, the latest instalment in this incredible fantasy series is a must-read for those who loved the previous books and want to see artistic representations of the world that Gibby has so convincingly brought to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Perlycross Publishers for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really wanted to enjoy this book. As a fan of mythology, I was disappointed by the book’s attempts at portrayal and the negative light that was cast on it. Though I will be the first to admit that perhaps a Christian-leaning book wasn’t for me!

After trying multiple times, I could not finish and had to DNF. I don’t think I was the audience for this book.

I've received a free advanced copy of Cwen by Bruce. From Net gallery. For review, all opinions and thoughts written here are my own and I am not being compensated in any way
I think that Cwen is a wonderful book. . In my opinion it tells a riveting tale of a young girl. Just trying to find where she fits in in a changing world where The belief in a Pantheon of gods is the held to truth. Along the way, she discovers Christianity, but throughout this journey she also discovers her own gifts and strengths and is able to lead her people and eventually become Queen. This is by no means an easy tale to tell or standard, because Bruce Gibby does a wonderful job in of using the traditional language of the time and beliefs of the time to tell what could very well be a piece of History leaving together today's traditional beliefs Aunt, the tales of King Arthur.. in a way that fills in the Gap nicely between history, reality and folk legend, I strongly recommend book to anyone who enjoys that sort of thing. Also, another detail that I found very pleasantly surprising is the use of pictures, color pictures in the book to illustrate characters and scenery. It lends this book a very magical quality.
I am overjoyed give this book a strong recommendation and I look forward to reading anything else that this author might have on his mind.
Enjoy!
Thank you Bruce Gibby for producing this lovely piece of art and literature. We're all rolled into one.

Thanks to Perlycross Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC! I thought that this book had a lot of great parts. I particularly enjoyed that this was a stand-alone novel in a series (so there was more to read!), the characters were well thought out and dynamic and the overall concept was so thought provoking. It's not the easiest book in terms of emotion but wow was it good!

Cwen is an intriguing story written in a somewhat old English style that will either entrance the readers or enrage them. I am a big fan of books such as the Iliad so the writing style should have been enjoyable for me but it just... didn't. Cwen has an interesting journey whilst being an Italian glassblower's daughter. She finds herself in the crux of Christianity and paganism yet ends up on the side of the christian devil.
I have quite a bit of religious trauma so this is definitely one I should have skipped.

Though I appreciate the opportunity I had to DNF the book. I'm a visual reader. There's a lot of telling and not enough showing. It was very detached. When writing I tend to enjoy all the senses being incorporated into the story. Smells like, sounds like, looks like, feels like, tastes like. It may not have been the purpose but there was little to no life with these characters. It sounded great but I wanted to feel something when the tragic events happened but the words lacked!

Despite my appreciation for high fantasy, I found myself struggling with *Cwen* by Bryce Gibby. Even with both the ebook and audiobook versions at my disposal, I could only manage to get through 30% of the book. Multiple attempts to reengage with the story proved unsuccessful, as I was unable to connect with its focus on the conflict between paganism and Christianity. The use of old English style writing further impeded my immersion. Ultimately, I decided to DNF this book. However, it may appeal to readers who appreciate a narrative centered on religious struggle and are comfortable with an archaic writing style.

I was very disappointed in the "artwork" that was used for this book. It was very obviously AI and it turned me off of the whole thing. As an artist and an aspiring writer, I just can't justify it. I couldn't get past the "illustrations" at the front of the book. I was excited to read this one too.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The story follows the books namesake, Cwen, who is of astounding beauty and wit. She is injured and her father, at great financial loss, summons a healer witch to save her life. Upon leaving, the witch tells him that she is worth more than his business and rides away. Years later, she returns with a pile of gold and basically buys Cwen into her service. Cwen goes willingly thinking she will be part of the fair lady's glorious adventures and will one day marry a fine man above her current station. Instead she is an indentured servant where both her beauty and talent are gruesomely envied and hung over her head at the threat of death. As if meant for something greater, Cwen is guided by another silent power on the ways to navigate her way to the station of high priestess. The story that follows is essentially Cwen's quest to understand her role, her religion and who she believes she is at her core. Before she came to her power, she was raised pagan/norse with the traditional gods of that timeframe. She believes in them fervently and studies what she believes as the goddess Freyja's teachings. Honestly, it wasn't super clear of where the story was going at first, but it becomes pretty transparent that the book's main theme is Pagan vs. Christianity and the cruel goddess she served was a representation of the Christian idea of satan. I'm all for a good theological struggle, but the story leans extremely heavy in the prose that Christianity is the only and right choice, which I dunno, felt a little icky to me. I personally am not into that kind of forced narrative in a fiction story. While I myself may choose that path, I am not at all ok with possibly pressing those views by disguising them as a literary fiction novel. Honestly, up until that revelation I was invested in the story and found the characters to be well-written. The story, while a slow burn, kept my attention and projected itself well. Unfortunately, I just wasn't the correct audience for this type of fiction.

Cwen was born a Saxon to an Italian glassblower and a Saxon maiden. The key moment in her young life is when her little brother is killed by a noble who was racing down the road of her village. Cwen takes comfort in the outdoors and finds herself deeply in tune with the natural world. The other thing that brings Cwen joy after her brother's death is an old codex her father shared with her. When the sorceress of Seidr comes to her village and offers her a different life, her parents allow her to go. She is trained to become a priestess for the goddess Ashtoreth. From there she ends up in a marriage where her husband only married her to gain power. She starts searching for the Great Magician she read about in her father's codex while trying to save the lives of her subjects in Britannia. In what could have been a good novel, Bryce Gibby becomes focused on proselytizing rather than telling the story he started to tell. He seems to have no respect for pagans and the ancient pagan religions, making it so that Cwen has been serving the devil. I think this novel should be mark as a Christian-centric and not a fantasy/historical fiction novel.

Unfortunately, I struggled to find the motivation to finish this book. I even got the audiobook to help get through it and still only made it 21%. Even though I didn't finish the book I'm going to give it 3 stars because the story was intriguing and I still plan on going back to the book. I just feel like I'm all "fantasied" out and this story is definitely high fantasy. The Old English type of writing was hard for me to comprehend at times and I felt I was missing something because I just didn't understand the words or phrasing. While listening to the audiobook, I couldn't help but think that this would make a really fun and interesting movie because of what Cwen had experienced as a child and what was planned for her future.

I will close this out by saying I do recommend this book if you enjoy high fantasy. Also, the version of the book I got on Kindle has illustrations and they are STUNNING.

I haven't read the other books in the series yet, but I plan to. The author draws readers in with descriptions of nearly everything, from Cwen's childhood home, the forests in which she finds herself, to even the world of dark magic and mystical intrigue. The only downside was that the ending of the book felt as though the author was proselytizing and sending the message that people just reject anything other than Christianity in order to be a good person.

This is a part of series yet can be read as a standalone thus it was interesting and this special thing about this particular title attracted me the most.
The writing style is beautiful and magical, i hadn't read a good thought provoking book and this was such a delightful one. The protagonist grew throughout the whole book and long with it we get to see so many different aspects like history, mystery and magic. It was such a refreshing and unique book.

Cwen by Bryce Gibby is a book that takes the reader on a wild ride through ancient Briittannia and Germania. Gwen is the beautiful, peasant daughter of an Italian glass blower who is “purchased “ from her parents by a witch who intends to transform her into a cultivated woman who can then be sold to the queen’s court. The book is the seventh in a series, I had not read any of the previous books but there was no need. The book does well as a stand alone novel. It’s a delightful mixture of fairytale, history, fantasy, mythology and magic that kept me reading into the night. If this type of book is your cup of tea, I think you will savor this one. I did.

A huge thank you to Perlycross Publishers, Bryce Gibby and last but certainly not least NetGalley for this ARC for my honest review.

This is an absolutely riveting story on a woman finding her way through life. She is striving to be the best she can be while finding herself. She deals with trauma from a very young age and learns the ways of survival/ the way of the world very quick.

I enjoy how Cwen found herself in darkness but came to realize that it’s wrong and not the right way of thinking / believing and quickly turned to believe in “The great magician.”

This story has a lot of family aspects to it including family that is not blood.

I did not find a single dull part to this story.

The author had a way to make it such a full and enjoyable story every step of the way.

I like how the book changed perspectives but only for brief points and mainly kept the book from Cwen’s POV.

The first couple chapters were hard to get through with a death of a child, but I am so glad I didn’t let that deter me from reading this book. I rate this book 5 of 5 stars.

This one grabs and pulls, maybe because the characters were so relatable. It felt familiar, but not at the same time if that makes sense. I feel like everyone could learn a thing or two and apply it towards real life. I was rooting the whole time! Well done.

Cwen is a redemption story at its core about a young girl's journey to living in a way that feels right and good. Author Bryce Gibby's archaic prose felt nostalgic and was relatively easy to read, and fit well with the ancient Germania and Britannica setting. The pacing of the story felt more well-balanced at the beginning and ending of the story; its conclusion wrapped up the narrative with the best kind of fairytale-esque ending and moral theme. Readers who enjoy fantastical and historical fiction centered around religion/faith-based messages may appreciate Cwen!

Cwen by Bryce Gibby is an enchanting adventure set in Germania and Britannia, and the illustrations added in this edition only add to the fairytale-like story. If you like fairytales and high fantasy adventures, you’ll love this book.

Title: A Mesmerizing Journey of Magic and Destiny: A Review of "Cwen" by Bryce Gibby

As an ARC reader of "Cwen" by Bryce Gibby, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of adventure, magic, and romance woven throughout this beautifully illustrated edition.

Set in ancient Germania and Britannia, "Cwen" follows the life of a raven-haired beauty born into humble beginnings. Raised amidst the splendor of nature and nurtured by her love for an ancient codex, Cwen's journey takes a perilous turn when she is abducted by a Sorceress of Seidr. From there, she rises to become a High Priestess of Ashtoreth, guided by unearthly powers but plagued by doubts about her true path.

Gibby's narrative is spellbinding, drawing readers into a world of dark magic and mystical intrigue. Cwen's quest for enlightenment is both thrilling and thought-provoking as she confronts challenges that test her resolve and beliefs. The contrast between her devotion to the moon goddess and her desire for true enlightenment creates a compelling tension that drives the story forward.

What sets "Cwen" apart is its exquisite illustrations, which enhance the immersive experience of the narrative. Each image brings the ancient world to life, from the lush forests of Germania to the mystical rituals of pagan worship. The attention to detail and the evocative artistry truly elevate the reading experience, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the imagination.

Throughout the book, Gibby explores themes of identity, faith, and the search for meaning, inviting readers to ponder the nature of destiny and the power of individual choice. Cwen's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for truth and enlightenment.

For fans of epic fantasy and historical fiction, "Cwen" is a must-read. Gibby's masterful storytelling, coupled with stunning illustrations, transports readers to a mysterious world where magic and destiny collide in unexpected ways. Whether you're drawn to tales of adventure, romance, or the supernatural, "Cwen" offers something for everyone, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Having grown up with Norse mythology told by my English professor father, I was quite looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The Norse mythology underlying Cwen is presented first as polytheism, which is appropriate, but as the story continues, it becomes clear that the goddess Cwen serves is really the devil - the Christian devil, to be specific, As with many ancient religions, practices in the past included blot, which is animal sacrifice, and occasionally human sacrifice; Cwen, as a priestess of Ashtoreth (a goddess anything from war to fertility, depending on the myth in question), is supposedly in charge of such sacrifices, but always avoids this significant part of her cultural religion as "wrong", instead foisting these responsibilities off on others rather than objecting to them, Over the course of the novel, Ashtoreth transforms from from a beloved goddess to a literal devil, a demon whispering in Cwen's ear, encouraging her to do things that she somehow, despite the norms within her culture, knows are wrong. A different voice begins to whisper more acceptable options in her ear, transforming her from a priestess of Ashtoreth to a devotee of the Christian deity, a conversion which leads her to flee her responsibilities as the queen of her country with a small band of women who, like herself, are fleeing their culture because they no longer believe in its central tenets. While teaching her small band of followers about her new understanding of her supportive deity - a god that, in contrast to the female deity she once served, is clearly the patriarchal god of Christianity - Cwen encounters a past acquaintance who, like herself, has rejected his cultural training to become Christian, who adds Christ to her conception of "god". The overall theme appears to be that one must reject anything other than Christianity, which will find you and lead you to salvation. I found the entire concept underlying this novel to be unacceptable, with a clear (to me) intention of proselytizing. Whether this was intentional or not, I find it quite off-putting.

In addition, the writer's style appears to be an attempt to create a feeling of saga, or perhaps the slightly archaic language often found in religious texts of a century or two in the past, but it often falls short, using language apparently intended to be majestic, but which often comes across as stilted and forced. This issue is intensified by the overuse of exclamation points in dialogue. Had the attempt at formal language been better done, I might not find it so annoying, but as it was, I found it incredibly difficult to read. It got better as I became more accustomed to it, but it never stopped seeming forced. That the author misuses homonyms or words with similar spellings in multiple places (e.g. "scared" for "scarred", "site" for "sight", and - my favorite - "marital" for "martial") throughout the volume only adds to this issue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.