Review: Waking Ursa Minor by Helen Rygh-Pedersen

Blurb:

Waking Ursa Minor is the first book in the debut epic fantasy series, Riverda Rising by Helen Rygh-Pedersen. Spanning different countries and cultures it will take you on a journey of love and loss, the search for identity and a thrilling fight for survival.

As Gesland swelters in extreme heat, Serakela watches the nomadic clans make their way across the plains on their annual pilgrimage and resigns herself to the monotonous life of servitude at the institution which raised her. But Serakela is not the orphan she always believed herself to be. On the night a crazed assassin tries to kill her, her heritage is revealed catapulting her into an island-hopping fight for survival, and the search for the fabled Stone of Riverda.

The sundered islands of Riverda are dying. The earth magics that protected and sustained them before the Rivening are unbalanced; dwindling in some areas whilst stifling others. As time runs out and tensions rise, countries teeter on the brink of war, starvation and extinction. A way to save them has just arisen from the realm of rumour but Brother Okrafkus of the Separamus cannot allow this to happen.

Not only will Serakela's quest lead her to her long-lost family, rumour has it that she who wields the Stone will restore the islands of Riverda to their former glory. Rumour also has it that in doing so, she will unleash the evil that split them.

Review:

"Waking Ursa Minor" by Helen Rygh-Pedersen diverges from the familiar tropes of epic fantasy, presenting a tale that resonates with echoes of a bygone era.

Set against a backdrop reminiscent of the colonization of America, the story unfolds in a society rife with sociopolitical tensions and cultural clashes. The dichotomy between the indigenous people, reminiscent of American Indians, and the Puritans, characterized by their restrictive customs and oppressive hierarchy, sets the stage for a gripping exploration of survival and resistance.

Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, the protagonist, a young orphaned girl, emerges as a fascinating figure, navigating a treacherous world with resilience and determination. 

"Waking Ursa Minor" achieves a remarkable balance between the familiar tropes of epic fantasy and a modern portrayal of womanhood and character development. Through the protagonist's journey, Helen Rygh-Pedersen deftly explores themes of resilience, agency, and self-discovery, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of female strength and empowerment.

While the story unfolds within the framework of traditional fantasy conventions, it does so with a contemporary lens, allowing for a more relatable and multifaceted exploration of the protagonist's growth and challenges. Rygh-Pedersen's portrayal of the main character's journey from vulnerability to strength is both authentic and compelling, resonating with readers on a deeper level. By infusing the narrative with modern sensibilities, the author does a little miracle: she breathes new life into the genre, offering a refreshing take on epic fantasy that is as empowering as it is engaging.

While the story explores familiar tropes such as the chosen one archetype, it does so in a nuanced and original manner, offering a fresh take on traditional fantasy conventions. The antagonist, a ruthless and formidable figure, adds depth and tension to the tale, driving the plot forward with relentless force.

The chase scenes in "Waking Ursa Minor" are executed with masterful precision, delivering visceral and heart-pounding moments.

Helen Rygh-Pedersen expertly crafts these intense sequences, ratcheting up the tension with each passing moment as the villain relentlessly pursues the main protagonist. The palpable sense of danger and urgency leaps off the page, immersing readers in the heart-stopping action and ensuring that they are fully invested in the outcome.

Through skillful pacing and vivid imagery, Rygh-Pedersen creates a sense of immediacy that makes these chase scenes unforgettable, showcasing her talent for crafting gripping and adrenaline-fueled moments that leave readers breathless.

The romantic elements in "Waking Ursa Minor" add depth to the story, but at times they may feel somewhat extraneous, especially in the beginning.

While they don't dominate the plot, or veer into the realm of romantasy, they do occupy a significant portion of the novel's focus. Helen Rygh-Pedersen explores various romantic dynamics with nuance and sensitivity, weaving them seamlessly into the broader framing of the tale. However, some readers may find that these romantic subplots take precedence over other aspects of the story, potentially overshadowing key developments. Despite this, Rygh-Pedersen handles the romantic elements well, ensuring that they (generally) enhance rather than detract from the overall story

As the protagonist's journey unfolds, she grapples with her own vulnerabilities and strengths, embarking on a transformative coming-of-age tale that resonates long after the final page is turned.

While the book may demand a degree of patience and attention from readers, the payoff is well worth the investment. Rygh-Pedersen's elegant prose and meticulous world-building make for a great reading experience, offering a unique blend of fantasy and (in a way) historical fiction that is sure to leave a lasting impression.