The world of the titular Systir, is quite contained.
She lives with her sister and her mother in the forest, but her world is turned upside down when her mother is carted away accused of witchcraft, leaving the sisters to fend for themselves.
What this fantasy tale becomes is a story of discovery and also Systir grappling with being different (she has a tail by the way) and looking for acceptance in a changing world.
While we may have seen this story a lot before, Trollheim… is a compelling read which fleshes out its Dark Forest and gives us a host of nuisanced characters who in their own ways are all trying to find their place.
At just over 280 pages Trollheim… doesn’t out stay its welcome and is quite a brisk read with short and snappy chapters that keep the narrative moving along.
I’m not a massive fantasy reader but i certainly found enough here to keep me turning pages.
Trollheim: Tale of Systir is available now in various formats from Titan Books.
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