Historical, war-torn setting with a refreshing feminist take.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was refreshing to see critique on nationalism, war, gender and various other social issues interwoven so deftly into the text.
Emily, the protagonist, was easy to like. The various trials in times of war served as a catalyst for her growth; the vicissitudes in her personality and strength - for the better - felt natural and not lazily included as a ham-fisted way to force female empowerment (which I'm all for, but appreciate it thoughtfully done and not as an afterthought).
My only quarrel, hence the 4 and not 5 stars, lay in the ending. It felt rushed and inappropriate with regard to the other 590 pages of the book. I felt like certain relationships were unclear, emotional mending was rushed, conflicts were too easily resolved - the tone shifted abruptly and was unsatisfying to an otherwise perfect novel.
I'm hesitant to recommend the book solely because of the ending. . . Eh, actually, Mr Northway is a dreamboat morally gray character who is worth the disappointing ending. So, if you get a chance, give it a read.
Book Summary:
The first casualty of war is truth . . .
First, Denland's revolutionaries assassinated their king, launching a wave of bloodshed after generations of peace. Next they clashed with Lascanne, their royalist neighbour, pitching war-machines against warlocks in a fiercely fought conflict.
Genteel Emily Marshwic watched as the hostilities stole her family's young men. But then came the call for yet more Lascanne soldiers in a ravaged kingdom with none left to give. Emily must join the ranks of conscripted women and march toward the front lines.
With barely enough training to hold a musket, Emily braves the savage reality of warfare.
But she begins to doubt her country's cause, and those doubts become critical. For her choices will determine her own future and that of two nations locked in battle.
Comments