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kari_f's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Let me preface this my saying I don’t typically love books or movies that deal with the carnage of war. I’ve also read my share of WWII novels and feel that if I’m going to read a war story, I’d rather read about wars and battles that aren’t over-saturating the market these days. When I saw Katherine Arden was writing a novel set during WWI, I was intrigued, because I’ve only ever read one other book taking place during this particular war. Knowing this story would be in the hands of an author whose work I adore, I took the plunge. And I am so glad I did!
Haunting and beautifully written, this is a story about life. About death. About love, and fear, and the bravery it takes to face another day. It’s a story about the worst that humanity has to offer, but also about finding a hope to hold onto in the midst of chaos and pain. It’s a story about friendship and kinship and loyalty that knows no bounds.
The dual timelines were done in such a way that I didn’t want either to end, and the distinct voice for each character was done perfectly. The landscapes had a tragic beauty to them, able to sustain life but also the very place where so many lives were lost. The bleak reality of war was perfectly offset by the haunting mystery that historical fantasy often brings to the table.
This book is incredibly different from The Winternight Trilogy or the Small Spaces series, yet it has so many of Arden’s trademarks that include attention to detail, the blending of folklore and/or history with unique story, layered storytelling, character depth, and vivid settings. I definitely recommend it if you like war novels, historical fantasy, or slow-paced stories with layered plots and characters!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Random House — Ballantine for this advanced reader copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Murder
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