ivy_skye's review
5.0
I have read Book 1 before reading Book 0.5, this book, the prequel. I was very impressed with it. The characters, the background story. And it is not just a smallish prequel, it is a book on its own. I cant wait to continue.
woolfardis's review
1.0
I wasn't convinced at all by the young protagonists being only six years old, what with their miraculously good vocabulary and epistolary skills, nor was I particularly interested in the political background or plot.
Also not impressed with the author's impression of England, fictional or not.
Perhaps only for those that have read the books that, chronologically, come after this one.
Also not impressed with the author's impression of England, fictional or not.
Perhaps only for those that have read the books that, chronologically, come after this one.
kelseykeating's review
5.0
Mildred's Resistance is a prequel to The Network Series, following Mildred--everyone's favorite no-nonsense witch.
I. Love. Mildred. Seriously. The contrast between her and Evelyn is so drastic it's a wonder their friendship lasts as long as it does. I don't want to spoil anything just in case you haven't read the other books in The Network Series (Miss Mabel's School for Girls and Antebellum Awakening).
Just know that if you like magic that's in a well-rounded world and not overpowering...and if you like deep, well structured characters...and if you like amazing writing...and social structures that are so real you feel like you're there....
Just read this book. Okay? Trust me.
Why 4 stars? Because you trust 4 stars more than 5. It's actually a 4.9.
I. Love. Mildred. Seriously. The contrast between her and Evelyn is so drastic it's a wonder their friendship lasts as long as it does. I don't want to spoil anything just in case you haven't read the other books in The Network Series (Miss Mabel's School for Girls and Antebellum Awakening).
Just know that if you like magic that's in a well-rounded world and not overpowering...and if you like deep, well structured characters...and if you like amazing writing...and social structures that are so real you feel like you're there....
Just read this book. Okay? Trust me.
Why 4 stars? Because you trust 4 stars more than 5. It's actually a 4.9.
jackiijackii's review
4.0
I had to triple check that this book was published in 2015, because it feels like a direct response to the world today. This series hooked me from the beginning, but I especially needed this story right now. It's renewed my strength and resolve to resist.
gs_jennsen's review
5.0
Mildred Is My Hero
Mildred’s Resistance is a prequel to the other books in Cross’s Network Series, and in many ways it is a very different book. Mildred Graeme could not be more different than the heroine of those novels, Bianca. And as fantastic a character as Bianca is, Mildred now holds a special place in my heart. Quiet, studious, logical and from the most humble of origins, Mildred nonetheless steps up to become the leader and heroine her world needs when it needs her most.
Cross brings a wide variety of other characters to life in this book as well, most notably Mildred’s childhood friend-turned-adversary, Evelyn. The divergent paths these two women’s lives take demonstrate in a deeply compelling way the importance of the choices we make, of the difference between rising above one’s past and being consumed by it.
Mildred is a worthy heroine, far more so than most. Nothing is handed to her; she must fight, claw and scrape for every inch of success she achieves. By continuing to fight against increasing odds while displaying a level of grit, determination and certainty of purpose few possess, she inspires others to her side, though she never meant to do so. The sacrifices she makes for others—for everyone—were honestly heartbreaking to me. I’ve rarely felt this much empathy for a character, which is a testament to Cross’ ability to breathe life into her characters and her world.
Surrounding Mildred’s personal story is a rich, complex and exciting tale of a society on the brink, of conspiracies, magic, power struggles, resistance and, ultimately, revolution. Themes of the value of hard work, personal and educational freedom, self-worth and perseverance mean it is also an uplifting, inspirational story.
Mildred’s Resistance is a prequel to the other books in Cross’s Network Series, and in many ways it is a very different book. Mildred Graeme could not be more different than the heroine of those novels, Bianca. And as fantastic a character as Bianca is, Mildred now holds a special place in my heart. Quiet, studious, logical and from the most humble of origins, Mildred nonetheless steps up to become the leader and heroine her world needs when it needs her most.
Cross brings a wide variety of other characters to life in this book as well, most notably Mildred’s childhood friend-turned-adversary, Evelyn. The divergent paths these two women’s lives take demonstrate in a deeply compelling way the importance of the choices we make, of the difference between rising above one’s past and being consumed by it.
Mildred is a worthy heroine, far more so than most. Nothing is handed to her; she must fight, claw and scrape for every inch of success she achieves. By continuing to fight against increasing odds while displaying a level of grit, determination and certainty of purpose few possess, she inspires others to her side, though she never meant to do so. The sacrifices she makes for others—for everyone—were honestly heartbreaking to me. I’ve rarely felt this much empathy for a character, which is a testament to Cross’ ability to breathe life into her characters and her world.
Surrounding Mildred’s personal story is a rich, complex and exciting tale of a society on the brink, of conspiracies, magic, power struggles, resistance and, ultimately, revolution. Themes of the value of hard work, personal and educational freedom, self-worth and perseverance mean it is also an uplifting, inspirational story.
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