Reviews

One for All, by Lillie Lainoff

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booksforscee's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Never underestimate the power of representation, of being able to see some like yourself worthy of being the main character, of being able to save the day. One for all is a retelling of Dumas famous The Three Musketeers and it truly does live up to the original, whilst still making the plot it’s own. I have POTs, which is the condition that Tania - the main character also has. Lainoff has captured so well the frustration and helpless that comes in waves. The fear of simple tasks where dizzying blackness can take you any time, as well as the frustration at being assumed useless. Tanias POTs is never fixed, there’s so magic to take it away, no hidden cure. She struggles with it whilst she duels masked men and saving the country - and that’s what I love the most, what’s so real, chronic disabilities don’t just go away. You have good days and bad days.

Don’t mistake my rambling about POTs as a show that this book is only about a disability, and it’s own voice representation is the only thing holding it up. This book combines a morally grey found family with regency balls, beautiful gowns with knives, heists and mystery. I was in the midst of this book when I received some scary health news and having the strength of Tania and the Mousquetaires de la Lune at my fingertips gave me so much strength. I have saved so many quotes as well so I’ll be sharing those soon ✨

bryonyindecisivereader's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Portia, Théa, and Aria weren't the Musketeers who populated my childhood stories. They weren't Papa's Musketeers…

But they were better, because they were mine.”

I absolutely adored One for All. From the first page, I could have sat there and read it all in one go. An all-female Three Musketeers reimagining (or continuation), with disability rep? I’ll be talking about this one for a while.

Tania was such an inspiring main character. With her chronic disability (POTS), she’s struggled to just live all her life. She battles dizziness when she stands, and fencing is the only thing that makes her feel like she’s got control over her life - no wonder she won’t give it up to just be a wife. Her chronic illness is constantly there, but it doesn’t define her.

The other characters were also a delight. I loved the female camaraderie and sisterhood that was developed through the story. The other musketeers taught Tania that her dizziness isn’t a sign of weakness, that actually she’s strong to live with it, and they provided her with friendship she so desperately needed before.

I loved the story. There was always a sense of forward progress with a sense of mystery and the need for justice.

And, I mean, how could you go wrong with sword fighting in beautiful dresses?

Content Warnings