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A review by sunlit_music
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? N/A
4.5
Plot: Tania, the heroine of the story, has Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Tania's father, a renowned musketeer, is tragically killed. Tania suspects he is murdered, and takes a chance to attend a finishing school to find her father's murderer and carry out justice. Soon, she is surrounded by supportive friends and a teacher who will help her find out who is trying to destroy the monarchy. Will she be able to prevent bloodshed and war, and save those she loves?
Characters: Reading this book was an emotional roller coaster for me. I loved the protagonist Tania de Batz. She's brave, kind, and loyal, and her friends are delightful. Her father was so lovely, and it was so sad to see her mother worn down by society's ableism and sexism. I did not expect a certain someone to be the antagonist - the plot twist was heart breaking but so clever! The romance is really sweet too.
There are two love interests - one is the antagonist (think lovers to enemies), and the other is on the protagonist's side (friends to lovers).
World building: world building and setting was realistic and well researched. I was so immersed in the world I barely noticed my own surroundings while reading the book! The intrigue and spy craft is realistic and detailed, and so believable. I really did feel transported to another time.
Ending: The ending was emotionally satisfying, made sense, and felt uplifting. Tania and her friends deserved their happy ending. They worked hard for it!
Diversity - the story is diverse, with several strong and likable women characters, great lgbt+ representation and amazing disabled characters. Like the author said on goodreads, one musketeer loves women, another one is a demi bisexual, and a main character is asexual.
Prose: prose flowed naturally and beautifully, without being too flowery.
I would recommend this book for: people who love great stories about friendship, family, disability, self esteem and women's rights. This is historical Young Adult fiction with intrigue, suspense, and adventure.
Characters: Reading this book was an emotional roller coaster for me. I loved the protagonist Tania de Batz. She's brave, kind, and loyal, and her friends are delightful. Her father was so lovely, and it was so sad to see her mother worn down by society's ableism and sexism. I did not expect a certain someone to be the antagonist - the plot twist was heart breaking but so clever! The romance is really sweet too.
There are two love interests - one is the antagonist (think lovers to enemies), and the other is on the protagonist's side (friends to lovers).
World building: world building and setting was realistic and well researched. I was so immersed in the world I barely noticed my own surroundings while reading the book! The intrigue and spy craft is realistic and detailed, and so believable. I really did feel transported to another time.
Ending: The ending was emotionally satisfying, made sense, and felt uplifting. Tania and her friends deserved their happy ending. They worked hard for it!
Diversity - the story is diverse, with several strong and likable women characters, great lgbt+ representation and amazing disabled characters. Like the author said on goodreads, one musketeer loves women, another one is a demi bisexual, and a main character is asexual.
Prose: prose flowed naturally and beautifully, without being too flowery.
I would recommend this book for: people who love great stories about friendship, family, disability, self esteem and women's rights. This is historical Young Adult fiction with intrigue, suspense, and adventure.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder