Thank you to Tor Books for giving me a copy of The Daughters’ War in exchange for an honest review.
About Christopher Buehlman’s The Daughters’ War
Against her family’s wishes, Galva joins a new military unit, to fight against the goblins threatening to destroy all of humanity. Accompanied by giant war corvids created with dark magic, the Raven Knights believe these fearsome birds could be key to defeating the goblin horde.
The path to victory is perilous. The Raven Knights face cunning and ruthless goblins and cannot fully trust their leaders, the bonds of family, or even the dangerous war birds they fight alongside. Despite the dangers, they remain driven by the hope of victory and reclaiming their world from the goblins.
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A Prequel
I went into The Daughters’ War with no idea that it was a prequel. Set during the war-torn years just before The Blacktongue Thief, Christopher Buehlman’s new novel is, in theory, a standalone story. Objectively, it’s a well-done novel in its own right. The world-building is solid, and the characters are well-developed, perfect for new readers to jump right in.
However, the narration style is clearly meant for people already familiar with this world. Galva drops spoilers throughout her story, including the very early statement that two of her brothers won’t survive the war. I don’t mind some good foreshadowing, but I kept getting pulled out of the story, wondering if this was something I should already know.
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Galva as a Character
Questionable narrative voice aside, Galva is a fascinating character. She’s an honest and moral young woman who still allows herself to be vulnerable with the people she cares about. She’s only 20 and witnesses incredible horrors with gradually increasing stoicism. For Buehlman fans, The Daughters’ War is a great look at someone who becomes a major heroine.
As long as you go into The Daughters’ War knowing it’s a prequel, fantasy lovers should enjoy it. This is an epic, gruesome story of heroism against all odds. Besides, who can resist an army of women teamed up with sentient, giant ravens?
The Daughters’ War comes out on June 25 and is available for preorder from your local independent bookstore or Bookshop.org.
TW: ableism, addiction, alcoholism, animal death, blood, body horror, child death, death, drug use, cannibalism, classism, emotional abuse, excrement, fatphobia, fire/fire injury, gore, grief, homophobia, infidelity, injury/injury detail, misogyny, pregnancy, rape, sexual content, slavery, suicide, toxic relationship, vomit, war
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