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kristinproskow's review
4.0
The title and cover really don't do this book justice!!! If you love stories about badass female assassins or historical fiction, you'll love this.
jenru9613's review
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
thelibraryofklee's review
4.0
“During the revolution, did the women joining protests or spending hours in bread lines matter less than the soldiers fighting the Germans or the revolutionaries battling the imperial government? Those at home are as much a part of the fight as those on the battlefront.”
Russia 1917: Svetlana has thrown away her aristocratic ties to join the revolution. Her beloved Uncle, and their leader, is murdered by a mysterious woman named Orlova. She resolves to avenge his death and will focus on the revolution at all costs.
USSR 1941: Mila is sent to her grandmothers farm to escape the terrors of the Nazi invasion. She does not stay safe for long. Old enemies rejoin the narrative and Svetlana will need to use her wiles to protect the granddaughter, who wants to fight the Nazis, she barely knows.
Calling all historical fiction fans - if you like a fast paced, plot thrumming, dual timeline, Russian based reading, this one is for you! It was like a crash course in Russian history and I am here for it. This novel spans from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union and follows two women, Svetlana and Mila, …their fates intertwined by ties of family and interrupted by the tragedy of war. The last 25% of the book was absolute plot twist heaven. Saab has done an incredible amount of research and the readers notes at the end really added value to the reading experience.
"Today was all that was promised, but I hoped for today and thousands of tomorrows."
Russia 1917: Svetlana has thrown away her aristocratic ties to join the revolution. Her beloved Uncle, and their leader, is murdered by a mysterious woman named Orlova. She resolves to avenge his death and will focus on the revolution at all costs.
USSR 1941: Mila is sent to her grandmothers farm to escape the terrors of the Nazi invasion. She does not stay safe for long. Old enemies rejoin the narrative and Svetlana will need to use her wiles to protect the granddaughter, who wants to fight the Nazis, she barely knows.
Calling all historical fiction fans - if you like a fast paced, plot thrumming, dual timeline, Russian based reading, this one is for you! It was like a crash course in Russian history and I am here for it. This novel spans from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union and follows two women, Svetlana and Mila, …their fates intertwined by ties of family and interrupted by the tragedy of war. The last 25% of the book was absolute plot twist heaven. Saab has done an incredible amount of research and the readers notes at the end really added value to the reading experience.
"Today was all that was promised, but I hoped for today and thousands of tomorrows."
aras87's review
4.0
Initially, this book was hard to get into. I am glad I stuck with it. It ended up being a great book. I enjoyed the entwined story of Grandmother and Grandaughter.
jonnye97's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
allies011's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I didn't enjoy how the flashbacks were intended with present day. Several times I had to go back to reread what was happening but loved the way it all connected
booknerd315's review
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication: January 24, 2023
This book is a historical fiction lover's dream! I always enjoy finding books that aren't focused on WW2 and this one focuses on the Russian Revolution along with touches of WW2/USSR.
I personally loved the parts of the book that focused on Svetlana and her timeline. I gobbled these sections up and enjoyed using my off time researching more about the Russian revolution. Mila's chapters didn't resonate with me as much but I loved how Saab brings the two together.
I can't wait to read Saab's other book- The Last Checkmate. This book would pair well with- "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys and "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" by Erin Litteken.
Publication: January 24, 2023
This book is a historical fiction lover's dream! I always enjoy finding books that aren't focused on WW2 and this one focuses on the Russian Revolution along with touches of WW2/USSR.
I personally loved the parts of the book that focused on Svetlana and her timeline. I gobbled these sections up and enjoyed using my off time researching more about the Russian revolution. Mila's chapters didn't resonate with me as much but I loved how Saab brings the two together.
I can't wait to read Saab's other book- The Last Checkmate. This book would pair well with- "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys and "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" by Erin Litteken.
danidsfavereads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a wonderful historical fiction. I love reading about different periods of time and different areas.
I don’t often read about Russia/Eastern Europe, so this story focusing there was very interesting.
I enjoyed following Svetlana and Mila’s stories - how they mirrored each other in many ways. I liked seeing how they fought for their beliefs and their causes despite all obstacles.
There were moments when I felt the story was too long and I got a bit tired, but overall I was engaged and entertained.
Would recommend to any historical fiction fan (3.75)
I don’t often read about Russia/Eastern Europe, so this story focusing there was very interesting.
I enjoyed following Svetlana and Mila’s stories - how they mirrored each other in many ways. I liked seeing how they fought for their beliefs and their causes despite all obstacles.
There were moments when I felt the story was too long and I got a bit tired, but overall I was engaged and entertained.
Would recommend to any historical fiction fan (3.75)
katelyn11's review
2.0
I was disappointed by Daughters of Victory. I enjoy a good historical fiction novel, particularly ones set in Russia or Eastern Europe. However, I found that Daughters of Victory fell flat.
Firstly, there was hardly any Russian influence or reference to Russian culture in the book, aside from Russian names. It lacked any sense of Russian cultural idioms, reference to food or familial practices, or even the characters' dress. What were they wearing, eating, or experiencing in revolutionary Russia in 1917 or in WWII Russia in 1943? Aside from political references, there was a lack of distinction between the two time periods and characters followed in the book.
Secondly, I found both Svetlana (1917) and Mila (1943) thoroughly annoying. They are single-minded in their pursuit of revolution without care for anyone else other than their vendetta. They were both one-dimensional characters; Svetlana's aristocratic past isn't explored aside from her ever-present rage toward those who are prejudiced against her and one small scene in which she returns to her familial home. Mila's character is underdeveloped; we learn next to nothing about her upbringing in Leningrad, aside from the fact that she loves the city. But of course, she's quickly converted to farm and forest life AND she becomes a pro at poisons within months... which I find unbelievable, just as I find Svetlana's incredible accuracy with a pistol unbelievable. A pistol?? No one's hand is steady enough to kill someone in one shot with a pistol at long range. Impossible... for anyone but Svetlana, of course. Her arrogance is disgusting.
Lastly, Svetlana's relationship with Kazimir is utterly cringy. Is she so blinded by lust that she can't help but return to him immediately upon returning to Moscow? It seems that Svetlana is capable of two emotions: rage and lust, neither of which are compelling in protagonists. Mila's relationship with Daniil was better, but still unconvincing.
As I said, disappointing.
Firstly, there was hardly any Russian influence or reference to Russian culture in the book, aside from Russian names. It lacked any sense of Russian cultural idioms, reference to food or familial practices, or even the characters' dress. What were they wearing, eating, or experiencing in revolutionary Russia in 1917 or in WWII Russia in 1943? Aside from political references, there was a lack of distinction between the two time periods and characters followed in the book.
Secondly, I found both Svetlana (1917) and Mila (1943) thoroughly annoying. They are single-minded in their pursuit of revolution without care for anyone else other than their vendetta. They were both one-dimensional characters; Svetlana's aristocratic past isn't explored aside from her ever-present rage toward those who are prejudiced against her and one small scene in which she returns to her familial home. Mila's character is underdeveloped; we learn next to nothing about her upbringing in Leningrad, aside from the fact that she loves the city. But of course, she's quickly converted to farm and forest life AND she becomes a pro at poisons within months... which I find unbelievable, just as I find Svetlana's incredible accuracy with a pistol unbelievable. A pistol?? No one's hand is steady enough to kill someone in one shot with a pistol at long range. Impossible... for anyone but Svetlana, of course. Her arrogance is disgusting.
Lastly, Svetlana's relationship with Kazimir is utterly cringy. Is she so blinded by lust that she can't help but return to him immediately upon returning to Moscow? It seems that Svetlana is capable of two emotions: rage and lust, neither of which are compelling in protagonists. Mila's relationship with Daniil was better, but still unconvincing.
As I said, disappointing.
_basicbookworm's review
4.0
Russia 1917: Svetlana went against her aristocratic family to join the revolution and has recently been released from her imprisonment. She is determined to get revenge for her uncle’s death by defeating Orlova, the woman who killed him.
USSR 1941: Svetlana takes in her 18 year old granddaughter, Mila, who she has never met. The goal is to protect Mila from the Nazi invasion, however, Mila has other plans and wants to join the resistance.
This book was filled with rich history and settings, suspense, action, emotion and so much more. Mila and Svetlana were both incredible main characters - they were fiery, strong, fierce, and so passionate. I loved how the alternating timelines were so connected and I learned a lot about Russian History through this book. This was the type of fast-paced story that keeps you invested, and I couldn’t put it down. Plus the twists at the end! I don’t want to give them away but wow.
Thank you to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
USSR 1941: Svetlana takes in her 18 year old granddaughter, Mila, who she has never met. The goal is to protect Mila from the Nazi invasion, however, Mila has other plans and wants to join the resistance.
This book was filled with rich history and settings, suspense, action, emotion and so much more. Mila and Svetlana were both incredible main characters - they were fiery, strong, fierce, and so passionate. I loved how the alternating timelines were so connected and I learned a lot about Russian History through this book. This was the type of fast-paced story that keeps you invested, and I couldn’t put it down. Plus the twists at the end! I don’t want to give them away but wow.
Thank you to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.