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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was such a fun book! I immediately thought of Three Musketeers when I first read this blurb and thought that it was a retelling of the story, but from a woman's point of view. I read a YA book not too long ago that ended up being this kind of story. But this was an original story set roughly 20 years before the time of the Three Musketeers and it takes place in London.
The author was inspired by several events in history, which she discusses at the end of the book, including the strife between Spain and England, a bad plague, different monarchs, treaties, and even some of the characters are inspired by real-life people. Sadly, Lucinda was not one of them, but it was cool to read her note separating fact from fiction. While not necessary, it added to my enjoyment of the story.
I loved Lucinda's character and how she fought for what was right rather than what was proper. Her grandmother was awesome and although she was willing to give Lucinda leeway, she had the wisdom to know when to fight and when to keep the peace. I loved how supportive she was of Lucinda. Moll was really cool and one of the characters based on a historical person and she really added to the story. While Robert McCrae was your stereotypical Scotsman archetype hero, I loved his interactions with Lucinda. Even if he was a classic alpha hero, I loved how Lucinda was able to change his mind a little about the roles of women.
As for fencing, I know nothing about it, but I loved reading the fighting and training scenes. Green did a great job writing exciting scenes, especially the one near the end with Lucinda (I won't spoil it for you). I loved everything about the sisters of the sword, and some of the conversations were hilarious, especially when you consider this story was set in the early 1600s. This book was a great mix of action, adventure, mystery, and romance. The only thing is that I didn't realize this was a series, so when Lucinda solved the mystery, but things were kind of left hanging, I quickly checked and realized there was a second book. Thank goodness! I have since grabbed a copy and will be reading that soon!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recommend this to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, and romance.
The author was inspired by several events in history, which she discusses at the end of the book, including the strife between Spain and England, a bad plague, different monarchs, treaties, and even some of the characters are inspired by real-life people. Sadly, Lucinda was not one of them, but it was cool to read her note separating fact from fiction. While not necessary, it added to my enjoyment of the story.
I loved Lucinda's character and how she fought for what was right rather than what was proper. Her grandmother was awesome and although she was willing to give Lucinda leeway, she had the wisdom to know when to fight and when to keep the peace. I loved how supportive she was of Lucinda. Moll was really cool and one of the characters based on a historical person and she really added to the story. While Robert McCrae was your stereotypical Scotsman archetype hero, I loved his interactions with Lucinda. Even if he was a classic alpha hero, I loved how Lucinda was able to change his mind a little about the roles of women.
As for fencing, I know nothing about it, but I loved reading the fighting and training scenes. Green did a great job writing exciting scenes, especially the one near the end with Lucinda (I won't spoil it for you). I loved everything about the sisters of the sword, and some of the conversations were hilarious, especially when you consider this story was set in the early 1600s. This book was a great mix of action, adventure, mystery, and romance. The only thing is that I didn't realize this was a series, so when Lucinda solved the mystery, but things were kind of left hanging, I quickly checked and realized there was a second book. Thank goodness! I have since grabbed a copy and will be reading that soon!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recommend this to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, and romance.
This story gripped me from the very beginning. Set in London in the early 17th century, we meet Lucinda, who is not only the swordmaster's daughter, but a young lady filled to the brim with courage, determination, and perseverance. Adept with a sword and preferring breeches to skirts, Lucinda is all about empowering herself and other women-and I loved her for it!
The driving force of the plot is around a serial rapist. The aspects of the assaults are described numerous times, so I would highly recommend that those triggered by this topic, proceed with caution. The villain is on the periphery and the feeling of his presence is ominous throughout-but does not dominate-the story. Instead, the idea of equipping women to be able to physically protect themselves is the main focus, along with the wonderful female friendships that form amongst an eclectic group of women. I have to say that one of Lucinda's pupils named Moll-a pipe smoking, breech wearing, cutpurse-was one of my favorite characters, and based on a real person!
We also have our hero Robbie McCrae-a young man with a big heart who is a bit mislead by the gender norms, but Lucinda gradually changes his mind and heart towards what women are capable of achieving. I hoped for a tad bit more regarding the romance since Green was so good at writing a smoldering hero who is pining for a woman that is more likely to throw him over her shoulder than succumb easily to his charms, so I am eager to see if the second book feeds my appetite for a bit more romance.
As for the secondary scoundrel that emerges from this story, I didn't see him coming and his ways are extremely devious and manipulative-it is leaving me feeling fretful in regards to the next book in the series. I really hope there is a happily ever after for these characters. But, in the meantime, I know they will do their best to rise above vindictive villains and lean on one another with valor and determination.
I read and reviewed an eARC thanks to the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
The driving force of the plot is around a serial rapist. The aspects of the assaults are described numerous times, so I would highly recommend that those triggered by this topic, proceed with caution. The villain is on the periphery and the feeling of his presence is ominous throughout-but does not dominate-the story. Instead, the idea of equipping women to be able to physically protect themselves is the main focus, along with the wonderful female friendships that form amongst an eclectic group of women. I have to say that one of Lucinda's pupils named Moll-a pipe smoking, breech wearing, cutpurse-was one of my favorite characters, and based on a real person!
We also have our hero Robbie McCrae-a young man with a big heart who is a bit mislead by the gender norms, but Lucinda gradually changes his mind and heart towards what women are capable of achieving. I hoped for a tad bit more regarding the romance since Green was so good at writing a smoldering hero who is pining for a woman that is more likely to throw him over her shoulder than succumb easily to his charms, so I am eager to see if the second book feeds my appetite for a bit more romance.
As for the secondary scoundrel that emerges from this story, I didn't see him coming and his ways are extremely devious and manipulative-it is leaving me feeling fretful in regards to the next book in the series. I really hope there is a happily ever after for these characters. But, in the meantime, I know they will do their best to rise above vindictive villains and lean on one another with valor and determination.
I read and reviewed an eARC thanks to the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A very enjoyable easy read full of strong female characters. A touch of romance but main theam is female friendship and strength.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such a fun read but still delivers an important story about the challenges faced by women in a man's world, and alas I could be talking about any era not just the 17th century. Great historical detail (delighted to learn Moll was a real person) and lots of witty innuendo-ful one-liners. A riveting swash and buck with a dash of romance.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Summary: A unique story about a strong willed girl raised in a man’s world. Lucinda can fight like a man, but she learns through experience that she wants to fight like a woman. Taking the lessons of sword fighting and healing from her father and grandma, Lucinda faces her biggest foe yet.
If you like fake dating, clandestine meetings, strong FMC, and the world of Shakespearean London you’ll want to read this book!
“Why shouldn’t a woman have the knowledge and skills to defend herself?…All women were capable of defending themselves, I’d only they were taught.”
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you like fake dating, clandestine meetings, strong FMC, and the world of Shakespearean London you’ll want to read this book!
“Why shouldn’t a woman have the knowledge and skills to defend herself?…All women were capable of defending themselves, I’d only they were taught.”
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape