A review by happily_undignified
One for All by Lillie Lainoff

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.75

Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review review.

When I heard about a gender-bent, Own-voices, Disability-rep retelling of an amazing Classic I was psyched. Then I found it on @netgalley and got approved to review and I was over the moon! 

I love The Three Musketeers so reading this rendition was like a warm hug with a twist. Tania is the main character and I could immediately see myself being friends with her. She is unorthodox, clever, and stronger than she gives herself credit for. Her relationship with her dad in the opening chapters was endearing. Tania has POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and has dizziness and fatigue throughout the story but the author shows how she works through the symptoms as she trains on her fencing. Her POTS isn't used at a plot device or thrown in when she fails like so many disabilities are portrayed in books and film. Instead the disease is merely a part of her that Tania's found family incorporates into their daily lives and provides support for when she needs it. 

Speaking of found family, this book has a wonderful example of women from all walks of life coming together for a united cause. The four "les Mousquetaires de la Luna", Tania, Portia, Théa, and Aria, all have unique back stories and talents that, under the tutelage of Madame de Treville, combine to create a formidable espionage group. It's a blast to watch them fight alongside one another and grow closer as the story progresses.

If you're looking for a YA retelling that combines mystery, action, and intrigue with a classic storyline, One For All is the book for you! 

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