A review by lezreadalot
When Women Were Warriors Book III by Catherine M. Wilson

5.0

Though all the world believes that the good of many souls must tip the balance, there is a flaw in their reckoning, for the value of the soul cannot be weighed or measured but by love. If my heart held the scales, I knew which side would fall.

My heart is too small. I was scared to read this because I was worried it wouldn't live up to how much I loved the previous two books, but I need not have been afraid. I loved this so much. I loved it in the specific kind of way that makes it difficult for me to talk about it. Tamras goes on this amazing journey, both in terms of adventure, personal growth, and her love. It's so beautiful to read. That is probably the most striking thing about the series to me. Wilson writes in an extremely simple way, never flowery, never purple, but every sentence is lovely, even when she is being bald and economical. My heart hurts with how much I loved this. This series has given me so much already, by prioritising all kinds of different relationships between women, and this book had to top it all off by including one of my all-time favourite tropes. Or I don't know if you would call it a trope. But let's just say that Tamras makes certain decisions that are agonising and perfect. I love love like that. I love reading about it and I love witnessing it. She and Maara just make my heart bloom. It's painful and beautiful, all the lessons that have to be learned. All of the different plot threads and side stories were wrapped up in a really great way and I'm just so happy with everything.  

If I have one quibble it's that I would have liked for there to have been more stories within the story, in the vein that there were in the first book. My kingdom to have just one more story about the ancient days when only women were warriors. The stories and fantastical elements are some of the best things about this series. I did appreciate that we got stories from other cultures, but I did miss the original ones. Other than that? Perfect. I am so happy to be able to end off my year with a solid five star and a new favourite.  

I would love my life for as long as Maara lived. More than that no one could demand of me, not even my own gods.