The Norwegian Assassin by Hannah Byron
This book starts with a table of contents where chapters are listed along with epilogue and excerpt of next book in the series, authors note, glossary of terms, about the author and other works by the author are highlighted.
A quote by Rumi is listed and note about historical things that were changed for sake of storytelling. Book starts in Austria Feb 1938 at the engagement party.
What I like about this book is how personable it is. It's about war but author makes it feel far from the front but there are scenes where the fighting in intense.
We learn so much more about Esther and her family as they are forced to flee for their lives. She is sent to a charm school in the mountains to learn how to become the mistress of her own house once she's married.
Love influence her grandmother has on her and her place in society and what that means to the whole family.
Things do not go according to plan as their country is at war and the family leaves and she meets up with them later. She gets to grow up and become a lady as she forms bonds with other females who are there at the school for various reasons.
The war gets in the way of everything and it tears at her as the family flee to take care of a farm in the country, hiding out from the enemy. Somebody turns them in and the family is removed, put on trains heading to concentration camps. Esther was not with them and when she returns she vows to seek vengence.
She meets with someone who has connetions and she heads into war doing what she can. Love that she dresses like a guy to get through her training and fighting right along side the men. Some have come to her aid, and they look out for one another.
Took my time reading this book because I did not want it to end, so fascinating and heartbreaking.
So much travel over the years, Es's journey as she matures, surprises with who she finds at the end and how they are able to bond again.
Losses are so devastating they do bring tears to my eyes, nobody should have to go through what she and many others went through.
Glad there were no indepth parts of the camps, that would've spoiled the story for me but you know what happened all along.
Super enjoyed this story along with the history. Detailed descriptions of food, table settings, scenes outside, clothing, places they skiied and traveled to, how they kept safe and swapped out clothes, etc to fit in, no matter what the circumstances were, anything to keep safe.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
No comments:
Post a Comment