In the fantasy novel Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, we follow the journey of Emily, a noblewoman who is conscripted to serve in her country's war against its former ally. As the story unfolds, Emily's beliefs about patriotism, war, and victory are tested, leading her to question the harsh realities of conflict. The book combines elements of gunpowder fantasy with traditional fantasy, creating a vivid and desperate world filled with gritty battle scenes and realistic characters. The narrative explores themes of honor, corruption, and the struggle for survival in a war-torn land.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, particularly the protagonist Emily, whose development reflects the harsh realities of combat and personal sacrifice.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines elegance with a focus on character development, effectively portraying emotional and situational complexities.

Plot/Storyline:

The story is centered around a political conflict between two nations, showcasing a woman's struggle and growth as she becomes a soldier amid the harsh realities of war.

Setting:

The setting effectively captures a war-torn, early modern world marked by political turmoil, with a vivid depiction of combat and its aftermath.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, prioritizing character and story depth over rapid action, ultimately enhancing emotional engagement.

The air was hot, muggy with moisture, filled with flies. Emily had not known hot before she came to these swamps. Hot had once been pleasant summer days with the corn ripening gold in the fields. Hot ...

Notes:

The novel is set in a war-torn world reminiscent of Napoleonic Europe.

It features a female protagonist, Emily Marshwic, who is drafted into the military.

The story explores themes of sacrifice and the impact of war on society.

Emily's character develops from a sheltered noblewoman to a competent soldier and officer.

The narrative includes romance, comparing it to the slow-burn romance found in Jane Austen's works.

The story critiques authority and the nature of war, questioning traditional notions of right and wrong.

The setting incorporates light fantasy elements along with traditional warfare, using muskets and sabres.

The book is described as a standalone novel, avoiding the complications of a series.

It uses humor to balance the narrative's darker elements of war and human struggle.

Emily's personal journey mirrors a coming-of-age story amidst the backdrop of conflict.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, violence, and the emotional toll of conflict.

Has Romance?

The romance element is present but not the central focus, evolving slowly throughout the narrative.

From The Publisher:

First, Denland's revolutionaries assassinated their king, launching a wave of bloodshed after generations of peace. Next they clashed with Lascanne, their royalist neighbor, pitching war-machines against warlocks in a fiercely fought conflict. Genteel Emily Marshwic watched as the hostilities stole her family's young men. But then came the call for yet more Lascanne soldiers in a ravaged kingdom with none left to give. Emily must join the ranks of conscripted women and march toward the front lines. With barely enough training to hold a musket, Emily braves the savage reality of warfare. But she begins to doubt her country's cause, and those doubts become critical. For her choices will determine her own future and that of two nations locked in battle.

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Reader Stats (23):

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Want To Read (17)
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About the Author:

Adrian Tchaikovsky is the author of the Shadows of the Apt series, which includes Empire in Black and Gold, Dragonfly Falling, Blood of the Mantis, and other titles.

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Guns of the Dawn

Adrian Tchaikovsky