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The Maid's War by Jeff Wheeler

Brief synopsis (no spoilers)
The story is set shortly before the Queen's Poisoner- Ankarette Tryneowy has been sent to find the old Duke of La Marche, Alensson, who is under arrest. When she finds him, he tells her the miraculous story of Genette, the Maid of Donremy, who was a maiden warrior of the Fountain, and her unbelievable victories in battle. Ankarette is sent to find information on the sword Genette carried, but her time with the Duke teaches her much more, including information that will save a future King.

Category
YA fiction, Fantasy

Why I chose this book
Next in series (prequel, really)

My personal opinion (the review)
I enjoyed this story. I would have to go all the way back to the Queen's Poisoner to recognize the full impact of what Ankarette learns and contributes. I might even recommend changing the order in which you read them. Maybe this should go first. It's more of a side story, but it might line up well, being the starting point.

Warnings
Language: None
Violence: Some, but not graphic
"Adult" situations: None
Death: Yes, and of major character(s)

Movie rating equivalent
PG

Protagonist description
Alensson is a defeated Duke, who never really regains his title, and who suffers much because he believes in the Maid of Donremy

Point of view of story
Third, focused on Alensson and Ankarette

Book length
Medium-short

Story flow
Great

Grammar and spelling issues
None

Character connection (no spoilers)
None

For series:
Independent or integral (stand-alone or back story dependent)
Integral

Series review as a whole
This is a great series! Great story line, no bad language or inappropriate conduct. Definitely worth buying, still

If you only have time for one, read: (which one)
Start at the beginning: The Queen's Poisoner.
If you plan to read them all, start with The Maid's War.

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