When the Prequel Surpasses the Original Novel: a review of The Daughters' War

I hope you read my review of The Blacktongue Thief and immediately decided to read it. But if you didn't, maybe this review will get you to that point. Very rarely does a prequel turn out even better than the original novel, but The Daughters' War managed exactly that feat. So without further adieu, my review of The Daughters' War, a prequel to Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief.

First off, I really enjoyed The Blacktongue Thief, though I had some issues with the pacing. So I went into The Daughters' War excited but with relatively realistic expectations. I expected The Daughters' War to be similar to Buehlman's original novel: a rollicking adventure, lighthearted, and original. What I didn't expect was a rollicking, original adventure that I loved even more than the first one, and which utterly broke my heart.

For those who have read The Blacktongue Thief, The Daughters' War follows Galva's story leading up to the events of the original story. You learn how her character was shaped into what you know by war, family circumstances, and the choices that she makes along the way. You learn what softens her, but also what causes her almost cold stoicism. You learn about her Corvid, Dalgatha, and their relationship; and her friendships and romances and allegiances throughout. Most notably, you will delve into her relationship with her family, and all the complicated heartbreak that comes with it.

For those you HAVEN'T read The Blacktongue Thief, this is a fantasy adventure set during a brutal war. Our heroine, Galva, narrates the story. She is a young nobleman's daughter, and a soldier who will soon see her first combat. Beuhlman writes war and politics in a way I have never experienced: it is gritty and dark and raw, and startlingly realistic while set against the backdrop of magic and fantasy. However, this isn't only a war story; it is also, dare I say it, a coming of age tale.

As I mentioned before, Galva is young. She is learning who she is, who she wants to be, what she believes, and who she loves. She wrestles with the political climate of Beuhlman's world as her brothers (sons of their nobleman father) are all navigating the political terrain, and are older than her. She struggles with the reality and the brutality of war, and the affect it has on innocent civilians. You see her soft heart grow softer, as well as harden.

The Blacktongue Thief was bloody; The Daughters' War was bloodier.

It was also deeply sad.

Be prepared to cry even while Galva is too shocked and numb to do so. Be prepared to feel her despair, but also her hope and resilience. Be prepared to fall in love with Buehlman's world building all over again, and some. And don't forget: Beuhlman is a master at writing strong, well-rounded women, and this story almost exclusively revolves around women.

While you could read The Daughters' War as a stand alone novel, I wouldn't completely recommend it. I think you will appreciate it all the more having the context of The Blacktongue Thief.

Adult Content: language, violence, some sexuality.

Trigger Warning: violence, insinuated sexual violence, family drama.