This extraordinary tale of bravery is based on the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, the female Russian sniper who had 309 reported kills during WWII. The tale goes back and forth between Mila in the first person, and the third person narrative of hired killer who is supposed to kill FDR and frame Mila for the murder. During Mila's American tour, where she speaks to crowds in hopes that America joins the fight against the Nazis, she becomes close friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. The timeline shifts from the American tour & the killer's plan, back to Mila's pre-war life and her life on the front.

I am always fascinated by historical fiction stories based on little-known heroes, not only because I feel compelled to read further about these individuals, but because I don't already know the outcome of the story. While Ms. Quinn takes creative liberties to make the story suspenseful and captivating (which it is!), clearly she has done her research. She writes Mila to be tough and admirable, yet compassionate and loving. The supporting characters are equally fascinating, and her husband Alexi is someone I loved to hate. I could not put this one down. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advance e-reader copy of this book!

Remarkable story that kept me entranced from the very first pages! I couldn’t stop reading as Mila’s extraordinary life unfolded. Strongly recommend this gripping story of WWII female sniper as it adds to the genre with a new perspective and immerses the reader in the lesser known eastern front.

Historical fiction is saturated with WW2 novels. It can start to feel like if you’ve read a few, then you’ve read them all. Amongst the rubble there is Kate Quinn. And she has a true talent for penning a novel that stands out. Quinn has a knack for finding women and their stories amongst the history of men and war. In The Diamond Eye, she brings to life Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a student, librarian, and single mother that enlists in the Red Army during the German invasion of the Soviet Union. She becomes Lady Death, a sniper with over 300 confirmed. Quinn uses more fact (from Pavlichenko’s memoir) than fiction, but she fills in the gaps and uses her talent of story-telling to create a fast paced read that delivers escapism and entertainment. Which is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Kate Quinn. The Diamond Eye is more The Huntress than The Rose Code, as it centers on the front lines, the soldiers, and combat rather than the backbone intelligence of war. But as always, there are characteristics in all of Quinn’s novels that make them so addicting: extraordinary and strong women and their ability to overcome, female friendships, love and relationships affected by war, and the many casualties of war itself. Mila is another of Quinn’s wonderful heroines.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a strong 4 1/2 stars, rated to a 5.

Another stunner by the First Lady of riveting historical fiction! We are deep in the frozen forest of Russia - still for hours at a time in a leaf covered trench with your partner. Body cramped, little rest, little food and water until the midnight hour when you train your rifle's scope on the target. In Mila's hands her single shot means death to a German soldier - over 309 kills before she is done. Lyudmila Pavlichenko is the heroine of this story and the latest unsung hero in the long line of fascinating women in Kate Quinn's capable hands. She was a librarian/scholar writing her dissertation before picking up a rifle in sharpshooter training and heading off to the battlefield to save her country from the German invaders. Her skill as a sniper and the novelty of being a woman took her to the U.S. to be paraded around in a media blitz to gain American support for joining the war in Europe. Her unlikely friendship with none other than First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was one of mutual respect and admiration. The story is special in two ways as it shows how the vicious and bloody war was fought on the battlefield but also in the press as Mila and the Russian delegation are paraded around the country. Fascinating both in the battle details at the Russian front and also the back story American dog and pony show that took much trust from both sides to pull off. Mila is an extraordinary character as she is pulled out of the shadows to dazzle us with her courage and brilliant skill as well as the all too human heart behind the diamond eye of a deadly sniper. Fans of WWII unsung women as well as Kate Quinn's fans will be riveted to this one-sitting story My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

I am a sucker for a book with a smart woman, who isn't afraid to do what she needs to do. Mila is such a woman.
I have only read good things from Kate Quinn, and The Diamond Eye does not disappoint. I got attached to these characters and I hated to see the story end.
Quinn takes historical figures and actual events and weaves a story that is not only believable, you are rooting for these people till the very end.

The truth is this: at some point you’re going to read Kate Quinn and think she’s incredible and you’ll find yourself reading all of her books (Alice Network and The Huntress are my favorites) but you’ll get to a point where they all feel too similar. That’s how I felt reading this. I felt like I had already read this book within the first paragraphs. She is a great writer and I love the way she tells stories but I think I’ll wait to read her next one till she tries something different.

I love Kate Quinn’s novels, her prose is wonderful and her research is meticulous.

This book reads more like a biography of Lyudmila Pavlichenko “Mila” than historical fiction. In fact in the author’s notes Ms. Quinn states that almost all of the characters and their actions came straight from Mila’s personal memoir.

It’s hard in the current political and world climate for me to feel much sympathy for Russia. However Russians fought hard and lost many thousands in their fight against Hitler and fascism, they were our allies.

From the blurb you know that Mila was a mother, a university student studying history, a marksman and then finally a soldier/sniper for the Russian army. She was also a part of a delegation of Russians who came to the US to try to convince Roosevelt to set up another front.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:

The characters!! Ms Quinn fully develops the characters of Mila, her partner, Kostia and her first husband, Alexei. I loved her description and portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt, what a strong, incredible woman she was!

I learned so much about the skill that it took to become a sniper, how incredibly hard it is to perfect a shot from bunkers, bush, trees and buildings.

I felt the descriptions of the war were so vivid it was gripping.

WHAT HELD THIS BACK FROM BEING A 5*:

Too much technical detail about guns and ammunition which I felt myself skimming.

This book was LONG, at 448 pages and filled with details, it was hard not to lose focus.

This book lacked the humor and camaraderie that I loved in The Rose Code.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK? ABSOLUTELY!!!

We Americans need to remember our past and what it was like for the countries who had a war fought on their soil – WE MUST NEVER FORGET!!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, William Morrow, through NetGalley.

How does a research librarian become a world famous sniper in WWII? This well researched book tells the story of Mila Pavlichenko, the renowned sniper known as Lady Death. This fictionalized story of a true hero who joined the Russian army as soon as Germany invaded her country is so so good. The hardships of war come to life in this story and the reader sees the horror and ugliness of it all as well as the friendships and relationships that were so important helping to survive this period of time.

I have read all of Kate Quinn's historical fiction novels and I love how she takes little known women who made lasting impacts on the war front that we are just starting to learn more about. Highly recommend this book!

Quinn's latest follows the life of Russian sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a history student and library researcher turned sharpshooter during the defense of Russia against the Nazi invasion in 1942. This book is the best of historical fiction, leaving the reader wanting more information about a very real woman.

Books have always given me an adventure, an opportunity to step into another life, another perspective. I always enjoy historical fiction when it includes details of a real person’s experience.. Kate Quinn’s upcoming novel, The Diamond Eye,* delves into theincredible life of Mila Pavlichenko, a librarian who became an actual Russian army sniper fighting the Nazis during WWII.
This gripping book explores historical events that include descriptions of Mila fighting with the Russian army in key battles and becoming a goodwill ambassador to the United States. During her tour of the US she meetsEleanor Roosevelt, and begins a long friendship with her Quinn invents the storyline of a menacing assassin looking for a way to murder FDR and have Mila take the blame.The book alternates among Mila’s experiences as a sniper, her marriage as a young mother, and her studies as a PhD student.(in what?)

Mila,known as “Lady Death” for her record of killing over 300 Nazis during the war, leaves the battlefields of the eastern front for a goodwill tour in America. Quinn does meticulous research and the characters come to life.. “What do you believe in, Mila?”
I thought about that, feeling the burn of rough liquor in my throat. “Knowledge, to light the path for humankind,” I said at last. “And this . . .”—patting my rifle—“to protect humankind when we lose that path.”
“You lead us down the path,” Kostia said, “I’ll have your back.”

In the US, Mila attempts to convince FDR, Eleanor, and the American peopleto support Russia in fighting the Nazis. Meanwhile, the assassin is tracking Mila, and she must use her instincts to save herself and the President. I enjoyed the war storyline for Quinn’s detailed and lush descriptions of a female soldier fighting in a male-dominated war. Quinn has the ability to transport us into historical accounts with deft talent. Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this eArc of The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn. From the beginning, I was fascinated with Mila and her perspective as she quickly advanced to the front lines with her intelligence and steady shot. I am a fan of front line war fiction, and this one delivered with a strong and admirable female character (a librarian turned sniper, at that!) I also enjoyed the plot style of other various character perspectives and an alternating timeline. The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn definitely proved to be a bullseye five star read for me.

Like many people, I had never heard of Mila Pavilchenko before reading this book. I probably don't need to convince historical fiction fans to read a Kate Quinn novel, but just wanted to add my praise for this thrilling story. Her author's note is excellent (I do love a good author's note!).

Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

World War II meets the Hallmark Channel!

More people need to be aware of Lyudmila Pavlichenko. There is no denying that. However, this is not the book to learn about her. Interestingly, the majority of the war story is glossed over. Lyudmila mentions battles she's participated in, but she's often talking about it after the fact. The novel is drowning in telling instead of showing. But what boggles my mind about this book is that for some reason, the actual story of a female sniper on the Russian front, defending her home from the Third Reich in 1941/42 is not nearly exciting enough. Instead, there is an Evil Sharpshooter who is plotting to assassinate FDR and wants to pin the murder on Pavlichenko for....reasons, I guess. His name and motives are never revealed--he's just a bad guy for the sake of being a bad guy. I guess an army full of literal NAZI's weren't evil enough. Also, there is, of course, a love triangle with interchangeable love interests.

This isn't poorly written, but the life of Pavlichenko was dramatic enough without shoe-horning in ridiculous tropes.

Lady Death (or Lady Midnight) - a fictionalized story of a true hero. Pregnant at a young age, longing to be a historian and a crack shot, she joins the Russian army as soon as Germany invades her country. Her story is incredible and she deserves to be remembered.

The market is flooded with WWII books, but The Diamond Eye reminded me that there are so many perspectives and stories to tell that are unique. While England was dealing with bombs being dropped on them, France was dealing with an occupation, and the Soviet Union was fighting against an invasion. For people in the USSR the war was deeply personal and directly impacted their daily lives. When Russia is invaded Lyudmila Pavlichenko signs up for the military. She’s a library researcher and single mother working on her degree, but she puts all of that aside to use her sharpshooter skills as a sniper. Mila makes a name for herself as “Lady Death” on the battlefield with 309 confirmed kills, but after getting injured she is sent to Washington D.C. to help convince the American people of the importance of assisting the USSR against the Hitler’s invading forces.

The story moves back and forth between Mila’s time on the battlefield and her visit to D.C. where more suspense and plots are underfoot. This nonlinear structure is a great way to build suspense between the times as we’re left in the dark about what happened in the past, but are slowly revealing what is happening in the present. Quinn highlights Mila’s unlikely friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and those interactions are a delight to read. I loved the layers to Mila’s character and how she had to be different roles for different people in her life.

A story about “Lady Death” is enough of a reason to pick up this book, but Kate Quinn’s storytelling alone is also a reason to give it a try. Quinn always writes great characters, suspense, romance, and her novels are well researched without getting bogged down with details. And to top that off she wraps everything up at the end in a way that makes me feel good. The Diamond Eye would be great for historical fiction fans, but it would also be a good pick for someone who is interested in getting into the genre.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. I have read almost all of Kate Quinn's works and I find her to be one of the most exceptional historical fiction authors today. With more and more titles coming out discussing WWII events, I do note when the stories told are of strong women who, despite all odds, reach the pinnacle of their careers and lives.
Lyudmila Pavlichenko is a well known Russian sniper with a noted 309 kills, who toured America to garner interest in supporting the Russians in the raging battles of WWII. Quinn takes what is known from her memoirs and fills in the blanks with emotional story and exciting fictional scenes to bring this character to life. What would it have been like for her on the front as a female among the troops? How and why did she develop such an unlikely friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt?
The Diamond Eye captures the imaginations of the audience with her normally spectacular writing skills. Quinn peers through the soul of her characters and draws her audience in at the first page.
I have already ordered extra books for my book club and can't wait to do it. I think my patrons will like it as much as I have.
5*

This book is based on a true story and truly captures your attention from page 1. Mila Pavlichenko is a student, a mother, a library worker and a sniper. When Hitler invades Russian she enlists and her shooting skill earns her the nickname of "Lady Death." With over 300 kills, she is sent to America on a goodwill tour to meet Eleanor Roosevelt where she forms an unexpected friendship. In Washington there is another sniper. No spoilers from me.as to how it ends. There is great character developed, drama and realistic battle scenes.

Kate Quinn is a writer who will knock your socks off. This is a book full of history, women, war, and drama. It's so hard to sum up everything that happens and is shown within this novel. It is a must read!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness. Quinn does it again, pulling history, intrigue, emotion and overcoming obstacles into a sublime and engrossing novel. From start to finish, this book pulls you in to yet another little-known and little-talked-about part of the history of war, that of female snipers. Quinn brings you along with Mila from the shooting range to the horrors of war and loss, to the trip of a lifetime to the United States. Combining the grim realities of war with shoots of humor and heart, Quinn has one again created a masterpiece that will hook you in from the first page to the last word. It was all I could do to keep myself grounded in reality and not run away to binge on this incredible novel instantly. I'm already mourning the fact it's over, yet savoring all the little details that Quinn excels at including. I'll be encouraging everyone I know to get their hands on the The Diamond Eye as soon as it becomes available, and impatiently awaiting Quinn's next master work.