Thanks to Tor Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
3.5/5

All hail the war corvids!! They were definitely the highlight of the book, and I did find a lot that I liked here, for me, it was just a bit to bleak. Part of this may be the depression of the week I ended up reading this in, so you can take this with a grain of salt. As a reader of The Blacktongue Thief I knew going in that it was going to be a lot of battles, blood and death, I guess I really do need more lightness to go along side this. Buehlman's prose is wonderful and certainly sets a scene and the battles were very well written, and as I said the war corvids are a top tier fantasy animal and hopefully will get more in future books in this world. Galva is a terrific character, and I loved her relationship with Dalgatha and Bellu, as well as her relationship with her brother Amiel. I am glad I read this story (I listened to the audio) as I do enjoy the world Buehlman has created here and am looking forward to the future books in the series.

The Daughters’ War is a standout novel in the fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on WWII through the lens of magic and myth. Buehlman’s expertise in blending historical detail with fantastical elements results in a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel’s exploration of family dynamics and personal sacrifice against a backdrop of global conflict adds layers of depth to an already captivating narrative.

Fans of historical fantasy and readers looking for a novel that combines the best of both worlds will find much to appreciate in The Daughters’ War. It’s a testament to Buehlman’s skill as a storyteller and his ability to craft a compelling, multi-dimensional world.

A prequel to Buehlman’s Black Tongue Thief, this novel tells the background for one of the main characters, Galva dom Braga. It is told in first person which allows it to serve as sort of a sequel as well, since Galva’s narration will make asides to future events.

So what’s it about?

Goblins are once again attacking the kingdoms of mankind. The first war the goblins created a disease that killed all the horses. During the second, the human armies were so decimated that untrained farmers were drafted. Now, with the third war, men fit to be soldiers are so rare that every available woman is being conscripted. If the kingdoms of humanity don’t stop the goblins now, then there won’t be a fourth war.

Enter Galva and the other corvid knights. All women from various walks of life who were conscripted into an experimental fighting unit. They were given corvids to train and take into combat. What’s a corvid? Think magically bred ravens the size of ostriches. The problem? Corvids are violent. Very, very, violent. And smart.

These terror birds and their handlers are about the best chance humanity has to survive. Sadly no one else thinks so.

Galva must also deal with her three brothers. She loves them, but they all have their faults. One is a drunk, another an idealistic poet serving a wizard, and the last is a rather competent general dealing with his own petty army politics. They are family, but those bonds will be tested and found wanting.

The Daughters’ War is a fascinating novel. Imagine you took too much cold medicine, watched YouTube clips of Lord of the Ring theory videos, and talked to your grandfather about his time in ‘Nam. Your nightmares would match the vibe of this book and your sleep paralysis demon would almost resemble the horror that is Buehlman’s goblins.

This book is dark. There were points where I had to put this book down and walk away. I just knew that in the next chapter things were going to get worse and it pained me to continue on. Some new tragedy would strike or some new horror would happen. Then, like a fool I’d go back for more, only to discover it was far worse than I feared.

Buehlman does not hold anything back. This war is not the glamorous battle found in most high fantasy novels. This is a ground level view of the fighting. It is bloody and violent.

Then there’s the goblins themselves. I tend to hate the narrative device of an “always evil” race. I think that’s a sign of an unimaginative writer. It’s lazy to just say an entire species is “evil.”

Buehlman made the decision that instead of being evil, the goblins are just so wholly different from humanity that they are incomprehensible. There are hints throughout that the goblins are from somewhere else. Like another plane or dimension. When they die, for example, they do not rot. Flies don’t devour their corpses. Goblins are not part of the natural order.

They see humanity not as a foe, but a natural resource to cultivate and harvest. They are farmers and butchers. People are nothing more than meat and are treated as such.

I hated reading this book. It is violent and gruesome. The goblins commit heinous acts that make me physically ill. Yet, it’s not like humanity is a paragon of virtue. Humans lie and cheat. They are willing to slaughter civilians to take needed army supplies. Soldiers are sacrificed in fruitless battles. There are no heroes in this war, just survivors

I love that I read this book. The prose was beautiful. It was heartbreaking in the best way possible. Buehlman created a narrative voice that was unique and powerful. Rarely has a book disturbed me and moved me in such a way.

Do I recommend you read it? If you’re okay with a grim, gruesome war story that is beautifully written, then go for it. I loved it, I hated it. I’m glad I read it, I’m never reading it again.

Reviewed on Kaiju & Gnome.

A phenomenal sequel/prequel to Black Tongue Thief. Amazing worldbuilding, exciting, poignant, and beautiful. Will definitely be ordering this for my library. So great!

I’ve had the Blacktongue Thief in my TBR list for ages, but just haven’t found the reason to jump in (I admit, my mental capacity for non-fluff as of late has been non-existent, unless it’s dark Warhammer novels). However, I read the description of this, and obviously, the girlpower at the helm of the story drew me in immediately. It’s been a long time where I’ve found a story where I had to force myself to put down so I can leave some bits for later- but then here comes the Daughters’ War and I’m pulled into a whole new world. This story had me feeling so many different emotions. There was beauty. Darkness. Horror. Light. Beautifully written. A great entry into the series, and I do hope we haven’t seen the last of Galva and her Queen.

A true gem. Buehlman writes engaging plot and his characters are well-developed. The prose is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. Highly recommended for a captivating read.

I absolutely adored the authors previous book, The Blacktongue Thief when I read it, so when I heard that Christopher Buehlman was writing a prequal to it I was EXCITED!!!

The Daughters War, as said, is a prequal story (#0) to The Blacktongue Thief, in which we follow Galva and her experiences during the third goblin war. Galva as we know from book one is a battle scarred, tattooed, VERY WEARY, corvid battle master - but here, in this book, we see her from the very start of her journey.

The tone of this book was VERY different to the previous, much less humour and much more serious which makes sense given Galva is our POV character and in all honesty I really appreciated the tonal switch as it was very on theme for the subject matter of the war.

I loved learning about the history of the world told via Galvas own experiences and understanding more how everything came to be in what we know in The Blacktongue Thief.

Overall such an enjoyable read, I really gel with Buehlmans writing style and I am so so so needing book 2 now please!!!

Thanks so much to the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Buehlman once again shines bright with his prose and vivid storytelling in The Daughter’s War. This prequel to The BlackTongue Thief, although written just as wonderfully, is tonally very different. This is the story of Galva, who was a side character in The BlackTongue Thief. This story tells of her experience being a part of an all woman regiment that fights with large War Corvids, made through dark magics to fight in the great goblin war. It’s told from a memoir perspective and is mostly Galva’s POV, although we also see some letters from her brother as well. It is dark and gritty. It made goblins way more terrifying for me. It’s beautiful and tragic. This novella may not be for everyone if you go in expecting the same humor and epic adventures you read in The BlackTongue Thief, however it is still just as amazing of a story. Galva, although a different type of storyteller and what some may perceive as having a drier personality, still demonstrates an emotional depth and gives us a haunting story of war time tactics and experience. I think this will only enrich a re read of The BlackTongue Thief, but stands on its own merits as well. The world building soars as Buehlman paints a dark and grim picture of loss, hope, and survival in his fantasy world.

This book is very gruesome, Buehlman does not shy away from gore and at times I found myself disgusted by some of the descriptions. There were lighter moments sprinkled in throughout but as our main character Galva is telling this story after already having lived through it, I found that there was usually still a tinge of melancholy about what is yet to come.

I loved following Galva, she was an amazing character in The Blacktongue Thief and I’m really glad to have a book from her point of view. I would 1000% read another that is just the events of The Blacktongue Thief but from her POV, or any other stories from her POV for that matter. I loved getting a closer look at her relationship with the war corvids, as well as with her brothers. She also has a surprisingly lovely romance.

The narrator Nikki García’s performance was amazing, she brought so much emotion to the story, the audiobook as a whole is very well done.

Overall, I think if you liked The Blacktongue Thief then you will probably also like this prequel.

At first, I was a bit disappointed to learn that Christopher Buehlman himself was not narrating this. I loved his performance of The Blacktongue Thief, and I was looking forward to hearing that accent again. Once I got over that and started listening though, I felt myself being pulled in by Galva's narrative.

Instead of being a sequel, this is a prequel. Galva, the battle weary tattooed woman from the first book, takes over the storytelling and boy is her story a grim one. There are quite a few differences between this book and the first. Number one for me being the nearly total lack of humor. Kinch Na Shannack's POV from Blacktongue was often funny and off kilter. I loved it! But this story is from Galva's POV and she has very little to laugh about.

The second big difference is that Kinch's tale was unknown to us, while Galva's is not. We already know what happens, if in only a somewhat vague way. Now, all the details of Galva's history are revealed through her eyes. It is a grim history, filled with heartache, death, family betrayals, and a lost love. One thing I really love about her is that she never gives up. Another thing I love is <i>her</i> love of her war corvid. The female army and their platoon of giant war corvids is such a sight to imagine! Mr. Buehlman brings it to life and as I listened, it all unfolded like a film in my brain.

I felt Galva's pain and I wanted to give her a big hug so many times. I also felt her love and her heartbreak and her doggedness to keep on keeping on. Galva has become one of my favorite characters of all time.

The audio of this was narrated by Nikki Garcia and she was marvelous! Her intonations conveyed sadness, hatred and humor, (though little of that there was), and inspired me to cheer for and cry with Galva. She imbued her narration with a slight accent and now this will forever be the voice of Galva to me. BRAVO to Ms. Garcia!

Once I got over the absence of Kinch, I relaxed and let Galva's story unfold before me. I loved it and have come away with a much deeper understanding of her character and why she is like she is. I am now ready and eager to continue the story of them both, but to be honest? I need Kinch to return now and lift me from the darkness that is Galva's history.

My highest recommendation! 4.5/5 stars!

*Audio ARC from publisher.*

4.5/5

Holy shit this was dark, and I enjoyed it.

I've been asking since FOREVER for more stories with female knights, in armour, with swords, and this DELIVERED. (And also gave me giant crows)

This takes time 20-30 years before The Blacktongue Thief, during the Daughters' Wars, the war that almost wiped out humanity by the hands of the goblins. Called the Daughters' Wars cause there were not enough men left to fight.

To be fair I don't dislike our main character but she's not main character material, and I miss the sense of humour of the main character in Blacktongue Thief, but the drama between the four brothers, the cult-like religions and the whole campaign with their war tactics was so damn good.

This is dark, it's sapphic, it's fun and I want more.

Galva a grizzled veteran of the goblin wars first introduced in The Blacktongue Thief tells her own story of surviving war and the scars it leaves in The Daughers' War.

Told as though Galva Dom Braga was narrating, we learn of her and her siblings war experience. The story begins with Galva at sea, unbloodied, part of an experimental detachment that features magically developed giant corvids trained for war. We will follow her through the key campaign from location to location as her army faces off against multiple goblin armies.

A great earthquake snapped this world, and with that quake old empires fell and the goblins were released as a threat against kynd. Twice before kynd and goblins have waged war, with each war becoming harder as the two sides learn from each other and their losses mount. The goblins make great use of mushroom based chemical warfare and gleefully eat from the fallen or captured kynd. This third war Galva joins is the first without horses that the goblins found a way to poison. Kynd have lost both territory and population as the armies are more and more mixed gender.

Galva and her corvid mates are both to be proven by war. Galva has had a privileged upbringing, trained to war from a young age. Through her journey she seeks to protect her younger brother, a poet assigned to be the aid to a powerful wizard and her two older brothers. The eldest is the worst side of privilege prone to drunkenness and gambling with the next eldest assigned a generalship due to his own brilliance and capability. While ostensibly a story about Galva, it instead a story of how her family unraveled due to the war that was both personal and consequential.

Recommended to readers of epic fantasy, magical combat, and the games of those holding political power or privilege.

In The Daughters' War(hard from Tor) Christopher Buehlman tells how Galva enlisted in the Goblin war to fight with giant warbirds (they don’t fly) who have been magically designed to kill the monstrous enemy. Two of her brothers are both generals in the fight, and a third is apprenticed to a mage. Her high status allows her into some of the events that change the outcome of the war. War is horrible and this war is worse because Goblins consider humans food and are difficult to kill. Not only that but the war is going badly. The horrors of war shape Galva’s personality into the deadly fighter seen in The Blacktongue Thief (paper) .Excellent and hard-to-put-down

After loving every part of Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief, I was over the moon when I heard about this prequel. Similar to his other books, The Daughters' War had fantastic, detailed world-building that made me instantly absorbed into the story. I appreciated learning more backstory to this universe (although it makes me REALLY want a sequel soon), and the brutal, bloody scenes felt intensely cinematic. While it was more of a slow burn, the writer's natural storytelling ability kept me turning the pages. I can't wait for more from this writer!

{Book Review} The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman

The Black Tongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman was one of my favorite fantasy books a few years ago when it came out and I’ve been obsessively checking Goodreads waiting for another book in the series. THE DAUGHTERS’ WAR is a prequel and tells Galva’s story in the war against the goblins. Thank you @torbooks and @macmillan.audio for the review copy!

This world is so morbidly fascinating and I was so interested to read about how the humans eventually overcame the insurmountable threat of the goblins. Their Corvins that are like massive ravens helped the cause in a surprising way. The plot remains brutal, the battles horrific, the familial ties loose yet so strong.

The pacing was slow and this read more like a memoir/war fantasy and it was excellent for that. It wasn’t my expectation of what I wanted the book to be but that’s on me not the book. I wanted an epic fantasy similar to the the first book and that’s not what this is, so temper expectations. I think this is an incredibly well-thought out and well-written book. It’s so great at walking you through when I can only minimally imagine war and battle would be like.

If you love sedately paced, more detailed oriented exposition style fantasy novels, you’ll definitely want to check this out!

Once again Christopher Buehlman knocks it out of the park. Throughout Black Tongue Thief I was always curious of the worlds lore and this fleshed out is just an amazing ride start to finish. Complex characters and consequences.

I haven't read The Blacktongue Thief, so I went into this prequel without any knowledge of it's world, characters, magic and so on.

It was quite an emotional ride for me and I really liked Galva, the MC here. The story is told from her perspective, except for some letters she receives that are shared with the reader.

What I found most intriguing were the Corvids. I love animal companions in fantasy books and these birds are just something else.

The Blacktongue Thief is now on my shelf awaiting to be read and it's thanks to this book.

I liked The Blacktongue Thief a bit better but only because I do enjoy a good scoundrel tale. I don’t think you need to have read the first book to enjoy the prequel but if you’ve read the first one you know to expect this one to be pretty dark, It’s a bad war and humans do survive the war but…. Getting there is grim. Well written interesting characters. I hope for more books in this world!

I was a big fan of The Blacktongue Thief because of Kish as the main character - there was a level of humor that I didn't expect. This book is very different from The Blacktongue Thief which was to be expected.

We follow Galva as she takes part in the Daughters' War as a member of the Corvid unit - this book was very dark - there was a lot of death but Christopher Buehlman did a fantastic job of describing the various battles and horrible conditions this army was dealing with.

Galva is such an amazing character and I loved the relationship she had with her lanza, her corvids and some of her brothers. I also enjoyed how there was a little side story of romance that helped explain some of her motivations in The Blacktongue Thief.

I did however miss the humor in this book - everything was very serious and there were very few lighthearted moments. I will however read however many other books will be in this series because I love this world and the characters (those who are still left)

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/06/24/the-daughters-war-by-christopher-buehlman-blacktongue-0-review/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Oh My Giddy Aunt! Yes. 

Well, for a book that I didn’t even want to read in the first place, this has knocked my socks off. Yes, I’m not a lover of prequels. I just don’t get the point, it all feels like it’s simply leading to events that you’re already aware of. And, I admit, a feeling of being slightly miffed, cheated even, having sat anxiously waiting for the next instalment of the Blacktongue series to pop up on my screen, for it to eventually be in the offing only to discover it was a prequel. What?  Are you kidding me? So, at that point I’m not even sure why I requested this one. If steam could actually come out of a person’s ears then I’d be sat steaming.  Anyway, thank goodness I did request this because I can now admit I’m wrong and Buehlman is right. Prequels are the new black. This one is at least. 

I loved this book. The writing is superb. The main character is now the love of my reading life, my emotions are all over the place and I’m not even ashamed to confess that I went from laughing to crying within a few paragraphs. Who even am I?

I’m not going to talk of the story. Just read the book. Instead, my emotions and what worked for me. 

In a nutshell, everything. 

To be more specific. 

Galva dom Braga. I love her. She’s so brutally honest. You feel all her loves and fears and it’s almost addictive. I love the way she tells her story with such raw emotion. I mentioned I went from laughing in one moment to crying in the next. I mean that literally happened. And then I was furious and wanted revenge just like she did.  I’m undone. 

The Corvids. I loved them (where is all this love coming from right now, it's outrageous?). Rushing into the fray screaming and terrifying the goblins. Such battle scenes. Yes, this is all about the war. There’s an almost hopelessness to everything. The goblins are so many and so brutal. It’s humanity’s last stand and the despair is off the charts. Not to mention the blood and viscera. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a light and airy read where the battles take place off page in fact check out the cover, washed in bloody red with a mountain of slain bodies for your first clue in that direction. This is Grimdark with a capital ‘G’. 

The goblins. No of course I didn’t love them. But also, I did. I mean, what a fantastic enemy. You can really hate these goblins with a passion. No cookie cutout meanies here. This is an enemy with intent and with the means to carry out that intent. 

The writing is so good. These grimdark reads can be hard going but Buehlman has a way of sucking you in and almost making you forget about the bloody violence. His writing is a pleasure to read and he manages to switch POVs with ease, dropping in journal entries and letters, even including songs and poems that gave the story a layered feel and usually gave you a moment of respite. 

In conclusion. What a turn around. I picked this up somewhat begrudgingly and within a few short pages had completely fallen under its spell. 

And now I want to read the Blacktongue Thief again.   Did I mention I loved this already?  Okay then. 

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion. 

My rating 5 of 5 gripping stars