I'm not very good with historical fiction, mostly because the historical aspect always evades me, but a-woman-disguised-as-a-man trope always catches my attention. And so here I am, in this historical fiction aisle with Lady Cecily and Christina Kohl.

Set in the early 14th century, "She Serves the Realm" continues the epic saga of Christina Kohl (unfortunetly I havent's read the previous books), a woman navigating the complexities of medieval England while disguised as a man. I requested the ARC on NetGalley with my eyes closed (quite literally) and realized that it was the fourth book in the series only after I got approved. But since I have a strict no DNF policy I decided to give it a try. And look, I have zero regrets about it.

I liked the writing and particularly enjoyed the exploration of Christina's internal conflicts regarding her identity and the constant danger of her true gender being discovered. Overall, it was a good read but I think I would enjoy it more if I read all the previous books first. Which I might do one day!

One day I'll decide who's really to blame for my mistakenly requesting books from series I haven't read. Is it me - too quick to hit that button? Or is it NetGalley, for making it so that I have to actually leave their website and look up a book on another platform to see if a book is or isn't a good starting point?

Anyway...

SHE SERVES THE REALM is the fourth in the No Man Is Her Master series and, not having read the preceding three books, I was more than a bit apprehensive picking it up. Honestly, I decided to give it two or three chapters as a fair shot and most likely DNF.

HOWEVER!

While, I do feel like I'd probably have gotten more from the characters and their relationships if I'd read the previous books (some of the characters felt a little flat, but I was really won over by Christina and Gaveston, so I think I'd have been more compelled by others if they'd had more page time), I had a good time with SHE SERVES THE REALM and was able to enjoy it on it's own merits. Christina in particular is a fascinating character -- a compelling mix of ideals and pragmatism.

Christina faces a series of tasks suitable for a knight/merchant while lets Lee really show off the time-period and world-building. There's castles to be defended, tourney's to experience, witchcraft trials, and international trading all while under orders from King Edward, while hiding her gender, and trying to get back to Cecily. The 'feel' of the time period really came through in both the descriptions of physical landscapes and settings, and in the actions of the characters.

Probably not the best place to start the series, but do-able if you must. For myself, it was an enjoyable read, enough so that I'll probably look up the earlier (and any future) books.

She Serves the Realm is a historical novel set in the early 12th century and is the fourth in the series about Christina Kohl also known as Frederick a female merchant passing as a male and in love with Lady Cecily a married woman.

On Christina return to London after her least travels she founds Cecily's husband is dead and her in disguise as Frederick they are free to marry however they need the kings permission to marry. King Edward uses this to his advantage and puts Christina’s talents to good use by making her a officer of the king and settling her a number tasks.

And that all I'm saying if you want to found out what happens next I recommend you read the book.

I will also say by reading the the first three novels you learn about thier relationship and how Christina because Frederick I would recommend reading these first.

She Serves the Realm is a sweeping historical novel set in the early 12th century that encompasses all of the political, royal and social upheaval of the times.
Although this is the 4th novel in the series, I have read She Serves the Realm as a stand alone novel and found that thanks to such comprehensive writing, I was easily able to pick up the story and become engrossed in the lives of Christina and Cecily. Swanson creates a rich tapestry of characters and events that even the most discerning reader will helplessly become immersed in Christina’s world.

Christina (Frederick) a female merchant passing as a male in such patriarchal times, shines though as an honourable, loyal and determined individual. It’s this strength that causes her to be noticed by the monarch and used to his advantage. With each task the king sets her, Christina becomes more and more enmeshed in the political intrigue surrounding her friend and mentor, the Earl of Cornwall.

Based on true events, Swanson has found a place for Christina’s unorthodox character within actual history that seamlessly integrates the character of the cross dressing merchant. Through the use of the vernacular of the time, Swanson re-creates a world that is true and believable and keeps the reader enthralled.

Highly recommended

This is the fourth book in a series. I haven't read the others but there was enough information in the story that I could follow it easily.
I was impressed by the author's knowledge of the period. I have to say I looked up quite a few words on Google to make sure the author hadn't made them up! There were no made up words. I have to confess some of the words were unknown to me (although they could be guessed from the context) but were apposite for the time period. It is not a period in history I have ever had a great interest in but I learned a lot about it from this story. I also was captured by the story and enjoyed reading it very much.