I have to admit, this was a hard book to read as a woman because of the sheer violence and attitudes towards women in this book even if it was part of the culture/history of a certain age. Thankfully the main female character is portrayed to be strong, independent and with a high sense of self-esteem so there was some ‘balance’ to the vehement antagonistic attitudes that permeated the story line. She had to be strong because she was ferociously beaten up multiple times and would not have survived such ravage violence otherwise. At least the author did a poignant job in allowing the character to talk about the sense of violation a woman would feel at being damaged this way and unable to get help simply because she’s a woman.

The author did a great job in character development and creation because I very much was made to hate the bad guys, want to root for the good guys and I could feel what was being done to Natalie as if I was there including being proud when she picked herself up to fight back.

The scenes were detailed so I could get a sense of what our characters were seeing, touching and hearing. The plot line was well thought out and realistic, too realistic at times according to the tears falling down my face for Natalie.
I thought the treasure hunt part was interesting as they sought out clues along a quest so you get to explore more of the world Evert created.

I can’t blame the author for using a piece of history that actually occurred, and still does even in 2017 in some parts of the world. It doesn’t make it any easier knowing he didn’t make this stuff up for his book but the fact he got me so emotional over fictional characters is a testament to his writing skill.

Knowing this is a first in the series has me curious what more will come if only to see how far Natalie can go in a world decidedly against her gender. What I did appreciate is that as much as the author laid the groundwork for a story that says women are less than second class citizens he still created a character to shatter those stereotypes and find a place in this world where she can succeed on her terms.