by 
Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney is the first book by the author that I have read and I got attracted towards it because of the eye catching cover and the blurb that promised a strong heroine and plenty of adventure.
This book is not the typical historical romance that I have read so far in my reading career. The story in this book is more about a small kingdom and the problems faced by it when it is attacked by the French soldiers and the king and the heir taken hostage, leaving only a naive princess to pick up the pieces and keep together her kingdom.
Our heroine Athena is like a friend and mentor to Princess Sophia. Born illegitimate and shunned by society, Athena has worked to become the independent, strong warrior woman she is today. Protective of Sophia, she is determined to help her become the ruler the kingdom deserves.
Will Masterson has worked in the British army and is now sent on his last mission to check the situation of Sophia’s kingdom. Attracted to Athena at first glance, I enjoyed watching these two characters develop and work on their feelings for each other. They are both warriors, brave and strong; independent and compassionate. With pasts of their own, both have difficulties they need to address before they get their HEA.
The author beautifully narrates the story of not only Athena and Will but also Sophia and Sam, Will’s friend here to help reconstruct the kingdom. The emotional play is very well developed and I connected with these characters easily.
The scenes and situations are vividly narrated and I could easily visualize everything in my mind.
My only problem with the story is the pace which is just too slow and bored me at times. The descriptions and planning done to reconstruct the damage done to the kingdom take up majority of the story and had me losing interest.
The writing is expressive and I cant find fault with Mary’s writing prowess but the narration could have been more crisp.
All in all, Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney had a promising plot and has great characters but still didnt bind me like I expected. 3 out of 5 to it from me.
I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am so thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
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Amazon IN | Amazon US
