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Daughter of Lithuania
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of its greatest strengths is its linear structure. Contemporary historical fiction often jumps back and forth through time, but here the chronological approach feels exactly right. It gives the story clarity while allowing the emotional stakes to build naturally through Sophia's eyes. As I became more invested in her journey, the narrative became increasingly compelling. It also provides helpful grounding in a world where many of the names and places may be unfamiliar to English-language readers.
Sophia herself is a wonderful protagonist because she is allowed to be imperfect. She can be entitled, stubborn, and prone to childish tantrums—but that is precisely what makes her believable. Rather than diminishing my sympathy for her, these flaws made her feel like a real child growing up in circumstances she could never control. Watching her mature while her future remains so uncertain makes this a genuinely moving coming-of-age story, and the ending—with her engagement and the brief glimpse of what lies ahead—felt both poignant and powerful.
I also loved how naturally the novel weaves together different cultures through language, religion, customs, and place. Nothing feels included simply for effect; instead, the world feels lived in and historically authentic. I especially appreciated the decision to retain the original place names while providing helpful notes at the end. Likewise, the characters' different names, faiths, and backgrounds are presented as an ordinary part of everyday life rather than being over-explained, which adds greatly to the novel's sense of authenticity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and ended up giving it 5 stars.
The writing itself is elegant and restrained, becoming lyrical exactly when it needs to. Small touches stayed with me long after I finished reading. The reference to runes, for example, felt like a subtle but delightful nod to one strand of Sophia's heritage. I also admired the understated way the novel portrays the human cost of dynastic conflict. The recurring chess imagery became especially meaningful to me: Sophia's two brothers and their fates immediately brought chess pieces to mind. It is a quietly effective metaphor that enriches the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Overall, this is a beautifully crafted historical coming-of-age novel with an authentic sense of place, an engaging and imperfect heroine, and a story that trusts its readers. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction.
Sophia herself is a wonderful protagonist because she is allowed to be imperfect. She can be entitled, stubborn, and prone to childish tantrums—but that is precisely what makes her believable. Rather than diminishing my sympathy for her, these flaws made her feel like a real child growing up in circumstances she could never control. Watching her mature while her future remains so uncertain makes this a genuinely moving coming-of-age story, and the ending—with her engagement and the brief glimpse of what lies ahead—felt both poignant and powerful.
I also loved how naturally the novel weaves together different cultures through language, religion, customs, and place. Nothing feels included simply for effect; instead, the world feels lived in and historically authentic. I especially appreciated the decision to retain the original place names while providing helpful notes at the end. Likewise, the characters' different names, faiths, and backgrounds are presented as an ordinary part of everyday life rather than being over-explained, which adds greatly to the novel's sense of authenticity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and ended up giving it 5 stars.
The writing itself is elegant and restrained, becoming lyrical exactly when it needs to. Small touches stayed with me long after I finished reading. The reference to runes, for example, felt like a subtle but delightful nod to one strand of Sophia's heritage. I also admired the understated way the novel portrays the human cost of dynastic conflict. The recurring chess imagery became especially meaningful to me: Sophia's two brothers and their fates immediately brought chess pieces to mind. It is a quietly effective metaphor that enriches the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Overall, this is a beautifully crafted historical coming-of-age novel with an authentic sense of place, an engaging and imperfect heroine, and a story that trusts its readers. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction.
August 9, 2026
I am always excited to read novels set in medieval Eastern Europe. There are only few of them in the English language, so this new book makes an important contribution to the relatively short list.
Greatly enjoyable, it showcases the author’s extensive research in late 14th century Lithuania and Poland. Through the eyes of an adolescent Lithuanian princess, we follow the rivalry between royal cousins Vytautas and Jagiello, learn about the influence of the Teutonic Knights on the area, get a glimpse into the private life of the saintly Queen Jadwiga of Poland, but also experience the harsh reality of life of both the high nobility and the lower classes.
Despite her young age and the privileges of her status, the heroine, Sophia, is down-to-earth; observant, shrewd, talented and learning to control her emotions, she is an admirable character. I can’t wait to find out how she will develop further when she grows up and wields real power.
Out of the other characters, her father Duke Vytautas is the one who most stood out to me. Sophia’s love and admiration for him permeates through the narrative; but if we look beyond that, his actions in the novel present him as a skilled yet compassionate leader, who endures with saintly patience the wrongs committed against him and his close family.
The rest of the characters have their own merits and flaws, each standing out in their own way in the narrative.
The atmosphere, locations, traditions, the spiritual conflict between Christian and pagan beliefs, and everyday life are portrayed equally skilfully and true to the era.
Highly recommended for those who love historical detail and authenticity, but also enjoy a glimpse into a fascinating era.
Greatly enjoyable, it showcases the author’s extensive research in late 14th century Lithuania and Poland. Through the eyes of an adolescent Lithuanian princess, we follow the rivalry between royal cousins Vytautas and Jagiello, learn about the influence of the Teutonic Knights on the area, get a glimpse into the private life of the saintly Queen Jadwiga of Poland, but also experience the harsh reality of life of both the high nobility and the lower classes.
Despite her young age and the privileges of her status, the heroine, Sophia, is down-to-earth; observant, shrewd, talented and learning to control her emotions, she is an admirable character. I can’t wait to find out how she will develop further when she grows up and wields real power.
Out of the other characters, her father Duke Vytautas is the one who most stood out to me. Sophia’s love and admiration for him permeates through the narrative; but if we look beyond that, his actions in the novel present him as a skilled yet compassionate leader, who endures with saintly patience the wrongs committed against him and his close family.
The rest of the characters have their own merits and flaws, each standing out in their own way in the narrative.
The atmosphere, locations, traditions, the spiritual conflict between Christian and pagan beliefs, and everyday life are portrayed equally skilfully and true to the era.
Highly recommended for those who love historical detail and authenticity, but also enjoy a glimpse into a fascinating era.
August 9, 2026
A true gem of the historical fiction genre. Engels's world of medieval Lithuania and its surrounding territories is fascinating and rich with detail. The book weaves vignettes of history beautifully with the tale of a young princess's coming of age. You will learn so much about the culture and history of this region while being drawn into an engaging and often suspenseful bildungsroman.
Sophia is just a kid when the story begins, but the stakes of the world she lives in are incredibly high, and what is so compelling about the novel's main character is how she pays attention to the political dangers that surround her family. It makes her survival feel earned and helps the reader understand how feudal systems and tenuous alliances work in this time.
The characters manage to remain authentically grim for the medieval setting while still making the reader crack a smile with their off-color humor. I legit laughed aloud at several moments while reading this. Sophia herself is delightfully funny, but her mother's bluntness with her father often steals the show and leaves you in stitches.
The story has a great deal to offer to fans of a multitude of genres. If you like romance, you will love the sparks flying between Sophia and Alexander. If you like fantasy, you will love how the pagan roots of Sophia's community haunts the predominant orthodox Christian faith. This book is filled with adventure, political intrigue, suspense, romance, and women executing soft power to maintain and grow alliances. Do yourself a favor and read it yourself.
Sophia is just a kid when the story begins, but the stakes of the world she lives in are incredibly high, and what is so compelling about the novel's main character is how she pays attention to the political dangers that surround her family. It makes her survival feel earned and helps the reader understand how feudal systems and tenuous alliances work in this time.
The characters manage to remain authentically grim for the medieval setting while still making the reader crack a smile with their off-color humor. I legit laughed aloud at several moments while reading this. Sophia herself is delightfully funny, but her mother's bluntness with her father often steals the show and leaves you in stitches.
The story has a great deal to offer to fans of a multitude of genres. If you like romance, you will love the sparks flying between Sophia and Alexander. If you like fantasy, you will love how the pagan roots of Sophia's community haunts the predominant orthodox Christian faith. This book is filled with adventure, political intrigue, suspense, romance, and women executing soft power to maintain and grow alliances. Do yourself a favor and read it yourself.
July 30, 2026
Incredibly good. I loved it. I'll confess I had my doubts in the prologue, but the story really sucks you in. The characters are relatable and true to their period.
I also read the author's first book and I have to say, she's getting better with each one. I can't wait for the sequel already!
I also read the author's first book and I have to say, she's getting better with each one. I can't wait for the sequel already!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews