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Red Queen #0.2

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Eine Geschichte aus der Welt der Roten Königin. ---

Hauptmann Farleys Mission ist nicht leicht. Um im Königreich Norta die rote Rebellion vorzubereiten, muss sie sich mit Schmugglern, Gaunern und abtrünnigen Soldaten zusammentun. Und dabei stets die Anweisungen des Oberkommandos befolgen – eigentlich. Doch Farley sieht, was ihre Vorgesetzten nicht erkennen, dass es jemanden gibt, der für die Sache entscheidend sein könnte: Shade Barrow, ein ganz besonderer Roter, und seine Schwester, die Diebin Mare …

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2016

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59473 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Aveyard

37 books74.1k followers
I'm an author/screenwriter who likes books and lists. This site is the nexus of my universe.

I wrote the #1 NYT bestselling series RED QUEEN the #1 NYT bestselling REALM BREAKER trilogy. Next up, my adult fantasy debut, TEMPEST, coming 2026.

The genres I'm into include YA, Fantasy, Historical, Adventure, Apocalyptic - if people are dying, I'm buying.

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5 stars
4,515 (23%)
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3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,266 reviews
Profile Image for ~Calliope~.
248 reviews398 followers
January 31, 2023
"Will you oath yourself to the Scarlet Guard?"
"On one condition."
"The Guard does not bargain."
"This isn't a request to the Guard, but to you."
"And that is?"
"What's your name?"
"My name is Diana....
Are you with us, Shade Barrow?"
"I'm with you, Diana."

"Then we will rise."
"Red as the dawn."



I love Shade!! I love Farley!! I expected so much more.... I gave three stars for three scenes I loved(All the scenes with Shade, of course:P). The other part was so boring! Damn.. I want a book of their story!!
Profile Image for Pearl Angeli.
684 reviews975 followers
January 31, 2016
I thought by reading Steel Scars I would be in for a badass story. Nope.

It was the most boring novella I've read for a YA fantasy book. Farley's character is dull and boring. The only one that made this novella quite interesting is Shade Barrow, but everything is disappointing.

I don't know if I'm the only one who has this problem, but the narrative reports by the Scarlet Guard are too difficult to comprehend. I don't even know what those are all about. They are too technical!

I expected some revelations and actions scenes. There are NONE. :(

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Profile Image for ♥ℂĦℝΪՖƬΪℕÅ.
230 reviews3,958 followers
July 12, 2018
2 Red as the dawn ★'s

“Will you oath yourself to the Scarlet Guard?”
“On one condition.”
“The Guard does not bargain.”
“This isn't a request to the Guard, but to you.”
“And that is?”
"What's your name?”
“My name is Diana...
Are you with us, Shade Barrow?"
“I'm with you, Diana.”
“Then we will rise.”
“Red as the dawn.”


Novellas have never been my thing but I was really hoping this would be as good as Queen Song (o.1) but it wasn't. Anyways, that being said this novella is Farleys POV. Farley has never been a favorite character of mine but it was kinda cool being able to see some earlier operations that lead up to Red Queen. I loved getting to seeing how Farley and Shade met. I've always loved Shade and I wish Victoria Aveyard would have pushed that further. For the most part, I found it to be repetitive and boring. Wish this was Shades POV instead.
Profile Image for Lucie V..
1,213 reviews3,577 followers
July 2, 2024
Well, I am disappointed.

I really liked Shade in the Red Queen series, and Farley grew on me too after a while, so I had HIGH expectations for this book as it focuses on Farley AND Shade is a part of it too, but honestly, I found it boring. I struggled to connect with Farley in this novella, and I would even recommend reading this one after the Red Queen series, because some information about Shade are revealed later in the series as a "plot twist" or "shocking revelation", which will not be shocking at all if you read it in this prequel.

I enjoyed the scenes with Farley and Shade together and I would like to see more of their story, but the rest was just long, and not that relevant. The military messages were interesting at first, but I got annoyed with them pretty quickly, and they seriously must take up a fourth of the novella. I skimmed them near the end.


0.1 Queen Song ⭐⭐⭐.5

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Profile Image for Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora).
1,009 reviews43.7k followers
August 31, 2020
”Belief doesn’t make it easy to take a bullett”.

Vale, pues si el anterior relato se centra en los de sangre plateada y en las reinas de Norta, este se va al extremo contrario y nos muestra las entrañas de la Guardia Escarlata y de aquellos con sangre roja en las venas.

Farley es la protagonista y nos va narrando un poco de las diferentes misiones que cumple para infiltrarse en Norta, obtener información de los países vecinos y mantener a esta gran organización rebelde andando. Si bien este no es mi relato favorito, pues tiene muchísimas comunicaciones en clave que, en mi opinión, entorpecen la lectura, sí hay un elemento que hizo la lectura mucho más llevadera: Shade.

Si han leído la saga saben que Shade es uno de los hermanos de Mare Barrow y que su final fue… desgarrador. Por eso leerlo cuando aún está vivo, cuando todavía no entiende muy bien por qué él, teniendo sangre roja, puede teletransportarse y hacer cosas que en teoría están reservadas a los plateados… bueno, digamos que es una patada al corazón, pero también es espectacular.

En general, creo que es un relato que no aporta mucho al mundo de Red Queen, más allá del ship de Shade con Farley, pero ni eso lo hizo suficientemente entretenido para mí. ¡Además es larguísimo!
Profile Image for Norah Una Sumner.
880 reviews519 followers
January 10, 2016
3.5 stars

description

I'm giving this story 3.5 stars simply because the mission reports were hard to understand (not sure if they were even that necessary) and the first half of the story was a bit boring. But as soon as Shade *collective sigh* entered the story I was hooked. I love the connection he and Farley have and I really enjoyed reading their dialogues.

description

I love Farley. I love Shade. I can not wait to read about them in Glass Sword.
Profile Image for évieane.
135 reviews684 followers
February 14, 2025
ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍✦ .  ⁺   . 3.6- 3.8 ☆ .  ⁺   . ✦
ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers

ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ⋅ ☾ While Steel Scars didn't quite capture me in the same way as its predecessor, I still found it a compelling and worthwhile addition to the Red Queen universe. I appreciate the author's decision to weave these companion novels into the larger narrative. They add such vital depth and context, enriching the story in ways that simply wouldn't be possible within the main series alone. I'm honestly surprised by the negativity surrounding them, as I've found them both fascinating.

ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ “Then we will rise. Red as the dawn.”

ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ⋅ ☾ This particular novel focuses on Farley's journey, tracing her evolution into the formidable captain of the Scarlet Guard. While perhaps not as emotionally resonant as Queen Song, it offers a crucial glimpse into the inner workings of the rebellion.
ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ I was particularly drawn to the snippets of communication between commanders, the strategic planning, and the very pulse of the revolution itself. It's a look behind the curtain, revealing the intricate network of individuals fighting for a cause. And finally, we get to see Shade's story unfold, understanding his path to the Scarlet Guard and the sacrifices he makes. The hints of a connection between Farley and Shade add another layer of intrigue, one I hope to see explored further.

ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ⋅ ☾ I understand why some readers might find Steel Scars less captivating. It's true that the narrative primarily retreads events leading up to the Red Queen, offering context rather than high-octane plot twists. However, this context is invaluable. It illuminates the origins of the Scarlet Guard, their methods, and their struggles. While the pacing occasionally lagged and I found myself skimming through some of the more descriptive passages, the moments of insight and character development kept me engaged. The narrative truly sparked when Shade entered the picture, adding a much-needed emotional core.

ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ⋅ ☾ Steel Scars isn't a book brimming with explosive action or dramatic confrontations. Instead, it's a quieter, more introspective exploration of the rebellion's foundation. It reveals the intricate machinery behind the scenes, the sacrifices, the unwavering belief in a better future.
ㅤ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ If you're looking for a deeper understanding of the Scarlet Guard and their fight, then this novel is a worthwhile read. While not essential to the overall plot, it provides a richness and texture that enhances the entire Red Queen experience. I suspect its significance will only grow as the series continues, making it a valuable piece of the puzzle.
Profile Image for Neil Franz.
1,084 reviews845 followers
January 18, 2016
Farley is a great character but I'm afraid she's boring and one-dimensional in this novella. I am disappointed. She really felt flat and dull for me. Thank the gods, Shade is here because somehow, he lessen my annoyance. If not for him, I will probably gave this novella a 1-star rating.

And don't get me started with the reports thing-y about their missions because fucking hell, it's not engaging at all rather it brings a whole new level of annoyance to me. Oh please, spare me.

Now, I really thought these novellas were unnecessary. I like or even love the main novels but Steel Scars and even Queen Song was not a great addition to the series. If only this book is about Shade.

Rise, Red as the fucking dawn!
Profile Image for Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥.
643 reviews35.3k followers
July 29, 2017
Okay, folks, let’s keep this short and simple!

I’m usually a huge fan of Victoria Aveyard’s books but “Steel Scars” definitely wasn’t my cup of tea. Since it was from Farley’s POV I expected to find out more about how she and Shade met and how they fell in love. Much to my chagrin this unfortunately didn’t happen though and probably is the reason why I was so disappointed in the end. =((((

What I expected:
- The background story about how Farley and Shade met
- Details about them falling in love
- Information about what exactly happened to Farley’s mother and her sister
- More insight about her tense relationship with the Colonel
- More Shade!!!!

What I got:
- The background story about how Farley and Shade met
- Almost no details about them falling in love
- No information about what happened to Farley’s family
- Only her tense relationship with the Colonel but no insight why it actually is that way…
- Too little of Shade!!! His first appearance is in the middle of the novella and after that the Shade scenes still were pretty rare…

I also didn’t like the military messages that always popped up and apparently were supposed to act as the beginning of chapters.
The only interesting parts were those in which Shade made an appearance and the fact that Farley’s codename was LAMB and the Colonel’s RAM. ;-)

Overall the entire military feel made the book kind of boring to read and I’m sorry to say it, but I can’t recommend reading it. Better stick to the “Red Queen” series and “Queen Song”!

Sorry Victoria!!!
Profile Image for Whitney Atkinson.
1,059 reviews13.2k followers
January 2, 2024
this snippet was pretty boring and confusing. a 60 page novella shouldn't take like 2 weeks to read lol

i do like that shade is in this one and you get a little backstory of their whereabouts before the action of red queen, but largely this seemed like extra info that doesn't become relevant in a really confusing format. a swing and a miss.
Profile Image for Sara XuHerondale.
466 reviews59 followers
February 22, 2017
I am so weak. I can't even give it a lower rating because of Shade. I just can't. I love him so freaking much!
Profile Image for Donita.
228 reviews50 followers
February 21, 2016
"We succeed where others can't. We survive. Now I must do the same alone. Now I have to protect others, taking their lives-and deaths-onto my shoulders."

Steel Cars, on the other hand was so boooring I find myself dozing of a lot of times. It actually took me 3 days to finish reading it, a real feat, considering it was just a novella with more or less a 100 pages.

This Novella was from Farley's, The Scarlet Guard Captain's POV. I was really surprised since her character here was so different from the Farley I imagined on The Red Queen. She was only 22 years old and hungry to prove her worth to her commander, I totally thought she was a older than than. She was vulnerable totally different from the Farley from the first book that let the failed rebellion against the Silver and reading her POV was all sorts of boring. There weren't any real action you would expect from the leader of a rebellion! This short novella also left me confused as hell.

I find it funny how Farley and all of her people can infiltrate and walk around the Stilts easily like they are from Norta. I mean, I remember Mare noting Farley as a Foreigner, a Lakelander, at first sight, so how can they walk around the Norta lands without raising any suspicion at all? I thought they were in war with the Lakelanders for the lands- the point of conscription in the first place right? That was the first war before the Scarlet Guard rage their own war against the Silver? For equality?

Then there's all those decoded message from the Scarlet Guard. I won't even pretend to understand them because I didn't and I still don't. I didn't even bother remembering all their code names when they are using their real names all the time.

Obviously, I have way too many issue with this novella to enjoy it. The only reason why it's gotten a 2 star rating from me was because of Shade Barrow. Yes, Mare Barrow charismatic brother and because of Farley and Shade's hinted romance in there that I've never really notice after reading 11 chapters from the Glass Sword (Yes, I've read 8 chapters from the Glass Sword before I decided to read this novella firs. Don't judge me. lol). Remind me again why this novella wasn't about Shade or Maven instead? Oh yeah well, maybe for Girl Power? :|
Profile Image for Azbaqiyah.
985 reviews
November 30, 2017
I don't understand what am I reading!!! Maybe I'll reread it again after I read the Red Queen.
Profile Image for Dez the Bookworm.
554 reviews367 followers
February 23, 2025
A nice one sit read/ listen. I wanted to dive into the Red Queen series and I am a HUGE sucker for novella teasers. I appreciate an authors ability to write a good teaser with some juicy tidbits to blow lead me into the fray.

I can say this is the second novella prequel to the Red Queen and although not as captivating as the first, I am still absolutely intrigued to continue on.

The story is a POV from a soldier on the other side of the fighting coin, the long standing war from the Reds and the Silvers. It pulled me in, wondering where we were going to go in the Red Queen ride.

Not as captivating as the first one I took one star off, but it still left me highly interested where the entire story was going. I’m also a sucker for dystopian stories, so I’m in it for the full novel at least.
Profile Image for Nur Raihan.
133 reviews121 followers
February 4, 2016
2.5 stars

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoyed this novella as much as I enjoyed Queen Song. It just doesn't work for me. It is about the Scarlet Guard and the operations between the Reds and stuffs. I just couldn't connect with it. Now back to rereading Red Queen before continuing to Glass Sword! Hopefully I'll like the story more the 2nd time round :)
Profile Image for Katerina  Kondrenko.
497 reviews1,002 followers
April 5, 2022
6 out of 10

ревью на русском/review in russian

100 pages, nice length for a bonus!

Farley (this is a surname, btw) will tell you how she and her father came to Norta from Lakelands, what it's like to be a part of Scarlet Guard, and how she started to recruit local Reds. We won't know what exactly did Colonel Farley, how his wife and other daughter died, how he and Farley got their scars... I thought we would.

For me, the second 50 pages out of 100 were better and more interesting, 'cause there were Shade, Mare, Stilts, smth familiar and already cherished.

For those who already read Glass Sword this story would have a bittersweet aftertaste. I actually cried at some parts. And you know what? I suggest you to read the series in this order: Red Queen, Queen Song, Glass Sword and only then Steel Scars. Some moments would be more surprising if you will find them out in GS while some would have more depth if you will read them after GS.

All in all, I already liked Farley (after GS), so this bonus hasn't changed anything vital in our relationships. But again, for me and my feelings these 100 pages had such a treasure... not obvious, but a really valuable one.
"My name is Diana."
For once, his smile is rea. No jokes, no mask.
"Are you with us, Shade Barrow?"
"I'm with you, Diana."
"Then we will rise."
His voice joins mine.
"Red as the dawn."

And this was the name)

Red Queen (Алая королева):
Queen Song (Песнь королевы) #0.1/4
Steel Scars (Стальные шрамы) #0.2/4
Red Queen (Алая Королева) #1/4
Glass Sword (Стеклянный меч) #2/4
King's Cage (Королевская клетка) #3/4
War Storm (Шторм войны) #4/4
Broken Throne (Разрушенный трон) #4.5/4
Profile Image for alice.
270 reviews379 followers
August 17, 2017
I just really like Shade OKAY
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,547 reviews1,684 followers
April 3, 2016
Steel Scars is a companion novella to the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. In this second of two novellas to be read between Red Queen and Glass Sword we get a closer look at Farley and the beginnings of the rebellion. Travelling the land recruiting for the rebellion it is shown here her stumbling upon meeting Mare Barrow.

Red Queen is already a series that I found could drag quite a bit when I was reading it but this novella was even worse. Farley just wasn't very interesting at all and the constant reports were rather dull to have over and over again, such a short read to begin with could have done without so many of those. Still nice to get a peek back into the series before picking up Glass Sword.
Profile Image for Yulitza Moncada.
38 reviews107 followers
March 16, 2016
este libro se me hizo un poco aburrido, Farley es un personaje interesante, pero se me hizo un poco plano y no termine emocionada, la historia como tal se me hizo aburrida y plana, Shadow para mi es el que rescata un poco la historia, y el final que te deja un poco feliz porque volvemos a ver a Mara, pero como tal se me hizo un libro que puedes leer para pasar el rato, aparte de que es super corto y te lo vas a leer en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.
Profile Image for Tiago | MrsMargotBlog.
157 reviews28 followers
June 4, 2016
I liked to know a little more about the Farley character, she was a character that I found quite interesting in the Red Queen and it makes sense to know her story and we get to know better her connection with the Mare's brother.
Profile Image for Ashley Lloyd.
Author 12 books124 followers
September 19, 2018
Finding out how Shade and Farley met was awesome! I just wish I had known about this novella before book two. It would have helped give so much more depth to the story!
Profile Image for praiz.
275 reviews61 followers
Want to read
July 31, 2015
YAAYYYY!! A 100 Page Novella of Red Queen ?!
More of Farley the BADASS rebel?! YES PLEASE.

"Farley was raised to be strong, but being tasked with planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected. As she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for her first attempt at an attack on the capital, she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation—Mare Barrow."


description

I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!
Profile Image for Misty.
144 reviews86 followers
February 27, 2016
I'll admit, I didn't particularly like Farley in Red Queen, however, in this novella, told in her point of view... Love Her! I am so glad we got to see so much more of Shade in this; I couldn't wait to read more about him in the sequel coming up! Shade and Farley... sigh!!! I loved the whole setup of this story - the Scarlet Guard is majorly impressive! And Farley's dad - totally saw that from the beginning but is still really cool and will make for some good reading in the sequel!! I absolutely loved the way the Scarlet Guard communicated, and how it was showed in the book - It. Was. Awesome! And again, the last couple of pages ... Holy Crap! Aveyard did that sooo well!!!

SHADE BARROW + DIANA FARLEY!!!

I'm really glad I read this before I read Glass Sword. Now I'm so pumped for it, and back in the story, and excited to read it! I feel like it really adds to the story to read this after Red Queen and before Glass Sword! Like Red Queen, it was amazing and extremely well written and leaves you so excited to read more!
Profile Image for Fatima  Havilliard.
115 reviews35 followers
January 6, 2016
A book with Farley's pov? Yes, please.

I really like Steel Scars, but mostly the second half of the story because I was more connected with the characters you know Shade, Mare, etc.

And it was great can meet the Lakelands, and know more about Farley's past and More of Shade (Now I love him) Seriously Victoria, can you stop creat more perfect man?
Profile Image for Rachida.
48 reviews33 followers
June 27, 2018
This was so incredibly boring!
The only parts I liked were when Farley met Shade and the brief moment she met Mare.
But for the most part it was a struggle to finish..
Profile Image for Jessi.
1,225 reviews42 followers
January 16, 2018
Mehr auf: http://xobooksheaven.wordpress.com/

Inhalt:

Eine Geschichte aus der Welt der Roten Königin. --- Hauptmann Farleys Mission ist nicht leicht. Um im Königreich Norta die rote Rebellion vorzubereiten, muss sie sich mit Schmugglern, Gaunern und abtrünnigen Soldaten zusammentun. Und dabei stets die Anweisungen des Oberkommandos befolgen – eigentlich. Doch Farley sieht, was ihre Vorgesetzten nicht erkennen, dass es jemanden gibt, der für die Sache entscheidend sein könnte: Shade Barrow, ein ganz besonderer Roter, und seine Schwester, die Diebin Mare …
Quelle: carlsen.de

Meinung:

"Da braut sich ein Gewitter zusammen."

Das Cover ist passend zu der anderen Kurzgeschichte, sowie den Bänden der Reihe gestaltet. Es ist in einen roten und einen silbernen Bereich unterteilt, wie auch die Menschen in dem Buch. In der Mitte des Covers sehen wir eine rote, ich meine es ist eine, Sonne, welche für die scharlachrote Garde steht. Somit passt dies perfekt zum Inhalt.

Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist wie immer richtig angenehm zu lesen und auch bei dieser kurzen Geschichte lernt man die Charaktere gut kennen, sodass man sie entweder mag oder eben nicht. Geschrieben ist das Buch aus der allwissenden Erzählperspektive mit Fokus auf Farley. Der Wortschatz und der Satzbau sind den Ereignissen angemessen und tragen dazu bei, dass man einfach in die Geschichte kommt und schnell weiter liest.

Zu Beginn lernt man Farley kennen, die man schon aus den Büchern kennt. Man erfährt mehr über ihr Leben als Hauptmann bei der scharlachroten Garde und wie sie Shade und Mare Barrow gefunden hat.

Nachdem ich "Der Gesang der Königin" beendet hatte, wollte ich auch die zweite Kurzgeschichte aus diesem Universum lesen. Ich bin allerdings kein großer Fan von Farley, war es noch nie, trotzdem hat mir die Geschichte aus ihrer Sicht gut gefallen.

Der Aufbau der Kurzgeschichte ist einfach, es gibt am Anfang von jedem Kapitel, aber auch Zwischendurch, Botschaften, welche zwischen den Hauptmännern und ihren Vorgesetzten hin und her geschickt werden, dadurch erfährt man als Leser von den Befehlen und wie es mit der laufenden Operation weiter geht. Nach diesen Nachrichten verfolgt man wieder das Geschehen rund um Farley und begleitet sie auf ihrer Mission. Farlay widersetzt sich des Öfteren den direkten Befehlen, was sie für mich etwas sympathischer machte, da es oft dämliche Befehle waren.

Ich habe mich gefreut, als Shade aufgetaucht ist, da ich ihn schon immer gern mochte, auch hier ist er ein witziger Charakter, der immer seinen eigenen Kopf durchsetzt. Man erfährt, wie er zu der Garde gekommen ist und das fand ich spannend zu lesen, da es nicht einfach war, ihn zu rekrutieren. Hier hab es schon einige spannende Momente, bei denen es auch mal knapp wurde.

Die Kurzgeschichte endet an der Stelle, wo sie Mare befreien, also dort wo auch der zweite Band der Reihe aufhört. Dies ging alles ziemlich schnell, es wurde schnell geplant und alles schnell durchgeführt, hingegen die Rekrutierung von Shade und das Durchführen der Mission wurden länger und besser beschrieben.

Fazit:

Obwohl ich Farley nicht mag ist die Kurzgeschichte eine schöne Ergänzung zum zweiten Band. Man trifft bekannte Charaktere und erfährt mehr über Farley und ihr Leben in der Garde. Für dieses kurzweilige Lesevergnügen vergebe ich 3 von 5 Sterne.
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