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Someone's Daughter: Will To Survive
Abandoned by their beloved King and left in the hands of a brutal tyrant - lies, fear, and starvation cause the people of Welexia to splinter and turn on each other. It is every person for themselves.
Thirteen is too young to shoulder heavy responsibilities, but this is Princess Alaria of Welexia's fate. Brave decisions must be made or her family members will continue to die slow, agonizing deaths.
Will Alaria’s sacrifice make a difference?
Will the kingdom of Welexia survive?
This book has mature situations and themes which may be considered triggers for some. Reader discretion is advised.
Thirteen is too young to shoulder heavy responsibilities, but this is Princess Alaria of Welexia's fate. Brave decisions must be made or her family members will continue to die slow, agonizing deaths.
Will Alaria’s sacrifice make a difference?
Will the kingdom of Welexia survive?
This book has mature situations and themes which may be considered triggers for some. Reader discretion is advised.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2022
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2023
I listened to this book on Audible. The narrator did an excellent job of making the characters come alive. With that said, this book gave me a lot of feelings as a woman. This is a story about women's plight in a medieval fantasy setting, which unfortunately still mirrors our current situation. It is challenging to read/listen to the struggles because Shaw painted a clear picture with her prose. This book isn't for the faint of hearts, and the author did warn readers up front. But though, there are a few gruesome scenes, they showcase the women's courage and iron will to survive even better. Bravo to the author for writing such a powerful book. On to book 2.
July 15, 2022
Wow! What an impressive story from this author! It’s not often an authors first published book can be so complex and contain so many well thought storylines. As someone who usually doesn’t stray far from my crime thriller genre this was out of my normal comfort zone but I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in this series.
July 2, 2023
This is not usually the kind of book I read, but I'm very glad I did. Great characters, a grim worldscape and a rip snortin' saga. Definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.
November 15, 2023
Received with gratitude from NetGalley for free in exchange for feedback and an honest review. I read the entire book from start to finish.
This book is somewhere between historical fantasy and non-consent/reluctance erotica. The story is set in an idyllic fictional agrarian kingdom that is quickly poisoned with nasty right-wing rhetoric before a coup plunges the country into a dystopian police state. The new king reintroduces anti-humanist policies that explicitly benefit the rich and uses populist rhetoric and underhanded tactics to gain support from rural communities. He creates a world where women are pressed into sexual slavery for advancement or even to survive (thus the “will to survive” tagline!) but many die when they try to fight back or when they attempt to free themselves.
While I think I might have enjoyed the story of it were more erotica, or more fantasy and less explicit sexual descriptions, I felt that where it landed missed the mark on both. I would have wanted more sex for Erotica. I would have wanted more worldbuilding and character building for fantasy. However my biggest struggle by far was the quality of the writing.
The beginning of this book was not strong and I didn’t feel much of a hook. From the beginning, the writing is very tell-not-showy, to the point where most of the prose and even character dialogue is exposition. People are good (and usually victims) or bad (usually perpetrators) and things are overly simple and occasionally feel out of place. I also find that I struggled with the inconsistencies within the characters themselves which made it challenging to enjoy the story or even to want to continue.
Here is an example of a character I struggled to understand and therefore care about or believe in. The good king is naive and has only 1 advisor! That advisor was a childhood friend! That advisor protected him from being beaten up (what??) by the local bullies! That friend doesn’t try to rescue the king but rides out and spends 4 years “blending in” so that he can rescue the king (but gathers no allies, raises no money, practices no swordplay, doesn’t attempt to help the king escape, doesn’t gather intel, nor even find out if the king is still alive… I will be honest, with a friend like this, who needs enemies? And what king gets bullied as a kid? And which of those kings only has one friend and advisor? And what advisor feels that spending 4 years as a farmer is the best way to rescue the king? And why does the new king keep him around despite the intrinsic threat? For fun?
Here is what I liked:
- Intentional or not, it’s clearly an allegory for Trump. An idealistic king implements reforms but a right wing populist overthrows him and rolls back reforms on behalf of the rich elite, even though he has a strong (and violent) base in rural areas. After 4 years, the King’s (Obama) right hand man and advisor and close friend (Biden) organizes a rebellion to take the crown back.
- Honestly, the Mildrea-Brothel scenes and interactions were strong and good and I felt the character development there was strong and consistent and the story was better. I’d read a more in depth story about Mildrea.
- There are some real flashes of poetic brilliance from the author, consistent enough that I know there is real talent in there. Between exposition, there occasional lovely phrases like this:
“Farnsley was walking the valley between boyhood and manhood, and truth be told, he found it all a bit frightening.” Or about the two younger sisters in jail, “…they whimpered and cowered like frightened puppies.”
I will also say that the scene that the title is taken from (who is it?/somebody’s daughter) was quite poignant, and sad, and beautiful in a tragic sort of way. It was one of the only times that I felt *I* as the reader felt something rather than being told outright what the author wanted me to feel.
In summary, I see a ton of potential here but struggled to get invested in the book from page one. With an excellent editor, and more focus and consistency in character development and plotting, it could be a very solid debut effort. However as it stands, I can not recommend the novel in its current form.
This book is somewhere between historical fantasy and non-consent/reluctance erotica. The story is set in an idyllic fictional agrarian kingdom that is quickly poisoned with nasty right-wing rhetoric before a coup plunges the country into a dystopian police state. The new king reintroduces anti-humanist policies that explicitly benefit the rich and uses populist rhetoric and underhanded tactics to gain support from rural communities. He creates a world where women are pressed into sexual slavery for advancement or even to survive (thus the “will to survive” tagline!) but many die when they try to fight back or when they attempt to free themselves.
While I think I might have enjoyed the story of it were more erotica, or more fantasy and less explicit sexual descriptions, I felt that where it landed missed the mark on both. I would have wanted more sex for Erotica. I would have wanted more worldbuilding and character building for fantasy. However my biggest struggle by far was the quality of the writing.
The beginning of this book was not strong and I didn’t feel much of a hook. From the beginning, the writing is very tell-not-showy, to the point where most of the prose and even character dialogue is exposition. People are good (and usually victims) or bad (usually perpetrators) and things are overly simple and occasionally feel out of place. I also find that I struggled with the inconsistencies within the characters themselves which made it challenging to enjoy the story or even to want to continue.
Here is an example of a character I struggled to understand and therefore care about or believe in. The good king is naive and has only 1 advisor! That advisor was a childhood friend! That advisor protected him from being beaten up (what??) by the local bullies! That friend doesn’t try to rescue the king but rides out and spends 4 years “blending in” so that he can rescue the king (but gathers no allies, raises no money, practices no swordplay, doesn’t attempt to help the king escape, doesn’t gather intel, nor even find out if the king is still alive… I will be honest, with a friend like this, who needs enemies? And what king gets bullied as a kid? And which of those kings only has one friend and advisor? And what advisor feels that spending 4 years as a farmer is the best way to rescue the king? And why does the new king keep him around despite the intrinsic threat? For fun?
Here is what I liked:
- Intentional or not, it’s clearly an allegory for Trump. An idealistic king implements reforms but a right wing populist overthrows him and rolls back reforms on behalf of the rich elite, even though he has a strong (and violent) base in rural areas. After 4 years, the King’s (Obama) right hand man and advisor and close friend (Biden) organizes a rebellion to take the crown back.
- Honestly, the Mildrea-Brothel scenes and interactions were strong and good and I felt the character development there was strong and consistent and the story was better. I’d read a more in depth story about Mildrea.
- There are some real flashes of poetic brilliance from the author, consistent enough that I know there is real talent in there. Between exposition, there occasional lovely phrases like this:
“Farnsley was walking the valley between boyhood and manhood, and truth be told, he found it all a bit frightening.” Or about the two younger sisters in jail, “…they whimpered and cowered like frightened puppies.”
I will also say that the scene that the title is taken from (who is it?/somebody’s daughter) was quite poignant, and sad, and beautiful in a tragic sort of way. It was one of the only times that I felt *I* as the reader felt something rather than being told outright what the author wanted me to feel.
In summary, I see a ton of potential here but struggled to get invested in the book from page one. With an excellent editor, and more focus and consistency in character development and plotting, it could be a very solid debut effort. However as it stands, I can not recommend the novel in its current form.
November 7, 2023
Yes, there were trigger warnings. I still did not expect things to be written in such graphic description. However, the author proved they were not afraid to face such difficult issues and did so with courage and candor. This book was outside what I normally like to read, but I did enjoy reading it. I realized this book is the first in a series. I wouldn't put the other books high on my TBR list, but I wouldn't not read them when I have the time.
October 30, 2023
The title and the book jacket promised much as did the opening which was punchy and left readers wanting to know what would happen next. While I wanted the characters to escape the terrible situations in which they found themselves I did not empathise with any of them because of the lack of nuance - mainly, I think, because ultimately this wasn't my kind of book rather than anything to do with the writer who kept up the action throughout the book and whose gritty account of life at the sharp end didn't pull any punches. Survival of the most determined - weakness pays a terrible price. Lots of life lessons as well as a recognition, that for women, society can be particularly cruel.
January 31, 2023
historical woman’s fiction
Not my usual genre to read but a good book- well written and full of unexpected twists and turns. Enjoy.
Not my usual genre to read but a good book- well written and full of unexpected twists and turns. Enjoy.
July 15, 2022
Good and wise King Oshinor is overthrown and imprisoned by a corrupt noble, the Earl of Newark, and the kingdom of Welexia is turned completely upside down.
Meanwhile, a naive, young peasant girl, Mildrea, goes to the capital in hopes of finding a better life as a royal servant in the castle. Tragically, she is taken in by Creavy, Newark’s sadistically evil henchman, and finds herself a sex slave in a dungeon full of many such victims.
Rhys Shaw’s powerful novel is a tale of violence against women set in a medieval fantasy world resembling a twisted fairy tale out of 14th Century Europe. Please don’t ignore the trigger warnings: the graphic descriptions of sexual violence are all the more shocking for the way they are couched in a sort of morality play or parable of good versus evil. But this doesn’t diminish the importance of highlighting the crime of human trafficking that is too often swept under the rug in our society. Kudos to Ms. Shaw for being unafraid to face such difficult issues with courage and candor.
In my opinion, the novel could have benefited from a single protagonist we could identify with and root for to carry the narrative from beginning to end, rather than hopping around from one character’s story to another. That said, “Someone’s Daughter” is a timely and passionate plea for justice in a world where for every Rotherham and Telford there are doubtless hundreds or thousands of cases we never even hear about.
Meanwhile, a naive, young peasant girl, Mildrea, goes to the capital in hopes of finding a better life as a royal servant in the castle. Tragically, she is taken in by Creavy, Newark’s sadistically evil henchman, and finds herself a sex slave in a dungeon full of many such victims.
Rhys Shaw’s powerful novel is a tale of violence against women set in a medieval fantasy world resembling a twisted fairy tale out of 14th Century Europe. Please don’t ignore the trigger warnings: the graphic descriptions of sexual violence are all the more shocking for the way they are couched in a sort of morality play or parable of good versus evil. But this doesn’t diminish the importance of highlighting the crime of human trafficking that is too often swept under the rug in our society. Kudos to Ms. Shaw for being unafraid to face such difficult issues with courage and candor.
In my opinion, the novel could have benefited from a single protagonist we could identify with and root for to carry the narrative from beginning to end, rather than hopping around from one character’s story to another. That said, “Someone’s Daughter” is a timely and passionate plea for justice in a world where for every Rotherham and Telford there are doubtless hundreds or thousands of cases we never even hear about.
September 22, 2022
I was gripped from the start by this book. The characters are so compelling that they quickly draw you into their world of Welexia and their struggle to regain their kingdom and their way of life as they face down the brutal leadership that has destroyed their previously peaceful and fair existence. There are graphic scenes of violence, so not for the faint hearted as the author warns. Although the book is set in a mythical kingdom in the 14th century there many parallels with recent political history in the US, especially the division caused by the cruel, heartless and completely immoral King Traitnor. This book is the first in a series and I look forward to reading the next ones.
February 19, 2024
I listened to this on Audible and read the book. Great narrator she added xtra texture to the storytelling and sense of place. It’s a grime world and the first quarter is particularly brutal. ( there is a preface of trigger warnings) I did take a break, and when I returned I found the characters I connected to and look forward to seeing where they go in book 2. Strong female characters and (sadly) a highly relatable political climate-that 20 years ago would have seemed more like fantasy and now, well you decide. I feel this author in her world building is also is holding a mirror up to our society, the good the bad and the ugly.
July 18, 2022
So many emotions!!
I can’t say how much I truly loved this story. It brought up just about every emotion, as I lived through the struggles of the royal family, Rose’s hard life and the hope of Bracknor and Dandy. My heart ached for Thomas and Eleanor, too. And with so many terrible things happening, to see the kind of people - especially the women - rise up and kick ass, it was extremely fulfilling!!
Can’t wait to read more in this series!!
I can’t say how much I truly loved this story. It brought up just about every emotion, as I lived through the struggles of the royal family, Rose’s hard life and the hope of Bracknor and Dandy. My heart ached for Thomas and Eleanor, too. And with so many terrible things happening, to see the kind of people - especially the women - rise up and kick ass, it was extremely fulfilling!!
Can’t wait to read more in this series!!
August 14, 2022
Graphic tale of survival.
Not for young readers. Shaw's fairy tale is far from a bedtime story. A 15th century historical analogy of modern sex trafficking and current political divide, Shaw broached subjects often avoided in polite company.
My only comment is that I would have preferred the message delivered via either more action or conversation instead of lengthy narrative. This is a personal preference, otherwise 5 star. Congratulations Rhys Shaw.
SLF
Not for young readers. Shaw's fairy tale is far from a bedtime story. A 15th century historical analogy of modern sex trafficking and current political divide, Shaw broached subjects often avoided in polite company.
My only comment is that I would have preferred the message delivered via either more action or conversation instead of lengthy narrative. This is a personal preference, otherwise 5 star. Congratulations Rhys Shaw.
SLF
December 8, 2022
I can’t remember the exact date I finished this book as it wasn’t on Goodreads yet, and I just remembered to check if it was here. And it was!! Yay!
I really enjoyed my time with this book and am eager to read the second one. This was a book filled with feisty women and lots of adventure. Can’t wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve.
I really enjoyed my time with this book and am eager to read the second one. This was a book filled with feisty women and lots of adventure. Can’t wait to see what else this author has up their sleeve.
January 17, 2024
A dark story with castles with such harrowing descriptions. This book keeps you wanting to know more. It brings up so many emotions. Do not read if you are faint of heart.
June 8, 2024
This story offers several stories all in one that are woven together into a very satisfying tale of victory. Reading along, you always maintain hope. Each character's voice is as strong as their convictions and, while you know exactly who to root for, the question becomes one of how can they possibly succeed. Omniscient narration allows for an overarching perspective that creates a sense of being guided along several different paths that all lead to one single outcome. You will get a glimpse into more than one character's take on a situation which in my mind is a very fulfilling experience. Be prepared for some gritty, chaotic, real-life hardship set in a kingdom that feels medieval. Though not a real place, Welexia is as convincing as any other historical backdrop from the European Middle Ages. I couldn't wait to read the next book in this series and I am now onto the third! The princess who comes of age in book one is blossoming into her strength.
February 12, 2025
This is a very emotional book. It’s also a deep book that touch on difficult topics or situations. These attributes are some of the forces the drive the book. But for me as the reader… it’s the characters who outshine all that cast its spell across the land. I enjoyed the book, although there are some scenes between young Rose and the old lady that I found that were completely not appropriate. I was surprised to find that I was so excited to be at the edge of my seat. Anxious to know how the royal family will get out of that situation or that diabolical situation. Will Thomas put two and two together. Will Broderick make it in time. How does Welba do it?
And Creavy… Only if I could climb through this book. This book holds so much intensity that you can feel all the emotions in soul through the wording. Until next time my fellow reader. Read on!
And Creavy… Only if I could climb through this book. This book holds so much intensity that you can feel all the emotions in soul through the wording. Until next time my fellow reader. Read on!
November 25, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Social DRM for this eCopy to review
Someone's Daughter is quite graphic most of the time, I struggled with the content. The writing is more for children but the content definitely is not so it is quite difficult to know who the book is aimed at.
The plot is quite simple, and the characters are not particularly well developed seemingly trusting each other and letting strangers live with them despite living in constant fear of the King's brutality and totalitarian reign
Someone's Daughter is quite graphic most of the time, I struggled with the content. The writing is more for children but the content definitely is not so it is quite difficult to know who the book is aimed at.
The plot is quite simple, and the characters are not particularly well developed seemingly trusting each other and letting strangers live with them despite living in constant fear of the King's brutality and totalitarian reign
October 31, 2023
The premise is good, but rather over used. How many princesses lose their kingdoms to greedy usurpers and have to fight to get them back? How many of them have sisters/siblings to protect? The writing needs work too, it felt choppy and rather childish.
June 1, 2024
The first book of this series is a really gritty affair. Shaw pulls no punches in her descriptions of the evils of men. There are some lighter moments for respite but danger is always present. Wonderfully written and perhaps a mirror to our own times?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews