darien’s Reviews > The Land Beyond the Sea > Status Update

Maria and Balian <3. The way I can compare this book’s execution or similar themes to War and Peace by Tolstoy but in my opinion, Penman does it better lol. I found my Tolstoy. No. I found my Penman!

I’m reading this one so slowly but it’s so joyful doing it that way… I didn’t even know Penman was also good at describing battles 😂… Now I see why George R. R. Martin may had her as one of his favorite authors 😂

I’m loving this so far. I didn’t expect to be so hooked with a historical fiction of this length 😂. Penman, you have all of my respect as for now

My first impressions of this author: Really accessible for a historical fiction of this dimension. Loves doing research and putting it in her books that doesn’t come off as info-dumpy or rubbing it on your face that she *actually* did research (R. F. Kuang, take notes). I’m also surprised at the praise for Muslim culture and the respect for it. So far, it has my approval.