Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

I will be honest, as a kid I was never a fan of Wonder Woman. Before the fabulous Gal Gadot, the different variations of Diana Prince were underwhelming for me. She had so many things going for her but I was really stuck on the cleavage bearing outfit and the invisible plane. Both made me embarrassed on her behalf.

And then Gal Gadot made me believe.

So, when I heard there was a book written about Diana Prince’s early years and experiences (holy origin story, my favorite!) I had to check it out.

Diana is growing up surrounding by battle tested Amazonian sisters. More than anything, she wishes to prove herself. When she saves a mortal she brings peril to her home, her sisters and perhaps the world because the mortal she has saved is Alia Keralis – a Warbringer. Now, Alia and Diana must work together to save both of their worlds.

I loved everything about this book. Clearly, I love a good origin story and Bardugo delivers in spades. Also, I am a fan of any book with a beautiful cast of characters. Alia’s best friend Nim has my heart forever and ever and I rooted for their friend Theo like he belonged to me. Bardugo also mentions a number of myths and stories that I enjoyed long ago and some that I was unfamiliar with but intrigued by all the same that gave the story an unexpected depth.

But the shifting perspectives of Alia and Diana were what made this story really come alive. The seamless flipping back and forth not only gave me insight into Diana’s thoughts and fears but being able to see her through Alia’s eyes made the character so real to me in a way that Wonder Woman never has been before. And, by weaving their narrative perspectives together Bardugo brought me right to the center of the action and I loved every minute of it.

---

Tell me, please!

Are you a Wonder Woman fan? Have you read Warbringer? I’d love to know!

---