REVIEW: Joan (Katherine J Chen)

Book: Joan

Author: Katherine J. Chen

Premise: Girl. Warrior. Heretic. Saint? France is mired in a losing war against England. Joan has survived a childhood steeped in both joy and violence to claim an extraordinary position at the head of the French army. The battlefield and the royal court are full of dangers and Joan finds herself under suspicion from all sides - as well as under threat from her own ambition.

[TW: domestic abuse, animal cruelty, rape]

I must admit, I didn't know much about Joan of Arc other than her leading the French army and then being burnt at the stake by the English. This story covers her childhood, her rise to the leader of the army and then her decline, ending with her capture. I loved Joan's fiery yet flawed character. There's also a strong feminist theme throughout and Joan is there to remind you of the real people who's lives are being affected by the warring gentry.

An interesting and captivating read.