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Daughters of Victory
From the acclaimed author of The Last Checkmate comes a brilliant novel spanning from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union and following two unforgettable women…their fates intertwined by ties of family and interrupted by the tragedy of war. Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Pam Jenoff, and Elena Gerokhova.
Russia 1917: Beautiful, educated Svetlana Petrova defied her stifling aristocratic family to join a revolution promising freedom. Now, released after years of imprisonment, she discovers her socialist party vying for power against the dictatorial Bolsheviks and her beloved uncle, a champion of her cause, was murdered by a mysterious assassin named Orlova. Her signature? Blinding her victims before she kills them. Svetlana resolves to avenge his death by destroying this vicious opponent, even as she longs to reunite with the daughter she has not seen in years.
USSR 1941: Now living in obscurity in a remote village, Svetlana opens her home to Mila Rozovskaya, the eighteen-year-old granddaughter from Leningrad she has never met. She hopes to protect Mila from the oncoming Nazi invasion, but when the enemy occupies the village, Svetlana sees the young woman fall under the spell of the resistance—echoing her once-passionate idealism. As Mila takes up her fight, dangerous secrets and old enemies soon threaten all Svetlana holds dear. To protect her family, she must confront her long-buried past—yet if the truth emerges victorious, it holds the power to save or shatter them. A risk Svetlana has no choice but to take.
Russia 1917: Beautiful, educated Svetlana Petrova defied her stifling aristocratic family to join a revolution promising freedom. Now, released after years of imprisonment, she discovers her socialist party vying for power against the dictatorial Bolsheviks and her beloved uncle, a champion of her cause, was murdered by a mysterious assassin named Orlova. Her signature? Blinding her victims before she kills them. Svetlana resolves to avenge his death by destroying this vicious opponent, even as she longs to reunite with the daughter she has not seen in years.
USSR 1941: Now living in obscurity in a remote village, Svetlana opens her home to Mila Rozovskaya, the eighteen-year-old granddaughter from Leningrad she has never met. She hopes to protect Mila from the oncoming Nazi invasion, but when the enemy occupies the village, Svetlana sees the young woman fall under the spell of the resistance—echoing her once-passionate idealism. As Mila takes up her fight, dangerous secrets and old enemies soon threaten all Svetlana holds dear. To protect her family, she must confront her long-buried past—yet if the truth emerges victorious, it holds the power to save or shatter them. A risk Svetlana has no choice but to take.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2023
102 people are currently reading
15945 people want to read
About the author
Gabriella Saab
5 books453 followersGabriella Saab is an acclaimed author of historical fiction. Her first two novels, The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory, have been published in multiple languages and various countries. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing and lives in her hometown in Alabama. Connect with her online at gabriellasaab.com; Instagram: @gabriellasaab_; Facebook: @GabriellaSaabAuthor; X: @GabriellaSaab_
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 15, 2023
Writing a novel always comes with pressure and challenges, but the sophomore novel is unique in that it is the novel following an author's debut and, often, the author is experiencing many of these new career challenges for the first time. It is a season of many exciting yet daunting firsts. This book, like the characters and story you will discover in its pages, was difficult, emotional, complicated, and exciting for me - new history to explore, new characters to discover, new firsts to experience. Without my incredible support system offering me their advice, insight, and encouragement, I'm not sure I would have made it through. But here we are! And, as always, I would not be here without you, the readers. Thank you for everything, and I hope this book takes you on as thrilling of a journey as it did me!
A special thank you to my absolutely incredible audiobook narrators Yelena Shmulenson and Jennifer Jill Araya, who gave voice to Svetlana's point of view and Mila's point of view, respectively. Yelena narrates with an intrinsic cultural knowledge that can't be taught but can certainly be felt, while Jennifer captures layers of depth, honesty, and emotion with ease and expertise. As a fan of both these women and their work, it was an absolute honor to have them breathe life into my words.
A special thank you to my absolutely incredible audiobook narrators Yelena Shmulenson and Jennifer Jill Araya, who gave voice to Svetlana's point of view and Mila's point of view, respectively. Yelena narrates with an intrinsic cultural knowledge that can't be taught but can certainly be felt, while Jennifer captures layers of depth, honesty, and emotion with ease and expertise. As a fan of both these women and their work, it was an absolute honor to have them breathe life into my words.
February 19, 2023
Книгата започна изненадващо добре, с две революционерки, освободени от каторга през бурната 1917 г. в Русия. И двете са идеалистки, вярващи в убедителната сила на терора. Първата им задача е да се свържат отново с другарите си, с които са били разделени през 1906 г., и са останали много недоизречени неща.
Оттам нататък сюжетът се сгромоляса главоломно и ужасяващо в евтина сензационност и липсата на какъвто и да е исторически и житейски реализъм.
Не може една партия или военни крило да се състои от трима човека, заети с личните си мелодрами в стил
YA. Просто е изключено, организация все пак е имало. Не може тези еднички трима човека да нямат никаква идея освен, че буржосзията е лоша. Това, разбира се, е било фундаментално за тях. Но освен това е имало безброй идейни дискусии, горещи теми, организационни проблеми, битки между болшевики, меншевики, монархисти, либерали и какви ли не още участници в драмата на 1917 г. Тук няма нищо от това! Nada! Решенията на тези цели трима герои са лишени от елементарна логика! Абсолютно на никой индивид не би му хрумнало да извърши което и да е от описаните действия!
Ако 1917 г. е зле, то 1941 г., когато се развива втората сюжетна линия, е абсолютно фантасмагорична и изсмукана от нищото. Никой, повтарям - никой! - руснак не би действал/говорил/мислил което и да е от ужасно нелепите случки в сюжета там. Уикипедия не стига, авторката би трябвало да прочете малко истински мемоари (и то руски) от епохата, защото липсата на елементарно познаване на фона и руската действителност е ужасяващо в невежеството си. Действие почти няма, логика липсва, всички сякаш са обзети от колективна невменяемост, и говорят с реплики от дигиталния 21 век. Ами не, не става така.
До края все пак си мислех, че поне 2 звезди ще дам, но не предвидих опита за финален обрат. И се смях с глас. Е, не, честно ли? НКВД да постъпи така?! Абсурд!
Явно и тук сензационността е единствения търсен ефект, а добрата история остава за някой следващ прочит.
Оттам нататък сюжетът се сгромоляса главоломно и ужасяващо в евтина сензационност и липсата на какъвто и да е исторически и житейски реализъм.
Не може една партия или военни крило да се състои от трима човека, заети с личните си мелодрами в стил
YA. Просто е изключено, организация все пак е имало. Не може тези еднички трима човека да нямат никаква идея освен, че буржосзията е лоша. Това, разбира се, е било фундаментално за тях. Но освен това е имало безброй идейни дискусии, горещи теми, организационни проблеми, битки между болшевики, меншевики, монархисти, либерали и какви ли не още участници в драмата на 1917 г. Тук няма нищо от това! Nada! Решенията на тези цели трима герои са лишени от елементарна логика! Абсолютно на никой индивид не би му хрумнало да извърши което и да е от описаните действия!
Ако 1917 г. е зле, то 1941 г., когато се развива втората сюжетна линия, е абсолютно фантасмагорична и изсмукана от нищото. Никой, повтарям - никой! - руснак не би действал/говорил/мислил което и да е от ужасно нелепите случки в сюжета там. Уикипедия не стига, авторката би трябвало да прочете малко истински мемоари (и то руски) от епохата, защото липсата на елементарно познаване на фона и руската действителност е ужасяващо в невежеството си. Действие почти няма, логика липсва, всички сякаш са обзети от колективна невменяемост, и говорят с реплики от дигиталния 21 век. Ами не, не става така.
До края все пак си мислех, че поне 2 звезди ще дам, но не предвидих опита за финален обрат. И се смях с глас. Е, не, честно ли? НКВД да постъпи така?! Абсурд!
Явно и тук сензационността е единствения търсен ефект, а добрата история остава за някой следващ прочит.
October 17, 2022
Gabriella Saab does not disappoint with Daughters of Victory, which is as meticulously researched and spectacularly written as The Last Checkmate. This is a bold, ambitious novel that is also deeply intimate and emotional, with rich historical settings, gripping suspense, and flawed but impressive characters. I was blown away by this complex, engrossing read.
December 19, 2022
Daughters of Victory by Gabriella Saab is a fantastic dual timeline historical fiction that blends two periods of upheaval within Russia during the 20th century. Fascinating!
This book has it all: mystery, suspense, intrigue, passion, action, history, and a gripping dual timeline that is woven together in a jam-packed narrative that kept me coming back for more.
I am a huge fan of Russian history, so obviously I wanted to read a book that intertwined the Russian revolutions of 1917-1918 and the country’s involvement during WWII. I do have to say that I learned a lot more about the Socialist Revolutionary Party and how they played a part within the earlier part of the century.
I loved how the author took two different women during two different time periods and brought it all together. I won’t give away anymore details about the stories of Mila and Svetlana, because it is just too fabulous to potentially spoil for others.
Please trust me when I say that this is an excellent book…and so worth it.
The author’s note at the end, which needs to be read after finishing the book, really adds so much historical framework to the text…just excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/24/23.
This book has it all: mystery, suspense, intrigue, passion, action, history, and a gripping dual timeline that is woven together in a jam-packed narrative that kept me coming back for more.
I am a huge fan of Russian history, so obviously I wanted to read a book that intertwined the Russian revolutions of 1917-1918 and the country’s involvement during WWII. I do have to say that I learned a lot more about the Socialist Revolutionary Party and how they played a part within the earlier part of the century.
I loved how the author took two different women during two different time periods and brought it all together. I won’t give away anymore details about the stories of Mila and Svetlana, because it is just too fabulous to potentially spoil for others.
Please trust me when I say that this is an excellent book…and so worth it.
The author’s note at the end, which needs to be read after finishing the book, really adds so much historical framework to the text…just excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/24/23.
January 27, 2023
An incredibly heavy read. Told in two brutal time frames: the Russian Revolution and WWII, Daughters of Victory is based on real people.
A young Svetlana feels the fire of revolution but it exacts a hefty toll of her. Mila has that same fiery spirit as her grandmother but knows almost nothing of her family history.
The writing is stark, graphic, and realistic; it’s as if the events are unfolding in real time.
It’s a great read, if not sad because of all the loss and pain the characters suffer.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance read.
A young Svetlana feels the fire of revolution but it exacts a hefty toll of her. Mila has that same fiery spirit as her grandmother but knows almost nothing of her family history.
The writing is stark, graphic, and realistic; it’s as if the events are unfolding in real time.
It’s a great read, if not sad because of all the loss and pain the characters suffer.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advance read.
February 28, 2023
My official endorsement: Expansive in scope yet intimate in its portrayal of two extraordinary women connected not only by blood but by a fiercely beautiful love for their motherland and their families, Gabriella Saab's Daughters of Victory is like a faded picture of a lost time coming back into brilliant focus, all at once vibrant, alive, and deeply emotional, leaving your heart pounding too fast as you breathlessly turn the pages to the story's stunning, surprising conclusion.
In 1917, Svetlana is a former aristocrat turned revolutionary, fighting for her political party during a time of momentous change in Russia following the February Revolution, when a number of revolutionary groups competed for the "throne" recently left unoccupied by Tsar Nikolai II's abdication. More than twenty years later, in 1941, Svetlana's granddaughter, Mila, fights for the Russian people in a remote village occupied by the Nazis during World War II.
I was really impressed by how Saab was able to intertwine these two very different time periods and stories together seamlessly and beautifully. The beauty of it is brought home by the fact that war forces people into unbelievably difficult situations, requiring them to be strong not only for themselves, but for others. It requires sacrifice and bravery and remarkable resilience. This is a connection we see between the two women and their stories over and over, despite the differing circumstances and times in which they live.
Saab not only entwined these two time periods and stories together, but distilled them into something understandable and relatable for the modern, Western reader. Both the Russian Revolution and World War II were cataclysmic events for Russia that changed the course of the country's history and people. To be able to write a story in both time periods is very difficult and complicated. Though no doubt complex, Saab was able to craft a story that flowed smoothly and naturally from one time period to the other with impressive ease.
I loved how Saab focused on two women in her story. Unlike many women who (no less remarkably) were forced to "hold down the fort" and remain at home, Saab's main characters are at the center of their respective conflicts. They are on the front lines, fighting alongside the men, as was the case in Russia during the Revolution, and in the Soviet Union and elsewhere during World War II. This focus on women's voices and stories, similar to authors like Kate Quinn, is particularly compelling and powerful for me.
Both Svetlana and Mila are multilayered and multidimensional characters. Though not "lovable" in the strict sense, both women are strong, resilient, and have distinct traits and quirks. They are women whom I loved for their incredible conviction, strong beliefs, and prickly personalities that kept me endlessly entertained. Their loyalty and love for their friends, their fierce sacrifice and love for their homeland, and their ultimate and hard-won love for each other meant more to me than if they were "lovable" in the strict sense. I respected them -- and had a hell of a time keeping up with them! They are interesting and exciting -- you don't quite know what they will do, which makes for incredibly fun reading.
To that end, Saab does what she did for her debut, The Last Checkmate. She continues to write fast-paced, high-emotion and high-stakes, thoughtful yet also breathless, historical fiction. The difference is that Saab's writing and style are becoming more refined and sophisticated with more complex storytelling, especially incorporating multi-point of view and multi-characters. Saab's sophomore novel, while maybe not as straightforward or effortless in its ability to draw in the reader and their emotions than her debut, is technically superior and nuanced. This is as it should be for an author's second book! To those who aren't as familiar with these two historical time periods, especially that of the Russian Revolution and the revolutionary parties that struggled for control before the Bolsheviks and the Soviet party took over, will need to pay attention. But if you do, I promise it will be a rewarding, absolutely unforgettable reading experience.
I read a lot of fiction and nonfiction on Russia, and I usually see the same books written over and over. This book, while not written by a Russian author and while fictionalizing people and events, did focus on lesser known time periods, conflicts, and persons from Russian history that felt new and fresh. It is a piece of Russian history that readers may not be as familiar with. And given the times we live in, this is critical. It is also a lot of fun to read about something new, something that I may have read in nonfiction, but is now given fresh life and blood and imagination in fictional storytelling, making it more accessible to the reading public.
The story at the center of Daughters of Victory is meticulously plotted, expertly weaving from one point of view to the other, from one remarkable woman to the next, through twists and turns that are unputdownable, as both women struggle with moral, ethical, romantic, and familial questions. But ultimately, the story is about two women put in horrific circumstances by the times they live in, each fighting to save not themselves, but their country and those they love.
Daughters of Victory is a powerful story and an incredible read for anyone who loves fast-paced, nuanced historical fiction that challenges and awes.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
In 1917, Svetlana is a former aristocrat turned revolutionary, fighting for her political party during a time of momentous change in Russia following the February Revolution, when a number of revolutionary groups competed for the "throne" recently left unoccupied by Tsar Nikolai II's abdication. More than twenty years later, in 1941, Svetlana's granddaughter, Mila, fights for the Russian people in a remote village occupied by the Nazis during World War II.
I was really impressed by how Saab was able to intertwine these two very different time periods and stories together seamlessly and beautifully. The beauty of it is brought home by the fact that war forces people into unbelievably difficult situations, requiring them to be strong not only for themselves, but for others. It requires sacrifice and bravery and remarkable resilience. This is a connection we see between the two women and their stories over and over, despite the differing circumstances and times in which they live.
Saab not only entwined these two time periods and stories together, but distilled them into something understandable and relatable for the modern, Western reader. Both the Russian Revolution and World War II were cataclysmic events for Russia that changed the course of the country's history and people. To be able to write a story in both time periods is very difficult and complicated. Though no doubt complex, Saab was able to craft a story that flowed smoothly and naturally from one time period to the other with impressive ease.
I loved how Saab focused on two women in her story. Unlike many women who (no less remarkably) were forced to "hold down the fort" and remain at home, Saab's main characters are at the center of their respective conflicts. They are on the front lines, fighting alongside the men, as was the case in Russia during the Revolution, and in the Soviet Union and elsewhere during World War II. This focus on women's voices and stories, similar to authors like Kate Quinn, is particularly compelling and powerful for me.
Both Svetlana and Mila are multilayered and multidimensional characters. Though not "lovable" in the strict sense, both women are strong, resilient, and have distinct traits and quirks. They are women whom I loved for their incredible conviction, strong beliefs, and prickly personalities that kept me endlessly entertained. Their loyalty and love for their friends, their fierce sacrifice and love for their homeland, and their ultimate and hard-won love for each other meant more to me than if they were "lovable" in the strict sense. I respected them -- and had a hell of a time keeping up with them! They are interesting and exciting -- you don't quite know what they will do, which makes for incredibly fun reading.
To that end, Saab does what she did for her debut, The Last Checkmate. She continues to write fast-paced, high-emotion and high-stakes, thoughtful yet also breathless, historical fiction. The difference is that Saab's writing and style are becoming more refined and sophisticated with more complex storytelling, especially incorporating multi-point of view and multi-characters. Saab's sophomore novel, while maybe not as straightforward or effortless in its ability to draw in the reader and their emotions than her debut, is technically superior and nuanced. This is as it should be for an author's second book! To those who aren't as familiar with these two historical time periods, especially that of the Russian Revolution and the revolutionary parties that struggled for control before the Bolsheviks and the Soviet party took over, will need to pay attention. But if you do, I promise it will be a rewarding, absolutely unforgettable reading experience.
I read a lot of fiction and nonfiction on Russia, and I usually see the same books written over and over. This book, while not written by a Russian author and while fictionalizing people and events, did focus on lesser known time periods, conflicts, and persons from Russian history that felt new and fresh. It is a piece of Russian history that readers may not be as familiar with. And given the times we live in, this is critical. It is also a lot of fun to read about something new, something that I may have read in nonfiction, but is now given fresh life and blood and imagination in fictional storytelling, making it more accessible to the reading public.
The story at the center of Daughters of Victory is meticulously plotted, expertly weaving from one point of view to the other, from one remarkable woman to the next, through twists and turns that are unputdownable, as both women struggle with moral, ethical, romantic, and familial questions. But ultimately, the story is about two women put in horrific circumstances by the times they live in, each fighting to save not themselves, but their country and those they love.
Daughters of Victory is a powerful story and an incredible read for anyone who loves fast-paced, nuanced historical fiction that challenges and awes.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
April 2, 2023
“During the revolution, did the women joining protests or spending hours in bread lines matter less than the soldiers fighting the Germans or the revolutionaries battling the imperial government? Those at home are as much a part of the fight as those on the battlefront.”
Russia 1917: Svetlana has thrown away her aristocratic ties to join the revolution. Her beloved Uncle, and their leader, is murdered by a mysterious woman named Orlova. She resolves to avenge his death and will focus on the revolution at all costs.
USSR 1941: Mila is sent to her grandmothers farm to escape the terrors of the Nazi invasion. She does not stay safe for long. Old enemies rejoin the narrative and Svetlana will need to use her wiles to protect the granddaughter, who wants to fight the Nazis, she barely knows.
Calling all historical fiction fans - if you like a fast paced, plot thrumming, dual timeline, Russian based reading, this one is for you! It was like a crash course in Russian history and I am here for it. This novel spans from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union and follows two women, Svetlana and Mila, …their fates intertwined by ties of family and interrupted by the tragedy of war. The last 25% of the book was absolute plot twist heaven. Saab has done an incredible amount of research and the readers notes at the end really added value to the reading experience.
"Today was all that was promised, but I hoped for today and thousands of tomorrows."
Russia 1917: Svetlana has thrown away her aristocratic ties to join the revolution. Her beloved Uncle, and their leader, is murdered by a mysterious woman named Orlova. She resolves to avenge his death and will focus on the revolution at all costs.
USSR 1941: Mila is sent to her grandmothers farm to escape the terrors of the Nazi invasion. She does not stay safe for long. Old enemies rejoin the narrative and Svetlana will need to use her wiles to protect the granddaughter, who wants to fight the Nazis, she barely knows.
Calling all historical fiction fans - if you like a fast paced, plot thrumming, dual timeline, Russian based reading, this one is for you! It was like a crash course in Russian history and I am here for it. This novel spans from the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union and follows two women, Svetlana and Mila, …their fates intertwined by ties of family and interrupted by the tragedy of war. The last 25% of the book was absolute plot twist heaven. Saab has done an incredible amount of research and the readers notes at the end really added value to the reading experience.
"Today was all that was promised, but I hoped for today and thousands of tomorrows."
January 8, 2023
Daughters of Victory is an intricate, thrilling story that kept me on the edge of my seat! Saab skillfully weaves two timelines and POVs together into a seamless, satisfying story that will captivate readers.
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy.
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy.
December 19, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication: January 24, 2023
This book is a historical fiction lover's dream! I always enjoy finding books that aren't focused on WW2 and this one focuses on the Russian Revolution along with touches of WW2/USSR.
I personally loved the parts of the book that focused on Svetlana and her timeline. I gobbled these sections up and enjoyed using my off time researching more about the Russian revolution. Mila's chapters didn't resonate with me as much but I loved how Saab brings the two together.
I can't wait to read Saab's other book- The Last Checkmate. This book would pair well with- "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys and "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" by Erin Litteken.
Publication: January 24, 2023
This book is a historical fiction lover's dream! I always enjoy finding books that aren't focused on WW2 and this one focuses on the Russian Revolution along with touches of WW2/USSR.
I personally loved the parts of the book that focused on Svetlana and her timeline. I gobbled these sections up and enjoyed using my off time researching more about the Russian revolution. Mila's chapters didn't resonate with me as much but I loved how Saab brings the two together.
I can't wait to read Saab's other book- The Last Checkmate. This book would pair well with- "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys and "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" by Erin Litteken.
December 15, 2023
A beautifully articulated and impeccably researched novel that captures all the tension, courage, and sacrifice of war, resistance, and revolution. Svetlana and Mila are both incredibly compelling characters with parallel missions driven by a shared passion for justice, set decades apart. Their timelines coalesce spectacularly in the latter half of the novel—which culminates in the most harrowing, nail-biting climax I’ve ever read in a work of historical fiction. Ever. I mean that. Gabriella Saab is the undeniable queen of gritty and emotional historical fiction.
December 18, 2023
Svetlana and Mila are one in the same and I loved these women so much.
Taking place between two different time periods that come to a head near the end of the book, this novel details Svetlana’s rise to become a notorious assassin during the Russian Revolution and her granddaughter Mila’s resistance against the Nazis during the Second World War.
The lives of both women and the ones they love will be constantly thrust into danger, with promises of living another day being vacant. Yet somehow, their individual causes, to fight for their nation and for what is right is not deterred by the certain death they’ve been threatened with countless times.
This book was so, so good and it was such a journey between 1917 and 1941 that I’m still in awe with myself for being able to follow the story all the way through.
Was a bit surprised to see that Orlova had survived to see WW2 because I was hoping for her to die and earlier on in the story.
Kazimir made me SO MAD. UGHHHHHHH. And Daniil???? My heart is broken. Regardless, a great novel.
Taking place between two different time periods that come to a head near the end of the book, this novel details Svetlana’s rise to become a notorious assassin during the Russian Revolution and her granddaughter Mila’s resistance against the Nazis during the Second World War.
The lives of both women and the ones they love will be constantly thrust into danger, with promises of living another day being vacant. Yet somehow, their individual causes, to fight for their nation and for what is right is not deterred by the certain death they’ve been threatened with countless times.
This book was so, so good and it was such a journey between 1917 and 1941 that I’m still in awe with myself for being able to follow the story all the way through.
Was a bit surprised to see that Orlova had survived to see WW2 because I was hoping for her to die and earlier on in the story.
Kazimir made me SO MAD. UGHHHHHHH. And Daniil???? My heart is broken. Regardless, a great novel.
January 19, 2023
Daughters of Victory by Gabriella Saab~
I've only read a few historical fiction novels about Russia/Eastern Europe, so I found this story very fascinating.
The dual timeline follows the two main characters, Svetlana and Mila, who fought for their beliefs and causes despite all the obstacles. Their stories were intricately woven with the 1917 Russian Revolution and the 1941 Nazi occupation in the Soviet Union during WWII. Svetlana and Mila are both such strong and courageous women. What they endure is heartbreaking and devastating. But reading how they overcame so much truly showed their determination to protect their family.
The research that Gabriella Saab has put into her book is incredible. A Masterpiece of storytelling.
The Author’s historical note at the end is very compelling. This is the part I really look forward to when finishing a historical fiction novel. I will definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've only read a few historical fiction novels about Russia/Eastern Europe, so I found this story very fascinating.
The dual timeline follows the two main characters, Svetlana and Mila, who fought for their beliefs and causes despite all the obstacles. Their stories were intricately woven with the 1917 Russian Revolution and the 1941 Nazi occupation in the Soviet Union during WWII. Svetlana and Mila are both such strong and courageous women. What they endure is heartbreaking and devastating. But reading how they overcame so much truly showed their determination to protect their family.
The research that Gabriella Saab has put into her book is incredible. A Masterpiece of storytelling.
The Author’s historical note at the end is very compelling. This is the part I really look forward to when finishing a historical fiction novel. I will definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2023
Whatever I write here, believe me, it will do the book no justice. This book is by far one of the best I have ever picked up. The Last Checkmate introduced me to Saab, Daughters of Victory kept me as a fan and exceeded my expectation. Already looking forward Saab's next title.
October 17, 2022
This was a really good book!
December 19, 2022
Intrigue, bravery, treachery and courage describe Daughters of Victory. This story has a dual timeline between WW1 and WW2 years set in Russia. The main characters are part of the resistance in both timelines and eventually come together as the story is developed. I love how the layers of the characters are peeled back through time to reveal who they have become. I don't want to give away how the storylines are intertwined because that was the fun part of the story as parts were divulged. Another part of the story I enjoyed was the use of poisons in the resistance and how the partisan found the natural ingredients in the right proportions to do the damage to the enemy. The research the author did adds to the depth of the characters and plot line. I learned quite a bit about Russian history. I would highly recommend this amazing book!
I was lucky enough to win a signed ARC from Gabriella Saab-thank you!
I was lucky enough to win a signed ARC from Gabriella Saab-thank you!
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed the way this book was a split story between the first and second world wars and two different, equally strong and feisty Russian women.
I haven’t read many books from the POV of the Russians in the world wars so this was an interesting aspect for me.
I loved the way the book was focussed on strong women fighting for their beliefs in a time when women were still very disadvantaged. Also the cross class aspect was well written.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers!
I haven’t read many books from the POV of the Russians in the world wars so this was an interesting aspect for me.
I loved the way the book was focussed on strong women fighting for their beliefs in a time when women were still very disadvantaged. Also the cross class aspect was well written.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers!
February 7, 2023
This page-turner is unique and heart-tugging for its grandmother/granddaughter dual timelines, one set during the Russian Revolution and one set mostly in a rural area during the Nazi siege of Leningrad. I had questions but trusted the author to answer them, having previously read and enjoyed THE LAST CHECKMATE. One thing to know is that the subgenre really is thriller though the cover doesn’t necessarily convey that (as beautiful as it is!).
Svetlana has secrets and they haunt her, both as a youth and later in life. But the good thing for Svetlana is that she still has choices, even as an older woman when the Nazis come to town and they (as well as the resistance) threaten her granddaughter. She's tough and can, mostly, handle things on her own, though she must learn—before it's too late—to let others in/let them help.
Mila is ablaze with anger, and has so many questions. And when she arrives at her grandmother's for supposed safety from the Nazis, the anger boils over into action—action Mila thinks is for the best, until she realizes how short sighted she's been.
Both women resemble each other in that they aren't afraid to trust themselves and act, and they sacrifice much for love of ideals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, even in fiction! I loved that Svetlana was finally able to confront choices she made years ago, and perhaps set some things right, with her granddaughter watching. One thing's certain, this isn't your normal Babushka!! [I could be wrong about that. :) ]
I enjoyed this come-of-age dual timeline, seeing another world of Nazi resistance that I haven't exactly seen, and the author's note—which filled in some pieces and held some aha moments for me.
Svetlana has secrets and they haunt her, both as a youth and later in life. But the good thing for Svetlana is that she still has choices, even as an older woman when the Nazis come to town and they (as well as the resistance) threaten her granddaughter. She's tough and can, mostly, handle things on her own, though she must learn—before it's too late—to let others in/let them help.
Mila is ablaze with anger, and has so many questions. And when she arrives at her grandmother's for supposed safety from the Nazis, the anger boils over into action—action Mila thinks is for the best, until she realizes how short sighted she's been.
Both women resemble each other in that they aren't afraid to trust themselves and act, and they sacrifice much for love of ideals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, even in fiction! I loved that Svetlana was finally able to confront choices she made years ago, and perhaps set some things right, with her granddaughter watching. One thing's certain, this isn't your normal Babushka!! [I could be wrong about that. :) ]
I enjoyed this come-of-age dual timeline, seeing another world of Nazi resistance that I haven't exactly seen, and the author's note—which filled in some pieces and held some aha moments for me.
February 16, 2023
This historical fiction is full of accurate and action packed true moments in history! I loved watching these women's journey during this challenging time of war, division, and heartbreak! This incredible book will not disappoint in its accuracy or its plot! I loved it!
February 19, 2023
Amazing book! Not normally one I read, I don't read a lot of WW1 & WW2, especially set in Russia. I was glad I won it because I doubt I'd pick it up off the shelf in the store. This was captivating and intriguing. I was was left guessing most of the novel and was shocked with the surprises.
July 10, 2023
Captivating. A real page turner. Loved the historical notes at the end. Some of the events felt like they were too bizarre to be have actually happened were the actual hustorical events!
March 2, 2023
An exhilarating read! Fast paced, suspenseful, two revolutionaries separated by decades joined by blood. The extent the characters go for love and the belief in their cause. This is not a typical historical fiction or duel timeline.
July 29, 2024
I enjoy books written in different timelines, this one did not disappoint. The author’s ability to create sympathy for a character I wouldn’t usually root for is a testament to her writing skills. The unexpected turns in the plot had me up later than I planned to finish it. Highly recommend!
February 16, 2023
This dual-timeline story of Russia in 1917 and the USSR in 1941 was captivating.
I knew so little about Russia in 1917 and reading about Svetlana and the bourgeoisie was so fascinating to me. To go to such extremes to fight for what you believe in is not an old story. Put in this time in history, it took on a whole new meaning. The hunt for Orlova was so well done with a twist that made my jaw drop.
Seeing Svetlana and her granddaughter in 1941 not only shed light on events in 1917, but the way the two worked to protect the other while seeming from the outside to be working against each other was a unique part of this story. The chain of events that ultimately brought them together left me surprised in a good way and my head spinning as the pieces from both timelines fell into place.
Once again, Gabriella Saab has crafted a fantastic historical fiction story that not only had me captivated but also learning about things I didn’t know much about.
Thank you to William Morrow for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
I knew so little about Russia in 1917 and reading about Svetlana and the bourgeoisie was so fascinating to me. To go to such extremes to fight for what you believe in is not an old story. Put in this time in history, it took on a whole new meaning. The hunt for Orlova was so well done with a twist that made my jaw drop.
Seeing Svetlana and her granddaughter in 1941 not only shed light on events in 1917, but the way the two worked to protect the other while seeming from the outside to be working against each other was a unique part of this story. The chain of events that ultimately brought them together left me surprised in a good way and my head spinning as the pieces from both timelines fell into place.
Once again, Gabriella Saab has crafted a fantastic historical fiction story that not only had me captivated but also learning about things I didn’t know much about.
Thank you to William Morrow for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2023
Once again Gabriella Saab has done a wonderful job weaving history into a great story. I look forward to any future books she writes. She once again has shown she does her research and can create a story we all can enjoy.
August 3, 2023
"I never needed a perfect mother; I only needed mine."Set between the fall of Imperial Russia and the midst of WWII, this novel tells the story of two pragmatic women, Svetlana and her granddaughter, Mila. Alternating between past and present, the novel delves into the value of love, patriotism, and ultimately family.
In 1917, Svetlana tries to promote the Socialist Revolutionaries, despite the constant mistrust that she faces as a former member of the aristocracy. Those who have not studied Soviet history deeply may be surprised to learn that there were multiple socialist parties, other than the Bolsheviks, at the time. Indeed, Svetlana becomes increasingly obsessed with hunting down the mysterious Bolshevik assassin, Orlova, at the cost of her relationships with her lover, Kazimir, and their daughter, Tatiana.
Decades later, Mila is sent by her mother to her grandmother's farm to avoid the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. There, she meets Daniil and joins the local youth group dedicated to resisting the Nazis. Fate is cruel and little by little, Mila follows her grandmother's footsteps as she too, becomes the target of Orlova.
It is best to read this novel knowing as little as possible about the storyline, as there is a neat thriller element to it. Fascinating, fast paced plot, with a rich historical setting.
April 17, 2023
Two and a half stars. I just never got fully into this book, probably because the characters were so one-dimensional. It was also way too long and it seemed like everything happened in the last thirty pages or so.
Read
January 29, 2023Daughters of Victory is a gritty and compelling read about revenge, obsession, and the consequences one must pay when wholly dedicated to a cause. A warning though: It's not for everyone.
Svetlana is a former aristocrat who abandons her family in favor of the Russian revolution, a choice that lands her in prison. Upon release, she finds herself thrust into a new Russia, one where Svetlana's socialist party is battling against Lenin's Bolsheviks for political control and where she is under continual suspicion for her noble blood. She longs for the day when Russia is free and she can reunite with the daughter s. The key, she believes, lies in killing the mysterious Belshevik assassin known as Orlova.
Fast forward to World War 2. Svetlana is blind and permanently estranged from her daughter for reasons no one knows. When her granddaughter Mila arrives and becomes involved with the Russian resistance, Svetlana is forced to confront her past actions and the secrets she's kept for decades.
This is not a light and fluffy read. Expect a violet and honest portrayal of war. The Bolsheviks - and later the Germans -- showed the Russian people no mercy. Svetlana and Mila do the same to their enemies. Saab does a great job of showing how the environment turns them from idealists to harden women willing to kill for a cause. In the end, you might not like either of them, but you will understand them.
The book is impeccably researched and the tight plot has plenty of twists and unexpected reveals to keep you on your toes. A strong read if you're up to it.
I received an advanced read in exchange for an honest review.
Svetlana is a former aristocrat who abandons her family in favor of the Russian revolution, a choice that lands her in prison. Upon release, she finds herself thrust into a new Russia, one where Svetlana's socialist party is battling against Lenin's Bolsheviks for political control and where she is under continual suspicion for her noble blood. She longs for the day when Russia is free and she can reunite with the daughter s. The key, she believes, lies in killing the mysterious Belshevik assassin known as Orlova.
Fast forward to World War 2. Svetlana is blind and permanently estranged from her daughter for reasons no one knows. When her granddaughter Mila arrives and becomes involved with the Russian resistance, Svetlana is forced to confront her past actions and the secrets she's kept for decades.
This is not a light and fluffy read. Expect a violet and honest portrayal of war. The Bolsheviks - and later the Germans -- showed the Russian people no mercy. Svetlana and Mila do the same to their enemies. Saab does a great job of showing how the environment turns them from idealists to harden women willing to kill for a cause. In the end, you might not like either of them, but you will understand them.
The book is impeccably researched and the tight plot has plenty of twists and unexpected reveals to keep you on your toes. A strong read if you're up to it.
I received an advanced read in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
I’m going to be fully transparent and say I thought the author was Eastern European because of how well researched this book was. 😂 not that that is a requirement to write books set in Eastern Europe, but soooo many people get things wrong about it if they don’t do the proper research.
She definitely did the proper research.
I truly did not want to put this book down. When I started it, I was reeled in and that was that. I lost all sense of time, location, etc. The writing is just THAT good. Personally, I was a huge fan of the dual timelines. I thought that I knew everything I needed to know from Sveta’s timeline…until I realized I had no clue. No clue at all. The things that went down threw me. And the way the stories connected? Seamless. I was also 100% fully captivated by and immersed in Mila’s story. I was rooting for her the whole time. Lastly, the bond that forms between Sveta and Mila? Beautiful.
I will say this book completely shattered my heart. (Why’d you do that to me, Gabriella?) I get it. I get it’s a time of war and there’s lots of betrayal and loss. You still totally did me dirty though, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two…or if I said my heart wasn’t torn into two MORE THAN ONCE.
You don’t have to be a Russophile to read this book. The author writes it in such a way that actually makes the information really accessible and easy to digest. Well, easier to digest than sitting and reading a textbook. Nothing about the emotional turmoil this book will put you through is easy to digest. Prepare yourself.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction (especially those filled with twists), fans of multigenerational stories, and fans of powerful women.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read and review this book!
She definitely did the proper research.
I truly did not want to put this book down. When I started it, I was reeled in and that was that. I lost all sense of time, location, etc. The writing is just THAT good. Personally, I was a huge fan of the dual timelines. I thought that I knew everything I needed to know from Sveta’s timeline…until I realized I had no clue. No clue at all. The things that went down threw me. And the way the stories connected? Seamless. I was also 100% fully captivated by and immersed in Mila’s story. I was rooting for her the whole time. Lastly, the bond that forms between Sveta and Mila? Beautiful.
I will say this book completely shattered my heart. (Why’d you do that to me, Gabriella?) I get it. I get it’s a time of war and there’s lots of betrayal and loss. You still totally did me dirty though, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two…or if I said my heart wasn’t torn into two MORE THAN ONCE.
You don’t have to be a Russophile to read this book. The author writes it in such a way that actually makes the information really accessible and easy to digest. Well, easier to digest than sitting and reading a textbook. Nothing about the emotional turmoil this book will put you through is easy to digest. Prepare yourself.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction (especially those filled with twists), fans of multigenerational stories, and fans of powerful women.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read and review this book!
April 23, 2023
What happens when family ties are interrupted by the tragedy of war? This book takes you on a complicated, messy, and thrilling journey through the lives of two Russian women living in different times but both fighting for their country, their lives, and their freedom.
1917: Svetlana leaves her aristocratic family to join the revolution promising freedom from the Tsar but ends up in prison for ten years. She is let out in 1917 only to discover that the socialist party she fought with is now being squashed by the autocratic Bolsheviks, who want a one-party system and iron-fist rule. Nothing has changed. Except that as a professional assassin, Sveta might be able to take them down.
1941: The Nazis have invaded Russia and 18-year-old Mila's mother sends her from Leningrad to the safety of her mother's farm in a remote village. Mila had never met her blind grandmother Svetlana. She only knows her mother never speaks of her. Sveta may be blind but it doesn't take eyesight to see her young granddaughter fall under the spell of the resistance-echoing Svetlana's once-passionate idealism.
As Mila takes up the fight against the Nazis, dangerous secrets and old enemies soon threaten everything Sveta holds dear. To protect her family, she must confront her long-buried past.
Told in four long alternating sections switching between the two timelines, we dive into both women's stories, until they come crashing together. Without spoilers, the last 80 pages are unputdownable!
I highly recommend this one.
1917: Svetlana leaves her aristocratic family to join the revolution promising freedom from the Tsar but ends up in prison for ten years. She is let out in 1917 only to discover that the socialist party she fought with is now being squashed by the autocratic Bolsheviks, who want a one-party system and iron-fist rule. Nothing has changed. Except that as a professional assassin, Sveta might be able to take them down.
1941: The Nazis have invaded Russia and 18-year-old Mila's mother sends her from Leningrad to the safety of her mother's farm in a remote village. Mila had never met her blind grandmother Svetlana. She only knows her mother never speaks of her. Sveta may be blind but it doesn't take eyesight to see her young granddaughter fall under the spell of the resistance-echoing Svetlana's once-passionate idealism.
As Mila takes up the fight against the Nazis, dangerous secrets and old enemies soon threaten everything Sveta holds dear. To protect her family, she must confront her long-buried past.
Told in four long alternating sections switching between the two timelines, we dive into both women's stories, until they come crashing together. Without spoilers, the last 80 pages are unputdownable!
I highly recommend this one.
January 9, 2023
I read Gabriella Saab's debut novel, The Last Checkmate, when it first came out and appreciated - among other aspects - that it was not another, similar WWII/Holocaust story. In Daughters of Victory, she has done this again, mixing the stories of Svetlana (during the 1917 revolution) and her granddaughter, Mila, who falls under the spell of the resistance during WWII. Both women are determined, idealistic, and more than a little dangerous - but are they a match for Orlova, the assassin who haunts both their lives?
Daughters of Victory moves at a good pace, and I enjoyed the dual narrative between grandmother and granddaughter, which moved back and forth frequently enough to keep me in suspense. Russia - its cities and countryside - plays the role of another character in a novel full of vivid characterizations. Much of the history in this novel was unfamiliar to me, and I appreciated the author's note at the end which gives even more information.
Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
Daughters of Victory moves at a good pace, and I enjoyed the dual narrative between grandmother and granddaughter, which moved back and forth frequently enough to keep me in suspense. Russia - its cities and countryside - plays the role of another character in a novel full of vivid characterizations. Much of the history in this novel was unfamiliar to me, and I appreciated the author's note at the end which gives even more information.
Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
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