The Women's War

A Novel

By: Jenna Glass

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 20 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In a feminist fantasy epic, a revolutionary spell gives women the ability to control their own fertility - with consequences that rock their patriarchal society to its core.

“A compulsive read, riveting characters, life-or-death stakes...a smashing book!” (Tamora Pierce, New York Times best-selling author)

When a nobleman’s first duty is to produce a male heir, women are treated like possessions and bargaining chips. But as the aftereffects of a world-altering spell ripple out physically and culturally, women at last have a bargaining chip of their own. And two women in particular find themselves at the liberating crossroads of change.

Alys is the widowed mother of two adolescent children, and the disinherited daughter of a king. Her existence has been carefully regulated, but now she discovers a fierce talent not only for politics but also for magic - once deemed solely the domain of men. Meanwhile, in a neighboring kingdom, young Ellin finds herself unexpectedly on the throne after the sudden death of her grandfather the king and everyone else who stood ahead of her in the line of succession. Conventional wisdom holds that she will marry quickly, then quietly surrender the throne to her new husband. Only, Ellin has other ideas.

The tensions building in the two kingdoms grow abruptly worse when a caravan of exiled women and their escort of disgraced soldiers stumble upon a new source of magic in what was once uninhabitable desert. This new and revolutionary magic - which only women can wield - might well tear down what is left of the patriarchy. The men who currently hold power will do anything to retain it. But what force in the world can stand against the courage and resolution of generations of women who have tasted freedom for the very first time?

Praise for The Women’s War:

“The Women’s War is an epic feminist fantasy for the #MeToo era. . . . The Women’s War does what so many classic adult fantasy books do not: It gives us a nuanced portrayal of grown women dealing with a wretchedly unfair society. It is rare to read a fantasy novel with a middle-aged mother as a main character. And it is refreshing to see women becoming heroes in a world that wishes to keep them muzzled.” (Sabaa Tahir, The New York Times Book Review)

“A blend of the traditional Western European epic fantasy and the birth control revolution of the 1960s, The Women’s War takes the reader on a journey toward revolution. . . A fascinating and entertaining read, and a welcome addition to the world of epic fantasy.” (New York Journal of Books)

©2019 Jenna Glass (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“The Women’s War is more than a story. It is a roar. And it’s magnificent! The wonderful fierceness of its women will steal your breath and your heart.” (Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Deepest Blue)

“Gloriously paced, plotted, and constructed with such elegance that it ceases to feel like a story and begins to feel like the truth.” (Seanan McGuire, author of Discount Armageddon)

“A thrilling and heartwrenching tale that explores the issue of body autonomy, with a middle-aged mom as the heroine . . . I couldn’t put it down.” (Kevin Hearne, author of A Plague of Giants)

Great Ride

I believe the listener will enjoy the ride this book will take you on, the drama, the intrigue, the war. Basically, this story is very well written and worth the buy.

I couldn't stop listening!

I love this book. The charecters and each of their stories is so engaging. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Slow to Start, but Finishes Powerfully

Holy crap, this book! It starts off slowly, but throughout the book it rises into a rushing crescendo. you find yourself rooting for the protagonists at every turn and hating the world that's been built around them. A remarkable book and I can't wait for more!

Unpredictable

This was a pleasant surprise. The author has a gift for creating a magnificent story that will keep you holding your breath and listening when you should be sleeping. This is such a refreshing read. I completely enjoyed this book. It is very good.

Better than I expected

Overall, this book was a better story than I expected, based on the synopsis, and there were definitely some twists I had not anticipated. My biggest complaint was the fat phobia- you could literally predict how evil/ruthless a character would be by how fat they were. King described as chubby and robust is ruthless, King who wears stays to control his corpulence and is the brunt of weight based insults is evil, Prince initially described as evil turns out to be slim and hawkish...and an ok guy after all. Seriously, Jenna Glass, this isn’t a prejudice you should be promoting in an book specifically promoted as feminist and upsetting biases.

FUCKING FANTASTIC.

Let me begin with my one complaint: the reader speaks slowly, so I played it at 1.2x speed.

That being said, holy shit. I listen to lots of books while I'm at work, but with the exception of Sir Terry Pratchett's books, only one other book has grabbed my ADD attention and held onto it so fiercely I would listen to the book for 5 hours at work and continue listening during the half-hour commute home and the several hours at home during which I was still awake. The universe is absolutely fascinating and I love the way magic is present and utilized in the book. The characters are wonderful and complex, as are their issues. The world is wonderful and I'm already excited to read more. The presence and growing power of the women in this book delights me to the core and I can't say I will handle waiting for a sequel well. I'm on the edge of my seat!

Immersive world

Great read in a different world with different rules. For those who thought it was political I can’t see it. However, if you are someone uncomfortable with women gaining power in a magical land then it might not be for you.

Wow

I loved this book with it’s multiple characters. Jenna Glass wrote a page turner that grasped the mixed messages and derision that women face even in today’s modern world. This is a must read. I can hardly wait for the sequel.

Great book

I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. The story line is amazing.

Absolutely engaging

I have never given a book a five star review, but then I have never listened to such an engaging story.

Ms. Glass has taken the women’s movement back into an ancient world and turned it into a magnificent, uplifting story. She creatively builds a world that is so repugnant and beautiful that you hang on every word.

Her characters are well crafted, both the villains and the heroes. I love to hate a good villain as they make the heroes seem more gallant. The female heroes are strong, yet compassionate. She weaves the story with lessons on the battle of the sexes where causing the listener to think oh I remember how that was or when that happened.

I am waiting desperately for the next book in the series. One more thing, I do not normally read sci-fi/fantasy, but this book has definitely made me think of reading more in this genre.