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Saturday, April 8, 2017

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo Review + Giveaway!


Format: Paperback ARC, 369 Pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: August 29th, 2017
She will become one of the world's greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .

Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn't know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.



Holy crap on a cracker, this book was freaking amazing! I am utterly speechless, floored, stupefied, and every other possible synonymous adjective. But am I surprised to be feeling this way after finishing this book? Of course not! I'm talking about Leigh freaking Bardugo here. My idol, my inspiration, and in my humble (and totally unbiased) opinion—the most awe-inspiring and talented author of our time.

I also should mention that I have been a long-time Batman fan (so of course, I'm dying for Marie Lu's installment in this series), but . . . I never got into Wonder Woman. Then this book happened. Bardugo truly brings the fierce Amazon to life, and not only that! She also empowers the other female characters by highlighting all of their different forms of strength that they possess, while also emphasizing that none of those strengths are any less valuable or important than the brute physical strength Diana was born with. As a whole, Wonder Woman: Warbringer is a lesson in feminism, sisterhood, love, loss, and holy hell—it's a damn masterpiece.


I will never be skilled enough to find the adequate words to describe what Bardugo's writing does to my soul, though I will keep endeavoring to try. However to Leigh herself, I can only say thank you. You continue to raise the bar higher and higher, and it's truly special.


Honestly, there is no other author that can move me the way Leigh does. She absolutely never ceases to impress. Definitely as soon as you are able—but especially if you are a Wonder Woman fan—you must get your hands on this outstanding book!


1) There is never a need to question why Leigh Bardugo is my favorite author. Her world-building, her biting wit, the wonderfully hilarious banter, and the overall depth of feeling in every sentence has me like this:


Every. Single. Time. Even when she writes something that hurts.

How does she do this? What is this sorcery? She is just a magical creature typing away on her laptop and sewing up my heartstrings in knots with every word. My god, people, if you haven't picked up any of Leigh's books, you are doing yourself a great disservice, and that needs to be remedied, immediately.

2) Can we talk about all of the sisterhood feels that are quite literally oozing from the pages of this book? I mean, the females in this story are all marvelous in their own right, but the bond that they all have with one another? It's nothing short of inspiring. Honestly, I really wish this was how all women regarded each another. We would all be a lot happier, too.


3) The phrase "strong-female character" has been grating on my nerves for a long time, even though I, myself, have used this in the past to describe female characters. I now realize how wrong I was to ever do that and Warbringer really encompasses why that phrase should be banished from our vocabularies. Renée Ahdieh said it best when she said, "there are so many different kinds of strength. There's strength of the mind, strength of the heart, and we need to give these things equal weight 'cause it isn't good to put these strengths below physicality," and this has stayed with me ever since. Warbringer definitely illuminates this by having women in many different roles, with starkly varying personalities, and with different strengths. Basically, it's reality made fiction, except in the real world, women have to fight to shine.

4) I know I already praised Bardugo for her amazing writing, but there needs to be a separate point solely focused the dialogue in this book because it's extraordinarily sassy and simply ingenious. In my opinion, it's always the dialogue that truly brings the characters off the pages and into our hearts, and that's exactly what happened in this book. I love these characters so, so much.


5) Hell hath no fury like a lady with something to prove, especially if that lady is Wonder Woman. My god, she was fantastic. She was bold, fierce, elegant, and she had a kind heart. No wonder she has been a feminist icon for so many years now. And honestly, I have never given her enough credit, but that all changes now. I really loved reading Leigh's take on this chapter of Diana's life. It was absolutely sensational, to say the least.


6) Diana and Alia are seriously friendship goals. I love that their friendship and bond are the core of this story, rather than romance. These ladies are are so amazing that they actually rival my feelings towards Nina and Inej from Six of Crows. Luckily, I always have room for more awesome fictional friendships such as these. If only we could get more stories about them . . . *fingers crossed*

7) I really should have been prepared for this twisting plot, but once again, Leigh Bardugo totally shocked and surprised me. What seemed to be a very straightforward story had a twist that I did not see coming. Bardugo is a magician, and she knows exactly how to draw your attention away from the details she wants to conceal, and to that, I say BRAVO!

8) Bonus points for capturing New York City perfectly. I especially love that Leigh included proper Subway etiquette. Also because of this book, I will never be able to go to The Sackler Wing of the Met and feel the same way about it. The plot in this part of the story was especially explosive . . . literally XD


You weren't actually expecting me to have anything in this section, were you?


"It's always going to be you and me against the world."
"I am immortal and you are a footnote."
"Sister in battle, I am shield and blade to you. As I breathe, your enemies will know no sanctuary. While I live, your cause is mine."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

94 comments:

  1. as a Leigh MEGAFAN, I have to buy this as soon as get released. I am soo excited because this is the first positive review I see ♥

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    1. I always love meeting another MEGAFAN, I pre-ordered mine before I even had the ARC in my hands, because I mean come on, it's Leigh haha. Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm sure I will not be the only positive review as we get closer to the release date.

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  2. Amazing review! I am so excited to read this book, and it looks like something I'll LOVE :) Thanks for the giveaway! <3

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    1. Thank you! I hope you love Warbringer! Good luck on the giveaway!

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  3. Yes, this book is on my to-read list! August of this year? Too long to wait! Your review has convinced me I need to read this author's books--I love exciting world-building, wit, and writing that will make me feel like you do after reading it. Thank you for this awesome review today!

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    1. Yeah, it's really far away! You should definitely read all of Leigh's books because they all have exciting world-building, wit, and fantastic writing. Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!

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  4. I'm so excited for this book!!! I love everything that Leigh writes <3

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  5. BRITTANY! I was already excited for this book because duh it's Leigh Bardugo but after reading your fabulous review of it I'm even more psyched for it. I can't wait to read it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it! =D

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    1. I'm glad that I could get you even more excited for Warbringer! It's so good and I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  6. We have such different opinions on DC superheroes. I have always been a huge fan of Wonder Woman and don't love Batman.

    I'm so glad this was an amazing as I was hoping it would be. I mean how could it not be, it's Leigh Bardugo writing a YA book about Womder Woman. Great review.

    Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally

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    1. I was just never a big superhero fan in general, there was just something extra that made me like Batman. Though I have no clue what.

      And this book is amazing and I hope that you love this book, especially since you love Wonder Woman.

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  7. THAT DISLIKES SECTION IS EVERYTHING

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  8. I mean, duh, of course you loved this book! And of course I'm dying to read this! Wonder Woman and Leigh Bardugo combined. It couldn't get any better!

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  9. Yes, yes and yes! I cannot wait for this book and you made me even more excited to read it! :D

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  10. AHHH I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS!!! I've rarely read a superhero book that lives up to expectations but this?!? THIS IS LEIGH BARDUGO SO WHAT COULD GO WRONG. 😍😍 *flails wildly* I can't wait till it comes out!!

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    1. Exactly, Cait! I really think that you'll love this book. I'm pretty confident that you'll be fangirling like crazy but I can't wait to see your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. This review is incredible, Brittany! As if I wasn't already DYING to get my hands on this! Everything that you said about Leigh, just 👌

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    1. Thank you! And I can go on and on about Leigh's magicalness, I even had to edit some of it out of this review because it was just over the top haha.

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  12. I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK
    Leigh Bardugo is my queen and I honestly can't wait to read her new book!

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  13. words cannot describe how excited i am for this book

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    1. Same, words really don't do justice to how much I love this book!

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  14. Wonder Woman warbringer sounds fantastic! Love the cover! Thank you

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    1. It IS fantastic! I hope you check it out! Thanks for stopping by ^_^

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  15. *ORDERS IMMEDIATELY* I was on the fence to read this book but your review made me realize how foolish I am to not just trust Leigh Bardugo. I mean, I LOVED SoC and CK. Of course I will love this book! Wonderful review and thanks for the giveaway!!!!

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    1. YASSS, you NEED this book Melissa! Trust me. I felt foolish for not trusting her either. You need to read The Grisha trilogy!

      Good luck on the giveaway and thanks for stopping by!

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  16. Your review just made me even more excited for this book, Brittany! Especially your comment about the friendship rivaling Nina and Inej because that friendship is my all time favorite. Great review! :)

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    1. Yay, I'm so glad! Nina and Inej are my favorite too but Diana and Alia are really awesome too. If all of these ladies were in one book, it would just be an amazingness overload.

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  17. Love your review, Brittany! I'm so excited for Wonder Woman because Leigh Bardugo is Queen!!! Can't wait to read it!

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    1. Thank you! and yes, Leigh is definitely Queen! I hope you love it!

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  18. I want a copy of this book so bad. Leigh is a writing master. This review is great and I'm happy you enjoyed the book so much Britt.

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  19. Of course I loved your review!! Now I'm even more excited for Warbringer!! I wish it was out now, because Leigh will definitely not disappoint.

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  20. Amazing review! I doubted this series (book?) when it was first announced, like isn't it enough superheroes on comics, tv shows, and movies and now they'll get a book? I never even read the Black Widow one. But the hype for Wonder Woman movie was real, so I decided to add this on my tbr, but not putting much thought into it. Now I read your review and I'm so excited! I really love how Leigh wrote Inej and Nina in SoC, so I'm 1000% confident she'll write amazing female friendship! I'm also blown away with her world building and plot. One thing that I really have issue with her writing is usually her pacing, BUT basically, I'm just very excited for this book! xD

    Tasya // The Literary Huntress

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    1. So do I re: doubting it because I was never big on superheroes. I had no problem with them and I do like Batman but that was it. But I should not have doubted Leigh. Everything this woman does is just gold. I hope you love Warbringer as much as I do!

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  21. Perfect review, Lovely! I'm so glad to hear you loved this one so much! It sounds like a fun one!

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    1. Thank you! It's fun but definitely has it's tense and dark moments as well. Thanks for stopping by!

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  22. I love Wonder Woman, I love Bardugo. I seriously cannot wait to read this! Excellent review, I'm so glad you loved it. :)

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    1. Sounds like the perfect book for you! Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by!

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  23. I AM SO SUPER EXCITED TO READ THIS BOOK AND I CANNOT WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT! I am such a Bardugo fan and this book seems really enjoyable + IT'S ABOUT SUPERHEROES! Cannot wait and thanks for the lovely review Brittany! <33

    xx Anisha @ Sprinkled Pages

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    1. It's so good! All Bardugo fans need to read this book! I can't wait to see what you think! Thank you for stopping by!

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  24. I totally want to read this boook! Although, can I just admit that I'm yet to read a Bardugo??? Actually, I think I'll just leave that here and now run (zig zag!) and hide... *crickets*

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    1. It's really amazing, and oh my god you need to read Bardugo's books! Starting with The Grisha Trilogy!

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  25. Anything Leigh does is Golden. I am so excited for her to bring one of my favorite characters to life!

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  26. AHHH! Wonderful review Brittany! I can't wait to read this one! <3

    Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/

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  27. I'm so excited for this one! I've enjoyed Leigh's Grisha books so I'm expecting this one to blow my mind!

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    1. I hope it will, it definitely blew my mind! Thanks for stopping by!

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  28. I'm a huge fan of Leigh's books, so I'd be excited to read anything she does next. Her Six of Crow duology is my favorite but I love the Grisha series too. I'm so glad you adored the Wonder Woman one!

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    1. Me too!! Could you tell? xD I hope you love Warbringer!

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    2. Hi Brittany. Was a winner drawn yet? I'm so excited!!

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    3. Hi Kim, sorry I'm just seeing this now. The winner was drawn a long time ago!

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  29. I'm super excited to read this one, I've read so many fantastic reviews about it (now adding yours to that list) and I can't wait to read it myself. So glad you enjoyed it :)

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    1. Yay, I'm so glad that this one is getting positive reviews because everything Leigh is near and dear to me. I hope you love it!

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  30. I can't wait for this book I'm so excited. I love Wonder Woman and I also love Leigh she's an amazing author. Love the review!

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    1. Sounds like this book is perfect for you! I hope you love it, thanks for stopping by ^_^

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  31. Britt, your new blog layout is gorgeous. OMG. I'm mostly new to Leigh, but I love Wonder Woman (As we all should???) though I'm so glad to see you enjoyed this and that it included subway etiquette. lolz.

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    1. Thank you, I love my blog design so much. AND girl, seriously go read The Grisha Trilogy right now haha.

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  32. Well you've successfully bumped this one up on the TBR list *sheds a tear for those books that have to wait one more longer to be read* Fun review -- thx!

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    1. Yay! And don't cry for the other books, they will just have to wait their turn! Thanks for stopping by!

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  33. The only Bardugo book I've read so far is "Shadow and Bone", the first volume of the Grisha trilogy. Can you believe that?! I NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!! Bardugo is a TERRIFIC writer!! Proof of that is not only the Grisha trilogy, but the book you've reviewed here. I've always liked Wonder Woman, and now I'm going to SUPER like her when I get this book!! Lol.

    Thanks for your AWESOME, enthusiastic review, Britanny!!! And thanks for putting this book on my radar!!! <3 <3 :) :)

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    1. Oh my god, yes you do! Especially since Shadow and Bone is my least favorite of all her books. You'll love Siege and Storm. That's the book that sealed my love for her forever.

      I'm glad Warbringer is on your radar, I hope you love it!

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  34. YASSS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS GIVEAWAY! I'm SO SO EXCITED That Leigh Bardugo wrote a Wonder Woman book because she is HONESTLY the PERFECT PERSON to bring all the WW Awesomeness alive! I absolutely love your review and I'm SO EXCITED for both the movie and the book!

    Aditi @ http://athousandwordsamillionbooks.blogspot.in/

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    1. My pleasure! I just want to make sure Leigh's books are out there to all the readers in the book community. I'm so glad that you enjoyed my review and I hope you love Warbringer!

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  35. I hope you love it as much as I do! Thanks for stopping by ^_^

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  36. OMG! So very happy to see such a glowing review for this book! I cannot wait to read it too!

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  37. OMG I'm dying to read this book! Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors and this book sounds so AMAZING! And now after reading your review I'm even more excited! It's on my TBR list, of course, and I can't wait to read it! Loved your review! And the quotes ♥

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    1. Leigh is my queen! I hope you love it as much as I do! I'm glad you enjoyed my review!

      Happy Reading!

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  38. Leigh is my insta buy author, so to say I'm excited for this one would be an understatement. If anyone can bring Wonder Woman to life is definitely her. Great review!
    Thank you for a generous giveaway!! *fingers crossed*

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  39. Amazing review! I've had this on my tbr since it was announced.

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    1. Thank you! Same here, anything Leigh writes, I'll read it.

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  40. This is a fantastic review! You've managed to get me even MORE hyped for this Warbringer and I can't wait for it to come out!!

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    1. Thank you! I'm glad you're even more excited to read it. I hope you love it!

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  41. Man, your reviews are the best. I'm not that big of a fan of Leigh Bardugo, but you convinced me to add this book to my TBR.

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    1. Thank you! I hope this book will be the one that will turn you into a bigger fan of Leigh@

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  42. I'm so looking forward to reading this!!

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  43. Ahh, stunning review Brittany :D Eeee! I am SO glad that you loved this precious book. <3 Oh, I just wish I could read it now too. Sniffs. I hate having to wait :p Your review just made me even more excited about it. <3

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    1. Thank you as always! Your wait is now over, I hope you love it!

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  44. Brittany: I wanted to be able to easily send my librarian to this review. Problem: You haven't set it up in your Review links tables yet. Please do this so that all I need to give her is your main URL.
    Thanks,
    Melody

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    1. Thank you for pointing this out, I'm sorry I'm only seeing this comment now. It has been added to my reviews page.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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