One for All: 07/16/22

One for All by Lillie Lainoff (2022) is historical fiction inspired by three things: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (1891), the author's love of fencing, and her diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Set in 1655, it's the tale of a young woman, the daughter of a musketeer, joining a secret society of women for the betterment of France.

Tania de Batz was trained in fencing by her musketeer father. Though she has suffered weakness in her legs, dizziness, and fainting, her father can see that fencing helps her work through her disability. She, understandably is very close to him. Unfortunately her world is turned upside-down when her father is murdered.

Tania's closeness to her father and her desire to avenge his death brings to mind a second fictional inspiration, namely, The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973). Tania's journey toward that end will take her to Paris where she will be accommodated and trained.

One for All is a quick read. It's great for readers who like women who can not only save themselves but save the world without needing super hero strength or other powers. For the setting, one might also be reminded of the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger (minus the paranormal bits) or the more contemporary set Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter.

Four stars

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