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bellejayelle's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
linsvlasak's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This is my second Kate Quinn book in a row. I’m a big fan of well researched and well written historical fiction with strong female characters and fascinating stories and this book about a WWII female sniper named Lyudmila Pavlichenko definitely fits that bill. The battlefront portion of the book was my favorite. The portions set in America were a little too drawn out. This passage from the beginning of Chapter 13 really spoke to me: “My memoir, the unofficial version: Snipers must make themselves calm in order to succeed, and that is why women are good at sharpshooting. Because there is not a woman alive who has not learned how to eat rage in order to appear calm.”
lizsim's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and War
Minor: Rape
eeds_reading_list's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent read, historical fiction mostly based on true events. Quinn brings a strong voice to Mila the Russian (Ukrainian) sharpshooter. Even with the floods of WWII novels over the years, this is the first I’ve read that deals with the Eastern (Russian) front.
The romance felt genuine (because it was) and the friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt (also real) interesting. In particular bringing to forefront the Russian possible perception of indolent bourgeois First Lady and how the perceptions shifted.
The authors notes are a must read to understand what was fictional. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Mila’s and the Russian voices but ER did not feel quite right. Overall excellent both read and listened to.
For current events, the bloody battle over Crimea highlights why that territory is so strategic and important to Russia and to Ukraine today.
The romance felt genuine (because it was) and the friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt (also real) interesting. In particular bringing to forefront the Russian possible perception of indolent bourgeois First Lady and how the perceptions shifted.
The authors notes are a must read to understand what was fictional. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed Mila’s and the Russian voices but ER did not feel quite right. Overall excellent both read and listened to.
For current events, the bloody battle over Crimea highlights why that territory is so strategic and important to Russia and to Ukraine today.
hil_knecht's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, it's a WWII historical fiction but it's BIOGRAPHICAL fiction so it's slightly different. I love reading about women in history who I've never heard of who accomplished incredible things. At times, it felt repetitive but I really enjoyed this. Quinn does an excellent job in this category.
whyallthismusic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
cherese's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Kate Quinn delivers an intriguing, imaginative, and utterly compelling novel with The Diamond Eye, a story anchored by an incredible heroine whose resilience shines through the darkest of times. This book is a masterful blend of history, tension, and raw human emotion, pulling readers into a maelstrom of blood, smoke, and war-torn landscapes.
From the moment you open its pages, Quinn’s meticulous attention to historical detail immerses you in the brutal, unrelenting toll of war. Mila Pavlichenko’s pivotal role in the battles of Odessa and Sevastopol is vividly portrayed, as are the relationships she forges in the midst of unimaginable hardship. Her fortitude, sheer will to survive, and determination to succeed make her a protagonist to remember.
The Diamond Eye is a triple threat—history, heroines, and hellscapes—woven together in a gripping, unforgettable narrative. Quinn once again proves her brilliance, crafting a story that is both thrilling and deeply moving. Bravo, Kate! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I have no doubt others will too.
jordan_ad_astra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25