The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman – A Gritty, Emotional Fantasy Review

The Daughters' War Review: Fierce Women, Brutal War, and Giant Ravens

Warbirds, Wounds, and the Warrior-Poet: A Deep Dive into The Daughters' War

Let me just say it upfront—The Daughters’ War hit me harder than I expected. Christopher Buehlman trades in the sharp wit of The Blacktongue Thief for something far grittier, more introspective, and absolutely unforgettable.

This isn’t just a prequel. It’s a war cry. A character study. A lament.

And it’s beautiful.

The Premise: Daughters to the Front Lines

Set in a grim, late-medieval-inspired world, The Daughters’ War introduces us to Galva Dom Braga—a 20-year-old knight and daughter of a duke. The kingdom is desperate. The war has lasted so long it’s bled the male population dry. In a final attempt to survive, the realm turns to its daughters.

Galva is assigned to a military unit unlike any other: an experimental company that fights alongside giant, trained ravens—yes, you read that right. Corvid companions on the battlefield. If that’s not enough to get your interest piqued, I don’t know what will.

Their enemy? A horrifying magical force that spreads disease, consumes humans like cattle, and plays dirty. Very dirty.

Tone Check: Less Quippy, More Grit

If you’re expecting the snarky banter of The Blacktongue Thief, you might want to recalibrate. Told primarily from Galva’s point of view, The Daughters’ War takes on a much more serious tone. And honestly? It works.

Galva isn’t just a “strong female character.” She’s a strong character, full stop. Fierce, spiritual, emotionally complex—and yes, she worships the goddess of death, which adds a deep, philosophical layer to how she views the battlefield. Her strength doesn’t come from invincibility. It comes from reflection, from pain, from growth.

The Heart of the Story: Relationships, Forgiveness & Growth

One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is its emotional honesty. This is war, and it hurts. Buehlman doesn’t just show blood and tactics—he shows the emotional wreckage that war leaves behind.

Galva’s camaraderie with her fellow soldiers feels real—whether it’s joking over campfire rations or breaking down after a brutal skirmish. Her bond with her raven is tender, and her romantic relationship is handled with nuance and care, tastefully queer and rich with depth.

But it’s her self-reflection that got me.

There’s a moment late in the novel where Galva reflects on a youthful mistake, and instead of wallowing, she chooses grace:

“I think now that I acted pridefully... but I would forgive another 20-year-old this, and so I forgive myself.”

That line wrecked me. It's not preachy—it’s earned. That kind of character insight makes The Daughters’ War feel less like a fantasy adventure and more like a meditation on what it means to live through pain and still carry forward.

The Ghouls, the Horror, and the Ravens

Don't worry—if you're here for the fantasy brutality, there's plenty of it. The villains in this story? Nightmare fuel. Buehlman leans into his horror roots with these ghoulish, magical enemies that feel like something out of your darkest dreams. Think plague, dark magic, and a feeding frenzy. It’s chilling.

And those ravens? Absolute show-stealers. They're not just cool—they’re tactical. The way they’re used in battle, the bond they form with their handlers—it’s one of the most unique elements I’ve read in any military fantasy. Buehlman manages to blend strategy and emotion in a way that makes every battle feel personal.

Character First, Story Second (In the Best Way)

Make no mistake—this is Galva’s story. And while there are battles, politics, and high-stakes action, The Daughters’ War is more of a character study than a quest-driven epic.

That’s not a criticism. It’s what makes it work.

Galva isn’t the same woman at the end as she was at the start. She evolves—hardened, wiser, scarred. And her growth gives the novel its true power.

A Warrior's Tale Worth Telling

If you loved The Blacktongue Thief, you’ll find familiar world-building here—clever nations, diverse accents, and poetic prose—but The Daughters’ War is a deeper, darker, more mature experience.

It’s a story about loss. About sisterhood. About finding strength in a world that constantly tries to break you. It’s about letting go of guilt, and learning to forgive yourself—not because you should, but because you must.

I didn’t expect a book about goblins and ravens to leave me emotionally wrecked. But here we are.

Should You Read It?

✔️ Love military fantasy with emotional depth
✔️ Crave character-driven stories about flawed, fierce heroes
✔️ Want a fantasy world that’s as poetic as it is brutal

Then The Daughters’ War is 100% worth your time.

If I could do it again, I’d read it before The Blacktongue Thief. It adds so much weight to Galva’s later appearances. But either order works—Buehlman crafted this prequel with care.

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