Title: One For All
Author: Lillie Lainoff
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: March 8th, 2022
Pages: 400
Genres: Young Adult historical fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Buy at: Blackwells | Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | Add to Goodreads
Synopsis
An OwnVoices, gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, in which a girl with a chronic illness trains as a Musketeer and uncovers secrets, sisterhood, and self-love.
Tania de Batz is most herself with a sword in her hand. Everyone in town thinks her near-constant dizziness makes her weak, nothing but “a sick girl”; even her mother is desperate to marry her off for security. But Tania wants to be strong, independent, a fencer like her father—a former Musketeer and her greatest champion.
Then Papa is brutally, mysteriously murdered. His dying wish? For Tania to attend finishing school. But L’Académie des Mariées, Tania realizes, is no finishing school. It’s a secret training ground for a new kind of Musketeer: women who are socialites on the surface, but strap daggers under their skirts, seduce men into giving up dangerous secrets, and protect France from downfall. And they don’t shy away from a swordfight.
With her newfound sisters at her side, Tania feels for the first time like she has a purpose, like she belongs. But then she meets Étienne, her first target in uncovering a potential assassination plot. He’s kind, charming, and breathlessly attractive—and he might have information about what really happened to her father. Torn between duty and dizzying emotion, Tania will have to lean on her friends, listen to her own body, and decide where her loyalties lie…or risk losing everything she’s ever wanted.
This debut novel is a fierce, whirlwind adventure about the depth of found family, the strength that goes beyond the body, and the determination it takes to fight for what you love.
Review:
A gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers featuring a girl with chronic illness. A finishing school that is actually a training ground for lady spies. An assassination plot. A found sisterhood. Truly one for all and all for one. When I heard about One For All by Lillie Lainoff, I was quite eager to read it.
“We are not the ones who are written into history. We are the ones who ensure history exists to be written.“
The debut novel just grabs you from the word go. And NEVER do you feel sorry for Tania. In fact, you root for her and her sisterhood. Her resolve to find her father’s killers alongside saving the crown.
The characters are all well fleshed out. Sixteen-year-old Tania. Her father, a retired musketeer. Madame de Treville who takes her under her wings. The found family in Portia, Aria, and Théa (based on Porthos, Aramis, and Athos). The trio who look out for her but are never her crutches.
“The three of you made me realize that whatever this dizziness is … well, maybe it’s never been the real problem. It’s horrible and it hurts and it makes me feel fragile in a way I never wanted, but it’s not the thing that tears me apart. The problem, the real problem, is the people who decide I’m unworthy because of it.”
We have come a long way since disability was villainized in folk tales. But rarely do we see disability representation in historical fiction or even contemporary fiction for that matter. And more often than not, it is mere lip service. Characters with invisible illnesses are more or less non-existent. Tania is so much more than her disability.
One For All is perhaps one of the first traditionally published books featuring the main character with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Here, POTS does not mysteriously vanish or cure itself along the course of the story. In fact, with her resolve and training, Tania overcomes the limitations of her illness. Her illness does not define her. And that is so refreshing to read.
“Now, whenever I had a good day, people were quick to assume I felt better. It was hard enough living with the knowledge that if I felt healthy, it didn’t mean the next day would be the same. Being reminded of that fact by others was a painfully close second.“
An ownvoice novel (the author battles POTS too), Tania’s experiences growing up are very real. From the constant jabs to being singled out to being considered too delicate. Rejection because her invisible illness is not physical and readily evident. Trust issues and her cynicism that all the support she receives is just in passing.
As is evident, the book is set in France in the 1650s. A time when women barely had any agency. A time when there was no place for the disabled, let alone a disabled woman. Daggers and dueling swords hidden beneath the beautiful ball gowns. Swashbuckling lady spies saving the crown. It is indeed an enjoyable read.
I loved the book and cannot recommend it enough. It is definitely among my favorite reads of the year. If you enjoy feminist retellings, historical fiction, fantasy fiction, or otherwise, do pick up the book. You will not be disappointed.
Blog Tour: One For All by Lillie Lainoff #BookReview @LillieLainoff @CindyAnnDSilva @nooranand @RREStudios @events_showcase #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Share on X
About the Author
Lillie Lainoff received her B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and distinction within the major from Yale University. She currently is studying for her MA in Creative Writing Prose Fiction at the University of East Anglia.
Her fiction, non-fiction, and poetry has been featured in The LA Review, The Washington Post Outlook, Today’s Parent, via the Disability Visibility Project, Washington City Paper, and The Yale Daily News, amongst other places. She’s received recognition from Glimmer Train and The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and is the 2019 Winner of the LA Review Literary Award for Short Fiction. She was a featured Rooted in Rights disability activist, and is the founder of Disabled Kidlit Writers (FB).
As an undergraduate, Lillie was a member of Yale’s Varsity Fencing team. As a senior, she was one of the first physically disabled athletes to individually qualify for any NCAA Championship event, and helped her team to an end-of-season 10th place ranking by the National Coaches Poll. She still fences competitively and coaches. In 2017, she was named a recipient of the inaugural Spirit of Sport award by the US Fencing Association.
Visit her online at LillieLainoff.com, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
Tour Schedule
March 7th
Chronicallybookish – Review + Favorite Quotes
Reading Stewardess – Review + Playlist
Melancholic Blithe – Review + Mood Board
March 8th
Kait Plus Books – Review + Favorite Quotes & Mood Board
Tinybooknest – Review + Favorite Quotes
March 9th
Whimsical Dragonette – Review + Favorite Quotes
@thebrillianceofbookshelves – Review + Playlist
March 10th
Djreadsbooks – Review + Favorite Quotes
Hardcover Haven – Review + Author Interview
Starred Pages – Review + Reading Vlog
March 11th
LovelessDegrees – Review + Reading Vlog
Bohemian Bibliophile – Review + Favorite Quotes
March 12th
Bujos_n_books – Review + Mood Board
Just Geeking By – Review + Review Only
March 13th
Forever in a Story – Review + Book recommendations based on books
Book Lover’s Book Reviews – Review + Reading Vlog
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva andNoor Anand Chawla in collaboration with RRE Studios and ShowCase Events.
I would like to thank Colored Pages Book Tours and the publisher for providing a copy of the book for the blog tour. All opinions are my own.
soniadogra
March 18, 2022 @ 12:36 pm
The theme itself sounds fun. A gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers. I also see that it addresses the issue of disability and the feminist angle. Your choice of books is always unique Ritu.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 5:48 pm
Exactly the reason I signed up for the tour right away. Thanks for stopping by, Sonia. 😊
Kaveri Chhetri
March 18, 2022 @ 5:25 pm
Lovely review… I like how uv stopped the story exactly at the place where it leaves us wanting to know more. Going by your review, this book is certainly a must read for me… its about a strong woman… it has to be 😊. Thank you for this recommendation Ritu.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 5:50 pm
Thank you Kaveri 😊. We definitely need more such books.
Sadvika Kylash
March 18, 2022 @ 11:02 pm
Love your review. Theme seems to be interestibg. Never gave a shot for these kind of stories, would love to check it out,
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 5:51 pm
Thank you Sadvika. 😊 Do pick it up.
Harjeet Kaur
March 19, 2022 @ 9:59 am
This One in All sounds like a must read, Ritu. How inspirational is the role of the protagonist. And here I cry if I have any sort of illness. Your review is perfect just as always.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 5:52 pm
Thank you so much Harjeet 😊 That was what I felt as well. We need more such inspiring stories.
Flavia Cutinho
March 19, 2022 @ 11:00 am
Some serious action based Novel, worth a try from what u have described it to be
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 5:59 pm
It sure it, Flavia 😊. Do check it out.
Jasmine
March 19, 2022 @ 1:19 pm
Loved the title One for all.usually i am not a book reader but the revoews are surely going to make me one. Good one
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
I am so glad to read that, Jasmine 😊. Thank you so much.
Madhu
March 19, 2022 @ 8:08 pm
The story is very inspirational. I like how the illness does not magically disappear. I will try to read it someday.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:03 pm
You are the best 😊. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Mayuri6
March 19, 2022 @ 8:58 pm
A young protagonist, battling an illness making the most of an opportunity that has come her way! Wow! Sounds like such an inspiring read. As always, your brilliant review has made me add it to my TBR.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:04 pm
Thank you so much, Mayuri 😊. Means a lot coming from you.
Monidipa Dutta
March 19, 2022 @ 11:25 pm
Again u left with a cliffhanger. Nevertheless, I must say I loved your review.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:05 pm
Ha ha. I don’t want to give it all away in the review. 😊
Imagemakeover
March 20, 2022 @ 9:57 am
This book can inspire many as no limitation can ever stop you from achieving anything. I like the thrill part. Would love to give it a read.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:06 pm
Exactly! I am so glad authors are exploring such themes that would appeal to younger readers too.
Varsh
March 20, 2022 @ 10:52 am
Reading your review itself felt so thrilling! Imagine a finishing school like this where girls are trained to be kickass fighters. I definitely want to read this one.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:06 pm
It is an excellent read, Varsh 😊. Do pick it up.
Zenobia Merchant
March 20, 2022 @ 11:38 am
The review is fantastic and the book sounds awesome. I had somehow put 2 and 2 together from the title that it dealt with the musketeers story, but your post brought out an absolutely different angle to it and I’m pleasantly surprised. Will surely give it a read.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:08 pm
Thank you so much Zenobia 😊. I love it when authors add that special something to the retellings. Makes them all the more enjoyable.
shail
March 20, 2022 @ 12:11 pm
Seems like a great novel! Your review is really good and detailed. Will definitely try to get a copy of this as I love reading different genres.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:11 pm
Thank you so much Shail 😊
Kashish Mahtani
March 20, 2022 @ 12:15 pm
A very well-written, neat and precise review – just as I like it. Easy to read and intriguing enough to make one want to read the book. Kudos!
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:11 pm
Thank you so much Kashish 😊
jhilmildsaha
March 20, 2022 @ 7:25 pm
Your review is so good that I feel like leaving everything and getting hold of the book. Sounds like a must-read.
jhilmildsaha
March 20, 2022 @ 7:26 pm
Your review is so good that I feel like leaving everything and grab that book to read. It sounds like a must-read.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:12 pm
That is music to my ears, Jhilmil 😊 Do pick it up.
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
March 21, 2022 @ 1:57 am
What a lovely plot and yet another good book recommendation. Thanks for sharing
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:13 pm
Thank you so much Sindhu 😊
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
March 21, 2022 @ 1:58 am
Thanks for a lovely book recommendation. I’d definitely add to tbr
Vasumathi
March 21, 2022 @ 2:33 am
3 Musketeers was one of my favorite books! Iam sure I will love this new adaptation of the characters! It is nice how many old stories are being re-told after adapting it to suit current times. No more ‘damsels in distress’ I guess.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:14 pm
Exactly Vasumathi 😊. We need more kick-ass leading ladies.
Meetalikutty
March 21, 2022 @ 2:52 am
This book looks like fun, will definitely pick it up for my niece!
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:14 pm
Thank you, Meetali. I hope she enjoys it. 😊
Pooja Jha
March 21, 2022 @ 9:48 am
Wow! Wonderful recommendation, i am adding this in my reading list, would love to see the story again withe the revised angle and edition. 🙂
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
Thank you so much Pooja 😊
vidhya29
March 21, 2022 @ 1:42 pm
Loved the review! adding it to my TBR soon
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
Thank you so much Vidhya 😊
Abha Mondal
March 21, 2022 @ 10:09 pm
Interesting book. Very unique recommendation. I think my 10 year old can also read this one.
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:16 pm
Thank you, Abha 😊 It is not exactly middle grade but he might enjoy it.
Noor Anand Chawla
May 2, 2022 @ 8:32 pm
Seems like such fun! I’d love to read this one!
Ritu
May 11, 2022 @ 6:17 pm
It sure is, Noor. Would love to know your thoughts if you do 😊