LitPick Review
In a what seems like a twist of fate, Ava Bingen, a young seamstress, comes to the court of Skyggehavn after she is cast out of her village. There, she witnesses the deception and treachery of powerful members of the king's court. A mysterious illness ravages the court, extending up to the royal family itself. Ava finds herself unwillingly pulled into the network of spies, which threatens her existence at the court. With her unlikely companion Midi, the mute nursemaid, Ava must tread carefully for her own survival.
Opinion:
Susann Cokal's historical fiction novel, The Kingdom of Little Wounds, begins with an intriguing plot line but failed to interest me as I read further. The original mystery of the princess's death captured my attention, but the other plot points, such as Ava's background and her dealings with the spy ring, left me confused and disoriented. I did, however, appreciate the narrative format, and how the chapters alternated between Ava and Midi's perspectives. I also enjoyed the placement of the stories that were not directly related to the main plot. I would recommend this book only to lovers of both fantasy and historical fiction who do not mind a complicated plot.
