Linda’s Book Obsession Review “Milady” by Laura L. Sullivan, Berkley, Penguin Random House, July 2, 2019

Laura L. Sullivan, Author of “MILADY” has written a unique, intense, captivating, bewitching, and exciting adventure. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Historical Fiction. The timeline for this story is the seventeenth century. The author describes her characters as good and evil, loyal and betraying, complex and complicated. Laura L. Sullivan has provided what could be the truth of Milady de Winter and is the opposite version of “The Three Musketeers” by Dumas. What if Milady were to tell the story as she sees it?

In the seventeenth century, women were not treated equally in any way to men. As the author retells the story, Milady is either a heroine or anti-heroine in a hostile and complex time and place. Milady has had only the best training from her mother to be able to protect herself in any way that she can. At times Milady is a victim or a villain. What do you think?

There are secrets, spies, kidnappings, murders, treason, and twists and turns. This is an edgy and intense adventure filled with danger and excitement. I highly recommend this unusual story.

I liked this book for the most part, for me it often times got a little to descriptive and I found myself skimming through some parts. I loved the character of Milady and the man she ended up with (no spoilers). The historical setting was interesting, although I've not read many books set in this time period so I don't know how accurate the book is.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Milady, by Laura L. Sullivan, is a standalone novel. This is a retelling of The Three Musketeers from the point of view of their notorious villain, Milady de Winter.

I have never actually read The Three Musketeers, and I can honestly say that reading this book has made me much less likely to do so--if only because it speaks plainly about the (probably unrealized at the time) flaws of the novel's heroes. Instead, this book about a woman trying to make her way in a world where everyone else sees her only as a tool was compelling. Perhaps the foreshadowing could be a bit heavy, at times, but that's due to the fact that many people came to the story already knowing the broad outline. The dual timeline was also very effective.

I received a free electronic advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Victorian look into a world of women and intrigue with racy undertones,this book was recommended for those who enjoy Victorian mysteries/ romances. The beginning scene is in a brothel but once I realized the woman was there to assassinate the gentleman, I realized that this would be a novel of intrigue set in the Victorian time period. It was a bit racy for my tastes but would be enjoyed by most who read novels from this period.

I love books that take a fictional character and gives them their own voice and allows them to tell their side of the story (lol). This book does just that - and it delivers everything you would expect from a Dumas character given her own platform to tell us about how she came to be the evil, vile Milady de Winter from the Three Musketeers. Each part of her life is another piece of that bigger puzzle - what shaped her to become what she was.

I absolutely LOVED this book - it is the perfect blend of intrigue and history, with an amazing protagonist who is likable despite the trouble she brings to herself and others. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen to her next - how would she get out of THIS mess, or what the consequences would be for doing THAT.

This is historical fiction at its best!

As a fan of The Three Musketeers and anything by Alexandre Dumas I was excited to read this new work by Laura Sullivan. Milady de Winter, the femme fatale of Dumas’ classic is given life in this adventure filled fictional narrative. The reader is given insight to the Milday’s early life and the events that led to her infamous status as seductress, spy, and assassin. Sullivan’s portrayal of the main character Clarice (or Milady) melds well with the classic character blending her strength and cunning with a softer side of loyalty, duty, and intelligence. The flow of the book is engaging using well-envisioned plot twists to draw the reader in. At times, the books drags a little but the end is well worth sticking it out. I would recommend reading The Three Musketeers prior to this book, or at least acquainting oneself with the story’s plot because at times this book drops you into original events. Over all I really enjoyed this book and would gladly recommend.

Title: Milady
Author: Laura L. Sullivan
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2019
Rating: 2 stars
eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

->Click for Synopsis<-

"She was the greatest nemesis of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers--but Milady de Winter was so much more than just a villain in their swashbuckling adventures."

The premise seemed to be different than the book and its hard to enjoy it when they don't seem to coincide. It took longer for me to get through this book since there was no real connection for me to the plot or the characters. I wanted to enjoy this one but for reasons, I couldn't.

When it came to Milady, she did a lot of vile things but at the same time she also blamed it on others and love. She also seemed to have multiple personalities and I am not sure if one was for show or not. I had a hard time connecting with her and that always plays a huge role in grabbing my attention for the book as a whole. I can't say that I was interested in any of the other characters and some didn't have much background or a lot of character development.

The writing style was one that I was not fond of. At times the narrative seemed to switch from past to present within the same chapter and it made for quite a confusing read. The plot was somewhat interesting but still needed something and it didn't grasp my attention. There were certain scenes that also rubbed me the wrong way early on in the book and could also be another reason I couldn't get into it. Although it was quite creative and had a strong female character, it just wasn't for me.

Overall, it is another case of the, "its me, not you". I know others will find this book to be wonderful. So like always, take my review with a grain of salt.

Laura Sulivan's Milady is a delightfully robust and thought-provoking addition to Duma's Three Musketeers canon.. Told from Milady de Winters' POV, Sullivan gives voice to the supposed villainess of the story, gifting her with a refreshing no-nonsense and firm unapologetic attitude as she weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, betrayal, and retribution as she forged her own path from the one that was forced upon her. Leaving little to the imagination, Milady verbally wipes the shine from Duma's darlings, giving readers a whole new outlook on the legends behind each Musketeer, Constance, the Cardinal, and most importantly, Athos.

This was a good read but ultimately didn't end up being the right book for me. Enjoyable, but I was looking for something different with the premise.

Milady de Winter is a villain in The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas. She’s a seductress, a spy, and a murderer. However, history is written by the victors–by men–and Milady’s story is much, much different than the one you might know. This book recounts her life from her early days being raised by her mother in the countryside to her confrontations with the musketeers.

I really enjoyed this book, but with a sort of caveat. It was at its strongest when exploring Milady–or Clarice’s, as she’s called in this book–past. She was a very interesting character and all her training was fascinating. I loved reading about her early days, her introduction to court, and all that followed.

Where the book was weak was when it dealt with the events of The Three Musketeers. I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t read that book in years or the author was just too vague as to what was going on, but I found it a little hard to follow. I didn’t know where Milady was half the time or why she was there. It starts after she and d’Artagnan meet, but doesn’t explain how or when they did. I guess I’m supposed to be familiar enough with the story to just remember, but I honestly feel like this book should have been clear enough on that without me having to reread another book to get this one. It should stand on its own. So, all the Milady/musketeer scenes irritated me and dragged down the book. I will, however, say that the ending was brilliantly done and almost made up for all that irritation.

Overall, this was a fast-paced book full of intrigue and training montages of a sort. It satisfactorily explained the past of a character who I’ve wondered about, and expanded on the history of other characters. I’m glad I got approved for this ARC and look forward to reading it again in the future.

Title: Milady
Author: Laura L. Sullivan
Twittle:SullivanLeeIsMe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Berkley Books
Pages:384
Pub: July 2,2019
First To Read ARC
Book synopsis:
One for all, and all for one woman:

She was the greatest nemesis of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers--but Milady de Winter was so much more than just a villain in their swashbuckling adventures.

I've gone by many names though you know me as Milady de Winter: Villainess, seductress, a secondary player in The Three Musketeers story.

But we all know history was written by men, and they so often get things wrong.

So before you cast judgment, let me tell you of how a girl from the countryside became the most feared woman in all of Europe. A target for antipathy, a name whispered in fear or loathing.

I don't need you to like me. I just need to be free.

It's finally time I tell my own story. The truth isn't tidy or convenient, but it's certainly more interesting


My thoughts
Rating
Would I recommend it?
Will I read anything by this author again?
Why did.I.decided to request.this?become I absolutely love The Three Musketeers,it's one of my all time favorite classics to read and I was wondering how the author would write Milady's story .
At first glance I wanted to fell sorry for Charlotte ,who seems like a young girl down on her luck but just after a few more pages I realized that this girl this Charlotte was more then she seemed to be.As for the story its told in the past and present , the writing comes to live before your very eyes as does the characters , the places., It has a well developed heroine, family intrigue, and there are times that Milady seems to have feeling but only towards her lover and friend. As for the rest of the book I wasn't sure if she was going to be able to pull off this retelling of the Three Musketeers but she did and in a way that it actually worked . Can't wait to see what else she writes , with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read and review it exchange for my honest opinion .

Malady de Winter is one of the literature’s most iconic villains. I’m this retelling of The Three Musketeers, Milady tells her side of the story. This novel humanizes her by making a pawn used by others. She is a woman trying to survive. However, she is often misunderstood and her she is never allowed to explain them. Thus, I enjoyed listening to Milady’s side of the story. There were some flaws in this novel. Some of the characters were never fully developed. Most of the men in this novel are portrayed in a negative light. Also, there are modern day sentiments and perspectives that does not work in the 17th century. Still, Milady’s story is very enthralling. I would have liked it more had there been more of Milady’s work as a spy and her dealings with the Three Musketeers. I recommend this for those who love to read about misunderstood villians and those that love feminist retellings. Full review to come!

This was a new spin on an old tell that I did not hate! I thought it sounded interesting when I requested it and while I do not like to read re-telling's as they tend to be predictable, this one did not disappoint!

Milady by Laura L. Sullivan. A recreation of a classic villianess. For fans of The Three Musketeers everywhere, have you ever wondered at the backstory of Milady de Winter? Well wonder no more as she comes to life from the pen of Sullivan. Her family, her hopes, her dreams, Her Story...

In the story of The Three Musketeers we are introduced to the spy Milady. That story is told by the Musketeers. This story is told by Milady herself. Milady, born Clarice was raised by her mother to know all about herbs. Both the healing attributes and also the poisonous. She was taught to ride a horse and how to defend herself. She wasn't afraid of hard work. She comes from a long line of spies. Says for France. At the age of eighteen she is taken to serve in the Court of the King. Here she is further trained. Mostly how to use her feminine wiles to get the information she needs. She learns others things, heartbreak, betrayal, subterfuge, love and hate. She knows that if she is to survive she will have to strengthen her resolve and be determined to take the life of a spy all the way, even to death.
I enjoyed the story immensely. It has everything you like to ready in a novel. Intrigue, mystery, twist and turns. The characters are excellent. Great read. Recommended.

This book was received as an ARC from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was not expecting to read a book like this from the description and cover. While reading the book, I could not help but to think of the other sister and even the other bolyen girl in how historically similar both of these books are. Also, from the legend of the three musketeers and how they really came to be was such a treat of interest to read and completely unexpected. Knowing the truth and how she was viewed as a villianess and how the musketeers viewed her as the problem and it was them the whole time.

We will consider adding this title to our historical fiction section at our library. That is why we are giving it 5 stars.

I find that I am unable to complete this book. Therefore I feel any review by me would be unfair to the author and publisher. Sorry. Frank Peters

This retelling of Dumas' Three Musketeers from Milady's point of view presents a completely interpretation of events. Clarice (AKA Milady) has an idyllic Yorkshire childhood before being thrust into a series of events that will force her to make hard decision on what kind of life she desires. The novel is smart, layered, and completely addicting. I have never read The Three Musketeers, but had no trouble in following the story. If you more familiar with Dumas' novel, this should be even more of a treat! My complaint (which is really probably a compliment) is that I wish there was more. Maybe a part two to fill in those missing twelve years of adventures?

I wanted to love Laura L. Sullivan’s Milady, but despite its promising premise, the novel proved a poor fit for my tastes. I’m thoroughly convinced there are many who will genuinely love this narrative, but the book struck an awkward chord with me and I found it difficult to lose myself in its pages.

Milady de Winter is one of my favorite literary antagonists and I feel her story is long overdue a standalone adaptation of its own. Sullivan’s apparent agreement earns her my applause and while I didn’t agree with all of her artistic decisions, I have to admit admiration for her creative eye, command of language, and ability to place readers at the center of a scene.

Having said this, I am one of those who feels the best retellings are those written by authors who are able to harmonize their vision and voice with those of the work on which they are based. Dumas used The Three Musketeers to offer commentary on power and while I acknowledge Sullivan’s attempt to present readers with a feminist heroine, I feel the effort heavy-handed and was not impressed with the emasculating effect it had on nearly every male of Milady’s acquaintance.

The bottom line here is that while I feel Milady has a lot going for it, I have to admit its content was not complex enough to capture and/or hold my interest or imagination. The novel has undeniable commercial appeal, but it lacks the gravitas and depth I’d hoped to find on picking it up.