"Yours Is The Night" by Amanda Dykes

 


I am one of those readers who likes to know as little about a book as possible before I start reading it. The fact that Amanda Dykes had a new book out when I've enjoyed her first two releases was enough to make me pick up this one. However, it is significantly different than her previous releases, and that really threw me for a loop! For example, this isn't a split-time story. It's straight up historical fiction with a dash of romance. Also she uses five different point of view characters, which means it took me quite a while to feel immersed in the story because I was trying to keep everyone straight and figure out their role in the plot.

Our characters are a thoughtful soldier, a fake chaplain, a reluctant reporter, a weary captain, and a girl of the forest who losses cannot take away her hope. Their journeys weave them together and bring them to be higher, nobler versions of themselves in war-torn 1918 France.

Though it took me a long time to get into this story, a surprise plot twist almost midway through had me suddenly glued to the pages. Then by the end I couldn't put the book down, anxious to know which characters would survive this horrific war. You know that not everyone will be alive at the end, and I shed quite a few tears in the last few chapters as the story came to its ultimately beautiful and satisfying conclusion.

Keep the tissues handy when you read this one. I can imagine this being too emotional and heart-rending for some readers. It's war. It's pain and grief and sacrifice. But it's hope that will not die and light that shines in the darkest of places. Unlike me, who went into it blind, I hope that you will go in fully prepared to put your heart and emotions through the wringer, and to know you'll be inspired to become the very best version of yourself as you journey through these pages.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.