In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted…
THE HUNTRESS by KATE QUINN
Publication date: February 26, 2019
Publisher: William Morrow
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: historical fiction
SYNOPSIS
Bold, reckless Nina Markova grows up on the icy edge of Soviet Russia, dreaming of flight and fearing nothing. When the tide of war sweeps over her homeland, she gambles everything to join the infamous Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on Hitler’s eastern front. But when she is downed behind enemy lines and thrown across the path of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, Nina must use all her wits to survive.
British war correspondent Ian Graham has witnessed the horrors of war from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials. He abandons journalism after the war to become a Nazi hunter, yet one target eludes him: the Huntress. Fierce, disciplined Ian must join forces with brazen, cocksure Nina, the only witness to escape the Huntress alive. But a shared secret could derail their mission, unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.
Seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride grows up in post WWII Boston, determined despite family opposition to become a photographer. At first delighted when her long-widowed father brings home a fiancée, Jordan grows increasingly disquieted by the soft-spoken German widow who seems to be hiding something. Armed only with her camera and her wits, Jordan delves into her new stepmother’s past and slowly realizes there are mysteries buried deep in her family. But Jordan’s search for the truth may threaten all she holds dear.
PRAISE FOR THE HUNTRESS:
“Quinn deftly braids the stories of a female Russian bomber pilot, Nazi hunters, and a young Bostonian girl staring down evil in the most unthinkable of places. The result is a searing tale of predator and prey, transgression and redemption and the immutable power of the truth. An utter triumph!” Pam Jenoff, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Orphan’s Tale
“Prepare to be spellbound! The Huntress masterfully draws you in and doesn’t let you go. Another brilliant work of historical fiction by the incomparable Kate Quinn.”
Susan Meissner, bestselling author of As Bright as Heaven
“The Huntress left me breathless with delight... Kate Quinn has created nothing less than a masterpiece of historical fiction.”
Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Goodnight from London
“[A] complexly structured saga delivers exciting aerial sequences and intrigue worthy of a Hitchcock movie. The book’s psychological and dramatic elements combine for a powerful and satisfying finale. To paraphrase one of the characters, Ms. Quinn’s book is “dynamite in print.” Wall Street Journal
“An impressive historical novel sure to harness WWII-fiction fans’ attention... Laced with Russian folklore allusions and deliciously witty banter, Quinn’s tale refreshingly avoids contrived situations while portraying three touching, unpredictable love stories; the suspenseful quest for justice; and the courage involved in confronting one’s greatest fears.” Booklist starred review
“Readers should expect to give up weekend plans once they start this novel. A great choice for historical fiction fans, particularly of World War II–set novels, mystery readers, or anyone seeking well-crafted stories in which good triumphs over evil.” Library Journal starred review
“Well-researched and vivid segments are interspersed detailing Nina’s backstory... a fierce yet vulnerable antecedent to Lisbeth Salander. Quinn’s language is evocative of the period, and her characters are good literary company. With any luck, the Nazi hunting will go on for a sequel or two.” Kirkus Reviews
“Quinn delivers a suspenseful WWII tale of murder and revenge. This exciting thriller vividly reveals how people face adversity and sacrifice while chasing justice and retribution.”-Publishers Weekly
“Gripping historical fiction” -Good Housekeeping
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Voice. She has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with “The Alice Network” and “The Huntress.” All have been translated into multiple languages. Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with two rescue dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia, and her interests include opera, action movies, cooking, and the Boston Red Sox.
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REVIEW
The Huntress by Kate QuinnMy rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
The Alice Network was my first read by Kate Quinn, and not only did it make my yearly top ten favorites list, but it scored a permanent place on my all-time favorites. So to say I was excited about her next novel is an understatement. And that was before I found out that The Huntress was another multiple timeline book with a female Russian WWII bomber pilot as a central character. Quinn gives us another empowering story inspired by true heroic women in world history. These "Night Witches" as the women in 588th Night Bomber Regiment were called played a pivotal role in the fight to defeat the Nazis. They fought just to be given the right to serve their country in the line of fire, and faced rampant sexism and injustice despite their staggering contribution. It was truly fascinating to learn so much about these women. The historical research done was obviously meticulous, and easily brings you right inside these faraway places and times.
There are initially three alternating timelines: Jordan McBride's POV as it leads up to the present time, Nina Markova's POV leading up to the present time, and Ian, Tony, and Nina's chapters as they team up to hunt die Jägerin—the Huntress. Eventually they converge for the suspenseful confrontation at the end.
Nina Borisovna Markova grew up with an alcoholic, abusive father, and the rest of her family weren't any less vicious. Raised in communist Russia in the middle of nowhere, her most important lessons were of survival. Being the fastest, strongest, and most silent adversary when the need arose to defend yourself.
You’re a Markov. Trouble always finds us, but we eat trouble alive.
Ian is a former war correspondent who witnessed a lot of death and destruction and has the nightmares to prove it. Now, post-war, he's dedicated his life to finding Nazis on the run and bringing them to justice. But as badly as he wants to see them suffer and pay for their heinous crimes, he holds himself to a strict moral code that he refuses to cross. Because when you drift too far away from those lines, you become like the thing you hate the most. He and his partner Tony Rodomovsky, an American translator from Queens, are a two man operation with a shoestring budget gladly doing their part to hold these criminals accountable. The rest of the world seems to just want to forget the horrors they've survived, or pretend the past can be erased. Ian can't forget losing his brother at the hands of The Huntress, mistress of an SS officer, and won't rest until her sees her charged for it.
Ian was a broody, cynical man, yet still funny and likable. He had a strong sense of honor that governed him, but if he was backed into a corner he'd come out swinging with both fists. He really struggled with his sense of morality, and how dirty he'd be willing to play in his pursuit.
You’ve got a savage in there too, you just pretend he’s never coming off the leash.”
I have mixed feelings about Nina. While I vastly enjoyed her flying scenes during the war, and admired her courage, she was an extremely complex, unbending woman. But I will say that with her, what you see is what you get. She doesn't apologize for who she is, and though she's as hard as nails, she genuinely wants to be a part of something more than herself. She just doesn't know how after losing so much. I can't say I'm entirely satisfied with the ending in regards to her love interest. I wasn't convinced that she equally returned his feelings which was a little disheartening after everything they'd been through. She was still living in the past and struggling to move on.
The romance wasn't a game changer or anything, because after all, this story is about the suspense and the ability to realistically blend fact with fiction. Which I believe Kate Quinn has once again pulled off flawlessly. It was a gripping, fascinating look into the aftermath of WWII, and an examination of the fears that drive us. You can either fight to overcome them, or let them devour you. If you like war time fiction and learning about inspiring women in history, then I highly recommend this book.
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