The Huntress: A Novel

Reading The Huntress, by Kate Quinn, published in 2019 proved to be an interesting, but gut-wrenching experience. The book challenged many expectations. Sometimes, it defied logic. At times, it broadened horizons. Events unfolded from vastly different perspectives. Once in a while, flashes of brilliance were discovered in the prose. People, dates, and places were beginning to converge upon one another. Then, it became personal. In this subtlest of novels, an Austrian woman is accused of killing a British soldier at her residence in Poland during the waning months of World War II. After the war ends, three concerned citizens from a foreign non-profit organization attempt to locate her, shake her down, and bring her to justice. All she needs is top-notch security and a good lawyer to defend her rights and honor, I think. Of course, I could be way off base in my assessment. Maybe I've been watching too many re-runs of "Boston Legal" on television lately, but I think a good lawyer can get her off with a minimum sentence and light probation. After all, it can be readily shown beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect--or, in this case, the real victim here, had been inundated and surrounded by enemies practically her entire life. She never knew whom she could trust. Fleeing from a pack of ferocious wolves, as it were, she jumps into shark-infested waters and has to fight for her very life. Suffice it to say that war makes for strange bed-fellows. Believing herself rescued aboard a luxury ocean liner, she is once again surrounded by false friends, who have the sole purpose and intention of obtaining incriminating evidence against her and gaining vital information about her, such as her banking and credit card transactions, all without her knowledge or consent, of course. Essentially, in doing so, they betrayed her faith in humanity fully and completely, without having any legal authority for doing so. Neither did they follow the due process of the law. The highly organized team of bounty-hunting vigilantes had the unmitigated gall to continue dogging her, grilling her, and raking her over the coals, without any form of search warrant, and without having given her the required police "Miranda warnings" upon arrest. They pushed her over the precipice of sanity and decency, speaking figuratively. Hence, she should have gone directly to a psychiatrist and gotten her head examined for trusting such an aggressive mob of vicious, self-serving, fame-seeking, jail-baiting misfits, who continuously confronted, interrogated, abused, shamed, and accosted her throughout the whole, ugly ordeal. She must have thought at some point and time in the harassment process, no more "funny games." Any qualified, respectable lawyer with a good conscience would easily understand the primary motive for her past actions. She must have concluded that she had no other alternative, at that very instant of her momentous decision, but to terminate the midnight intruder, the home invader, the enemy spy, or whatever he was, who suddenly appeared in the midst of her loving family environment without any warning whatsoever to do them harm. He'd violated curfew. Evidently, he had to be a robber, a thief, and a violent murderer. For obvious reasons, she pounced on him in self-defense when he least expected it. She would have bombed him into oblivion, had she had the opportunity and means, I think, epitomizing the political climate of the times. There is one additional point bearing on the case worth considering, I believe. DNA testing would have helped immeasurably in solving a particular detail the case in question left unresolved; namely, the determination of who really kidnapped "her inner child," held her for ransom, and made her lash out so violently, furiously, suddenly, and passionately. Without a doubt, in my opinion, she just couldn't help herself or act in any other civilized manner. Instead, she was forced to rely upon her basic instincts. Make no mistake about it. Anyone would have defended her home and family under similar circumstances, although maybe not in the same exact way. Most Europeans living in the soon-to-be-defeated Axis countries at the time had been extremely brain-washed by the very persuasive propaganda machine of the Third Reich. Presumably, there had been several reports of enemy activity in the localized area during that time period of heightened fear, uncertainty, and danger. Upon her release from the judicial system, I believe, she would find another husband easily enough in the capitalistic west, during such a promising time of peace and prosperity. No doubt about it. They would quickly rebuild their lives together and move on. It's in their nature. It's in their DNA. Optimistically, you want to look into the future to see how they evolve. After twenty years or so, her husband looks out from the towering castle walls, overlooking the Danube River and, not so loudly so as to be overheard by anyone specifically, proudly proclaims, "marrying axe-wielding Brunhilde definitely has its advantages." Listening carefully, he could hear the quaint, mysterious chords of a violin playing faintly, but harmoniously in the distance, accompanying the orchestra of sweet song-bird melodies, emanating from the evergreen forest, on such a particularly warm, sunny, glorious spring day. R. Royce searched the skies and wondered, what if. He suddenly went into a dream. Maybe it was a trance. His good friend and business associate, Colonel Cornelius Korn had volunteered for a routine Nato training exercise in Poland. Was it somewhere in Romania or the Czech Republic? He wasn't sure. Doesn't matter, the event was a massive tactical military assault with certain goals to achieve and objectives to be met. He was leading a regiment of M-1 tanks, the M-1 being the main battle tank of the U.S.A.. They were edging ever closer toward the hypothetical Bello-Ruskan front. Regiments of French Mitterands, Belgian Waffles, Italian Alfa-Omega Romeos, British Centurions, and German Panzers, rolled forward alongside his in a seemingly endless, long sweeping assault line. Onward they proceeded en mass toward the border. None of the units encountered any resistance whatsoever in their march to the sea, since their combined forces had assembled close air support by squadrons and squadrons of fighter jets from among the numerous Nato allies, Mirages, Harriers, F-16's, Messerschmitts, you name it. Of course, it was only a routine military exercise. The Bello-Ruskan opposition forces, called the OpFor Army, was nowhere to be seen. Really, they were all "paper targets" anyway. It didn't matter. The tanks had been loaded with the typical shells they normally fired on the range and actual "live-fire" bullets, however. So, the exercise was realistic in that sense. The reason behind this is the fact that some uniformed "big-wig" with stars on his hat and collar, a general officer, made the point that Nato soldiers should "train the way they fight." So, the soldiers were using real ammunition and live rounds. It just so happened that the M-1 tanks being utilized in the exercise were the only battle worthy tanks available in the entire U.S. arsenal, so the regiment wanted to put on a good showing in the exercise. That is, they wanted to meet their objectives, achieve their goals, and come out victorious, smelling like roses. This meant that they needed to attack all of their paper targets and score direct hits on them. As the Nato armor units pushed forward over hill and dale, they lined up in attack formation for an all-out assault on the OpFor. The signal was given to breech the so-called "Bello-Ruskan border," but, for some inexplicable reason, the only tanks which drove across the border to engage with the enemy were those of the American regiments. The other Nato units stopped abruptly at the border line and would not proceed one inch further. It was a precariously freaky predicament in which the American regiments found themselves. All at once, out of nowhere, the Ruskan OpForces revealed themselves en mass. They came in from 270 degrees of the compass in the two dimensional plain. In consequence and short order, the army of M-80 enemy battle tanks had completely surrounded the American regiments. Their armored units quickly, efficiently, and methodically overtook and overwhelmed the American regiments. Their tanks ambushed them, smashed their resolve, and then blew them to smithereens. The American tanks erupted in terrible plumes of smoke and exploded into "great balls of fire." The Americans had been caught completely off-guard and taken unaware. As a result, the regiments had to be written off as a complete loss. Apparently, some very real and larger-than-life Russian military leaders still believe that "unless soldiers are killed in their training exercises, then the training isn't realistic, or tough enough." Nato was forced to call off the exercise soon afterwards, without any explanation given. That's when R. Royce woke up and smelled the coffee. Cornelius Korn was on the telephone. "This is no joking matter," he said. "I just re-played the same video game scenario in my head," said Royce. "It's come to my attention that we can't afford to perform our mission isolated and alone anymore, in this violent world of rapidly changing circumstances. We have to have fully operational back-up units on-site and a viable back-up plan in place if we are to come out at all successful. As you know, we really shouldn't go to certain regions in the world today, even if we are mobilized and mechanized, without a full battalion of conditioned and motivated uniformed soldiers to support our efforts, and get us up and running again after our objective is met." "A lesson well learned," Korn said over the cell phone, when he called in a progress report on the new video game he was playing on the large-screen, high-resolution television in his living room, a harmless form of entertainment he could enjoy in the privacy of his own home without unnecessary interference or interruption. "The Ruskan Air Force just decimated all of our Nato fighter jets. Some of them never left the ground." "Better press the reset button and start over," said Royce. "Somebody just white-washed our highly-maneuverable armored vehicles and their associated weaponry with the unvarnished truth." "I notice that we can change the console settings on our newest virtual reality game," said Korn. For example, I changed the tactical situation parameters from "win-lose" or "lose-win," to "win-win." That's a first for any game I've ever played. It features totally unheard-of scenarios. Next, I disabled the "divide and conquer" feature and maximized some of the "force multiplier" features; eliminating others. What do you think that will do for us?" It was a rhetorical question. "I guess we'll find out soon enough." "Definitely a changing world out there," commented Royce. "You must adapt to the situation and react decisively at the moment of truth, if you want to survive and come out alive." "Remember, it's only a game, Royce," said Korn, the compassionate, magnanimous one. He wasn't about to start another dog-fight scenario. Bombs can produce more mass casualties and inflict greater devastation, he reflected; but hand-to-hand combat is just as bloody and ruthless.

This is a totally engrossing book. A complex story about another German war criminal who thought she could escape capture. She becomes a bombadier during the war. This is bout her life & how it will intertwine with a young woman in Boston & a3 war criminals Hunter. The story is complex, honest & gritty. Prepare to become involved

I loved that it was based on true history that is not taught in school. The fiction aspect makes the learning of the history even more compelling and the story is extremely well written and gripping. I could not put it down

Kate has written a fantastic story of survival for her characters and has described their choices with empathy. Best of all Kate has honoured the 100th anniversary of Georgette Heyer who is accredited with founding the genre of romantic historical fiction. All those wonderful references of Nina reading Heyer books to learn english- Just perfect! I hope other readers picked it up too!

This book is top historical fiction. The characters have incredible depth. The story is very captivating. Highly recommend this book!

Review 5 starsFrom this novel’s opening with the Huntress deciding to move into the shadows, I was engrossed in the story, the characters, settings, the history and Kate Quinn’s writing.I was in awe of the writing throughout and discovered another wonderful author to follow. I could see everything unfold as we were introduced to the main players. The novel is told through the senses of three POVs – if you don’t count that brief tempting glimpse into the head of the Huntress in the Prologue.First, seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride who’s determined to become a photographer post-WWII and is inspired by the likes of Margaret Bourke-White – one of my heroines. She is pleased when her widowed father, who owns a Boston antiques shop, forms a relationship with Austrian widow Annelise Weber – but she is also suspicious. Suspicions that are heightened and dismissed or disproved but stirred up again.Then, in 1950s West Germany, the reader meets British war correspondent Ian Graham who has become a Nazi hunter, aided by Tony Rodomovky, a ‘Yank’ with Polish-Hungarian blood. But other people want to move on from focusing on Nazi crimes, especially the judges – the focus has shifted onto the ‘Commies’. However, for Ian, finding the elusive Huntress is personal – a reveal not rushed by the author.Finally, we are in harsh and remote Siberia, where my favourite character, Nina Markova needs to escape her father. Facing tough prospects if she remains, she risks everything to join the legendary Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment that wreaked havoc on the invading Germans. Friendships and more are forged amid a terrible struggle to survive a gritty and vicious war.The research for this character was impressive and I applaud Kate Quinn’s ability to blend fact with an emotional and riveting story. The focus is on the regiment, but Stalin’s cruel regime lurks in the shadows. Nina must manoeuvre between the two despotic forces and carve out a life – with a razor in her oversize boots.This book, those remarkable aviators, and this character propelled me down a ‘Night Witches rabbit hole’ – and added to my reading list.The three lives/plotlines gradually weave together, with their different timelines merging. The author doesn’t rush this process but crafts it with domino-events that build. I loved the use of drip reveals. Especially as to how Nina encounters Ian and Tony. Only one of those men is a Russian speaker, and that is a tasty device – one that had me re-reading parts of the book with a grin while writing this review.The novel uses its various settings from Siberia to Massachusetts to enhance the action and the characters. For instance, lakes play a central role for all three main characters. And to the Huntress whose haven was Lake Rusalka in Poland.But which of the well-portrayed characters will prove to be the rusalka – a lethal, malevolent water spirit? They are all intricate in their traits and their backstories, yet there are no road-hump info dumps.The detail was balanced, whether about the main or supporting cast. There was even a brief appearance by a character from ‘The Alice Network’ – although I hadn’t read Kate Quinn’s previous novel at the time. But I nodded when I met her again.Anyway, the plotlines in ‘The Huntress’ merge, building towards a confrontation that could go different ways – depending on how the complexity of the personalities impacts on events. Revenge can depend on experiences, on abilities. As can justice. So, what can happen and will it? A memorable ending is set up with care. Maybe, there was a dip before that point, and I wanted a faster resolution. Or was I sharing the frustration of being a Nazi hunter? Or do characters need spaces to build their futures?In summary, I enjoyed the clever plotlines, the complex characters, significant settings, excellent research and writing style so much I want moreA book that’s hard to forget – not that I want to. In fact, I look forward to listening to the Audible version – now I've finished listening to the author's equally engrossing 'The Alice Network' and they share a superb narrator.Story – five starsSetting/World-building – five starsCharacters – five starsAuthenticity – five starsStructure – five starsReadability – five starsEditing – five stars

Loved this book. Buying an extra to give to a friend.

War brings out the worst in people to the depth of evil. To find humor and love for a little girl in the midst of darkness and hate is a good story. The characters are so interesting and unique. Another angle to WWII and the important role of women.

At this point, I don’t think Kate Quinn can do me dirty in a book. An author who does her homework pays attention to her writing and does not romanticize past events. This book starts out a lot slower than her other novels, I was beginning to feel a little tired but then the pace picked up, we went around twists and turns, I got excited at the accuracy of world war history.Jordan as a character I love her. She is everything society expects her to be and more, she understands what is supposed to happen with her life but against all odds, she ends up following her dream as well. Nina is such a fierce character, her personality is sharp and cutting but also warm and guarded. I would love to know these characters in real life.The relationships crafted in this are so delicious. I mean that in the way that they are not one dimensional, there is depth there is love, there is fear, trust, such a diverse range of emotions. The “bad guy” is not just evil personified, the “good guy” is not just that.If you are looking to read something that will give you a little 1940s history and herstory, read this book!

Once again an absolutely brilliant story from Kate Quinn. Gripping all the way. She manages to get into the charachters psyche perfectly and the story hints at the outcome at every step without revealing too much. Another masterpiece from Kate Quinn

The story was engrossing: great characters, chilling murders, and an inching towards conclusion.Only criticism was that it seemed to drag a little in the middle, but the. Pace whipped into hyperdrive for the conclusion.

I love Kate Quinn books so much. What a fabulous story. The characters come to life. Unreal! Do yourself a favour and read The Huntress

Well what a good read that was. A little long in places and I got a bit bored with the whole Jordan / Garrett affair, but Nina is brilliant. If they ever make this into a film Nina must, without a doubt, be played by Jodie Comer (Villanelle from Killing Eve).Nina is unpredictable, volatile and capable of remaining alive even in the most demanding of circumstances. A Rusalka, a night-witch, a Rusalka-bitch, a lake spirit …. Nina is all of these, and to witness her running at you, half-naked, covered in blood with her father’s razor in her hand would be quite daunting.SPOILER ALERTAnneliese, Anna, Die Jägerin, the Huntress, or whichever name she uses is the absolute personification of a sociopath. When accused by Jordan of being a Nazi, and of not being Ruth’s mother, most people in that situation would be flinching or recoiling – maybe bursting into laughter or tears, but not Anneliese. Her blue eyes don’t even widen a fraction of an inch. “Goodness,” she says, “Where has all this come from?” which is exactly how a sociopath would react. Catch a sociopath or a psychopath in a lie – catch them with a smoking gun – and they are completely unfazed. They will immediately bounce half a dozen more lies back at you …. AND while they’re at it they’ll accuse you of killing the guy on the floor. And even if it’s proved the sociopath killed him, they’ll still blame you for it. It will somehow be all your fault.Jordan lays down proof that Anneliese is a Nazi, and the look she gives Jordan causes Jordan’s heart to bang off her ribs in a sudden surge of fear as she realises just how dangerous this fragile, pretty woman is. But Jordan keeps pushing until Anneliese is shaking with sobs. The sociopath can turn on the tears any time she wants if she thinks it will get her what she wants.And then again at the end of the book – FURTHER SPOILER ALERT – Anna justifies murdering children by complaining that “People are such hanging judges over some things ……. My life is the sum of many moments. Why do some moments outweigh all the other, better moments?” and goes on to whinge about being punished for murdering six children in cold blood, justifying it to herself and complaining about how much she’s lost, which is all typical sociopath behaviour. A sociopath will always find ways to justify her crimes because in own head she believes it’s true.Sociopaths seduce and ingratiate themselves with the people around them for their own gain. They are dishonest and deceitful and are extremely comfortable when lying to get their own way, or to get themselves out of trouble. And they don’t possess a conscience, none at all. They’re just not wired that way. Anna has no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what she does, no limiting sense of concern. But she does have an intuitive sense of Jordan’s vulnerabilities and she uses this knowledge to manipulate her.And boy can she keep her cool. Anna can stay serene in even the most absurd circumstances. Solid respect to Kate Quinn for creating two excellent true-to-life characters and pitting them against each other. Absolutely recommended.