It was also very refreshing to see an almost entirely non-white/European cast of central characters. Girls sticking up for one another is a major theme, as is friendship in general. They move from Themyscira to New York City to Southern Greece, joined by Alia's brother and their friends, Nim and Theo, along the way. Alia is a Warbringer, and she unwittingly brings death and war wherever she goes.ĭetermined to save the world and Alia, Diana sets out to find the last resting place of Helen of Troy, and hopefully put an end to Alia's destiny. Diana pulls her from the ship, but soon discovers her act of bravery may lead to disaster for both the human world and the Amazons. In this Wonder Woman story, Alia is on board a ship near the island where Diana and her Amazonian sisters live when a bomb detonates. And I was surprised by how much emotion Bardugo packed into it. I was surprised that it was, at times, a funny book. I was surprised by the strength of the characters and their relationships, and how well the author used dialogue to create warm, funny and touching dynamics between them. I expected certain things from this book - action, death, drama, Greek mythology, a hint of romance - and I definitely got them, but I was surprised by several things.

And yet, I soon realized that Bardugo was doing something just as important- showing the power of female friendships above all else. When she opened Diana's story by swapping out the arrival of army captain, Steve Trevor, for a Greek/African-American girl called Alia, I was secretly shipping them. You know, at first, I was a touch disappointed that Bardugo didn't take this opportunity to have a gay romance for Wonder Woman. And apparently Catwoman, Superman and Batman are also being remade by popular YA authors. From the movie with Gal Gadot, to this wicked little tale of female empowerment, one of my least favourite superheroes is rapidly becoming a new favourite. Wonder Woman has gotten quite the makeover this year and I must confess: I really like it. “Sister in battle,” murmured Diana, “I am shield and blade to you.”

Wonder woman warbringer book