July 2025 Finale: One for All - Lillie Lainoff

Hi there!

Welcome to our July Finale for Lillie Lainoff's 2022 One for All.

Trigger Warning: Violence, Swordfighting, Murder, Disfiguration, Mutilation, Physical Assault, Intense Action, Chronic Illness, Passing Out

Overall

This book was meant to be fun and wasn't too serious. It got a little complicated with the political jargon and intrigue, but other than that, it was enjoyable to read. We really liked the concept of the whole story, and we really enjoyed the entire cast of characters, no doubt, but this was a book that we gave four out of five stars, and it lost a star because it just wasn't as intense as we had hoped it would get.

Étienne

Ceraya loves love and was so upset when Étienne was revealed to be the MAIN VILLAIN. We were super sad that Tania felt valued enough to open up to Étienne and then had that turned on her. She had become confident and sure of herself with him. It was heartbreaking that it went the way it did.

There was no character in the book who was as shocking a bad guy as Étienne, but it made perfect sense for him to be the big baddie anyway. Because we saw their entire romance from Tania's point of view, we were meant to be as convinced as Tania was of Étienne's love for her and her love for him.

The Chronic Illness

What stood out the most to Ceraya was the range of different interactions Tania has with others regarding her chronic illness. We appreciated this because it's far more realistic than a book that writes a chronic illness as completely accepted and tolerated by everyone in a very acceptable and palatable way.

Tania

We liked that Tania felt more comfortable in The Order's support as a fencer and that she eventually became more confident and sure-footed in herself in all other aspects of her life as well - she becomes convinced in The Order's intentional and reliable support of her in her illness. She begins to learn to TRUST more.

I think we both would have liked a lot more Sparring with the bad guys if possible.

Conclusion

Worth the read for sure, and definitely a fun one for younger readers who need a strong female character!

With love, see you soon!

Ceraya & Brieanna