The Diamond Eye (Review)

“Snipers must make themselves calm in order to succeed, and that is why women are good at sharpshooting. Because there is not a woman alive who has not learned how to eat rage in order to appear calm.”

― Kate Quinn, The Diamond Eye

The vibe

Book / Leggings / Backpack / Jacket / Shoes / Headband / Gloves

Mila is a fierce woman, and tbh I feel my fiercest in some athleisure. I love love love these leggings from Old Navy. This entire winter outfit is Mila inspired, Nat approved.

The review

Mila Pavlichenko is a single mom, want-to-be divorcée, a student, and a librarian. Wanting to be able to protect her young son and play the role of father as well as mother to him, she enrolls in a program that trains her to be an incredible markswoman. When Hitler’s army invades Russia, Mila answers the call to serve her country.

It’s not long before her impeccable sniper skills earn her hundreds of kills and a reputation as Lady Death. Amid the perils of war, Mila also finds love and friendship — and a couple battle scars. As much as she wants to make it home to her growing boy, she can’t help but believe her fate is doomed.

With propaganda being the name of the game, the powers at be send Mila on a tour to the United States. She’s lauded — and doubted — as a female warrior and she catches the attention of one American in general: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. As the friendship and the tour develops, a dark presence with a damning plan looms larger and larger, coming to a head with the president’s life on the lin.

I think Kate Quinn is an absolutely incredible storyteller. It’s been over a year since I read my first novel from her — The Rose Code — and this one somehow was even better. I loved Mila, and I saw where the story was going at parts, but I could not help but get overly invested in this character’s story!

The Diamond Eye is based on a true story, and I insist you read Quinn’s author’s note as well. She outlines what is true and what she took creative liberties with.