Wench

Tanya excels at being a tavern wench, and she knows it. When her guardian and owner of the tavern dies, she expects to begin the next chapter of her life running the tavern on her own. Her plans are shattered when the Queen's men take control of her tavern and all her supplies since her guardian wasn't a blood relative and never completed the proper forms to make her his inheritor. Tanya won't lose her future without a fight, so she makes a deal with the Queen's men to let her journey to the capital with them, where she can then petition the Queen and Council. Along the way, Tanya is thrust into a world of power struggle, mysterious magical objects, thieves, and a corrupt rulers.

The premise of WENCH is utterly delightful. Fantasy readers will recognize the frequent passing role of the tavern wench who never has her own story. She's usually there to entertain, to serve, to make a few quips, and to break up bar fights. Maxine Kaplan gives the overlooked stock character a story of her own, full of ambition, dreams, heartache, and more. Tanya is an engaging character with a specific aim for her life, and she is extremely aware of others' limited views of her. In her journey, she finds power she never expected, new friendships, and hard choices that test what she truly wants for herself.

Tanya's character development is top notch. She begins only able to rely on herself, mistrustful of others, and with a huge chip on her shoulder. It takes her a long time to lower her guard, to put trust in potential friends, and to figure out that a future with just yourself may seem more secure but is also infinitely more lonely.

The side characters aren't as well rounded or developed as Tanya, but are still enjoyable, particularly Jana and Greer. Those looking for romance will find a little in WENCH, but there isn't a strong thread of it. This book is truly where the wench gets to shine and tell her story, not having to share any spotlight.

Overall, WENCH is a fun romp filled with adventure after adventure. It brings to life a character that is rarely, if ever, given her own narrative and presents a complex young woman who wants to be in control of her own destiny.