While I couldn't finish The Shadow King at this time, it offered a compelling historical portrayal of the forgotten women soldiers in Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia. Through the eyes of protagonist Hirut, readers are transported into a tumultuous world of courage, betrayal, and resilience. However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, repetitive and the prose overly ornate. Nevertheless, it provides a valuable perspective on Ethiopia’s history and the role of female veterans. Additionally, it does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of abuse and violence and for that reason investigating TW’s is advised. If you liked the movie The Woman King, this book might tickle your fancy.