Gabrielle Rouge

Gabrielle Rouge
by Maureen Ulrich
Published by Flatlands Press
Review by Sally Meadows
$21.99 ISBN 9781778296505

Full confession: alternate historical fantasy novels for young adults is not a genre I typically reach for. But when the opportunity came up to review Maureen Ulrich’s Gabrielle Rouge (Book 2 in the Winds of Change series), I jumped at it after reviewing and enjoying her middle years’ book Kimeto’s Journey, about an 11-year-old African boy who has an extraordinary adventure. The fact that Ulrich has published in multiple genres, for different age groups, attests to her skills as a writer, and I, as a reader, am all in on her writing journey.

At the beginning of Gabrielle Rouge, 16-year-old, flame-haired Gabrielle is returning home from the riots in Andwarf. Accompanied by Thomas, the young blacksmith who has pledged to serve her as the prospective incoming leader of the town of Lille after the untimely death of her war-hero father, and with her brother out of the picture, Gabrielle will need all the support she can get.

It doesn’t take long for our female protagonist to declare her intentions to the townspeople; and just as quickly, she is met with both quiet and outright opposition. The remainder of the story fleshes out her journey to take on her father’s legacy and lead the people of Lille, even as the impending approach of the Imperial army threatens their very existence.

With an impressive and finely drawn cast of supporting characters, it is worth taking the time to get them all straight in your mind. Ulrich helps us by using last names that are or connect to each character’s occupation (“Tanner,” “Weaver,” “Baker”). There are a few scenes of violence, but Ulrich skillfully navigates these without belabouring the details. Near the back of the book is a glossary of “archaic and invented” words which I found myself referring to throughout so as not to miss a single detail.

Despite having not read (yet) the preceding Gabrielle and the Rebels (Book 1), I didn’t feel at a disadvantage reading Book 2 as Ulrich seamlessly incorporates back story into her narrative leaving out just enough details until deep into the story to propel us to keeping reading. Gabrielle Rouge is fine as a stand-alone novel, but if you are like me, you will be motivated to read all the books in the series including Book 3 (The Outlaw Gabrielle; 2024) and Book 4 (Gabrielle and the Emperor, releasing soon), the final book in the tetralogy.

Maureen Ulrich is a retired Middle Years teacher, playwright, and author who lives on an acreage near Lampman. She is also the author of an award-winning four-book series (#jessiemachockeyseries) about two sisters who navigate the world of women’s hockey while dealing with the ups and downs of high school.

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