Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Hardened Steel: A Warrior's Odyssey is a work of fiction penned by author Victor Gregor in the historical fiction, military, and cultural subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited into a gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of the Great War in 1915 Europe. The action follows Colonel Volodymyr Starkov, a loyal soldier of the Russian Empire who yearns to serve his nation. However, his cavalry unit remains stuck in Petrograd, doing little more than endless training and lackluster parades. The story takes a thrilling turn when Tsarina Alexandra entrusts Starkov with a critical mission: to rescue a group of indigenous people deep within the unforgiving Siberian wilderness from ruthless rogue Cossacks led by a sadistic chieftain. What ensues is an epic odyssey fraught with peril, from treacherous landscapes to unpredictable weather and constant threats of attack.

Author Victor Gregor has crafted a deeply considered and vividly penned tale that is both a historical adventure and a deep character study. Starkov, haunted by his own past, must grapple not only with a brutal warlord and the harsh Siberian environment but also with his inner demons. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes a powerful exploration of transformation amidst chaos and violence, which is achieved through a very close narrative style and some subtle but brilliant speech and thought presentation. Without being explicitly told, we can always sense the deeper emotions at play. I also enjoyed the dialogue immensely and found it culturally rich and historically atmospheric, but also really accessible for modern readers. Overall, Hardened Steel is a story of resilience, inner strength, and self-discovery that resonates with anyone who appreciates historical fiction that is both action-packed and introspective. It's a captivating journey into the heart of a complex man in a turbulent time, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.