A promise is a promise but this promise is one I should have never made. Mila, a sweet pacifist born in the Motherlands, has avoided conflicts all her life. Now, living in the Northlands with the ruling family who adopted her, she’s under pressure to follow the traditions of the North and let fierce warriors fight for her hand in marriage. But how can she marry if it means giving up on her … giving up on her friendship with Jonah, the first male councilman in the Motherlands and her closest friend? Every night they talk, laugh, and share their darkest secrets.
Will Mila find a voice strong enough to say no, and is she willing to jeopardize her family’s political power for Jonah, who most likely wants nothing but a platonic friendship with her? Or does he?
The Pacifist is the tenth and last book in Elin Peer’s wildly successful Men of the North series. Don’t miss out on this epic ending to a great dystopian adventure that offers suspense, humor, and romance.
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I was so, so, SO sad to see this series end. I felt like I was saying goodbye to family. But, Peer really went the “extra mile” to make sure that everyone’s story had come full circle and that no loose ends were left dangling. And, she made Mila & Jonah’s story one for the ages.
There were steamier couples for sure, but I think that Mila and Jonah were the most romantic couple. I loved how their story and friendship built over an extended period of time, in smaller increments, in comparison to most of the other couples whose relationships progressed at a more accelerated rate. I really liked seeing the blossom of love unfold slowly, petal by velvety petal, until it was finally revealed in all of its dazzling glory.
I think that, perhaps, Mila was my favorite female character throughout this series, because of her affinity with animals, dogs in particular. I felt a kinship with her character because I, too, really love animals, especially dogs. I easily identified with her great love and affection for her loyal, spirited and highly-protective canine trio.
Jonah was one of my favorite male characters, because he showed that men didn’t have to be overly-brawny, loud, foul-mouthed, brash, fiercely-menacing, chest-beating alphas to be considered strong, manly, attractive and worthy of respect. He demonstrated that a man could be both a peacekeeper and an effective protector, at the same time. And, he proved that men could be cultured, refined, diverse, soft-spoken, polite and sensitive, yet still be ALL MAN.
Mila and Jonah’s relationship seemed to shine a spotlight on positive and society-enriching attributes like inclusiveness, compromise and respect for another’s opinion or way of life. They were the perfect representatives to showcase and display the advantages that could be found by embracing equality between men and women. And, they were also great examples of how accepting and building on all of these attributes could lead to a true friendship, greater happiness, deeper intimacy and a harmonious balance within a relationship.
In the end, I think that Mila and Jonah’s union really represented and combined the best of both worlds.
#MenOfTheNorth #The Pacifist #Elin Peer #AuthorElinPeer
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
This is the way you end a series, with a read that blows the readers mind and takes them to a place that all of the books in the series were leading to. Integration between the momsies and the nmen is not easy, I mean come on they are total opposites in action and manner. But what happens when a momsie spends most of her life in the North and still keeps her passive ways. How does she find a way to fit in a world whose views she doesn’t always agree with. Mila was always the peace maker from her time in school. This is her story, her’s and Jonas. We knew it was coming but I had no idea it would be this powerful. There are so many things I want to say about the story but I don’t want to spoil it for you. This series has been so dramatic and emotional. The two sides blending and all that it entailed has been so well done. I said it before and I will say it again, this is not your average dystopian read. This author did it so smoothly I actually only connected it because someone mentioned it. It’s the story of one side of the wall being governed and censored and protected from themselves while the other emotionally immature in so many ways yet. . . I mean their nmen so what else is there to say. This author took us into the future in such a way it just felt natural. Getting to know these characters, like all of this author’s other books, is so much more than a read. I love her books and how she reveals her characters and their story. It will touch you in all the right ways with so many feels it will take time for you to recover. Mila and Jonas story will do all of that and more. I hate to see the series end but hell what a way to go.
I have now read all 10 of the Men of the North books by Elin Peer, would recommend them all to anyone who enjoys this genre. I read them all back to back, in sequence, very much enjoyed. You get completely invested in the characters, each of their stories, their families, their stories. Great series!!
This series was so crazy good. The Pacifist is the last book in this series. Tons of action and suspense. Lots of chemistry and drama. Read in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Exciting storyline written in so much detail. I definitely recommend this book!
A great story to. Wonderful ending
Jonah and Mila makes this book a perfect ending to a wonderful series! From the first book to this one has been a wonderful journey that I’ll miss and these were anxiously anticipated as they came out one by one! Will be missed! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is the last book in Men Of The North series.
On the hole the series was a fantastic read that
had me engaged right from the first book right up
to the last word in this book.
This one ties the hole series together and answer a lot
of questions left from book before this one.
Love how friendship can become more than that.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
4.5 stars
The Pacifist is the 10th and final book in the Men of the North series. Whilst many of the books can be read as a stand alone, and indeed the romance part of this could be, it also ties together an ongoing back story. For that reason I would recommend reading at least the previous two books in the series. (The Athlete and The Fighter)
Whilst the underlying theme of the book, and series, has been finding common ground and compromise this book dealt with those themes outside of the relationship. In The Fighter we had a woman fighting to overcome prejudices in the Northlands, whereas The Pacifist deals with a Motlander man trying to change his country for the better.
If you’ve read any of the other books, particularly the earlier ones in the series, you will know that Mila has lived in the Northlands since she was a young girl. With her gentle nature and kind soul, she captured the hearts of all those who met her. She particularly captured the love of Magni, one of the roughest, toughest and meanest of the N’men. Mila is a delightful heroine, she really grew emotionally during the book and even became somewhat of a temptress!
Jonah was a delight, a man not afraid to question injustice and stand up for what he believed in. There were times when he was so dense I wanted to shake him, but at the same time I loved how it was the woman who was the sexual aggressor in this story (or at least initially).
There is so much more to this book than just the ‘mere’ romance. Though it also demonstrates that romance is so very important in life and is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact there are a lot of messages in this book that, if followed, would make the world a much better place in which to live!
We get to see many familiar faces, along with a few new ones, and it was wonderful to catch up on their lives. Whilst I’m sad to see the end of the series, and this wonderful bunch of characters, it was also great to see the start of a more positive future for them too.
Okay, I turned around for enough time.
I do think I was so afraid to read this last in this series I procrastinated and instead of reading this one rightly after its delivery in my kindle, I choose to wait and wait but enough!
Despite my worries to have to bid farewell to Khan, Pearl, Magni, Laura and all the others, I adored this last book.
It is such a positive one, it ties all the loose ends and I know they will now live the life they are destined to.
There was no angst nor heartache like in the last ones, it is due of course to the main couple in the story, a peace maker and a pacifist.
It also does not mean they are dull nor boring, in fact it was refreshing to see these two persons evolve, they are not linear, they have feelings and conflicts but they act about them differently, they take the time to think about it, weight the pros and cons. They make errors and have some misleadings because of miscommunication.
Plus they were fun to watch interacting with the brawny men of the north and the brainy momsies, evidently the Northmen have brains, and use it but they still praise fight over reflexion but more progressive-minded than their neighbors while the so tolerant Motherlanders have decidedly a bigoted side when regarding certain liberties, they relinquish to give rein not trusting their own kind.
In all the circle is complete, each side of the wall has accepted they have to pursue their path to another, how, it will be history.
Sure it is not easy to tell goodbye to everyone, wondering what about so-and-so but in more than one way, their history is on the move but we have followed them enough to know they won’t messed it up.
So bye to everyone and safe route.
Spoilers below :
My only inquiring is about the inhabitants found in France.
Received ARC copy for my honest review. This is Mila’s story. Adopted by Magni and his wife Laura, Mila promised her father that there would be a tournament for her hand in marriage, thus finding her the strongest man in the Northlands and therefore worthy of her. Mila is torn, if she marries a Northlander, she will not be able to continue her friendship with Jonah, the first male council member of the Motherlands. Will she be able to keep the friendship, will incidents happening in the Motherlands and Northlands keep them apart or will she find the love of her life? Fascinating story, once again Elin Peer has spun her magic.
I have been looking forward to this book for a number of reasons. I knew it was going to be the last in the series, and I wanted to see how it tied up. After The Fighter, I had to see how Magni fared in his recovery. And the biggest reason was this was tilting the whole series on its axis; the hero was a Motlander.
It was totally worth the wait. It was somewhat different, simply because Jonah was different. He had to be. And Mila was a different sort of heroine, too–truly a foot in both worlds. They worked so well together, and I enjoyed the transformation from friends to lovers.
Throughout the series, I have admired Elin Peer for her ability to polarize these societies and make it believable. When the Nmen were defending themselves, I agreed; when the Motlanders were explaining their positions, I could see their points. I was startled at how often I felt the Nmen had the better arguments, and I admired how they changed with the influence of good, loving women. I was particularly delighted in this book to see Jonah fight to bring the Motlanders around to a better, more open way of thinking. It showed real growth of the story arc, and it worked excellently.
I cannot recommend this series enough, and I love the way this book ends the series. Bravo, Elin!
No spoilers of any kind included!
The Pacifist was so amazing actually this whole series was amazing!
But I’m sad that this was the last book though because truthfully I don’t want this series to end.
Elin Peer is an awesome story weaving genius, her work is so addicting which is probably why she’s been my favorite author since I came across her books almost two years ago.
But anyway it’s going to be a big HECK YEAH I most definitely do recommend this book but if you haven’t read any of the books before this one then I highly suggest that you do.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
I say this with the highest compliments to Elin Peer.
I put of starting this last book as long as I could. I just didn’t want to say goodbye to this series, it is just that good!
So let’s tear the bandage off!
While the main focus of this story is of the friendship between Mila and Jonah and how it has morphed into lust and love, self growth, and choosing your own destiny, it is so much more!
It is how Magni rises from adversity with the help from a “stronger” man. How he becomes more than he ever was in many different ways. How Khan opened himself and his world upto new and possibly fatal changes for himself, his family and his country. How one man sparked change in one country for the basic rights of equality, that would filter out to the world. How the strong women in their lives loved, influenced, inspired, encouraged and supported them to become more, yet were so strong and caused change in their own ways, on so many levels.
Over a few short years in the scheme of things, there has been formidable challenges and changes affecting both the Nmen and the Momsies. Growth, diversity, tolerance, acceptance, social structures and traditions challenged and changed forever!
Two worlds divided have found the ability to be individual yet become united and change the future for everyone.
But at the core of all the stories in this series is Love! Love and the challenges it presents, changes it evokes, danger and happiness it can cause, the obstacles it can surmount, awaken the hearts and minds of men and women, and change the world!
One first step by a brave woman crossing the wall started it all, allowed new alliances, friendships, intergrated marraiges and families to form where none had been able to for hundreds of years. Some were related by blood, but family is not always related, it is who we embrace and enfold into our lives.
But none of it would have happened without LOVE
Mila and Jonah are very close friends, but Mila wants from Jonah who is not into the physical expression of desire or love as Mila is. After being in the North so long he didn’t understand the way of the Nmen in that way. But she tries to get Jonah to understand her feelings and physical desire she has for him but she has to take drastic measures before he understands how he is treating her. The Motherland where he was raised where Mila was born and she was young girl changed her after attending the first integrated School for both sides and she was adopted by Magni and his wife, but now she is an adult who is ready for marriage she has agreed to a tournament where the men will fight for the opportunity to become her husband, Magni is adamant but Mila has to make him understand how she feels, Jonah will help her but her best girl friend Raven is the biggest help in boosting her confidence.
Many answers from the last book were answered during this story line. Characters were well around and interesting. I get it but almost to tame after all the other books. I was given an ARC from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review. Purchased this book.
First I must say that I read everybody of the Men of the North series and I’m sad to see it winding down.
The Pacifist was everything and more that I expected from the first girl who was able to break down Mangi wall. I was also extremely thrilled with the match up, the flow, the pace and the characters who we have seen grown from children into adults.
I always knew Mila’s book would have the sweetest story of friendship. While it was a bit predictable, it was predictable in the most perfect way to leave butterflies in you stomach and warmth in your heart.
I do think the adult scene had been toned down a bit compared to the previous books as well. But given the seemingly innocent nature of Mila and Johns it was to be expected. Not saying the scene a poorly written or untactful just that compare to some of the other books they are rated not pg-13.
The world build was exceptional and allowed the readers to grasp the current state of the the two nations with and add bonus twist that left me wondering is this series really over? Does Peer have something more up her sleeves for her readers?
I for one am very hopeful in that matter.
I feel like I’m the two countries divided right now. I’ve put off reading this book for as long as I can. As I started it, it was with giddy anticipation to find out what happens in our dear Mila’s life and how Magni was fairing in his recuperation as he tries to handle his daughter’s growing up. And the other part was a sense of dread that this series I grown to look forward to and fall in love with the characters will come to an end with the last page. Elin Peer has always asked that there be no spoilers in the reviews in order to give readers a clean slate to begin with and so once again, I will respect that. However, I will just add, if there had to be a ‘last’ book to a series, this is one that did it beautifully. Thank you Elin for taking us on a journey that will forever be held dear within my memory.
This futuristic series draw you in with each story. It is addicting and you can’t wait for your next fix. Jonah and Mila will touch your hearts along with the drama. Mila is adopted by Magni who encourages her to participate in the North’s tradition where warriors fight for women hand in marriage. Mila has her own views. Will she fight for her beliefs and Jonah? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
It is with bittersweet emotion that I write this review. I have absolutely loved this series and have been eagerly awaiting this last book. But there you go. It is the last book. Once I obtained a copy of the book and couldn’t open it to start for a few days. I couldn’t wait to read it, but at the same time did not want it to end. All of the characters are great in their own way, although I did like some more than others. Magni was one of my favorites and I’m happy to say he has a role in this book too. For this particular book, I wasn’t sure how I would like it since the male character is a Motlander instead of being a macho Man of the North. His strength does not come in the form of muscles and funny enough that makes him so much stronger in other ways. I really thought this book was going to be my least favorite, but it definitely is not. It closes out the series on a high note, that is for sure. I am still sad to say goodbye to this series, but can’t wait to see what Elin Peer comes up for us next!