The Fort by Christy K. Lee: Book Review

The Fort is the sophomore release from Canadian author Christy K. Lee. With an anticipated release date of July 8, 2025, it takes readers back to the early 1800s and the heart of the Canadian fur trade. Abigail arrived at Fort Edmonton with her father and son, seeking a change and the opportunity to improve their lives. While there, she meets Henry, a proper Englishman, and Gabriel, a French fur trapper. One wants to marry her, while the other is the one she wants to be with. One would be good for her family, while the other would not be. Should she follow her heart or her head?

I want to thank Rising Action and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Fort. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

It’s the height of the fur trade in Canada, and Abigail Williams leaves her home in England and travels deep within the rugged wilderness to escape her scandalous past. With her young son in tow, Abby imagines a life on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, in the rugged but beautiful Fort Edmonton, where she can mend horseshoes in her father’s blacksmith shop and her past will not be a hindrance to her happiness.

Life has other plans. The interest of Henry, an officer at the fort, and Gabriel, a French trapper, are not what she expected. While she wrestles with what future either man can give her, her past comes to haunt her, and she and her son must flee with a ragtag group of voyageurs to Montreal. The winter journey is fraught with dangers, from raging rivers to the chaos that is Lake Superior. But Abby is determined to create a new life for herself, whatever the barriers.

My Opinions

The Fort is a well-researched and well-written historical fiction. It’s well-written in the fact that we aren’t bogged down in facts and figures, as some historical fiction tends to do. We can understand that the book is set in the early 1800s, and that life isn’t easy; yet, we are still able to find the characters relatable. Abigail wants to do what is right for her father and her son. Henry is trying to keep up appearances. Gabriel wants to live a life of his choosing, even if that goes against what others expect.

Another remarkable aspect of the story is the discussion of the expectations placed on women in the era in which the book is set. A woman’s place was traditionally in the home, where she took care of her family and household. Abigail understands that, but has also learned a trade to help support her family. Several of the men in the very masculine cast are surprised to learn she knows blacksmithing and is a talented smith in her own right.

My biggest issue with the book is the lack of female characters. There are a few at the fort, and a couple of others appear in other circumstances. While I understand the setting is very male-dominated, and that there would have been only a handful of women in the forts, it feels like the cast is lacking.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Fort. Who do I think it would be perfect for? Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction with medium stakes. Or anyone who enjoys reading books set in a period and location that is not the normal historical fiction.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.