Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Series: Palace of Spies (Book 1)
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (November 5, 2013)
Language: English
Genre: Historical fiction/mystery
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
About the Book:
A warning to all young ladies of delicate breeding who wish to embark upon lives of adventure: Don't.
Sixteen-year-old Peggy is a well-bred orphan who is coerced into posing as a lady in waiting at the palace of King George I. Life is grand, until Peggy starts to suspect that the girl she's impersonating might have been murdered. Unless Peggy can discover the truth, she might be doomed to the same terrible fate. But in a court of shadows and intrigue, anyone could be a spy—perhaps even the handsome young artist with whom Peggy is falling in love . . .
History and mystery spark in this effervescent series debut.
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Praise:
* "A rollicking spy caper in corsets. . . . This witty romp will delight fans of historical fiction as well as mystery lovers."
—Kirkus, starred review
"Zettel has created a dynamic, immensely likable heroine in Peggy, and she folds in history, both cultural and political. . . . A sequel is in the works, and it will be eagerly anticipated by fans of Libba Bray."
—Booklist
"A solid opening volley in a promising series."
—Publishers Weekly
"The protagonist, clever and witty, makes a compelling heroine."
—School Library Journal
About the Author:
Sarah Zettel, author of the American Fairy trilogy, is an acclaimed science fiction, fantasy, romance, and mystery writer. She lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with her rocket-scientist husband, her son, and a cat named Buffy the Vermin Slayer. Visit her website at www.sarahzettel.com.
My Thoughts:
Palace of Spies is a funny, adventure filled romp through the historical setting of the royal palace during the rein of King George. It has just about everything a girl could want out of a book. Pretty dresses, intrigue, sword fights, scandal, and a splash of romance. First and foremost, this book is a mystery. Peggy find herself in an unlikely situation and takes it upon herself to figure out what happened to the girl she is impersonating.
I'm not going to lie - I loved the story. The plot was fast paced and fun. I loved Peggy as the narrator. She kept things interesting with her sarcasm and her wit. The characters were all very lively and interesting. The book is free of innuendo, cursing, and graphic violence. There is an instance of assault and one where Peggy stumbles across a tryst, but other than that, the book is clean.
The only thing I didn't like about the book is that some of the details are murky and the motives behind some of the characters remained confusing and unclear. I still can't figure out Robert and whether or not I should like him, hate him, pity him, or despise him. Maybe that's how I'm supposed to feel about him, but his character is one that feels unresolved. Regardless, I am definitely reading the next book!
Content: One instance of sexual assault which gets interrupted and one instance of Peggy stumbling upon a hookup.
I thought this one sounded cute! I'll definitely have to watch for it, I think I might enjoy it a lot!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun. You would like it!
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