The Princess Spy

September 22, 2014
Dickerson (The Healer’s Apprentice) is off her game in this medieval historical romance set in early 15th-century Germany. Margaretha, the eponymous princess, is being wooed by the English noble Rowland Fortescue, Earl of Claybrook, whose foppish hats she rather dislikes. Into Margaretha’s German stronghold arrives an injured Englishman, Colin le Wyse, whose situation is tied to Claybrook.
Colin’s startling disclosures force Margaretha to spy on her potential betrothed and act to save her family, as Colin and the princess slowly develop a relationship of warmth and trust. Title notwithstanding, the princess doesn’t do a lot of spying, and the potential for adventure in the story is underdeveloped. The Snidely Whiplash of a villain is portrayed with a painful lack of subtlety, and Margaretha is similarly characterized by stereotype (she is repeatedly referred to as a talkative flibbertigibbet, though more evidence is provided of her resourcefulness than of her flightiness). Sparks between Margaretha and Colin are well-rendered, but not enough to redeem a by-the-numbers story. Ages 15–up. Agency: Books & Such Literary Agency. (Nov.)■

November 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-It's April 1413, and 18-year-old Margaretha, eldest daughter of Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim, is reluctantly entertaining the pursuit of her latest suitor, Rowland Fortescue, Earl of Claybrook, when a handsome, severely injured stranger, Colin, arrives. The heroine is immediately drawn to the alluring young man and the daunting information he insists that he must share with her father-information that could put her and her entire family at risk, but could also save their lives. Talkative, sheltered, and carefree, Margaretha must undertake the task of spying on Lord Claybrook and his men to learn for herself if what Colin has warned her of is true and if so, how she can save her family from certain death. Throughout the story there is an undertone of attraction between the protagonist and Colin that builds gradually, leaving readers yearning for the moment the two will finally express their love. The story and the characters are believable, and the author seamlessly weaves details about this Holy Roman Empire village and courtly life, while maintaining the narrative's even pace. References to God are made throughout the story: Margaretha and Colin's thoughts and prayers often address the deity, making this an appropriate title for teens who enjoy princess-themed Christian romance.-Susan Harris, Ridgeway High School, TN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Lady Margaretha proves her mettle and her worth to the lord of her dreams in this romance set in Western Europe in 1413. Despite a title and cover art screaming, "Read me, girls!" the prologue seems determined to lure in some male readers, as Colin witnesses the death of his friend John and reflects that he pressed John into a shared journey of vengeance against "the man who had murdered Philippa. But the heinous deed had filled Colin with outraged justice. Philippa had been his sister's closest friend and had not deserved such a fate." After Colin is beaten severely and left for dead, the story moves on to 18-year-old Margaretha, whose sole fault is being too talkative. She is currently being wooed by the foppish Lord Claybrook. Is he merely boring, or do his ridiculous garments hide the heart of a blackguard? The story is not intentionally tongue-in-cheek, but readers need make no effort in order to distinguish "good" characters from "bad" or noble-born physical appearances from lower-born. There is one chance for reflection, in a passage about the difference between vengeance and justice. Otherwise, there are pages of action scenes, wild plot twists and juicy almost-kissing moments, increasingly interjected with oddly post-Reformation prayers from Colin and Margaretha. Intentional humor does appear when Margaretha shows surprising fighting skill with ordinary household objects. Light reading for those who like romantic medieval romps and who enjoy or easily tolerate Christian prayers and references. (Historical fiction. 12-16)

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December 1, 2014
Grades 7-10 Margaretha is the daughter of a fifteenth-century German duke, and her family and acquaintances have always noted not only her penchant for talking incessantly but also her deeply romantic nature. She is looking forward to finding her one true love, and she thinks it might be her latest suitor, Lord Claypool. In a chance meeting with Colin, an Englishman come to the continent claiming that Claypool has murdered good people and seeking justice, Margaretha learns not only that her suitor may not be as honorable as she thought but also that she can successfully pare down her chattiness, keep an important secret, and help take righteous action. She and Colin join forces in a well-paced adventure that pits good against evil, features a strong and credible young woman, and relies on accurate social history in its Christian orientation. Margaretha's sensations, expectations, and fears are all evoked realistically, making this a good choice for readers who loved Katherine Paterson's Lyddie (1991) or Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy (1994) and are now ready for more romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)