Exile for Dreamers

March 1, 2016
This Regency-era romance set in 1814 England features students who attend Stranje House, an establishment for girls with unusual talents. Whether it is Tess with her prophetic visions, Georgie with her aptitude for math and science, or Sera and her perfect recall, all the young ladies receive instruction that prepares them less for a life of high society and more for a life of espionage. Their skills and training are sorely needed in war-torn Europe. But even with her focus on saving the world, Tess still has plenty of time to think about the handsome and interminably frustrating Lord Ravencross. Unfortunately even with her visions, Tess cannot predict how they will ever be able to defeat the evil Lady Daneska, who seems determined to bring only pain and misery to the residents of Stranje House. The richly detailed setting and intriguing alternate history are well-crafted, but the characters are what stand out. Narrator Tess is headstrong, melodramatic, and awkward, but she is also brave, bright, and completely real. Such secondary characters as Indian Maya and Chinese Madame Cho provide some diversity. Readers looking for a fast-paced spy novel might be disappointed by the sometimes-slow pacing, but those seeking period romance with a twist need look no further. (Paranormal historical romance. 12-18)

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May 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-In this sequel to A School for Unusual Girls, the adventurous and gifted young ladies of Miss Stranje's secret training school for spies have returned to Regency England after a dangerous escapade in France to stop Napoleon. The series spotlight shifts to Tess Aubreyson, who is haunted by prophetic dreams. She is anxious but determined not to let her nightmares drive her mad. Tess and Miss Stranje anticipate retaliation and an attack by sinister Lady Daneska and her lover, the Ghost, both members of Napoleon's secret order of the Iron Crown. With keen insight, knife-wielding skill, and unspoken love, Tess is desperate to protect the Stranje House girls and her brooding, handsome neighbor, Lord Ravencross. Despite her resolve and preparation, the protagonist is kidnapped by conniving Lady Daneska, who wants the teen to aid Napoleon with her ability. The resourceful students, Lord Ravencross, and Mr. Sinclair, a wry American innovator, launch an inventive pursuit by sea. The tantalizing, palpable attraction between Tess and Lord Ravencross will make readers eager for their ultimate embrace. A high seas escape and the joyous return of Captain Grey and Lord Wyatt ensure more adventures, romance, and intrigue to come. Vivid action descriptions, deft period dialogue and verbal sparring, well-drawn characters, new relationships, and burgeoning romance will propel this lively alternative rendition of history into the hands of teen readers.

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