While touted as a beloved goddaughter of the queen, Sally was used as a perfect example of the queen's ability to 'civilize' someone from her colonies. Sally sees her situation differently and has plans of vengeance and fierce retribution against the queen and those who support her.
Needless to say, Queen Vic does not fare well in this book and readers will have their eyes opened to a different view of the British royal family. The story is full of twists and a fascinating premise, but I found the pacing a bit off kilter in the first half of the book and it was hard to keep the many men in the Queen's entourage straight.
I enjoyed Sally's character - she's smart, calculating and strong. But her sole focus was vengeance, and I would have liked to know more about her - particularly her relationship with Rui - who was my favourite character.
This was an entertaining and enlightening story that combines history and fiction within a well-researched story about a young woman who stands up for herself against a very formidable foe. Because of the strength and kick ass tenacity of this teen female character, I agree with the publisher that this is a good pick for fans of Robin LaFevers His Grave Assassins series but disagree that it's a good fit for fans of Bridgerton.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to HarperCollins Canada for the complimentary copy of this book which was given to me at the Ontario Library Super Conference.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Author: Sarah Raughley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Teen, Canadian
Type and Source: Hardcover from publisher at OLA conference
Publisher: Harper Collins Canada
First Published: January 14, 2025
Read: March 9 - 13, 2025
Book Description from GoodReads: In this riveting historical thriller that’s loosely inspired by true life events, The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge . . .
The year is 1862, and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all else: revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial “humanitarianism,” which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once again: marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.
Loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy.
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