Genre: Historical Age Range: YA Star Rating: 5 stars Series: Standalone
Synopsis:
Iris Grey’s childhood was idyllic… until her father remarried. Iris’s new stepmother and two stepsisters were cold-hearted schemers, and when her father dies in mysterious circumstances, Iris knows that something is wrong. Far too spirited to be forced into a life of servitude, she runs away to London. When she crosses paths with handsome, clever and cold Nicholas Wynter, Iris realises that this is her moment for revenge. Together they plot the downfall of their enemies – but the pair begin to find they have more in common than a desire for justice.
Will their spark burn bright or will it be extinguished in the flames of their ambition?
Synopsis taken from Goodreads. Add to your shelves here.
Review:
Was there ever any doubt that Laura Wood would pull off another stunning historical novel? And yes, this one probably ought to be called a historical romance rather than a historical with romance elements.
We depart from the early 20th century, but only by a year. It’s the late Victorian period, and we get a tale of revenge, hidden identities, and love. It’s a brilliant spin on Cinderella, where Cinderella decides to get her revenge for all the years of misery, going undercover at the home that’s been stolen from her.
That fairytale vibe is so clear in the book, with the dress making and balls and princes. There are midnight meetings, multiple people acting like fairy godmothers for others, and a spiteful stepmother and stepsister.
I really liked that one of the stepsisters was not horrible, but rather suffering from the conceit and narrow-mindedness of her mother and sister. Plus, I always love seeing a nerdy girl who knows her own mind and desire to study succeed. The aroacespec rep too was so nice to discover, and I could really see myself in Cassie.
There was no beating about the bush trying to conceal that Iris wanted revenge, even when she falls in love and is offered a chance to stop, but doesn’t. I loved that Iris was allowed to be feminine, with an interest in clothes and looking out for others, as well as having a firm desire to even the scales. So often female characters who are after revenge have to be “not like other girls” (to the point that they are like many other girls in the genre, which is ironic!) Seeing both together without that being presented as a conflict was just so freeing.
The only problem with finishing this book is that there isn’t another Laura Wood book for me to pick up this instance! I will eagerly await whatever she writes next!
Read my reviews of other books by Laura Wood:
Young Adult:
Trevelayn sisters:
- A SKY PAINTED GOLD (#1)
- A SNOWFALL OF SILVER (#2)
Standalones:
Middle Grade:
Effie Costas:
- VOTE FOR EFFIE (#1)
- EFFIE THE REBEL (#2)
Sifa Elizabeth Reads 