Monday, January 3, 2011

Review: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Book: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl
Pages: 368 Pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Source: Received for review from publisher
Grade: A
Synopsis:
London, 1838. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servant's world below-stairs as well as the trickery above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen?
My Thoughts:
  Let me just start off by saying this was one of the best YA historical fiction novels I’ve read (and I’ve read quite a few).
   The beginning of the story starts out with Liza Hastings finding out that when her parents died, they left her in debt. After that, she goes to the castle to try to be a lady in waiting to Princess Victoria. I didn’t find that little part realistic because she decided to find work five minutes after she found out she was broke.
  After she becomes Victoria’s maid, things start to get better. I found that I really enjoyed how she and Victoria’s friendship progressed. The princess didn’t really have friends, especially ones that were her own age, so her befriending Liza was a wild ride!
  The romance in this book was very light and cheerful and I liked how it didn’t interfere with the main plot in the story. Will and Liza’s relationship went slow (the way I like it) and in the end, I was happy. I can’t say that I loved Will for his actions although he did redeem himself, but I did enjoy his caring about Liza.
  Overall, Prisoners in the Palace was a great read that I’m sure I’ll reread. Michaela MacColl is an author to watch.
Grade: A

5 comments:

  1. You know, I would normally pass right over this because of the cover, but your review has convinced me otherwise! Great review, Danna! :)

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  2. Aww, I'm the same with Melissa. I'm not too fond of the cover. But it sounds like a really cute book. Romance that is light is definitely preferred over the agonizing, dark romances in the paranormal genre. x-O Anyway, thank you for your review ♥

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  3. @Melissa Yeah, the cover is kind of boring, but the story's pretty great:)
    @Kristina It is a cute book and the romance in it is swell:)

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  4. I've heard such great things about this book. I love historical fiction, and your statement that this is one of the best HF books you've read has me sold.

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  5. I agree about this being one of the best historical fictions that I've read! I kind of liked the cover, but realllly liked the actual book binding cover! I just reviewed it on my blog too at amandarosetew.blogspot.com

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