Title: Maid of Wonder
Author: Jennifer McGowan
Series: Maids of Honor (Maid of Secrets, Maid of Deception)
Pages: 336
Published: September 15, 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781481418263
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Description: Sophia Dee, the most unusual spy of Queen Elizabeth’s Maids of Honor, has run out of time for her psychic skills to fully manifest. A terrible new prophecy haunts Windsor Castle, and the Queen demands answers before the next doomed soul dies. Thrust into a dangerous and horrifying competition to solve the deadly prediction, Sophia finds herself pitted against the most celebrated mystics of Europe: John Dee, her devious uncle and the Queen’s personal astrologer, and Nostradamus, the renowned prophet-seer of France. In a court where whispers of witchcraft, poisonous plots, and grim assassins threaten her at every turn, Sophia needs answers fast. But does she dare trust Marcus Quinn, her uncle’s striking and overambitious assistant? Or, instead, should she turn to the tortured dark angel of the spirit realm, who whispers to her only of sorrow and death? As new dangers surface and the dire prophecy sweeps toward its final victim, the five Maids of Honor prepare to do battle. Only then will the girl who so often sees the future finally discover if she can save the Crown—and herself.
I GIVE THIS ...
I've really enjoyed this series to date. So their was no doubt that I would read this book when it became available. I admit that Sophia is not my favorite maiden, but I was intrigued to learn her story.
Sophia's gift is interesting to me. I wonder how it would be viewed in today's world that she conversed with angels? It was definitely hearsay in that time. I wonder if that fear was partially why she seemed to have so little control and understanding of it. Until it came down to an ultimatum, it didn't even seem like she was trying to make complete use of it.
I did find her voice annoying at times. You can tell she is a little bit more sheltered and naive compared to the rest of the maids. She doesn't seem to have any responsibility like the others. While her gift is no easy, she needed to be pushed to do it. I think Elizabeth did it in her typical fashion. She wanted to make a spectacle of it for her own amusement. I loved the inclusion on Nostradamus, although I admit that I don't know much about him besides his name. I was on the fence when it came to Marcus Quinn. I felt it was kind of creepy how he could see Sophia in her dreams and seemed to be there every time she turned around. But, he also seemed very invested in her well being.
Overall, an adequate addition to the series. You can't really have it without a story about Sophia, so I'm happy to have it. I sincerely hope this series continues.
Overall, an adequate addition to the series. You can't really have it without a story about Sophia, so I'm happy to have it. I sincerely hope this series continues.
