That said, Bourne has written a great debut that, I think, she could easily broaden into adventure fiction in the tradition of the Cornwell’s Sharpe series or O’Brian’s Aubrey–Maturin series.

Her economy of phrase, lack of sentimentality, absolute lack of anachronism (in all things), and finely drawn characters make this book a joy to read. There are very few books written this well.

Indeed, if romantic historical fiction had such things as lists of exemplars of best-practice, this book would rate extremely high on a very short list.

——- SPOILER ALERT ——–

I liked the sensible nature of the characters and the fact that Bourne has them declare the depth of their regard for one another fairly early in the book. There was never a sense that sharing that feeling lessened either Grey or Annique.

I really appreciated the way that Bourne has created characters that respect each other.

Everyone in that book is an adult and acts like one. Everyone is a professional. Annique’s role is not ever diluted by her sex, age, or character. Grey does not use sex as a weapon against her (as it is so often used in other books) – neither does Annique use sex as a weapon against Grey.

I really admire the creation of Annique. I can’t think of many other heroines who are as cool, as unsentimental, who have such a healthy sense of themselves, and who can still attend to the shape-shifting that a spy needs with such elan and self-possession.

By placing the book so firmly in the present (that is the waning days of George III), we readers are freed from old and established habits of the telegraphed Freudian 20th century pre-occupation with psychology and its effect on people’s actions.

A QUIBBLE

The only quibble I have with it is Annique’s arrival in Dover (Chapter 17, specifically pages 172 – 190). It don’t wash with me (and is completely out of Annique’s character and her behavior to this point in the book) that a seasoned, clever, and preternaturally aware spy such as she would so drastically drop her guard.

She acts like there is nothing to worry about — and I won’t buy the reason being that she has her sight back. If anything, I think that having the added information would make her more wary of her environment. She may be feeling inner joy, but she must first attend to the business of surviving and keeping several steps ahead of LeBlanc and Henri.

In order to move the plot forward, something had to happen in Dover and Grey did have to find her again (his directive and personal quest). I can think of many other scenarios that could allow Grey and Annique to meet in Dover that would not have compromised Annique’s character so.

——- END OF SPOILER ——-

As far as the violence another reader mentioned, I’d have never even thought to bring it up. Most of the story is about spies fleeing from other spies. Yes, there is a little fighting and few folks get knocked over the head. In my opinion, it was very lightly dealt with.

I, too, am really looking forward to the sequel.

Barbara Bergin
author of “Endings”
http://www.barbaraberginink.com

I cringe over the way some author’s will throw in a few zees and leetles and assume they’ve sufficiently portrayed the French accent. so yeah, I’m definitely curious about this book.