Rebel Spy
A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355--a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War--perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key and the novels of Julie Berry.
Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.
Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.
Title: Rebel Spy
Author: Veronica Rossi
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Pages: Hardcover, 368 pages
Publishing Date: 06/23/2020
Publishing House: Delacorte Press
Language: English
ISBN: 1524771228
ISBN13: 9781524771225
My Review
Loved this ♡♡♡
7 Fathoms Deep!
Rebel Spy is such a cozy and unputdownable YA read. From the beautiful cover to the unique story it is filled with friendship, dares and a bit of romance during the Revolutionary War. Mainly a character-driven novel more so than historical, the events of the war provide ample padding for this unique plot to unfold. One, in which a simple girl from the Bahamas, ends up a Rebel Spy among the high society in New York City.
Frannie Tasker is a water baby and island girl from the Grand Bahamas. After the death of her parents, she is left with her alcoholic stepdad Sewel who makes a living by having her dive old shipwrecks looking for exploits to capitalize on.
One day, in his inebriated state, Sewel attempts to touch Frannie differently and tell her to be his obedient wife, but she has had enough of it. In a moment of opportunity, she takes a dive and hides out to get away from him. In a stroke of luck, she ends up posing as the lady Miss Coates and becomes rescued by a merchant ship heading North to New York.
Though she is able to put up the rouse in front of those that don't know her, it does not go unnoticed that she has unladylike mannerisms. When she meets Asa Lane, he is willing to teach her the ways of a lady, though he clearly loves her ways as they come.
Right as romance is blossoming, Asa is ripped from her side but has left big, lingering impressions on her. Insecure about her future in New York City, she is filled with Asa's convictions politically and in secret holds on to them in her heart.
As her life as Miss Coates takes shape in New York City among the high society, it is those same convictions that turn her a Rebel Spy among all the Loyalists around her. Besides the fear of her stepdad Sewel to ever follow her, she has managed well but never forgot about Asa. Will she ever see him again? Perhaps in her work as Agent 355 when she fights for the American Liberty in secret?
Oh, you will just have to read this sweet story!
I enjoyed this novel. It is one of a good-natured kind of YA, unlike the norm of graphic, violent and fantastical ones out there, though it does offer adventure and anticipation.
This is one of those books I walked around the house with my nose in it while making tea or doing things one-handedly....I did not want to stop reading. The writing flowed beautifully and read effortlessly. Simply exquisite.
Frannie's character was all feist and strength inside. I loved her relationship with Asa that was enduring, yet not unsecretive. Perhaps this is why it was such a page-turner for me. I don't usually read any romance at all...but it had me giddy and hoping for a good outcome.
This novel is beautiful inside and out, a perfect read for a breezy, lazy summer day!
Enjoy!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.
