Author: Michelle Diener
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Gallery
Publish Date: November 27, 2012
Source: HF Virtual Book Tours
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a historical fiction fan.
- You like a little bit of mystery.
From Goodreads.com: "From nineteenth-century London’s elegant ballrooms to its darkest slums, a spirited young woman and a nobleman investigating for the Crown unmask a plot by Napoleon to bleed England of its gold.
Chance led to Charlotte Raven’s transformation from chimney sweep to wealthy, educated noblewoman, but she still walks a delicate tightrope between two worlds, unable to turn her back on the ruthless crime lord who was once her childhood protector.
When Lord Edward Durnham is tapped to solve the mystery of England’s rapidly disappearing gold, his search leads him to the stews of London, and Charlotte becomes his intriguing guide to the city’s dark, forbidding underworld. But as her involvement brings Charlotte to the attention of men who have no qualms about who they hurt, and as Edward forges a grudging alliance with the dangerous ghosts of Charlotte’s former life, she faces a choice: to continue living in limbo, or to close the door on the past and risk her heart and her happiness on an unpredictable future."
My Two Cents:
"The Emperor's Conspiracy" is the story of Charlotte "Charlie" Raven, who goes from lowly chimney sweep to full-fledged society lady and her difficulty with having her toes in both of the worlds she is so familiar with. On one hand, she still remembers what it was like to be a child forced to work but still loving that world and the people that she knew in it but those very people could get her deeply into trouble. On the other hand, she absolutely relishes her position as a rich and educated woman of high society. She is constantly wondering whether or not she will ever be able to reconcile those two worlds. Through this book, it is clear that she will try her hardest in order to do so.
I really liked the conflicts that Charlotte faced between both the world of the workers and the world of the rich. While many of us will probably never have to choose between such different worlds, I think some of us can understand the struggle that Charlie faces. It can be hard to figure out where you belong and who you should be when you have so many different choices, so many different paths that you can choose. It was interesting to see how Charlie deals with all of that.
This book is filled with great historical detail of a gritty time in England's history. There is even a little dash of romance, which I really enjoyed. On top of that, there is a bit of mystery too! This book takes place in a changing time in England's history. All the gold is disappearing from the country's coffers. Because of Charlie's unique position of knowing both the rich and the poor world is in the perfect position to help figure out what is happening.
Although Charlie is a totally fictional character, Historical Fiction lovers will find so much to love about this book. The author did a great job of bringing the reader into Charlie's world. There is a lot of great detail that I could picture exactly what everything looked like in London at that time.
Bottom line: A great historical read!
Giveaway:
One lucky winner will win a copy of The Emperor's Conspiracy (just fill out the Rafflecopter form below). US only!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Monday, November 26
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages
Wednesday, November 28
Review & Giveaway at Books Devoured
Friday, November 30
Author Interview & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Monday, December 3
Review & Giveaway at My Reading Room
Review, Author Interview & Giveaway at A Bookish Libraria
Tuesday, December 4
Review at Historical Tapestry & The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader
Wednesday, December 5
Review & Giveaway at Book of Secrets
Friday, December 7
Review & Giveaway at Luxury Reading
Monday, December 10
Review & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
I've been enjoying the tour for this book and would love to win a copy. Your review was very interesting and is another that adds to my interest in reading it.
ReplyDeleteI have heard such wonderful things about this book and your post backs that up! I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeletecandc320@gmail.com
I haven't read much historical fiction from that era, so it sounds really good to me!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this book. I have it on my tbr list.
griperang at embarqmail dot com
It is refreshing to see a book that is not about Kings and Queens, although I love that, thank you for the opportunity...
ReplyDeletemomkelly2003 at yahoo dot com
Definitely one that's on my wishlist. Thank you for the chance in the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteleahweller(at)bellsouth(dot)net
DeleteI love when historical fiction doesn't romanticize and prettify it's setting. This sounds gritty and sooty and perfect :)
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing about this book everywhere, and can't wait to get my hands on a copy and immerse myself in another world. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an engrossing read. thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThis book is so popular, everyone is talking great things about it. I can't wait to read it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis cover is so gorgeous that it catches my eye every time. I wish I had the time to partake on this tour. I love the chimney sweep to society lady idea - never have really thought of a woman as a chimney sweep! Probably just the effects of Mary Poppins on me!
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction that is well-researched and brings time periods to life. This sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteHistory and mystery--two of my favorites! Love that combo :)
ReplyDeleteBeth