100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

Lies are more abundant than the truth between France and England in the early 1800’s.  Napoleon is quietly planning an attack on the British, and the British network of spies, known as the King’s Men are secretly keeping watch.  Known as the Tidewatcher, British spy Duncan is on a mission not only to watch the French Coastline for signs of invasion, but to find and protect his mentor, Sir Edward Sunderland’s daughter, Elizabeth.  Lisbeth Delacorte has been dragged through the gutter.  She eloped with Alain Delacort, a Frenchman to defy her father and get out of an arranged marriage to a wealthy Baron only to be abandoned in France and have her son stolen from her.  Now Lisbeth works in a tavern and is desperately trying to save her son from Alain’s cruelty.  When Duncan finds Lisbeth, he immediately sees her strength as a woman and as a spy.  Duncan trains Lisbeth for a mission going undercover in American inventor Robert Fulton’s household to gain intelligence of his submersible ship that may hold the key to undoing Napoleon’s plans.  Lisbeth accomplishes this and more, but only for Duncan’s promise that he will get her son back to her.  


Historical fiction and with spy tactics made this book intriguing, exciting and suspenseful.  I didn't know a lot about this time in history, so the mix of historical figures with fictional characters made this educational for me as well. Although, for me the fictional characters of Lisbeth and Duncan shone the brightest for me.  Lisbeth was a truly strong character in her morals, character, intelligence and physical strength.  She is put through many trials, going from a highborn lady to working in a tavern, attempted murders and rape to successfully completing spy missions, all for the hope of getting her son back. Duncan is a true King's Man, trained by the best, which makes him an enigma, holding many secrets and making it terribly difficult for him to open up to the woman who he loves.  The missions that Duncan and Lisbeth are sent on are filled with plenty of intrigue and provide many twists and turns, I especially liked learning about Robert Fulton and his submarines.  There was a little romance in here, but it was in no way the whole plot, just a nice little addition to keep things moving, although I do wish it was tied off a little better.  Overall, a quick-paced, spy-filled historical fiction adventure.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.