This book is definitely not on my list of "well written" books. Although the story moves quickly, there are many unanswered questions that leave your head spinning. All of the plot twists are predictable and inevitable. The author spends far too little time in developing the romantic aspect of this book. It seems as if the heroine barely has to work to accomplish her goals in this book and you feel frustrated at her ability to escape so simply from every stumbling block thrown in he... (show more)

This book is definitely not on my list of "well written" books. Although the story moves quickly, there are many unanswered questions that leave your head spinning. All of the plot twists are predictable and inevitable. The author spends far too little time in developing the romantic aspect of this book. It seems as if the heroine barely has to work to accomplish her goals in this book and you feel frustrated at her ability to escape so simply from every stumbling block thrown in her direction. Another irksome aspect of this book is the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Lady Mary. Their whole interaction seems ridiculous and unreasonable. The favor that Elizabeth shows towards Mary is neither earned nor obligatory. In all reality Mary should be an outcast, or pariah at court, but the author makes it so easy for her to establish a place for herself. It seems as if this book gives the protagonist too easy a time. Also, the setting is highly unrealistic for the magic that Lady Mary practices. The fact that she never gets caught in her practices makes you want to scream out that this book did NOT go through editing even close to enough times. (show less)

Although the story takes place under rather disturbing pretenses, it progresses into a tale that will make you want to laugh and cry all at the same time. The tales of three extremely disturbed children intertwine when their fates lead them to the same place. Although they struggle to confront the demons of their pasts that made them be the way they were, you will find yourself drowning in the sea of emotions that Hopkins manages to relay in this novel. All of the characters are much more rel... (show more)

Although the story takes place under rather disturbing pretenses, it progresses into a tale that will make you want to laugh and cry all at the same time. The tales of three extremely disturbed children intertwine when their fates lead them to the same place. Although they struggle to confront the demons of their pasts that made them be the way they were, you will find yourself drowning in the sea of emotions that Hopkins manages to relay in this novel. All of the characters are much more relatable and likable than you would imagine for a book such as this. For people who don't mind disturbing subject matter this is a must read. It is stories like this one that make you take your own life at higher value and realize exactly what you have that others would die and fight to obtain. If you enjoy this novel, all of Ellen Hopkin's other books are extremely worthy reads as well. (show less)