In an age of political unrest and racial divide, one girl's search for truth will determine the future of her kingdom.
Prague, 1870
Prague, 1870
For the last ten years, nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodová has worked as a servant in her stepmother's household, dreaming of the day she will be free to live life on her own terms.
But when her estranged grandmother, Lady Penelope, comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria, everything changes. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup, and Lady Penelope, as the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, is determined to discover the perpetrators. When she offers Eleanora the chance to help her prevent the kingdom from falling apart, she is hesitant to trust her. And while joining means freedom from her stepmother and protecting the people of Prague, Eleanora knows her life will never be the same--or her own.
Can she find a way to be free and still do the right thing? Or will joining the Order only lead to disaster?
With castle intrigue, true love, and family dysfunction, Cinderella meets Mission Impossible in this historical fiction spy adventure series by C. S. Johnson.
But when her estranged grandmother, Lady Penelope, comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria, everything changes. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup, and Lady Penelope, as the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, is determined to discover the perpetrators. When she offers Eleanora the chance to help her prevent the kingdom from falling apart, she is hesitant to trust her. And while joining means freedom from her stepmother and protecting the people of Prague, Eleanora knows her life will never be the same--or her own.
Can she find a way to be free and still do the right thing? Or will joining the Order only lead to disaster?
With castle intrigue, true love, and family dysfunction, Cinderella meets Mission Impossible in this historical fiction spy adventure series by C. S. Johnson.
My Thoughts
Kingdom of Ash and Soot was a fun and exciting story full of intrigue that was nearly impossible to put down. It was compelling right from the beginning and had me reading as fast as I could. I loved the unique take on the classic tale of Cinderella. The added spy element was such a genius and original idea.
The characters were great. Eleanora was an incredibly likable heroine. It was fascinating to ride alongside her on her journey to discovering herself and her place in the world. Ben was an awesome big brother. It was really nice to see such a supportive relationship between the siblings.
This was the first book I've read by C.S. Johnson, but it definitely won't be the last. I'm excited to check out her other books while I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel.
I won this book in a giveaway and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Five Stars
Sounds fun, and I love the idea of the secret order! Cool cover too!
ReplyDeleteThe secret order was one of the things that initially caught my attention about this book. It's so intriguing and mysterious. Love it! Thanks for coming by, Greg! Have a great weekend! :)
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