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The Queen's Spade: A Gothic YA Thriller—A Kidnapped African Princess Plots Twisted Revenge in Victorian England
In this riveting historical thriller that’s loosely inspired by true-life events, The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge . . .
The year is 1862 and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial ‘humanitarianism,’ which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.
Loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy.
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge . . .
The year is 1862 and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial ‘humanitarianism,’ which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.
Loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
180 people are currently reading
14843 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Raughley
16 books679 followersSarah Raughley grew up in Southern Ontario writing stories about freakish little girls with powers because she secretly wanted to be one. She is a huge fangirl of anything from manga to SF/F TV to Japanese Role Playing Games, but she will swear up and down that she was inspired by ~Jane Austin~ at book signings. On top of being a YA Writer, she is currently completing a PhD in English, because the sight of blood makes her queasy (which crossed Medical School off the list).
She is represented by The Bradford Literary Agency.
So far, you can also find her on Twitter, where work ethic goes to die.
She is represented by The Bradford Literary Agency.
So far, you can also find her on Twitter, where work ethic goes to die.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
March 9, 2025
What’s the point of having an imagination if you can’t use it to the fullest? I believe that was exactly Raughley’s thought process when she came up with this book and wrote it. Because there’s no way THE Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally) was actually out here doing everything she did in this story… right? Oh, but what if she did? 🤨🧐
I absolutely loved this wild, outlandish experience. It felt like scratching an itch—the curiosity of wanting to know more about a historical figure who doesn’t have much recorded about her. And beyond that, it also satisfied that deep-seated question: What if the people who committed horrible acts didn’t just get away with it? What if we made them pay?
Sally’s existence in a time of colonialism and slavery provided the perfect backdrop to explore these themes in such a unique way. She was fueled by revenge, and I could feel that passion radiating from every word in the book. Manipulative, sharp, and incredibly strategic—her ability to get things done in this fictionalized world, rooted in a very real time period, was just so impressive. Even though I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the book at times, the stakes kept getting higher and higher. Every twist and turn threatened to destroy her carefully crafted plans, and I couldn’t get enough of how she maneuvered out of each situation, recalculating her next steps. The relationships she built in this story were all so different yet fascinating, each one shaping the kind of character she became.
I thought the ending was incredibly clever—perfectly fitting for the kind of girl Sally was. After everything we read, she deserved an ending that made sense for her and aligned with the goals that had been clear from the very beginning. And even though this story probably never happened, the way Raughley wove in real-life people and events made it feel so real—like an alternate history where you can’t help but wonder, "OMG, what if this actually happened, and we’re only now learning the truth?" Whether fact or fiction, one thing is for sure: Sally was a badass, and I’m so glad I got a glimpse into what her life might have been like.
I absolutely loved this wild, outlandish experience. It felt like scratching an itch—the curiosity of wanting to know more about a historical figure who doesn’t have much recorded about her. And beyond that, it also satisfied that deep-seated question: What if the people who committed horrible acts didn’t just get away with it? What if we made them pay?
Sally’s existence in a time of colonialism and slavery provided the perfect backdrop to explore these themes in such a unique way. She was fueled by revenge, and I could feel that passion radiating from every word in the book. Manipulative, sharp, and incredibly strategic—her ability to get things done in this fictionalized world, rooted in a very real time period, was just so impressive. Even though I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the book at times, the stakes kept getting higher and higher. Every twist and turn threatened to destroy her carefully crafted plans, and I couldn’t get enough of how she maneuvered out of each situation, recalculating her next steps. The relationships she built in this story were all so different yet fascinating, each one shaping the kind of character she became.
I thought the ending was incredibly clever—perfectly fitting for the kind of girl Sally was. After everything we read, she deserved an ending that made sense for her and aligned with the goals that had been clear from the very beginning. And even though this story probably never happened, the way Raughley wove in real-life people and events made it feel so real—like an alternate history where you can’t help but wonder, "OMG, what if this actually happened, and we’re only now learning the truth?" Whether fact or fiction, one thing is for sure: Sally was a badass, and I’m so glad I got a glimpse into what her life might have been like.
January 16, 2025
You can tell a lot of time and research were put into this story. The creative liberty taken however, is what I enjoyed most. The historical elements were all there but the imagination needed to make this a story of vengeance?!! *chef’s kiss* 👩🏾🍳
Sarah is the beloved goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She does everything well and is seen as the prime example of England being able to civilize what others considered savage. We follow Sarah (Ina) and her “actual thoughts” in this tale of vengeance and retribution. Sarah is smart and tactical. She plots her revenge like a well thought out game of chess, always a few steps ahead.
There was a bit of repetition we could have done without and moments where pacing was an issue for me but overall I enjoyed this ride!!
Can’t wait to add this beautiful cover to my shelf. Thank you Netgalley for the eArc. 🤎
Sarah is the beloved goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She does everything well and is seen as the prime example of England being able to civilize what others considered savage. We follow Sarah (Ina) and her “actual thoughts” in this tale of vengeance and retribution. Sarah is smart and tactical. She plots her revenge like a well thought out game of chess, always a few steps ahead.
There was a bit of repetition we could have done without and moments where pacing was an issue for me but overall I enjoyed this ride!!
Can’t wait to add this beautiful cover to my shelf. Thank you Netgalley for the eArc. 🤎
January 22, 2025
I have rarely felt this type of conflicting emotions about a book as I have for The Queen’s Spade. On the one hand, it is a story based on almost exclusively real people and incorporates real events. On the other, it is not a genre I typically read (historical fiction, maybe thriller?) and so it was a bit difficult for me to get into for the majority of the book - the first two thirds of which felt miserably slow, picking up slightly at the end. Add to it that the main character (Omoba Ina/Sarah “Sally” Forbes Bonetta) isn’t particularly likable and this was a tough read for me. I’ve rated it as I have mostly because of the obvious amount of research the author put into it, how intriguing Ina is as a real-life person, and the themes of racism that, rightfully, make us white people uncomfortable while reading it.
That was actually what I liked most about this book - being faced with some harsh realities of my own about why I was uncomfortable reading certain parts and why I did not like Ina as she’s been written. At the end of the day, I never question who the villain is in this book (literally all the white people, some moreso than others) but I do think more care could have been taken to bring more dimensionality to Ina’s character, instead of being portrayed as a self-absorbed and oftentimes hypocritical victim of colonialism with her sights set solely on revenge in the most ridiculous of ways. So, I usually found myself rolling my eyes at her antics while also hating the people she was conspiring against. It’s a weird feeling to spend so much time reading a book and find you really don’t like a single character. But, even still, this is certainly a unique way of telling a reimagining of real events and I’m glad I read it. If nothing else, it introduced me to the real person it is based on and I’ve had a great time learning more about her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
That was actually what I liked most about this book - being faced with some harsh realities of my own about why I was uncomfortable reading certain parts and why I did not like Ina as she’s been written. At the end of the day, I never question who the villain is in this book (literally all the white people, some moreso than others) but I do think more care could have been taken to bring more dimensionality to Ina’s character, instead of being portrayed as a self-absorbed and oftentimes hypocritical victim of colonialism with her sights set solely on revenge in the most ridiculous of ways. So, I usually found myself rolling my eyes at her antics while also hating the people she was conspiring against. It’s a weird feeling to spend so much time reading a book and find you really don’t like a single character. But, even still, this is certainly a unique way of telling a reimagining of real events and I’m glad I read it. If nothing else, it introduced me to the real person it is based on and I’ve had a great time learning more about her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2024
"The Queen's Spade" by Sarah Raughley is a gripping and masterfully crafted historical fiction that reimagines the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter. Set in 1862, the novel follows Sally's fierce quest for revenge against the British Crown, transforming her from a pawn of colonial power into a formidable player in a dangerous game of court politics, murder, and mystery. Raughley’s writing is both evocative and immersive, deftly capturing the emotional turmoil of a young woman caught between her desire for vengeance and her longing for freedom, no matter the cost.
Sally’s journey is captivating as she navigates the treacherous waters of royal intrigue, aligning herself with a captivating crime lord and manipulating the affections of Prince Albert. The tension builds beautifully, highlighting Sally’s intelligence and resilience while also exposing the darker underbelly of Victorian society. She quickly becomes the master of the game. Raughley brilliantly captures the intricacies of this high-stakes game, interweaving themes of colonialism, power, and the struggle for autonomy. The tension escalates as Sally navigates her dual roles and forms unexpected alliances. Some of these qualities make her a formidable and enthralling female character with enviable strength.
Raughley’s portrayal of the complex relationships at court feels authentic and nuanced, adding true depth to the narrative. So much so that I've been on a historical deep dive for days, learning everything I can about Sally.
The stakes rise dramatically as Sally faces the ultimate choice between revenge and freedom, creating an unforgettable climax. "The Queen's Spade" is a powerful tale of defiance and identity that resonates with today’s issues of autonomy and empowerment. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates gripping historical narratives woven with emotion and depth. I absolutely loved it, and I want to read more and more about this incredible young woman. I'm grateful to Raughley for bringing Sally to life in such an inspiring way.
--------
One of my favorite quotes from the book (which may change once published): "They deserve nothing from us," I told him, holding my right palm over the flames, feeling its heat. "They deserve no praise for freeing us from the very conditions they set in place to begin with. They deserve no reward for dressing us in their clothes and parading us for their own benefit. I will not be beholden to them anymore. To anyone." I looked at him. "I was born free. I must be free." - Sally to her fiance Captain Davies
This line gave me goosebumps. There's so much more like this in this remarkable story. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
Thank you, #NetGalley, #SarahRaughley, and #HarperCollins, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheQueensSpade.
Sally’s journey is captivating as she navigates the treacherous waters of royal intrigue, aligning herself with a captivating crime lord and manipulating the affections of Prince Albert. The tension builds beautifully, highlighting Sally’s intelligence and resilience while also exposing the darker underbelly of Victorian society. She quickly becomes the master of the game. Raughley brilliantly captures the intricacies of this high-stakes game, interweaving themes of colonialism, power, and the struggle for autonomy. The tension escalates as Sally navigates her dual roles and forms unexpected alliances. Some of these qualities make her a formidable and enthralling female character with enviable strength.
Raughley’s portrayal of the complex relationships at court feels authentic and nuanced, adding true depth to the narrative. So much so that I've been on a historical deep dive for days, learning everything I can about Sally.
The stakes rise dramatically as Sally faces the ultimate choice between revenge and freedom, creating an unforgettable climax. "The Queen's Spade" is a powerful tale of defiance and identity that resonates with today’s issues of autonomy and empowerment. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates gripping historical narratives woven with emotion and depth. I absolutely loved it, and I want to read more and more about this incredible young woman. I'm grateful to Raughley for bringing Sally to life in such an inspiring way.
--------
One of my favorite quotes from the book (which may change once published): "They deserve nothing from us," I told him, holding my right palm over the flames, feeling its heat. "They deserve no praise for freeing us from the very conditions they set in place to begin with. They deserve no reward for dressing us in their clothes and parading us for their own benefit. I will not be beholden to them anymore. To anyone." I looked at him. "I was born free. I must be free." - Sally to her fiance Captain Davies
This line gave me goosebumps. There's so much more like this in this remarkable story. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
Thank you, #NetGalley, #SarahRaughley, and #HarperCollins, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheQueensSpade.
March 22, 2025
⋆⭒˚.⋆ 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 ⋆⭒˚.⋆
now playing: butterfly by marina
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• 0:10
✧₊∘ “now i’m leaving you behind, behind” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🗡️
the queen’s spade is a historical fiction novel based around the life of sarah forbes bonetta (birth name omoba ina), an african princess turned goddaughter of queen victoria. it was definitely a heavier book to read… or was it?
personally, the stakes weren’t high, which i know sounds crazy because this is a book about revenge and murder. i just wasn’t swept along with it— it felt like we were introduced to our protagonist’s murder plans and then just kept at arm’s length, watching in awe as she schemed and captured pieces on her chessboard.
✩°𓏲⋆🪞. ⋆⸜ 🪡✮˚
“I wasn’t ladylike. I didn’t want to be ladylike.
I had to be ladylike.
It was at once my weapon and my noose.”
✩°𓏲⋆☕️. ⋆⸜ 🕰️✮˚
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🦢
i had a few other problems with this— the writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea, and the characters were hard to keep track of and seemed a bit flat.
i always feel so mean writing reviews like these so keep in mind this is just my opinion!! there are a lot of great reviews on this book, this just isn’t one of them. I will probably use the phrase “not my cup of tea” ten more times. it’s lowkey fitting because the British drink tea… no..? i’ll see myself out 😔
also lowkey why was she freaky…? im mostly kidding but she and rui had this really weird situationship where she was always freaking out over his muscles and criminal-ness it was lowkey diabolical. i remember one specific scene where he pulled a gun on some guy and she was sounding like a hear me out video 😭😭
✩°𓏲⋆🪐. ⋆⸜ 🔭✮˚
“I spent days in my room, paralyzed. Staring at the scratches in my wall as if they were alive and mocking me, my mind filled up with fog, my skin crawling with phantom pains, my heart periodically going into overdrive, as if I would die any second.
The panic never really went away.”
✩°𓏲⋆🪞. ⋆⸜ 🖋️✮˚
✧₊∘ “trust no bitch, even people that you love / i can flip a switch quicker than a blade does” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🕯️
𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔-
romance- 2/5 ehh it fell flat for me, rui felt more like a background piece than a real love interest. he was hot tho 👹
friendships- 1/5 sally bosses around her friends to do her bidding and then they just disappear. she doesn’t have any friends, just people she manipulates.
𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕-
romance- on-page sex (2.5 scenes??), not explicit but it made me go “oh! oh… 😥”. mentions of whorehouses, mentions of rape, mentions of prostitution (4/5)
cursing- 2/5?
other- drugs like opium affect the plot and are used by the main character as tools; cage fighting/pit fighting of humans is a tool for the plot; lots of corpses, murder, and blood
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🫖
✧₊∘ “too bad you’ll never see / the colors inside me” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🎐
i really liked the ending!! it was a nice sweet resolution to the insane journey that was this book. makes me want to learn more about omoba ina!
✩°𓏲⋆🌘. ⋆⸜ 🪐✮˚
“I felt the sword of Damocles dangling over my head, lowering inch by murderous inch.”
✩°𓏲⋆🕰️. ⋆⸜🔭✮˚
—totoro!!🌱☀️
now playing: butterfly by marina
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• 0:10
✧₊∘ “now i’m leaving you behind, behind” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🗡️
the queen’s spade is a historical fiction novel based around the life of sarah forbes bonetta (birth name omoba ina), an african princess turned goddaughter of queen victoria. it was definitely a heavier book to read… or was it?
personally, the stakes weren’t high, which i know sounds crazy because this is a book about revenge and murder. i just wasn’t swept along with it— it felt like we were introduced to our protagonist’s murder plans and then just kept at arm’s length, watching in awe as she schemed and captured pieces on her chessboard.
✩°𓏲⋆🪞. ⋆⸜ 🪡✮˚
“I wasn’t ladylike. I didn’t want to be ladylike.
I had to be ladylike.
It was at once my weapon and my noose.”
✩°𓏲⋆☕️. ⋆⸜ 🕰️✮˚
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🦢
i had a few other problems with this— the writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea, and the characters were hard to keep track of and seemed a bit flat.
i always feel so mean writing reviews like these so keep in mind this is just my opinion!! there are a lot of great reviews on this book, this just isn’t one of them. I will probably use the phrase “not my cup of tea” ten more times. it’s lowkey fitting because the British drink tea… no..? i’ll see myself out 😔
also lowkey why was she freaky…? im mostly kidding but she and rui had this really weird situationship where she was always freaking out over his muscles and criminal-ness it was lowkey diabolical. i remember one specific scene where he pulled a gun on some guy and she was sounding like a hear me out video 😭😭
✩°𓏲⋆🪐. ⋆⸜ 🔭✮˚
“I spent days in my room, paralyzed. Staring at the scratches in my wall as if they were alive and mocking me, my mind filled up with fog, my skin crawling with phantom pains, my heart periodically going into overdrive, as if I would die any second.
The panic never really went away.”
✩°𓏲⋆🪞. ⋆⸜ 🖋️✮˚
✧₊∘ “trust no bitch, even people that you love / i can flip a switch quicker than a blade does” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🕯️
𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔-
romance- 2/5 ehh it fell flat for me, rui felt more like a background piece than a real love interest. he was hot tho 👹
friendships- 1/5 sally bosses around her friends to do her bidding and then they just disappear. she doesn’t have any friends, just people she manipulates.
𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕-
romance- on-page sex (2.5 scenes??), not explicit but it made me go “oh! oh… 😥”. mentions of whorehouses, mentions of rape, mentions of prostitution (4/5)
cursing- 2/5?
other- drugs like opium affect the plot and are used by the main character as tools; cage fighting/pit fighting of humans is a tool for the plot; lots of corpses, murder, and blood
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🫖
✧₊∘ “too bad you’ll never see / the colors inside me” (butterfly)
𓏲๋࣭࣪˖🎐
i really liked the ending!! it was a nice sweet resolution to the insane journey that was this book. makes me want to learn more about omoba ina!
✩°𓏲⋆🌘. ⋆⸜ 🪐✮˚
“I felt the sword of Damocles dangling over my head, lowering inch by murderous inch.”
✩°𓏲⋆🕰️. ⋆⸜🔭✮˚
—totoro!!🌱☀️
September 7, 2025
The end of this book redeemed itself but it’s just overall mid…very slow paced, hard to follow, and a kinda weird plot. Honestly I think with the right author, this could have been a great book, but this just didn’t hit. I almost didn’t finish it buttt my reading challenge is struggling lol so here we are. So yea wouldn’t recommend
January 31, 2025
⭐️=3.5 | 😘=4 | 🤬=4 | ⚔️=5 | 15/16+
thoughts: interesting! though lacking any supernatural elements, this basically functioned as a fantasy novel; an impossible rewriting of history couldn’t be deemed otherwise. it was satisfying, however—like yeah, we do need more evil representations of Queen Victoria rather than exclusively stoic or goofy, we do need Black girls getting revenge for Victorian Era (and other eras) atrocities. that makes sense. and it was, like, consistently anachronistic, dialogue-wise, which I care more about than everybody attempting to speak entirely period-accurate. however, some of the plot points were a little hazy and I got lost on occasion because there are so many evil white men to keep track of (which like, yes, is the point, but they were nevertheless indistinguishable sometimes). anyway, I would still recommend the audiobook; I think the narrator did a fantastic job!
thoughts: interesting! though lacking any supernatural elements, this basically functioned as a fantasy novel; an impossible rewriting of history couldn’t be deemed otherwise. it was satisfying, however—like yeah, we do need more evil representations of Queen Victoria rather than exclusively stoic or goofy, we do need Black girls getting revenge for Victorian Era (and other eras) atrocities. that makes sense. and it was, like, consistently anachronistic, dialogue-wise, which I care more about than everybody attempting to speak entirely period-accurate. however, some of the plot points were a little hazy and I got lost on occasion because there are so many evil white men to keep track of (which like, yes, is the point, but they were nevertheless indistinguishable sometimes). anyway, I would still recommend the audiobook; I think the narrator did a fantastic job!
February 12, 2025
Just a 21st Century gal in 19th Century England
Read
March 12, 2025DNF at 58% might revisit later but for now it’s a no for me!!!
May 6, 2025
"Revenge takes time, you see. And I have been patient."
An interesting historical story about vengeance, slavery, family and maneuvering all this in the 1860's in Queen Victoria's court. I appreciated Sally's rage - she hide it when needed but really reveled in it in quiet. It fueled her, moved her, kept her focused on a goal. We're taken through Sally's (real name Omoba Ina)'s time being Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter. She learns the court's rules but finds ways to gain her own power and learn secrets.
There is some romance in the story and I found it to be just meh, a distraction from the story. The story swept me up in the time, I liked the quotes from Sally in the beginning of chapters that reminded you this was based on a real person (even if this is fiction). It's a stark reminder of some of the atrocities that have been done.
I did this as an audiobook and I find many of the voices distracting. The high pitch and varied speeds took away from some of the enjoyment so I flipped back to my hardcopy and enjoyed it more. And this cover! I absolutely love it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
An interesting historical story about vengeance, slavery, family and maneuvering all this in the 1860's in Queen Victoria's court. I appreciated Sally's rage - she hide it when needed but really reveled in it in quiet. It fueled her, moved her, kept her focused on a goal. We're taken through Sally's (real name Omoba Ina)'s time being Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter. She learns the court's rules but finds ways to gain her own power and learn secrets.
There is some romance in the story and I found it to be just meh, a distraction from the story. The story swept me up in the time, I liked the quotes from Sally in the beginning of chapters that reminded you this was based on a real person (even if this is fiction). It's a stark reminder of some of the atrocities that have been done.
I did this as an audiobook and I find many of the voices distracting. The high pitch and varied speeds took away from some of the enjoyment so I flipped back to my hardcopy and enjoyed it more. And this cover! I absolutely love it!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 10, 2025
Wow, this book was intense, and so so dark and full of anger and Sally’s revenge schemes and also her dream of freedom. As it says at the end of the blurb, it is loosely based on a true person. And there are so many real moments from history in it, the author did a great job of weaving true history with incredible and dark possibilities to create this tale. Reading all of Sally’s experiences that made her the way she was in this story made my heart hurt, and also made me root for her plans as well.
Yes, it is something to look and see that maybe people had reasons for the things they did. But oh the things that were done to her, as well as other people similar to her, it made it easy to understand her thirst for violence and ruin of these people who had treated her this way. So many detailed plans, things that would not be thought of this day maybe, but fit in well with the way people behaved and the things they valued in those days. Their good names, their connection to the Queen or royal family, their own wealth even.
I’ve read another book by this author and was also captured to where I could barely put it down. Obviously the author has taken these people and built a whole world of things that aren’t what really happened. But she makes it so that I wanted and did go start looking up all I could find about the names of people and if they existed and how they lived if they did. I would say another hard hitting, winning historical fiction form Sarah Raughley for sure.
Yes, it is something to look and see that maybe people had reasons for the things they did. But oh the things that were done to her, as well as other people similar to her, it made it easy to understand her thirst for violence and ruin of these people who had treated her this way. So many detailed plans, things that would not be thought of this day maybe, but fit in well with the way people behaved and the things they valued in those days. Their good names, their connection to the Queen or royal family, their own wealth even.
I’ve read another book by this author and was also captured to where I could barely put it down. Obviously the author has taken these people and built a whole world of things that aren’t what really happened. But she makes it so that I wanted and did go start looking up all I could find about the names of people and if they existed and how they lived if they did. I would say another hard hitting, winning historical fiction form Sarah Raughley for sure.
December 17, 2024
The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley is a book that captured my interest immediately. There was just something about this one that made it so I just couldn't put it down.
Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally) is our fmc and living in England. As a ward of Queen Victoria, she's given some perks but it's clear that her life is not what she wants it to be. See, she was once the princess of the Egbado Clan and she wants revenge against all who have wronged her. When they invaded her homeland, stole her from those she loved, and essentially turned her into royal property, they took everything from her and she is determined to do the same to each and every person involved in her "transformation".
This book is full of twists and turns and if you like royal politics, this one is for you. Sally is right in the middle of a game that as a reader, I wasn't entirely sure she could win (considering who she was up against). As she aligns herself with a crime lord in London's underworld and starts trading favors, she also starts to have feelings for him but she knows she can never really trust him as he has his own motives for helping her. That said, as the queen realizes what Sally is up to, she plays the only card she can and arranges a marriage for her which now puts Sally on a schedule. Now, not only is Sally fighting for revenge but now she is faced with marrying a many who is much older than her and she knows she will never have the freedom she desires. Because of that, she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her vengeance.
As I said, this book was one I couldn't put down. And when I finished, I immediately went and searched the internet for Sarah Bonetta Forbes' story. Raughley does such a fantastic job of weaving in the historical with the fiction and bringing the reader along for the ride. If you're looking for a new YA to pick up that has a cat-and-mouse feel to it with a lot of twists and turns, consider picking this one up. I'll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally) is our fmc and living in England. As a ward of Queen Victoria, she's given some perks but it's clear that her life is not what she wants it to be. See, she was once the princess of the Egbado Clan and she wants revenge against all who have wronged her. When they invaded her homeland, stole her from those she loved, and essentially turned her into royal property, they took everything from her and she is determined to do the same to each and every person involved in her "transformation".
This book is full of twists and turns and if you like royal politics, this one is for you. Sally is right in the middle of a game that as a reader, I wasn't entirely sure she could win (considering who she was up against). As she aligns herself with a crime lord in London's underworld and starts trading favors, she also starts to have feelings for him but she knows she can never really trust him as he has his own motives for helping her. That said, as the queen realizes what Sally is up to, she plays the only card she can and arranges a marriage for her which now puts Sally on a schedule. Now, not only is Sally fighting for revenge but now she is faced with marrying a many who is much older than her and she knows she will never have the freedom she desires. Because of that, she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her vengeance.
As I said, this book was one I couldn't put down. And when I finished, I immediately went and searched the internet for Sarah Bonetta Forbes' story. Raughley does such a fantastic job of weaving in the historical with the fiction and bringing the reader along for the ride. If you're looking for a new YA to pick up that has a cat-and-mouse feel to it with a lot of twists and turns, consider picking this one up. I'll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2025
Sarah Raughley’s The Queen’s Spade hit me on a deeply personal level. As a kid, learning about Princess Sarah was mind-blowing, a Nigerian princess, taken in by British royalty? It fascinated me. But it wasn’t until reading this book that I truly grasped the full scope of the horrors behind that story. The British monarchy wasn’t just offering her a life of privilege; they were using her as a symbol, a “civilized” Black girl to parade around---a walking contradiction to their own racist beliefs. This book lays bare the brutal realities of colonialism, the suffocating imposition of these so-called British ideals.
Despite its fictional aspects, The Queen’s Spade feels almost painfully real. The research, the historical weight. it’s all there, and it makes the story so raw. I felt every bit of anger and pain radiating through the pages. And honestly, I wish we had more books that embrace pure Black feminine rage the way this one does. Sally’s sharp wit, her cunning, her relentless defiance--I laughed every time she called these people fools (which was often, and deserved).
And let’s talk about the sprinkles of romance, because yes, it’s there, and it’s good. Sally’s dynamic with Rui, the crime lord who becomes her partner in crime, is full of tension, sharp banter, and undeniably sexy chemistry. Their moments together, even the softer ones, were such a great contrast to the darker themes of the story.
This book is powerful. It balances so many elements---historical fiction, political intrigue, revenge, wit, romance and does it flawlessly. It’s a story that lingers, one that will make you feel, think, and seethe. Raughley absolutely delivered, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Sidenote: I would kill to see her write a fantasy novel!!!
Despite its fictional aspects, The Queen’s Spade feels almost painfully real. The research, the historical weight. it’s all there, and it makes the story so raw. I felt every bit of anger and pain radiating through the pages. And honestly, I wish we had more books that embrace pure Black feminine rage the way this one does. Sally’s sharp wit, her cunning, her relentless defiance--I laughed every time she called these people fools (which was often, and deserved).
And let’s talk about the sprinkles of romance, because yes, it’s there, and it’s good. Sally’s dynamic with Rui, the crime lord who becomes her partner in crime, is full of tension, sharp banter, and undeniably sexy chemistry. Their moments together, even the softer ones, were such a great contrast to the darker themes of the story.
This book is powerful. It balances so many elements---historical fiction, political intrigue, revenge, wit, romance and does it flawlessly. It’s a story that lingers, one that will make you feel, think, and seethe. Raughley absolutely delivered, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Sidenote: I would kill to see her write a fantasy novel!!!
May 28, 2025
2.5* the thing is idk why I hated it it felt very rushed in the end and OMG all of the love interest pmo beside Davis and ina hated him and also I hate open endings
November 17, 2024
I received an eARC of The Queen's Spade from NetGalley and the publisher — thanks so much for the advanced copy!
I found myself utterly taken with this novel at the outset: The Queen's Spade is as educational as it is entertaining, as determined to pull the curtain back on the true, dark history of Victorian Britain as it is in exploring an alternate fate for its real-life heroine. Raughley's take on Sarah Forbes Bonetta is so delightful. She's sort of a brat with a mind set on revenge — and rightly so! Every step of the way you understand exactly where she's coming from; Raughley's colorful, measured prose seethes with righteous fury, a fury that compels you to get to the end of Sally's crusade. Comparisons to The Count of Monte Cristo are definitely warranted, but at turns it also reminded me of The Woman King and The Crown. I'm not sure that its Bridgerton-inspired bits totally worked all the time — Sally is juggling so many suitors, and sometimes I wished we could focus more on her friendships than on her potential romances — but when they did, they brought some great levity to this cycle of rage and paranoia.
I especially loved Raughley's dissection of the diaspora here: what happens when people of color are expected to bend against white supremacy, how it changes us inside, makes us bitter and afraid and unsure. Those themes are really well-woven into this tale. At turns, I admittedly felt more intrigued by the world that Raughley built rather than her protagonist, but that's only because of how well-researched this story was. It helps that everything eventually comes back to Sally, which keeps her from getting lost or overwhelmed in this dense world. Her revenge snaps the story back into focus time and again, especially in its back half.
Pacing becomes an issue as Sally's quest goes on, and there is a lot of repetition in the prose towards the end, but it's worth sticking around to see exactly how this story ends. It does, in fact, get crazy. Overall I was really compelled by this and its bittersweet ending: need more Black girlies firing back against the institution!
I found myself utterly taken with this novel at the outset: The Queen's Spade is as educational as it is entertaining, as determined to pull the curtain back on the true, dark history of Victorian Britain as it is in exploring an alternate fate for its real-life heroine. Raughley's take on Sarah Forbes Bonetta is so delightful. She's sort of a brat with a mind set on revenge — and rightly so! Every step of the way you understand exactly where she's coming from; Raughley's colorful, measured prose seethes with righteous fury, a fury that compels you to get to the end of Sally's crusade. Comparisons to The Count of Monte Cristo are definitely warranted, but at turns it also reminded me of The Woman King and The Crown. I'm not sure that its Bridgerton-inspired bits totally worked all the time — Sally is juggling so many suitors, and sometimes I wished we could focus more on her friendships than on her potential romances — but when they did, they brought some great levity to this cycle of rage and paranoia.
I especially loved Raughley's dissection of the diaspora here: what happens when people of color are expected to bend against white supremacy, how it changes us inside, makes us bitter and afraid and unsure. Those themes are really well-woven into this tale. At turns, I admittedly felt more intrigued by the world that Raughley built rather than her protagonist, but that's only because of how well-researched this story was. It helps that everything eventually comes back to Sally, which keeps her from getting lost or overwhelmed in this dense world. Her revenge snaps the story back into focus time and again, especially in its back half.
Pacing becomes an issue as Sally's quest goes on, and there is a lot of repetition in the prose towards the end, but it's worth sticking around to see exactly how this story ends. It does, in fact, get crazy. Overall I was really compelled by this and its bittersweet ending: need more Black girlies firing back against the institution!
January 19, 2025
Intriguing. From the get-go, we see Sarah “Sally” Ina) isn’t the type to go along just to get along. She knows her status and precarious positioning and never stops hating the Queen and the English reign. A deep justified hatred burns in her. Things reach a boiling point when the most heinous of the Queen's activities is revealed.
Like Raughley’s other story, the kingdom of Dahomey once again plays a part here. And a love interest once again engages in underground fighting.
I like that Sally was cunning, and we could see it demonstrated. She wasn’t the usual YA "assassin" (using this loosely), all talk with no kills. She was about her business but smart enough not always to need to dirty her hands. Her methods ranged from blackmail to murder, and defamation. I felt for her the entire time.
The side characters are the weakest here in a relatively great story. Rui is interesting, but we were just told Sally’s soooo attracted to him, and I didn’t really see enough of their banter. But I slowly warmed to their connection. I liked the foil Captain Davies is to Sally, and how she could have turned out if she stifled her rage and pretended.
And yes, actual revenge takes place.
I'm officially a fan of Raughley's work! Ready to read what she writes next!
4.5
Like Raughley’s other story, the kingdom of Dahomey once again plays a part here. And a love interest once again engages in underground fighting.
I like that Sally was cunning, and we could see it demonstrated. She wasn’t the usual YA "assassin" (using this loosely), all talk with no kills. She was about her business but smart enough not always to need to dirty her hands. Her methods ranged from blackmail to murder, and defamation. I felt for her the entire time.
The side characters are the weakest here in a relatively great story. Rui is interesting, but we were just told Sally’s soooo attracted to him, and I didn’t really see enough of their banter. But I slowly warmed to their connection. I liked the foil Captain Davies is to Sally, and how she could have turned out if she stifled her rage and pretended.
And yes, actual revenge takes place.
I'm officially a fan of Raughley's work! Ready to read what she writes next!
4.5
January 8, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Prepare for the racism. Sally is committed to revenge of a select group of individuals involved in her kidnapping and oppression. The racism in this book makes your blood boil. The cruelty and inhumanity of their racism. The spectacle and condescension. They see Sally as the exception as they make her perform for them. It's a lesson in conditional love. In all the ways we can make someone's love dependent on their obedience, on our expectations. Can you tell the open captives from the pets? and which is worse?
Prepare for the racism. Sally is committed to revenge of a select group of individuals involved in her kidnapping and oppression. The racism in this book makes your blood boil. The cruelty and inhumanity of their racism. The spectacle and condescension. They see Sally as the exception as they make her perform for them. It's a lesson in conditional love. In all the ways we can make someone's love dependent on their obedience, on our expectations. Can you tell the open captives from the pets? and which is worse?
February 22, 2025
The Queen's Spade puts a spin on the real-life figure Sara Forbes Bonetta, the kidnapped West African princess who becomes the ward and goddaughter of Queen Victoria in the 1800s. In our fictional book Roughly tells Bonetta's story and brilliantly puts the power in her hands as she sets off to be a silent assassin, murdering those who have wronged her and those she loved, leaving a calling card behind at each scene - The Queen of Spades.
Going by 'Sally' in the book, Sally's journey is authentic to herself and a brilliant facade to those she uses to maintain her thin political power and dismantle her foes. Teetering on the verge of becoming a serial killer, as I reader I found myself firmly in Sally's corner, rooting for her to exact revenge with brutal honesty.
This story is incredibly accurate in its ties to The Count of Monte Cristo set to a Bridgerton backdrop, yet maintaining its own unique story and voice. It all painted a fun visual reading picture for those of us who can visualize while we read.
I loved this book and am so excited for book two in the duology!
Going by 'Sally' in the book, Sally's journey is authentic to herself and a brilliant facade to those she uses to maintain her thin political power and dismantle her foes. Teetering on the verge of becoming a serial killer, as I reader I found myself firmly in Sally's corner, rooting for her to exact revenge with brutal honesty.
This story is incredibly accurate in its ties to The Count of Monte Cristo set to a Bridgerton backdrop, yet maintaining its own unique story and voice. It all painted a fun visual reading picture for those of us who can visualize while we read.
I loved this book and am so excited for book two in the duology!
March 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book - Great story
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️Audiobook - I just didn’t love the voices of the other characters besides the main one.
Overall, a fun read on possibly a fairly unknown historical figure, Sara Forbes Bonetta (Aina). I loved the storytelling and weaving of historical events but with a twist of revenge.
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️Audiobook - I just didn’t love the voices of the other characters besides the main one.
Overall, a fun read on possibly a fairly unknown historical figure, Sara Forbes Bonetta (Aina). I loved the storytelling and weaving of historical events but with a twist of revenge.
March 25, 2025
Devilishly fun. So many moments felt climactic that it kept me excited and engaged throughout. Love a morally ambiguous revenge tale. I will say that there were a number of inconsistencies a better editor might have been able to help fix, and those inconsistencies did lead for me personally to the main climax not hitting quite as hard as it should have. Just shy of fully satisfying, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!
June 9, 2025
i really enjoyed the historical elements of this novel, but the revenge plots fell a little flat for me. i wish that the book focused on Omba Ina's story more than the revenge and romance, but the book was definitely a great starting point to learning about Ina's story.
February 9, 2025
Definitely a book of revenge.
Want to read
July 23, 2024"Perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy, this riveting historical thriller that’s loosely inspired by true events, The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take centre stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland."
hell yeah! i loved grave mercy
hell yeah! i loved grave mercy
January 7, 2025
Cool concept, but the execution really didn't work for me, DNF at 75%. The characters felt flat, the main character felt anachronistic and unrealistic, and I could not keep straight the long list of boring English characters we were disdainful of-horrified by, partly because they were referred to by first names, last names, titles, and physical descriptions randomly.
January 25, 2025
I really really wanted to love this, but I just didn't. I understand the motivation and the rage, and parts of the book were good, but all of the pieces didn't come together for me.
December 30, 2024
The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley is one of those books that is labeled YA but that I think is a good read for all ages.
This book is based off of the real life of Sara Forbes Bonetta, birth name Ina Omoba, who was raised by Queen Victoria as a "god daughter." In this work of fiction, Sara is on a quest of revenge. She was taken from her homeland, her best friend was murdered on their voyage to England, and she has been transformed into royal property. Now she seeks justice against all of those who have wronged and stolen pieces from her along the way.
Where I thought this book thrived was in bringing to attention the horrific wrongdoings of the monarchy in, as the book description says, "the system of colonial 'humanitarianism.'" Sara was rescued from her homeland only to become enslaved by another system. As she goes through with her revenge plot we learn of all of the different players, and more, who participated in her mistreatment. Even those closest to her hold their own prejudices.
The plot of this book is fast but a bit too busy. I enjoyed all of the action scenes because I enjoy a quick moving plot, but sometimes I thought there was no rhyme, reason, or overall plan. There are also several different characters and sub plots which made some of the book a bit chaotic. The description of this book on Goodreads says it is for fans of Bridgerton but I disagree. The romance was in my opinion the weakest part of the book. Sara has a lot of suitors vying for her attention but most of the romantic scenes fell very flat. Altogether I thought the story could use a bit more organization and it would have been even stronger.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I like reading books with action, a quick moving plot, and a historical piece and this delivered on all three. The writing is easy to read and the story was clearly well researched. I rated this 3.75 stars and rounded up both here and on goodreads.
This book is based off of the real life of Sara Forbes Bonetta, birth name Ina Omoba, who was raised by Queen Victoria as a "god daughter." In this work of fiction, Sara is on a quest of revenge. She was taken from her homeland, her best friend was murdered on their voyage to England, and she has been transformed into royal property. Now she seeks justice against all of those who have wronged and stolen pieces from her along the way.
Where I thought this book thrived was in bringing to attention the horrific wrongdoings of the monarchy in, as the book description says, "the system of colonial 'humanitarianism.'" Sara was rescued from her homeland only to become enslaved by another system. As she goes through with her revenge plot we learn of all of the different players, and more, who participated in her mistreatment. Even those closest to her hold their own prejudices.
The plot of this book is fast but a bit too busy. I enjoyed all of the action scenes because I enjoy a quick moving plot, but sometimes I thought there was no rhyme, reason, or overall plan. There are also several different characters and sub plots which made some of the book a bit chaotic. The description of this book on Goodreads says it is for fans of Bridgerton but I disagree. The romance was in my opinion the weakest part of the book. Sara has a lot of suitors vying for her attention but most of the romantic scenes fell very flat. Altogether I thought the story could use a bit more organization and it would have been even stronger.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I like reading books with action, a quick moving plot, and a historical piece and this delivered on all three. The writing is easy to read and the story was clearly well researched. I rated this 3.75 stars and rounded up both here and on goodreads.
February 22, 2025
“I’m no heroine. I feel no inner struggle over any supposed codes of ethics, nor have I lost sleep over the ‘wrongness’ of my decisions.”
A tale of righteous feminine rage, revenge, and retribution - with just a dash of romance thrown in - The Queen’s Spade is a historical fiction novel that isn’t to be missed. Inspired by the real tale of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, “goddaughter” and ward of Queen Victoria after being stolen from West Africa, we follow her journey of revenge against everyone who has wronged her since she was captured and brought to England. Forced to adapt and become exactly how the white British society has decided to mold her, she’s still discriminated against for her skin color - seen as a curiosity, and not a person.
Expected to be grateful for the “opportunity” to be a treasured showpet to the queen, rather than a ruler due respect in her own right, Ina/Sarah begins to enact her carefully crafted revenge against everyone who has disrespected her - and caused the death of her childhood friend on the journey to England. Starting off with a (well-deserved) murder, we follow Ina as she recounts the humiliation and pain wrought upon her for the last decade. We watch as she cleverly gains power and independence in a world that doesn’t wish her to have any, while she uses those same wits to try to crumble the very empire that has entrapped her. With a forced marriage in the works cutting her timeline down significantly, we struggle with Ina as she balances trying to avoid an unwanted marriage, as well as keeping her plans intact.
I didn’t know anything about this aspect of history, and this book made me want to research further into her life to learn more. While loosely inspired, rather than a wholly accurate account, while reading this novel you can tell a great deal of research went into its creation.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and feminine rage, The Queen’s Spade is a journey into British colonialism and hypocrisy, and a woman filled with anger at her unjust treatment and her fight to seek justice.
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this e-ARC.
A tale of righteous feminine rage, revenge, and retribution - with just a dash of romance thrown in - The Queen’s Spade is a historical fiction novel that isn’t to be missed. Inspired by the real tale of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, “goddaughter” and ward of Queen Victoria after being stolen from West Africa, we follow her journey of revenge against everyone who has wronged her since she was captured and brought to England. Forced to adapt and become exactly how the white British society has decided to mold her, she’s still discriminated against for her skin color - seen as a curiosity, and not a person.
Expected to be grateful for the “opportunity” to be a treasured showpet to the queen, rather than a ruler due respect in her own right, Ina/Sarah begins to enact her carefully crafted revenge against everyone who has disrespected her - and caused the death of her childhood friend on the journey to England. Starting off with a (well-deserved) murder, we follow Ina as she recounts the humiliation and pain wrought upon her for the last decade. We watch as she cleverly gains power and independence in a world that doesn’t wish her to have any, while she uses those same wits to try to crumble the very empire that has entrapped her. With a forced marriage in the works cutting her timeline down significantly, we struggle with Ina as she balances trying to avoid an unwanted marriage, as well as keeping her plans intact.
I didn’t know anything about this aspect of history, and this book made me want to research further into her life to learn more. While loosely inspired, rather than a wholly accurate account, while reading this novel you can tell a great deal of research went into its creation.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and feminine rage, The Queen’s Spade is a journey into British colonialism and hypocrisy, and a woman filled with anger at her unjust treatment and her fight to seek justice.
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this e-ARC.
January 23, 2025
Thank you to Booksparks for selecting me as a #WRC2025 Ambassador and providing me with a copy of this book to review!
Queen Victoria’s goddaughter Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally) used to be an African princess before she was removed from her home against her will. On her journey to Britain, she lost friends and suffered at the hands of Britain’s powerful people. She was sent to a school in which she was put on the spot and discriminated against. But now Sally has grown up and she wants her revenge.
This book will have you googling. I love when a book is well-researched and has me wanting to look up every little detail to become more captured by the novel. I left this book having learned something, which is always such a good feeling.
The characters in this were excellent. Sally is so strong-willed and motivated by her desires. She is quite the inspiration. I had an emotional reaction reading about what she had to go through, and I was rooting for her to seek out her revenge in full. A surprising thing about this book, was that Sally wasn’t afraid to do her own bidding and get her hands dirty in such a cunning and brilliant way. The supporting characters’ and villains were also well plotted out and I was intrigued by them all. They all added something to the story.
There was even some romance sprinkled in there. Now, I’m not typically a romance girly but this was done in such a subtle, real way that it added a lot to the story and character’s intentions.
If you are a historical fiction fan, add this one to your list! You will definitely learn something and have a great reading experience along the way!
Queen Victoria’s goddaughter Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally) used to be an African princess before she was removed from her home against her will. On her journey to Britain, she lost friends and suffered at the hands of Britain’s powerful people. She was sent to a school in which she was put on the spot and discriminated against. But now Sally has grown up and she wants her revenge.
This book will have you googling. I love when a book is well-researched and has me wanting to look up every little detail to become more captured by the novel. I left this book having learned something, which is always such a good feeling.
The characters in this were excellent. Sally is so strong-willed and motivated by her desires. She is quite the inspiration. I had an emotional reaction reading about what she had to go through, and I was rooting for her to seek out her revenge in full. A surprising thing about this book, was that Sally wasn’t afraid to do her own bidding and get her hands dirty in such a cunning and brilliant way. The supporting characters’ and villains were also well plotted out and I was intrigued by them all. They all added something to the story.
There was even some romance sprinkled in there. Now, I’m not typically a romance girly but this was done in such a subtle, real way that it added a lot to the story and character’s intentions.
If you are a historical fiction fan, add this one to your list! You will definitely learn something and have a great reading experience along the way!
January 20, 2025
"Revenge takes time, you see. And I have been patient."
Sarah "Sally" is a kidnapped African princess who is the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Taken against her will , Sally plots her revenge on the British nobility who claim to be her saviors but have only succeeded in oppressing her. She studies their weaknesses while navigating the British court, waiting for her chance to ruin them.
Thoughts 💭
Wow! This hooked me from the moment I started. This is such a creative story that it really grabbed me. It was advertised as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton, and it did not disappoint! I love learning about historical figures, especially women, even though it was only loosely inspired by her life. I really felt Sally's anger radiate off the page and couldn't help but side with her even though she expects the reader not to. I was cheering for her the whole time even though death and ruin followed her wherever she went. Queen Victoria was a formidable enemy, and the battle of wills between them was something extraordinary. Sally was clever, calculating, and determined to seek justice for herself and others like her. I felt that the ending was absolute perfection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sarah "Sally" is a kidnapped African princess who is the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Taken against her will , Sally plots her revenge on the British nobility who claim to be her saviors but have only succeeded in oppressing her. She studies their weaknesses while navigating the British court, waiting for her chance to ruin them.
Thoughts 💭
Wow! This hooked me from the moment I started. This is such a creative story that it really grabbed me. It was advertised as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton, and it did not disappoint! I love learning about historical figures, especially women, even though it was only loosely inspired by her life. I really felt Sally's anger radiate off the page and couldn't help but side with her even though she expects the reader not to. I was cheering for her the whole time even though death and ruin followed her wherever she went. Queen Victoria was a formidable enemy, and the battle of wills between them was something extraordinary. Sally was clever, calculating, and determined to seek justice for herself and others like her. I felt that the ending was absolute perfection.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
January 11, 2025This story is a celebration of being an angry Black woman and getting revenge. So many people think the anger of Black people is unwarranted. Honestly, whether you understand her reason or not, Ina aka Sarah was laser focused on vengeance—and rightfully so.
I enjoyed this fictional take on true life events. Ina’s character is based on the life of Omoba Ina. The British would tell you she was rescued, Ina would say she was ripped away from her home and traditions. Ina went from being the princess of her clan to the gifted goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was raised and educated with British ideals in the effort to turn her into a “civilized” woman. That translated into years of stripping away her identity, humiliating her, and treating her like property.
In The Queen’s Spade, Ina is fueled by her pain. Ina’s anger and bloodlust are the only things keeping her going so she can accomplish her mission of taking down the monarchy. Ina will get revenge against the British Crown and anyone who played a part in her suffering—even if it’s the last thing she does. I love how the author leaned so heavily into Ina’s darkness. The development of her character was very clear. There’s no doubt who Ina was. She was angry, determined, murderous, bold, sinister, dangerous, intelligent, manipulative, and an overall mastermind. The story alternates between Ina creating chaos in the present and the past events she endured as royal property. There is a romances/non romance situation that I actually liked. A traditional romance would’ve been out of place in this story, so I think the author made a good choice.
Overall, I liked the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
I enjoyed this fictional take on true life events. Ina’s character is based on the life of Omoba Ina. The British would tell you she was rescued, Ina would say she was ripped away from her home and traditions. Ina went from being the princess of her clan to the gifted goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was raised and educated with British ideals in the effort to turn her into a “civilized” woman. That translated into years of stripping away her identity, humiliating her, and treating her like property.
In The Queen’s Spade, Ina is fueled by her pain. Ina’s anger and bloodlust are the only things keeping her going so she can accomplish her mission of taking down the monarchy. Ina will get revenge against the British Crown and anyone who played a part in her suffering—even if it’s the last thing she does. I love how the author leaned so heavily into Ina’s darkness. The development of her character was very clear. There’s no doubt who Ina was. She was angry, determined, murderous, bold, sinister, dangerous, intelligent, manipulative, and an overall mastermind. The story alternates between Ina creating chaos in the present and the past events she endured as royal property. There is a romances/non romance situation that I actually liked. A traditional romance would’ve been out of place in this story, so I think the author made a good choice.
Overall, I liked the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
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