Sovay by Celia Rees

Rees, C. (2008). Sovay. (p. 416). Bloomsbury USA Children's Books.

ISBN: 1599902036

Classification: book, fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Age Level: 9th-12th grade

Subjects: family, fiction, historical fiction, identity, love story, siblings, war

Reader's Annotation: Sovay disguises herself as a highwayman to rob the fiance who cheated on her, and sets off on a path to adventure.

Summary: Sovay's story begins with her getting even with her fiance. She holds up his coach and steals a ring she gave him, which he swore to keep forever. She decides not to marry him. Instead, she's drawn into the life of a highwayman, enjoying the freedom of dressing like a man and the feeling of controlling her own destiny. Soon, though, Sovay discovers that her family is in jeopardy, as revolutionary forces attempt to sow chaos in England like the madness that has swept through France. Determined to save her father and her brother and to prevent the guillotine from becoming a permanent fixture in England, she works with a group of friends to reveal a plot driven by members of the Illuminati. She'll need every bit of her highwayman courage to clear her name, free her family, and keep England peaceful.

Reviews / Awards:

teenreads.com Review

Author Info:
Celia Rees' website

Potential Hotspots:

killing, war, young boys as sex workers

Readalikes:

• The Luxe by Anna Godberson
  
• A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
  

Why it belongs in a YA collection:
The teenreads review for this book notes that this will probably soon be a movie starring Keira Knightly, and I nodded when I read it. Therein lies the appeal for teens. Though this story had some plot problems, it had a great heroine, and a dramatical historical background. There is plenty in this story to keep teen imaginations intrigued, not to mention an ongoing "who-will-she-end-up-with" romantic plotline.

Other:

The main draw to this book is the cover, I think, and perhaps some pull from Celia's other books. Those two things made me pick it up. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped, but I do think it would still be a hit in the teen section.

Evaluation:

2.5 stars