About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is looking for a high-stakes historical adventure featuring a protagonist who defies every social expectation. Jacky Faber is a master of resilience, and this installment finds her navigating the chaos of the Peninsular War in Spain. It is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced action, complex moral dilemmas, and a heroine who uses both her wit and her physical bravery to survive in a world dominated by men. While the story is full of humor and art, it also touches on the grit of guerrilla warfare and the dangers of the Spanish Inquisition. Parents should choose this book to encourage discussions about historical agency and the power of creative thinking under pressure. Jacky's journey involves posing for the artist Goya and running with the bulls, providing a vibrant, sensory-rich look at 19th-century Spanish culture. The book is best suited for older readers (13 and up) due to its depictions of war, mild suggestive romance, and historical period-accurate dangers. It ultimately celebrates the spirit of a young woman who refuses to be contained by her circumstances.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The scenes involving the Spanish Inquisition depict Jacky being imprisoned and interrogated under psychological and physical threat, which may be intense for younger readers. There are also visceral descriptions of guerrilla warfare and the aftermath of battles, reflecting the brutal reality of the Napoleonic Wars. CONVERSATION: Be ready to discuss the historical context of the Spanish Inquisition and the Peninsular War. Parents might also need to explain the concept of guerrilla warfare and the complicated ethics of espionage and double-crossing during wartime.
Ideal Reader
A 14-year-old history buff who loves strong, unconventional female leads and stories where the protagonist must constantly reinvent themselves to survive.
Parent Prep
Preview the chapters involving the Inquisition (around chapter 14-16) to gauge the intensity for your child. A child may express frustration or anxiety over the unfairness of Jacky's capture by the Inquisition or the constant obstacles preventing her from finding safety.
Age Experience
Younger teens will focus on the thrill of the spy missions and Jacky's narrow escapes. Older teens will appreciate the nuances of Goya's art and the political complexities of the Napoleonic era.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many historical novels that focus on battlefields, this book weaves together art history, cultural traditions like the running of the bulls, and the gritty reality of Jacky’s life undercover.
Read plot summary
Jacky Faber, undercover for British Intelligence, is sent to Spain during the Peninsular War. Her mission involves aiding guerrilla fighters against Napoleon's forces while navigating high-stakes social and political circles. She eventually finds herself in the court of King Joseph Bonaparte, posing for Francisco Goya, being interrogated by the Spanish Inquisition, and joining a Romani caravan. Throughout, she maintains her characteristic wit and resourcefulness, always driven by the hope of reuniting with her fiancé, Jaimy Fletcher.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jacky poses for the artist Goya. How does her experience being 'the subject' of a painting change how she sees herself?
2
The Spanish Inquisition captures Jacky for her perceived 'sins.' How does Jacky use her wits to survive an institution designed to break people?
3
Jacky joins a Romani caravan and finds a sense of community. Why do you think she feels at home with people who are also outsiders in Spanish society?
4
Throughout the series, Jacky takes on many disguises. In this book, which version of Jacky felt the most 'real' to you, and why?
5
The Peninsular War involved many different factions. How does Jacky decide who to trust when everyone has a different agenda?
