Long May She Reign

Gr 8 Up—Freya's dream of escaping court life and delving deeper into her scientific studies is almost within reach. After leaving the king's birthday party early to work on a project, she is horrified to learn that most of the court was poisoned, resulting in her being next in succession as queen. Most of Freya's advisers, including her father, want her to continue with the old ways of the court and punish those responsible for the murders. Freya wants to use her intelligence to learn not only how the people were murdered but why. While investigating, Freya first suspects but then befriends court darling Madeline and the charming, not-so-foolish Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of the former king. Thomas's novel focuses on Freya's struggle to embrace who she is, rather than who people want her to be. Although there is a constant threat of danger, this historical fantasy is slow-paced at times. A brief romance and a swift ending may also leave some readers wishing for more, while a few plot threads feel too convenient. Still, the world is richly built, with its own history and godlike heroes who have renounced the decadence of the kingdom.