“The Colonies lost the Revolutionary War. Now it’s 1839 and the North American continent is divided into three territories: New Britannia, Nueva Espana, and Nouvelle France where seventeen-year-old Claire Poissant lives. Claire has a magical way with words-literally. But a mystical power of persuasion isn’t the only thing that makes her different. Half-French and half-Indian, Claire doesn’t feel at home in either world. Maybe that’s why she’s bonded so tightly with her fellow outcasts and best friends: Phileas, a young man whose towering intellect and sexuality have always made him the target of bullies, and Sam, a descendant of George Washington who shares the disgraced general’s terrible, secret curse. But when Sam’s family is murdered, these bonds are tested and Claire’s special ability is strained to its limits as the three hunt the men responsible into dangerous lands. Along the way they cross paths with P.T. Barnum, William Frankenstein and other characters from both history and fantasy as they learn the hard way that man is often the most horrific monster and that growing up sometimes means learning to let go of the things you hold most dear.”
At times, I wondered what genre the author was writing – it is one thing to look at what may have happened if the Colonies lost the Revolutionary War and another thing entirely to throw werewolves and magical powers into the mix! On the other hand, I enjoyed the characters and the book kept me engaged throughout. The story of the journey, which takes the three friends up rivers and across lands, was interesting and full of description, even including a map of North America so that one can understand where the characters are as one reads the book. The action and dramatic elements of the story were well-done! If you are interested in alternative history and paranormal events, you will most likely enjoy this book!
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