To Serve a King - Review

Title ~ To Serve a King
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Donna Russo Morin
Release Date ~ February 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Kensington
Source ~ Kensington

GOODREADS SUMMARY

From her earliest days, Genevieve Gravois has known one fact above all: Francis I, king of France, is her enemy. Raised by her embittered aunt after her parents' deaths, Genevieve has been schooled in things no woman should know - how to decipher codes, how to use a dagger and a bow, and how to kill. For Henry VIII has a destiny in mind for the young girl - as his most powerful and dangerous spy.

When the time is ripe, Genevieve enters the magnificent world of the French court. With grace to match her ambition, she becomes maid of honor to Anne de Pisseleau, King Francis's mistress. Yet neither the court - which teems with artistry and enlightenment as well as intrigue - nor Francis himself are at all what Genevieve expected. And with her mission, her life, and the fate of two kingdoms at stake, she will be forced to make deadly decisions about where her heart and her ultimate loyalties lie.

REVIEW

If you think historical fiction is boring or tedious to read, you have obviously not read To Serve a King. This book has much more to offer than just a simple story set in the sixteenth century. Let me give you an idea of what is in store.

Genevieve’s life has not been easy. She lost her parents in a fire when she was two, she was raised to be a spy, and she was taught that King Francois is evil. The main part of the story picks up when Genevieve is headed to France to spy on King Francois at the urging of King Henry VIII. Genevieve starts out angry and hostile, but she softens with time. As she begins to question what she was raised to believe, Genevieve transforms in a good way and she is happier.

There are a lot of characters in this story. I think the entire French royal court makes an appearance! I may have liked the story better had there been more focus on fewer characters. One of my favorite characters, however, was Anne. For me, Anne represented what a queen should be. She was calculating, kind, and confident.

The setting is like a character in itself. King Francois’ castle is lavishly decorated and filled with luxurious belongings. From imported artwork and fabulous musicians to intricate architecture and fancy clothing – King Francois’ knows how to surround himself with the best of the best. I adore the descriptions and I would love to wear one of the fancy dresses.

To Serve a King is historical fiction with a strong story and a surprising twist.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

The cover shows the rich clothing that the royals wore in the sixteenth century. I wish the characters were not so cut off though. I want to see Genevieve’s violet eyes.