Author: Sarah Raughley
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Release Date: 2025
Pages: 415
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.
A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge. . . .
The year is 1862 and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all else: revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial "humanitarianism," which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.
Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once again: marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.
Inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller for fans of This Ravenous Fate, A Dowry of Blood, and Grave Mercy.
My Review: Sarah Forbes Bonnetta was a Yoruba princess and Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. The Queen’s Spade reimagines what Sarah Forbes Bonnetta’s life in England may have been. Sarah Forbes Bonnetta is disgusted with the British Crown, especially Queen Victoria because of their colonialism. Therefore, Sarah Forbes Bonnetta desires to destroy Queen Victoria.
I found Sarah Forbes Bonnetta to be a fascinating protagonist! She is a captive Princess under British rule. She tries to emulate being a perfect Victorian princess. Because she is from Africa, the Victorian elite often look down on her. They see her as inferior to them. She is always considered an outsider in England. I thought Sarah Forbes Bonnetta could be selfish and reckless at times, especially when planning her revenge. However, she is still intelligent. She can be calculating and ruthless. Yet, she is also vulnerable and is trying to get over the trauma of her past. Therefore, Sarah Forbes Bonnetta was a very intriguing character, and I wanted to see if she would get her revenge.
Overall, this book is about trauma, betrayal, and loss. I liked how all of the supporting characters were portrayed, especially Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria made a fantastic villain! She was shrewd and manipulative! I liked how Mrs. Raughley made Victorian Britain come alive. I also liked how Mrs. Raughley depicted British colonialism. I thought the writing was lyrical and the setting was atmospheric! Even though this book is categorized as young adult, I think it should have been an adult novel because of the mature themes. Nevertheless, The Queen’s Spade was a fast-paced and thrilling read! I found it hard to put down! I am excited to read the forthcoming companion novel, The Queen’s Command! I recommend this for fans of The Other Princess, Queen of Exiles, and Belle!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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