A review by destdest
The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Intriguing. From the get-go, we see Sarah “Sally” Ina) isn’t the type to go along just to get along. She knows her status and precarious positioning and never stops hating the Queen and the English reign. A deep justified hatred burns in her. Things reach a boiling point when the most heinous of the Queen's activities is revealed. 

Like Raughley’s other story, the kingdom of Dahomey once again plays a part here. And a love interest once again engages in underground fighting.

I like that Sally was cunning, and we could see it demonstrated. She wasn’t the usual YA "assassin" (using this loosely), all talk with no kills. She was about her business but smart enough not always to need to dirty her hands. Her methods ranged from blackmail to murder, and defamation. I felt for her the entire time.

The side characters are the weakest here in a relatively great story. Rui is interesting, but we were just told Sally’s soooo attracted to him, and I didn’t really see enough of their banter. But I slowly warmed to their connection.

not surprised at him scurrying away. they were built on lust, anyway. There is no honor among thieves.

I liked the foil Captain Davies is to Sally, and how she could have turned out if she stifled her rage and pretended.  

And yes, actual revenge takes place. 

I'm officially a fan of Raughley's work! Ready to read what she writes next!