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Book Review of The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals)

The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals)
GeniusJen avatar reviewed on + 5322 more book reviews


Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE is the second book in THE MONTMARAY JOURNALS. This book picks up where A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY left the reader. The royal FitzOsborne children have been exiled to England to live with their Aunt Charlotte, a forty-ish society widow.

Sophie FitzOsborne keeps a journal that relates the adventures of Veronica, Toby, Henry, and Simon in their new home. While having to adjust to life in British society, the FitzOsbornes strategize how to reclaim their island home. The Germans have taken over Montmaray, and have been seen using the island as a base to plan their attacks at the beginning of World War II.

THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE takes place during the time span of January 1937 through August 1939. The author uses the backdrop of the Nazis and the impending war as the setting for the story. Neither Sophie nor Veronica has any desire to become a debutante and seek a husband as her Aunt wishes. During their social events, however, the two do discover some contacts that guide them in their quest to seek justice for Montmaray.

This is a lengthy novel, but quite engrossing with the historical content. The Author's Note at the end gives illuminating insight as to how the history incorporated into the story. Though a fictionalized novel, many of the events and people mentioned are based on historical fact.

The reader does not have to have read A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY to enjoy this follow-up novel. There are many references to events from the first novel that allows the reader to keep up with the action in the story. And rest assured, there is plenty of action in this one. The last 50 pages alone will leave one on the edge of their seat.