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5.0 out of 5 stars
Quirky, charming, delightful sequel, April 5, 2011
This review is from: The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals) (Hardcover)
Sophie FitzOsborne and her family are forced to leave their island kingdom of Montmaray, the only home they've ever known, when the Nazis attack. Now living with their Aunt Charlotte in England, Sophie, Veronica, Toby, and Henry must adjust to a life that is the complete opposite of what they're used to. Henry is expected to act like girl, Veronica is expected to stay away from politics and snag a husband, and Toby--their king--is expected to finish school. Sophie, meanwhile, isn't sure of what she's supposed to do, but desperately wants to enlist help on getting Montmaray back from the Nazis. But getting anyone to pay attention to the FitzOsbornes--from the English government to the League of Nations--will turn out to be the greatest challenge yet. Who cares about a tiny island kingdom when the entire world is on the brink of war? The FitzOsbornes in Exile has the same eccentric and lovable characters and humorous narrative as its prequel, but it is a bit more serious than A Brief History of Montmaray. Sophie and her family now know the danger of politics and the evil that the Germans are capable of, even before the rest of Europe fully realizes it. But that doesn't deter them from their goals, or cause them to lose their sense of humor. Sophie's account of their time spent in England, stretched out over two years in this deliciously thick book, is full of witty observations and social misadventures as well as more serious matters. Veronica is politically active, which gains her a reputation, enemies, and an assassination attempt. Toby is unwilling to study and learn what it takes to be a good king. The FitzOsbornes must figure out what they need to do with Simon, and Henry tests her governesses (and Aunt Charlotte) to their limits. There is also a great deal of politics in the novel, which may be a little confusing at first to the reader without any knowledge of the causes of World War II, but Cooper handles it well and keeps the confusion to a minimum while doing an excellent job at educating her readers about the political tensions in Europe, the Spanish Civil War, and other important events. For those readers who enjoyed the action of the prequel, there are a few good heart-pounding moments throughout the book, and a tense, dangerous, but ultimately triumphant ending. Cooper leaves the characters at a good place, but will have readers begging for the inevitable sequel. The FitzOsbornes in Exile is a quirky, charming, insightful, and poignant book, and Sophie is a smart, plucky heroine whose coming-of-age is a delight to read about.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Book TWO in the Montmaray Journals, February 15, 2012
This review is from: The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals) (Hardcover)
Another fantastic installment to the "Montmaray" series! Here, in book II, we find the FitzOsbornes living in England after their home/island kingdom was destroyed and taken over by Nazi Germans. The FitzOsbornes have many obstacles and decisions to face: how to regain their beloved Montmaray; how to help innocent children forced to flee their countries and seek refuge in England; and how to do all this whilst not tipping off their stuffy aunt who is housing the FitzOsbornes and who controls all their money. While this book isn't nearly as "edge of your seat" as the later half of the first book, I did feel it kept my attention, and the challenges, though less action-y, were captivating and compelling in their own right (and there was a large part of me that was delighted not to have to worry about nightmares after reading this book!). I still loved the characters: Victoria is still strong but kind, Toby is still fun and cheerful (though he does have his own bout of depressivness in this one) and Sophie is still thoughtful and good. The only thing that did sort of bother me is the constant back and forth with Simon. I'm never quite sure where we're supposed to stand with him - is he good or bad or something in between? And I'm not sure if the confusion is supposed to be from Sophie's perspective, or if the author is trying to string us along. But, for a family that's known Simon basically forever, it seems that there should be a bit more concrete perception of him - or at least something less drastic. I can't remember him ever doing anything really bad, and yet part of me would not be surprised if the author decided that Simon was the one who'd tipped off the Germans and sent them to destroy Montmaray (personally, I don't think this is where things are leading, but that's about the level of uncertainty that seems to float around the character). Whichever way it does land, I hope things get settled or explained in the next book. Speaking of the next book, I'm definitely eagerly awaiting it! I've loved both initial installments and can hardly wait to find out what happens next in the lives of the FitzOsbornes!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Even better than the first novel!, December 8, 2011
This review is from: The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals) (Hardcover)
The sequel to the excellent A Brief History of Montmaray (and which will, based on the ending and the #2 in the title, become part of a trilogy, I assume) is just as charming, compelling, thoughtful and engaging as is predecessor. I think it could be read as a stand-alone, but really there is no reason not to read the first book first as it is excellent! Here we find the FitzOsbornes entering adulthood dealing with life under their proper aunt's control in elegant London *and* threats of a second world war looming on the horizon. From negotiating the politics of coming out balls and trying to avoid dull suitors foisted upon them by their well-meaning aunt, to run-ins with Blackshirts and assassins, Victoria and Sophie face their fair share of troubles. Tomboy Henry fairs somewhat better in the countryside with her beloved dog and a host of other creatures but, as heir to the Montmaray throne, Toby seems to fritter away his Eaton education--one that untitled Stephen would give anything to obtain himself. Budding romances, political intrigue, and seeking the retribution due to Montmaray are all told through Sophie's eyes and make for delicious storytelling and satisfying plot. I may have actually enjoyed this one more than the first, since I liked the interweaving of historical events and persons which seemed more involved here than in the first book when they were on Montmaray and more isolated. I also preferred London's 1930s upper class setting to the Gothic aspects of the Montmaray castle though I know some readers felt the opposite. In any case, this is a stand-out series and I highly recommend it!
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