Prisoners in the Palace: How Princess Victoria became Queen with the Help of Her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel

Really Like It

With its pink cover reading the words of 'a novel of intrigue and romance', I was not eager to begin reading Prisoners in the Palace. However, after finishing the last half of the novel in a day I was surprised to find that I really did like it. The book centers on Elizabeth Hastings, who arrives in England to find marriage, but ends as an orphan left with unpaid debts. She takes up a job as Princess Victoria's maid and plunges into a mystery that will lead to a very dangerous plot. Liza, Her Majesty, a boy who lives in the walls, and a charming newspaper man, will help the princess become queen. I really enjoyed the theme of the book. It starts off slow, but really picks up later in the book, you can't put it down until you know how it ends. On top of that, besides some of the main characters and some plot elements, the whole story is true! Michaela MacColl did an amazing job capturing the tale and I recommend it to older teens, especially girls, looking for an engaging history lesson.

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

This one grabs you and doesn't let go!

This book is a tough one to categorize. Part mystery, part historical fiction, part romance it is definitely a 100% page turner. In running errands for the princess and tracking down clues, Liza finds herself in the worst parts of London. The bad guys are so bad that you'll want to read on to find out how and when Liza and Victoria prevail. It is even more exciting because so many of these people, or those much like them, existed.

MacColl does such a good job with the characterization and weaving in the historic details that you'll find yourself wondering which parts truly happened and which are pure fiction (answers can be found in the author's note).

When you pick this one up, or give it as a gift, make sure the calendar is open for some serious reading.

-SueBE

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

AMAZING!!!! MUST READ!!!!!!

This book was the best book I have ever read. Filled with intrigue and romance (as it states on the cover), this book captivates you attention from the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read it cover to cover. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read- whether you enjoy historical fiction or not. Read this book- you won't regret it.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

An excellent read

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the writing, I loved Liza, and all the other characters in this book were just wonderful to read. The plot was really good and the pacing was well done. For those that love intrigue into their historical fiction, you will also find that here. Sir John is certainly the type of villain to make your skin crawl and his plotting with the Duchess gives the plot a good amount of intrigue to enjoy.

Victoria was made to be seen as a spoiled brat, but at the same time she acts this way because she's lonely and has no one of her age to be with, so her friendship with Liza is somewhat of a Princess/maid relationship, but at times they also put aside their class differences and act like real true friends would.

What I really liked best about this book is that the plot never did slow down, it was a constant steady flow and there was never any stalls or anything done to extend the plot. It got really interesting in the end and made the perfect climax to any story. The author's note in the end was good and provided good information for further reading.

There was only one criticism, and that was Albert. I didn't think he was such a surly guy, then again they were younger at the time and he probably did change as he grew older. I was hoping for more of a love story between Victoria and Albert, but it was not to be, they weren't such a big focus at this time. No matter though, this was just a small setback but nothing that would change my opinion about this book.

I recommend this book for all those in love with the Victorian age! it was a wonderful book to read. Those who like YA books would also love this book as well.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

So good!

I am an avid reader and can tell good quality when i see it. This was truly one of the best books i have read. I love everything about the story ; the characters, the plot, the truth behind it all. I could not put this book down . I look forward to the authors next book!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

you must check it out

i luv it

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Very Enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this book. The Victorian-esque cover at once caught me eye (because I'm obsessed with the Victorian era), and the layout and premise of the book seemed interesting and unique. If you love Historical Fiction, or just a well-written book about friendship and romance, this book should appeal to you. I really liked the main characters, they were witty and daring. I loved Victoria and "Inside Boy" and Will! Really great characters. The story is easy to follow and actually has quite a bit of adventure. "Prisoners in the Palace" impressed me, and I recommend it greatly.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful YA Historical Fiction

This is a well conceived historical fiction for young adults that many adults will want to read as well. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and the Victoria Era probably my favorite. Elizabeth is orphaned and left with nothing but an education, she has no choice but to work as a lady's maid. Her fortunes take a turn when she lands a position with Princess Victoria during her teen years. There is a lot of court intrigue with Elizabeth taking part in solving mysterious intrigues and befriending Victoria.


I loved how I was drawn in be the wealth of fact woven into the fiction of the story. It was so believable that you could just feel yourself inside Kensington Palace and it is nice to see Victoria portrayed as full of joy and life instead of her later years. I think this is best suited for those over 12 years old since there is some visits to unsavory parts of London. More, please!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

One of the best!!!

It is enjoyable, and it takes you to a period of palaces, princesses, and ball gowns. It has humor, suspence, and romance. Definetly recommend it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My family knows the author

The authors daughter goes to my school!

1 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

A book of a little less than 265 pages, this book was quite a good read. There was some eye rolling at Victoria's innocence of the world around her and childish behavior. All in all a good book. Read it!

Amazing

A great book of loyalty, drama, and romance.

G.H.

It really wasnt bad. Hate how the cover doesnt have a title though

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I haven't even finished this book yet, and already i can say how

I haven't even finished this book yet, and already i can say how much i enjoy. It is very well written, and I love how it weaves facts in with the fictional plot. I learned a lot from this book, besides just loving reading. It is very intriguing, and wraps you up in it's juicy palace plot. The only thing that's stopped me from reading it in a day is school classes!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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