Frannie, a rebellious young lady gets mistaken for a dead rich girl, Emmeline Coates, and runs with it to escape her past – only to get caught up in the American revolution and become a spy. Rebel Spy was an entertaining read, and exactly what was promised by the blurb. Nevertheless, I felt like it was lacking – perhaps it was that it is a familiar plotline, one that I have likely read before, reminiscent of so many period novels. Rebel Spy does not stand out particularly.

The elements that had pulled me to the book, the historical aspects, the challenges faced navigating the two lives of Emmeline Coates and agent 355, and a character-driven narrative lacked in detail for my taste. The book could have gone into more depth about the nitty-gritty of Frannie’s life, rather than plotting a pleasant course down the river of smooth sailing. That is not to say that there are no obstacles in the story – there are plenty – but they are of the predictable kind, not the ones requiring personal growth.

I think Rebel Spy is a great read if you are looking for a summer holiday read while waiting anxiously for the next season of Outlander and enjoy casual YA with a dash of romance and secrecy.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I cannot talk about this book enough. It was a historical fiction gem. These last few months I have been in a slump with almost every other book I read. So starting a book has been very hard for me, but I eventually, hopefully, get sucked in by the first few chapters. Luckily that happened to me with this book.

I have loved Veronica Rossi since I read her Under the Never Sky series back in 2013. I adored those books so much. It's about time for me to do a reread because I am pretty sure I haven’t don’t one yet. Besides Kenji, from the Shatter Me series, Roar is one of my favorite characters ever. So when I saw that Rossi was going to have a historical fiction out soon I knew I had to try to get the ARC. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that I was approved for it.

As I said, it took me a few chapters to get into it. Not because of the writing or the story, but because of my slumpish mood and because I didn’t have much time to get some good reading in. But once I hit those few chapters I was hooked. I love this story and these characters. I loved the history behind it and the time period it took place in. And I really loved being able to research these people as I read and learn more about them.

This story is based on the life of Agent 355. She was a spy for George Washington. We don’t actually have a lot of information on her, not even a real name, just her code name. We do know that she was part of a high society.

Frannie is our main character and before becoming a spy she was just a girl who dived for valuable things left on shipwrecked ships. She lives with her stepfather and wants out of her life as soon as possible. She gets that chance when she finds a young lady about her age floating in the ocean. This young lady was aboard a ship that wrecked and had no survivors. Frannie takes this chance and takes this ladies' identity. For the next few years, Frannie becomes this lady and lives an amazing life, even though it’s a lie. She feels like she isn’t really living until she meets a lady who connects her with spies. Knowing how dangerous a spies life is she decides to claim it as her own, life or death.

I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know what happened next. I was surprised at how emotional I got and how easily I connected with Frannie. Every emotion she had I deeply felt. Rossi has a way of creating characters like that. If you love historical fictions, I definitely recommend this book to you. I know you will fall in love with these characters as I have.

Initial Thoughts

I was really excited to get my hands on an ARC of this book. I love historical fiction and the Revolutionary War is a subject that I studied a lot of, but don’t get to explore in fiction very often. Furthermore, I really liked that this was a story of spies and intrigue.

Some Things I Liked

American history. I loved history in school and US history was one of my favorite subjects. I loved the familiar names and events and how they were woven into a semi-fictional story.
A woman MC in a man’s world. I also loved that 355 was known to be a woman. Women in the late 1700s were not treated as equals to me by any stretch of the imagination so I loved that a woman in that time played such a pivotal role in taking down the British.
Morally grey character. Frannie’s life before was pretty terrible, but she made a few questionable decisions that got her to her life in New York. I loved seeing her growth and development as a person. She went from only thinking of herself to sacrificing it all for the sake of her nation.

Series Value

We all know how the American Revolution turned out so I don’t think there is much sequel value here. Agent 355 completed her job and stopped Benedict Arnold. My only wish is for a tiny epilogue saying something about what happened after that last scene.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. It was super fitting that I finished it on July 4th. Agent 355 was a historical figure that I hadn’t heard much about and I am now curious to learn more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Agent 355 by Marie Benedict – if you liked this imagining of Agent 355’s story, try Marie’s Benedict’s version on Audible.
Deadly Curious by Cindy Anstey – if you enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of this story, try this new release by Cindy Anstey.
The Jewel Thief by Jeannie Mobley – again, if you liked a historical fiction story that was embellished to fill in some gaps, try this YA retelling of the cutting of the Hope Diamond.

I loved this book so much I that I purchased it for my library. I can't wait to put it in the hands of patrons.

Veronica Rossi did her research for this book and it show.

If you want a book with all of the elements of a great book, this is your one.

Frannie is an excellent character and very well developed. I encourage anyone who loves historical fiction to read this one.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Rebel Spy

Author: Veronica Rossi

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended For...: spy novels, historical fiction, American Revolution novels, swapping identities.

Publication Date: June 23, 2020

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, TW mentions of sexual assault, TW kidnapping, romance)

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 368

Synopsis: Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.

Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.

Review: I really loved this book! I loved it so much I went out mid read and bought a physical copy! The story is very compelling and I really loved how Frannie developed. The history in this book was also very well done and the writing was engaging.

However, I did think that the book has an expectation that you know so much about American Revolutionary Period and if you don’t have that foundation then you will be lost for a little bit in the novel. I also felt like the other characters in this book weren’t that well developed and the timeline of the story could have been slowed down a bit to build up the story and to give the audience more time to learn about the period. I also think the book would have been good as a series because there is so much history after the period as well as during that I would like to see more of it with Frannie.

Verdict: A very well done novel!

Rebel Spy tells the tale of Agent 355, a female spy during the Revolutionary War. Francisca “Frannie” Tasker is a young woman who has grown up in the West End on Grand Bahama Island. After the passing of her father and mother, Frannie lives under the harsh eye of her step-father, Sewel, an abusive drunk. After Sewel threatens Frannie, she is determined to take her future into her own hands. Frannie takes advantage of a shipwreck when a young woman’s body washes ashore. Assuming the life of Emmeline Coates, Frannie is thrown into the aristocratic world of New York City. Frannie soon learns that her adopted family members are Loyalists, but she finds that she feels no connection to their cause and eventually her position pushes her to follow her beliefs and become a spy for George Washington and the rebel colonists.

As a reader, I greatly appreciated this story. Though Agent 355 of the Culper Spy Ring has never been properly identified, though some believe the moniker may refer to Anna Strong, I thought this was a clever imagining of her story. Through Veronica Rossi, Frannie provides a feminist perspective on the Revolutionary War and the limited roles that women could play during this time; however, it showed that women could also carve out small slices for themselves and even embark on traditionally male roles, such as spying.

The research that Rossi embarked on to craft this novel was also appreciated. The horrors that occurred in Wallabout Bay, particularly aboard the prison ship The Jersey, were vivid. The mistreatment of rebel colonists and the tortures aboard the ship, from the lack and subpar nature of the food and the closing of hundreds of individuals into the boarded up hull of a ship and subjecting them to darkness, isolation, illness, and death, offer the reader a look into the darker side of human nature that shows why the Geneva Convention’s rules regarding the humane treatment of prisoners of war would later become necessary.

In terms of the story, I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the fact that the novel utilizes the young adult trope of the love triangle. Yet Rossi’s use was unique and felt markedly reinvented in this context. While escaping, Frannie meets Asa Lane, a charismatic young man who sides with the rebel colonists. The reader is treated to the power of young people experiencing their first love. Years later when Frannie meets Lieutenant James Duncan, the reader glimpses an initial attraction and infatuation that eventually morphs into the usefulness of the source to help the rebel colonist’s cause. In the end, the reader does not feel cheated by the course of these relationships or the definitive and hinted at resolution to both of them.

There are other tidbits to be praised here as well. Though not the focus of the story, Frannie offers some pointed commentary on slavery and race relations that feels very timely. The immigrant story is also in focus since Frannie’s mother is a first generation immigrant to the Bahamas and Frannie becomes an immigrant to the United States after taking over Emmeline Coates’ identity. Even though these stories lurked around the fringes of the main plot and themes, they create tension and show an added importance to how these narratives impact not just the protagonists of history but also those peoples that are often overlooked.

As a whole, I enjoyed Rebel Spy and it has inspired a continued interest to explore this period in history and the role that women played in creating the United States.

In a world filled with WWII fiction (which I love!) it was nice to find a YA historical fiction novel set in a different era. I loved the character of Frannie and truly loved watching her grow and find herself. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been more to the spying story line. In a time when most women were considered property, it really is amazing there really was a spy 355 or Lady. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves historical fiction and wants to read about a woman before her time.

Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman body floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather–and she takes it.
Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she’s eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington’s Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty–but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true “355” and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy. — from the publisher
This historical fiction offering explores spying during the American Revolutionary war, specifically Agent 355 a female spy that passed along information to George Washington. Fans of historical fiction maybe disappointed in this offering, however intrigued about this little known female spy. The story plot is rather slow so those looking for a fast, spy-filled read will want to look elsewhere. The characters were not very relatable and just didn’t have too much depth to them. Having said that, if you enjoy learning a little about a very little known spy and enjoy slower, more dialogued books, you might give this a try. This is definitely not the book to give to a reluctant reader.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Delcorte Press, in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting so long for the chance to read this book. Been a fan of Veronica for years now; she is amazing. And I knew I would end up adoring this book. So happy to say that I did. I am giving it four stars, as I had a few small issues. But for the most part I really adored and loved this story. The writing was fully stunning. I had to problem connecting with this beautiful book. The setting was incredible; I loved that this took part between 1776 and 1780. I very much loved how historical and lovely it was. Very interesting too.

This book tells the story about Frannie. She lived with her mom and stepdad on an island in the Grand Bahamas. There is so little of her life there, but gosh, it was so exciting. Wreck diving. A great best friend. I wish there had been even more of it all. Sigh. When she was fifteen, her mother died. And her stepdad wanted to marry Frannie next. Which was beyond gross and terrifying. And so Frannie did the only thing she could to get away. She took over the life of a dead girl she found floating in the sea after a ship crash.

Which is how this story begins. With Frannie escaping from her violent and so awful stepdad. And taking over the life of someone else. We see a bit about her few weeks aboard a ship after she was rescued by them, before she was taken to her new stolen life. We see how Frannie struggles to live the life of a rich young lady. How she has to learn to behave like she would have done, how Frannie has to change pretty much everything about herself. Which was kind of sad, yet the only way she would be able to live at all.

And oh, how I adored Frannie. She was such an amazing girl to get to know. I loved her fighting spirit. I only wish that there had been more about her as Frannie, and less of her as Emmeline. Though I loved her life as her too. But yeah. Frannie was much more awesome. I loved the small parts of her diving. It was so lovely to read about. On the ship, for a few weeks, she meets a boy. Asa. And falls in love right away. I liked reading about them together so much. A bit too fast, but so adorable too. But it ended badly.

Which is all I will say about that. It was so interesting too, though. I just so liked reading about them both. She was on this ship for a little while, until she arrived in New York ready to start her new life as someone else. Then the book skips three years. I wish we had seen more of the missing years, but also loved this jump. During those years, Frannie had to learn how to be a lady. How to do everything right, so that none would learn that Frannie was not really Emmeline. Her life was good, but also so boring for her at times.

But yes. I very much did like reading about Frannie in her new life too. Though her past life was way more exciting, haha. But her life as a lady was good too. I adored her new family. Lucy was fully adorable. And Charlotte, their friend, was too cute as well. I liked how they were her friends, even though she could not tell them her secret. Frannie hadn't seen Asa in three years. Until now. There was some drama, which I did not like very much, but it was not a lot of it. And I just loved this boy a whole lot. And shipped them so.

This book is about Frannie turning into a spy. Everyone she knows are with the British and the King. But she is secretly wishing for the Americans to win this war. She wants to help. And so she starts spying on those she spend time around. It was interesting, but it was also a little boring, as I had hoped there would be higher stakes and more happening, haha. It was good, though, despite that. The prologue shares that she will be caught spying. I liked this, but how she got caught was a little boring too, ha. But written well.

Okay. So. This book was about Frannie and her life as Emmeline. A bit about her spying too. But mostly just about her life and her feelings. Which is one thing I had issues with. The romance. Ack. Frannie was courting this guy, Duncan, for about a year. A few kisses. I did not really like him, as we had loved Asa first. And then he is there too, and somehow a tiny love triangle. Yet not really too, as it was not dramatic or silly. But I still wish the Duncan thing had not been included, haha. But it was a good thing for Frannie.

Anyway. The few things I had issues with in this book was as I mentioned the romance. And I wish that the ending had been longer, I needed to know more. Did any others get to know her truth? How did they react? I really wanted to see that. I wanted to see her come back to her home too. Sigh. I also felt like the whole spying this was a bit too tame. I liked the prison ships. Horrible and so real. But also wanted a little more horror and pain. Still. It was good and I liked it a lot. But wished there had been more of island life.

I must confess that I do not really know much about the war between America and Britain during this time period. Oops. Only the parts I remember from watching the Sleepy Hollow show, haha. Which is not a lot. And so I very much liked learning more about it all in this book. Learning about this war and things that took place during it. And how it was for people living in New York during this time. It was interesting and exciting too to read about. I think I must look more into this history of time. As I am now curious about it.

Rebel Spy was just as good and exciting as I thought it would be. Despite the few issues I had with it, I still loved this book. And I'm so glad that I read it. I cannot wait to get my gorgeous hardcover in the mail. Big thank you to the publisher and to The Fantastic Flying Book Club for letting me read this via Netgalley for the blog tour. It was such a great book. I only wish it had a longer ending. Hmph. How rude, haha. You all need to read this book too. Now I simply can't wait to read even more books by Veronica in the future.

I had high hopes for this one but was left disappointed. For simplicity's sake, I will just write a pro and con list.

Pro:
This is a very clean book, barely any cussing and appropriate for younger teens.

Con:
Despite what the title says, this book is NOT about spying. Any and all mentions of spying were glossed over and did not mention many facts.
MC cheated on the man she was seeing with a friend from childhood. I don't care what anyone says, but this is not ok.
Still on that last point -- The love triangle was not my favorite in the least.
This book may have been a miss for me, but if you're a fan of historical fiction, it may be worth a try.
Rating: 2/5
Language: s*** one time, d*** one or two times
Romance: a kiss
Spiritual: characters believe in God
Violence: set during the American Revolution but not detailed, MC's stepfather attempts to harm her
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Review will be published to the blog and retail sites soon.

Historical fiction is not really my genre and I also think that was my main problem with this book. It was quite history heavy and history is not really my thing. I know this is mainly a problem coming from my side, but just be aware!
I did like the fact that our main character was pretty brave! Since she does escape her abusive stepdad, and she becomes a spy even though that is quite risky! But still I thought she was a bit boring?! I think it was just all her interactions with other character were quite boring, just as her inner dialogue. I mean the interactions involving the spy part were good!
I have no idea how historical accurate this book is, since I do not live in the US, I did not get US history in school. So no comments on that. Based on the prologue I thought this book would be more action packed.
I did really like Veronica Rossi’s writing and the setting, especially on the boats!

Frannie Tasker spent her days diving for wrecks in the Grand Bahamas in 1776. After her mother's death, Frannie is left with her step-father Sewal who abuses her and now wants to take her to be his wife. Frannie takes an opportunity to escape with a shipwreck that she spots, and assumes the life of a woman aboard who drowned. There were no survivors of the wreck and everyone believes that Frannie, now assuming the role of Emmaline Coates, is a miracle. Frannie is swept away upon a British merchant ship on its way to her new home-and war in New York. Frannie takes upon the task of learning to be a highborn lady who is soon to inherit. Frannie shares her secret only with Asa Lane, a rebel being held on the ship. Frannie plays her role well, three years later she is fully accepted as Emmaline and is ready to be married off. Her chosen suitor, British Lieutenant James Duncan sweeps her off her feet and talks a lot about his role in the British Army. Frannie soon finds a way to feel more like herself, as a spy for George Washington known as Agent 355, codename Lady.


Agent 355 was a real spy for George Washington in the Culper Spy Ring known for helping with the arrest of Major John André. While little is known of the real Agent 355, I absolutely adored Veronica Rossi's creation of Frannie. From her time diving for wrecks in the Bahamas to her grand escape on the merchant ship, playing the part of Emmaline perfectly and her rediscovery of her sense of adventure by joining the Culper ring, Frannie had me amazed. Frannie's life as both a wrecker and a lady of privilege creates a wide contrast as well as an additional layer of suspense of someone unmasking her carefully built disguise. As much as I loved the story of Frannie helping the rebels with her Spy ring, I further enjoyed the constant struggle within Frannie of becoming Emmaline and staying Frannie. The romance between Frannie and Asa was sweet and added another layer of tension as she courted Duncan alongside rekindling her feelings for Asa. Most of all, I enjoyed learning about the Culper Spy ring and their influence in the Revolutionary War. Through her spying, Frannie finds her spirit, purpose and identity. With an intriguing plot, in-depth characters and a heart-pounding ending, Rebel Spy amazingly recreates one of history's unknown women.


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Agent 355's identity has never been discovered. Rossi weaves an adventurous tale of this spy's life and all the ways she helped the American Revolution.

This is a hard review for me to write because I didn't finish the book. Now, I normally don't review books I don't finish. However, I'm posting this review because, honestly, it wasn't the books fault.I started reading this book during Stay At Home in California and I really think it effected what I was reading. So while I did stop over halfway through the book, I want to be clear that I don't think it was the book. I think it was me.

The true and mysterious identity of Agent 355 (unknown to this day) is riviting and so fun. I liked how Rossi wove this wonderful story of the girl who didn't belong and how she found meaning in becoming a spy.

The first part of the book centers around Frannie, a poor girl who is living with her gross stepfather. She sees her chance of escape and takes it, becoming Emmeline Coates, a woman of high rank and riches and sails to America where she will be living under this assumed name. Fast forward a few years and Frannie, now Emmeline in disguise, vows never to go back to the life she had, even though she is scared of her step father finding her. Add in the revolution, Frannie's bravery to help the rebels as she poses as a loyalist will throw her into dangerous situations.

The first half of the book was interesting and moved fast as Frannie's circumstances become clear and I immediately recognized Frannie's need to escape. It was exciting to journey with her from her island out to the unknown, the urgency of being caught at the forefront. Once she got to the US and assumed Emmeline's identity though, things seemed to slow for me.

In this second part of the book, the characters seemed to blend together, none of them standing out. I also had a hard time believing she had also accidentally looped in someone from her household and there were no ramifications to this. (There might have been later, as again I did stop.) And this is where I stopped because I feel like nothing really was happening. She is spying and it is obvious this is all leading up to some big reveal. But I couldn't focus on it to finish it and again, I think this says more to my state of mind than to the book.

Overall I think Rebel Spy has a lot of potential and is a fun historical fiction book. I do plan on finishing it one day. I think a lot of readers will enjoy this book, those who love intrigue and history and assumed identities.

Rebel Spy was addictive and completely enchanted me. With blackmail, friendship lies, trust and honor floating across the pages, I fell in love with this story. This was the first historical fiction I've read and I'm hooked and will be looking for more in this genre! I loved how the story slowly unfolded. It was thick, rich and mesmerizing. So if you're a fan of historical fiction with a dash of romance, then you'll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

I had only myself to count on now.
I brushed the wetness from my cheeks. I was going to have to be enough.


In 1776 Francisca was trapped. She had an abusive and cruel stepfather who wanted more from her and her means of bringing them money was dangerous, wrecking for treasure in the ocean. I instantly connected with Frannie and felt her pain. Her only solace was from one good friend and when she was fathoms deep in the ocean. When the body of Emmeline Coates washed upon the shore, and she heard people searching for her in the distance, Frannie took a chance. And fate led her towards a new life in Philadelphia.

I wanted to do things that mattered. I wanted to sink my teeth deep into the world. I’d stood by as Asa had been beaten. I never again wanted to feel that way again— like less.


I was so nervous and unsure over Frannie's future, just like she was. But she was smart, brave, sympathetic, fierce and clever so I was also excited for her! During those times, America was in the process of asserting their independence from the British. But Frannie had been far away from war, now she was heading right into the middle of it. And her first taste of it was with Asa Lane. Asa was an American rebel who was on her ship, which was filled with loyalists. He captured my attention right away. Not only because he helped Frannie and made me smile. But there was a chemistry and heat between them that couldn't be ignored. I loved how they were open, honest and philosophical with each other. But again, fate intervened and threw Frannie on a path that guided her heart to being a spy.

Everything coarse and uncivilized about me had to stay in the past. From now on, everything was going to be perfect.
I sank into a deep curtsy.
Then I rose, a lady.


Her new life in Philadelphia lead to a courtship with Lieutenant James Duncan. And when she realized how her relationship with him could help the Americans, she became Agent 355 for George Washington. And as someone who was awful at history, I more than appreciated how we slowly learned the world and history Frannie was immersed in. It was all so easy to grasp and understand. But one thing that was hard for me to watch was how she collected intel from those around her. Those who saw her as a friend or something more, like Duncan who seemed so open, honest and sweet. But all's fair and love in war, or so I kept reminding myself.

Spying was stealing from the enemy— but what if that enemy was someone decent? Someone with a charming personality, perfect lips, and eyes like pools of honey when they caught the sunlight?


The atrocities of war were beyond horrific and there was nothing I could do but sit there and watch it unfold on the pages. So of course I found myself cheering for Frannie and the rebels. It was impossible not to, right along with having sweaty palms and tears in my eyes quite a few times. I hurt for these people who had become my friends. But at times I didn't want them to make rational decisions. I wanted them to be selfish. Especially since Frannie and one of the men had an impossible future. Even though they fit so perfectly together.

He kissed me then. Deeply. Passionately. We grasped and tugged at each other like we’d only breathe again if we became one, but that was what I’d always felt with him. Together, we made something whole.


Rebel Spy was vivid, enticing and slowly enraptured me in its story. I was so wrapped up in this book that I forgot about that first chapter, which was a peak into the future in 1780. So when the present collided with the future, I was not ready. It stole my breath and I had to know what happened next. I loved how the story flowed and the few jumps in time were done seamlessly. And that ending, oh how I desperately wish there was an epilogue or a few more pages. I kept clicking on my Kindle for more. It ended with a HFN, happily for now, but I need more of Frannie's life please or a peak into their future. I'm not ready to say goodbye to her or him♥.

"I sank into a deep curtsy.
Then I rose, a lady."

I have to be honest, YA historical fiction is not the kind of genre I often find myself reading. I'm pretty sure I could count on one hand the number of books I've read that fall into this category.

But when I had the chance to read Rebel Spy I just knew I had to give this book a shot. The cover looks AMAZING (I cannot stop staring!) and the premise really intrigued me. I know next to nothing about Agent 355. So I figured why not rectify that and dive into this one?

Rebel Spy started a bit too slow for me. It started to pick up pace around the 20-30 percent mark. It was a good call on my part not DNF-ing this. And although it's a bit disappointing that there wasn't much spying that went on (as the title had me believe), I really enjoyed seeing Frannie's character evolve. Veronica Rossi wrote a very character driven story. Frannie grew into the person she is through questioning her beliefs and discovering for herself what it truly means to fight for what you believe is just and true. I wasn't such a huge fan of Frannie in the beginning but over time she became someone I admired for her strength and resilience. I also really love her knowledge on wreck diving and the sea and her love for it. But the romance, honestly, I feel like I could have gone without.

Overall, this is a very interesting and enjoyable read. Would definitely endeavor to read more historical fiction from now on!

I received an e-arc to read and review.

“Loyalty isn’t fealty. Nor is it duty. It can’t be demanded or coerced into being. It must be given freely, like love, and one feels it here.” He brought a hand to his heart.

“In the seventh fathom the sea’s no longer wanting to spit you out. It wraps you up like a blanket, and you can relax and float now ’ cause it’s got you. It’s holding you and you can just stay there, nothing pulling at you. Nothing pushing. Your heart beats real slow and you feel so calm, like you’re drifting in a wakeful sleep. Now you can do your best daydreaming ’cause it feels a little like you already are."

'I’ve lived for something more, and it’s you, and it’s love, and liberty, and friendship, and hope, all the other mores that can ever be.'

“I sank into a deep curtsy. Then I rose, a lady.”

Historical fiction is not a genre that I pick up often. It’s not that I don’t like, it’s more that I don’t remember to. When I saw the cover for Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi it called to me. I thought it was so pretty and delicate that I wanted to know more about it. After I read the synopsis I knew I was hooked.

I love history which is why it’s weird that I don’t pick up this genre more. I am not fully versed in the United States history not being from that country. I mean I know the basics but not the full details of it. One thing I didn’t know for sure was the story of agent 355 and the involvement of women during the American Revolution. I must say that the retelling or more the imagining of who agent 355 might be captivated me. The idea that a girl from Grand Bahama decides to change her stars and impersonate a Lady of High Society reminded me in a way of A Knight’s Tale. However, the comparison stops there.

Francisca or Frannie is in a real tough situation in Grand Bahama. She needs an escape. She finds the way out of her life and into a better future when she decides to put another woman’s clothes on and flee her island. I loved the duality that came off of Frannie/Emmeline. Trying to stay true to herself and her values while fitting in this new world. I thought that besides the character being set in 1779, she felt very reliable to me. Her ideals are not in accordance with the world she lives in and that resonated with me in certain levels. But she decides to take a stand and fight, the way she can, for what she believes in. In the climate that we are living in today, I think this speaks volumes. We all have little steps we can take for causes we believe in. Everyone has the possibility to change the world.

Veronica Rossi brought 1779 New York to life for me in Rebel Spy. I could clearly imagine everything that was described. I’m not sure if it is harder or easier to set up the world in historical fiction. What I do know is that I was transported there. I was there in the water with Frannie, or when Emmeline went to a dinner and even when she was waling through the streets of Manhattan. This story was alive for me. And I have to admit that I might have been signing Hamilton songs non stop while reading this book.

I really recommend picking up Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi if like me you are curious to learn a bit more about who could’ve been agent 355. It was a pleasant surprise and I will be keeping an eye out for more books by Veronica.

Story
I’m going to start off by saying that I expected a bit more from this book. Frannie doesn’t start spying until the 50% mark, and even after that, there’s not much action happening. Spying turned out not to be a big part of this book, and that disappointed me.

It wasn’t boring by any means, I just thought we’d see more spying.

Writing & Worldbuilding
The setting was really interesting. I don’t know much about the American Revolution, so I can’t speak to the authenticity of the events, but I loved the 1700’s setting. The book made the early days of America feel really tangible and I enjoyed that.

The writing also really pulled me in. I flew through this book and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and dialogue.

Characters
I really enjoyed Frannie as a character. She’s a great example of how one person can make a big difference in so many people’s lives. She may have gotten lost along the way a few times, but she always found her way back to herself.

Her relationship with Asa was also one of the things I enjoyed about this book. It wasn’t perfect by any means and could have been utilised better, but I ended up shipping them anyway.

I just could not put this book down. It was such an enchanting story that had me reading until the early hours of the morning. I was enthralled by the world, the characters and the attention to detail.

Frannie was an intriguing figure and I loved seeing her character develop from chapter to chapter. It amazes me that Rossi took the concept of Spy 355 and managed to weave this adventurous tale full of love, loss and purpose. I do, however, wish there had been more detail in the spying procedure. I never felt like Frannie was in danger of being discovered or harmed in any way.

Asa was one of my favourite characters of the entire book. I loved reading about him and learning about his past adventures. His connection to Frannie seemed so palpable and real. I loved seeing their relationship grown throughout the book. The other characters in the book were also well fleshed out and I loved reading about their dinner soirees and social events. The amount of detail really impressed me.

I did feel that the twist at the end wasn’t as well thought out as the rest of the book. It was unclear to me how a certain character came to be there and it made the whole premise of the end feel a bit sloppy.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this well researched, YA Historical Fiction novel and would definitely recommend it to those who feel like reading in this genre but don’t want anything too overwhelming.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
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“During the American Revolution, General George Washington employed a ring of spies in and around New York City, the headquarters for the British war effort in North America. These spies identified themselves in their letters by code numbers. One was known as “355,” which stood for “lady.” To date, her true identity remains unknown.”
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A coming of age historical fiction that will catapult you back to the American Revolution era. Inspired by true "355" the author Veronica Rossi delivers a stellar Historical Ya Fiction, with atmospheric details and intrigue.
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1776, living on Grand Bahama Island fifteen year old Francisca Tasker has suffered the loss of her mother. Left in the care of her abusive alcoholic stepfather Sewel, who’s way of making a living is “wrecking” diving old shipwrecks looking for sunken spoils to capitalize on.
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Taking things into her own hands when it becomes clear that her stepfather has matrimony on his mind with Frannie. When a devastating shipwreck leaving no survivors, provides the perfect opportunity for escape. Assuming the identity of a girl who closely resembles her own self, by the name of Emmeline Coates. Fannie escape is sealed when learning that the young woman has lost her entire family in the shipwreck and the she will be put her on the next ship bound for New York, where her new guardian is located. The ship happens to full Loyalists, she has a chance meeting with a young man, Asa Lane who leaves a profound impact on Frannie. He is an American rebel, who stands for liberty, and complete American independence from the long reaching tyrant King of England.
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Frannie’s new position as a highborn lady of society in New York gives her the perfect vantage point for transferring intelligence. The the constant balls and soirées gives the new Emmeline Coates an opportunity to mingle with the British soldiers milling around at the events she attends. This collection of information is then transferred to well developed network of spies working for George Washington.
Finding something more to life than the bonds placed on woman during this time in history. Frannie’s adventurous spirit leads her to a new direction one that might ultimately be her downfall..
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The storyline is well paced with reveals that come at just the right time, the authors narration and the writing flows effortlessly and smoothly. Making this book a fast read one that I completely inhaled. A Ya historical fiction that I was captivated from the beginning all the way through until the very end. Great character development and the growth of the main POV is noticeable. The authors descriptive writing constructs a world with lifelike characters, all the while giving the reader front row seats throughout all the events in this compelling engaging book.

Frannie Tasker has lost both of her parents and is stuck with her abusive step father. When she sees the opportunity to start a new life for herself she takes. Frannie assumes the identity of Emmeline Coats, a high society American girl who died in a ship wreck, When life in high society New York begins to lack adventure, Frannie finds herself gathering British intelligence as a spy for George Washington.

I was very excited about this book expecting it to be primarily about a female spy during the revolutionary war. And it is about that, but it takes a lot of back story to get to that point. It lacked a lot of the adventure that I was anticipating and moved at a pretty slow pace.