That Inevitable Victorian Thing
Author: E.K. Johnston
Publication Date: October 3rd, 2017
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Synopsis: Victoria-Margaret is the crown princess of the empire, a direct descendent of Victoria I, the queen who changed the course of history. The imperial tradition of genetically arranged matchmaking will soon guide Margaret into a politically advantageous marriage. But before she does her duty, she’ll have one summer of freedom and privacy in a far corner of empire. Posing as a commoner in Toronto, she meets Helena Marcus, daughter of one of the empire’s greatest placement geneticists, and August Callaghan, the heir to a powerful shipping firm currently besieged by American pirates. In a summer of high-society debutante balls, politically charged tea parties, and romantic country dances, Margaret, Helena, and August discover they share an extraordinary bond and maybe a one-in-a-million chance to have what they want and to change the world in the process.
Set in a near-future world where the British Empire never fell and the United States never rose, That Inevitable Victorian Thing is a surprising, romantic, and thought-provoking story of love, duty, and the small moments that can change people and the world.
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For my Bookish Style board for That Inevitable Victorian Thing, I decided to go with a bit of a Gothic Victorian theme.
As always, all products here are available on Amazon, so if you’re interested in something, click on the product below to go to its page there!
Victorian Belle Poque London- Victorian Gothic Ruffle Steampunk Vintage Fishtail Skirt
Satinior Women Cami Camisole Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Tank Top
Killreal Women’s Sexy Steampunk Gothic Bolero Long Sleeve Shrug Jacket
Jacobson Hat Company Women’s Adult Mini Glitter Top Hat Headband
Funtasma Women’s Victorian-03 Boot
WUSUANED Fashion Retro Black Victorian Cameo Pearl Bead Velvet Choker Necklace
The only other book that I’ve read by E.K. Johnston was Exit, Pursued By a Bear back when it first came out. I really liked it, and thought it was such a deep and emotional read, so I had a feeling that the author was going to totally kick butt with That Inevitable Victorian Thing. And guess what? That’s exactly what happened.
This book is just so much fun! I found myself turning pages like crazy, wanting to see what would happen next, and then next after that – all the while completely getting lost in the book. It was the kind of reading experience that I wish I could have with every book. The characters were so much fun and the plot itself was so well written, not to mention the world building going on – I felt like I was completely transported into the same time period as the narrator of the book, and it was awesome.
First of all, that purple cover is freakin’ gorgeous. I mean, I love everything about it, too – the title font, the leaves, and that bright purple that will definitely catch the eye when you are browsing through the bookstore.
The setting for this book was completely interesting – a near future world where the British Empire never actually fell from power, and the United States never got that power over them in return. Coupled with a sassy, awesome main character who doesn’t want to take any nonsense, you can easily fall in love with the entire book.
I love the supporting characters here, too. I feel like they really had a lot to offer instead of just being run of the mill cookie cutter characters, and I really appreciated the time that the author took when writing them.
This book is an awesome tale of girl power, friendship, and standing up for what you believe in – and it’s such a timely and important read in today’s society. I can see so many people falling in love with this one – even those who don’t typically read the genre.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
E. K. Johnston is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several YA novels, including the L.A. Time Book Prize finalist The Story of Owen and Star Wars: Ahsoka. Her novel A Thousand Nights was shortlisted for The Governor General’s Award. The New York Times called The Story of Owen “a clever first step in the career of a novelist who, like her troubadour heroine, has many more songs to sing” and in its review of Exit, Pursued by a Bear, The Globe & Mail called Johnston “the Meryl Streep of YA,” with “limitless range.” E. K. Johnston lives in Stratford, Ontario. Follow her on Twitter at @ek_johnston.
Enter for a chance to be one (1) of three (3) winners to receive a hardcover copy of That Inevitable Victorian Thing E.K. Johnston. (ARV: $17.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on October 2, 2017 and 12:00 AM on October 23, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about October 25, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Thanks for the review. I love that this book also is about standing up for your beliefs. That is always a great message. I am loving the skirt (idea for Halloween?) especially and purple is always the best.
I thought it would make a great idea for Halloween, too! It’s so pretty!
I have yet to read an E.K. Johnston novel, although I have been to a few events that she has been at. The concept of this book is so interesting and I think that I would really enjoy it. Your mood board is gorgeous and really gives a feel for what to expect. Thanks so much for sharing this! 🙂
Thanks so much! This is an incredibly good book – to be honest I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. I hope that when you get the chance to read one of her books, you enjoy it!
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds very different then anything I’ve read. I love love love this outfit!
Thank you! I think you’ll enjoy the book when you read it – it’s amazing!
I love that style board! Great review! I am so excited to read this!
Thank you! I hope that you enjoy this when you read it!
I’ve heard of this book but I never gave it much thought! It really sounds pretty interesting! Thanks for the wonderful review, I might give it a shot! 🙂
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I really hope that you enjoy it when you get the chance to read it. It’s so different from anything else I’ve read lately.
I love the Gothic Victorian clothes especially the top. I love E. K. Johnston and can’t wait to read more books from her but for now, I’ll read this until this quench my thirst and read Star Wars – From a Certain Point of View. The cover is beautiful so I can’t wait to add it to my collection!
I hope that you like the book when you read it!
I’m so struck by that gorgeous cover and this book sounds incredible. I’m so excited!
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It is a gorgeous cover, isn’t it? I love the purple!
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That skirt though! Man, it’s super pretty. I wish I could pull something like that off. lol The setting sounds super cool with this one and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!
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I love the title and the cover. This looks it would be just my cup of tea.
It would also be great WITH a cup of tea =]