The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Goodreads

Publication Date: October 2nd, 2018

Pages: 450

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first. It's hard to replicate the fun of the first. It was just such a good blend of characterization, humour, plot and Monty being a bit of a buffoon, while still maintaining intelligence. I don't like Felicity as much as a narrator as Monty. Felicity was just kind of annoying to me and frustrating to be in her head. I much preferred Johanna and when Monty/Percy showed up.

The actual plot didn't start till late into the book, but her rekindling her friendship with Johanna was refreshing to see (and that it didn't end because of a boy).

This book follows Felicity on a hair brained scheme to go find her idol Alexander Plath and get him to take her on as an apprentice. All the hospitals and schools have denied her entrance because she's a girl. She finds out he's marrying her old best friend Johanna, and she's using this as a cover. The result is unexpected and instead she goes on a journey with Sim (a Muslim girl, who's likely a pirate) and Johanna to solve the mystery of what Johanna was looking for.

I like how Lee showed misogyny, racism and internalized homophobia and puts it into a historical comedy. Her writing is good and the story is fun. I found the book had a lot of pacing issues, Felicity was rather unlikeable and the random fantasy element thrown in without warning was unexpected.

3.5/5

If you want to finish the series its certainly worth it, but the first is way better. It's not even close. I think it's a fun read, but I'm not sure I'd really recommend it to people. Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue should definitely be read!

Cheers,

Jen