Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher, Library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355--a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War--perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key and the novels of Julie Berry.
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.

Why Did I Listen To Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi?

I really enjoyed Veronica Rossi’s Under The Never Sky series and well, it has been a few years since I’ve read the series. So, I thought I would try out one of Rossi’s newer books and why not begin with Rebel Spy. After all, I really enjoy historical fiction. So, logically, I figured I would also really enjoy Rebel Spy given that it is written by Veronica Rossi. I went with the audiobook version as it was available via Libby and I knew that would be the quickest way I would be able to get to it.

What’s The Story Here?

Frannie Tasker lives on the Grand Bahama Islands with her mother and stepfather who is actually quite terrible. She works as a wrecker, meaning that she dives shipwrecks in hopes of finding items to sell. When her mother dies, she is left in the custody of her stepfather. He gets the idea in his mind to marry Frannie. Oh, and the book is set during the Revolutionary War, which as the book starts out, Frannie doesn’t know about. So, she is despondent about her situation. When a ship wrecks nearby and one of the victims is Emmeline Coates, Frannie sees her chance at escape. She takes on Emmeline’s identity and is rescued by a British Merchant ship. While aboard, she learns a little bit more about how to meet a lady and meets a young man who gives her a copy of Common Sense, it changes her life.

So, over the course of the next three years, Frannie lives in New York under the identity of Emmeline Coates. She lives the upper class life. She also comes to the realization that she’s in a pretty good position to help out the Rebels and General Washington as she does tend to overhear a lot. So, as you can guess, Frannie/Emmeline becomes a spy.

How Did I Like Rebel Spy?

Honestly, I thought that Rebel Spy was a pretty good read. I loved the historical detail and the fact that you could really feel the tension in the air in New York. Frannie’s life as Emmeline, the upper class young woman, is so interesting. I liked learning about her marriage prospects or lack there of. I also enjoyed reading about her new friends that she makes. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of how her stepdad comes back into her life, that bit seemed a little over the top. I also liked how this was very clear about how limited life could be for women back in the Revolutionary War era and how much that kind of sucks. Oh, and the romance! That was quite interesting as I had a specific romance I was rooting for, even when it seemed impossible.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. It is 10 hours and 42 minutes unabridged. I thought that Araya’s voice sounded a lot like Nicola Barber which is actually high praise. Her voice was PERFECT for the story – very much how I’d imagine a girl from colonial times sounding and very melodic. The audiobook of Rebel Spy is easy on the ears and perfectly transporting.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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