The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.

𑁋

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I really hope this turns into a series! I want to go on more adventures with Theo, Huck, and Richard Damn Fox! Daddy Fox wasn't physically present throughout most of the story, but I really enjoyed his journal entries. They showed a side of him that we likely wouldn't have seen had he been interacting with Theo and Huck in person. We get a glimpse into his mind and how it works, and see the why behind some of his actions (though they were still pretty frustrating). 

Theo is a fierce female that knows multiple languages and can crack secret codes. She loves her best friend and her father, though both relationships are strained throughout most of the book. It wasn't a simple misunderstanding, but the lie of a parent to "protect" their child. It caused a lot of heartache, and I was happy with the resolutions that were made. Maybe Theo and Huck needed the time apart to appreciate each other and their feelings a little more... maybe not. I did like their relationship, and how the two of them interacted with each other. It's obvious they have a strong foundation -- been friends for years -- and the resulting romance was subtle and sweet. They weren't consumed by a fiery passion, but felt like two pieces finally clicking together. 

Speaking of Huxley, he's adorable and I want to be his friend. I also love the name Huxley! He can pick locks, fly planes, and is extremely terrified of anything even remotely paranormal (something that fascinates Theo). He lost one family only to find another, and I really enjoyed learning more about him. Seriously, we need more books with these characters. The ending of this book left the potential for more, and I want it!

It's obvious Bennett did her research, because the world she created was vibrant and wholly believable. I know she said she took some liberties with the history, but everything felt real. I've enjoyed her books in the past, but I particularly love it when she adds magic to her stories (see my review for Bitter Spirits). They just have an added oomph that keeps me turning the pages. Vlad the Impaler has always fascinated me (seriously, look him up), and I thought this story was the perfect mix of fact and fiction. 

The Lady Rogue was a quick read that left me wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and will keep my fingers crossed for future books with Theo and Huck!