I really enjoyed this book, and I enjoy this universe. I would really love to see more from it.
I kind of wish this book had an epilogue or something, but I just hope that means we're not quite done with this world.

In the world of New Pacifica, the genetic experimentation that led to the reduction of mental abilities in a significant portion of the population has ended. But there is a new medical scare facing those who were medically un-reduced, a darkening of the mind similar to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Persis Blake, the Scarlet Pimpernel of her people, known as the Wild Poppy, is facing the prospect of her mother’s darkening. To the outside world, she is a shallow socialite, confidant of the queen but vapid and unsubstantial, her true identity hidden from all but the queen and another of their friends. Her mission is to rescue those who are being subjected to a drug that causes the reduction, the aristocracy of her neighboring island which teetering is on the brink of civil war.

Persis, in the tradition of Amy and Astrid before her, is a strong and resilient character, wonderfully witty and clever and always quick on her feet. Her adventures are marvelously depicted on the pages that fly by with intensity and ferocity. She cannot stand the hypocrisy of those around her and instead of sitting idly by, she takes matters into her own hands. Basically, I cannot recommend any of these marvelous books enough – Diana’s writing is simply fabulous. ( )

I wasn't sure about this book: I hadn't read the first one and it's kind of a complicated world -- but the more I read the more it delighted me, not least because of The Scarlet Pimpernel aspect to it. It's a quirky, furturistic, sci-fi read with winning characters who think too much. Deftly written, good adventure, and a plot that works.

My copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

This was such a fun Scarlet Pimpernel retelling. I only wish there was an epilogue to give us a more solid ending, it was a little too open for my tastes. ( )

Diana Peterfreund is effing awesome. At one point, I actually fist-pumped while reading. Refiguring the Scarlet Pimpernel as a young woman is awesome and totally adds an insightful dimension to the original tale. ( )