A Traitorous Heart

December 2, 2024
Life in 16th-century Paris is complicated for bisexual Jacqueline “Jac” d’Argenson-Aunis: despite her father’s “lowborn nobody” status, Jac is employed as a lady-in-waiting to French princess Marguerite “Margot” de Valois—who’s also Jac’s former lover. Jac’s unconventional upbringing with her enigmatic oncle, the Queen’s spymaster and a member of a secret society, has made her crave a life of adventure. But somehow, things get even more convoluted when Margot’s mother schemes for Margot to marry Huguenot prince Henry of Navarre in a union that the matriarch hopes will keep France from civil war. To Jac’s surprise, she finds herself drawn to the handsome (and similarly bisexual) prince. While those well-versed in the time period may think they know how this historical romance by Cotter (By Any Other Name) will end, heaps of magic, witchcraft, swordplay, and intrigue keep the fantastical mystery and tension high. Lengthy exposition and slow buildup aside, Cotter charms with the adventures of bold Jac, self-indulgent Margot, and courageous Henry as they search for a way to both save their country and forge their own paths despite limited time and agency. Main characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kari Sutherland, KT literary.

January 1, 2025
Grades 9-12 It is 1572, and 17-year-old Jacqueline, or Jac, desires to be a member of the Societas Solis order rather than be a lady-in-waiting attending royal balls. Her Oncle, a member, refuses Jac's pleas and would rather Jac forgo a life of espionage. When her best friend and love interest Princess Marguerite de Valois (Margot) is forced to marry King Henry of Navarre, Jac's Oncle gives her the mission of assuring Margot, who prefers women, goes through with the marriage. That task proves more difficult when Jac and Henry develop feelings for each other. Along with the murdering of young men on the streets of Paris and sorcery, Jac rushes to solve the developing mysteries, while coming to terms with her romantic attractions. Cotter's sophomore work is a thoughtful period piece exploring the difficulties of young adults freely expressing their polyamorous sexuality. Other important topics that arise in the story are social inequality and lack of freedom for women. An enjoyable read that dips into the history of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 14, 2025

Gr 9 Up-In this historical thriller, ambitious young noblewoman Jacqueline is caught between her desire to be a supernatural spy for the mysterious Societas Solis and her friendship with the French princess, Marguerite de Valois. In a time when religious wars ravage Europe and assassins stalk the royal family, the Societas Solis wants Catholic Marguerite to marry the Huguenot (Protestant) King of Navarre, Henry de Bourbon, in order to avoid religious violence. Marguerite, an enthusiastic skirt-chaser, has no interest in men, or marriage. What should Jacqueline and Marguerite prioritize: peace and safety for religious minorities, or their own personal freedom from the patriarchal oppression of marriage? This dilemma is complicated by Jacqueline's attraction to both Marguerite and Henry and by the machinations of Marguerite's mother, Catherine de' Medici, who is an evil witch. Ultimately, the novel substitutes made-up problems for the extremely high stakes of history as Jacqueline, Marguerite, and Henry race to stop Queen Catherine from pulling a Frankenstein and reviving her dead husband. As a result, the notorious St. Bartholomew Day's massacre-in which thousands of innocents were murdered-has about as much emotional impact as the blas� carnage of a superhero film. Cotter demonstrates good overall knowledge of the cultural and historical context, yet she underplays the nexus of religious and political issues in favor of swoony scenes. The prose is flavorful, occasionally dipping into purple prose for the romance. VERDICT A pathway into a complicated, fascinating moment in history through a queer feminist perspective.-Katherine Magyarody

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.