The Counterfeit Princess

By Jane Resh Thomas

'Iris is only 15 when her parents are suddenly and violently hauled away from their country estate by her father's enemy, the Duke of Northumberland. Forced to flee the only home she has ever known, Iris is hidden by her father's friends and allies, who soon have the sad task of informing her that her parents are dead. Despondent, and wanting revenge, Iris agrees to be trained as a spy by the duke's foes, and then work undercover as a lowly kitchen maid. A meeting with the young princess Elizabeth changes Iris's life completely. Because of their resemblance to each other, Elizabeth invites Iris to join her court, where she mingles with lords and ladies and bravely consents to pose as Elizabeth in a desperate ploy to save the princess's life. This vivid historical novel from the author of Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I plunges readers into the treacherous world of the English court. An unusual coming-of-age tale featuring a strong, active heroine, The Counterfeit Princess will appeal to princess fans everywhere.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395938708
• ISBN13: 9780395938706
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

History brought to life

The world of pre-Elizabethan England is vivid and engaging in this tale of one girl caught up in life-and-death circumstances created by power struggles she'd known little of before. Though captive to the dire situation in which she finds herself, Iris's sense of agency keeps her from succumbing to the forces that would seek to destroy her or simply use her as a decoy. She is cunning, smart and appealing and I was compelled to keep turning the page, as I cared about her fate. A highly enjoyable way to learn more about England's somewhat confusing royal history.

Girl as spy

I loved this fast-paced tale of a young girl in just-pre-Elizabethan England. From the moment this book starts, danger and intrigue follow Iris, daughter of a nobleman who is caught up in the power struggles to gain the throne of England. Reluctantly recruited to portray the Princess Elizabeth so the princess may remain safe, Iris is pulled into the court and finds the life distasteful. She wants to be at home with the people on her parents' estate, living life in the country, and instead she must risk her life for a young woman who is destined to be the Queen of England. Grounded in history, with plenty of action and humor and a touch of romance, this is a terrific choice for the tween girls in your life.