Maid of Wonder (Maids Of Honor Book 3)

I just finished this book. I love the series, stumbled upon it from an Amazon daily deal. This is the weakest book in the series; to much ethereal, angel material that didn't really move the story. The mystery is a bit weak as well. I wanted more about the times, but this book could have been in any time period for how much she referenced the time period (yes we have some bits but much of the book is Sophia in the "angel realm."). The other world that Sophia ventures into is beyond frustrating and the author goes on and on about this world, not sure how it advanced the story, instead I would have preferred an editor to cut this down.I did like the romance, though it was quick. I was hoping to see more of the previous two stories and the romances there, but not much. Also, would have liked to see more of the Maids of Honor working together and perhaps just some day to day life for them, does it always have to be life or death?? Does there always have to be torture?I would say read this book if you are invested in the series but as a stand-alone, not worth it.

What made this book superb, in my opinion, was the interplay between religion, superstition, and science in the Elizabethan era. Here was Elizabeth, one of the smartest women in history who was superstitious, anti-religious, and pro-science, nevertheless giving in to the witch hunters who had killed her mother, Ann Boleyn. Sophia, who was abducted by Elizabeth's astrologer, was the key link. She was able to enter the angelic realm, knew about science in a pre-scientific era. But it was superstition and religion (which ultimately ends up being a form of superstition) that provides tension to the story. Why did Elizabeth allow five or her lords to go on a witch hunt? Did they really believe that the test for a witch was to place a red hot poker in her mouth, that this was something no witch could tolerate. Did Elizabeth believe that a person could go on the astral plane to find out what the future would be, to talk to angels and demons? In the absence of data, Elizabeth had only one choice. She had to cover all her bets and go with the bet that generates the most return.

The first book was better. I didn't like Sophia's point of view.

Different realm than the other books but still so good!

I've really enjoyed this series to date. So their was no doubt that I would read this book when it became available. I admit that Sophia is not my favorite maiden, but I was intrigued to learn her story.Sophia's gift is interesting to me. I wonder how it would be viewed in today's world that she conversed with angels? It was definitely hearsay in that time. I wonder if that fear was partially why she seemed to have so little control and understanding of it. Until it came down to an ultimatum, it didn't even seem like she was trying to make complete use of it.I did find her voice annoying at times. You can tell she is a little bit more sheltered and naive compared to the rest of the maids. She doesn't seem to have any responsibility like the others. While her gift is no easy, she needed to be pushed to do it. I think Elizabeth did it in her typical fashion. She wanted to make a spectacle of it for her own amusement. I loved the inclusion on Nostradamus, although I admit that I don't know much about him besides his name. I was on the fence when it came to Marcus Quinn. I felt it was kind of creepy how he could see Sophia in her dreams and seemed to be there every time she turned around. But, he also seemed very invested in her well being.Overall, an adequate addition to the series. You can't really have it without a story about Sophia, so I'm happy to have it. I sincerely hope this series continues.

I have been loving this Elizabethan Romance series for its characters, humor, and history. Each book adds another dimension to the historical period in European power struggles among countries and Church. Each book also adds to the understanding of the individual Maid characters. (Maid of Honors are spies who serve Queen Elizabeth.)Sophia's story in MAID OF WONDER was different than the previous Maid of Honor stories. It lacked the humor and took a dark ominous tone. But in many ways the author, Jennifer McGowan, showed brilliance in this paranormal, which could be classified as magic realism, as she displayed a deeper range of her abilities as an author. I was fascinated by the author's interpretation of what it might have been like for psychics, even the notorious French Nostradamus, to conjure up, or enter, the spirit world for their visions and predictions.If there was any doubt, MAID OF WONDER proved that this series, though the books are fast easy reads, shouldn't be chalked off as just Romance novels. The history is deeply researched and the books well-written. I look forward to the next in the series. (I'm especially curious about Jane's story, as it undoubtedly will be a tragic tale.)I bought all of the series.

The truest test of any book (IMHO) is when someone who doesn’t generally read within the genre, reads it…and LOVES it. And since I tend to veer toward YA contemporary, it’s no easy feat that McGowan has kept me hooked on her breathtaking YA historical (yup, you heard me) series. But come on, let’s not pretend that stories about Elizabethan spy girls with specialized gifts isn’t the absolute coolest premise ever!!!Even cooler? This third book in the series follows one of the most intriguing and mystical of the five maids—Sophia Dee. Trust me when I say, this is one paranormal adventure you do not want to miss. There are prophecies galore foretold in puzzling riddles that kept me guessing throughout the novel. Plus, there’s Nostradamus, angelic realms, poisonous plotting, a ticking clock, and first love! See? I told you there was adventure!Gorgeous writing combined with mind-boggling twists and turns—in this realm and the angelic—made this story an absolute must read! I loved every moment of Sophia’s journey…especially the swoony bits. ;)