THE PROTÉGÉE

In an alternate 1850 Paris, a young woman retaliates against cruel, wealthy industrialists in this YA debut by Ridley, a bestselling author for adults.

Eighteen-year-old Angélique Genêt is determined to make a better life for herself and her family. Ever since the “last revolution,” wealth and connections, not skin color, determine your value in society. Of Angélique’s fellow seamstresses at the boutique, “half are Black, half are white,” and she’s “the only one who’s a combination of both.” Madame Violette, the Black owner, gave Angélique a probationary seamstress role, allowing her to escape the dangerous Fournier Fabrics factory, where her father died. When Angélique is two weeks away from securing a living wage and rescuing her family, her mother and sister are gruesomely killed while working at the Fournier factory. Alone except for her 12-year-old sister, Elodie (a precociously gifted perfumier), and her romantic interest, Spanish-born Domingo Salazar, a suave apprentice cobbler, Angelique vows revenge against Monsieur Fournier and all the other callous and greedy capitalists—and being named Madame Violette’s protégée will give her access to the elite. But Angélique faces competition; the other seamstresses hate her for her lower social station and resent her talent. The comically evil rivals make Angélique’s revenge all the more delightful. Elodie and Domingo’s relationship brings a softer side to Angélique’s morally gray character without dulling the narrative or taking away from the gory fun.

A satisfying tale of bloodlust, revenge, and fashion.