Agnes Wilkins has attracted the attention of one of 19th-century England's most eligible men. When Agnes unwittingly pockets an Egyptian artifact d...
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reviews
May 12, 2011
Minli
rated it: 
Agnes Wilkins is a wealthy debutante in Regency England who speaks ten languages (and counting) and has a bit of a geeky streak. Bluestocking? Sign me up! She goes to the handsome Lord Showalter's "unwrapping" party (the grotesque practice of pirating mummies out of Egyptian pyramids and unwrapping them at upper class social gatherings) and decides to nick something small--just for kicks--only to uncover a scheme bigger than she could have imagined. I love this time period, and stories
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May 18, 2011
Ashley
rated it: 
So first of all, let's comment on that GORGEOUS cover. Love it! It's not often that a cartoon/illustration cover can look YA, but this one completely does. So pretty! Second of all, I don't read a lot of historicals, but this one was great. It contained so many of my favourite things! It had a cool, forward thinking girl who I still found to be time-period appropriate. She was modern enough that readers can identify with her, but she wasn't just a modern girl transported back into a pretty dress
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Dec 18, 2011
Martha
rated it:
On page 115, "Alexander the Great went to the Oracle at Delphi to receive his prophecy, ordering the seer to tell his generals who'd accompanied him that he could not be defeated in battle. The Oracle inhaled the vapors at the altar and foretold teh exact place and time of Alexander's death....he held a knife to her throat in front of his men, she said exactly what he (Alexander)wanted them to hear." And so goes the reason that Agnes and Caedmon must not only discover the "standa
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Dec 15, 2011
Ann
rated it:
Where do I begin with this book? I don't think I would have even finished it if I hadn't been listening on audiobook and in the car for a long ride anyway. It was so frustrating! Agnes, the main character, was never convincing as a member of her era. The book is set in 1815, yet Agnes repeatedly (as in over, and over, and over!) comments that museums should not be appropriating artifacts from other countries because the items should remain in their original countries. Um, that is NOT a period co
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Dec 14, 2011
Libby
rated it: 
I have long maintained that the best pure storytelling is being done in the YA ranks. This book is a prime example. It boasts a spunky heroine fit for Jane Austin or Georgette Heyer's best works. It is set in London in 1815, when England was apprehensively expecting Napoleon to resume hostilities. Our feisty protagonist is making her debut, although she is viewing her future with some unease. She is not at all certain she wants to marry well and have the right kind of children and live the right
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Nov 20, 2011
Amy
rated it:
Can I just gush? For hours? Because this book is worthy of years of gushing. Jennifer Bradbury states in the author’s note that she wrote this book to “[combine] my loves for the Regency period, Egyptian mythology and history, and stories featuring spies and secret agents.” Does this not sound like the most perfect combination of awesome things? And trust me, it worked. Soooo well!!
Because of my love of Jane Austen (whose works are referenced and spoken of many times throughout the story), More...
Because of my love of Jane Austen (whose works are referenced and spoken of many times throughout the story), More...
Nov 04, 2011
Christine
rated it:
What a fun read! I liked the period details of this book and liked the character of the strong-willed heroine, although I got distracted by her name. The romance was fun, and I like the hint that there might be more books to come.
Agnes Wilkins is a debutante in London in 1815. For her debut, her mother has accepted an invitation to the unwrapping of an Egyptian mummy at a neighbor's party. (According to the author's note at the end of the book, unwrapping parties were known in England More...
Agnes Wilkins is a debutante in London in 1815. For her debut, her mother has accepted an invitation to the unwrapping of an Egyptian mummy at a neighbor's party. (According to the author's note at the end of the book, unwrapping parties were known in England More...
Oct 19, 2011
Majanka
rated it:
Wrapped provides a mixture of Regency fiction, Egyptology and a suspense novel. Since I love the Regency period – doesn’t everyone? – and I absolutely adore Egypt (mummies, ancient curses, pyramids, need I say more?), and I occasionally enjoy a nice suspense novel, I was pretty certain that Wrapped would be a perfect source of entertainment for me. I have to admit that although it wasn’t exactly what I suspected it to be – I had anticipated more paranormal stuff, and an actual curse for one – it
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Oct 03, 2011
Hylary
rated it: 
Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!
In 1815 London, seventeen-year-old Agnes Wilkins is about to make her debut into society in hopes of making a good match. Agnes, however, would rather spend her time studying languages and reading books by her favorite author, A Lady (actually Jane Austen), than fret over her debut gown like her mother. To make matters worse, Agnes has attracted the attentions of a very rich suitor, Lo More...
In 1815 London, seventeen-year-old Agnes Wilkins is about to make her debut into society in hopes of making a good match. Agnes, however, would rather spend her time studying languages and reading books by her favorite author, A Lady (actually Jane Austen), than fret over her debut gown like her mother. To make matters worse, Agnes has attracted the attentions of a very rich suitor, Lo More...
Aug 08, 2011
Sarai
rated it:
I would have given this book a 3.5 star rating.
I read this three weeks ago and haven't had time to come write about it, so I don't remember lots. I remember that the story was all right. There were a couple of places where I was irritated by the stereotypical romance novel plot devices - the girl dresses as a boy and then the girl goes wandering around in the midnight hour in London on her own thinking she's safe because she's dressed as a boy. PUH-LEEZE. And, the fellow she is meetin More...
I read this three weeks ago and haven't had time to come write about it, so I don't remember lots. I remember that the story was all right. There were a couple of places where I was irritated by the stereotypical romance novel plot devices - the girl dresses as a boy and then the girl goes wandering around in the midnight hour in London on her own thinking she's safe because she's dressed as a boy. PUH-LEEZE. And, the fellow she is meetin More...
Aug 07, 2011
Lj
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 17, 2011
Shadee
rated it:
This cover completely caught my eye! As a lover of anything Egyptology related I was intrigued by the inside flap description of a young girl on the edge of her debut attending a mummy unwrapping party that leads to mystery, intrigue and spies.
The debutante, Agnes, is highly unusual for her time. She's extremely educated, fluent in 10 languages, has a mind of her own and has a father that rewards her curiosity with tutors and exotic gifts from his travels. Her mother is focused on her More...
The debutante, Agnes, is highly unusual for her time. She's extremely educated, fluent in 10 languages, has a mind of her own and has a father that rewards her curiosity with tutors and exotic gifts from his travels. Her mother is focused on her More...
May 29, 2011
Rachael
rated it:
Agnes Wilkins is not your typical debutante in 1815 London. She’ll endure the dress fittings, make polite conversation, and attend all the events of the season to please her mother, but she’d much rather be reading a book, learning new languages, or traveling to exotic locales. Unfortunately, Agnes’s inclinations aren’t the most acceptable according to the rules for women of high society, so she’s forced to submit to the dullness of her first season. But after the first party of the season, an u
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May 22, 2011
Beth
rated it:
Review copy received from Simon and Schuster’s GalleyGrab
I was initially drawn to Wrapped by the cover (drawn, get it? Oh… ok…) – it’s definitely eye-catching and different from other titles I’ve seen on bookshelves (or Amazon) recently! Girl i beautiful dress, oriental-styled wallpaper, and… a mummy? Nice. Intriguing. Definitely something worth picking up, in my opinion.
Happily, this did prove to be the case. Agnes Wilkins is a good heroine; she has the scholarly “I can lear More...
I was initially drawn to Wrapped by the cover (drawn, get it? Oh… ok…) – it’s definitely eye-catching and different from other titles I’ve seen on bookshelves (or Amazon) recently! Girl i beautiful dress, oriental-styled wallpaper, and… a mummy? Nice. Intriguing. Definitely something worth picking up, in my opinion.
Happily, this did prove to be the case. Agnes Wilkins is a good heroine; she has the scholarly “I can lear More...
Aug 18, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
Wrapped is a cute little novel that draws on themes from jane Austen's novels, as well as a bit of National Treasure. I loved how Bradbury wove the threads of this story together to create a intelligent, intriguing and entertaining masterpeice. Theres also a cute little romance thrown in as well :-D
Agnes is not your typical 19th century lady. She may appear delicate and fragile, but she proves continually throughout this book that she is anything but. And she is also extremely integl More...
Agnes is not your typical 19th century lady. She may appear delicate and fragile, but she proves continually throughout this book that she is anything but. And she is also extremely integl More...
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Jun 30, 2011
TheBookSmugglers
rated it:
Review originally posted on: http://thebooksmugglers.com/2011/06/book...
Agnes Wilkins is sixteen, about to make her societal debut, and more than a little terrified at the prospect of coming out on the marriage market. Though Agnes is excited to attend parties, wear fancy dresses, loves her parents and is willing to emulate their dutiful roles in the peerage, she can’t help but feel that she isn’t quite ready for a husband. She longs for the adventure and romance she reads of in her d More...
Agnes Wilkins is sixteen, about to make her societal debut, and more than a little terrified at the prospect of coming out on the marriage market. Though Agnes is excited to attend parties, wear fancy dresses, loves her parents and is willing to emulate their dutiful roles in the peerage, she can’t help but feel that she isn’t quite ready for a husband. She longs for the adventure and romance she reads of in her d More...
May 22, 2011
the golden witch.
rated it:
(Note: actual rating is 3.5, but I rounded it up to 4 here on the goodreads scale.)
While not as exciting as some of the debut class of 2011 books that have come out/are coming out this year, “Wrapped” is still a solid, fun story that melds YA with historical fiction with mystery, bringing the reader into the age of Napoleon’s domination of Europe.
This story was a bit slow to get started with, and it was hard to concentrate on Agnes’ story with so much going on around her More...
While not as exciting as some of the debut class of 2011 books that have come out/are coming out this year, “Wrapped” is still a solid, fun story that melds YA with historical fiction with mystery, bringing the reader into the age of Napoleon’s domination of Europe.
This story was a bit slow to get started with, and it was hard to concentrate on Agnes’ story with so much going on around her More...
May 06, 2011
Kristina
rated it:
Agnes Wilkins is a debutante in 1815 London but she doesn’t real care about hair, and dresses, and getting married. She wants adventure and she wants to see the world. She loves to read, and she loves to learn. Agnes is the complete opposite of what you would think is an 1815 lady, and for this she was an awesome protagonist! I loved that she stuck up for herself and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind to the men in her life.
Agnes and her family are invited to an “unwrapping” (An unwrapping i More...
Agnes and her family are invited to an “unwrapping” (An unwrapping i More...
Apr 29, 2011
Liz
rated it:
This book surprised me! After reading the jacket flap, I was expecting paranormal. Instead, it was a delightful historical mystery and I completely enjoyed it. Agnes is an infectious main character--exactly what you want from a Victorian heroine: a little too smart for her own good, totally constrained by her society, and willing to tiptoe outside those social norms when adventure is at stake. The pace was just right, and kept me turning pages. I felt really immersed in Agnes's world, with
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Jul 27, 2011
Coranne (Short and Sweet)
rated it:
First of all- the cover is BEAUTIFUL. That is what originally drew me to this book- I can't say enough about how much I love this book. And the premise- sounds so much fun! I rarely get to read about books that have to do with Egypt and the story sounded like it could be a big winner.
But sadly, that is where the trouble began. Perhaps my expectations were to high. I didn't like this book. In fact- I almost returned it to the library without finishing it. It was almost as if I w More...
But sadly, that is where the trouble began. Perhaps my expectations were to high. I didn't like this book. In fact- I almost returned it to the library without finishing it. It was almost as if I w More...
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May 24, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
This book is a fun YA historical romantic adventure. The mystery is easy to solve but it is still fun to ride along with Agnes and Caedmon to figure out how all the puzzle pieces fit together. It is set in the time of England's regency period during the time of a Napoleonic threat. Agnes is born of privilege, but because of her father's station and love she is indulged in learning and mastered 10 languages. She is enthralled with A Lady's books (Jane Austin) and frequently quotes them as situati
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Jul 16, 2011
Kat
rated it:
This was a fun read. It was an interesting mystery and I liked the historical aspect. It was fun to see the mix of Egyptian history put in with the British/French war. It was fun to see how Napoleon was viewed by the British at that time period. I really liked the whole espionage aspect as well. It was interesting to see how Agnes and her partner would try to lose the person who is following them to see who the actual double agent is.
Agnes was also a really interesting character beca More...
Agnes was also a really interesting character beca More...
May 23, 2011
Donna
rated it:
With a somewhat slow start, Wrapped launched into an intriguing and on-the-edge plot that kept me hopping from one page to the next, eager to see what happens.
The beginning was filled with high talk and poofy dresses. It takes a minute to get used to the language but once you settle in, you're ready for the action to start. That doesn't happen for another couple of chapters though. First we have to flesh Agnes out, show that she's not your typical society women concerned with debuts an More...
The beginning was filled with high talk and poofy dresses. It takes a minute to get used to the language but once you settle in, you're ready for the action to start. That doesn't happen for another couple of chapters though. First we have to flesh Agnes out, show that she's not your typical society women concerned with debuts an More...
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May 08, 2011
Audrey
rated it:
The year is 1815, and Agnes has just entered into her first season, a time to go from social event to social event to try to snag a desirable husband. One very eligible (not to mention rich) suitor is Lord Showalter, so when Agnes is invited to a mummy unwrapping party at his home, she attends. What she doesn’t know is that this event will lay open a plot to help Napoleon obtain an ancient Egyptian artifact–one that may turn the tides of the war and result in Napoleon defeating England. With
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Jul 02, 2011
Janet
rated it:
Wrapped is an adorable MG/YA historical fantasy set in 1815 London that borrows gleefully from Austen and adventure stories of the day. Thus the characters are clearly and simply drawn, but the simplicity of the characters - The Clever Girl, The Socialite Mother, The Valiant Sailor and The Layabout Wretch - for me doesn't detract from enjoyment of the story any more than it does in Austen (Sense, Sensibility, the Vulgar Neighbor, etc). The idea of having a story unfolding from a mummy unwrappi
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May 17, 2011
Ceilidh
rated it:
When I was little, I went through a serious phase of loving all things ancient Egypt, which grew into a Victorian detective novel love when I hit my teens. This book combines two of my greatest nostalgic loves so of course I had to pick it up! Overall, I was pleased with “Wrapped” and enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it.
The greatest strength of “Wrapped” lies in Agnes, its witty, independent and imaginative heroine. She falls into the typical heroine trope traps but is executed with a More...
The greatest strength of “Wrapped” lies in Agnes, its witty, independent and imaginative heroine. She falls into the typical heroine trope traps but is executed with a More...
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Jun 30, 2011
Heather
rated it:
This book had great potential, but the ending was a bit too forced for me to really love it. Wrapped was an appropriate title for the way Bradbury tried to sew up loose ends and give the heroine, Agnes, an unrealistic future as a spy for the British Empire. Ending aside, the book had a delightful protagonist, Agnes Wilkins, a debutante in 1815 and daughter of an important parlimentarian fighting against Napoleon Bonaparte. The book takes us back in time 2000 years as Egyptian relics are unear
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Aug 16, 2011
Em (now with 100% more awesome)
rated it:
I was severely dissappointed by this book. It seemed a bit too good to be true sounding from the summary, so I was anxious to begin it. However, from the beginning, I found myself finding bits and pieces from history blotched or misinterpreted in dumb ways.
The plot moved a bit too fast for the book to have any real impact on me as far as characters and plot go. I was a little fascinated by the way that Anges feels women should be treated and how Caedmon (stupid name, right?) was so obsess More...
The plot moved a bit too fast for the book to have any real impact on me as far as characters and plot go. I was a little fascinated by the way that Anges feels women should be treated and how Caedmon (stupid name, right?) was so obsess More...
Aug 10, 2011
ExLibris_Kate
rated it:
Agnes is your typical teenager in Regency London. She's getting ready for her debut and might even me married off to the most eligible bachelor in town. Actually, she would much rather be reading a book, learning a new language or having some sort of adventure. When she is offered the chance to unwrap a mummy as a part of a party on night, she jumps at the chance and finds an object that sets her off on a path to the adventure she's been hoping for.
I really wanted to give this boo More...
I really wanted to give this boo More...
May 18, 2011
Vivien
rated it:
I think this book is a solid 3. Based on ARC copy.
I'm having a difficult time coming up with the words to review this. I'm actually writing this now because I fear I will forget this book entirely and won't have an opinion at all. Really, it's like watching an episode on TV. It's rather predictable, but not horrible to sit through. The plot is pretty much glossed over. But really, nothing happens that's surprising to a seasoned reader. A novice may enjoy this novel. I wanted more research, More...
I'm having a difficult time coming up with the words to review this. I'm actually writing this now because I fear I will forget this book entirely and won't have an opinion at all. Really, it's like watching an episode on TV. It's rather predictable, but not horrible to sit through. The plot is pretty much glossed over. But really, nothing happens that's surprising to a seasoned reader. A novice may enjoy this novel. I wanted more research, More...
