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The Plague
In a land overshadowed by death, fifteen year-old Nell's uncanny resemblance to Princess Joan brings her to act as her double -- what young girl wouldn't want to leave a life of poverty and pretend to be a princess? But when the plague catches up to the royal entourage, thwarting the King's plan for the princess to marry the Prince of Castile and seal an alliance between their kingdoms, Nell's life could change forever. Princess Joan's brother The Black Prince schemes to make the wedding go on declaring Nell will no longer double for Joan, she will become the princess and dupe Prince Pedro into marriage! With the aid and protection of a quirky band of friends -- a Spanish minstrel, a monk, a gravedigger, a band of merchants -- Nell must evade not only the Black Prince, a practitioner of the dark arts, but the plague as well, as she fights to return to the King and country. Based on historical truth, Dahme beautifully captures the dark terror of a Plague-infested fourteenth century Europe, while bringing to life the daily existence of medieval life for young adult readers.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2009
11 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Dahme
8 books11 followersJoanne Dahme has first-hand knowledge about the rivers and streams in the Philadelphia area as she works for the Philadelphia Water Department as its Watersheds Programs Manager. Her mission is to restore and revitalize Philadelphia’s rivers and streams.
During her years with the department, Joanne obtained a Master’s of Journalism and Master’s in Creative Writing from Temple University. Joanne has completed a number of short stories and three young adult novels. She lives with her husband and son in Philadelphia.
During her years with the department, Joanne obtained a Master’s of Journalism and Master’s in Creative Writing from Temple University. Joanne has completed a number of short stories and three young adult novels. She lives with her husband and son in Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 12, 2010
Highly unsatisfied with this book that had the potential to be really great. Set back in 1348, during the disasterous time of the plague in Europe, this book by Joanne Dahme could have been great. I feel that the author had a concept in mind and every once in a while as I read, I felt the characters and the plot were truly starting to improve and then...the story went sporadic and flat again. I only continued to read the story because of my ultimate curiousity on how it would end. However, as I read I found myself confused and annoyed trying to figure out the storyline. The dialogue was also seriously lacking and took turns that I wasn't expecting. There were times when I was reading that I interpreted something completely different than what the characters did and was therefore wondering, what I wasn't getting. I also was dissappointed in the dialogue and descriptions...I felt that it didn't quite match the time period much.
The story is a very simple story that was told and it compares to the story of Princess and the Pauper. I enjoyed the characters of Nell, George, and Henry and the author had a perfect villain. However, these characters could have been written to a whole new level. I felt like the book was a quick read and was quickly written. It is a short book and if having been written to a higher standard probably would have been twice as long. It would have gone into much more depth into the past of the characters, more in depth into the lives of the Princess and her royal family, and would have had more dialogue and definitely more passion and suspense during the "princesses" journey. It wasn't the worst book but definitely could have been seriously better!!!
The story is a very simple story that was told and it compares to the story of Princess and the Pauper. I enjoyed the characters of Nell, George, and Henry and the author had a perfect villain. However, these characters could have been written to a whole new level. I felt like the book was a quick read and was quickly written. It is a short book and if having been written to a higher standard probably would have been twice as long. It would have gone into much more depth into the past of the characters, more in depth into the lives of the Princess and her royal family, and would have had more dialogue and definitely more passion and suspense during the "princesses" journey. It wasn't the worst book but definitely could have been seriously better!!!
May 23, 2009
FIRST LINE: “When I was George’s age, I had an unsettling dream about Princess Joan, and this was at a time when the princess was a stranger to me, known only through a flashing glimpse from a faraway vantage point.”
Nell and her younger brother George are escorting their parents’ bodies to the burial pit for plague victims when the King happens upon them. He mistakes Nell for his own daughter, Princess Joan. Without other future prospects, and determined to care for George, Nell agrees to become a companion to the princess, and, two years later, to escort Joan to Spain for her marriage to its prince. The traveling party is unprepared, however, for the misfortunes they encounter when they land on the continent. To save her little brother, Nell makes a dangerous agreement with the Black Prince, Edward Platagenet – an agreement which may put the entire country of England in jeopardy.
I found this to be a sweet little story. It put me in mind of Karen Cushman’s The Midwife’s Apprentice or Catherine Called Birdy, though, frankly, The Plague lacks Cushman’s depth and finesse. The Plague is supposed to be aimed at teens, but it seems more appropriate in a late-elementary or mid-grade marketing scheme. The characters, while promising, don’t develop beyond a sort of idealized dualism (good vs. evil). The plot is simple, but engrossing enough, and the vocabulary doesn’t quite reach SAT levels.
Having said that, it’s almost as though the lack of character development is intentional, because they show such potential. Nell’s motivation is simple: she wants to protect her younger brother. George, Nell’s brother, is slightly superstitious and actually has healing abilities (which he doesn’t discover until after his parents are dead.) Together they’re protective and affectionate, which resonates with me because of the relationship I have with my own younger brothers.
A good summer read for just-graduated 5th or 6th graders. A possible gift for a 5th, 6th, or 7th grader studying medieval Europe. A fun little read for older fans of plague-fiction and people who hate rats.
Nell and her younger brother George are escorting their parents’ bodies to the burial pit for plague victims when the King happens upon them. He mistakes Nell for his own daughter, Princess Joan. Without other future prospects, and determined to care for George, Nell agrees to become a companion to the princess, and, two years later, to escort Joan to Spain for her marriage to its prince. The traveling party is unprepared, however, for the misfortunes they encounter when they land on the continent. To save her little brother, Nell makes a dangerous agreement with the Black Prince, Edward Platagenet – an agreement which may put the entire country of England in jeopardy.
I found this to be a sweet little story. It put me in mind of Karen Cushman’s The Midwife’s Apprentice or Catherine Called Birdy, though, frankly, The Plague lacks Cushman’s depth and finesse. The Plague is supposed to be aimed at teens, but it seems more appropriate in a late-elementary or mid-grade marketing scheme. The characters, while promising, don’t develop beyond a sort of idealized dualism (good vs. evil). The plot is simple, but engrossing enough, and the vocabulary doesn’t quite reach SAT levels.
Having said that, it’s almost as though the lack of character development is intentional, because they show such potential. Nell’s motivation is simple: she wants to protect her younger brother. George, Nell’s brother, is slightly superstitious and actually has healing abilities (which he doesn’t discover until after his parents are dead.) Together they’re protective and affectionate, which resonates with me because of the relationship I have with my own younger brothers.
A good summer read for just-graduated 5th or 6th graders. A possible gift for a 5th, 6th, or 7th grader studying medieval Europe. A fun little read for older fans of plague-fiction and people who hate rats.
January 12, 2009
To be fair: I read the ARC of this book, so it's possible that the grammatical problems (mostly problems of tense) will be fixed by the time it comes out in hardcover. I hope this is the case! But it wasn't just the grammar that bothered me. I can't quite put my finger on what it was about the plot and characters I didn't like, except to say that they didn't seem real. I didn't feel like I knew them or really cared what happened to them. I wanted the good guys to win, but I wasn't emotionally involved.
June 10, 2010
In the 1300s England, fifteen-year-old Nell has served as an attendant to Princess Joan since Nell’s parents died of the plague two years before. She also protects her nine-year-old brother, George, who is simple but also wise in unexpected ways. Nell bears an uncanny resemblance to Princess Joan. When the princess dies of a new plague outbreak while on a journey to meet her future husband, her brother, the Black Prince, hatches a plot to pass Nell off as the princess and marry her to a Spanish prince.
Nell has no choice but to go along while she plots an escape. She finds unexpected allies in her quest to flee the Black Prince and make her way back to what she believes is safety in Bordeaux.
The Plague by Joanne Dahme captures the dark mood and superstitions of Europeans during this time when the plague carried off so much of the population. The sickness had no favorites, and it infected young, old, rich, poor, healthy and weak just the same. People believed it was caused by bad air, and no one paid much attention to the rats that swarmed among them. Nell’s is a tense story against this backdrop of whole nations under stress. Mother-daughter book clubs can talk about the historical time period as well as Nell’s reaction to the predicament she finds herself in. I recommend The Plague for groups with girls aged 12 to 16.
Nell has no choice but to go along while she plots an escape. She finds unexpected allies in her quest to flee the Black Prince and make her way back to what she believes is safety in Bordeaux.
The Plague by Joanne Dahme captures the dark mood and superstitions of Europeans during this time when the plague carried off so much of the population. The sickness had no favorites, and it infected young, old, rich, poor, healthy and weak just the same. People believed it was caused by bad air, and no one paid much attention to the rats that swarmed among them. Nell’s is a tense story against this backdrop of whole nations under stress. Mother-daughter book clubs can talk about the historical time period as well as Nell’s reaction to the predicament she finds herself in. I recommend The Plague for groups with girls aged 12 to 16.
January 3, 2015
Based on the back blurbs touting the author's previous, horror-based works, I thought that this would be somewhat the same. Instead, what I got was fair-to-middling historical fiction about the Great Plague, intertwined with the story of Princess Joan and the Black Prince and a hint of The Prince and the Pauper.
Nell, the Princess' look-alike, is taken into the royal household (along with her brother George) when her parents die of the plague. Two years later, they accompany the Princess on her trip to Castille for her wedding; the plague strikes them at Bordeaux and their troubles begin: the Prince decides that Nell should become Joan, the marriage should go on. Nell, having scruples and sensing something Not Quite Right, rebels and tries to escape, only to be caught (along with George and her now-faithful soldier/friend Henry) and brought to London to be tried for treason.
The adventure was decent enough, but the plague parts were glossed over and the Prince's control of the rats was left vague. George's amulet was clearly evil, but in what way was never really laid out for the reader. A "what really happened" section would also help, as this is a time period most students know little about.
Nell, the Princess' look-alike, is taken into the royal household (along with her brother George) when her parents die of the plague. Two years later, they accompany the Princess on her trip to Castille for her wedding; the plague strikes them at Bordeaux and their troubles begin: the Prince decides that Nell should become Joan, the marriage should go on. Nell, having scruples and sensing something Not Quite Right, rebels and tries to escape, only to be caught (along with George and her now-faithful soldier/friend Henry) and brought to London to be tried for treason.
The adventure was decent enough, but the plague parts were glossed over and the Prince's control of the rats was left vague. George's amulet was clearly evil, but in what way was never really laid out for the reader. A "what really happened" section would also help, as this is a time period most students know little about.
October 17, 2014
2.5/10 would not recommend.
I would like to start off by saying that this was in no way a terrible book. It is simply very boring. (Hence the two star rating.) The plot was the predictable Prince and the Pauper theme, nothing unusual or new here. The author tried to spice it up by adding in a magical army of rats and some healing powers, but it didn't save the book from its clichés. It could have been a bit more interesting if the POV switched between George, Henry, and the Black Prince. Throughout reading the book, I never felt any sense of worry or attachment to the characters. You have the typical beautiful girl who wants to do the right thing and help everyone, the little sibling who doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut, and the slightly mysterious protective older (not to mention hot) knight.
I actually think this would have made a better children's books than young adult. Despite the death caused by the plague, nothing in this book justified being considered YA fiction.
Also, there were some inconsistencies for the time. No one in the 13th century used the term "sandwiched". (They might have eaten meat and cheese between bread, but it wouldn't have been called a sandwich.)
I would like to start off by saying that this was in no way a terrible book. It is simply very boring. (Hence the two star rating.) The plot was the predictable Prince and the Pauper theme, nothing unusual or new here. The author tried to spice it up by adding in a magical army of rats and some healing powers, but it didn't save the book from its clichés. It could have been a bit more interesting if the POV switched between George, Henry, and the Black Prince. Throughout reading the book, I never felt any sense of worry or attachment to the characters. You have the typical beautiful girl who wants to do the right thing and help everyone, the little sibling who doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut, and the slightly mysterious protective older (not to mention hot) knight.
I actually think this would have made a better children's books than young adult. Despite the death caused by the plague, nothing in this book justified being considered YA fiction.
Also, there were some inconsistencies for the time. No one in the 13th century used the term "sandwiched". (They might have eaten meat and cheese between bread, but it wouldn't have been called a sandwich.)
April 15, 2010
Really it was probably a 3 star book, but I am left with a feeling of disappointment so . . . let's stick with 2 stars.
Nell is a double for Princess Joan. When the Princess falls prey to the King's Plague her evil brother the Black Prince threatens Nell into pretending to be the princess traveling to marry the Prince of Castille so that he will control Spain. With the help of a wayward soldier, her brother and a merry gang of other characters Nell escapes and tries to make her way back to London to inform the King of his daughter's death. When the Black Prince catches them will they be able to convince the King of the truth?
This book had a remarkable premise, unfortunately the execution was sorely lacking. The romance felt forced, the Black Prince . . . ok I won't give away anything, but suffice it to say he did not get the ending I wanted for him. The magic was never explained (I would have liked to know about the healing power of George!) Nell was interesting but I didn't care about her all that much. My favorite characters were George, Henry and Gracias. All in all not one I would recommend.
Nell is a double for Princess Joan. When the Princess falls prey to the King's Plague her evil brother the Black Prince threatens Nell into pretending to be the princess traveling to marry the Prince of Castille so that he will control Spain. With the help of a wayward soldier, her brother and a merry gang of other characters Nell escapes and tries to make her way back to London to inform the King of his daughter's death. When the Black Prince catches them will they be able to convince the King of the truth?
This book had a remarkable premise, unfortunately the execution was sorely lacking. The romance felt forced, the Black Prince . . . ok I won't give away anything, but suffice it to say he did not get the ending I wanted for him. The magic was never explained (I would have liked to know about the healing power of George!) Nell was interesting but I didn't care about her all that much. My favorite characters were George, Henry and Gracias. All in all not one I would recommend.
August 10, 2011
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a bit like the Pied Piper at moments, mixed in with the Prince and the Pauper. I liked the main character, and her companions were endearing as well. My complaints are that there were moments that were extremely confusing, in that there were random jumps in time, and I still do not understand how Gracias betrayed Nell. But that's just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2010
None of the characters are fully fleshed out. There is no reasoning behind the Black Prince's behavior, he seems to enjoy being evil for the sake of it. The fantasy elements are befuddling at best. The plot is convoluted and contrived. There was no flow to the story at all. Disappointing.
May 3, 2010
A borrowed plot with, at first, realistic surroundings, then suddenly a character with otherworldly powers comes in. Ick.
June 21, 2022
For two years Nell has faithfully served the Princess of England. Their uncanny resemblance is the only reason Nell was initially employed but over time it’s a friendship that binds them. On a journey to meet her betrothed the princess falls ill with the plague and quickly dies. In an effort to save the agreement, the Black Prince of Wales insists that Nell take on the identity of his sister. Though Nell is hesitant, she’s unable to resist and hopes that the Prince’s intentions are honorable.
I’ve always found the plague to be an interesting time in history, which is why I wanted to read this. Unfortunately the story itself came off quite silly, the Black Prince turns out to be a pied piper in a sense and another shocker-he’s evil. The saving grace was Nell’s younger brother who more earnest and brave than any other character. Sadly it wasn’t enough to save the read.
I’ve always found the plague to be an interesting time in history, which is why I wanted to read this. Unfortunately the story itself came off quite silly, the Black Prince turns out to be a pied piper in a sense and another shocker-he’s evil. The saving grace was Nell’s younger brother who more earnest and brave than any other character. Sadly it wasn’t enough to save the read.
July 25, 2025
So disappointing. I enjoy historical fiction normally, but this was just poorly written. It attempted to take a portion of history and spin a new tale, but it was paced badly. I could not help rolling my eyes when in one scene the King slowly moves from a bored stance to instantly roaring at his guards. No one moves like that- especially not a king under siege. The attempt at a love story fell flat. The only character well written was the Black Prince, who should be considered a fabrication rather than a historical character the way he was portrayed. I wish I had not lost sleep trying to see how it ended.
December 16, 2018
A story that had a lot of potential, but which was twisted and odd in it’s execution.
Off to a good start it became muddled and confusing, quickly losing the story in odd black magic twists, poor flow and narrative gaps, and no reasoning for all the people involved in the journey - or indeed for what purpose they were or were not helping Nell. Then ended in a rather strange and anticlimactic way.
Off to a good start it became muddled and confusing, quickly losing the story in odd black magic twists, poor flow and narrative gaps, and no reasoning for all the people involved in the journey - or indeed for what purpose they were or were not helping Nell. Then ended in a rather strange and anticlimactic way.
July 3, 2019
Interesting plot, however the execution was a disappointing. The story itself just seemed too rushed (scenes that should have been explained were brushed over and only slightly mentioned) and the relationships lacking. If the book was longer and more time dedicated to the details, it would have been much better.
October 19, 2017
Entertaining.
July 17, 2018
3.5 stars. It was a good fast read. Good story that kept moving. Enjoyable.
Read
November 4, 2020DNF at 192. Just wasn’t holding my interest. Won’t go back to.
June 26, 2023
There were some elements of fantasy in the story, but it wasn’t consistent enough to make much sense.
September 17, 2025
Nice little story, not as deep as Avi's work, but commendable.
May 31, 2009
Nell and her younger brother George lost their parents to the plague in London, and were only rescued from the fate of being left orphaned and alone in the devastated city by chance. King Edward was traveling through the city to view the devastation of the plague for himself, and happened to notice Nell, who had a strong resemblance to his own daughter, Princess Joan. He decided to rescue the children and bring them to his castle so that Nell could be a companion and double for the princess.
Now, two years later, in 1348, fifteen-year-old Nell and nine-year-old George are accompanying the princess on her journey to marry Prince Pedro of Castile. Also along for the journey is the princess's sinister older brother, the Black Prince, who frightens Nell. At the start of the sea voyage, they hear rumors that the plague has returned, and upon their arrival at Bordeaux, they discover the rumors to be truth. When Princess Joan dies of the plague, the Black Prince decides that Nell, as the princess's look-a-like, must take her place so the political marriage can occur as planned. Nell knows that this deception cannot end well and is determined to run away with George and make her way back to England and the King to tell the truth of what happened. Her escape through the plague-stricken countryside is full of peril, and she is not sure which of her unlikely allies she can truly trust.
The Plague is an exciting and interesting historical novel that brings to life the plague of 1348, now known as the Black Death, which devastated Europe but which is little-written about for young adults. Although some of the events in the story seemed implausible at times, overall it was a gripping and enjoyable read that I would recommend for readers who enjoy young adult historical fiction. One thing I would have liked to have seen is a historical note about some of the real places, events, and people featured in the story, since many are not well-known to the average reader that would read this book.
Now, two years later, in 1348, fifteen-year-old Nell and nine-year-old George are accompanying the princess on her journey to marry Prince Pedro of Castile. Also along for the journey is the princess's sinister older brother, the Black Prince, who frightens Nell. At the start of the sea voyage, they hear rumors that the plague has returned, and upon their arrival at Bordeaux, they discover the rumors to be truth. When Princess Joan dies of the plague, the Black Prince decides that Nell, as the princess's look-a-like, must take her place so the political marriage can occur as planned. Nell knows that this deception cannot end well and is determined to run away with George and make her way back to England and the King to tell the truth of what happened. Her escape through the plague-stricken countryside is full of peril, and she is not sure which of her unlikely allies she can truly trust.
The Plague is an exciting and interesting historical novel that brings to life the plague of 1348, now known as the Black Death, which devastated Europe but which is little-written about for young adults. Although some of the events in the story seemed implausible at times, overall it was a gripping and enjoyable read that I would recommend for readers who enjoy young adult historical fiction. One thing I would have liked to have seen is a historical note about some of the real places, events, and people featured in the story, since many are not well-known to the average reader that would read this book.
September 14, 2010
I thought this book was going to be all historical and for the most part, it is. However then there’s this fantastical element that’s been added in and I can’t quite understand why as there really was no need for it. Actually I think it made the book worse. I especially disliked how Edward was seen as a ‘sorcerer’ with his army of black rats descending terror upon Nell and her friends. What in the world was that about??!!! I really did not like that at all.
Although the plot was interesting, the pace was really slow and it felt as if I would never get around to finishing the book. The characters, were well done though, if only there wasn’t a magic theme to it, it would have been ten times better. If the story was just purely historical fiction I think it would have been a decent novel. Even with the magic though, it wasn’t properly explained and you are left rather perplexed at the entire novel. The description of the plague wasn’t really the main focus but it seemed as if it was just rushed through to get to Nell’s journey back home. In other words, the theme of the plague just seemed secondary to everything else.
The ending was all right. Decently written but by the end of novel I was glad I was done. Overall, I’d definitely pass on this one. It could have been so much better but instead it falls short. Fans of historical fiction may not like the way the Black Prince is portrayed (such as me). I might recommend this book to those that aren’t too heavy on the historical fiction and wouldn’t mind a bit of fantasy as well.
Although the plot was interesting, the pace was really slow and it felt as if I would never get around to finishing the book. The characters, were well done though, if only there wasn’t a magic theme to it, it would have been ten times better. If the story was just purely historical fiction I think it would have been a decent novel. Even with the magic though, it wasn’t properly explained and you are left rather perplexed at the entire novel. The description of the plague wasn’t really the main focus but it seemed as if it was just rushed through to get to Nell’s journey back home. In other words, the theme of the plague just seemed secondary to everything else.
The ending was all right. Decently written but by the end of novel I was glad I was done. Overall, I’d definitely pass on this one. It could have been so much better but instead it falls short. Fans of historical fiction may not like the way the Black Prince is portrayed (such as me). I might recommend this book to those that aren’t too heavy on the historical fiction and wouldn’t mind a bit of fantasy as well.
January 22, 2016
Nell looks remarkably like Princess Joan and is given a position as the princess's double, appearing in place of the princess in any potentially dangerous situation. When Princess Joan dies in the latest run of the plague, the Black Prince, Joan's creepy older brother, wants Nell to permanently assume the princess's position, and Nell must escape from him and convince the king that Joan is the one who died.
While I appreciated the insights that this book gave into what life was like during the plague, I also felt like there were some aspects of the plot that weren't fully explained--like why the Black Prince wanted Nell to be the princess--and there were several supporting characters who seemed to serve no real purpose in the book. There are several people who help Nell escape--Gracias (a Spanish minstrel), a gravedigger, and some peddlers, among them, but the peddlers served no purpose that I really understood, since they just helped her get back to someone who had previously helped her. Why didn't she just stay with them all along? Also, Henry, a young soldier, helps her, but his motives are unclear. First, it sounds like the Black Prince assigned him to be chivalrous, and then he says he changed, but then he reveals that he was the boy who carted away Nell's parents after they died from the plague and he's been drawn to her ever since. But her parents died prior to the prince talking to him, so that doesn't make sense to me. There was nothing that really made this book very memorable for me.
While I appreciated the insights that this book gave into what life was like during the plague, I also felt like there were some aspects of the plot that weren't fully explained--like why the Black Prince wanted Nell to be the princess--and there were several supporting characters who seemed to serve no real purpose in the book. There are several people who help Nell escape--Gracias (a Spanish minstrel), a gravedigger, and some peddlers, among them, but the peddlers served no purpose that I really understood, since they just helped her get back to someone who had previously helped her. Why didn't she just stay with them all along? Also, Henry, a young soldier, helps her, but his motives are unclear. First, it sounds like the Black Prince assigned him to be chivalrous, and then he says he changed, but then he reveals that he was the boy who carted away Nell's parents after they died from the plague and he's been drawn to her ever since. But her parents died prior to the prince talking to him, so that doesn't make sense to me. There was nothing that really made this book very memorable for me.
July 1, 2012
Fifteen-year-old Nell's parents have both succumbed to the Plague. It's just her and her brother now. Even before her parents are in the ground, she runs into the king and his procession. Nell captures the king's attention right away because of her amazing resemblance to the king's daughter, Princess Joan.
Nell is commissioned into a new role, a sometime body double for the Princess.
It has been arranged that Princess Joan is to marry the Prince of Castile. On their journey to Castile for the upcoming wedding, Princess Joan herself falls victim to the Plague. Princess Joan's brother, the Black Prince, forces her to take over Princess Joan's identify and to complete this union of the kingdoms. Nell can't live this type of deception and is desperate to flee back to England to report to the king of Princess Joan's death.
This was an easy, quick read. I had picked up this book from the library and was a little disappointed to see the low rating for this, though I guess I rated this a 3 as well ("I liked it").
Nell is commissioned into a new role, a sometime body double for the Princess.
It has been arranged that Princess Joan is to marry the Prince of Castile. On their journey to Castile for the upcoming wedding, Princess Joan herself falls victim to the Plague. Princess Joan's brother, the Black Prince, forces her to take over Princess Joan's identify and to complete this union of the kingdoms. Nell can't live this type of deception and is desperate to flee back to England to report to the king of Princess Joan's death.
This was an easy, quick read. I had picked up this book from the library and was a little disappointed to see the low rating for this, though I guess I rated this a 3 as well ("I liked it").
August 3, 2016
This book was one of those where I was really into it and loving it when I first began reading, but towards the middle and end I was SO bored. It's really disappointing, actually, because this story had the opportunity to be SO GOOD. I mean, it's set during the time of the plague and you have this girl who's working for the princess after her parents die, and you have the evil character, and the possible love interest. The plot itself had such a wonderful opportunity to be so great and to be so interesting, but the story was painfully boring. And with the bad guy, the Black Prince, there was such a big opportunity to create an amazing and complex back story with him, but he was just evil for the sake of being evil. The main character, Nell, was boring and seriously lacked personality. When I first began reading, I was so excited about this book and was expecting it to be so great because the author has created so many opportunities for it to be, but it was incredibly boring and the plot was disappointing.
May 3, 2009
THE PLAGUE was a decisively odd and unsatisfying read. I had expected a grand and exciting adventure full of so much danger you couldn’t possibly flip a page without encountering it. However, this book was slow, disjointed, and inconclusive. I never got a sense for any of the characters, most of whom seemed to pop in and out of the story arbitrarily, their backstories and motivations unexplained. The Black Prince was a too perfect villain, with consistently evil actions and a predictable ending.
My favorite character was little George, a naively optimistic and trusting boy who helps heal the afflicted and has not yet realized how dangerous the world is. Other than that, however, I felt no connection to this book at all.
My favorite character was little George, a naively optimistic and trusting boy who helps heal the afflicted and has not yet realized how dangerous the world is. Other than that, however, I felt no connection to this book at all.
September 30, 2009
There appears to be have been a wasted opportunity here to do a lighter tale type story, based on the idea that two people from comletely different social and economic backgrounds could switch places with each, because of how much they look alike. The use of this premise seemed to be nothing more than a simple plot device to setup how how a girl and her little brother are wrongly accused and setup by the Black Prince, in the midst of a spreading plague during the 14th century. We don't even get to know the other "twin" in the story. She just ups and dies almost immediately, literally defeating the whole purpose of doing a story like this, which in my opinion requires the inclusion of the other lookalike character, otherwise it's simply a waste.
July 26, 2012
"We watched cart after cart empty their contents into the pits. I couldn't call them people, the things in the carts, or I would have to cry out in despair.... There was nothing to define these forms as men, women, or child.” Nell, an orphan who looks exactly like Princess Joan, daughter of King Edward III, is enlisted by the king to be his daughter's body-double. When the real princess dies from the plague that is ravaging Europe, Nell is made to marry the Spanish Prince Pedro in place of the late princess. With the help of some accomplices, Nell and her younger brother, George, flee, finding the deceased and dying at every turn. A harrowing and grim historical fantasy.
From Benicia Middle School Booktalks 2010-5
Benicia Public Library Call Number: YA FIC DAHME
From Benicia Middle School Booktalks 2010-5
Benicia Public Library Call Number: YA FIC DAHME
September 1, 2009
There wasn't a heck of a lot of plot involved. A fairly linear storyline, easy to follow, easy to predict, but an odd tip over into "sorcery" at one point (the Black Prince could apparently command an army of rats...ok, sure). I would like to read a book in which the younger brother doesn't completely annoy me, but in this one at least I didn't care all that much. None of the characters were very fleshed out, the action (what there was of it) didn't make a whole lot of sense, and I somehow missed people dying--important people. Ah well. Maybe better if you're 11 years old and reading this one?
January 25, 2013
First off what I love about this book is the writing. This author uses words, language, similies, metaphors and descriptions like none other WITHOUT making the reader weary! Many times I will hop through a passage of other books .. bored of how it is described... anxious to get to the thought...but with this author even though I wanted to know what she was getting at...I READ IT ALL... she is incredible.
The story... is hopeful. It is a thoughtful look at what the people going through the time period of the plague might have felt like. I liked it.
The plot was solid and the characters well done.
The story... is hopeful. It is a thoughtful look at what the people going through the time period of the plague might have felt like. I liked it.
The plot was solid and the characters well done.
December 12, 2012
This book really wasn't what I expected it to be.
Although the author filled the story with action and characters, I really didn't see any development and somehow the writing felt hollow to me. It just wasn't a very good reading experience.
When there was supposed to be suspense, l felt nothing, when you were supposed to feel romance, I felt nothing. The author definently should have done a better job with imagery in this story.
I suppose I like this book but it is definitely not something I would recommend to friends of ever consider reading again.This book is most definetely for patient readers who are not usually ones that quit a book.
Although the author filled the story with action and characters, I really didn't see any development and somehow the writing felt hollow to me. It just wasn't a very good reading experience.
When there was supposed to be suspense, l felt nothing, when you were supposed to feel romance, I felt nothing. The author definently should have done a better job with imagery in this story.
I suppose I like this book but it is definitely not something I would recommend to friends of ever consider reading again.This book is most definetely for patient readers who are not usually ones that quit a book.
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