Rebel Spy is an imagined story of who could have been behind the very real spy known only as 355 "Lady" during the Revolutionary War that is both inspiring and educational.
I confess that it's possible I fell in love more with the idea behind the story than the story itself. That's not to say that it isn't a great story and expertly written, but I'd never heard about the female spy at the center of this story and it intrigued me. Which I understand is exactly what inspired Rossi to write this story, so it all circles back rather fittingly.

A little slow to start but the historical details make this book. I kinda like how not everything is black and white as it might be easy to do when writing about the American Revolution.

What would you do to survive? For Francesca Tasker, the answer is anything. After her mother passes, Frannie finds herself impersonating a high society lady who died moments before in a storm at sea in order to hitch a ride on a boat and get away from her awful stepfather, Sewel. After arriving at New York in America, Frannie learns the redcoats aren't as fabulous as she's been led to believe. She finds herself wanting to fight for liberty on the side of the rebels. And so unfolds the story of agent 355, a spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War, as she takes up arms in high society to help prevent a British victory.

I was instantly intrigued when I found out this book explored the story of the female agent 355 during the Revolutionary War, and found it a very compelling read. I delighted in the story and feel like it was very well researched, and written with twists and turns I was not expecting. However, I do feel like the end of the book ended rather abruptly and I was left with a feeling of whip lash like wait, it's over already? What about the end of the book? Regardless of the sudden ending, I thoroughly enjoyed Frannie's spirit, love of the water, and delicious relationships in the story including romantic, familial, and friendship. The imagery in the book really brought the story to life in a real and tangible way and I appreciated being able to escape to the seventh fathom with our heroine during times of trial.

**Reviewed for Netgalley; received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this one! Started a different YA novel about a female spy in the Revolutionary War and it felt like a textbook from page 1. This one caught my attention immediately and held it. It sparked my interest in some details of the war I've never learned or thought about. Think it will be a hit with my teen!

4.5 rounded up
A compelling well-plotted and well-paced book based very loosely on real events
It drove me to the dictionary many times to discover words—especially those related to seafaring—that I didn’t know

I counted three or four editorial/proofing errors, which seemed more than most books

It felt a little YA at times (maybe it is?) but they characters grew in maturity over time.
I really really enjoyed this read!

I really enjoyed this book. I almost wish it was longer, because I don’t understand the ending. Also I miss Asa. I think their departing was not enough and he was a great character.

This book made me realize that I enjoy historical settings. It felt so cozy and easy to read. It was just good. I love reading about rich people and their lives. The only think I didn’t like about this book was like the war aspect. And the spying, I guess even though that was like the whole point. But that’s just not something I’m interested in. But the romance, the lying and keeping secrets was so good that it didn’t matter. I’m Rey debating between rating this a 4 or 5 start but honestly I’ll just give it 5 because it was just good in a way I can’t explain.

I devoured this book in just a few days. I have always had an interest in war, and especially when women step up to the plate to help change the tides of war and this book was no exception. Veronica does an excellent job giving a name and a face and a voice to '355'. I hung on every word. How the story unfolded was brilliant and how things always tie together in some way or form was exceptional. I only wish there had been an epilogue unfolding what happened to all the characters at the end, but it was a very adventurous story.