The Montmaray Journals 2: The Fitzosbornes In Exile

A Brief History of Montmaray. Forced to leave their island kingdom, Sophie Fitz. Michelle Cooper completes her heart-stealing epic.
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Apr 05, Minutes Young Adult Buy. Mar 13, Pages Young Adult. Apr 05, Pages Young Adult. Apr 05, Minutes Young Adult. Michelle Cooper combines the drama of pre-War Europe with the romance of debutante balls and gives us another compelling historical page turner. Sophia FitzOsborne and the royal family of Montmaray escaped their remote island home when the Germans attacked, and now find themselves in the lap of luxury. Is there no other debutante who reads?! And while the balls and house parties go on, newspaper headlines scream of war in Spain and threats from Germany.

No one wants a second world war. If you have ever considered reading this book, do not hesitate. You will not regret it.


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At the end of The Brief History of Montmaray, the first book in the thus far trilogy about the FitzOsbornes, royal family of the Kingdom of Montmaray, they were running for their lives in the midst of a Luftwaffe attack. Book 2, The FitzOsbornes in Exile, continues following these royals after their safe arrival in London as recorded by Sophia FitzOsborne in her journal. Sophie has been lo At the end of The Brief History of Montmaray, the first book in the thus far trilogy about the FitzOsbornes, royal family of the Kingdom of Montmaray, they were running for their lives in the midst of a Luftwaffe attack.

Sophie has been looking forward to making her debut in society, excited more by the elaborate parties and the beautiful gowns. Toby, the future king of Montmaray, is more interested in Simon Chester than school or his monarchy, and Simon, son of housekeeper Rebecca Chester and the late King of Montmaray, has just been made Lord Chancellor in an attempt to appease his claim on the Montmaravian throne.

Needless to say, this all makes for some interesting reading. Oh yes, and wealthy Aunt Charlotte rules over the FitzOsbornes with an iron hand, doing her best to get Sophie, Toby, and Veronica married off to suitable partners, and away from ideas of returning to Montmaray, and getting Henry under control and more girlish. Sophie continues to journal about the everyday things in the lives of the FitzOsbornes, providing a window into s English upper class society and politics. And Sophie is the ideal chronicler of all that goes on around her.

She is shy and quiet around people, becoming the girl no one notices, but also the girl who takes in everything she observes and uses it for, as Simon Chester learns, rather Machiavellian purposes. Of course, with the world on the brink of war, politics is everywhere in The FitzOsbornes in Exile. Cooper makes it all very clear and intelligible for readers who might not be so familiar with this time period.

Of course, there is also plenty of humor. My favorite bit being when Henry and her Girl Guide patrol of evacuated Basque girls are invited to Buckingham Palace for tea, along with several other Guide patrols. Things quickly go downhill for Henry when she graphically explains to Princess Elizabeth how the Germans could annihilate London should war be declared, much to the horror of many of the Guides present and Queen of England herself.

After all, England was maintaining a policy of appeasement and the delusion that they were still friends with Germany. All in all, The FitzOsbornes in Exile a very worthy sequel to The Brief History of Montmaray, though somewhat more of a historical novel than the first book. It is still witty and fun, and there is plenty of action and adventure to satisfy.

The book covers pre-war Britain, beginning in January and continuing through August , less than two weeks before war is declared. But, do not be despaired wondering if the FitzOsbornes will ever get their island kingdom back - there is a third book, aptly names The FitzOsbornes at War.

I wonder how much the postage from Australia to the US is? This book is recommended for readers age 12 and up This book was purchased for my personal library Sep 13, Reynje rated it liked it Recommends it for: Recommended to Reynje by: Myself, because I'm a history nerd. The high volume of information is counter-balanced nicely by characters that are interesting and well-drawn.

The FitzOsbornes in Exile

Audiobook read by Emma Bering. This is book two in a series about the royal family of the fictitious island nation of Montmaray. The title gives a pretty big clue as to what is happening, and the front leaf gives away what happened in book one to result in this exile. This is a fast read, an easy young adult novel about the beginning of World War II. The British social Audiobook read by Emma Bering. The British social class of the late s is described well, including the debutante season. Cooper includes some real people — i.

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Having taken refuge with their Aunt Charlotte, the young king and his siblings chafe at her insistence that they join society and make advantageous marriages. I liked this one better than the first in the series. The characters are better developed, and I enjoy reading about strong, resourceful, intelligent young people. Emma Bering does a fine job narrating the audio book. She has good pacing and enough skill as a voice artist to clearly differentiate the characters. The sequel to the excellent A Brief History of Montmaray and which will, based on the ending and the 2 in the title, become part of a trilogy, I assume is just as charming, compelling, thoughtful and engaging as is predecessor.

I think it could be read as a stand-alone, but really there is no reason not to read the first book first as it is excellent! From negotiating the politics of coming out balls and trying to avoid dull suitors foisted upon them by their well-meaning aunt, to run-ins with Blackshirts and assassins, Victoria and Sophie face their fair share of troubles. Tomboy Henry fairs somewhat better in the countryside with her beloved dog and a host of other creatures but, as heir to the Montmaray throne, Toby seems to fritter away his Eaton education--one that untitled Stephen would give anything to obtain himself.

The FitzOsbornes in Exile: The Montmaray Journals, Book II

Budding romances, political intrigue, and seeking the retribution due to Montmaray are all told through Sophie's eyes and make for delicious storytelling and satisfying plot. I may have actually enjoyed this one more than the first, since I liked the interweaving of historical events and persons which seemed more involved here than in the first book when they were on Montmaray and more isolated.

I also preferred London's s upper class setting to the Gothic aspects of the Montmaray castle though I know some readers felt the opposite. In any case, this is a stand-out series and I highly recommend it! This second Montmaray Journal explodes from the start, using Cooper's work in A Brief History of Montmaray as a fabulous jumping off point.

Sophie, Veronica, Toby, and Simon, now living in exile in England, struggle to make sense of a world in which World War II seems more inevitable with every passing moment. Meanwhile, Sophie attempts to find her place in the debutante society of London and to understand the fast pace of the world away from Montmaray. This book is packed full of historical eve This second Montmaray Journal explodes from the start, using Cooper's work in A Brief History of Montmaray as a fabulous jumping off point.

This book is packed full of historical events and ideas, and they are fitted into the story in a way that seems quite true to what it would have been like living in the late s. Sophie has grown into a fierce young woman, standing up for her family and country, all the while, carefully recording all the events that define the world around her. I sincerely hope there are more books to follow in this series from Cooper, as The FitzOsbornes in Exile only left me wanting more.

Dec 7, It's not just a gorgeous cover. Cooper is really good at creating historical characters expressing progressive views, and showing how unappreciated that is by their contemporaries. Even how dangerous that can be. Feb 15, Ann rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Fans of the first book, fans of strong, thoughtful, protagonists who try to do the right thing. The FitzOsbornes have many obstacles and decisions to face: I still loved the characters: Victoria is still strong but kind, Toby is still fun and cheerful though he does have his own bout of depressivness in this one and Sophie is still thoughtful and good.

The only thing that did sort of bother me is the constant back and forth with Simon. Whichever way it does land, I hope things get settled or explained in the next book. View all 6 comments. Jun 16, Alicia rated it really liked it. I mean, a few years after the events of this novel. I freaking love Mitfor http: I freaking love Mitfords and Kennedys. Fighting for justice for one's home! Ladies getting s done! I also appreciate the lack of attention on romance well, none of the main characters are really interested in it, despite their aunt's efforts to marry them all off since there are way more important things going on.

I totally want to start the final book right this second but I need to get to bed at a reasonable hour, alas. Even better than the first one! Sophie's character has matured a lot, I think; she was much more relatable than I remembered her being in the first book. This most likely has something to do with her no longer perpetually pining for Simon.

Several times her insight and observations reminded me of Cassandra Mortmain. Michelle Cooper did a great job with the setting again. Not only did she wonderfully conjure the stifling high society of the times, but also more important things, such as the pol Even better than the first one! Not only did she wonderfully conjure the stifling high society of the times, but also more important things, such as the political views.

There were indeed more Mitford references in this one. I was hoping the characters would get to meet one - Debo, maybe. But sadly, it was not meant to be. They did meet Oswald Mosley and "Kick" Kennedy, though! Well I was glad to note that for this second book concerning the FitzOsbornes, the author acknowledged in a way I Capture the Castle , because there are some strong similarities, this time even down to the opening sentence 'I write this sitting But it does, however, have plenty of its own originality.

The Montmaray Journals 2: The Fitzosbornes In Exile by Michelle Cooper - Penguin Books Australia

There was perhaps a little too much political talk for my liking, but the characterisation was very strong, and Sophia had a pleasant and likeable voice. I assume there will be more books t Well I was glad to note that for this second book concerning the FitzOsbornes, the author acknowledged in a way I Capture the Castle , because there are some strong similarities, this time even down to the opening sentence 'I write this sitting I assume there will be more books to follow, as lots of things were left open, and Sophia has not yet had a romance of her own which I really hope she does, and not with Rupert or Simon - but I have a feeling Simon may try something, judging from those 'speculative looks' he occasionally gives Sophia, but I hope Sophia isn't swept away by him [again], because I feel he's a wee bit of a cad.

View all 3 comments. Another compulsively readable installment, which I think benefits from its narrator being that little bit more mature and capable of more thoroughly appreciating some of the things going on around her. Parts of the book do drag somewhat if you already know what's going on at this time in European history, and I know that I got pulled out of things a little by the cameos made by some of the Kennedy clan—it's hard not to have the fact Kick Kennedy will be dead in a few years at the back of your mi Another compulsively readable installment, which I think benefits from its narrator being that little bit more mature and capable of more thoroughly appreciating some of the things going on around her.

Parts of the book do drag somewhat if you already know what's going on at this time in European history, and I know that I got pulled out of things a little by the cameos made by some of the Kennedy clan—it's hard not to have the fact Kick Kennedy will be dead in a few years at the back of your mind, or what happened to poor Rosemary. Still, it's a charming read, and I only wish that I had a teenage sister or cousin to press these books on. I know I would have eaten them up at the right age. Nov 02, Lynn rated it it was amazing.

I think I enjoyed this second book even more than the first and I adored the first! Cooper does an exceptional job of showing us how Sophie, all the characters but especially Sophie, grows and develops so believable. The political maneuvering was so intriguing and the actual history and sense of the time is woven in so well. Our knowledge of the events to come makes the events so powerful. I am ready to trek to Australia to get my hands on the third book sooner!

Well, I'd love to visit Australia I think I enjoyed this second book even more than the first and I adored the first! Well, I'd love to visit Australia anyway but getting book 3 soonest is an added incentive ;- I'm eager to learn what happens to the FitzOsbornes and am wondering if Henry will have a bigger role in the next one.

Jul 26, Lynne rated it it was amazing Shelves: I felt like all the characters were able to come into their own. Sophie was finally seeing how she fit into the family dynamic, Toby and Veronica and Simon all matured and Henry was my absolute favorite! Her girl guide troop made me howl with laughter, as did most of all her dialogue.

I really enjoyed the descriptions of London and Milford, as well as the generous sprinkling of integrating real people into the plot. This book felt like an episode of the new "Upstairs Downstairs" or "Downton Abbey". I couldn't put this down. If I had discovered this trilogy as a 15 year old I would have been obsessed.

BOOK REVIEW: The Montmaray Journals by Michelle Cooper

Feb 12, LauraW rated it liked it Shelves: I liked it, but it seemed much less focused than the first book - until the end. It felt like the middle book of a trilogy - most of the characters had been introduced in the first book; a few were added or fleshed out here, but no major developments with them. There were minor developments and minor actions, but the story seems to still be waiting for bigger conclusion. Maybe it is just the looming of World War II.

We know it is coming and this just seems like an interlude before that cataclysm. But as war breaks out in England and around the world, nowhere is safe. Sophie fills her journal with tales of a life during wartime. Blackouts and the Blitz. Dancing in nightclubs with soliders on leave. And endlessly waiting for news of her brother Toby, whose plane was shot down over enemy territory.

But even as bombs rain down on London, hope springs up, and love blooms for this most endearing princess. And when the Allies begin to drive their way across Europe, the FitzOsbornes take heart—maybe, just maybe, there will be a way to liberate Montmaray as well.


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    5. I read the first book in this wonderful series in manuscript form, which is why the first edition has a quote from me on the cover. She has romantic yearnings, longs for pretty clothes, and gets caught up in political intrigue and spying, all the why trying to manage her unruly brother, sister and cousins.


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