I was hooked from start to finish. Fantastically written. The characters are so sly and cunning, everyone having a trick up their sleeve. I really like the slight little curve ball where everyone seems to end up being involved in the same plan, especially the royals. This story has everything; the son that isn't quite like the rest; the smooth talker; the rich; the poor. It highlights the fact that regardless of the era you should never judge a book by it's cover. The quiet one is sneaky and scheming. The one that is different from the rest is actually very intelligent. Every single character is involved in something, and those that aren't keep their secrets. I do really hope that there are more to follow!!