Seventeen-year-old outcast Jane Shackle is a young maid who has the gift of sight whenever she touches objects. For that reason, she wears gloves most of the time. Surprisingly her secret is known to Mrs. Crossey, the cook, who reveals to her the existence of the Fayte Guardians. Queen Victoria is under threat and the Guardians recruit Jane into their circle, hoping her gift will aid the dwindling ancient order in order to protect the monarch. Yet who or what has malicious intent against the Queen? And are the Guardians telling her everything that she needs to know? Jane has to rely on her abilities in order to do her secret duty and unravel the truth. Dragonfly Maid is the first book of The Queen's Fayte, a fantasy series by D.D. Croix. Set in 1859, the Victorian era excellently serves as a background to a story that gives an interesting fictionalized perspective involving British historical figures. The plot is well-paced and the characters are well-developed with their complex and solid depth of personality. I was instantly intrigued by Jane who befriends a special dragonfly during her free time. When Mrs. Crossey reveals the existence of the Fayte Guardians, Jane's hesitance is understandable as she's given little time to process the secretive and complicated situation. However, time is not on their side, and Jane's effort to commit to the guardians' mission to protect the monarchy is amateurish but admiringly courageous. D.D. Croix's Dragonfly Maid is a great start for the Queen's Fayte series; a dark but exciting gaslight fantasy.
