Regency YA?

Reve · Apr 14, 2012

I've pretty much been reading dystopian/sci-fi YA for the past few months, and I think I need a long, long, long break. I feel kind of odd saying that because I love dystopian/sci-fi (and I'm working on a spaceship!YA myself), but I guess too much of anything isn't ever a good thing.

So...I'm thinking of going in the complete opposite direction. I re-read Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre a few weeks ago, and I've been craving to read a YA novel set in the Regency era since. I'm looking to read novels that contain similar elements as the two books I mentioned, I suppose - familial interactions, romance, current political and social climate of the time - except with YA characters. I wouldn't mind it if there's some supernatural or fantastical elements as well, but a good, straightforward historical piece would be great, too.

Any suggestions on what to read? I would prefer it if the book is available in e-book form, as I do most of my reading on my Kobo. No big deal if it isn't, though.

I found such awesome recs from my YA in Space query months back, so I thought I'd ask for your opinion again. Thanks in advance, everyone!

Shakesbear · Apr 14, 2012

Have you read any Georgette Heyer? Her Regency books are amazing. She did detailed research into all aspects of the period and her work reflects her depth of knowledge. All of her Regency books have romance in them. Most give information about the social climate but it is done in a very subtle way. There are a few I would recommend:

An Infamous Army - about the Battle of Waterloo. The book was studied at the Royal Military College Sandhurst because of the accuracy of the description of the Battle.

Regency Buck - has all sorts of stuff in it - gambling, the Prince Regent, Brighton and the Royal Pavilion. Also crime and kidnapping!

Devil's Cub - romance, abduction and just fun! Devil's Cub follows on from These Old Shades which is a bit before the Regency. An Infamous Army has characters in it who are in Regency Buck and some of whom are descendants of characters in Devil's Cub.

RKLipman · Apr 14, 2012

I actually had to look up what, exactly, defines 'Regency'. (Can we tell what genres I don't read in, much?)

These books don't exactly fit - and I haven't read them, though I plan to - but Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy was the first thing that came to mind. They're set a bit later than the regency period, I think, but I hear good things.

LadyA · Apr 14, 2012

Whatever you do, don't read the Adventures of Miss Sophia Musgrove series or whtever the heck they're called. They. Are. Drivel. Mary Sue MC, lots of dialogue along the lines of: "Oh Sophia, I love your new blue dress! It really compliments your sea-green eyes, long dark lashes, and shiny, chestnut hair."
Ick.

I love regency books, but I can't really think of any other YA regency. I second Shakesbear - Georgette Heyer is awesome, and Regancy Buck is a favourite. One of the main characters, the protag's 18-yr-old brother Sir Peregrine Taverner, would make a great YA MMC or LI!

If you want historical but aren't bothered about time, I suggest Eve Edwards' The Other Countess, The Queen's Lady and...the other one who's name has eluded me. They're Tudor, so quite a while before regency, but still very good reads.

Momento Mori · Apr 14, 2012

Kat Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis is the first in an MG fantasy set in Regency England featuring magic, society snobbery, highwaymen and true love. I think they're a lot of fun - the third book's just come out in the UK (where the first one has a different title of A Most Improper Magick) but I think the US is running about a year behind.

I can't remember if Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer is Regency or Victorian, but it may be worth checking out.

The Gemma Doyle trilogy is late Victorian so it's not really of the period (although they're still a good read).

MM

The_Ink_Goddess · Apr 14, 2012

I'm thinking more in terms of Victorian rather than Regency, because that's a really narrow period (as I'm sure you're aware) and I can never remember the exact dates, but my friend said WILDTHORN is really good.

Belle_91 · Apr 14, 2012

The Gemma Doyle series are great but set in the 1890s so not Regency.

I read the first part of The Lost Memories of Jane Austen and that was pretty good. Also, for more YA, there was "The Season". It's okay, but a very predictable plot. Still a good read.

melanieconklin · Apr 14, 2012

I'm in the middle of writing a historical YA set in the Victorian period, so I've read a good number of books in the regency/victorian genres lately (and throughout my life).

Favorites:
Vanity Fair (one of the most essential classics)
Wideacre (following books in the series are good as well)
The Agency (very YA, mystery, crime solving lass, great writing)

Okay:
The Season (have yet to read Sarah MacLean's other novels, have heard they are even heavier on the romance and flash, not my style, but a fun read for many)

Earlier Period yet Wonderful:
A Rose for the Crown (and anything else Anne Easter Smith)

Belle_91 · Apr 14, 2012

melanieconklin said:
Okay:
The Season (have yet to read Sarah MacLean's other novels, have heard they are even heavier on the romance and flash, not my style, but a fun read for many)

Earlier Period yet Wonderful:
A Rose for the Crown (and anything else Anne Easter Smith)

Anne Easter Smith is fantastic! I've yet to read Rose for the Crown but I read the King's Grace and it is one of my favorite books!

It's earlier the Regency but it's a wonderful story.

melanieconklin · Apr 14, 2012

Also, for any of you who are into reading this period, I will be searching for beta readers who have read historical fiction in a couple of months, and I would love to connect.

Belle_91 · Apr 14, 2012

The Young Royals Series by Carolyn Meyer is really good too.

These are also set in the Tudor reign, but I fell in love with history after reading Mary, Bloody Mary. Now, I'm a history major in college planning on becoming a museum curator.

So yeah, it was pretty good lol.

Becca C. · Apr 14, 2012

It's Victorian, but let me just have a moment to say that I adore The Agency and omgthelastbookwasamazingandI'mcountingdownthedaystillthenextbookomg!!!

As for Regency... really, all I can think to say is "read Jane Austen." She's in my top 5 favourite authors. Nothing compares.

TudorRose · Apr 15, 2012

These are ones I've heard of that might fit the period -- haven't read them myself though, so they're not recommendations as such

Sorcery and Cecilia by Patricia C. Wrede and a co-author

I was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

Bewitching Season by Marisa Doyle

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

ETA: Oops, MM beat me to the Wrede. I skim

Reve · Apr 15, 2012

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I'll definitely be checking them out ASAP. I admit, I haven't really read too many Victorian (or Regency, really, to be honest) for me to be able to tell the difference between Victorian and Regency era books apart from the monarchy in power. I'll be looking at the Victorian suggestions, too, however, so thanks guys!

Regency YA?

Reve

Shakesbear

knows a hawk from a handsaw

RKLipman

Seasoned Veteran of Lurking

LadyA

Always lurking, never posting...

Momento Mori

Tired and Disillusioned

The_Ink_Goddess

we're gonna make it out of the fire

Belle_91

With her nose stuck in a book

melanieconklin

Belle_91

With her nose stuck in a book

melanieconklin

Belle_91

With her nose stuck in a book

Becca C.

TudorRose

not napping... brainstorming!

Reve