That Inevitable Victorian Thing

Speculative fiction from the acclaimed author of Exit, Pursued by a Bear. In 1830 Queen Victoria changed the world forever, defying her guardians' efforts to make her weak and easily controlled. Two centuries later, another teenage Victoria is preparing to take the throne and shake the globe once more. Set in a near-future world where the British Empire never fell and the United States never rose, That Inevitable Victorian Thing is a surprising, delightful, and thought-provoking novel of love, duty, and the forces that change the world. Victoria-Margaret is the crown princess of the empire, a direct descendent of Victoria I, the queen who changed the course of history two centuries earlier. The imperial practice of genetic curation (think arranged marriage via online dating) will soon guide Margaret into a politically advantageous marriage like her own mother before her, but before she does her duty, she'll have one summer incognito in a far corner of empire. In Canada, she meets Helena Marcus, daughter of one of the empire's greatest placement geneticists, and August O'Brien, the son and heir apparent to a powerful shipping firm currently besieged by American pirates. In a summer of high-society debutante balls, politically charged tea parties, and romantic country dances, Margaret, Helena, and August discover they share an unusual bond and maybe a one in a million chance to have what they want and to change the world in the process--just like the first Victoria.

About the Author :
E. K. Johnston is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several YA novels, including the L.A. Times Book Prize finalist The Story of Owen and Star Wars: Ahsoka. Her novel A Thousand Nights was shortlisted for The Governor General's Award. The New York Times called The Story of Owen "a clever first step in the career of a novelist who, like her troubadour heroine, has many more songs to sing" and in its review of Exit, Pursued by a Bear, The Globe & Mail called Johnston "the Meryl Streep of YA," with "limitless range."

Review :
“This book, by alternate-history wizard and all-around word genius E. K. Johnston, is both an enchanting modern fairy tale and an un-put-downable, utterly captivating, thoroughly surprising work of speculative fiction. I would be delighted to brush up on my curtsy and join these characters for a tea party or coming-out ball any day of the week.”—Robin Talley, New York Times bestselling author; “That Inevitable Victorian Thing is alternate history at its most intricate—woven with Victorian airs and a deeply optimistic vision of the future. I fell in love with E. K. Johnston’s world, along with the bright, beautiful characters who call it home.” - Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of Wolf By Wolf; “E. K. Johnston’s British Empire offers adventure and intrigue balanced with delight and whimsy. Her tale uplifts and entertains, all the while meditating on the legacies of history and a better society that might have been. Joyfully immerse yourself in this gorgeously-wrought world with characters you yearn to have as companions and confidantes, and themes of hope that linger long after you’ve read the final pages.”—New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer; ★ "Compelling and unique—there's nothing else like it."—Booklist, starred review; ★ “Johnston’s standalone novel blends light science fiction elements in a near-future setting with the tone and style of a Victorian novel. Chapter headers including maps, society gossip pages, and correspondence serve to expand the detailed world-building and highlight the Empire’s deliberate and thoughtful inclusivity (despite realistically damaging colonialism in the Empire’s distant past). VERDICT A clever and self-aware novel set in a fascinating world, this witty and romantic story is a must-read.”—SLJ, starred review; ★ "[A] powerful and resonant story of compassion, love, and finding a way to fulfill obligations while maintaining one’s identity. As with the dragon-infested modern world of Johnston’s The Story of Owen, the thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and humor in this alternative Earth are rewarding on multiple levels."—PW, starred review; A thoughtful exploration of class consciousness, genetics, and politics that doesn't lose track of the human story."—Kirkus