Book Review: Wrapped

Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Pages: 320 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: May 24th 2011
Review Source: Simon & Schuster
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history.

Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes.

This novel takes you back to 1815 but you don't really get a strong history lesson, you gloss through. The author delivers romance, history and some adventures. If you love Jane Austen, her work is reference constantly throughout the story by the main character. I feel that the book wad just a bit predictable, you can probably tell who the villain is and also how the story will end. This book should be liked more by MG or young YA readers. Its very lighthearted and easy to read, great book for a novice.

Agnes lives in London and its the year 1815. She begin her season, which means she must attend social events and hope to find her suitable husband. She is invited to a mummy unwrapping party at a very rich and eligible Lord Showalter's house. Now Agnes is not your typical girl who cares about all the hair, makeup and dresses. She rather travel and see the world for herself. So Agnes and her family attend this party and she is chosen to unwrap the mummy and see if she finds any artifacts, which she does and steals. Agnes has no idea that by stealing the artifact, she just opened the biggest door to the greatest adventure she will possibly go thru.

SO who should read this book, I think MG and the younger YA audience. I thought it was a cute fast read, so maybe older audience will enjoy it as well. Its Egyptian mythology meets Historical romance.