Media Reviews
[Lee] develops a world rich in historical detail, crafts a plot wild with unexpected turns, and explores complex topics like colonization and identity. An empowering and energetic adventure that celebrates friendship between women. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An incredible, must-have follow-up full of old characters and new, blood and guts, and a delightful barrage of sarcasm. -- School Library Journal (starred review)
This action-driven adventure is a joy. -- ALA Booklist (starred review)
PRAISE FOR THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE: Tongue-in-cheek, wildly entertaining, and anachronistic in only the most delightful ways, this is a gleeful romp through history. Monty is a hero worthy of Oscar Wilde. -- Booklist (starred review)
The book's exquisite, bygone meter and vernacular sit comfortably on a contemporary shelf. And the friction of racism, tyrannical entitled politicians, and misguided disapproval of homosexuality also have a relevance rooted in current culture's xeno- and homophobia. Austen, Wilde, and Indiana Jones converge in this deliciously anachronistic bonbon. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This is a witty, romantic, and exceedingly smart look at discovering one's place in the world. A stunning powerhouse of a story for every collection. -- School Library Journal (starred review)
A gloriously swashbuckling affair. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Mackenzi Lee (This Monstrous Thing) combines her knowledge of European history with a contemporary, comic sensibility to create an over-the-top romantic adventure complete with cliff-hanging chapter endings and sometimes outrageous narration. Monty is a licentious, flawed and engaging 18th-century hero. -- Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Monty is pitch-perfect as a yearning, self-destructive, oblivious jerk of a hero who inspires equal parts sympathy, frustration, and adoration from reader. A genre tribute, satire, and exemplar in one. -- The Horn Book
Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is the queer teen historical you didn't know was missing from your life. -- Teen Vogue ( Best Queer Books to Celebrate Pride 2017 )
A rollicking ride that also turns a keen eye to issues like class, racism, homosexuality, and identity. -- Brightly
Careening from fete to fiasco on a Grand Tour of 18th century Europe, THE GENTLEMEN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE is a dizzying, dazzling, and roguishly romantic romp. This book makes me want to unrequite my own love so I can requite him all over again. -- Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl From Everywhere
Don't read this book unless you like adventure, hijinks, and forbidden romance, and if you do, then read it twice. -- Stacey Lee, author of The Secret of a Heart Note and Under a Painted Sky
An outrageously fun, witty, fascinating, and romantic adventure, starring a memorable trio I'd happily travel with for ages. Lee is a definite force in diverse historical YA. -- Dahlia Adler, founder of LGBTQ Reads and author of Under the Lights
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is a Grand Tour all its own. Hilarious and romantic, adventurous and scandalous, Monty's adventures are just as delightful as Monty himself. I adored this book! -- Rachel Hawkins, author of the Rebel Belle series
Sweet, smart, and powerful, Gentleman's Guide tackles timely topics that will resonate profoundly with readers--all wrapped up in a truly epic road trip. Prepare to laugh, gasp, swoon, and cheer. -- Claire Legrand, author of the Winterspell series
A delightful romp of a road-trip through eighteenth century Europe, packed with witty dialog, razor-sharp pacing, and the perfect amount of swoon. You should abso-bloody-lutely read this book. -- Erin Bowman, author of Vengeance Road
A swashbuckling, fantastical coming-of-age adventure that quite simply swallowed me whole. -- Audible Editor's Pick