Review by Booklist Review
Delilah Dirk and Mister Selim have had a lot of adventures over the two years they've traveled together. But when Delilah is accused of being a spy and has to return to England to clear her name, they'll face their greatest challenge: her mother. As in volume one, Cliff shows readers the wonders and dangers of traveling with Delilah through the eyes of the gentle and reserved Selim. But he also broadens his focus a bit to allow readers to understand the frustration Delilah feels over the inequality of women, the imbalance between rich and poor, and the expectations of society. Anyone, teen or adult, who has ever chafed at the strictures of a loving but unaware parent will identify with Delilah's desire to avoid her family home for as long as possible. Cliff includes plenty of humor and action to keep the tale from becoming too weighted, and the result, when combined with his lively artwork, is a breathless romp that will appeal to a broad range of readers.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
What should have been a leisurely dip in a quiet pond instead lands globetrotting adventurer Delilah Dirk and her partner, Selim, in the middle of a political conspiracy in this follow-up to 2013's Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant. The roots of their newfound predicament lie in England, currently embroiled in a bitter war with France, and involve a slimy major in the British Army who is tarnishing Delilah's reputation to obscure his own treachery. Despite Selim's reasoned warnings, Delilah itches for revenge; once in London, she's forced to endure her aristocratic mother, who is unaware of her daughter's wayward lifestyle. Can Delilah and Selim keep her secret safe while investigating the major, all without causing too much trouble? Cliff ups his game visually with a more nuanced and naturalistic style, and he doesn't miss a beat story-wise, keeping the swashbuckling front and center while adding new layers to his characters. It's the dynamic between Delilah and Selim, a headstrong woman and pliant man who remain platonic companions, that gives the book its compelling emotional center. Ages 12-up. Agent: Bernadette Baker-Baughman, Victoria Sanders & Associates. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-Delilah Dirk has a chip on her shoulder. Of late, she lashes out at anyone who wounds her pride or name, even when the danger is great. As in Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (First Second, 2012), her faithful friend Selim acts as the voice of reason, but stopping a resolute Delilah proves to be nearly impossible. So when a traitorous British soldier threatens her good reputation, she pursues him, bent on his downfall. England does not welcome her back, and with redcoats chasing her, she reluctantly takes refuge with her privileged family. This position gives her an advantage, but her headstrong attitude jeopardizes all: her chance at success, survival, and her bonds. Frustration and tension have a bigger presence than humor in this volume, but we get more character and relationship development because of this. Colors are key to setting the tone; when this duo arrive in England, the hues take on an overcast brown to match how stifled Delilah feels. Fortunately, heart-pounding action sequences chase such clouds away every time. VERDICT Another whirlwind adventure that builds upon Cliff's unifying factor-true friendship.-Rachel Forbes, formerly of Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Delilah and Selim head to England in this sequel to Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (2013). Delilah Dirk, an English gentlewoman, and Erdemoglu Selim, a former Turkish janissary, have now been unlikely friends and traveling companions for two years. Their escapades are derailed, however, when they encounter a corrupt British army officer while traveling across Portugal during the Peninsular War. Angered by Delilah's open lack of respect for his position, Maj. Jason Merrick decides to blame her for his own treasonous activities. She resolves (over Selim's practical protests) to pursue Maj. Merrick back to Englandostensibly to protect her reputation but clearly also to settle their increasingly personal feud. Cliff's vibrant art continues to thrill during the many daring rescues, narrow escapes, and thrilling swordfights, conveying not just the action, but also Delilah's irrepressible love of danger and derring-do. The illustrations and script also shine during the story's quieter moments of humor and heart. England tests Delilah and Selim's friendship, especially as he discovers how much she hasn't shared about her family and past, and both are fish out of water when it comes to proper behavior in elegant British society. The character development adds welcome depth to an already absorbing adventure. Irresistible and exhilarating. (Graphic adventure. 14 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
