The 48

Hosie folds elements of science fiction into a story set in 1536 England that features the alternating perspectives of three teen protagonists: Lady Margaret, a lady’s maid to Queen Anne Boleyn with secrets of her own, and twins Alex and Charlie, members of “the 48,” a time-traveling secret police force. The brothers voyage to 1536 on a mission to “eradicate religion from the ages” by preventing the marriage of Jane Seymour and Henry VIII and the subsequent rise of Catholicism. In this effort, Alex and Charles, along with an accidental third time traveler, Alice, cleverly infiltrate the court. Hosie fills the story with court intrigue, gossip, romance, and action. Additionally, she offers substantial background on the future world in which Charles, Alex, and Alice normally reside. Hosie’s teen characters are somewhat lacking in authenticity; the voices of Charles and Alex seem to belong to adult men. Fans of time travel stories will enjoy this unconventional blending of present-day ideologies and past politics. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)