Review: Hero the Highway Girl by Penny Chrimes

Hero the Highway Girl is an exhilarating, action-packed historical adventure set in the Georgian era that completely captivated me.

Notorious, but charming and courteous, highwayman, Gentleman Jack Giles gallops towards a carriage whose occupants he intends to relieve of their money and jewels. Expecting the usual screams when he fires a warning pistol shot, he instead hears laughter from inside, and finds himself facing a pair of pistols. Hero Devine introduces herself as the richest girl in England, presents Jack with a box laden with jewellery and demands to be taken to his secret hideout so that she can begin her new life – as a highway girl.

And so begins an incredibly thrilling, action-packed and perilous adventure that had me on the edge of my seat as together Hero and Jack undertake daring robberies, facing ever greater risk as patrols are increased, and with any mistakes increasing the chance of being caught and hanged. When it becomes clear that Hero is being hunted by someone intent on returning her to her family at any cost, the danger for the pair becomes intense … Can these two escape the fate that seems to be racing towards them and instead fulfil their dreams? Can the breath-taking discoveries that they make change their lives forever?

I enjoyed the twists and turns, the ever-increasing danger, the sense of threat and the fast-paced action throughout. The short chapters made this a real page-turner and it was impossible not to keep reading as I was completely gripped by this incredible story as I have no doubt young readers will too.

I really loved that both children had loyal animal companions (Hero’s wolf, Flow and Jack’s stallion, Diablo), who are both such a central part of the story. I adored the loving and powerful bond between animal and child which was beautifully and, at times, heart achingly, portrayed. These animals are the only friends that Jack and Hero had as they both grew up in terrible, albeit very different, circumstances, and it is no surprise that they are each others’ support and protection.

I absolutely adored both Hero and Jack, two children who have lost their parents, and who find each other when it seems time is running out for both of them – for different reasons. I really enjoyed that the story is written as a dual narrative which allowed me to get to know both children; this also helped me to understand the nature of their fractious friendship – and to hope that they would come to trust each other enough to open up to each other and find the friendship they both need. Hero presents with a tough, brash and demanding exterior, but there is a real vulnerability underneath this bravado which makes her incredibly endearing. She is determined to fight against what society has deemed acceptable for a woman and to follow her own path – even if that is a dangerous one! Jack is determined to fulfil his dream, and to provide for Diablo, so he becomes a reluctant highwayman, well aware of the danger of getting caught, but determined to take enough money to provide a better life for himself and his horse. Both children show incredible courage and strength by facing dangerous situations in order to give themselves a chance at a different life – at freedom.

This story delivers an incredible adventure, brimming with daring and danger, with friendship and hope, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.