Shanghai Sparrow

The British Empire is at war, both within and without. Eveline Duchen was once a country child, touched by the magic that clings to the woods. Now she is street urchin in a London where brutal poverty and glittering new inventions exist side by side, living as a thief and con-artist. Caught in an act of deception, Eveline is faced with Mr Holmforth, who offers her a stark choice. Transportation, or an education - and utter commitment to Her Majesty's Service - at Madam Cairngrim's school for female spies.