The Protégée

The Protégée, volume 1, is a gripping work of historical horror and young adult fiction by Erica Ridley. Set in the high fashion world of Paris, the story follows Angélique, a working class young woman who dreams of designing gowns for the elite while struggling in a silk sweatshop. After a family tragedy leaves her orphaned and responsible for her younger sister, Angélique secures a position as a junior dressmaker for the citys top modiste.

This historical thriller and suspense novel tracks Angélique as she enters a high stakes contest for a coveted protégée role. To secure her future and claim vengeance against those who destroyed her family, she resorts to deadly measures and arsenic to eliminate her competition. The narrative explores the dark intersection of ambition and revenge within the opulent yet cruel world of French couture.