Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE

book

THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE

Mackenzi Lee

Romance and racism on a misbegotten 18th-century Grand Tour. (Ages 12 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to older teens because of frequent peril and violence, mature themes involving addiction and abuse, sexual references, and a central same-sex romance, while remaining accessible YA fiction. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Romance4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Includes threats to life and past trauma involving loss.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries resulting from physical altercations.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of moderate language throughout.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

A bisexual male protagonist and his male romantic relationship are central, treated positively while facing period-appropriate prejudice.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of religious institutions and societal expectations of the era.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romance is central: the protagonist develops and explores feelings for his male best friend amid family and travel conflicts.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension, dangerous encounters, and life-threatening situations.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

There are sexual references, frank discussion of desire, and some kissing or intimate situations, but no explicit sex scenes.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's alcohol misuse and addiction are important plot elements; drinking is sometimes social or humorous but also has harmful consequences.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Adventure violence includes fights, threats, weapons, captivity, and danger; some scenes are intense but remain within a YA historical-adventure style.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront danger, injustice, family pressure, and social prejudice, with courage linked to responsibility and self-knowledge.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes imaginative travel, inventive problem-solving, performance, disguise, and unconventional resistance to restrictive expectations.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA representation and characters from varied social and cultural contexts, though the historical setting reflects its era's limitations.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers incidental learning about 18th-century Europe, class, travel, sexuality, and social prejudice rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, empathy, loyalty, and care are important, though characters also make selfish, hurtful, and prejudiced choices.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes accountability, accepting identity, resisting prejudice, repairing harm, family complexity, and choosing honest relationships over privilege.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty, courage, and growth, but the protagonist initially behaves selfishly and irresponsibly, especially around privilege and alcohol.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating