The Blackbirds of St. Giles by Lila Cain

Daniel and his young sister flee a slave rebellion on Jamaica only to find themselves controlled by a different master in London. Daniel fought for the British navy in the attempt to stop the American Patriots and they relocated to England on the hope for a fresh start and acceptance that King George promised. Instead Daniel and Pearl find themselves robbed and left to die if not for their saviors living in London's underbelly known as the Rookery of St. Giles. Daniel is desperate to reclaim what they are due but to survive he must serve another master just as cruel and fight. The setting is a mix of Dickens OLIVER TWIST with the politics and injustice of LES MISERABLES. This is a time and place that have not been written about very much loaded with lively characters, good and bad, resulting in riveting historical fiction brought vividly to life on every page.  5 stars