Posts
Synopsis (From GoodReads):
A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
Debut author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling YA pirate tale.
Review:
When I went looking for new books on NetGalley some time ago, this book automatically caught my eye. Daughter Of The Pirate King! This title immediately brings forth notions of danger, intrigue, adventure, and perhaps even some romance. I was not disappointed. This book had all of this and more.
What I Liked:
Narrative Style:This book is told in the first person. I often do not like this style but it really works in this book. The voice of the narrator, Alosa (the pirate princess), is so revealing throughout the story in what she says, and doesn't say. You get that she has a complicated relationship with her father, the Pirate King, without her having to spell it out.
Characters:
Alosa:
Alosa is a fun, spirited character who I wouldn't mind hanging out with. She would be fun, but also have your back in a bar fight. I liked that as the story progresses, Alosa makes mistakes, and develops as a person as she meets her match in Riden.Riden:
Riden is the first mate of the ship that has kidnapped Alosa and is holding her for ransom. He is fiercely loyal to his brother the ruthless Captain Draxon. But while he enjoys the plundering of being a pirate, he has mixed feelings about all the murdering and torturing that goes along with the job.
What I Was Mixed About:
Pacing:The book started in an exciting way with the kidnapping of Alosa. But then was weighed down by the long, meandering battle of wits between Alosa and Riden. It's pretty obvious from the start that they are attracted to each other. But each one is too proud to give in to their feelings. There were just too many scenes of Alosa escaping, getting captured, and then trying to prove how tough she was. It took me a long time to get through the first half of the book and I almost DFN'd it.
But then, the story picks up (at almost exactly the halfway point) when a startling fact about Alosa comes to light. I don't believe in doing spoilers, so I can't say what this is. But I will say that the rest of the book is focused on this and it made it so that I could not stop reading!
What I Didn't Like:
Ending:One of my pet peeves in books is when a book is trying to become a series, and so has an abrupt ending. There were several loose ends and obvious hooks to the story meant to ensnare the reader into snatching up book two as soon as possible. And it worked! I WILL be doing this, but I didn't like such manipulation.
Rating:
Release Date: February 28th, 2017
Genre: YA fantasy/historical ficiton
Format: Advanced copy E-Book
Source: NetGalley
Recommendation: For a swashbuckling good time, this book is a must read. The second half is superior to the beginning, so stick through the slow start.
Ugghh I hate the super abrupt endings too. I've gotten a bit better with cliffhanger book (sometimes!) but I like some things to be tied up at the end, even if it's a series. I'm not a very patient person so I hate waiting for the next book. lol! I want to know what happens now. Great review! I love the breakdown.
ReplyDeleteI'm SOOOO excited for this book! Sorry to hear about the ending but glad you overall liked it :) We need more pirate books!I already like Alosa <3 Great review!
ReplyDeleteNew GFC follower :)
Uma@Books.Bags.Burgers.