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fatimareadsbooks's review
4.0
Thanks to SimonTeen for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views.
[3.5 stars]
Okay, first of all, what was that ending? I'm so sad, but I probably shouldn't have been surprised, considering how Blackbeard's story tragically ended in real life. I'm kind of conflicted about this book -- it was more about his backstory and romance rather than the action and piracy. Though I doubt it'll happen, maybe we could have a sequel about his journey, including the conquests and actual pirate action? I'd totally read it.
Anyway, the first thing that I really liked about this book was the characters. Especially Anne. She was the perfect protagonist! Sharp-witted, smart, and fierce, she was basically everything I wanted to see in a character. I never found her to be frustrating or petty, unlike some other book protagonists. Teach, however, was someone I didn't like at the beginning -- which was kind of the point. His advances toward Anne at the beginning were creepy, to say the least, and his attitude made me want to punch him. However, as the story progresses we really get to see him develop and start to care for him.
As I said above, if you were looking for a bloody pirate story with tons of action then this probably isn't for you. However, the upside to this is that this was a very character-driven book. Not only does it explore Teach and Anne's relationship with each other, but it also dives into their individuality. They were dimensional and I loved how Anne's and Teach's separate characters were depicted. They came from completely different backgrounds, yet they still had the same goal -- freedom. The way their relationship progressed was amazing; the tension kept me reading and their dynamic was entertaining! The banter between them and Anne's witty lines made me laugh out loud.
The book did a great job in portraying the sexism, racism, and classism present during that time period. The atmosphere was also amazing, allowing me to easily immerse myself into the setting. Excellent world building!
All in all, this was a sweet, character-driven book showing the softer and more romantic side of Blackbeard (before he became Blackbeard) rather than the scary, legendary part we know of Blackbeard today. There were a few gaps and plot holes, but it was pretty satisfying overall. I'm familiar with the Blackbeard legend and I think the book sure did get its facts straight, thankfully. The relationships, characters, and atmosphere were portrayed really well, too. This was my first pirate book so I didn't quite know what to expect, but I'm definitely going to be reading more pirate books in the near future. I'd recommend this as a fast read, for sure!
[3.5 stars]
Okay, first of all, what was that ending? I'm so sad, but I probably shouldn't have been surprised, considering how Blackbeard's story tragically ended in real life. I'm kind of conflicted about this book -- it was more about his backstory and romance rather than the action and piracy. Though I doubt it'll happen, maybe we could have a sequel about his journey, including the conquests and actual pirate action? I'd totally read it.
Anyway, the first thing that I really liked about this book was the characters. Especially Anne. She was the perfect protagonist! Sharp-witted, smart, and fierce, she was basically everything I wanted to see in a character. I never found her to be frustrating or petty, unlike some other book protagonists. Teach, however, was someone I didn't like at the beginning -- which was kind of the point. His advances toward Anne at the beginning were creepy, to say the least, and his attitude made me want to punch him. However, as the story progresses we really get to see him develop and start to care for him.
As I said above, if you were looking for a bloody pirate story with tons of action then this probably isn't for you. However, the upside to this is that this was a very character-driven book. Not only does it explore Teach and Anne's relationship with each other, but it also dives into their individuality. They were dimensional and I loved how Anne's and Teach's separate characters were depicted. They came from completely different backgrounds, yet they still had the same goal -- freedom. The way their relationship progressed was amazing; the tension kept me reading and their dynamic was entertaining! The banter between them and Anne's witty lines made me laugh out loud.
The book did a great job in portraying the sexism, racism, and classism present during that time period. The atmosphere was also amazing, allowing me to easily immerse myself into the setting. Excellent world building!
All in all, this was a sweet, character-driven book showing the softer and more romantic side of Blackbeard (before he became Blackbeard) rather than the scary, legendary part we know of Blackbeard today. There were a few gaps and plot holes, but it was pretty satisfying overall. I'm familiar with the Blackbeard legend and I think the book sure did get its facts straight, thankfully. The relationships, characters, and atmosphere were portrayed really well, too. This was my first pirate book so I didn't quite know what to expect, but I'm definitely going to be reading more pirate books in the near future. I'd recommend this as a fast read, for sure!
cala_p's review against another edition
3.0
This book does not deserve all the negative reviews it had gotten in my opinion. I agree, it was not the best, but it definitely wasn't bad.
The first thing I noticed that bugged me was the writing. Something about the flow was just off. I think with a couple more rounds of edits it could have been a much smoother read.
Next, the romance I found to be quite cute. Many other people here think there was too much chasing, but I think it was just enough. Not like he was actually pushing himself on her and she was trying to escape all the time. That would be something else entirely. I think it was just enough. Anne avoided Teach just enough to try to save both of them, but in the end they were in love.
I do wish some of this had taken place on a ship, because it does seem like the story of how Blackbeard came to be with romance. I was a little upset there, because I do agree, this was basically a YA version of a historical romance. But this is a series, and from how this one ended, it seems much of the next one will be on a ship. So I look forward to that. I would love to see how Teach's and Anne's story continues.
Teach's father bugged me. He was kind of like a villain overall, but it was the constant changes in how his character was portrayed. First like a rich, strict father .Fine. Read many of those. THen his personality changes when he learns who Anne is, which is appropriate because now he realizes where he went wrong. Then he was just hot and cold for a while, up to the ending, which I don't think he should have acted like that despite the theft. She stole when she was still poor and needed an escape. Be mad, sure, but she was a maid then. It's almost excusable because she was just trying to live. but now she's returning everything and he sees that yet still throws her out. WHich of course, he then tries to end the relationship growing between Anne and Teach. Horrible timing too. Right when he was out for the ring! I got whiplash reading about this character.
Overall I enjoyed it. It was cute. Not a favorite, but I will definitely read the next one.
The first thing I noticed that bugged me was the writing. Something about the flow was just off. I think with a couple more rounds of edits it could have been a much smoother read.
Next, the romance I found to be quite cute. Many other people here think there was too much chasing, but I think it was just enough. Not like he was actually pushing himself on her and she was trying to escape all the time. That would be something else entirely. I think it was just enough. Anne avoided Teach just enough to try to save both of them, but in the end they were in love.
I do wish some of this had taken place on a ship, because it does seem like the story of how Blackbeard came to be with romance. I was a little upset there, because I do agree, this was basically a YA version of a historical romance. But this is a series, and from how this one ended, it seems much of the next one will be on a ship. So I look forward to that. I would love to see how Teach's and Anne's story continues.
Teach's father bugged me. He was kind of like a villain overall, but it was the constant changes in how his character was portrayed. First like a rich, strict father .Fine. Read many of those. THen his personality changes when he learns who Anne is, which is appropriate because now he realizes where he went wrong. Then he was just hot and cold for a while, up to the ending, which I don't think he should have acted like that despite the theft. She stole when she was still poor and needed an escape. Be mad, sure, but she was a maid then. It's almost excusable because she was just trying to live. but now she's returning everything and he sees that yet still throws her out. WHich of course, he then tries to end the relationship growing between Anne and Teach. Horrible timing too. Right when he was out for the ring! I got whiplash reading about this character.
Overall I enjoyed it. It was cute. Not a favorite, but I will definitely read the next one.
rlstrayer1's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars
It was enjoyable for the first 40-50 pages, and then it all went downhill from there. Not into overly dramatic YA historical romance, thanks #morepiratesplease
It was enjoyable for the first 40-50 pages, and then it all went downhill from there. Not into overly dramatic YA historical romance, thanks #morepiratesplease
glomdi's review
3.0
Slight spoilers; most things you can surmise from the blurb.
It has been so ridiculously long since I wrote a review, I hardly know where to start. I'm pretty sure 2014 was my last review. So you can imagine my strong feelings about this book to finally crawl to my computer from my warm, comfortable bed and cat to type out all these paragraphs on my used-to-be-backlit-but-now-I-can-hardly-see-the-keys keyboard.
I guess I should start with my frustration at the reviews I've been reading. I've heard people say Teach is abusive, an asshole, and that this is some cookie-cutter romance cut out of a YA novel; the only one of those things that's true is that Teach is an asshole. But you know what? It makes sense! Sure, he's a douche, but it makes sense for the story. He's been raised in a house that disrespects any colored people, maids, and pretty much anyone without a title. So of course he's not really gonna know how to be nice and pleasant. And abusive? How me one paragraph where he actually hurt Anne.
I'm not defending his actions, not in the slightest. But this is a book that the characters make sense for the background they were given. They all grow and learn as it goes on. Anne starts off rude and unapologetic because she's fighting for what she has and won't let anyone push her around - by the end she's much more willing to compromise, and the same is true for Teach, albeit in a different way.
One thing I will fault majorly is the constant mockery of people who don't like books and care "only" about parties and their looks. It would be different if it appeared that only Teach and Anne saw it this way, but it's pretty clear that the author meant for it to be the truth. I have a Goodreads account, I'm a Goodreads librarian and I have almost 80 reviews in about 2 years. Obviously I love books. But you know what? If someone doesn't like to read, that's okay. It's just not their put of tea. Patience is probably in her late teens(I recall Teach being 19?); it's okay that she wants to party and that she doesn't really take things seriously yet. That doesn't mean she has to be shallow or an idiot. She certainly is in the book, though. And again, if that was just her character that would be fine. But Castoman made it pretty clear out of dialogue that this is just what she thinks of people who don't read and know authors like Milton - they're uncultured, spoiled brats.
Moving off the characters and onto the plot...
...
...
Sorry, I can't seem to remember a plot.
Seriously though, there's practically no plot. It's pretty much a repeat of Anne wants to leave, Teach wants to be captain and not marry patience, and Anne and Teach are in love. Which in all honesty, just kind of... worked. I usually hate books like this. But it was actually kind of enjoyable. Their bickering was cute, the romance not rushed or over the top. I HATE in YA books when they love each other at first site, can only talk about their looks, are the most in love couple ever, blah blah blah. This just seemed much more real. It wasn't instant love - instant attraction maybe, but that's completely realistic.
I honestly think the reason so many people hated this was because they expected something different. I've done that before, but only when a book promised to be one thing and turns out to be another. Just read the blurb and you can figure out for yourself that this is pretty much all romance.
Blackhearts isn't for everyone, for sure. If you want pirate battles, adventure, plot, probably just skip this one. But if you are a fool like me and randomly like books like this and can't figure out why, it's an easy read. Just go for it.
It has been so ridiculously long since I wrote a review, I hardly know where to start. I'm pretty sure 2014 was my last review. So you can imagine my strong feelings about this book to finally crawl to my computer from my warm, comfortable bed and cat to type out all these paragraphs on my used-to-be-backlit-but-now-I-can-hardly-see-the-keys keyboard.
I guess I should start with my frustration at the reviews I've been reading. I've heard people say Teach is abusive, an asshole, and that this is some cookie-cutter romance cut out of a YA novel; the only one of those things that's true is that Teach is an asshole. But you know what? It makes sense! Sure, he's a douche, but it makes sense for the story. He's been raised in a house that disrespects any colored people, maids, and pretty much anyone without a title. So of course he's not really gonna know how to be nice and pleasant. And abusive? How me one paragraph where he actually hurt Anne.
I'm not defending his actions, not in the slightest. But this is a book that the characters make sense for the background they were given. They all grow and learn as it goes on. Anne starts off rude and unapologetic because she's fighting for what she has and won't let anyone push her around - by the end she's much more willing to compromise, and the same is true for Teach, albeit in a different way.
One thing I will fault majorly is the constant mockery of people who don't like books and care "only" about parties and their looks. It would be different if it appeared that only Teach and Anne saw it this way, but it's pretty clear that the author meant for it to be the truth. I have a Goodreads account, I'm a Goodreads librarian and I have almost 80 reviews in about 2 years. Obviously I love books. But you know what? If someone doesn't like to read, that's okay. It's just not their put of tea. Patience is probably in her late teens(I recall Teach being 19?); it's okay that she wants to party and that she doesn't really take things seriously yet. That doesn't mean she has to be shallow or an idiot. She certainly is in the book, though. And again, if that was just her character that would be fine. But Castoman made it pretty clear out of dialogue that this is just what she thinks of people who don't read and know authors like Milton - they're uncultured, spoiled brats.
Moving off the characters and onto the plot...
...
...
Sorry, I can't seem to remember a plot.
Seriously though, there's practically no plot. It's pretty much a repeat of Anne wants to leave, Teach wants to be captain and not marry patience, and Anne and Teach are in love. Which in all honesty, just kind of... worked. I usually hate books like this. But it was actually kind of enjoyable. Their bickering was cute, the romance not rushed or over the top. I HATE in YA books when they love each other at first site, can only talk about their looks, are the most in love couple ever, blah blah blah. This just seemed much more real. It wasn't instant love - instant attraction maybe, but that's completely realistic.
I honestly think the reason so many people hated this was because they expected something different. I've done that before, but only when a book promised to be one thing and turns out to be another. Just read the blurb and you can figure out for yourself that this is pretty much all romance.
Blackhearts isn't for everyone, for sure. If you want pirate battles, adventure, plot, probably just skip this one. But if you are a fool like me and randomly like books like this and can't figure out why, it's an easy read. Just go for it.
4saradouglas's review
3.0
Ehh, it was just okay. Nothing too special, but it wasn't exactly bad either.
tropic_anaaa's review
3.0
I was really hoping for more piracy in this book, and I was a little disappointed. Judging by the book's description and the cover of the novel, I figured this would be a book full of swashbuckling pirates and tales of the high seas. I was disappointed to find that the book was only once set on a boat. Despite the lack of pirates, I was interested with the romance and the characters. Teach and Anne both had intriguing origin stories, and I found myself enjoying them more and more. Overall, I enjoyed the characters but I felt there was a lack of interesting plot material, as it seemed a lot of pretty much the same problems occurred numerous times. I would recommend reading this novel purely for the characters, because their vivacity livens up the story.
pkpoppies's review against another edition
1.0
I really didn’t care for this book. I read the author’s note at the end and then it clicked: “ah, this is just Blackbeard fanfiction.” Which explains why is was so simply written and full of clichés. I think a lot of key points were really forced, like Anne being a thief and the racial “woke-ness.” It just was so choppy and unnatural. What I was hoping would be a sexy YA romance version of Pirates of the Caribbean was actually just a boring story about classism and racism and a crappy love trope.
hiveretcafe's review
5.0
incredible.
------
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
Don't mind me, sobbing in the corner over here. I'm just a tad heartbroken over here.
Let me just start off by saying that Blackhearts is phenomenal. I love this book. It's been a while since a book has grabbed me by my heartstrings and doesn't let go. I started reading this on the bus to school and then I couldn't stop reading it when I got to school. I decided to go to school early to write an essay that I hadn't started yet, but I still hadn't started it, because I HAD to know what was going on next.
BLACKHEARTS tells the story of Edward "Teach" Drummond, before he became the legendary and notorious pirate, Blackbeard. It also tells of Anne Barret, the illegitimate daughter of a merchant and a slave from Curaçao. With her parents dead and no money to her name, she finds herself working on the Drummond estate as a maid. All she wants is the freedom to choose her own life and to travel to the place her mother was born, just as all Teach wants is out of his arranged engagement and to sail the seas as captain of a ship.
The chemistry between Anne and Teach is palpable. From the first moment they met each other, there was a tension between them that most certainly developed into something more. I loved reading their interactions and the slow development of their relationship. I ship the two so hard.
I love Anne. She's intelligent and educated, thanks to her father teaching her how to read and educating her. She's stubborn and it's clear to others and to Teach that there's something about her that makes her more than just a maid. Anne is a realist and she's very aware of her situation and what she must do in order to get her freedom.
Teach is the son of a successful and wealthy merchant, whose father has aspirations of becoming an aristocrat. This leads Teach to rub elbows with some of the more elite families of Bristol. Despite the fact that he doesn't want the marriage arranged between him and the daughter of an aristocrat, he is under the thumb of his father, especially if he has any hopes of acquiring his inheritance.
I love this novel and it'll be one that I'll be thrusting upon my friends in the very near future. The ending of this novel left my heart in pieces, but it was well worth it. BLACKHEARTS pulled me in from the first chapter and sucked me into the world of Anne and Teach and still has yet to let me go. I hope you guys read this novel and love it just as much as I have.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
------
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
Don't mind me, sobbing in the corner over here. I'm just a tad heartbroken over here.
Let me just start off by saying that Blackhearts is phenomenal. I love this book. It's been a while since a book has grabbed me by my heartstrings and doesn't let go. I started reading this on the bus to school and then I couldn't stop reading it when I got to school. I decided to go to school early to write an essay that I hadn't started yet, but I still hadn't started it, because I HAD to know what was going on next.
BLACKHEARTS tells the story of Edward "Teach" Drummond, before he became the legendary and notorious pirate, Blackbeard. It also tells of Anne Barret, the illegitimate daughter of a merchant and a slave from Curaçao. With her parents dead and no money to her name, she finds herself working on the Drummond estate as a maid. All she wants is the freedom to choose her own life and to travel to the place her mother was born, just as all Teach wants is out of his arranged engagement and to sail the seas as captain of a ship.
The chemistry between Anne and Teach is palpable. From the first moment they met each other, there was a tension between them that most certainly developed into something more. I loved reading their interactions and the slow development of their relationship. I ship the two so hard.
I love Anne. She's intelligent and educated, thanks to her father teaching her how to read and educating her. She's stubborn and it's clear to others and to Teach that there's something about her that makes her more than just a maid. Anne is a realist and she's very aware of her situation and what she must do in order to get her freedom.
Teach is the son of a successful and wealthy merchant, whose father has aspirations of becoming an aristocrat. This leads Teach to rub elbows with some of the more elite families of Bristol. Despite the fact that he doesn't want the marriage arranged between him and the daughter of an aristocrat, he is under the thumb of his father, especially if he has any hopes of acquiring his inheritance.
I love this novel and it'll be one that I'll be thrusting upon my friends in the very near future. The ending of this novel left my heart in pieces, but it was well worth it. BLACKHEARTS pulled me in from the first chapter and sucked me into the world of Anne and Teach and still has yet to let me go. I hope you guys read this novel and love it just as much as I have.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
allison_learmont's review
adventurous
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marykatemuses's review
4.0
As a huge fan of Pirates of the Caribbean and Black Sails I was simply drawn to this book based off of the premise alone. While [b:Blackhearts|21936937|Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)|Nicole Castroman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433468294s/21936937.jpg|41240779] doesn't tell the story of Blackbeard when he's a pirate it was still a very interesting and wonderful story about his life before piracy. I'm a sucker for history to begin with so regardless of the fact that we get very limited mentions of pirates I still loved this book. There were also a lot of small plot twists that surprised me within the novel that added to my enjoyment of reading this book. The only thing that bothered me was the ending for REASONS but I'm happy to know that there is a sequel coming out next year and I am patiently awaiting it's arrival to see what becomes of Anne and Teach !