Reviews

I had a few false starts with this book and considered DNFing it, but once the POV shifted to adult Louise I began to enjoy her and Gilles' story. It was interesting to see their relationship grow and develop while knowing their "secrets". It was especially fun to have a ship Captained by a woman, when women were barely allowed on ships. It did feel a little long at times, and then the ending was a bit rushed. I should also note that I was not aware this was part of a series when I picked it up and chose to read it as a standalone novel.

kduhy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This story is about a young women in 16th century Holland who achieves her wish to be a sea captain. I have read the two previous books in the Burning Chamber series and once again Mosse delivers a fabulous well researched historical novel with twists and turns.
themes; powerful women, pushing the rules, religion, the Inquisition, female love, ships life, politics, pirates and slavers.

mordshunger's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

You want to read about the Huguenots in the 1610s? You want to read about queer love and the sea? There ya go.

A set of lovable, breathing characters that are REFRESHINGLY direct and spare the reader a lot of tropey scenes.

The most tender and fully accepting coming out scene. It could not have been any better. & "Alice has been the great love of my life" Hello?? Where can we get an army of these people? This is supportive family indulgence. My heart!!!!

Mosse has an incredible talent of avoiding predictable story beats. If you read a lot, you know and expect (and maybe dread) the known patterns.

1. I have a terrible secret and can trust noone!
2. I find someone I like and trust but I could never tell them, they will judge me!
3. Oh no I have to lie in this situation! I feel terrible.
4. Repeat step 3 n-times.
5. It all blows up in an avoidable conflict.

Mosse stops at step 2. Bless her soul. This is a pattern that repeats throughout.