Reviews

Mad Kestrel by Misty Massey

branch_c's review against another edition

4.0

This seagoing adventure feels both familiar and exotic at the same time, combining elements of historical fantasy with an otherworldly setting. You can lose yourself in the bustling harbor town of Eldraga, with its colorful inns and gritty back alleys, and there's plenty of swashbuckling action and a dash of pirate humor. But meanwhile, the looming presence of the unseen Danisoban mages adds an element of the supernatural even before we see how the subtle magic works its way into the story. The characters are particularly well-drawn, especially the aging Captain Binns, Kestrel herself, and the ragtag pirate crew. Their behavior is just what you'd expect from a bunch of nautical rogues, but the tale is full of unexpected turns as well.

All in all, a fantastic first effort from Misty Massey. It ended too soon, but I won't complain, since now the stage is set for Kestrel's further adventures. Should appeal to fans of [a:Scott Lynch|73149|Scott Lynch|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1332432746p2/73149.jpg]'s [b:The Lies of Locke Lamora|18415026|The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1)|Scott Lynch|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410776421s/18415026.jpg|2116675], as well as books like [b:On Stranger Tides|1552810|On Stranger Tides|Tim Powers|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1185115094s/1552810.jpg|17505] by [a:Tim Powers|8835|Tim Powers|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1373471978p2/8835.jpg] and [a:Michael Scott Rohan|165898|Michael Scott Rohan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1476267765p2/165898.jpg]'s [b:Chase the Morning|1213337|Chase the Morning (The Spiral, #1)|Michael Scott Rohan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1297312917s/1213337.jpg|1201748].

_bec_'s review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

wynwicket's review against another edition

Such a clever idea: pirates and magicians combined! However, the book suffered from everything being far too "neat"--The heroine was a feisty, magical, pirate gal, an excellent fighter who *everyone* adores. When her captain is captured, the whole crew rallies to her immediately, and... I just couldn't finish it. I prefer a more unpredictable story, with a little more bite.

flyingsails's review against another edition

2.0

I'm wavering between two and three stars on this. I guess it'll be two. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't a new favorite, either. And I'd like to know how Kestel's crew automatically learned how to fire the ship's guns; it took a lot of practice and choreography to fire them without injury and any kind of speed.

bkwrm127's review against another edition

2.0

Pirates, magic, romance, adventure...this book had all the right elements, but just couldn't do it for me. It took me forever to finish it.

coraniaid's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

sarahsstory's review

1.0

There were some great parts in this book and it did get good in the middle and around the end, but all in all, I don't really like this book as much as I wanted to. :(

gwentolios's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this. Magic, pirates, conspiracy, what's not to like? Kestrel's a great character, determined and loyal and tough as nails to gain the respect of her pirate crew. The world Massey built here is also really interesting, I'd love to explore it more.

rebeccaljohnson's review against another edition

Pirates! Magic! Magical pirates!

goint's review against another edition

1.0

Meh.

Pros–Some interesting ideas with the world, and politics with regard to magic.
Cons–No detail about any of it, and the amount of times I had to read the word, "wench" with my own two eyes.