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sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
4.0
2021 reread: As good as I remembered! Think Hornblower but with a fire-wielding female lead, and a lovely slow-burn romance.
indiefleur's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ravengrimsbane's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audio, and the last 30 minutes or so was excessively mushy, but aside from that not a bad book. The magic system intrigues me, and I’d like to learn more about the different types of magic users. There were times I thought the narrative too bogged down in details and not enough action, and the central couple, particularly Elinor, were annoying in their lack of awareness of what was between them.
callmeren's review against another edition
5.0
The next time someone asks me what kind of slow burn romance I like, I'm just going to point to this one because it has the SLOWEST BURN EVER AND IT'S GREAT. I didn't even feel kilig until the last few chapters but the friendship was developed so well and so naturally I loved it. And the main plot held up and kept my attention, so I didn't even notice how far in I was until she started noticing fuzzy feelings. Amazing. Best slow burn I've read so far!
doritobabe's review against another edition
4.0
Elinor lives in an alternate reality where all humans are able to manifest some kind of power. Abilities like shape-shifting, telekinesis, wielding the elements, apparating, etc. Our protagonist is a late bloomer with her power, however, and is bestowed with one of the most controversial, rare gifts: that of wielding fire. Her father, wanting to use this to his benefit, attempts to force her into a marriage of convenience. Instead of this, Elinor decides to JOIN THE NAVY. Here she helps use her power as a weapon against Pirates in the Caribbean (no relation to the movie).
I would definitely consider reading the second one as that character is alluded to briefly in the later parts of this book.
I would definitely consider reading the second one as that character is alluded to briefly in the later parts of this book.
lostinagoodbook's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an un-biased review.
Love that cover! I must admit that in this case I did judge by it's cover and when presented with a list of new ARC's to choose from this was first on my list. I was not disappointed.
A young woman suddenly manifests frightening new powers. Instead of staying under her fathers thumb and being forced into a loveless marriage, she suddenly she has choices and agency. She acts on it and starts a new life in the Royal Navy. Ok ... so maybe she did kind of swing a little far to the opposite extreme in her search for autonomy, but there definitely weren't many choices for a single young woman in those days. At least the military provides a way out for her.
Elinor is magically gifted but she adjusts to these new powers in a realistic fashion that I appreciated. She wasn't automatically a powerhouse. She is a young lady of modest demeanor and battle is certainly not in her wheelhouse. She has no knowledge of her abilities, her limits or even how to use them. Thankfully, she ends up assigned to ship with a Captain who is forward thinking enough to create a suitable environment in which she can learn more about these new skills. Of course, things won't stay that way forever. England is at war, and she has made herself a weapon at her country's disposal.
This is a great start to a new series. It's Pride & Prejudice meets Darkest Minds meets Horatio Hornblower and I love it! Plus ... oh Captain, my Captain! Captain Ramsay is delicious and he makes this book officially ship-worthy. (see what I did there?) Pick this one up if you like historical fantasy, or magical romance. It's a keeper!
Love that cover! I must admit that in this case I did judge by it's cover and when presented with a list of new ARC's to choose from this was first on my list. I was not disappointed.
A young woman suddenly manifests frightening new powers. Instead of staying under her fathers thumb and being forced into a loveless marriage, she suddenly she has choices and agency. She acts on it and starts a new life in the Royal Navy. Ok ... so maybe she did kind of swing a little far to the opposite extreme in her search for autonomy, but there definitely weren't many choices for a single young woman in those days. At least the military provides a way out for her.
Elinor is magically gifted but she adjusts to these new powers in a realistic fashion that I appreciated. She wasn't automatically a powerhouse. She is a young lady of modest demeanor and battle is certainly not in her wheelhouse. She has no knowledge of her abilities, her limits or even how to use them. Thankfully, she ends up assigned to ship with a Captain who is forward thinking enough to create a suitable environment in which she can learn more about these new skills. Of course, things won't stay that way forever. England is at war, and she has made herself a weapon at her country's disposal.
This is a great start to a new series. It's Pride & Prejudice meets Darkest Minds meets Horatio Hornblower and I love it! Plus ... oh Captain, my Captain! Captain Ramsay is delicious and he makes this book officially ship-worthy. (see what I did there?) Pick this one up if you like historical fantasy, or magical romance. It's a keeper!
tufriel's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tessisreading2's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Really nice fantasy romance set in an alt-regency world with magic, balancing Patrick O'Brien-style naval fiction with Jane Austen-style romance and a touch of fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Minor: Sexual harassment
livarleth's review against another edition
4.0
This was exactly what I wanted to read. I Don't really know what else to write other than that. A good low fantasy historical romance. Perfect book for destressing after an exam.
sylwniw's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really enjoyed this book. Was sad to see the end. From reading the next book in the series and not continuing the story of the first I was deeply disappointed. Although the first book had a nice ending but I don't think I will continue with the series.