Reviews

The Voyages of Cinrak the Dapper by A.J. Fitzwater

psyckers's review

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4.0

A fantastic collection of stories involving colorful characters on their voyages across the oceans.

theresahalvorsen's review

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4.0

This was an interesting fantasy book that at societal issues from a different viewpoint. I loved the world building, but it did take some time to slide into the world. Completely worth the read to see how these characters grew and developed and the adventures they went on. Highly recommend if you're into fantasy, pirates, glass whales, stars and krakens.

jessicafee86's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

katjacatbeans's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A series of lighthearted vignettes about everyone's favorite polyamorous lesbian pirate captain who happens to be a capybara, The Voyages of Cinrak the Dapper is a charming adventure into a world of wondrous creatures and magic large & small. I love the expanding cast of characters, as the book goes along. I'm grateful the author wanted to write more queer joy into the world, because this book is full of it. There are a lot of themes of belonging & found family.

bsmorris's review

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5.0

Absolutely delightful! I love the characters’ search for adventure and for acceptance. I love the mind-bending world-building and I love the diversity of personalities and species.

mallard_duck's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

emily_mh's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This book was a delight! Fitzwater is a master of breathtaking, whimsical world-building. It had everything from glass whales and mountains that grow beards, to catching and racing stars and secret societies. It definitely had a Studio Ghibli atmosphere.

The piratey vibes were immaculate. The way Cinrak speaks is superb and the voyages she goes on are rich in adventure and daring. I loved how the pirates in this world had formed a Union, turning away from their pillaging ways to become protectors of fair trade.

The short story format was effective, turning the book into a gorgeous slice-of-life tale. The reader gets to see glimpses of Cinrak’s life across the years in stories that are satisfyingly interconnected, yet properly resolved each time. My particular favourite was Cetaceous Secrets of the Jewelled Nadir because of how imaginative it was.

I do wish I had felt more connected to Cinrak as the MC. I loved her salty seadog energy, but I thought her personality was often overshadowed by the wonder of her stories.

I would be keen to hear from an own-voices indigenous reviewer on their opinion of the fairies and the way they were represented.

Rep: poly lesbian MC
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clara_ward's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

0ri's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

This novella is told through short stories about a lesbian capybara pirate - that right there is pretty intriguing. The stories follow C8nrak from a young orphan to captain of a pirate ship,and friend to a kraken

monkeyreader's review against another edition

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5.0

Take paws and buckle your swash, for this was a rollercoaster of a pirate adventure. A positively fun read!