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mallorypen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The plot twists were nicely done, and the crew of the Ava-Lee felt more important and fleshed out. I appreciated the pacing of the story arc, and felt there was enough action throughout to keep me engaged.
The biggest “eh” moments for me were Riden’s character arc, and Alosa’s misunderstanding of her mother’s actions.
- Rides ran a little hot and cold in ways that didn’t feel all that understandable, and when
he revealed just how abusive his father had really been, the writing felt heavy on exposition versus letting his character show us. - As the reader, I was totally following Ava-Lee’s explanation for why she was leaving the ship. I was more perplexed with Alosa’s abrupt about-face in her perception of her mother.
That said, this was a fine romp of a YA adventure novel, and pleasantly better than the first book. Huzzah!
Moderate: Murder, Cannibalism, Child abuse, and Blood
chainsiren's review
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Abandonment, Cannibalism, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
belava's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Violence, Death, Blood, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Cannibalism and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Sexual harassment
amanda_mh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Torture, Violence, Death, Gore, Grief, Medical content, Cannibalism, Murder, War, Blood, and Confinement
redheadsuperpowers's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Confinement, Alcohol, Torture, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Blood, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Racism, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
izzymannellasbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
But the book picked up, and I honestly enjoyed it.
I am obsessed with the main character. Alosa is the definition of a bad@ss female who retains her femininity. It's clear in the first book as well -- she'll withhold confidential information through literal torture, but she breaks when he threatens to cut her hair. There were moments like that in this book, and the descriptions of her outfits were so well done also. I'm obsessed with her wardrobe (I wish it was socially acceptable to dress like a fashionable pirate in the 21st century).
The romance was a bit slow, but yes...it paid off. The characterizations and personalities of Alosa and Riden were so clear and well-written. I feel like I know them. It worked so well, even when it didn't.
Read if you like(d):
x Daughter of the Pirate King (it's worth it)
I'm looking forward for the third installment of the series because I *need* to see more of Alosa and her crew and where their journey takes them next.
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Torture, Death, and Blood
Minor: Sexual harassment
mlleelora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Abandonment, Blood, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Murder, Cannibalism, and Misogyny
Minor: Rape
phantomgecko's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
But no. Instead we get extensive inner monologue about how "confusing" and "infuriating" Riden's every action is. Love between them was established in the last book. Alosa acknowledges this mentally even though she doesn't want to think about it. But every time Riden does anything motivated by love, she's suddenly the dumbest person on the planet. Does anyone enjoy reading that over and over and over and over? Why do authors think they do?
Also, there's a lot of abuse from her side, verbal and physical. How many times did she have the though "I want to hit him" ? So yeah, Alosa was raised by a sociopath in a very abusive environment, and it's a miracle she has any morals at all, but like...idk, that already comes through with the gratuitous mentions of how much she loves killing people. Maybe leave it out of what is supposed to be a romantic relationship.
Along those lines, there's a lot of remorseless murder and violent intentions in general. (Again, abusive pirate upbringing and whatever). BUT...it really comes across as a poor attempt at "strong female character."
idk. The first book was fine, not my favorite, but that's just partially because cutesy YA novels aren't my jam anymore. The second book took the things I disliked most about the first and doubled down.
Moderate: Murder, Violence, Toxic relationship, Death, and Sexual content
clothildev's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Torture, Abandonment, Death of parent, Grief, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Cannibalism, Physical abuse, and Blood
Minor: Rape
emilydakota's review
4.0
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Sexual harassment, Torture, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content