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winterpirate's review against another edition
2.0
Brace yourselves for some snark and pirate gifs.
What does a girl have to do to find a good pirate novel these days? If [b:Eden's Promise|2270009|Eden's Promise|Cassie Edwards|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347797628s/2270009.jpg|2276029] made me question my course, Blacksouls is the one that's taken the wind right out my sails. The disappointment is real.
Please note before reading on that this is a very subjective kind of review. Others might not have the same issues.
Oh boy.
Where to start?
So this is a fictional telling of how Edward Teach became the notorious Blackbeard. I think it's more a romance in disguise of being a history on Blackbeard.
Mary Sue and Gary Sue have been separated and after much pining they reconnect. And then Gary and Mary are separated and joined together once more, and once more, and maybe once more? I can't promise that last one happened though, I do admit to losing track.
My main complaint about the first book was that a book about pirates should probably take place at sea for at least a couple of pages. This one starts at sea! Hallefraekinglujah!
Alright so then the plot gets going. Back to land, that is.
Fuck me.
Liberties may be taken when writing about historical figures yada yada but man does this Edward Teach character have the morallest moral compass I've ever seen. It's a looooong stretch to think this man might become the Blackbeard. And yeah, Blackbeard was apparently not as evil as we used to think he was, but this character just has no grit. Not everything can/should be young-adultified to this level.
It's not just him though. Both Anne and Teach are the goodiest goody two shoes ever, and so are their friends. Everyone else is the most vile and morally corrupt [aristocratic, white, authority]figure ever. No shades of grey. And Anne is so smart she can tell upon first meeting them! And because she's so
At least there was less girl hate in this one?
And then there's this bit:
"You stole my ship."
"Borrowed it."
"I'll find you another ship I promise"
Hmm I've heard that dialogue exchange in some movie...
And the one thing this series had going for it is that it wasn't derivative of other pirate books/movies. Sigh.
There was just so much potential it makes we want to cry.
Positive things about the book:
It talks about slavery.
It features a bi-racial main character.
It is well researched enough for historical fiction.
It aimed to feature a strong female lead (and perhaps she'll get there in future books).
I do still commend the author for writing in this niche genre for YA. I think she wrote the book she wanted to write and that, at least, comes through strongly. I think this had all the potential, and for some I'm sure it hasn't disappointed. I think I'd still say go for it and try it for yourself if you have an interest in pirates and/or Blackbeard. The same things may not bother you. And to be fair, not knowing this guy is supposed to be based on Blackbeard might have made me like this more.
However, with the lack of compelling characters, lack of any pirates, heavy favouring of telling over showing, and quite frankly the most boring plot I've read all year, this is where me and this series break up.
rosann's review
3.0
Captain Blackbeard has made it to the Caribbean... definitely more pirate-y than book 1... but... I don't know....
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
3.0
Marginally better than the first and more fun on the seas once we leave high society behind. Hopeful that good things are happening with Anne's character development though, especially after spending time with Reva!
whatsarahread's review against another edition
5.0
Not gonna lie, I've been looking forward to this book for a LONG time. Ever since I read "Blackhearts" over a year ago and fell in love with Nicole Castroman's writing, I've been dying to read the sequel. You can read my review of Blackhearts here to see exactly how much I loved it and at the very end you'll also see how nervous I was that there wouldn't be a sequel. Thankfully, my worries were put to rest when I heard about "Blacksouls" and all I had to do was WAIT! So, was the wait worth it? Could I possibly love "Blacksouls" as much as I loved "Blackhearts"?
The answer is, YES! I loved "Blacksouls" as much as "Blackhearts"! In fact, I loved it even more! There was so much I loved about the book, but I think at the end of the day, the reason why I loved it so much was because it evoked such vivid imagery and emotion for me. As I was reading, I could picture each and every scene in my head. The characters were developed so fully, the world built so vividly and the plot progressed so naturally. "Blacksouls" is a book and series that I could totally see on the big screen and now it's all I want out of life.
There's more action and more adventure in this book, and it was so fun to take the story of Teach and Anne onto the open seas and to the unpredictable shores of the Caribbean. It's such a different backdrop from book one and that brought some drama and mystery to the story. Nassau is filled with some seriously shady characters and I never quite knew who to trust. Just when I thought I had one character figured out, everything got turned upside down and I was left speechless. I LOVED IT! There's nothing I love more than an epic plot twist, and "Blacksouls" had plenty of them.
Quick note, there are a bunch of new characters, but one in particular that I NEED to know more about. She's sarcastic, badass and totally mysterious...and I won't rest until I know everything there is to know about her.
So, I don't want to spoil too much of the book but I will say that there were plenty of Teach and Anne swoons to keep me happy! I loved to see them both develop separately but, not gonna lie, I LOVE these two together. Absolutely one of my newest "ships". Especially after seeing what they went through in this book. These two are put through some serious tests and my heart ached for them so much. Which, to me, is the perfect hallmark of a shippy couple. You love them together but you also love the feels you get from the obstacles thrown in their way. Or is that just me?
As I mentioned earlier, there is a ton of action and adventure in this book, especially in those last 100 or so pages. I got bookworm whiplash from all the twists and turns and I honestly had NO idea how it would end. There's definitely a cliffhanger in "Blacksouls" but I'm trying to remain clam on not let it destroy me. Oh, who am I kidding, that ending ruined me. I NEED to know what happens next. I will say, the ending is absolutely perfect. That last line brought such an evil smile to my face!
This review was originally posted on what sarah read...
The answer is, YES! I loved "Blacksouls" as much as "Blackhearts"! In fact, I loved it even more! There was so much I loved about the book, but I think at the end of the day, the reason why I loved it so much was because it evoked such vivid imagery and emotion for me. As I was reading, I could picture each and every scene in my head. The characters were developed so fully, the world built so vividly and the plot progressed so naturally. "Blacksouls" is a book and series that I could totally see on the big screen and now it's all I want out of life.
There's more action and more adventure in this book, and it was so fun to take the story of Teach and Anne onto the open seas and to the unpredictable shores of the Caribbean. It's such a different backdrop from book one and that brought some drama and mystery to the story. Nassau is filled with some seriously shady characters and I never quite knew who to trust. Just when I thought I had one character figured out, everything got turned upside down and I was left speechless. I LOVED IT! There's nothing I love more than an epic plot twist, and "Blacksouls" had plenty of them.
Quick note, there are a bunch of new characters, but one in particular that I NEED to know more about. She's sarcastic, badass and totally mysterious...and I won't rest until I know everything there is to know about her.
So, I don't want to spoil too much of the book but I will say that there were plenty of Teach and Anne swoons to keep me happy! I loved to see them both develop separately but, not gonna lie, I LOVE these two together. Absolutely one of my newest "ships". Especially after seeing what they went through in this book. These two are put through some serious tests and my heart ached for them so much. Which, to me, is the perfect hallmark of a shippy couple. You love them together but you also love the feels you get from the obstacles thrown in their way. Or is that just me?
As I mentioned earlier, there is a ton of action and adventure in this book, especially in those last 100 or so pages. I got bookworm whiplash from all the twists and turns and I honestly had NO idea how it would end. There's definitely a cliffhanger in "Blacksouls" but I'm trying to remain clam on not let it destroy me. Oh, who am I kidding, that ending ruined me. I NEED to know what happens next. I will say, the ending is absolutely perfect. That last line brought such an evil smile to my face!
FINAL THOUGHTS…
"Blacksouls" is an epic sequel that's even better than it's predecessor. Action, Adventure, swoons, pirates and badass ladies...my favorite!
This review was originally posted on what sarah read...
doomstel's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
sunseas's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sameaton23's review against another edition
Some of you may remember from last year that Blackhearts was one of my favorite reads of 2016. When it was announced there was going to be a sequel, I was really excited, especially since the book had ended on a cliffhanger that had me desperately wanting more.
More History. More Pirates!
In Blacksouls, we get to see what happened to our beloved main characters, Anne and Teach. Sometimes theres a fear of the dreaded sequel slump, but Blacksouls was a really strong sequel. I still loved the historical backdrop of the whole story, especially since Pirating in the Caribbean was a such a large part of naval history and gave birth to many pirate legends that we still know and recognize today. In Blacksouls, we’re introduced to a new setting, new characters, new villains, and new conspiracies. I especially loved that the pirates finally make an appearance. I got super giddy when I some some familiar names from history books I previously read.
More Action!
I felt like this sequel had a lot more action to it than Blackhearts. It may have been because of all the pirates, but nonetheless, I still appreciated the fast pace. It made the story a real page turner and I could not put it down. But don’t get me wrong- the story slowed down in the moments that mattered. Aka the moments with Teach and Anne.
More Anne!
Speaking of Anne, I really loved her character evolution. She’s come a long way since we first met her in Blackhearts. I didn’t think I could love her any more than I already do, but here I am. She was a strong character in the beginning, and she seems even stronger now.
Blacksouls is a sequel that did no disappoint. It was fast paced and I loved all the new settings and characters. I can’t wait for a third book!
*I received an ARC of Blacksouls from the publisher. This did not sway my opinion in any way.*
More History. More Pirates!
In Blacksouls, we get to see what happened to our beloved main characters, Anne and Teach. Sometimes theres a fear of the dreaded sequel slump, but Blacksouls was a really strong sequel. I still loved the historical backdrop of the whole story, especially since Pirating in the Caribbean was a such a large part of naval history and gave birth to many pirate legends that we still know and recognize today. In Blacksouls, we’re introduced to a new setting, new characters, new villains, and new conspiracies. I especially loved that the pirates finally make an appearance. I got super giddy when I some some familiar names from history books I previously read.
More Action!
I felt like this sequel had a lot more action to it than Blackhearts. It may have been because of all the pirates, but nonetheless, I still appreciated the fast pace. It made the story a real page turner and I could not put it down. But don’t get me wrong- the story slowed down in the moments that mattered. Aka the moments with Teach and Anne.
More Anne!
Speaking of Anne, I really loved her character evolution. She’s come a long way since we first met her in Blackhearts. I didn’t think I could love her any more than I already do, but here I am. She was a strong character in the beginning, and she seems even stronger now.
Blacksouls is a sequel that did no disappoint. It was fast paced and I loved all the new settings and characters. I can’t wait for a third book!
*I received an ARC of Blacksouls from the publisher. This did not sway my opinion in any way.*
claud_reads's review against another edition
4.0
im saddened by this, so upset, but so f*cking good omg