A review by ivi_reads_books
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton

adventurous challenging reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

The Light Pirate is a haunting and deeply unsettling look at a future shaped by climate disaster. Less of a sci-fi novel and more of a quiet, literary reflection, it follows Wanda, born during a hurricane in a crumbling Florida, as she grows up in an increasingly unrecognizable world. The book leans heavily into themes of survival, resilience, and adaptation, with characters who persist despite overwhelming loss. 

There’s little room for grief here—when disaster is constant, mourning is a luxury. Instead, the novel captures the stark reality of what it means to endure: preppers who understand science, makeshift communities forming in the ruins, and a future where survival depends on relentless pragmatism. Found family plays a crucial role, though hope remains scarce. The sci-fi elements are subtle, almost an afterthought, but the real horror lies in how plausible this future feels. 

Bleak, beautifully written, and thought-provoking—this is a book that lingers long after the final page. If you’re looking for a hopeful, uplifting take on climate fiction, this isn’t it. But if you want a novel that stares unflinchingly at what might be coming, The Light Pirate is a chilling, unforgettable read. 
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