A review by karlakayjenniges
Sailing by Orion's Star by Katie Crabb

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"The sea is haunted. He’s certain of that. It is too ancient, and too many people have breathed their last out here for it to be otherwise."

Set in the late 17th century, early 18th century, Sailing by Orion's Star, sets us on an epic journey along with pirates, sailors, slave traders, and their family and friends. 

A time when piracy and slavery was prominent, a time when many were forced to follow the legacies of thier heirs. Sailing the seas to deliver slaves to their new masters whether or not the captain and crew believed it was moral. Fighting for security during a time of upheaval and injustices. A time when a blind eye is turned against the brutality, cruelty, and the underbelly of government control. Hiding thier ugly secrets and justifying their actions, trying to survive and hold thier families together against the odds of inhumanity.

There is a light shining among the stars as there are those who sweep in and fight against the slave trade. Rescuing all they can and delivering them to freedom.Searching to bring families back together and hiding them from the cruel world they must fight to survive in. 

Children enamored by the stories of pirates and seeing the world through thier innocence. Fascinated by stories passed from generation to generation. Children wanting approval from their families, slowly learning over time that all is not what it seems, their childhood innocence is lost as the ugly truths are revealed. Fighting against the realities, they are now forging their own path, strengthening their friendship bonds all while going against their families beliefs and iniquities. Fighting for their position in the belief that they can help make the world a better place. 

The power of storytelling shines through the authors beautiful prose as there is powerful themes within. The golden, yet ugly age of piracy and slavery. Families grappling with the struggles of wanting to do what is right but forced to go against all things moral to survive in an ever changing world. Fit in or lose everything you have ever tried to fight for to build a lasting legacy. Loss and grief abound within the families as many are seperated, not only by the slave trade, but by the choices that are made and closing their eyes to the ugliness instead of fighting for what is moral and right. The strong bonds of friendships and the beauty that lies within those bonds throughout childhood. 

I enjoyed this beautiful, yet often times heartbreaking journey. A powerful story bringing to light a portion of history and shining among the stars is the bonds of found family and the choosing of love over hatred. 

Wonderful characterization and world building!

"Gemini shines bright above them through the dissipating rain, Castor and Pollux twinkling most of all, the pair of stars deriving their names from two brothers in Greek myth long considered the protectors of sailors."

Included themes: Piracy, slavery, racism, abuse, death, LGBTQ representation, grief, etc.