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A review by natashaleighton_
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A swashbuckling, high seas, fantasy adventure full of ship bound sword-fights, scheming pirates and morally grey characters that you’re almost guaranteed to root for—Tricia Levenseller has quickly proven herself to be the master of action packed fantasies with heavy romance plots and, having loved this soo much, I cannot wait to get my hands on her entire backlist!
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
This was such an fun and enjoyable read! The tone is fairly lighthearted and our protagonist, Alosa was a sassy, sweet talking pirate whose charismatic, loveable rogue persona could definitely give Jack Sparrow a run for his money. She’s an incredibly resourceful character and manages handle any situation with panache and authority—be it from behind the bars of her enemies’ brig or fighting for her life—but her wicked sense of humour was what I loved most!
The only time we really see Alosa deviate from any of her (well thought out) plans is around the utterly charming Riden, and the chemistry that blossoms between them—as well as their cat and mouse game of wits—was thoroughly entertaining.
But Riden (as first mate and brother to rival captain, Draxen) is seemingly torn between his growing attraction to Alosa—who’s secrets he’s been tasked with uncovering—and his loyalty to his cruel brother. It’s an aspect that really adds depth to his character and something I’d love to see explored more in the sequel.
The action was well written and though incredibly fun, isn’t sugar coated in the slightest. We definitely explore some darker themes through Alosa, who’s more than willing to get her hands dirty. Through her, Levenseller expertly conveys the hardships and danger that that pirating entails—especially for women, and as such does contain TWs for violence, murder, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. That being said, it is still a YA fantasy so nothing is ever really too explicit.
Overall, this a fun, thoroughly thrilling high seas fantasy with spectacular twist and mythical aspects that’s perfect for fans of pirates, empowered female protagonists and enemies to lovers/only one bed tropes.
A massive thank you to The Tandem Collective and Pushkin press for the PB copy (and all the other PR goodies, which I loved.)
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
This was such an fun and enjoyable read! The tone is fairly lighthearted and our protagonist, Alosa was a sassy, sweet talking pirate whose charismatic, loveable rogue persona could definitely give Jack Sparrow a run for his money. She’s an incredibly resourceful character and manages handle any situation with panache and authority—be it from behind the bars of her enemies’ brig or fighting for her life—but her wicked sense of humour was what I loved most!
The only time we really see Alosa deviate from any of her (well thought out) plans is around the utterly charming Riden, and the chemistry that blossoms between them—as well as their cat and mouse game of wits—was thoroughly entertaining.
But Riden (as first mate and brother to rival captain, Draxen) is seemingly torn between his growing attraction to Alosa—who’s secrets he’s been tasked with uncovering—and his loyalty to his cruel brother. It’s an aspect that really adds depth to his character and something I’d love to see explored more in the sequel.
The action was well written and though incredibly fun, isn’t sugar coated in the slightest. We definitely explore some darker themes through Alosa, who’s more than willing to get her hands dirty. Through her, Levenseller expertly conveys the hardships and danger that that pirating entails—especially for women, and as such does contain TWs for violence, murder, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. That being said, it is still a YA fantasy so nothing is ever really too explicit.
Overall, this a fun, thoroughly thrilling high seas fantasy with spectacular twist and mythical aspects that’s perfect for fans of pirates, empowered female protagonists and enemies to lovers/only one bed tropes.
A massive thank you to The Tandem Collective and Pushkin press for the PB copy (and all the other PR goodies, which I loved.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Torture
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
Minor: Rape and Sexual harassment