There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.
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 book was everything I have ever wished for, and more. Truly. You guys know – mermaids and pirates of any kind will always get me to read a book. Maybe this is because of my Peter Pan obsession? Regardless of its origins, this love of mine is very real and true. However, I am selective in what makes a good pirate story. So, don’t take it lightly when I say that Daughter of the Pirate King is my favorite one I’ve read thus far.
To begin, just. Ah, it was lovely. But, specifically, the balance between class and pirate was marvelous in this novel. There are many stories that I have read in which there are people struggling with the dark side of being a pirate – trying to find a way to be a pirate whilst remaining pure. I have also read the opposite, where the characters are full out blood thirsty pirates, no sign of regret anywhere. However, this lovely little book struck the perfect balance.
For the sake of this review, I will focus on Alosa. Alosa was raised a pirate. Although she knows that they are/could be pukes, she also knew it was just a part of their lifestyle. Nonetheless, when someone would cross a line, she wouldn’t have a problem calling them out on it (frequently by killing them, but that is besides the point). Alosa was both a pirate, and a lady. She didn’t want to kill anyone, but she knew that in certain cases in her pirate career it was necessary. She didn’t like the grimy men or their clothing, but she also recognized that it was all a part of her chosen (or I suppose, forced) lifestyle.
In short, the focus of this story was not the typical moral troubles, or lack therefore of, that one sees in pirate stories. It was the story of a pirate, not a commentary on their lifestyle, if that makes sense. This is not typically what one sees in pirate fiction, so it was very refreshing.
Next, the characters were lovely! REALLY. While we had insight into Alosa from the beginning, she was hiding just as many secrets from her reader as she was her captors. This way of story telling, holding plot essential secrets from the reader, really makes the story thrilling. It allows the reader to make discoveries along with the characters. This dynamic is seen not only in Alosa, but throughout the story.
Overall, I adored Daughter of the Pirate King. There is some suggestive content, though nothing explicit. Alosa deals with some real dirt of pirates on her journey, so there are a few scenes where people are after her time of alterior motives. It did not deter me from the story, but if you have younger readers, just be aware.
I highly recommend Daughter of the Pirate King if you enjoy a good adventure.
4.5 out of 5!
Maddie
