Vengeance of the Pirate Queen

October 1, 2023
An "assassin among pirates" embarks on a mysterious, thrilling recovery mission. In this stand-alone companion to the Daughter of the Pirate King duology, Queen Alosa asks 18-year-old dark-brown-skinned Sorinda to lead search efforts for a missing vessel in uncharted waters north of the Seventeen Isles. "I'm not who you send to save people," reflects the austere assassin to herself in hopes that the request will prove to be a playful ruse. Though the queen's invitation seems in conflict with her hitwoman duties, Sorinda accepts the risky endeavor and subsequently receives an accompanying crew peppered with familiar faces. Kearan--an excellent sailor tasked by the queen to assist Sorinda--is someone she would prefer to evade despite his desire to forge a reconnection. Once the expedition is underway, the voyage slowly grows into an adventurous rumpus, beginning with eerie disappearances and a gripping sea battle that forces Sorinda and her crew to prepare for whatever or whoever is lurking in the treacherous seas. Themes of vulnerability and self-possession dominate the story as the guarded protagonist--usually cloaked in secrecy--steadily reveals more of herself. Seemingly inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, Levenseller largely captures a similar blend of humor, fantasy, romance, and action. The defining difference here--a focus on women characters--is a fine attribute. An action-packed story expanding the world of women pirates. (chapter annotated by the author) (Adventure. 13-18)

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