Daughter of the Pirate King

I absolutely loved Tricia Levenseller's DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING. It's action packed, with plenty of adventure, a tough heroine, the best kind of romance, magic and so much more. This is one book that had me re-reading right after I had finished reading it for the first time. This is the book I've been waiting on. With plenty of wit, humor, sarcasm, and the right amount of sizzling character chemistry, I devoured this book in one sitting. The writing is awesome. It's the kind of writing that ensnares you, and leaves you wanting more. I absolutely loved all this story gave me. From the characters, to the high seas, to the dangers, and romance. It's a layered story that's pealed back little at a time, giving you enough to keep you reading. It wouldn't be a pirate story without fight scenes, romance, and a few twists. I love that there was the right amount of humor, which off sets a lot of the gore. Oh those twists are so good too. I didn't see two of those coming. I love the element of surprise Levenseller adds to the story when it comes to a certain revelation. Keeping it spoiler free.... I love a snarky character, and Alsoa has the mouth of a pirate (without the swearing), and the pose of a Princess. It's the perfect combination. What I loved the most about her, is she doesn't make excuses or apologize for who she is. She is the Pirate King's daughter, but she's her own person. She's someone who can take care of herself, but knows when to ask for help. She's intelligent, witty, sarcastic and is someone who takes her of her own, as well herself. I loved watching her in action, as well as getting to know her. Her has this fierce inner as well as outer strength, and unshakable courage, that I loved. She keeps her head in the game no matter what is going on. He is her perfect counterpart is Riden. I need more of Alosa and Riden! Their romance is my favorite kind. I love the banter between these two. They have this on going battle of wits and wills. It's so well written. While on the surface it may seem like they're trying to outsmart the other, there's really much more going on. They definitely have a character chemistry that sizzles. It's that 'much more going' I loved watching unfold as the story goes along. These two are the perfect match. There's so much more than meets the eye with each of them. It's so much fun watching these two try to best the other. I like that they don't dish out what they can't handle. Boy do they know how to ruffle each other's feathers, as well as how to leave each other breathless. Character wise, I really enjoyed the variety of characters in this story. There's the ones you love, ones you enjoy getting to know, and the ones you utterly despise. It's like the best of the best, and the worst of the worst of the pirating world. It's interesting to see how they all mesh together. The hierarchy on the pirate ships is fascinating. I enjoyed getting to see how it all works. I really enjoyed that the majority of this setting is on the pirate ships. The ships are described in great detail, making it incredibly easy to visualize. This book was awesome! It's my kind of book. It has the perfect combination of romance, unforgettable characters, and of course plenty of action and danger on the high seas. This is a book that will be sitting on my favorites shelf. If this is Levenseller's debut, I can't wait to read her sequel. This book will be out tomorrow, and I highly recommend picking it up. It will definitely be among my favorite reads of 2017.

Daughter of the Pirate King was a book I knew I had to read. I love anything pirates and bonus, female pirate protagonist, yep a must read. My reason for being unsure was whether or not I was going to like this story due to the age of Alosa. I wasn’t sure how believable her character at seventeen was going to come across as a pirate captain. Turns out I had nothing to worry about and it was lovely! In this world, there are three ancient pirate lines and once a long time ago they had a map that showed the way to the legendary Isla de Canta. This is an island heaped with unimaginable treasure that is guarded by magical creatures. The map was once whole but then it was separated into three pieces and given to each one of the three ancient pirates. The pieces had been handed down from father to son for many generations. It is the piece that is held by the Jeskor line that Alosa is currently searching for. What I loved: Alosa as a female pirate captain was enjoyable. She is sassy, intelligent, and ruthless when it was required. Her character kept me entertained from start to finish. I enjoyed knowing that there was more to the story than she was displaying to the crew. It kept me on my toes wondering what she was going to pull next. I enjoyed the plot of her being on a secret mission and allowing herself to be caught by the crew of the Night Farer in order to obtain an ancient map. It promises for more adventure and who does not like an adventure novel where there is a search for treasure! The crew of the Night Farer were written as mostly scoundrels and there were a couple of characters that were downright terrible. The reputation of the Pirate King: “I’ve heard rumors of Kalligan’s dangerous deeds. He’s said to be able to take on twenty men at once in battle. He’s traveled every inch of the sea, fought off all manner of sea demons, including a shark, which he fought underwater with his bare hands. He makes deals with the devil and encourages evil in others.” Perfect reputation for a man capable of being King of the Pirates. My favorite part of that selection was the fighting of the shark underwater with his bare hands, hilarious! The plot twist. I did not see it coming but once it did, it made perfect sense! It gave this story greater depth and added a fantasy and comedy element to the story that I just loved. I cannot wait to see how that element is explored in the next book. Two thumbs up! What I wanted more of: Alosa was taken prisoner for ransom. She was rarely put in any situations where she was tested either physically or mentally. I would have liked to have more dire situations and less talking situations where she boasts to herself that she is better than they know. The Ava-lee is captained by Alosa and it boasts an all-female pirate crew. I definitely wished we could have enjoyed more of that. There are a couple of scenes where her crew is introduced and I know that they are going to be in the next book but I wanted to learn more in this one. Well, it gives me something to look forward to. What I wish had been different: I found that I truly like Alosa’s character but I did not like the aspect of her constant comparison of herself and others. She was always talking about how she was holding herself back, how she was better than the others. I could have done with less of that. I wish it would have been part of the character building and then a lot more show than tell. More fight scenes would have been just fabulous! There is a romance that builds in this story between Alosa and a character named Riden. He is the first mate on the Night Farer and brother to the captain of that ship. It is an insta-love and I felt it was meh. He is cast as conflicted about his role but also as a manipulative interrogator. It was done in order to keep you on the fence about his actions but I didn’t like it. He was not convincing one way or the other. I did really start to enjoy his character by the end of the book so maybe he will continue to develop and grow a pair. As a love interest, he was not terribly swoon worthy. Had his moments but nothing that will make you swoon. Final Thoughts: Fantastic debut book from author Tricia Levenseller!! This is a series I am absolutely going to continue with. I borrowed this book from the local library because I was not sure if I was going to want to own it but now I need this book to add to my collection! It was a great read and I highly recommend!

Sirens are gifted with magical abilities to seduce and tempt men to do their bidding. Like Sirens, this book tempts the reader with rich adventure, danger and strong willed characters. I was hooked the moment I read the first page. (get it, hooked…like a fish…because they’re pirates….on a ship…. no? I’ll see myself out…). This story follows Alosa, the fearless, dangerous, yet tenderhearted daughter of the Pirate King who rules the sea and all who dare to sail. With a spirit as fiery as her red hair, Alosa finds herself captured aboard a ship set to undermine her father. Throughout her capture, Alosa proves time and time again she is a force to be reckoned with; a powerful leader who cannot be caged. (Literally, she escapes her cell so. many. times.). The pirates who capture Alosa aren’t the only ones who have buried secrets and motives. Alosa has a mission of her own and discovers treachery, betrayal, friendship and loyalty she never expected along the way. I have learned recently that I have grown to really love stories centered on water and mysteries of the deep. This story is amazing because it takes the dirty, brazen and brutal life of pirates and combines it with the mysterious and mystical aspect of sirens and magical powers. Though most of the story takes place on a ship, the reader is still whisked away into this nautical world of sword fights, honor and treachery at every turn! Critically speaking, there are times where I think the story could have benefited from more detail, more dialogue and more time spent with characters. The book felt like it could have been a story readers became completely immersed in, but because it was fast paced and moved from moment to moment, readers were whisked along with it. The pacing isn’t bad, and it doesn’t take away from the story, I just think it had the potential to be much more than the great story it is. Sarah J. Maas has a way of providing so much detail, story, plot and interaction that her readers literally fall into the worlds she create. This story, though amazing, allows readers to fall in love but not become carried away into the world that’s created. Tricia Levenseller’s strength is her characterization. Though the plot in this story is enticing, it wouldn’t be nearly as enticing without the strong characters she creates and uses to drive the plot. She brings humanity and sympathy to characters who are ruthless and feared by introducing other characters points of view to challenge the readers initial opinions of characters. Riden’s character serves as not only a way to challenge and support Alosa, but to enhance her softer side and show her true compassionate nature. Riden’s love and loyalty to his cruel and wicked brother leads readers to question the unknown of the past, question their hatred towards him, and fall more in love with Riden along the way. What I love most about this book is that the female lead is such an amazingly strong character, but she has such a realness to her. She is capable of both slicing a mans throat, and flushing at his touch. Alosa needs no one, yet is loyal and appreciative of those who help her. The author does an excellent job of making her someone you fear yet completely trust. Getting to read the story from Alosa’s perspective is wonderful because you’re able to see past the confident and fearless wall that Alosa has built at the mercy of her father. You are given a window into her tender heart, her frustrations, her sadness and her unyielding loyalty to her crew. The depth of her character is what drives the plot in it’s less-exciting moments to get readers to the climactic changes that hook themselves into the readers and reel them along to the very end, desperately needing more story. If you haven’t read this book, I HIGHLY recommend that you do! It’s a quick read and one that will not disappoint. I cannot wait for the sequel, Daughter of the Siren Queen, to release in a few months!

This was a fun YA pirate fantasy romance (with only a few kissing parts 😂😚). Alosa, the pirate princess, is quite the swashbuckling hero who lies to herself as much as anyone else! Overall I gave it 🌟🌟🌟. It was fun with enjoyable characters in an interestingworld. I plan to continue reading the series, but it's not going to live in my brain long. Absolutely perfect for after a heavier emotional read.

“I am me because I choose to be me. I am what I want. Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want.” I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I can't explain just how much I enjoyed listening to every bit of this story. I decided that this one had been sitting on my shelf for far too long and when I had a few extra audible credits lying around just waiting to be used, Daughter of the Pirate King started calling to me! I bought it on a whim and started listening to it that night only to end up staying up into the wee hours of the morning and half way finished the book! I was hooked, lol (pun intented, a little pirate joke for you there). “Lass, you've the face of an angel but the tongue of a snake.” From the very first page you are plunged into the action of the pirate life. Alosa is a fierce character that not only has been raised by her father the pirate king, but she has many other abilities as well, including that of deception. When she is taken for ransom by another pirate ship, they are none the wiser that she had planned her capture in order to find a missing piece of map on her fathers orders. From here things only get more interesting. I love love love Alosa's character. She is snarky and witty and hilarious. I felt like she was so strong, and no matter what they put her through she took it all with little complaint and more resolve than any character I have ever read about. She had a plan and a way out of all situations, and was always a step or two ahead of her captors. There were many parts of the book where I found myself laughing loudly at the stunts she pulled. She was perfect for the role she was thrust into and played her captors like a fiddle. And although she was the only female on board, she did not let them get the better of her. She could fend for herself perfectly, and refused to be treated any less than she could handle. “I'm a pirate," I remind him. "Yes. I just can't figure out if you're a good pirate or a really good pirate.” Riden was another great character, he certainly did not know what he had gotten himself into being the one to watch over Alosa. She gave him more than he could handle on many occasions and their banter was some of the best dialogue I've ever read. There was no sappy love at first sight, neither of them falling for the tricks of the other, but still there was a connection that they could not ignore. Riden carved a spot in Alosa's heart in small ways little by little, while Alosa got under Riden's skin at every opportunity available. Together they seemed as though they might tear each other apart, but when push comes to shove, they began to realize that they might have different unexpected feelings that they would have never thought possible. “Everyone has something dark in their past. I suppose it's our job to overcome it. And if we can’t overcome it, then all we can do is make the most of it.” The pirate life is one I have always enjoyed reading about and this book was just as I had hoped. There was the swashbuckling, the sword fighting, the thieving, the plotting, and so much more. I loved the characters and the setting. Even the touch of pirate superstition and magic with a little love story thrown in there as well. All together this made one delicious story that I couldn't put down. I already have the second book waiting for me to begin. Alosa, here I come!

This is the first YA book in a long time that I can say I really enjoyed. It did take some time to get going. However, once it got going, I was hooked. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books. Alosa is no damsel in distress which is one thing I loved. She’s witty, smart, foul tempered, and can take on any man. Also, the love story brewing is quite awesome, but it’s for the slow burn lovers (which I love!). It’s enemies to lovers. If you like the vibe of “I hate you” “I hate you more” then they kiss, this is for you. There is some humor thrown into the story as well. I’m quite enjoying the story. The plot with pirates is a lot of fun, and I’m excited to see what happens next. 🌶️ Spice: no spice. There is what I’d consider steam. There are some intense kissing scenes but never anything under the collarbone. Some clothes being shed, but not for sexy reasons. There are some hints to what pirate men do with women, but nothing detailed.

There are too many reviews for mine to be noticed but lemme just say why I loved this duology: Primarily it was the FEMALE MC: She is17 but like 17 going on 27. She is confidant and mature. She is morally grey (she’s an actual thriving murdering pirate after all) but has a moral code…. She is no prude when it comes to sex but she is in charge. She takes pleasure in looking good (as opposed to every other, why a female character, who doesn’t know how pretty she is, and never cared about fashion or make up, something ONLY shallow women care about). Despite being stubborn, she learns from her mistakes. She actually behaves like someone who has experienced both mental and physical abuse from a parent. She justifies it to the point of being grateful for what her father “did” for her. Not only is that shown in the text, but even the nuances of her personality, certain traits that some readers may have found, irritating, reflect the mental abuse. The slow burn will they won’t they enemies to lovers was done to perfection. It was a blast to read. It was funny the banter was great, the chemistry was amazing. The Male MC was adorable but never stole the show. The side characters were all interesting. To me the only thing this YA book had in common with most of the YA books I have read was the ages of the characters (although they all behaved older than their years which actually makes sense if they are freaking 18 year old freaking pirates!) And that there wasn’t any gratuitous sex descriptions, or F bombs. But otherwise, this book read like adult fiction: mature romance, murder, loss of lives ones, freaking cannibalism, torture, mental and physical abuse, child abuse, found family, lol humor, alcohol addiction. This duology had everything and it and it has become one of my favorites. Now please write another duology just like this one only make it Adult because who doesn’t like a little gratuitous sex and swearing Tricia?!! ;)

YA'LL...THIS BOOK. I CAN'T. I'll be honest, I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I had a feeling that I would like it and it would be a fun ride, but it was so much more! Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller follows Captain Alosa Kalligan who is sent out on a mission by her father to be purposely kidnapped by the pirate crew, led by the cunning and ruthless Draxen, to recover a legendary hidden map leading to a magical island full of happiness and treasure. If you are looking for a fantasy that is entertaining and action-packed -- Daughter of the Pirate King is for you. Besides having an amazing main character, my favorite part of the book is the witty and sarcastically hilarious dialogue between the cast of characters, especially between Alosa and Riden, first mate and brother of Draxen. I'm a sucker for hate-to-love tropes and this one hits the nail on the head with it. The chemistry is perfect but the tension...oh my. I'm not sure how much I can describe how ridiculously awesome Alosa as a main character besides saying that I simply want to BE her. I love reading about feisty, in-charge women and Alosa was everything I could have asked for and more when it comes to empowering females. She is confident and smart and FIERCE. Ya'll think Celaena is the master of assassinating? Psh, she wouldn't stand a chance against Alosa were they to fight. DON'T @ ME. Also, the whole description of her being a female Jack Sparrow is completely false. SHE'S BETTER. Besides the fact that I'm obviously obsessed with the characters of the novel, can we talk about the writing for a second? Levenseller is so fluid with the dialogue but also the flow of the story was just so smooth. She is so sneaky when it comes to revealing plot twists. She tells you plain as day while you're reading but when it comes to the reveal, you act like a complete fool for not seeing it before. I don't know about you but I personally love that about novels. I love it when the author is constantly keeping me on my toes because it always make me want to come back for more. I could honestly keep going on and on about how in love I am with this book, but you need to find out for yourself. If it wasn't obvious before, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves fast-paced, quick wit, packed with feisty and cute pirates, then PICK THIS UP. 5 stars I mean..who didn't see that coming?