Out of the Shadows

Echoes of past trauma haunt these complicated, intrepid characters who sail the high seas while also navigating assorted forms of treachery. Poignant emotion combined with humor and daring exploits make Sorinda's story a compelling read that entertains in multiple ways.

[cover art for a hardcover edition of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller: three-quarter profile image of a young Black woman with long braids while holding an unsheathed dagger]

Vengeance of the Pirate Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #3) by Tricia Levenseller

YA fantasy with romantic elements

Macmillan, 2023

It's rare for me to read YA fiction because it tripwires visceral memories of my own angsty young adult years, and while my gratitude toward all the merciful deities is immense in appreciation for my survival and eventual flourishing, revisiting that angst in any way doesn't appeal.

With that in mind, Sorinda's story satisfied in every way: character development, world building, emotional intimacy, internal and external conflicts, ethical quandaries, danger, and swashbuckling adventure.

This week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) along with 7 prior books;-)

[the bottoms of 7 trade paperback books to the left of 4 upright books with spines showing: If Not for My Baby, The Last Wizards Ball, The Story That Wouldn't Die, That's How They Get You; next to 3 trade paperback books stacked, from top to bottom: Ready to Score, Maid for Each Other, Rest in Pink]

Reading for pleasure has been a safe happy place for me since childhood when my dad would read to me using different voices for each character until I learned to read to him. (He'd still chime in with sound effects.)

My hope is that everyone has reading and other activities that offer peace, joyful memories and respite during these very challenging times.

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