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Book Review: Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Synopsis
You can’t be afraid of the dark when you’re the monster lurking in the shadows.
As an assassin working for the pirate queen, eighteen-year-old Sorinda is surprised when Alosa’s next task is not to kill a new target but to captain a handpicked crew on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, her sailing master is twenty-year-old Kearan. He may be the best helmsman the pirate queen has, but Sorinda finds him a real pain in the arse. Sadly, there are few places on a ship to hide from an attentive man.
As the crew of the Vengeance faces dangerous waters and deadly sea creatures, they accidentally awaken the King of the Undersea, a being who can control the dead. Their rescue mission quickly turns into a fight to save the world, but first, Sorinda must save herself from becoming an undead queen.
Genres/Categories
YA Fantasy, Romance
Trigger warnings
Assassination, death, drowning, alcoholism, mutilation, blood/gore depiction.
Is Vengeance of the Pirate Queen Part of A Series?
Yes!
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen is the sequel to the first two books in the Daughter of the Pirate King Series.
It is not necessarily a spin-off, but a companion novel to the series, since it focuses on a different character (Sorinda Veshtas) than the previous two books.
Should you wish to avoid spoilers of the plot of the first two novels, Vengeance of the Pirate Queen can be read as a stand-alone book.
Nonetheless, if you’d like to read the earlier books, do so before starting Vengeance of the Pirate Queen.
My Thoughts on Vengeance of the Pirate Queen
Some people have a morning/night routine, or some have a study routine. Sorinda Veshtas has a killing routine.
I’m calling it: Sorinda is a Badass with a capital B.
After reading both Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen (aka first two novels in the Daughter of the Pirate King series), I became utterly obsessed with this feministic, fantastical, pirate world Tricia Levenseller had created.
I remember Sorinda being mentioned a few times alongside our sassy pirate princess Alosa and the notorious Riden.
While other members of Alosa’s crew were given backstories, there was always an air of intrigue surrounding Sorinda.
I’m so glad she was given her own swashbuckling narrative.
If anything, my assertion above about her tough demeanor is proved by the fact that chapter one begins with Sorinda wiping out an entire crew of male pirates (Oh they were so sexist), breaking her record for most kills.
Sorinda is a closed-off character which makes sense since she’s a pirate assassin (this is so much better than modern dual degrees—forget MD/Ph.D. I want to be a pirate assassin or a Siren/Pirate Queen) with a dark past.
But she hadn’t ever shared her tragic backstory with her closest mates. Maybe it’s because they tended to stay out of those waters—she is very formidable.
That’s why I admired Kearan. He knew how to get under her skin. He was subtle in his nosing around. And he made Sorinda react in a way that was unlike her—she felt comfortable with him, causing her to open up.
I also appreciated that Kearan wasn’t described as how love interests these days are. Tall, dark, handsome, perfect in every way—there’s only so much one can take.
Their love story wasn’t plagued by general romantasy traits. Of course, there was chemistry, but it was minimal.
What made me root for Kearan was his unwavering support and how he urged Sorinda to communicate, not only with him but also with other pirates.
As for the action, there was so much death (and its reversal) in Vengeance of the Pirate Queen that it made me nauseous (in a good way).
I did not expect the turn this took in terms of the mystery. There were moments, though, where the villain made me laugh (you’ll understand when you read it).
Apparently, he wasn’t acquainted with shirts. He is now one of my favorite villains from fantasy books.
The ending will make the title crystal clear for you, fellow bibliophiles.
If you’ve read the first two books, Alosa and Riden make a short, yet incredibly gratifying appearance in Vengeance of the Pirate Queen. Other lovable characters do too.
If you haven’t read the previous novels, read them now!
Check out my review of them here to learn more about the Daughter of the Pirate King series AND get several more amazing YA fantasy book recommendations.
Buy Daughter of the Pirate King
Buy Daughter of the Siren Queen
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen also made me ponder something: how do we forget ourselves after something we refrained from doing as very young children?
More so if this was witnessing someone taking their last breaths but not interfering to save oneself.
It’s paradoxical. Letting someone die in your place is cruel…but you were too young to do anything substantial. It leaves much to consider.
That our journey with these characters will not end soon comforts me. Yup, there are more swashbuckling pirate books coming.
I look forward to what Tricia Levenseller has in store for us when it comes to this iridescent world.
Until then, re-reads will do!
Favorite Quotes from Vengeance of the Pirate Queen
“Guilt is healthy when it makes us do better but don’t let it consume you.”
“We can’t change the fates of those who are gone. We can’t unmake decisions-our own, or others. All we can do is keep living, ourselves, and if you hate yourself, then live for others.”
Vengeance of the pirate queen in a nutshell
pros
Sisterhood, pirates, giant octopus-like sea creature, sirens, literal queens, undead armies!
Cons
Giant octopus-like sea creature (it’s slimy).
Recommended for
People who want a subversion of romantasy characters, a somewhat humorous villain, and compelling origin stories. And for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean movies—you will not be disappointed
Buy Vengeance of the Pirate Queen
