Daughter of the Pirate King Series, Book 1

Starred review from December 12, 2016
Levenseller makes an impressive debut with this funny, fast-paced, and romance-dashed nautical fantasy, set in an alternate world of pirates, sirens, and myriad islands. Alosa, the 17-year-old daughter of an infamous pirate king, embarks on a dangerous undercover mission, allowing herself to be captured by a rival crew in order to retrieve part of a legendary treasure map. Alosa believes she has the situation under control thanks to years of training and experience, as well as certain special abilities, but she finds her match in the Night Farer’s first mate, Riden, who seems wise to her tricks. The resulting game of wits results in a burgeoning attraction, as Alosa tries to carry out her mission without giving away her secrets (“If I’m to keep up appearances, I’ll have to escape the ship. Then get caught on purpose. Oh, the ridiculous things one has to do when one is a pirate,” she laments). Resourceful and confident, Alosa swaggers through the pages with style and panache, and her supporting cast is just as delightful. This one’s not to be missed. Ages 13–up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, L. Perkins Agency.

While this debut audiobook for young adults is a smorgasbord of typical pirate themes, it manages to weave a story listeners will love. Narrator Marisa Calin smoothly manages the romantic adventure with a rhythm and cadence that keep listeners alert and involved. Alosa, who is half-human and half-siren, is a pirate princess. Little does she know when she arranges her kidnapping by a rival ship to search for a hidden treasure map that she'll fall hard for the ship's first mate. Alosa is an attractive and complex character, and Calin gives her a strong confident tone. Listeners will certainly want to hear more of her adventures, so it's good news that a second audiobook is planned. E.E.S. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine