Lintang and the Pirate Queen

September 23, 2019
In a vibrant world reminiscent of a fantastical maritime Southeast Asia, 12-year-old Lintang’s greatest wish is to trade her staid island life for adventure on the high seas. When pirate queen Captain Shafira chooses her to join her crew, Lintang’s joy seems complete, until she discovers her best friend, Bayani, hiding in the ship’s cargo hold. In addition to proving herself a worthy pirate, Lintang must now unravel a web of secrets that begins with Bayani and ends with the gods themselves. In her U.S. debut, Australian author Moss layers the tale’s world and mythology with a lurking specter of historical imperialism that permeates the characters’ lives. Excerpts from the “Mythie Guidebook,” a world-specific encyclopedia of monsters encountered by the characters, precede the chapters and add to the world’s complexity. In a cast of powerful and charmingly eccentric female characters, high-spirited Lintang distinguishes herself with a vulnerability and, often, immaturity that slowly gives way to burgeoning leadership. Women of color take center stage in this fast-paced adventure about friendship, loyalty, and defiantly fighting for one’s destiny. Ages 10–12.

Narrator Catherine Ho ably communicates the colorful characters that populate this boisterous tale of rowdy pirates, magical creatures, and swashbuckling adventure. Twelve-year-old Lintang yearns for a life on the high seas and is thrilled when offered a chance to set sail with the infamous pirate queen Shafira. Along with various magical beings called mythies and an all-female crew of daring buccaneers, Lintang is soon in the thick of high-spirited adventure and intrigue. Ho nimbly brings out the many personalities aboard the ship, excelling most notably in her clipped and gruff portrayal of Captain Shafira and her youthful reading of impulsive Lintang. Supporting characters are memorable, including the pixie, Pelita, who is both mischievous and poignant. A fun and engaging audiobook that the whole family will enjoy. S.A.H. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine