cassie_books's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
binnybeenreading's review against another edition
tis just not the right time for me to read this.
readingbooksinsteadoftherapy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A fantastic story with pirates and lesbians. I loved every second of this adventure; it felt like you as the reader were a part of the crew and I sometimes felt like I was on the ship myself.
green_ghost's review against another edition
I might come back to this at a later date, I just don’t feel like reading it at the moment
_mox_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dianablanco's review
3.0
The story took a while for the adventure to begin, but once it did it took off. The story is about found family, sapphic romance and complicated relationships. Would be best for teen readers interested in historical fantasy.
kat__z8's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Great premise of a grand, thrilling adventure, riddles and hidden treasures and a diverse cast of characters, half of them queer.
Sadly, the execution fell short. The adventures didn't start until much later. The riddles that lead to the supposed hidden treasures were halfhearted nonsense, and the main character didn't even bother to decipher it until she arrives on the island, and somehow the local animals magically led her to figure it out. Too much deus-ex-machina, too many plot holes that make the story unbelievable.
This was marketed for YA, but I feel like the story and writing itself were sometimes more suitable for an even younger audience. As I've said, the plot wasn't sound enough to be convincing, and there were parts where the characters would preach about stuff that would surely get actual young adults roll their eyes. Basically, it was too preachy at times, for when we needed subtlety.
The twists were kinda nice, although I did guess one of them. And I liked the Vietnamese and Chinese representations, as well as the sapphic romance. While the setting excited me, it unfortunately did not feel immersive enough. Overall, a really disappointing read. I would say this book is more suitable for the middle-grade audience plot-wise.
Sadly, the execution fell short. The adventures didn't start until much later. The riddles that lead to the supposed hidden treasures were halfhearted nonsense, and the main character didn't even bother to decipher it until she arrives on the island, and somehow the local animals magically led her to figure it out. Too much deus-ex-machina, too many plot holes that make the story unbelievable.
This was marketed for YA, but I feel like the story and writing itself were sometimes more suitable for an even younger audience. As I've said, the plot wasn't sound enough to be convincing, and there were parts where the characters would preach about stuff that would surely get actual young adults roll their eyes. Basically, it was too preachy at times, for when we needed subtlety.
The twists were kinda nice, although I did guess one of them. And I liked the Vietnamese and Chinese representations, as well as the sapphic romance. While the setting excited me, it unfortunately did not feel immersive enough. Overall, a really disappointing read. I would say this book is more suitable for the middle-grade audience plot-wise.
hilja's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0