iffer's review against another edition
4.0
A fun and welcome entry to the middle grade fantasy genre. Though this is very much a first in a series, I look forward to reading the rest of the volumes. I think that this series would be a hit for kids who are fans of Brandon Mull's Fablehaven books and/or Rick Riordan's series.
As others have likely mentioned, this book nonchalantly includes not only a female character whose love interest is another female character, but also a trans character. However, it was refreshing for me to read a work in which these weren't The Topic, because I like the fact that literature, including children's literature is broadening, if only a little bit, to reflect reality, which includes queer people living their lives! In addition, the characters are unabashedly people of different skin colors and cultures, since the setting is an archipelago reminiscent of the Caribbean.
That said, this book has merit beyond the fact that it's a #diversebooks and #ownvoices children's novel. It's fun, and one of its central themes is family, not just the family that you're born with, but the family that you choose for yourself (reminiscent of the same ideas in the pirate manga One Piece). One of the main draws of this series (other than descriptions of food that make me hungry) is the fact that there's some definite family emotional baggage, and I would really like to find out what happens. How does the main character Azria forgive her mother for leaving her for five years? Is Azria ever going to see the grandmother who raised her again? Are the mages and governmental leaders of Miz super shady?
As others have likely mentioned, this book nonchalantly includes not only a female character whose love interest is another female character, but also a trans character. However, it was refreshing for me to read a work in which these weren't The Topic, because I like the fact that literature, including children's literature is broadening, if only a little bit, to reflect reality, which includes queer people living their lives! In addition, the characters are unabashedly people of different skin colors and cultures, since the setting is an archipelago reminiscent of the Caribbean.
That said, this book has merit beyond the fact that it's a #diversebooks and #ownvoices children's novel. It's fun, and one of its central themes is family, not just the family that you're born with, but the family that you choose for yourself (reminiscent of the same ideas in the pirate manga One Piece). One of the main draws of this series (other than descriptions of food that make me hungry) is the fact that there's some definite family emotional baggage, and I would really like to find out what happens. How does the main character Azria forgive her mother for leaving her for five years? Is Azria ever going to see the grandmother who raised her again? Are the mages and governmental leaders of Miz super shady?
steggellettea94's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️. A fun book reminiscent of Disney’s Treasure Planet and Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Fun characters and an interesting premise. My only downsides are 1) not enough time spent with the crew to develop emotions and a connection with them, and 2) no map. I’d love a map to be able to see this world; hopefully there will be one in the next volume.
bookbrig's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
This reminded me of Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series, with mages, a well realized fantasy world, and adventure. I liked Azria quite a bit, and would probably recommend this to fans of both Circle of Magic and Celia Rees' Pirates!.
wordwoonders's review against another edition
4.0
* I received an e-Arc of this book in exchange of an honest review*
Full detailed review on my blog: Word Wonders
For starters, the writing is gorgeous, I don’t know how to describe it other than I felt the magic seeping through it, really! It had this mystical resounding to it that I just couldn’t help but love. One thing though that was really disconcerting to me, is that it read like a Middle-grade. I don’t know if it is just me or other people have noticed, but that really is how I felt about it and I really got confused at time because I kept forgetting that it is a YA and I had to constantly stop and think about it for a second and THEN remind myself. Get your shit together, BRAIN!
I think this is the first story about pirates -that I can think of- I ever read. One thing that comes to mind when I think about that is: Why haven’t I? Pirates are totally awesome (In this book at least), add to that magic, a treasure hunt and a very diverse set of characters and I wonder where this book has been all my life. Let’s dive into more details, shall we?
I started off really confused by this book, a bunch of words and places etc… were introduced at the same time, without any explanation whatsoever that it felt like I started a book/series from its middle and it really annoyed me for the first chunk of the book, but then as I kept on reading all of these things started clearing themselves as the plot unfolded especially the Triumvirate that had me going mad, until it was explained and I realized why it couldn’t have been done earlier. Speaking about that, some connections between plot points and characters were made that I didn’t see coming which was really pleasant because who doesn’t love to be surprised by books? I wouldn’t call them plot twists but they come very close to that.
The magic system was really unique, in a sense where the author made it a personal thing, every mage perceives magic in a different way and that was really cool to read, for example Azria (the main character) sees magic in colors and each person has her own distinct color, her mentor Hiezh hears different sounds instead, though some other elements of this magic system are still fuzzy to me, overall it is nicely done.
I want to congratulate the author for including such a wide cast of characters. Well, the main character is Black and queer I believe (I don’t know if she’s gay or bi), it wasn’t said explicitly but it was hinted to, other gay men, a trans woman and a disabled teenager. I just loved them so much even though the side characters were there just as that, fulfilling their most basic roles, supporting the main characters. Aside from one, that I sense an upcoming romance with because of all the profuse blushing she and the main character did around each other.
This is a definite case of would recommend. It is a short, quick read but it packs a lot of action, magic and funny moments too.
Full detailed review on my blog: Word Wonders
For starters, the writing is gorgeous, I don’t know how to describe it other than I felt the magic seeping through it, really! It had this mystical resounding to it that I just couldn’t help but love. One thing though that was really disconcerting to me, is that it read like a Middle-grade. I don’t know if it is just me or other people have noticed, but that really is how I felt about it and I really got confused at time because I kept forgetting that it is a YA and I had to constantly stop and think about it for a second and THEN remind myself. Get your shit together, BRAIN!
I think this is the first story about pirates -that I can think of- I ever read. One thing that comes to mind when I think about that is: Why haven’t I? Pirates are totally awesome (In this book at least), add to that magic, a treasure hunt and a very diverse set of characters and I wonder where this book has been all my life. Let’s dive into more details, shall we?
I started off really confused by this book, a bunch of words and places etc… were introduced at the same time, without any explanation whatsoever that it felt like I started a book/series from its middle and it really annoyed me for the first chunk of the book, but then as I kept on reading all of these things started clearing themselves as the plot unfolded especially the Triumvirate that had me going mad, until it was explained and I realized why it couldn’t have been done earlier. Speaking about that, some connections between plot points and characters were made that I didn’t see coming which was really pleasant because who doesn’t love to be surprised by books? I wouldn’t call them plot twists but they come very close to that.
The magic system was really unique, in a sense where the author made it a personal thing, every mage perceives magic in a different way and that was really cool to read, for example Azria (the main character) sees magic in colors and each person has her own distinct color, her mentor Hiezh hears different sounds instead, though some other elements of this magic system are still fuzzy to me, overall it is nicely done.
I want to congratulate the author for including such a wide cast of characters. Well, the main character is Black and queer I believe (I don’t know if she’s gay or bi), it wasn’t said explicitly but it was hinted to, other gay men, a trans woman and a disabled teenager. I just loved them so much even though the side characters were there just as that, fulfilling their most basic roles, supporting the main characters. Aside from one, that I sense an upcoming romance with because of all the profuse blushing she and the main character did around each other.
This is a definite case of would recommend. It is a short, quick read but it packs a lot of action, magic and funny moments too.
the_librarian_witch's review against another edition
3.0
"It's easy to say what you want with ink and paper. It's another thing altogether to carry it out."
I really wanted to fall in love with this book, and I guess in some smaller ways I did.
But not as much as I wanted to.
The setting was, of course, fantastic.
A fantasy set among palm trees, sandy beaches, exotic places and with a whole host of pirates filling the cast, is definitely something different. And it worked really well.
It gave me the urge to set sail on a sparkling topaz ocean, and I got intense cravings for delicious coconut wine. I wanted to see everything that Azria (the main character) got to see, and eat dinner with the crew of the Hen & Chick.
The characters were great.
They were a perfect mix of loud, boisterous, terrifying, mysterious, suspicious, kind, caring, and all completely fleshed out.
I also enjoyed the hint that Azria is probably gay and the fact that one of the characters is Transgender. These two things were particularly excellent as not too much attention was drawn to them and the story didn't focus on them all that much.
They just are.
They were just normal, everyday facts and a part of who the characters are, and I liked that.
"I won't let you be the cloud on my face!"
But unfortunately, the actual story just fell a bit short for me.
Things seemed very rushed and happen at a bit of an unrealistic pace I felt.
Azria hasn't seen her Mother for years and has been brought up and cared for by her wonderful Grandmother. Yet, when her Mother turns up and asks her to leave with her the very next day (with no idea when she will be coming back), Azria jumps on the chance with barely a thought and sails off into the sunset.
This didn't seem quite right to me.
The story also centres around a really HUGE magical undertaking on Azria's part.
We know at the start of the story that she has only just finished her training, and that no other Wizards have done what she is trying to do in the story, yet when it comes time for it, she carries it out while hardly breaking a sweat. And with barely any preparations too.
This also seemed quite unbelievable to me.
I wish there had been a bit more work to do in order to complete this huge task. I felt like a big chunk of the story was missing and would have loved some more adventuring and preparing to fill it in a bit.
I'm hopeful that the next book in the series will have a better storyline though, as I desperately want to love this series.
And with such a great setting and host of amazing characters, I'm sure it has the potential to be something really great!
divineblkpearl's review against another edition
5.0
Looking for a YA novel to read? Looking for a book that is the epitome of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag? Looking for a title that includes brown folks, magic, adventure, danger that is also a coming of age story? Look no further! Author Tristan J. Tarwater has crafted a tale of young Azria, a young teenage mage who like, all young people is anticipating her future--she's on the cusps of becoming an adult in the land that she's grown up in and is ever anxious to begin it. She's also been waiting for her mother, a woman many brand as a pirate, mostly absent from her life for ten or so years with visits her and there to come back and bring her along to a new life on the sea.
Goodness, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Azria enters a world with a tragedy involving her family that has shaped the world as everyone knows it. She gets sucked into a world where there is magic beyond her wildest dreams--magic that can move mountains and deal fatal blows. Azria finds that the world is bigger than she had ever thought and she has a place in it if only she be bold and step up to the challenge. From the first chapter, Tarwater paints a descriptive tale where you can almost smell the seawater from the beach's dock, taste the five spice stew and crab salad, reach out and grab out and hold the heavy gold coins falling out the treasure chest. The pacing works-there's never a chapter that feels too drawn out. The cast of major and minor characters all feel familiar, like family and there's never a dull moment with them.
Lastly, Hen & Chick is a beautiful ode to mother and daughter relationships; too often in the fiction setting, especially the fantasy genre, main characters are orphaned or have their mother pass away tragically in their youth. (Another variation is that the hero leaves home to find their long lost father.) The mother in most of these stories is dead or gone. Here Azria starts off this tale with a longing for her mother Apzana , when she is reunited with her, it's shaky ground. Along the way as Azria is finding her way, becoming more than she ever thought, dreamed possible--the relationship with her mother is ever changing and it is a treat to read and be along for the ride for. Buy this book! Book your passage on the Hen & Chick ship and stay a while, I know you'll enjoy the ride.
Goodness, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Azria enters a world with a tragedy involving her family that has shaped the world as everyone knows it. She gets sucked into a world where there is magic beyond her wildest dreams--magic that can move mountains and deal fatal blows. Azria finds that the world is bigger than she had ever thought and she has a place in it if only she be bold and step up to the challenge. From the first chapter, Tarwater paints a descriptive tale where you can almost smell the seawater from the beach's dock, taste the five spice stew and crab salad, reach out and grab out and hold the heavy gold coins falling out the treasure chest. The pacing works-there's never a chapter that feels too drawn out. The cast of major and minor characters all feel familiar, like family and there's never a dull moment with them.
Lastly, Hen & Chick is a beautiful ode to mother and daughter relationships; too often in the fiction setting, especially the fantasy genre, main characters are orphaned or have their mother pass away tragically in their youth. (Another variation is that the hero leaves home to find their long lost father.) The mother in most of these stories is dead or gone. Here Azria starts off this tale with a longing for her mother Apzana , when she is reunited with her, it's shaky ground. Along the way as Azria is finding her way, becoming more than she ever thought, dreamed possible--the relationship with her mother is ever changing and it is a treat to read and be along for the ride for. Buy this book! Book your passage on the Hen & Chick ship and stay a while, I know you'll enjoy the ride.
divineblkpearl's review
5.0
Looking for a YA novel to read? Looking for a book that is the epitome of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag? Looking for a title that includes brown folks, magic, adventure, danger that is also a coming of age story? Look no further! Author Tristan J. Tarwater has crafted a tale of young Azria, a young teenage mage who like, all young people is anticipating her future--she's on the cusps of becoming an adult in the land that she's grown up in and is ever anxious to begin it. She's also been waiting for her mother, a woman many brand as a pirate, mostly absent from her life for ten or so years with visits her and there to come back and bring her along to a new life on the sea.
Goodness, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Azria enters a world with a tragedy involving her family that has shaped the world as everyone knows it. She gets sucked into a world where there is magic beyond her wildest dreams--magic that can move mountains and deal fatal blows. Azria finds that the world is bigger than she had ever thought and she has a place in it if only she be bold and step up to the challenge. From the first chapter, Tarwater paints a descriptive tale where you can almost smell the seawater from the beach's dock, taste the five spice stew and crab salad, reach out and grab out and hold the heavy gold coins falling out the treasure chest. The pacing works-there's never a chapter that feels too drawn out. The cast of major and minor characters all feel familiar, like family and there's never a dull moment with them.
Lastly, Hen & Chick is a beautiful ode to mother and daughter relationships; too often in the fiction setting, especially the fantasy genre, main characters are orphaned or have their mother pass away tragically in their youth. (Another variation is that the hero leaves home to find their long lost father.) The mother in most of these stories is dead or gone. Here Azria starts off this tale with a longing for her mother Apzana , when she is reunited with her, it's shaky ground. Along the way as Azria is finding her way, becoming more than she ever thought, dreamed possible--the relationship with her mother is ever changing and it is a treat to read and be along for the ride for. Buy this book! Book your passage on the Hen & Chick ship and stay a while, I know you'll enjoy the ride.
Goodness, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Azria enters a world with a tragedy involving her family that has shaped the world as everyone knows it. She gets sucked into a world where there is magic beyond her wildest dreams--magic that can move mountains and deal fatal blows. Azria finds that the world is bigger than she had ever thought and she has a place in it if only she be bold and step up to the challenge. From the first chapter, Tarwater paints a descriptive tale where you can almost smell the seawater from the beach's dock, taste the five spice stew and crab salad, reach out and grab out and hold the heavy gold coins falling out the treasure chest. The pacing works-there's never a chapter that feels too drawn out. The cast of major and minor characters all feel familiar, like family and there's never a dull moment with them.
Lastly, Hen & Chick is a beautiful ode to mother and daughter relationships; too often in the fiction setting, especially the fantasy genre, main characters are orphaned or have their mother pass away tragically in their youth. (Another variation is that the hero leaves home to find their long lost father.) The mother in most of these stories is dead or gone. Here Azria starts off this tale with a longing for her mother Apzana , when she is reunited with her, it's shaky ground. Along the way as Azria is finding her way, becoming more than she ever thought, dreamed possible--the relationship with her mother is ever changing and it is a treat to read and be along for the ride for. Buy this book! Book your passage on the Hen & Chick ship and stay a while, I know you'll enjoy the ride.
miricastor's review
5.0
Awesome, heartwarming, and my favorite type of book! Beautifully written, incredibly descriptive, and Azria is such a sweetheart and Apzana is such a motherly badass if that makes sense. The worldbuilding is almost flawless, and really drove the story forward. I especially loved the way Tarwater described things, such a vivid, clear, and concise style. I enjoyed this story and I'm waiting for Book 2!
dawnvogel's review
4.0
(This review originally appeared at Mad Scientist Journal.)
The Marauder’s Island by Tristan J. Tarwater is the first book in the Hen & Chick series. If you’re a fan of young adult stories with heart, action, adventure, and revenge, you’ll find plenty here and leave wanting more. The book follows the story of a young mage, Azria, who is reunited with her mother, a notorious pirate, who promised to return for her daughter when Azria was done with her mage training. Her mother’s ship, the Hen & Chick, is in need of a new mage for their ship. And while mages typically take care of somewhat mundane tasks on the ship like desalinating seawater for drinking purposes, Azria’s mother has a larger project in mind for her daughter–raising the fabled Marauder’s Island from where it was sunk many years ago by a very powerful mage.
The bulk of the story revolves around Azria and her mother, as they build the relationship that they have not previously had, but also work together as the captain of a ship and her mage. The many other characters on the Hen & Chick are diverse, and though you only get a small taste of most of these characters, it’s wonderful to see a largely non-white and predominately female ship crew. The book also includes tantalizing descriptions of the food that the characters eat that often left me curious about these dishes and their basis in real foods.
The Marauder’s Island by Tristan J. Tarwater is the first book in the Hen & Chick series. If you’re a fan of young adult stories with heart, action, adventure, and revenge, you’ll find plenty here and leave wanting more. The book follows the story of a young mage, Azria, who is reunited with her mother, a notorious pirate, who promised to return for her daughter when Azria was done with her mage training. Her mother’s ship, the Hen & Chick, is in need of a new mage for their ship. And while mages typically take care of somewhat mundane tasks on the ship like desalinating seawater for drinking purposes, Azria’s mother has a larger project in mind for her daughter–raising the fabled Marauder’s Island from where it was sunk many years ago by a very powerful mage.
The bulk of the story revolves around Azria and her mother, as they build the relationship that they have not previously had, but also work together as the captain of a ship and her mage. The many other characters on the Hen & Chick are diverse, and though you only get a small taste of most of these characters, it’s wonderful to see a largely non-white and predominately female ship crew. The book also includes tantalizing descriptions of the food that the characters eat that often left me curious about these dishes and their basis in real foods.
alyssakeiko's review
My attention span has been real bad but this was a cute fun read