meowsloudlyinyourear's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nolemdaer's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bencia's review against another edition
3.0
So the first 3/4 of the book was a little rough to get through because there were a lot of unnecessary details or just some uneventful scenes, although the descriptions of cities and food were wonderful. But the best part is the last quarter of the book. Oh. My. God. Totally didn't expect myself to get so invested especially so late in but I'm glad I finished it.
Lots of adventure and exploring and I love it, although I didn't care for the romance unfortunately.
Mom was a badass low-key
Lots of adventure and exploring and I love it, although I didn't care for the romance unfortunately.
Mom was a badass low-key
faythhart's review against another edition
5.0
absolutely beautiful book :) so much representation and beautiful writing! definitely is now one of my favorites bc lesbians, pirates, chinese historical fiction>>>>
tortime's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this historical pirate adventure! It was fun and heartfelt at the same time, flowing from light scenes on the sea and tough conversations between family and new friends with ease.
This story follows a young girl who dreams of more than life in her small village where she is safe but not fulfilled. Sneaking her way to onto a ship to visit her mother at her establishment in the city, our main character gets swept away by another young adventurer she meets in the city. Together they set out on a pirate ship with a rag tag crew to search for a legendary treasure that can change their lives.
There were some twists and turns in this story - alliances and motives questioned. There are also a number of good characters in addition to our main characters - all unique and who make me wish I could get another story with some of them as the main characters. A great read! Thanks to Bookish First for the copy!
This story follows a young girl who dreams of more than life in her small village where she is safe but not fulfilled. Sneaking her way to onto a ship to visit her mother at her establishment in the city, our main character gets swept away by another young adventurer she meets in the city. Together they set out on a pirate ship with a rag tag crew to search for a legendary treasure that can change their lives.
There were some twists and turns in this story - alliances and motives questioned. There are also a number of good characters in addition to our main characters - all unique and who make me wish I could get another story with some of them as the main characters. A great read! Thanks to Bookish First for the copy!
mayflower_ng's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book if you like:
↝Historical fiction and retellings
↝Pirates and learning about the “Dragon Fleet”
↝Found Family
↝Sapphic slowburn romance w/ one bed trope
This book meant the world to me. Seeing Asian (Chinese and Vietnamese) sapphics that made me feel represented get their adventure made me so happy it hurts <3
Pacing and Plot:
I took off a star since I think this book definitely struggles a bit with the pacing. The first 1/3 was just build up about Xiang’s background that I found bearable but could have used a speed booster. The second 1/3 was where the found family of the crew developed. It might’ve seemed slow but I think it was like Six of Crows type of event like (sword fighting lessons) that make you fall in love with the characters and setting. The last third was INCREDIBLE. So many events that I didn’t see coming and left me thinking “just one more chapter”. The plot overall was enjoyable and loved the historical events infused into it.
Xiang and Anh:
Omg my love for these characters is infinite. Xang was the sheltered girl with wit and quick learning. Her character flaws and growth was so much fun to see. Anh on the other hand was experienced at sea but struggled to not deflect emotions (I saw some of myself in her and was very grateful for the Vietnamese representation)They were the perfect pair. Their love felt very natural and fills your heart with warmth.
Side Characters:
I think this book had a common problem of the side characters needing more development. However, I think they played a nice part in the found family and added funny moments. A special place is in my heart for Captain Hoa because she was an incredible leader and mother.
↝Historical fiction and retellings
↝Pirates and learning about the “Dragon Fleet”
↝Found Family
↝Sapphic slowburn romance w/ one bed trope
This book meant the world to me. Seeing Asian (Chinese and Vietnamese) sapphics that made me feel represented get their adventure made me so happy it hurts <3
Pacing and Plot:
I took off a star since I think this book definitely struggles a bit with the pacing. The first 1/3 was just build up about Xiang’s background that I found bearable but could have used a speed booster. The second 1/3 was where the found family of the crew developed. It might’ve seemed slow but I think it was like Six of Crows type of event like (sword fighting lessons) that make you fall in love with the characters and setting. The last third was INCREDIBLE. So many events that I didn’t see coming and left me thinking “just one more chapter”. The plot overall was enjoyable and loved the historical events infused into it.
Xiang and Anh:
Omg my love for these characters is infinite. Xang was the sheltered girl with wit and quick learning. Her character flaws and growth was so much fun to see. Anh on the other hand was experienced at sea but struggled to not deflect emotions (I saw some of myself in her and was very grateful for the Vietnamese representation)They were the perfect pair. Their love felt very natural and fills your heart with warmth.
Side Characters:
I think this book had a common problem of the side characters needing more development. However, I think they played a nice part in the found family and added funny moments. A special place is in my heart for Captain Hoa because she was an incredible leader and mother.
mayflower_ng's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book if you like:
↝Historical fiction and retellings
↝Pirates and learning about the “Dragon Fleet”
↝Found Family
↝Sapphic slowburn romance with one bed trope
This book meant the world to me. Seeing Asian (Chinese and Vietnamese) sapphics that made me feel represented get their adventure made me so happy it hurts <3
Pacing and Plot
I took off a star since I think this book definitely struggles a bit with the pacing. The first 1/3 was just build up about Xiang’s background that I found bearable but could have used a speed booster. The second 1/3 was where the found family of the crew developed. It might’ve seemed slow but I think it was like Six of Crows type of event like (sword fighting lessons) that make you fall in love with the characters and setting. The last third was INCREDIBLE. So many events that I didn’t see coming and left me thinking “just one more chapter”. The plot overall was enjoyable and loved the historical events infused into it.
Xiang and Anh
Omg my love for these characters is infinite. Xang was the sheltered girl with wit and quick learning. Her character flaws and growth was so much fun to see. Anh on the other hand was experienced at sea but struggled to not deflect emotions (I saw some of myself in her and was very grateful for the Vietnamese representation)They were the perfect pair. Their love felt very natural and fills your heart with warmth.
Side Characters
I think this book had a common problem of the side characters needing more development. However, I think they played a nice part in the found family and added funny moments. A special place is in my heart for Captain Hoa because she was an incredible leader and mother.
Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children Publishing for an earc in exchange for honest opinions.
~~~~~
Thank you netgalley gods for coming through, I’m screaming of excitement right now!!
↝Historical fiction and retellings
↝Pirates and learning about the “Dragon Fleet”
↝Found Family
↝Sapphic slowburn romance with one bed trope
This book meant the world to me. Seeing Asian (Chinese and Vietnamese) sapphics that made me feel represented get their adventure made me so happy it hurts <3
Pacing and Plot
I took off a star since I think this book definitely struggles a bit with the pacing. The first 1/3 was just build up about Xiang’s background that I found bearable but could have used a speed booster. The second 1/3 was where the found family of the crew developed. It might’ve seemed slow but I think it was like Six of Crows type of event like (sword fighting lessons) that make you fall in love with the characters and setting. The last third was INCREDIBLE. So many events that I didn’t see coming and left me thinking “just one more chapter”. The plot overall was enjoyable and loved the historical events infused into it.
Xiang and Anh
Omg my love for these characters is infinite. Xang was the sheltered girl with wit and quick learning. Her character flaws and growth was so much fun to see. Anh on the other hand was experienced at sea but struggled to not deflect emotions (I saw some of myself in her and was very grateful for the Vietnamese representation)They were the perfect pair. Their love felt very natural and fills your heart with warmth.
Side Characters
I think this book had a common problem of the side characters needing more development. However, I think they played a nice part in the found family and added funny moments. A special place is in my heart for Captain Hoa because she was an incredible leader and mother.
Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children Publishing for an earc in exchange for honest opinions.
~~~~~
Thank you netgalley gods for coming through, I’m screaming of excitement right now!!
livy22's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Despite not being familiar with the original Treasure Island, I absolutely flew through this sapphic remix by C.B. Lee. Since I'm a character-driven reader, Xiang and Anh's relationship stuck out as the driving force of this novel. They had so much chemistry, plus I just love dynamics where one of them is a thief. The plot and the writing were both compelling, and this is the first pirate book I've read and fully enjoyed (not usually a fan). If you like historical fiction, or are a fan of books like Fable by Adrienne Young, you'll likely love this book. Clash of Steel works great as a standalone, but I selfishly want to read more of their story. Would recommend!
Release Date: Sept. 7, 2021
Despite not being familiar with the original Treasure Island, I absolutely flew through this sapphic remix by C.B. Lee. Since I'm a character-driven reader, Xiang and Anh's relationship stuck out as the driving force of this novel. They had so much chemistry, plus I just love dynamics where one of them is a thief. The plot and the writing were both compelling, and this is the first pirate book I've read and fully enjoyed (not usually a fan). If you like historical fiction, or are a fan of books like Fable by Adrienne Young, you'll likely love this book. Clash of Steel works great as a standalone, but I selfishly want to read more of their story. Would recommend!
Release Date: Sept. 7, 2021
livy22's review against another edition
4.0
Despite knowing little about the original Treasure Island, I absolutely flew through this sapphic remix by C.B. Lee. Since I’m a character-driven reader, Xiang and Anh’s relationship was the driving force of this book. They had so much chemistry, plus I just love dynamics where at least one of them’s a thief.
The plot and the writing were both compelling, and this is probably my favorite “pirate” book I’ve read (not usually a fan). If you like historical fiction, or are a fan of books like Fable by Adrienne Young, you’ll likely love this book. Clash of Steel works great as a stand-alone, but I selfishly want to read more of their story! Would 100% recommend!
The plot and the writing were both compelling, and this is probably my favorite “pirate” book I’ve read (not usually a fan). If you like historical fiction, or are a fan of books like Fable by Adrienne Young, you’ll likely love this book. Clash of Steel works great as a stand-alone, but I selfishly want to read more of their story! Would 100% recommend!
sourapplebaby's review against another edition
5.0
on the verge between four and five stars but what really pushed it for me was all the bonus content in the back of the book. the research ! the alternative prologue ! the background information !! yes yes yes.
lovely lovely book. only thing i wish is that the pace had picked up quicker in the beginning, it felt like it took a while for the story to get started
lovely lovely book. only thing i wish is that the pace had picked up quicker in the beginning, it felt like it took a while for the story to get started