A review by katherineharnisch
On These Black Sands by Vanessa Rasanen

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 

This had all the best components for a compelling story! Interesting characters, a solid plot, and a little bit of romance. 

 

I thought the way Cregah was ruled and the norms of society there were quite interesting, even though we never really got the full story on what originally happened to prompt the treaty being written. The atmosphere in Aoife’s  home there was written really well, and it was a great contrast to Declan’s home (on land and at sea). 

 

Speaking of Declan, I really liked his character and I loved his relationship with Tommy. I liked that it was clear his crew trusted him even if they didn’t always agree with his actions or understand the reasoning behind them. The celebration scene was one of my favorites on his ship. 

 

There were only a few things that I didn’t like (and all are mild annoyances that didn’t seem to detract from the reading experience itself). The first: Aoife was way too oblivious for what I thought was believable. However, I think there is something bigger at play here (I won’t say for possible accidental spoilers even though it’s my own theories lol). I think that her “betrayal” was not of her own will even though she seems to have talked herself into thinking it is. Second thing I didn’t like (and can’t excuse LOL): the reveal of what Declan knew. W H Y didn’t he just tell her??? I simply cannot believe he talked himself into silence FOR WHAT REASON??? Anyway, third thing was one very jarring instance of first person when it should have been Aoife third person POV. Not a huge deal because it was only one sentence but it completely broke my immersion in the story for a bit. 

 

Overall, if you’re looking for a pirate tale with a little romance (VERY slow burn), some politics, and a lot of broken families, look no further! I will definitely be continuing the series.