She's ba-ack!!! I loved book 1 (Daughter of the Pirate King), and I love book 2 even more!! Of course both books had their highs and lows, but I'll forgive it all based on how much I fell in love with the characters. I wish that there were more books with strong female characters like this. I wish we would have gotten to know some of the secondary characters a little better, but alas, this meant more Alosa and Riden. Overall, this book is action-packed and full of fun. I absolutely recommend!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for granting my wish and providing me with a copy to review. 

After reading Daughter of the Pirate King I was a bit hesitant as to whether I was going to continue the story as Alosa was an interesting character but there were definitely flaws in the book. When DotSQ came around on NetGalley to wish for it I said "why not!" and well I got it! I definitely enjoyed DotSQ more then DotPK and the story just sucked me in and I did not want to come out to do calculus. Also, it was short, about 350 pages, so when I read short books I just want to get into them and finish them.

For DotSQ, we see more Alosa's crew and of her world. One thing that I really enjoyed about the concept of this series was how Alosa's crew was mainly a bunch of well written badass women and we got it meet more of them and get a better look into the lives of the crew of the Ava-lee. I loved this crew! I laughed, cheered and cried for them through the book. And as we got to see more of the crew, there was also more of Alosa's world which became full-bodied and I would not have an issue with more books from this world in the future.  This is a testament to the author's writing, which I must say is completely addictive. I had to force myself to stop reading because I had homework to do. 

Okay, Anna, if you loved the book SOO much why did you rate it only 4.5 stars? Well, dear reader, I had two issues with the book. The first being is that it is slightly sexist. Spoiler if you have not read the first book, Alosa is a siren but her power only affects men. Which I think is completely ridiculous. Sirens call to your deepest desires which is why they are so powerful. And I understand that this was a deus ex machina plot element, as it is super convenient to have a crew full of women that will not be affected by your "enemy" but I would have liked the book more if the sirens had affected everyone and to see how Alosa and her crew solved that problem. Now the second lesser issue. The romance did nothing for me. Do I ship Alosa and Ridden, yeah sure. Are they OTP material? No. The romance felt awkward and ehh.

So thats a wrap folks! Overall, the story was blazin' amazin' (is that I thing people say?) and I can't wait to read more of Levenseller's works.

Hello happy readers! Okay so today I am super excited to share my thoughts on one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and an ARC I walked into a wall when I saw I got….should not check e-mail from NetGalley while walking. That book is, Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) by Tricia Levenseller. Now you may know I got the first book last year and it ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2017 so I was super excited for the sequel but you can check out my full review here. Book two comes out tomorrow 2/27/18 but thanks to the publishers and NetGalley I was able to review it a bit early though my hardcover will be here this week!

Rating: 5 Stars

When we left Alosa had one of the map pieces but she set off after but she now had a more personal reason to find the final one and settle a score with the owner after his imprisonment of her forcing her to use her siren gift like a trick for him. Riden is still recovering on her ship, because he's useful and not because she has undeniable feelings for him in the least, while his much lesser half of a brother is imprisoned at her father's keep. Getting the final piece of the map is goal one and making sure Vordan pays is icing on the cake. But when she is faced with Vordan again she is presented with a secret her father has kept from her for years. A secret that puts Alosa and her crew at odds with the feared Pirate King himself. With danger everywhere they know they have to reach the treasure first if they want to stand a chance against him. After all, who better to sale to the island of sirens than a ship of women with the Siren Queens daughter as your captain?

Book one was one of my favorite books I read last year. I adored it. I had this one on my most anticipated list for a long time because I needed more. We made it a good chunk of the book before we even learned that Alosa is a siren she was just a kick-ass pirate with an awesome crew that ruled the seas and had devious plans using the fact that they were underestimated as females to their advantage. A treasure hunt for the map piece with a cat and mouse between Alosa and Riden. It was awesome and then you find out more and it's just mind blowing. My favorite thing is that she didn't need her ability, she was top dog all on her own and that just made her even better. So I was totally invested in her character and that of her crew from the start. This merry band of females (and the occasional male) who hold their own and are just as any man and smarter. Plus I was really wanting to see what would happen between Alosa and RIden given what was between them already. Though they are both stubborn, Alosa even more so, so I knew it would be good.

The action was there full of missions, chases, ship battles, sword fights, and more. It was a fast fun read that really dived into the character and we got to see a softer side of Alosa we knew was there for her crew but being with them the whole time we see the depth of it. There was the ups and downs that kept you entranced. It’s a book about ruthless pirates and killer sirens so there is death and pain and some of it hurt my poor little heart. There is a lot to be learned in this world still and I love how the siren aspect of things is explored.

But most of all I loved Alosa and Riden. They are on unsure footing and watching as they press each others buttons time and time again was amazing. The sexual tension is so tough. I wanted to shake them at times for being so pig headed but they were always fun to read and I was glued to the screen of my kindle when they were in the same scene! I liked watching it play out and the development that went into it as they learned about one another and who they truly are. It was a huge hit for me. I can't wait to get my physical copy in the mail and convince my bestie she needs to read this next so I can discuss it in more detail with her. This was by far one of my favorite books so far of 2018 and one of my favorite series I have read! Highly recommend!

Until next time…

This was a fun, adventurous conclusion to a duology for any Jack Sparrow fan!

We pick up our story right after the events of Daughter of the Pirate King. Alosa has managed to pull off the impossible and gain all three pieces of the treasured map her father so desperately wanted. She’s looking forward to the day when she finally gets to bask in the treasure and see her nemesis, Vordan pay for what he did to her. However, when she learns of a secret her father has been keeping from her for years, Alosa must finally decide where her true loyalties lie.

So I really enjoyed this duology as a whole and this was a perfect conclusion to a fun, pirate-y tale! Alosa is such a great character. She’s strong, vulnerable, ruthless, conniving, passionate, and infuriating. She’s a pirate in the traditional sense that she enjoys staying on the wrong side of the law and getting what she wants, but her loyalty and devotion to her crew are what keep her human. We really see her grappling with this dual personality of hers–her human side and her siren side–in this conclusion. I loved her interaction with Riden and that of her crew. We see a different side of her than we did in Daughter of the Pirate King just through her interaction with them.

I loved the addition of her crew in this one. They were all great fun with journeys and stories of their own. I do wish that some of them were a little more fleshed out, but they were still enjoyable. Riden and his brother’s story line are, in my opinion, glanced over. I feel like that could have been fleshed out a little more. Also, without getting spoiler-y, I was a little put off by the Siren Queen story line and her interaction with Alosa. It was almost too cookie cutter perfect. I would have enjoyed a little more tension than what was presented.

The action is in keeping with that of the first book–fast-paced, fun, humorous, dangerous–everything you want out of a pirate book! It definitely kept me turning the page.

Fans won’t be disappointed in how Alosa’s story is concluded–I definitely wasn’t!

Sometimes you go into a sequel because there's the promise of more of something that the first book did well. And sometimes promises are broken. <i>Daughter of the Siren Queen</i> picks up sometime after <i>Daughter of the Pirate King</i> picks up. Alosa is still searching for a map and her dad has a secret. While the book shines in developing the relationship, there were so many opportunities to elevate the shortcomings of the first book that weren't taken advantage of.

The biggest downfall of this series and its world-building is the inability to determine if Alosa is special because she's the daughter of the pirate king or because girl pirates are a rarity. Which raises several questions about the relationship between the land people and the pirate people (not even going to touch on the siren people). There's a lot of time spent poking at the notion that competent girl pirates are a thing. Because it doesn't seem like land people are stolen onto boats so where do they pirates come from? it was also annoying because the lady crew of Alosa's ship, <i>The Ava-lee</i>, only seemed to get any development or attention when they were in danger. And that's a shame. Mandsy and Sorinda are awesome, but they take the furthest seat back from Riden, a boy she had only known for a few months and smooched. It would have been cool if the power of friendship kept the siren at bay.

Speaking of, the way being half-human and half-siren works reminds me way too much of shifters, except instead of moon cycles, it's water. Any water. And while I admire the consistency, it felt really gimmicky, especially in the final battle. In addition, there could have been more development between Alosa and her mother. They spend two scenes together and while they were full of feelings, I wish there was more. There were so many opportunities for cool lady friendships and each was missed.

The relationship between Riden and Alosa seemed way more believable in this tome and it was quite well-handled. They are two children who suffered at the hands of their fathers to different ends. Their arguments are surprisingly mature, where both character reins in the other's impulses and prevents them from devolving into self-destructive or all-destructive behaviors. If only it didn't outshine the other fantastic relationships in the book.

There are parts that I can see people getting really into, but ultimately, I'm not sure this series was for me, but I am grateful for the opportunity to read it early.

It was so much fun to read this action packed book. It had adventure, danger, and a splattering of romance. It was great to have a book full of female pirates who are fierce and brave and that also included sirens.

First time reading this author and I was blown away in the water. This is the 2nd book in the series but I didn’t feel lost not having read the first one. I will go back now and read “Daughter of the Pirate King”. Something to look forward to. I was so sad to see this book end. I hope there will be more to come.

I highly recommend this book is you want adventure on the high seas. A great addition to your TBR pile if you ask me.

***I wished for this book on Netgalley and was randomly selected to read/review this title by the Publisher! I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to read those magical words in my email! ***

The Breakdown:
As we start reading this new adventure, Alosa is right where we left her hunting the pirate captain Vordan and the last piece of the map for her father the Pirate King. However, there is a bigger threat creeping over Alosa than the absolute rule of her father and the punishment if she disappoints him. Also begins to question why she is loyal and why her father is the only man that is immune to her Siren song and charms. The answer has been hiding right in front of Alosa for her entire eighteen years of existence. Now the crew and Captain of the Ava-lee are the run, racing both towards and away from death. Will they find salvation on the Siren surrounded Isle de Canta or die at the hands of a man with no mercy to give?
The Characters That Make This Book Delicious:
Alosa is an explosive heroine that cannot be compared to any other main character I have ever read about! Often referred to as the female version of Capt. Jack Sparrow, Alosa is a Siren/Human hybrid that has a spirit as fiery as her red hair! I loved her in the first book, but I am obsessed with her after the second one! Her growth as a character has expanded beyond what I had hoped she could become! She is protective, loving and loyal to her mostly female crew in a way that makes other pirates taught her, but she will do ANYTHING necessary to protect them from the abuse that she has witnessed at her father’s hands. After questioning her Siren powers for most of her life, Alosa is finally starting to see that they are a gift and can be used in a nontraditional way to protect those she loves without becoming the mindless monster she fears. I just want her to realize her feelings for Ridon and to kill my own angst! Get yourself some of that handsome man girl!

“I think you love,” I say.
“I do. “says Riden.
“And I think I love you.”
“You think?” says Riden.

Riden is my new book beau! He is described as unnaturally handsome, so I was like “challenge accepted” when it came to imagining him! Riden does not know how to handle the fiery redhead that has stolen his heart and consumes his mind! She is always a contradiction and he has a hard time playing along in her game. I loved that he had put aside his past and committed himself to Alosa’s crew, even if she put him in the lowest rank and makes him work his way up. Riden is confident in his abilities to be First Mate and shows his devotion by never complaining at the work he is to do. His character also came a long way from the unquestioning First Mate/Brother of Draxon to the passionate, untethered link to the world for Alosa. I need another book just to hear about their exploits and to see their love unfurl!

Sorinda is the shadow in the night, the last beautiful, cruel thing you will ever see! She quickly became my second favorite character putting a wedge between Riden and I (sigh). This dark-haired assassin has not only stolen my heart but Kearin’s heart as well! She didn’t need a load of dialog to show her ever-present influence on the rest of the characters. Sorinda (pronounced like surrender only more badass!) also has the coolest name and spelling/pronunciation of any other character I have met in the last 150 books I have read!!! Bravo to this author!!!

Enwen is the most loveable, superstitious pirate on the Ava-lee! I was so pleased that the author continued his ridiculous delusions in this book!! I could listen to him explain his babble to Kearin all day! Like really, write a book about just these two! I want to know how they met, became who they are, and why they the best yin-yang pairing in the pirate world!!! Thanks to Enwen, I have made my own Siren anklet and sought magic pearls to keep me safe from evil! Because hey, you just never know!

Niridia is the First Mate aboard the Ana-lee and I believe that she does a first-rate job! I hope that there is a spinoff and all the badass ladies and gents on the Ana-lee get their own ships and go plundering! When the Siren is in control, Niridia keeps the ship in line. She is fiercely loyal to Alosa, can handle any man, and can keep 30 women from fighting each other on a daily basis! Now that is a skill that is difficult to master by just any everyday woman!!! That takes some real talent as large groups of women tend to be catty towards each other! I am happy to see her get more action as she was not really in the foreground of the first book!

I really loved how Mandsy was not affected by anything and takes everything in stride. Cool under pressure. Just like her quips about the relationship growing between Ridon & Alosa that is apparent to everyone else on board but still denied by the pairing. It was refreshing to see all these women put in roles that were not readily accepted by men in the past and I fully support every one of them!

Kalligan is a character that is easy to hate and never tries to be anything more. Which I liked about him! I find myself rooting for the villains in most cases and just want them to exquisitely bad! I did expect more than a few pages of his unavoidable fight with Alosa, but I will not really give any spoilers. The lack of this engagement and how it plays out almost caused a 4 Star Rating but there were too many other good things about the book that I decided to just let it go!

Conclusion:
As ye mateys may have keened, I really enjoyed these two books! What ‘Rrrr ye waitin’ fer? Go buy them yourself!
I have a new book duology to recommend to everyone! If you like a sassy female lead and anything to do with pirates whatsoever, you need to read these books!

"Many start to move, heeding their captain's call, but one man shouts, "No, look behind him! It's the siren bitch!" That man, I decide, dies first."

[Read more…]

So many thanks to Netgalley for sending me this ARC! If you guys don't follow me on Instagram you may not know that I have been wanting to read the follow up to Daughter of the Pirate King since I finished it almost a year ago.

If you're unfamiliar with the series it follows our main character Alosa who is the daughter of both a prevalent, murderous pirate and a Siren he was able to prevent from killing him. In the first book she plans to get captured by another pirate crew that is rumored to have a map that leads back to the treasure her mother is hiding on their Siren island.

I loved the first book. It was fast paced, had amazing banter and humor, and a bad ass female lead character that didn't seem to try to hard like I tend to notice in other books I've read recently. All the things I loved so much about the first book definitely carried on into the second one as well. I laughed, I cried. I was shocked by how much more brutal the second book was as well. This is a YA book but I was not expecting some of the things I read in Daughter of the Siren Queen.

In Daughter of the Siren Queen Alosa is finally able to retrieve the map her father wants, the map she wants so desperately in the hopes that it will make her father approve of her. So that he will be proud of her. But absolutely nothing is what it seems in this book.

My favorite parts of this book:

Mostly female pirate crew! How bad ass is that? I enjoyed every single character on Alosa's crew. Which is saying a lot considering usually just one female lead is a little too much for me. Tricia knows how to show you someone is bad ass without just saying it over and over again
The love interest! There are a few in this book and they weren't forced at all. It all flowed so well and naturally.
The Sirens *heart eyes forever*.
Alosa's Siren powers. I really enjoyed getting to see more of her power and growing with her while she tries to learn different ways to blend her human and Siren sides together. I think this is probably my most favorite part as it's a completely new concept to me. I've never read anything like this.
The fight scenes. They were so well done. I loved the creativity and description of every one, and the quick thinking of all the crew.
Did I mention mostly female crew backed up by some amazing gentleman?

"You wouldn't give a second thought to a couple of men aboard your ship behaving in such a way or talking such talk. You do not get to judge us more harshly for being women. It's not fair, and it doesn't make sense. Not to mention I'll throw your arse overboard if I catch you doing it again."

If you're looking for an easy to read book (I read both the first one and second in one day), filled with female characters who are written well, and a bad ass story about pirates this is definitely the book for you. It was such an easy, fun read for me and I really like the "magic" in this story as well. This is the first pirate book I've ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5!

If you'd like more information on Tricia you can find her here on Goodreads: Tricia Levenseller

If you're interested in purchasing Daughter of the Siren Queen when it releases in February you can pre-order it from Amazon here: DOTSQ Pre- Order

I hope you guys enjoyed this review and I will catch you in the next one! Have a fantastic week.

- Jes

It was the characters from the first book that made me interested in reading this one.

I really liked Alosa and Riden and the crew. I love their fierceness and bravery. Alosa’s Siren side was extra intriguing to me and I was thrilled to see that we got to get more of her and that side.

Plot wise, it was fairly fast paced. There are a lot of things going on and different facets to the overall object of the story. There are lots of battle scenes and the fluid movement of Alosa’s crew is one of the best parts.

Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I don’t know if there’s going to be another book, but if there is, I’ll be reading it.

**Huge thanks to Feiwel and Friends for providing the arc free of charge**

This book was easily one of my most anticipated 2018 novels. I am unbelievably lucky and happy that I got this ARC at YALLFest. I had to wait in line for an hour, but it was totally worth it!

I can’t believe how in love I was with the first novel. It completely blew me away. I knew I would like it because pirates are literally amazing, but I seriously am OBSESSED with this series. It’s absolutely incredible. Not only is every single character well thought out and worthy of ample page time, but every setting, action, and conflict is perfectly executed. This is writing at it’s best.

Can we just say that every book boyfriend is no where near as good as Riden?!?! Get Rhys away from me if Riden is around. No lie you guys. I will fight everyone. Riden is the best book boyfriend. He’s just so freaking cool. Flawed and amazing.

Alosa is the heroine we didn’t know we needed. Sure, we have bloodthirsty female warriors, but there’s something about Alosa that is unique and completely her own. Her struggles with identity is so refreshing. I loved every single page because of her narration.

The conflict in this novel was different from the first, and I think it clearly went in the way everyone expected after reading the first book, but Levenseller is master at storytelling that I didn’t even notice I expected everything that happened.

If you haven’t already, read Daughter of the Pirate King. It’s fantastic and this sequel is as well.

I had the pleasure of reading an arc of this book from a local bookstore and was elated to have stumbled upon this "treasure." Daughter of the Siren Queen picks up right where we leave off in Pirate King, and skipping over shallow waters, the story picks up speed quick and dives headfirst into action, silver-tongued banter, and enough tension to almost drown you. This book was just a fun adventure all around, and readers will definitely be in for a treat.