This was such a fun YA novel. Female pirates, sirens, Greek mythology... who could ask for a better mix? Think Percy Jackson meets Pirates of the Caribbean.
I read this book in one day, it was so engaging. I enjoyed the characters and the world building. I especially liked Lou, the sassy female main character and her interactions with Rylander. I would definitely read another book by this author.

I loved this. To begin with, I thought it was going to have To Kill A Kingdom vibes, but instead it went down a Greek mythology route and turned into an exciting and original tale.
I loved the main character, Lou, and that her pirate crew were all women. I wish we'd spent more time amongst the crew and gotten to know them better, especially once the men were thrown into the mix, as I think there would have been some real battle of wits which could have been amusing.
The villainous Siren Queen was bloodthirsty and cruel, and the gods were absolutely excellent. The author really captured the way Greek gods are shown as meddling in the lives of mortals, without really having any care or understanding for the stakes.
The enemies to lovers romance didn't feel too forced, and the tension between the two was obvious from the start.

All in all, a great read to start the new year, and the epilogue seems to point at there being a second book in a series, which I'll be sure to pick up!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

Captain Lou hates Captain Rylander, and would like nothing more than to kill him, so when she is forced to not only work with him but also share her ship and crew with him, it proves to be very difficult. The thing is, this is far bigger than Lou's quest for revenge. It's about killing the bloodthirsty siren queen and putting an end to the War of the Sea once and for all.

The book begins with a strong start. The writing is good, the plot is intriguing, and the characters are interesting, but then it kind of just fell flat. It was not bad, but it was not extraordinary either, it was a good, but a very average book.

Ryland has many secrets, and he just drops them on Lou casually, without seemingly a care in the world, but on the other hand, he withholds important and relevant information from her for apparently no other reason than because he can and wants to. His cockiness was not attractive or sexy, and honestly, the way he is asking Lou to trust him with her crew’s life, but does not explain to her his plan is infuriating. How is she supposed to trust him when she’s known him for a few days only and learns new secrets about him every day? Even worse, he wants her to go below deck when there is danger and wait while he orders her crew around, takes care of everything, and man her ship.

Lou is too stubborn and impulsive. I struggled to connect with her, even though I usually really enjoy badass female pirates. She annoyed me most of the time, to be honest, and I don’t understand how she managed to remain captain of her crew and lead them if she is so short-tempered and does not think her plans through.

There is a mild romance between Lou and Rylander, and it is a hate-to-love romance since Lou started off wanting to kill him because he murdered her father. I love a good hate-to-love romance, but while we could feel the tension (and sexual tension) between them in the first half of the book, the second half could use some improvement. Lou is constantly pissed at Rylander because he keeps her in the dark, which should add even more tension between them, but instead, there is a kind of banter developing between them, but it is pretty straightforward and awkward at times instead of being quirky and funny.

The plot is not bad, but some plot holes are never fully explained, and some situations that just make no sense at all to me… For example, the fact that Lou, a renowned pirate was left alone with the King, with not even a guard, because he wanted a private chat with her and trusted that she would not harm him… It doesn’t make any sense. There would still have been a few guards in the room, there is no way the king would have been left alone with her, especially during their first meeting.

There are some twists and “betrayals”, but it was overall predictable, and the unexpected events were related and solved in a simplistic way that didn’t really rise the stakes or add more tension to the story. I knew that no matter what, everything would end up being fine for the main characters and that they would even solve their problem quite easily, even though Rylander seemed clueless at times and Lou is too impulsive to be useful most of the time. Many events are just very convenient and the obstacles are too easily overcome to really be meaningful and leave a lasting impression.

There is Greek mythology in this book, and the author tried to integrate it into the world-building, but it ended up being more name droppings here and there than having a society infused with beliefs and traditions linked to Greek mythology. There are no mentions of temples, rituals, or anything else that would be related to a system of beliefs/religion, so we are told that it’s there, but we don’t feel it as being a part of the culture. It seems weird since many characters are Greek Gods, and it gave the characters some special abilities, but why would they choose to disguise themselves and hide among humans? What is their goal here? Why do they need to hide among humans to accomplish their quest? While I liked the Greek mythology touch to the book, I kept asking myself why the Gods would mingle with humans like that when they could surely be more efficient if they remained in the shadows and did as they pleased.

Overall, I did not dislike this book, but I will probably not remember much of it in a few weeks. It is an average YA book, with a predictable outcome and a world-building, and a plot that have a lot of potential, but could use improvements and more development. If you are looking for an easy read with ruthless sirens and pirate adventures, and don't mind a basic world-building and plot, it might be a good fit for you though.

warnings: mild violence, blood

I was going to give this 3.5 maybe 4 stars until about the middle which is where my bigger plot and development issues came up.

Ever since Elouise has captained the pirate ship "The Freedom" since her father's death a few years ago, she has vowed to keep her crew safe and seek revenge on her father's killer. But when she is taken into the unlikely hands of Captain Rylander Bordeaux--who supposedly needs her help in protecting the very waters they sail on. Tossed into a maelstrom of godly politics and kingly games, Lou soon learns that there is more to learn about her past, and present, then she realized.

Rylander is desperate for a solution to the Sirens that riddle the open seas. He's desperate to find the Siren Queen. Desperate to save his mother. But the one person who can help him is also the one person who wants to see him dead. Now, Rye has to put his trust in Lou and hope that somewhere along the way her taste for blood won't see them both killed. Together, he and Lou brace the open oceans to find the Siren Queen and put a stop to the magic that grips the world. If they don't, well they won't be alive long enough to know the consequences.

...

So, I did enjoy the premise of this book. I love pirates and magic. I love reluctant allies. And I love strong female characters. But I felt like a lot of what made this book interesting was lost in some of the writing style and choices made in the book.

For one...every other page someone's jaw drops. Ears burn with embarrassment. Eyes are compared to the same gemstones multiple within two pages. There was just some stylistic choices that really stuck out to me and I had a hard time taking them at the surface.

And then it felt like a lot of the conflict occurring in the book was forced and lacked a certain amount of tension. There was one point in the story where Lou's entire crew basically goes against her to listen to a man they barely met. It felt too far-fetched and a bit ridiculous especially to make a plot point seem interesting and important. Throughout the entire sequence I was put off because it just wasn't believable that a crew would leave their captain in the dark and not communicate with her or trust her without any reason than the word of a man they just met.

So there were things like that where they just didn't make sense and made conflict and resolution feel a bit too convenient. Also, I would have liked more development in the relationship between Lou and Rye. It felt like it happened too quick without and good struggle in the enemies-to-lovers trope. The banter and quips between Lou and Rye were funny and engaging though, and they were worth rooting for, I just would have like more depth to their feelings and how they over came their differences. Most of the background characters didn't feel real or interesting unless they had a significant role to play in that moment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and liked the Greek mythology added it. The first half was pretty slow for me, I think due there not being a lot of character development or world building. Also didn't really like the main two characters lol.

Okay you know what i dont care what my sister has to say all i have to say is this author really hit me there this is one of the best books i have read so far this year definitely a 10 star .Much appreciation to the author and Net galley.

ALL FEMALE PIRATE CREW. Need I say more?
:)
If that didn't get you interested hopefully the rest of the review will!
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<b><u>Plot</u></b>
It starts off with a BANG and we meet our oh so handsome MMC and our fierce FMC. The backstories, the revelations throughout, and the journey these two go on are so entertaining. The action and the sword fights are well written, and I mean it. You are with them step by step, its not just "I surprise him and stick 'im with my sword! Yar!" I enjoyed it, made it feel more realistic--because anything that could be realistic, should be :). There is comedy, romance, action, drama, etc. in this book. I won't spoil but once the men are on the ship, LMFAO what a grand ole time! AND THE ENDING OMG I WAS WONDERING!!!!!!!! GOOD ENDING THO. VERY VERY GOOD. VERY FITTING! I won't apologize for using all caps there, read it and you too might understand my excitement!!! <3
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<b><u>Sugar and Spice®</u></b>
No Spice®, BUT THAT IS OKAY BECAUSE THE SUGAR IS SO GOOD ANYWAYS. Eat your cupcake.
I freaking love this enemies to lovers. Especially when the tension is so THICK and then they start arguing and UGHHHHHHHHH. I couldn't get enough and neither could they hehehehehehe
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I can't wait for more by Dana Claire. Hunterland, I'm coming for you ASAP.


🖋This is a voluntary review in exchange for the ARC I received from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op❥

*****5 Stars!

“To achieve the unthinkable, one must remain unnerved.”

First I would like to thank Victory Editing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given a chance to read it and give it an honest review!

This is a story about Captain Elouise Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea; she is seeking revenge against her father’s killer, though when her hypnotic foe proposes a pact to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea and all the bloodshed that follows, she must make a choice. Can she put aside her long-brewing retribution or act the underhanded pirate and use the alliance to claim the life of the man who destroyed her family?

Captain Rylander Bordeaux, the revered royal navy captain on the isle of Cava, has one mission--and that is to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea once and for all. The ocean has been the only home Rylander has known, but to bring peace to his beloved waves, he must defeat his past so he can reshape the future. His greatest hope is Captain Elouise, who calls to him like no siren song ever has. Too bad she’s almost as bloodthirsty as the fanged heart-eaters themselves. She promises to lend her all-female crew to his war, but can he trust a brigand--especially one who wants him dead--to uphold the end of their bargain? Or will she be his undoing?

This was such an interesting and creative book! I really enjoyed how the author incorporated Greek Mythology into the story--pirates and Greek Mythology, two of my favorite things! I was hooked from the moment I read the first chapter and I had to know what was going to happen next. It was a very quick read with an easy pace, yet it was also very engaging and the world was fleshed out very well. I really enjoyed the descriptions in this book, it was written so beautifully and I felt as if I could see everything so vividly.

The characters were also very engaging and fascinating; Lou and Rylander especially, I loved the constant push and pull of their relationship and how well the two seemed to complete each other. I also enjoyed the personalities of all their crew members, it made the story very lively and fun! I really liked how out-spoken and unafraid Lou was, especially when confronting a God or Goddess. She was such an unpredictable character which made the twists and turns of the story very unexpected!

I enjoyed how the characters were able to confront their past and overcome whatever was pulling them downwards; it made for very interesting character development which only further enhanced the story,

If you love unique stories with swashbuckling pirates mixed in with Greek Mythology, then this is a book I would highly recommend! I am very much looking forward to reading more from this author!

If you like the Daughter of the Pírate King duo and the Percy Jackson series this book is perfect for you. Well paced and full of adventure this is a great young adult read, which will have you hooked.

3.5 stars

An intriguing story and characters with a heroic mission to save the seas.

I love how the author integrated Greek mythology into the story and the portrayal of the gods. It was fun and gave the story something extra.

I would love if we managed to get more of the backstory of the two main characters.

LOved reading this book.
Really good intriguing stort with twists,mysteriessuspense and romance.
Loce Elouised and Rylander.
Vountariy revied.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me this arc for an honest review*

This book was SO good. The world building was amazing! It had everything! Pirates, mermaids. I loved it. It got me out after a huge reading slump. So yeah, I implore you. Read this book. You won't regret it.

This book was an interesting mix of myths of sirens and greek mythology, I think it was done very well. I love how the gods are portrayed in an almost childlike way explained by the eternal life they live, and the pirates seemed very realistic in their ways. Lou was a strong character fuelled by emotion, how she adapted to all the secrets she never knew was very good and sometimes not so, I also think she was good for Rylander as he needed a reality check I think. I liked how the sirens were done they varied a lot, and in the war of the sea it's easy to see why humans were so intent on riding the seas of them out of pure fear. I loved the ending of this book it felt perfect.

I love discovering new or indie published authors, and this one was no exception! Everything about War of the Sea was well done, I was mostly impressed by the world building, plot and overall badassery.

Rating: 4++ stars

When it comes to YA books, most of the time I have a hard time with the YA angst, drama or immature heroines. And while we had a bit of that here, there were so many good things about the story overall, that I could easily overlook any moment I wasn't keen on the characters or their actions. I read it in two sittings, which says a lot about the flow and engagement of the storyline. Pirates, deadly sirens, kickass heroine, enemies to lovers and snark, forced proximity, sword fights, sea adventures, hidden identities, warring kingdoms, Greek mythology - all recipe for a good read and I totally recommend it!

Also, I loved the side characters! They brought dimension and unity to the story. They banter in key moments or loyalty when it was most needed really sold them for me. The Greek mythology aspect, the gods and goddesses and their meddling, were a surprisingly fun bonus too. I love Artemis and the backstory of the lire.

So, in short, here is what to expect from this story:

-YA Fantasy
- Enemies to lovers
- Deadly mermaids
- Ships & pirates
- Action & intense plot
- Greek mythology
- Dual POV
- Unlikely allies
- It stars with a blade to the throat

Recommended for fans of: Fable, To Kill a Kingdom, On These Black Sands

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this story and I am looking forward to whatever comes next!

This book hooked me in right from the start and didn't let me go, I couldn't put it down. Well written and compelling, a great read.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Dana Claire for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

when I started reading this book, I did not think I would pick up on pirates of the Caribbean vibes but that’s totally what it felt like! That in Greek mythology, and I was hooked. The imagery in this book was beautiful and I truly feel like I was watching a movie. I really enjoyed the writing style as well. The only con I would have is the insta-love.

Writing: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
World Building: 5/5

Warnings: None

POV: Dual

Themes: Fantasy, Pirates

War of the Sea takes place in a fantasy world with pirates, sirens and gods. This book was so much fun to read. I really enjoyed the greek mythology mixed in with the pirate themes. Lou has a very sassy attitute, especially when it comes to Rylander, that just made her so much fun to read. The magical world Dana Claire built made me feel so immersed in the story and it hard to put it down. There were some parts where it felt like the information was thrown at you, especially at the beginning. But the story was so good it was easy to look over that.

This book is great for anyone who loves the pirate life of a strong and sassy pirate captan crossed with greek mythology.

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

This book is great for those looking for a pirate and Greek mythology combination. Overall, the idea was a good one, but I think it fell flat with a confusing plot and forgettable characters.

I was first drawn to this book by the interesting cover. I followed along with the plot at the beginning, but it did get quite a bit confusing at a certain point. I think the book would've been improved if we had a chance to get to know the main female character, Lou, before the plot really kicked in. There is romance involved and, by the time the romance is well underway, it still felt like I still didn't even know Lou was. Therefore, I wasn't invested in the romance. There was also a point in the book where side characters are introduced to the story by dialogue introductions and that felt like a very poor way for us to get to know them. By doing this I couldn't tell the difference between them. When I'm just told in a listed format who is who, there is nothing memorable to take with me. The involvement of Greek gods was an interesting take but they also felt like forgettable side characters as well.

The writing wasn't bad but the book just didn't execute.

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read the eARC of War of the Sea in exchange for my honest review.

War of the Sea was a nice standalone fantasy that helped make a gloomy day off much more enjoyable. I was sucked into the plot and was able to get through the book almost in one sitting! I enjoyed the tension between the two main characters. If you're in a reading slump and want something entertaining with a straightforward plot, I would definitely check out War of the Sea!

I received a copy of the book through NetGalley and read it within a couple of days. 4.5⭐️
My only issue with the book was pacing. A good third of the book takes place within 24 hours and then jumps ahead two weeks with the rest of the novel taking place within a longer period of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Rylander and Lou and their story.
The epilogue leaves the book open for a sequel and I do hope we get one.