Total Rating: 3.50 stars
Method: Kindle / electronic copy

“They say we are wreckers; that we take and plunder and kill. And maybe we are what they say. But we call it survival.”


This book very much gave me the same sort of vibes as Daughter of the Pirate King, which I promise is a good thing as that's the book series that pulled me out of an almost 2-year long reading slump. With mystery, intrigue, pirates, sea creatures, family, and found families.

Overall I really enjoyed the story itself. The side characters and overall vibes of the story. There truly needs to be more pirates in YA/NA/Adult fiction, as I feel the market is severely lacking in books centered around this vast world. The ocean even in real time is such an unexplored world, one that anyone can easily thrust a bit of imagination into and make a story out of. And I love that Rachel took the chance to thrust her hand into this world. And my biggest upvotes and stars go to the world that she managed to create because I found the world as a whole intriguing.

I think the characterization is where this story fell a bit short for me. Were they terrible? No. But their motivations and the reasonings behind doing things just seemed to never really be clear. There is romance in this book, but the entire time with the main ship I couldn't find myself to care about the romantic relationship because I never found a good reason to invest in it. And it ended up feeling more like instalove than something that was built on actual connection and feelings. Why did the romantic couple even like one another? They had a pull from the moment they laid eyes on one another, but it was never really explored or given a reason behind what that pull was; I'm hoping that's answered in the upcoming books. Because I wanted to ship them, I did - but unlike Mira, I couldn't ever find myself trusting her counterpart. I could never understand why she just blindly trusted or was so easy to forgive time and time again. I have more gripes about the relationship between the romantic leads, but I will refrain to stop myself from putting in spoilers.

I was more invested in the side characters and who they were and what made them tick than the main leads. I loved most of the secondary characters and the other people Mira met during her story, in most instances more than Mira herself. The side characters in this story are truly what made it something special and pushed me forward to continue reading because I wanted to find out more about them and their stories. I feel like each of them has so much more to them and their stories, and I honestly can't wait to see where the story takes them.

I did enjoy the book as a whole even with the few gaping holes that were in the story and build-up of the main romantic relationship. And I will continue to read the series as the books come out, just to see what happens and in the hope that most of the questions this book left me with will be answered in future installments.

Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I have been reading a lot of swords and sorcery books lately and Compass and Blade was as welcome a refresher as the cool breeze off the ocean on a warm day. The windswept Fortunate Isles were a unique and fully realized fantasy setting that felt as once like a village that might exist on some long distant island in our own world and like something out a of a world where magic and realism walk hand in hand. The protagonist was young but not foolish and believably driven by forces which she doesn't understand and that the reader gets to find out alongside her. The secondary characters are all nuanced and interesting and feel like people and not like set pieces just there to push the plot forward. The imagery was rich and imaginative and I never felt bogged down by description. If you're looking for something heavy in spice, this isn't the book for you but if you are interested in a coming of age story that's completely unlike anything out there right now then Compass and Blade is a must read.

This book (which will eventually become a series) was basically the sea version of Shatter Me. The dialogue was so cringey and downright painful at times and there were so many moments when I audibly GROANED at Mira's ridiculous gullibility. Also she had NEGATIVE chemistry with Seth. They were just two people. That's it. They mean nothing and feel nothing for each other.

And oh my GOD. The only good character was Elijah but I couldn't even remember his name because all I could think about was how he was just a copy-paste of Rhys from ACOTAR. I'm not getting into spoilers but the powers and the mannerism? Ugh. Plagiarism! And good LORD, Mira needs to make up her mind. She's talking about how Elijah is sooooo dangerous one second and literally FIVE PAGES LATER literally says "well maybe he not as dangerous as I thought." Girl, if you don't shut up right now...

Also, not to be a law-abiding law school student but what did Mira's people expect. 😭 They literally lure ships to wreck, steal the cargo from the wrecked ships, and sometimes accidentally KILL the people on the ships. OBVIOUSLY the authorities aren't going to like that, are you kidding me?! And don't give me that "it's their way of living" crap; if you hurt people, scare the living daylights out of them, and then have the audacity to steal all their stuff, I straight up do not respect your "way of life."

This was a fun, fast-paced read. I love anything to do with pirates and sirens, and this story has both. I liked Mira, the main character, but I didn't like Seth much as a love interest. I think that the romance was a bit rushed, as was the world-building. I would've liked more depth in the siren plotline, as well. The last fourth or so of the book was where things really ramped up, and I liked how Mira's character developed throughout the book. This wasn't my favorite, but with the way the first book ended, I'm interested in continuing the series.

Full sails ahead! Prepare yourself for an enthralling, high-seas, high-stakes adventure! Compass and Blade was exactly the kind of book I’ve been looking for. Fantasy mingles with high sea adventures. Mira would do anything to ensure the survival of the people of her island, Rosevear, and most importantly, her father. Going against everything she believes in, Mira strikes bargains with strangers in hopes that it will be enough to save her family. This story truly has magic woven into it. If you’re looking for fantasy, morally grey characters, pirates, and a complicated love, then look no further!
Mira Greenlaw’s poetic writing and fast-paced plot keeps the reader captivated by the story. Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Compass and Blade. I look forward to the next book in the series!

(This review features quotations from the story, so if you would wish to avoid those skip over the parentheses.)

Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw is perfect for readers looking for a fast paced, addictive, sea adventure with lyrical writing. I really enjoyed the messages Rachel infused throughout her book. Like when she says, “It’s what we choose to do in this world that turns us into monsters.”, and how she represents the LGBTQ+ community in a way that normalized our relationships instead of making them a big deal. There’s no shock factor to it, it just is, which I found to be lovely as someone from the community. Another thing I enjoyed was the enemies to lovers romance featured in the book. I thought some of her most whimsical writing came from the romance parts of the story. For example, “We are a slow crashing wave falling forever, never quite reaching the shore.” I think there’s many things that can be taken away from reading this gripping sea exploration novel. Specifically themes around found family, kinship, trust, betrayals, love, and preservation. As her strong female main character states, “They say we aren’t human. That we thirst and plunder and kill. And yes, it’s true what they say. But I call it survival.” I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed To kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo and any of Adrienne Young’s work.

Thank you, Net Galley, and the publishers, for granting me access to an arc of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for accepting my request for an ACR of this book!
5/5
“They say we are wreckers; that we take and plunder and kill. And maybe we are what they say. But we call it survival.”
A highly original and beguiling YA fantasy debut, Compass and Blade is a coming-of-age romantic fantasy, filled with shipwrecks, magic and betrayal Mira is one of the seven, chosen to swim out to the wrecked ships beyond the Isle of Rosevear to plunder whatever the sea will give them.
Mermaids? Witches? Pirates? Sign me up!!
One thing I loved about the plot of this book was that it really showed the relationship between the main character, Mira and her father. There aren't a lot of books out there like that. Another part of the book I enjoyed was the fact that the romance was obviously not the main focus. I loved the sea atmosphere, as well as the crew aboard the ship. Mira’s observations of the group really added another layer to the story.
A perfect book for fans of The Daughter of the Pirate King!

This book fit so well with my newfound sea story obsession!

On the remote isle of Rosevear, Mira, like her mother before her, is a wrecker, one of the seven on the rope who swim out to shipwrecks to plunder them. Mira’s job is to rescue survivors, if there are any. After all, she never feels the cold of the frigid ocean waters and the waves seem to sing to her soul. But the people of Rosevear never admit the truth: that they set the beacons themselves to lure ships into the rocks.

When the Council watch lays a trap to put an end to the wrecking, they arrest Mira’s father. Desperate to save him from the noose, Mira strikes a deal with an enigmatic wreck survivor guarding layers of secrets behind his captivating eyes, and sets off to find something her mother has left her, a family secret buried deep in the sea.

This was a super fun, quick read. The story flowed really well and I loved the FMC, Mira. And don’t even get me started on Seth, I adored him! I loved Rachel Greenlaw’s writing and how it kept me hooked even when the storyline slowed. I am predicting it now, this book is going to be a big hit! Thank you so much to @inkyardpress and NetGalley for my ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

what a magical and mythological story!

if you liked fable i definitely think you’d enjoy this book. full of compelling character arcs, found family, and a swoony romance it’s perfect for any fantasy lover. i was certainly enthralled with the writing and this was a perfect debut into romantasy!

"Compass and Blade" takes readers on a captivating expedition through the depths of ocean and mystery. In a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface and bargains must be made - a girl, who has survived by excavating the treasures from wrecked ships, ventures on a quest to save her father and discover who she is.

If you crave a mesmerizing adventure filled with layers of secrets and romance, this book is for you. I can’t reveal any more hints of the plot without giving too much away. You can expect islands, pirates and magic!

Thank you Rachel Greenlaw for this compelling story. Thank you Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

With it's gorgeous writing style and addictive pacing, Compass and Blade is a story I will recommend again and again!

On the harsh Island of Rosevear, Choosing between morality or survival is a way of life. When a trap is laid by the powers at be and the Island is punished for it's morally grey ways, Mira sets out on a journey to uncover her mysterious past and save the only family she has ever known.

I think the quality of writing in Compass and Blade is noteworthy. Greenlaw finds that sweet spot of painting an evocative and vibrant world without being verbose. It's the type of writing where three cleverly strung together words tell their own story and I simply could not get enough of it! The story itself has some familiar aspects that I predict will either feel nostalgic or overdone for reader. I did feel that as a whole it was unique enough to forgive some of the more dated tropes. All that being said the execution of the ending was what bumped this story up a whole star for me. It offered a genuine and thoughtful ending that didn't rely on an insane cliffhanger. The intense need to get my hands on the next installment is based solely on me knowing what is to come and that somehow felt refreshing!

I'm a sucker for any fantasy that has sirens. This was magical and immersive and had excellent world building. The romance was swoony and hot and the storyline was executed well.

I thoroughly enjoy Compass and Blade, quickly devouring the story. Mira is a young woman who experienced gray loss growing up alongside her fellow villagers, fighting for survival on a small island. As the world around them changes Mira must confront her families secrets and set out on the sea to save her village. This book is a fantastical twist on a high seas adventure filled with whispers of mythical creatures, magic, pirates and more.

Fantasy mixed with high seas adventures and oceanic vibes is one of my all time favorite niche genres! Compass and Blade is deeply atmospheric, with high stakes, found family, mythical creatures, and magic.

Mira’s connection to the sea is so beautifully described. I love how she hears the song of the ocean and sets off to save her family and find herself. This was a story of discovery, of first love, and doing what you believe to be right while trying to survive. Plus, any fantasy novel with morally grey characters and a villain love interest is sure to be a hit. Greenlaw’s lyrical prose brings the dangerous and magical world of the Fortunate Isles to life.

If you loved Fable, this is absolutely the book for you! Compass and Blade is the first in a trilogy and I can’t wait to learn more about this world and watch Mira bring it to its knees.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Mira aches for the sea that surrounds her beloved island home. It’s only when she’s submerged in the vast expanse of blue-green that she really feels peace; despite losing her mother to its abyss of secrets long before. Mira secretly desires something more than a lifetime spent rooted to the only place she’s ever known — but when the opportunity for that adventure comes crashing down upon her, it does so at an impossible cost.

I read an obscene amount of young adult fantasy (it is my genre of choice by far), and while many series successfully capture some key elements; like a visually immersive, effortless writing style, thoroughly developed characters that build meaningful relationships, or a clever big reveal and unpredictable plot at the heart of the text, few manage to check all of the boxes at once. Rachel Greenlaw’s “Compass and Blade” is one of those rare titles. When I say I loved it, that is a gross understatement.

From a scorching, complicated love affair, to a fearless protagonist who moves mountains to save those she cares for, to a heart wrenching portrait of loss, everything works in “Compass and Blade.” It’s a conclusion I already felt myself wanting to draw within the first few pages, only to see the rest of the story crescendo to a sensational tipping point. This is no mere book — it is a masterpiece.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the ARC.*

Calling all fans of FABLE, DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING, and Pirates of the Caribbean! COMPASS AND BLADE is just what you need!

I literally couldn’t put this book down. It was so fast paced and exciting. And that last chapter was a doozy! Luckily, I read in Rachel’s Goodreads bio that this is a trilogy because I am not ready to let go of this world.

Some tropes that this one includes are enemies to lovers, villain love interest, bargains and consequences, and found family.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️