Content Warning: violence

+ I feel like this story started off strong. Mira and her friends and family on Rosevear are wreckers. When a ship wrecked on their shores, they pillaged the ship for survival. The world-building is interesting because it’s a world of survival in the seas and islands around Rosevear. There are pirates, magic and sirens.

+~ I liked the found friendship Mira has with the crew that takes her on her journey but again it would have been nice to get to know each of them more. The story needs more character building.

+~ The story moved quickly but at times I think too quickly. I wanted to learn more about the wreckers but Mira leaves the island right away into the story, so she can help save her friend and her dad who were caught by the watchers and are about to be hung. So she basically island hops in order to find this treasure her mother left for her and she thinks whatever this treasure is, can help her save her dad. I wanted to learn more about the Sirens but I just think we needed more world-building in general.

~ Mira was an interesting character until we had to follow her on this journey to find the treasure and she just came off so naive in so many situations. She falls for a boy she hardly knows – this story takes place in the span of one week – and her feelings for him puts her in the worst situations. Not to mention, he betrays her multiple times and she forgives him the first time! This girl had no business going on this journey without anyone she could trust, but she wanted to be a hero. And also she feels other things about another boy so yes there is a love triangle brewing. I was pretty frustrated with her as a character by the end. 

My Thoughts:

This book had so much potential because I like a good pirate book but the more I read, the more Mira, the MC seemed so naive and clueless. I think she has a chance in book two to really embrace the side of her that will wreck vengeance on her enemies but yeah this book was just okay. I did feel like the writing is for a younger audience but there is a sex scene. Anyway, this was somewhat entertaining despite the love triangle, and the issues I have with the main character. I would love for more world-building and character building in the next book but I’m not even sure I want to read the next book!

I really wanted to love this one, especially since I thought the premise was so cool, but I found that I just didn't love the writing style.

[arc review]
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Compass and Blade releases February 27, 2024

Mira is among a group of islanders that intentionally sabotage ships in order to steal their cargo, yet they also make sure to stay behind to save any remaining sailors.
It’s hard to garner any sympathy towards them as a reader knowing that their only way to survive is dependent on ruining the countless lives of others which is rather malicious.

When the authoritative group called The Watch capture Mira’s father and the island’s leader, she takes it upon herself to make a trade worthy enough to save their lives.

This is such a wild thing to say about the first book in a series, but this honestly felt like it suffered from second book syndrome. There was so much that was clearly being held back and most of what happened in the grand scheme of things will probably end up as redundant filler.
The romance part of this “romantasy” was lacking in believability and I wouldn’t be surprised if the love interest changed in the next installment.

There is so much potential here, but I think it could have benefitted from more developmental work.

Consider this if you like:
- sirens
- ships at sea
- bargains
- betrayals
- cliché YA characters

This was an adventure, it just wasn't an exceptional one. The plot (was there one?) was very hard to follow and it all seemed pointless.

I love a good trope, unfortunately, this had every single one forcefully smooshed in there. It wasn't particularly smooth and takes away from the story.

It was predictable, and that may be for some people- but I didn't really find myself excited at any point of this book.

In reflection, "Compass and Blade" provided an overall enjoyable reading experience for me. The thematic elements centered around piracy, coupled with the vividly depicted setting, high stakes, unexpected plot twists, and infusion of magical elements, all contributed to the book's appeal. However, my enthusiasm waned in certain aspects, particularly concerning character development, the romantic subplot, superficial conflicts, and adolescent emotional themes, which I found less engaging. Despite being categorized as a Young Adult fantasy, I occasionally perceived the writing style as overly simplistic, which occasionally detracted from my immersion in the narrative. Nevertheless, for readers who relish Young Adult fantasies set amidst maritime adventures, I would readily recommend "Compass and Blade" for its thematic richness and captivating storyline

Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw follows Mira, who, like the rest of her family, wrecks ships. They save the occupants of the ships and loot the ship. Ultimately, Mira’s father is arrested and she must save him.

Unfortunately, I did not finish this book. It has a really great premise. However, I found myself feeling apathetic about this book. None of the characters I felt connected to. It was a struggle to motivate myself to read this book. I do love the concept of this book though, and while it may not work for me, I’m sure others will love this book.

Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

The writing in this book is gorgeous and I was so here for the adventure! I loved the unique setting and storyline. I could almost taste the sea. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!

I have so many thoughts. This book started off good. I was invested in the world, the story, side characters, and FMC: Mira. Then, she kept making annoying choices; I gave her the benefit of the doubt bc she’s 18 and we all made stupid decisions then. However, how many times can you be burned and still go back to your old ways, Mira?!?! This is literally all your fault. Because of these continued refusals to see people for what they were, I grew to really dislike the fmc. By the end of the story, her little “fit” of feminine rage was so unbelievable because she was such an insufferable character. She honestly got what she deserved. I will not be reading book 2.
Thank you for the arc to Netgalley

I thought this story really started off strong, but about 65% in I had to really push myself to finish it. I wish there was a little bit more world building, and not just thrown right into the whole plot at once. (that’s what it seemed to me)


Thank you NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion

What could have been a fun swashbuckling adventure full of pirates and sirens and sea magic was….not that. Instead, this book was bogged down by overused tropes, heavy-handed melodrama, pointless purple prose, and a flat supporting cast of characters that I was nevertheless expected to care about. I found the pacing messy and the writing choppy. Despite her motivations being very clear throughout the story, I truly could not tell you a single one of Mira’s personality traits, nor could I tell you why she felt drawn to Seth in the first place. Every character was like a blank slate with nothing unique or interesting about them. The theme of doing what is needed for survival was not so much included as shoved down the reader’s throat, making it feel like the author doesn’t trust the audience.

Compass and Blade was such an interesting and enjoyable read! I really liked the plot and all of the characters! While I predicted some things I certainly didn’t see other parts coming. This book was very adventurous and fun to read. Mira, the fmc, was strong and resilient, I loved seeing a powerful female lead that could fight and survive on her own.

The romance part of this book was enjoyable for most moments but a little confusing at times and there was a small love triangle but I’m still a bit lost about it all. I liked both Elijah and Seth for the most part but I’m still not too sure about either of them. However, I recently heard this will be a trilogy so I hope it gets explained more in the next 2 books!

A few things I didn’t like about this book is that it felt a little rushed for some parts. There was a lot of world-building for such a small book. I also didn’t like the ending too much. It was left very open and there wasn’t much of a compelling cliffhanger for the next book. Since this was a fantasy I wish there was a little more magic. There were a lot of magical creatures mentioned but never actually seen to add the plot. I also would’ve like to see Mira tap into her powers/connection a little more since it was mentioned there was more she could do.

Unfortunately there were also some tropes in this book that I’ve already seen before in other popular fantasy novels such as Mira’s strong connection with the ocean and then the whole bargaining tattoo idea was a staple concept in Acotar. I truly really liked the plot but there was definitely more the author could’ve done to make it more unique.

Overall it was definitely an enjoyable read with an exciting plot and great characters! I definitely still recommend! For the now I think a lot is still left very open and lacks some detail but I’m hoping there will be more answers in the next two books as this is said to be a trilogy! Hopefully those books will be a little longer too in order to avoid rushing some scenes and plot details.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Inkyard Press, and the author for an e-arc of this book!
(All thoughts and opinions are my own and 100% honest)

This was my first Pirate/ sea babetrayalsed book I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved this journey ✨

I adored the love triangle of betrayal✨

Every character had amazing depth and growth through this story ✨

The ending of this story truly had m weeping like a baby✨

Very excited to read th next addition to this story when I comes out ✨



I will be reviewing this story Via: TikTok, and Goodreads
Review will be posted 2/1/24

This book started out great. A girl who's on a team who wrecks ships, saves the passengers, and steals the cargo to make a living is very engaging! And the description is beautiful.

However, as for the rest of the book, it felt like all the other YA high seas books I've read. Used all the classic tropes, nothing new unfortunately.

DNF @ 30%

I couldn't get into the story. The romance was very much insta-love and its a hard thing to overlook. I did like the setting as islands aren't a huge scene we see often, but definitely want more of! I liked the secondary characters for than the MC. There just wasn't enough to hold my attention.

Compass & Blade does masterful work in creating a world we don't often see in YA. The islands were so vivid and tangible. I want more work featuring ships and pirates and sirens, etc. I think that is such an untapped subsection and Greenlaw lays the groundwork well.

I struggled when this started falling into familiar tropes and didn't do a ton to flip them on their head or add anything unique to it. It felt very much like a lot of things we've seen before.

Enjoyable but I was hoping for more based on how original and refreshing the setting, world, and characters felt from the onset.

4.5 stars

A super fun high stakes adventure at sea full of smugglers, treasures, mythical creatures, bargains, and backstabbing. It follows Mira, a girl with a mysterious pull to the sea, living on an island where they wreck & steal from ships to survive. When her father is caught, she ventures out in search of a treasure that she hopes will secure his freedom.

This was such a page turner and I loved all of the constant twists and turns. I was actually getting anxiety wondering how it was going to end. It has a solid cast of characters and a bit of a love triangle which I’ll admit kept me on my toes. Potential shadow daddy anyone?

This wasn’t without faults, but it was entertaining enough that I think it deserves a high rating anyway. It definitely seems like it’s going to be a series which I hope is the case because I was left with some unanswered questions. Highly recommend if you like fast paced pirate themed adventures!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

The premise of this book is very unique. I love the twist on a mermaid folklore meets pirating.

However I found the writing very hard to get into, many of the same phrases were repeated an excessive amount of time, hopefully some skilled editing can hone that in as it really retracted from my enjoyment I was too hung up on the Deja vu feeling.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC all opinions are my own.

Actual Rating 1.5

Mira and the rest of the people on her island are wreckers who swim out to floundering ships to loot them. She’s always enjoyed being in the water even though it claimed her mother’s life. But when she and her people fall into a trap, Mira finds her father taken captive. In an attempt to save him, Mira makes a deal with a stranger. But with only nine days to accomplish her quest, it’s a race against time and unforeseen forces to save the ones she loves.

What I liked most about this read was the world. The setting was interesting, and I enjoyed the incorporation of magic and magical creatures. I was quite intrigued by the deals and tattoos that were included relating to one character and felt that the author did an excellent job surrounding that aspect. I would have loved to see a bit more world building as there were many times when it didn’t feel as immersive as it could have, but those things might be more present in the second book.

There were several things I didn’t like, though. There were a few plot holes that weren’t major but were noticeable enough. The romance was one of the most absurd ones I’ve run across in YA. To call it insta would be giving it too much credit. The first scene when they’re getting frisky, I was certain it was a dream sequence because it just seemed much too soon for that kind of interaction – alas, it wasn’t. And they had negative chemistry. I’m also fairly certain it’s setting up for a love triangle.

The characters were not great. The secondary characters felt like caricatures rather than real people. More depth and development for all characters would certainly help this read. We’re also supposed to feel sympathetic for Mira and her people, but they literally kill people for a living so…that didn’t quite work for me. Mira was a mess. There was little-to-no logic behind her actions, and the author didn’t even try to explain why she did things aside from needing the plot to go in that direction. She isn’t a strong female protagonist, she’s a teen who is easily distracted by cute boys and promises of treasure (we’ve all been there, but don’t call her something she isn’t).

The book is set up for a sequel, which I won’t read. If you enjoy YA fantasy with insta love, the beginnings of love triangles, and a gullible and flip-floppy heroine, then you’ll likely enjoy this. My thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for allowing me to read this work, which will be published February 27, 2024. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Tales of sirens and what amounts to piracy is always fun! I could feel the spray of the ocean and the ropes in my hands as the ship made its way to adventure and treasure. For me, the story fell apart a bit when a love triangle slowly emerged amongst the wreckage of misplaced trust and betrayal, and it ended on a note of vengeance I found disquieting. Plus, anything marketed as YA which has a sex scene between minors is going to frustrate me because that is an unwise for those with undeveloped prefrontal cortexes.

The concept of this story is very good, and I did enjoy it I do feel like there could have been more depth. I liked Mira, but there were also times I was so frustrated with her choices that it outweighed everything else. I also feel like there could have been more world building to engage readers more and give a better backstory of the setting. I went really back and forth between enjoying the story and being frustrated with it.