Okay, listen, this book genuinely made me cry. In a good way. And I know that humor is very subjective and won’t work for everyone, but it was exactly perfect for me in a completely unhinged, chaotic, and extremely horny way. A queer, piratey, adventure story featuring chosen family and the betterment of society. I do really think that Rowland did a great job in honoring Pratchett’s model of humanism, which is why the crying for me. I felt so deeply attached to these characters and invested in their futures. It maybe also hit particularly hard as a currently unemployed person who understands how imperative it is (unfortunately) to have money to function in this society, and the sacrifice to abandon possible financial stability for the greater good…yeah, that got me too.

Absolutely obsessed with this and I hope we get to see more from Rowland with this tone and tenor.

For fans of Sir Terry Pratchett and Our Flag Means Death.

This was a fun albeit a really long read. Some of the jokes didn't quite land and I found them to be a bit crude. I would however recommend this to readers who love pirates and pirates story.

Such a joyride, I started recommending it to other people about two chapters in. It held up to its promise all the way through to the end, too. This is fun fantasy for adults, which I deeply appreciate. It reads kind of like the author watched "Our Flag Means Death" and it cracked open their heart to have this story pour out. Pirates! Cake! Sea serpents! Luck! Give yourself the treat of reading Running Close to the Wind (perfect title, too)!

If you read this book and didn’t find it funny, we can’t be friends. This was an utter delight of a story, which felt both rambunctious and cozy, with characters that will have you both gasping and endeared to with each turn of the page.

At first, I wasn’t too sure about our main character Avra as he came off instantaneously annoying. However, there was something about his annoyingness, which I started to enjoy and found that this is evidently part of his charm (as this has the same affect on the characters he interacts with.)

I know this story is comp’d as “You’ll love this if you loved Our Flag Means Death” and I truly now want to retry watching the show again. I didn’t jive with the show in the first 20 mins but perhaps it’s going to be similar to how I felt about Avra?

Regardless, the story comes across as high stakes, but in actuality is mid to low stakes, and by golly, the last third is about a cake competition. I’m bewildered by how silly and laugh-out-loud funny this story, in juxtaposition to how well the story is actually written. The prose astonished me at times, especially when it’s dialogue coming from our ridiculously annoying and charming Avra.

For my first Alexanda Rowland book, I’m a huge fan of her writing in this and excited to dig into A Taste of Gold and Iron at some point.

”A silly little slut who has been through so much,” Avra amended, because at least he knew how to compromise, unlike some people, specifically some Teveris. “In the last two days,. have been through more than any silly little slut should ever have to go through!” “You probably brought it on yourself.” “I did not! These troubles have befallen me through no fault of my own! It was an accident.”

Avra Helvaçi has accidentally stolen the single most expensive secret in the world―and the only place to flee with a secret that big is the open sea. To find a buyer with deep enough pockets, Avra must ask for help from his on-again, off-again ex, the pirate Captain Teveri az-Ḥaffār. They are far from happy to see him, but together, they hatch a plan. But things get more complicated when a calculating new Araşti ambassador who’s got his eyes on Avra’s every move shows up. And they get even MORE complicated with Brother Julian, a beautiful, mysterious new member of the crew with secrets of his own and an inconvenient vow of celibacy.

I loved Rowland’s previous novel, so I was so excited when I got an ARC of this one. I only got around to reading it when it came out sorry!!! It wasn’t like anything I expected, but I really liked it!

This book is not going to be for everyone. I feel like everyone who LOVED A Taste of Gold and Iron is going to want to pick this book up, and I don’t know if I would say that that is a good idea. ATOGAI is a slow-burn romance full of yearning, with a political intrigue plot happening in the background. Running Close to the Wind is kind of the exact opposite and it’s an insanely over-the-top comedy with very (VERY!) little plot and ridiculous characters.

I have to give props to Alexandra Rowland for releasing a book, set in the same world as their previous one (actually from what I understand all of their books are set in the same world?), doing something completely different with a very different tone.

As with most comedic books, the humor is entirely subjective!! Personally? I thought it was funny. It has a very over-the-top, screwball comedy, horny tone to it. Like there's a lot of screaming and general chaos. I didn't laugh out loud but I chuckled a few times!! I smiled!!

The book worked for me mostly bc I really liked Avra. He's annoying. He's very annoying. He kind of gets on your nerves!! And I like that type of character, especially in a fantasy setting. I also really enjoyed Julian. A hot monk who used to be the sluttiest person of them all but now is celibate?? Insane, I love it.

All of that to say, I have to talk about my issue with this book, and why it didn't get a five-star: it doesn't have any smut. LISTEN. I enjoy smut I think it's fun!! I don't need every book with a romance to have smut. HOWEVER, this book is so horny and the fact that it doesn't have a single smut scene is a crime. They aren't even fade-to-black; they just don't happen. If you're going to tell me, multiple, and I really mean MULTIPLE, times that Avra can "swallow dick like a python" (and I quote), and you're not going to show it to me on page????? *include the SHOW IT TO MEE RACHEL SHOW IT TO ME meme here*. Idk I felt a bit scammed not going to lie. Like if you're going to have graphic sexual humor a lot of the book be innuendos, and a lot of the plot being Avra trying to convince a monk to break his vow of celibacy, I feel like you need to include some spice.

That being said, I did really like this!! I even missed the characters after I finished it. I liked it enough that I plan on buying a physical copy and maybe rereading it in the future. But also so excited to read more from Rowland, this was such a different vibe from what I expected, can't wait to see what they write next!!

Big thanks for Netgalley and TOR for this advanced copy.

Running Close to The Wind was such a good novel, however at some points, I didn't think the joes were funny enough to make me laugh. Not to mention, the author seems so hard to put jokes as many as possible. And really got the Our Flag Means Death vibes here!!

Amazon Review submitted, pending amazon system approval
Will be discussed in upcoming youtube wrapup
Imgur link goes to instagram photo scheduled for 7/1 (today)
Blog link goes live 7/2

**TL;DR:** Absolutely not going to work for everyone, but if you have the right sense of humor this is hysterical and such a fun adventure.
**Source**: NetGalley and I purchased my own copy, many thanks to the publisher!

**Plot**: Avra accidentally steals a huge national secret and has to either hide or sell it. All the while he’s an idiotic little bird with a fantastic pirate crew to back and assist him.
**Characters**: These characters were absolutely delightful. From Avra who is a genuine idiot, to Teveri who and Julian the sexy but very celibate monk - I loved all of them.
**Setting**: Most of this was set either on the ship or in a pirate town, and both of which felt well drawn and set well within the larger world Alexandra has established in other books.
**Magic**: Very light on the magic itself. The setting is very fantastical but the actual handwaving magic time was light and it definitely didn’t detract.

**Thoughts**:

Here I am, yet again, trying to sum up why I loved a book and I’m kind of at a loss for words. Running Close to the Wind is an absurd book that will not work for everyone, but for those of us it works for - it really works. This is set in the same world as A Taste of Gold and Iron but is an ENTIRELY different tone. Where Taste is a slow, beautifully drawn and intricate political fantasy with a romantic plot this is a comedic pirate romp. Think Our Flag Means Death meets some What We Do In the Shadows humor and you’re pretty close.

Avra has ‘witchy’ luck. And unfortunately for him that led him to accidentally stealing a national secret. Which of course terrifies him and he takes off running. He ends up (thanks to that witchy luck) on the pirate ship of his former lover and compatriot Teveri and thus begins a big adventure as the crew begins to work to understand the scholarly notes of the secret to sell it. We have the stoic and straight faced Teveri, who I would love to see more of their story in another story, Julian who is both beautiful and kind, and a whole range of hilarious crew and towns folk.

The humor is the biggest part of this. You cannot take that out of the story, so truthfully you must get along with it. Try a sample if you’re unsure, but if you get on with it I promise you this is 100% worth every page. The story has some deeper musings and it’s going to capture you and engage you, while tickling you, the whole time. It also adds more to this lovely world that Alexandra Rowland setup in Taste and I cannot wait for more.

5 out of 5 Absolutely phenomenial cake competitions

📣 a madcap fantasy that will keep you snort-laughing (if that’s your thing)

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 do you have any Saturday plans? I’m visiting with my brother, sister, their kids, & my mom today! I’m not sure what our plans are but I’m looking forward to QT!

In the “what the heck am I reading?” & also “but I’m really liking it” variety is Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland. This book is basically if Alexis Hall’s screwball comedy Something Fabulous were a fantasy, but maybe hornier 🤣.

Whereas Something Fabulous didn’t always work for me, I adored RCTTW—how it leans into the absurdity of it all, & how it’s set in a fantasy world of pirates & sea serpents, heist & intrigue.

Main character Avra is very funny, very dramatic, & very horny. He’s captured by pirate Teveri at the beginning of the book, the same Captain (& ex-lover) who marooned him before the book began for making up an embarrassing song about them.

Also on board the ship is the hottest person who has ever lived, Julian, a brilliant man who’s taken a vow of celibacy (MUCH to Avra’s dismay).

But Avra has a lot of luck when it comes to life & maybe that will help the three of them discover the answer to a mystery that could change the world, & help them convince Julian to abandon his vow.

This book is boisterous & hilarious, & then the characters will turn & act in a completely unexpected & amazing way. The story didn’t so much move me emotionally as it did sparkle at me.

5 ⭐️. Out now!

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess holds the ebook in front of a beach.]

Running Close to the Wind" by Alexandra Rowland is a rollicking adventure that takes some time to find its stride but ultimately delivers a delightful journey across the high seas of humor and hijinks.

Initially, I found Avra, the protagonist, to be quite grating with his overly confident yet often clueless demeanor. However, as the story unfolded, I began to appreciate the complexity of his character and the way he adapted to different situations with a mix of wit and absurdity. Rowland's skill in weaving Avra's development alongside a quirky cast of characters, including the grumpy yet endearing Captain Teveri and the enigmatic Brother Julian, gradually won me over.

The novel is undeniably humorous, with moments that had me chuckling out loud. The comedic timing, especially in Avra's antics and the interactions among the crew, is sharp and engaging. What started as annoyance turned into amusement as Avra's personality quirks revealed layers of charm and vulnerability.

One of the highlights for me was the subtle yet intriguing love triangle that simmered throughout the narrative. It added a touch of romantic tension amidst the chaotic sea adventures and kept me invested in the characters' evolving dynamics.

While the pacing took a bit to pick up, once the story found its rhythm, I found myself eagerly turning pages. The blend of fantastical elements like sea serpents and glowing blue dogs with humorous situations, including an unexpectedly intense cake competition, created a wonderfully absurd yet captivating atmosphere.

Overall, "Running Close to the Wind" is a testament to Rowland's ability to craft a unique and entertaining story. It's a book that rewards patience, offering a mix of humor, charm, and unexpected depth that makes it a delightful read for fans of adventurous fantasy with a comedic twist.

This was absolutely, wonderfully, delightful. I wasn't sure about it when I started, but Avra and company grew on me. Especially Avra. I found him borderline annoying at first, but he quickly morphed into endearing and hilarious. I laughed so much while reading and I absolutely did not want it to be over. I would have read a book twice as long quite happily.

The characters really shone in this one. Every one felt unique and real, even those with only small parts. The absolute unquestioned queernormativity of the world was delightful and made it all feel so warm and cozy. Even when everything and everyone was absolutely insane.

The world also felt very real and believable and cohesive, even with the giant turtles and the glowing horny sea serpents and ghosts and cake competitions. I definitely want to read more in this world and with these characters.

The sex jokes and innuendo were near constant, but there wasn't any actual sex on page which was actually really refreshing? I appreciate innuendo but on-page sex generally decreases my enjoyment of a story. This walked along the line of what I find too much for practically the entire book but never crossed it which was frankly impressive.

In among the hilarity and absolutely bonkers situations and constant stream of innuendo was a surprising amount of characters being philosophical. I think my favorite quote in the whole book (although that's really a tough call and I could also point to the whole entire book) was this from Avra:

----
"...Behind everybody's sanity mask is someone who is unalloyed batshit in one way or another. That is the truth of human nature, Baltakan." He polished off the last dregs of beer. "When I say 'one absolute madman,' that's not somebody less sane, because nobody's sane. That's just somebody who's decided that leaving his mask off gets him where he wants to be, which is usually somewhere really weird that nobody expects him to go." He paused. "Like the top of a wardrobe."
----

I had just the best time while reading this. Definitely one of my top books of the year and I will revisit when I need something comforting and uplifting to read.

The audiobook performance was also absolutely fantastic and was one of the best audiobooks I've listened to in a while. The characters had such unique and easily recognizeable voices that felt so authentic to who they were as characters. Avra's voice, including the frequent exclamations of "reeeee!" to express various emotions, was especially well-done.

*Thanks to tordotcom and RB Media for providing an early copy for review.

Alexandra Rowland has become a new favorite author between A Taste of Gold and Iron and Running Close to the Wind. Set in the same world as A Taste of Gold and Iron, this novel follows a ridiculous and supernaturally lucky former intelligence agent / poet on a pirate ship , the captain he has an on again-off again relationship with, and the monk they're both crushing on who's taken a very inconvenient vow of celibacy. It's a lot less serious than her first book, but I loved that about it. Big Our Flag Means Death vibes.

this was such a hilarious romp of a book, alexandra rowland you will always and forever be famous! these characters are wild, raunchy and so loving (in their own unique ways) you can't help but fall in love with them. rowland's writing never fails to amaze me with it's wittiness and humor that makes me giggle like a maniac in the bread aisle of the grocery store. fantasy is only done well by a true genius and alexandra rowland is definitely that genius.

Loved It, 4.5 stars

This was a really fun book! It is completely absurd, and definitely not for everyone though.

In Running Close to the Wind, we follow Avra, a self-professed flibertigibbet with magically good luck. He steals some state secrets on a whim from his country and then winds up on the ship of his ex, Teveri. Tev is a no-nonsense pirate captain, and they really REALLY struggle with Avra. Then there is a new crewmember as well, Brother Julian, a monk who has taken a vow of celibacy because his order swears off their favorite thing in the whole world. They work together to sell this secret, and absolute nonsense ensues.

The best part of this book are the characters and their interactions with each other. I ended up having a really good time with it, but it was a really rough start. Up til about 50%, I was considering DNFing because Avra is utterly nonsensical and so, painfully, horny. It is a very raunchy sense of humor, and it took me a while for it and the characterizations to grow on me. I feel like overall, my experience was was not unlike that of the relationship progression with Avra in the book. He was so very obnoxious but grew on me without my even noticing, and I was very fond of him by the end. I really loved the role that Julian played in Tev and Avra's relationship. The two of them are chronically terrible communicators, and Julian ends up bridging that communication gap, which was so believably sweet to see.

The plot is very slow to start, which also annoyed me a bit at first, but the pure ridiculousness really grew on me. We just follow the escapades of a pirate ship for much of it, and it doesn't necessarily feel like there is a ton of direction. However, once that starts to firm up, I became quite invested. I loved the pirate haven so much! The crew and the townspeople were just absolutely delightful side characters. I also really loved the cake contest! It wasn't what I thought it would be, but it was so much fun. The part I didn't love about the pacing was that it ends rather abruptly and it is sort of an open-ended ending.

Overall, this was a lot of fun, and I ended up really loving it! It probably would be a 5 star rating if it didn’t take half the book for me to be on board with it.

Thank you so much to Tor and Netgalley for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Man! This was amazing and hilarious. It’s a ride from start to finish, in a mix of Our Flag Means Death with The Great British Bake Off—all wrapped up in a beautifully diverse package.

Avra, a former field agent and spy, accidentally stumbles upon the most expensive secret in the world. With no safe harbor on land, he turns to the open sea, seeking the help of his on-again, off-again ex, Captain Teveri. The reunion is far from warm, but necessity drives them to form a plan: sell the secret in the pirate republic of the Isles of Lost Souls and reap the profits.

Rowland's character work shines brightly, particularly in the complex and often frustrating Avra. He’s a character who balances on the knife-edge of delightful and irritating, yet his charm gradually grows on you, much like a particularly persistent fungus. I adored the silly Avra and the broody Captain Teveri. Adding to the mix is the gorgeous Brother Julian whose vow of celibacy adds layers of complexity to the very horny duo's relationship.

Rowland’s writing is sharp and witty, infusing the narrative with humor that ranges from laugh-out-loud moments to more subtle, clever banter. Despite the comedic elements, there are also profound moments of character growth and introspection. The evolving relationship between Avra, Teveri, and Julian is particularly satisfying, moving towards a surprisingly healthy and balanced trio by the end of the book.

There is also a calculating Arasti ambassador hot on Avra’s trail, the perilous threat of sea serpents, glowing dogs, and a cake competition that all add to this amazing story. There's never a dull moment! One of the standout aspects of this novel is its incredible diversity. The characters are richly varied, and their interactions are marked by a refreshing inclusivity. This diversity isn’t just window dressing; it’s integral to the story.

Running Close to the Wind is a joyous romp through high seas, featuring unforgettable characters and a narrative that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.

Sometimes you just click and sometimes you don't. This was slow going for me. I just couldn't get sucked into the story. I put it down for a while and tried to give it a break. I really think my struggles in this read are a me problem. The next time I'm feeling the pull for an ocean adventure I'll be picking this up again because it deserves another try.

I DNF'd this pretty early on, but I think it's a personal problem and I'd recommend this to others.

I'm generally a fan of a silly/goofy or comedic tone in books. However, I think that the silly, goofy energy has to be matched at least somewhat equally by the other characters or the world as a whole. In this book, I felt like Avra acted comedic in a way no one else did. Rather than coming off as comedy, this came off to me as him not taking anything seriously. This made him unlikable to both me and the characters in the books.

I think readers who generally enjoy this tone of writing should give this book a try. It has all the makings of a fun and engaging fantasy romp.

Alexandra Rowland’s novel “Running Close to the Wind” is subtitled “A Queer Pirate Fantasy Adventure!” which encapsulates their book pretty well. However, I’ll add that reading this book is the most silly, bawdy, over-the-top experience! I don’t believe I’ve literally laughed out loud so many times while listening to an audiobook.

For all that Running Close to the Wind is incredibly ribald, it’s worth noting that the book is not actually open door. While hardly PG, I would still file it in the “cozy fantasy” genre. The novel features a number of adventures (or perhaps more accurately termed, shenanigans), but the plot takes a backseat to the characters— it’s really the friendship of the three MCs that steals the show. Though the absurd sexual innuendo comes close!

If you’re looking for some good queer rollicking fun, I highly recommend you check out this audiobook. Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for the advance copy. And please tell me that there will be a sequel, because I am ready!

I think this book had more dialogue in it than any other book I've ever read. This felt like as if bunch of quips and chaotic mewling got dressed up in a trench coat and decided to be a book. The plot was tissue paper thin, the characters a bit over-the-top, and the dialogue a bit repetitive at times, and yet I had a fantastic time reading it.

One of the biggest mysteries carried over from A Taste of Gold and Iron was their secret ship magic. How do the Arasti sail all year round, while every other nation is grounded for 5 to 6 weeks a year? This tale endeavours to answer that question, and it does, but in the weirdest and most roundabout way

There is an underlying plot for sure, but much of the story focuses on Avra and how much he really wants attention, specifically Tev's attention. Much of his jokes are crass and sexual in nature, but there is no spice whatsoever. There is a note of polyamory, and I enjoyed seeing the navigation of those relationships, but it very much leaves readers on the "will they, won't they" side of things. In the end though, we do see Avra figure out how to be a good friend and a mewling simp, rather than just the latter, and we find a cast of characters who put up with him because he is genuinely a good and loyal person.

I will say though, this book is funny as hell. I enjoyed the chaotic quips, the stupid songs, and the silly banter. It all was so easy to read and it made me laugh out loud very often. However, we cannot get by on quips alone, and there were points in the book where I asked myself, "Where on earth is this going?" It felt like a long book where nothing much was getting done, outside of a few side quests, but in the end it all came together well and that's either very masterful, or everything else was simply an Avra-shaped distraction.

All in all, a fun time, but not necessarily a productive time. Very much a fantasy book of good dumb fun and comedic dialogue, and a huge switch in tone from A Taste of Gold and Iron. I'd definitely say, if you're looking for the political intrigue and solemn tones of book 1, this is not the place to look (though Avra is very good at politics when he wants to be).

Rep: queer normative world; non-binary gay MC, gay MC, pan MC, polyamorous relationship, sapphic secondary character

TW: death of an animal (not dog), violence, bullying, sexual content, death; mentions murder, cults, classism.

Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Tordotcom via Tor Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

I've enjoyed Alexandra Rowland's other works; however, this one wasn't a favorite for me. Humor is excellent within a book but this felt like a bitch much at times. Also, I wasn't very found of the main character which set me up for failure from the start. I'm interested to see if Rowland continues to expand on this world.

In 'Running Close to the Wind' Alexandra Rowland delivers the literary equivalent of the horny chaos goblin memes. This book is ridiculous. The characters are over the top, the plot is riddled with drama, and the banter is completely bonkers. And I am totally here for it. Somewhere amongst all of the bread stealing possums, thrown rocks, and spooky dildos Rowland manages to craft a heartfelt found family and a book that gives us all the feels. It was absolutely delightful.