Just after reading the blurb, I was hooked. I love reading historical fiction, especially ones set in times/places I'm not as familiar with. This book had some great history and storytelling and I loved that it was about pirates. I'd 100% reccomend reading this.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and ViaNova Productions for sending me this ARC.

Jacquotte Delahaye. The name may mean nothing to most readers, or perhaps a few have heard of this female buccaneer of the 17th century. Mystery surrounds her . . . if she ever existed. If Jacquotte was a real person, who was she and what transpired to make her become a fearsome pirate captain? This is the premise of Minnis’s new trilogy, The Red Pirate, and Girl Before the Legend recounts how Jacquotte went on the account.

A carnival comes to the village where Jacquotte lives. She has a wonderful time with her father and younger brother until she swipes a necklace she covets. She could have purchased it, but doing so lacks adventure and that is something she craves. Perhaps because of her father’s many stories of his adventures. Perhaps because she already knows what life has ordained for her, and she’s not particularly thrilled with getting married and obeying society’s rules.

Sometimes, wishes are granted, but not in the way we expect or want. That night, intruders come. Her father takes Jacquotte and her brother into the smuggler’s tunnels under the house. After making sure they are hidden, he surrenders to the English soldiers and before Jacquotte’s eyes, she watches them kill him. She exacts retribution, but in the process, her brother is traumatized. They must leave even though a storm rages. They set sail in a boat, which causes Etienne further health problems. At sixteen, Jacquotte is too young and lacks the means to take care of him, especially after wanted posters for her appear. If they are to survive, she has only one choice: surrender Etienne into the safekeeping of others while she flees the island aboard her father’s ship. But who’s going to allow a girl aboard a pirate ship? And once there, how can she reclaim what rightfully belongs to her?

This coming-of-age story deftly shows how a series of unconnected events lead Jacquotte onto paths she never expects. At the same time, she must come to grips with what happens to her. Although no specific time frame is provided, references are made to the period when Lord Protectors ruled England during the 1650s. Minnis crafts a realistic pirate tale with touches of swashbuckling adventure in which there are always consequences to face. The only misstep is making Paragon, her father’s ship, a galleon, which in real-life did not possess the sailing qualities needed for these adventures. Revenge, secret codes, a treasure map, slave trading, mysticism, and empire-building are just some of the interwoven threads that make for riveting, action-packed exploits.

-- Cindy Vallar, Editor of Pirates and Privateers
Review found online here: http://www.cindyvallar.com/youngadultbooks.html#girl

I think I loved the idea of this book more than what I actually read.

The Red Pirate focuses mostly on Jacquotte Delahaye’s origin story and not as much on a pirate tale. There are mystic spirits, an evil villain that just won’t die, and so many opportunities for the situation to go wrong. I’d love to see where this story might progress with a sequel. I also appreciate that I was introduced to a legendary pirate that I did not previously know.

I struggled with the pace at the beginning and the overuse of Jacqs/Jacquotte in almost every sentence in the beginning chapter (it did get better eventually). I also struggled to understand the prologue and how it fit with the story but am really left with a mystery.

Overall, it was a good origin story and I hope there are further adventures awaiting their own moment.

The Red Pirate gave a pretty suck me in synopsis but lacked in execution. The story was very very slow and I would have expected more action and more piracy... but alas not the case through most of the book. Maybe others will have more patience and like this book better than I did but it just wasn't for me.

#NetGalleyARC Yet another book that has left me wanting more. I wanted so much more action and adventure from a pirate book, and it was just meh. I honestly don't know what to write for my review cuz this was almost a DNF for me but I hate doing that so I had to make myself read this.

The Red Pirate by S.K. Minnis immerses readers in the vibrant and dangerous world of 17th-century Caribbean piracy, following the captivating journey of Jacquotte Delahaye. The novel opens with a gripping scene as Jacquotte witnesses her father's murder, setting the stage for a tale of revenge, self-discovery, and resilience.

Minnis masterfully crafts Jacquotte's transformation from a sheltered young woman yearning for adventure to a formidable pirate captain, navigating treacherous waters both literal and metaphorical. Her determination to uncover the truth behind her father's death drives the narrative forward, leading her to confront societal norms and challenge the patriarchal structures of her time.

The author paints a vivid picture of the Caribbean landscape, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of the era with skillful prose. From the bustling ports to the vast expanses of the open sea, readers are transported to a world filled with danger and intrigue.

While The Red Pirate delivers on its promise of adventure and excitement, some aspects of the story feel somewhat formulaic. Certain plot twists and character developments can be anticipated, and there are moments where the narrative loses momentum. Additionally, the secondary characters could benefit from further exploration and development to add depth to the overall story.

Despite these minor flaws, The Red Pirate remains an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of historical fiction and tales of strong, independent heroines. Jacquotte Delahaye is a compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal expectations will resonate with readers. The stage is set for an epic series filled with action, intrigue, and the promise of legendary adventures on the high seas.

|:: The rocks in the tide pool were slick with moss, and Jacqs felt her feet sliding. How could Leon possibly be so steady on his feet here? She thought. Then it struck her. Perhaps he wasnt. For all the blister and confidence he's made her believe in he has the higher ground, perhaps he was just one slimy step away from falling himself.
She decided to try a different approach. Instead of trying to stab Leonz she aimed at his feet. With a big arching swoop, she hurled her weapon at his ankles. Leon skipped back a step hiss boots sliding with the suddenly shift in weight. Before he could rally, Jacqs used to her free hand to copp up a handful of sand and threw it at his face ::|

Jacqs grew up safe and loved by her parents in a littlw piece of land off the coast of Spain. For a french family to live in a respected civil town with a nice house. Jacqs knows no better. So when all of a sudden, her father is captured and labelled a traitor. Ever since then her life has been on downward spiral into her own Alice I'n wonderland.

Oh no wair. I know. She's a witch!!
No she's just a girl searching to complete her fathers legacy but so many people, objects, dreams and spirits are trying to spend time with her, all with their own ideas on how to go forward. Sending her hints and help which she will need if she can speak about a pirate ship and sail with them. She has to do something. She was born to this!

Great writing and the added detail to make the scenery pop onto my head sounded lovely. I felt lost where the story was concerned. It started off in a town.. where I'm guessing she's the captain but this book only tells us about her origins. Which confused me because it didn't end of add to the beginning of the book.

But it was a good read.
I read this book, with thanks to the publishers S.K. Minnis and Netgalley for an honest review. x
I just reviewed The Red Pirate by S.K. Minnis. #TheRedPirate #NetGalley

The Red Pirate is the first book in a series set in 1600s Carribean, before the slave trade had been fully established. Jocquette, the female main character is faced with decisions that set in motion a series of events that include who she is deciding to become as a person.

It’s a rather slow set-up throughout the first half of the book, but it’s fairly necessary back-story. I *almost* dnf but decided to keep going because it wasn’t that the writing or story was bad, just slow.

If you like action, adventure, revenge, strong family ties, anti-colonial sentiment, and a little voodoo-type magic, you’ll enjoy this series.

I’m giving this 4*, not because I adored the book itself, but because I can see that this series could be very, very good once things get going.

To start with, I want to say that I loved the characters of this book. Our leading lady and her cast of characters were well written and easy to follow along with. The basic idea for the story was great as well. My main problem is that it could have been executed better. The story was slow and hard to get into in the first half. The second half was just generally confusing, though faster paced. I don’t think I would read this book again, but maybe it would be more enjoyed by others.