I got this book because it was tagged "Romance"—and the blurb was ambiguous enough that I thought that maybe it might be (this would not be the first time that Mary Read and Anne Bonny were imagined as lesbians).

It was 100% not a genre romance.

Not sure why the release date was pushed back so much, but hopefully the marketing will shift a little; once I reset my expectations about what the book was doing I enjoyed it. (It helped that the second half was more exciting than the first half.) I loved the way the book explores gender identity and how fully fleshed-out the characters of Anne and Mary are.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but wow—I ended up loving it! 5/5 stars, no question.
Historical fiction isn’t always my go-to (I kinda have to be in the right mood), and I’ve definitely never read anything about pirates before… but this story completely pulled me in.

It’s inspired by real people and true events, which made it even cooler. The Determined follows Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two women who hid their gender and lived as men so they could survive—and chase the kind of freedom they wouldn’t have had otherwise. There’s danger, action, and a lot of heart packed into their story.

What I loved most, though, was the focus on female strength and friendship. It made everything feel even more powerful and real.
Honestly, it was just one of those books that left me feeling proud for the characters by the end.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC!

A gritty game of consequences…
The Determined follows two women, whose personal circumstances mean they hid their gender and passed as men, existing on the fringes of society, doing what they need to survive. Both are morally strong and good people, but the choices they are forced to make go against the rules of law, which eventually catches up with them.
The story is in part a retelling, a recollection of events as Anne and Mary moulder in prison cells as convicted pirates awaiting execution, which is postponed as they are both pregnant. Anne has a plan to escape which depends on access to pen and paper. When a mysterious captain agrees to provide what she needs, in return for a true account of events, Anne agrees – and hence the story unwinds. I especially like how the author had a story within a story, in that the book the captain intends to write actually exists, and does give an account of the lives of Anne and Mary.
This is an engrossing read, a fictionalised account of two real women. The skill of the author was in making it entirely plausible that they, Mary especially, were able to pull off the subterfuge of hiding her gender. It took me a little while to orientate to the story going backwards and forwards in time, between the prison cell and the earlier lives of two characters, but once I got into the swing of it I was hooked.
There are a couple of sensitive love stories in there, which again made complete sense, but this is in no way a romance. I loved how The Determined could be read as an adventure story of sorts, or interpreted at a deeper level about how women are judged and cut down to size, purely because of their gender.

In 18th-century Jamaica, imprisoned pirate Anne Bonny recounts her life—and that of her fellow pirate Mary Read—to a writer, revealing their journeys from oppressed backgrounds to the thrilling, dangerous freedom of the Caribbean seas and their ultimate fight for survival against the authorities.

Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this novel is engrossing and heart-wrenching. It’s easy to see why these women made the desperate choices they did to escape predation. While Anne and Mary are anti-heroes, they’re relatable and sympathetic. The writing style is vibrant and immersive.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I didn’t previously know much at all about women pirates and after reading that *The Determined* was based on the real experiences of two actual women, I was intrigued.

Ms Rueckert wrote Anne and Mary so vividly, bringing them to life within the pages. Their desperation, their bond, their bravery in reaching for a better life. I loved learning about the history of the actual women, who have long been overshadowed by male counterparts and found this fascinating from the opening chapter to the end.

Recommended - if you like historical fiction, women’s accomplishments in history, and learning about lesser-known historical characters, grab this one.



Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the DRC

I wanted to like this more than I did. Historical accuracy & detail got in the way of plot & character motivation. Mary/Mark & Ann came to life, but something was missing.

Although I've read several books featuring pirates Ann Bonney and Mary Read, they were written by men. The Determined is penned by a female who has set out to humanize these two misunderstood women. Although you know the inevitable outcome, the telling is very emotional and heart wrenching. Loved it.

In recent years, I’ve been drawn to pirate stories: their action, adventure, and roguish appeal. This novel was unique because it portrayed two infamous pirates, and not just any pirates, but female pirates.
While fictional, the research and attention to detail were appreciated and gives the book authenticity and truth. I sincerely enjoyed reading The Determined and would recommend that any reader interested in a good pirate story, female strength and resilience, and the power of friendship will enjoy this book.

I found this historical fiction to be very engaging. It was part action/adventure, romance and history. The main characters were actual historical figures set in their actual time and place.. The author has filled in the blank, undocumented pieces of their lives in a very believable tale.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a novel about Mary Read and Anne Bonney and their lives as pirates. It was well researched and I enjoyed the bits of history in this work of fiction.

Thank you for the ARC!
Unfortunately I did not get through the book, I kept trying but ultimately I just kept putting it down and sadly did not really want to pick it back up again. This book could be a slow burn and its very possible I did not give it enough time. As a new mom I have a very tiny window of reading window so it has to hook me quick.

I was pulled into this story right away; the tale of Mary Read is fascinating. After Mary and Anne meet the suspense and interest waned a bit and it was harder to pick up the book enthusiastically. While it is historical fiction and some is based on fact, it is always discouraging to read another story of women brought down by the patriarchy. But overall a compelling read.

The Determined
By: Rachel Rueckert

5 Stars

I have always loved the whole era of piracy. We see the movies, shows, and books, but it is a mans world. In this story that weaves fact and fiction, we meet two female pirates, Anne and Mary. Each has her own story, but by the end, they both end up in the same place, awaiting the same fate.

This story wove a fine tale. It was full of danger, drama, and adventure. It shows what some women had to go through to be seen, or better yet, to live. From start to finish, Anne and Mary show strength and perseverance while both just fighting persecutions not of their choosing. The story of each individual blends to make a story that was fun to read. It captivates and intrigues while keeping you wanting more. The blend of history and fiction made me want to learn more about these infamous women who stood in the place many dreamed of.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

“The trouble of being a woman, Mary, is that women take care of everyone else before ever getting the chance to start their own lives.

This is set during the Golden Age of Pirates and based on real experiences of the era's most fascinating pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny while I have never heard of these two women I did find them truly fascinating and have officially become obsessed with pirates.

Mary and Anne are both pregnant captured and facing the gallows for their crimes. Anne strikes up a deal with writer Captain Charles Johnson she will tell her tale if he gets Mary a doctor.

We hear of their lives from land to sea the relationships they encounter and their growing bond with each other. Both are strong-willed and feisty women throughout the book. I love how the author blended fact and fiction it was so well put together.

It's a must read for any fan of pirates and historical fiction readers.

"Can memories be a home?”

The Determined by Rachel Rueckert is a great historical fiction that takes us deep into what it might have been like being a female pirate in the 18th century.

This is a fascinating HF that take sus into the lives of two females during the height piracy in the 1700s.
I have listened to a few podcasts on some of the real life female pirates, but I have never read anything like this before.

The author does a great job blending fact and fiction when presenting this story of female friendship, societal expectations, the risks, rewards, and what it must have been like risking, and hoping, for more out of life. Seizing the moment…taking a chance…to find happiness and a better life than what is handed to you at birth.

Loved it.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/29/25.

Okay listen, I love pirates. I mean with a passion. It’s a bit hard to impress me with their stories. Anne and Mary always have had a special place in my heart. I know their stories front and back, but this book took what they were and what they stood for and made them a bit boring. Anne even said at one point she was going to tell the narrator the “truth even if it was boring” and like I think it’s unfair and a disservice to them to trivialize what they went through and say it was boring. Lean into the piracy and less of the origin, lean into the possible gay love triangle. It’s historical fiction, emphasis on the fiction. It’s okay to deviate from what could have happened.

That being said. I still really loved this book and this story. But a Star off for making this slightly more boring than it needed to be.

I already knew a lot of the history in this book thanks to a general fascination of pirates but specifically female pirates. Down to my favorite book as a little girl being ‘The Pirate Queen’ by Emily Arnold McCully
So reading a more dramatized version of the history I already know was fun!
I think this book will appeal to the lovers of historical fiction and non-fiction alike!

Rachel Rueckert's "The Determined" is a captivating historical novel that reinterprets the stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two remarkable women from the Golden Age of Pirates.

The narrative unfolds in 1721 Spanish Town, Jamaica, beginning with a pregnant Anne facing execution. In a desperate bid for survival, she negotiates with Captain Charles Johnson, seeking medical assistance for her imprisoned friend Mary in exchange for sharing her life story. This intriguing setup paves the way for a rich examination of freedom, friendship, and resilience against societal limitations.

The plot intricately interlaces the lives of Anne and Mary, highlighting their struggles and victories. Anne's journey starts in County Cork, Ireland, where she escapes familial biases to seek a new life in South Carolina. At the same time, Mary disguises herself as a boy in England to join a merchant crew, showcasing her determination in a male-dominated environment. Their paths converge in Nassau, leading them to life aboard the infamous ship "Revenge", where they confront threats from an ambitious governor and navigate complex issues of loyalty and autonomy.

Themes of female empowerment and friendship are central to the narrative. Rueckert presents Anne and Mary as complex characters who defy traditional pirate stereotypes by challenging gender roles and societal expectations. The Caribbean backdrop adds an element of tension and adventure, representing both freedom and danger. The emotional depth of the characters draws readers into their experiences of bravery, despair, and their unbreakable bond.

Rueckert's vivid writing style immerses readers in the turbulent waters of the Caribbean. She effectively combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, making the characters' extraordinary experiences relatable.

Rachel Rueckert's unique viewpoint enriches the story. By blending historical facts with imaginative narrative, Rueckert creates a story that resonates with modern themes of self-determination and identity.

Ultimately, "The Determined" transcends being merely a pirate story; it celebrates resilience and sisterhood while encouraging readers to reconsider how history has portrayed women like Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

The novel stands as a powerful reminder of friendship's strength and the relentless quest for freedom amidst adversity.