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.