Unfortunately I had to DNF around the 20% mark. I prefer a faster pace and I just couldn’t connect with the characters. This book was not for me, but I’m sure others will like it as the writing is really nice.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Determined, especially the first half, which grabbed me straight away and made me want to find out more about Anne Bonny and Mary Read’s lives. The story, set in the Golden Age of Pirates, follows these two real historical figures and upends stereotypes by bringing their stories out from under the male gaze. It is a tale of fierce friendships, passion, moral complexity, and women confronting what seems impossible.

I was drawn to the two female leads. Anne’s journey from County Cork to the turbulent seas, and Mary’s fight to carve her identity despite societal limitations, felt vivid and compelling. I pictured these characters so clearly, and Rueckert’s writing was clearly infused with passion. She does not tie everything up neatly; some questions are left open, and that ambiguity is powerful because it let me think of, imagine, and engage with their history in a more personal way.

The afterword stood out to me as much as the novel itself. It's clear a lot of research was done, and it was written with heart. I adore history combined with interpretation, the way real facts and myth, legend and personal voice are woven together.

There was only one thing that pulled me out of the story. Some of the Americanisms, like using “fall” instead of “autumn” or “color” instead of “colour,” felt slightly out of place, especially when mixed with moments of beautiful Irish Gaelic. It created a small jolt in voice that I noticed, but it did not lessen my overall enjoyment.

This is a strong, deeply engaging read. I recommend it especially if you appreciate historical fiction that honours its characters as human, flawed, and complex, and leaves some space for mystery and interpretation.

3.5 stars overall. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I felt that I was a little emotionally distanced from the characters but that may be more stylistic than anything else.

I loved learning the stories of these two famous pirates and how their life intersected.

Overall it was well done.

this book hit me in the soul. It’s smart, beautifully written, and so full of heart—it had me reflecting on choices, resilience, and what it really means to live with purpose. Rachel Rueckert’s storytelling pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you and stick with you long after the last page, this is the one

Sometimes when there isn't enough historical evidence, historical fiction comes in to fill the gaps and tell a story that still educates readers, with the caveat that some pieces had to be fictionalized. This book is an example of that. What history there is (and debatable just how much) is used as the foundation, while some fictional pieces are used to tell a complete story. It's well written and enjoyable.

Alright... since I do have some pirate history knowledge and I'm very aware that there is not a whole lot available on these two women pirates, I was VERY curious about how a fictional book with them as the main characters would turn out... which way the author was going to go with it. I was not disappointed. I actually have no issues giving this one 5 stars.

**Trigger warning** If you are sensitive to sexual assault scenes, I'd say skip this book. There are a few times where it happens. Not necessarily unusual for the time but times have changed since the early 1700s.

Anyone into pirate history knows that the book where a lot of our information on pirates comes from is A General History of the Pyrates which says its written by Captain Charles Johnson. However, there is a lot of debating about the actual author. Some published copies now list Daniel Defoe as the author. That has also been highly debated and many disagree that it was Defoe that wrote it. Anyway, historians have found that some stuff written in the book is accurate, and some is very clearly not accurate. The stories of Anne and Mary are in that book, but there's no telling how much of it is accurate vs. not. Their early years are murky at best. Their capture is pretty well known. It is known that Mary died but Anne wasn't executed and mostly disappeared. So with that in mind...

The book switches between 3 stories: Anne's beginnings, Mary's beginnings, and their jail time where they are interviewed by Captain Charles Johnson while waiting out their pregnancies and trying to figure out how to get out of the slightly delayed executions that are coming. I'll admit, I couldn't decide if I liked this approach or if I didn't because of the whole author controversy. The author won me over in the last few pages of the book in terms of Johnson. I thought that was beautifully done.

I also thought the backgrounds that the author developed for these two real figures were good, especially since we don't have a whole lot to work with for their early years. I loved that the author made these women flawed (since they obviously were being pirates and all) but also strong and willing to do what was needed based on their circumstances. They are far from heroines but given the challenges that were thrown their way by life, they both made the best of it and were a pair (if only briefly) who bolstered each other. We all have that friend right? So the author's story made me (and maybe you) feel for their plight and cheer them on as they pushed through all the challenges, even though at best they were criminals.

So, overall 5 stars from me. A good story, the real history that I was aware of was accurate from what I remember, and it was wrapped up with a neat little bow. Probably a good book for book clubs... plenty of things to discuss. Just going to repeat that warning, there are sexual assaults depicted in a few spots in the book.

4.5 rounded up

An incredibly riveting and engaging read! This novel dives into the world of historical fiction, centring on the lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two infamous female pirates I admittedly knew far too little about before picking this up. By the end, I found myself wanting to learn everything I could about them.

Rueckert does a wonderful job blending fact with fiction, weaving together a story filled with adventure, resilience, and even moments of tenderness. The “what ifs” of Anne and Mary’s lives are explored in such a compelling way that I was hooked from the first chapter to the last.

If I had one small wish, it would be for a touch more variety among the wider cast of pirates. That said, the focus on Anne and Mary felt fitting, and following their journeys made for such a fascinating and unique perspective. Learning about two women who carved out their own place in such a male-dominated world was absolutely fascinating (and very cool).

Overall, I couldn’t put this book down. Rueckert kept the tension, emotion, and excitement alive throughout, making it a standout read in the historical fiction genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Rachel Rueckert for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review!

4.5 stars! Jesus, Mary and Joseph (to quote Anne Bonny) what a ride! Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this fantastic historical 'fiction' book before its publishing. I have learnt so much by reading this book. I had no idea about the stories of both FMCs and their journey. This is a story about love, friendship, pirates, wars, but more than anything is about survival. How two women with different backgrounds did everything in their power to survive in early 1700's. Please read this book, I read it in less than a day. It was incredible and I cannot wait to finish this review to do a little bit of research about Anne Bonny and Mary Read and their very interesting lives.

I genuinely enjoyed The Determined! Rachel Rueckert does such a great job bringing Anne Bonny and Mary Read to life, you can almost feel the salt air and the tension of every choice they make. The mix of action, danger, and friendship kept me hooked, and while a few parts moved quickly, the story as a whole was exciting and memorable. Perfect if you love historical adventures with fierce women at the center.

Female pirate stories are some of my favorite within the sub-genre, and I truly enjoyed the historical romance aspect of this title. It's a stray away from my normal lane of reading, but I believe that Rachel Rueckert did a fantastic job of representing historical fact and combining with creative fiction. The story lines definitely peaked interest to research into the people involved in the story and that usually is a good indicator for me that the storyline resonated.

The Determined by Rachel Rueckert is an absolutely thrilling and fantastic historical fiction novel! I loved it and could not turn pages fast enough while at the same time not wanting it to end. An extremely well written novel, The Determined brings to life the age of piracy on the high seas with all of the swashbuckling action and adventure you would expect, but more importantly focuses on the lives of two female pirates, the infamous Anne Bonny and Mary Read. The research and attention to detail is evident. Ms. Rueckert’s Anne and Mary are not merely caricatures, rather they are living, breathing women who lived extraordinary lives. Without romanticizing piracy, this novel explores the many facets of their lives, the strong bond of love and friendship of these women, and their strength, vulnerability, and courage. Anyone interested in 18th century history, piracy, and stories of strong women, should give this a try. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I have voluntarily given this review, and the comments are honest and entirely my own.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I knew the name Anne Bonny, probably from my voracious consumption of various British History magazines, but only the name. Reading this novel truly made her, and Mary Read, real people to me and ignited a desire to learn more. Their stories were equal parts inspiring and tragic and I found myself gritting my teeth at times with frustration at the overall debasing treatment of women during this era. The writers language was evocative, especially when it came to making me feel the emotions churning through these two extraordinary women. My only gripe with the pre-publication copy graciously offered by NetGalley is that there were many instances of sentences being repeated which should probably be cleaned up with a final edit. Otherwise, highly recommend!

Wow! This was my first book to read by this author but definitely not my last! This book will leave you wanting for more and the characters and storyline stick with you long after you finish it. Do yourself a favor and pick up this page-turner!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Goodreads.

The Determined by Rachel Rueckert is a captivating and richly told story that brings Anne Bonny and Mary Read to life in a vivid and unforgettable way. I loved how the novel combined historical detail with powerful themes of freedom, resilience, and defiance against the roles society tried to force on them. The characters felt real and their struggles were both gripping and inspiring. This was an excellent read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I gave it five stars.

Continuing my expansion within new to me genres, I chose this historical fiction arc about female pirates.
A true story combined with fiction, and I do enjoy reading about strong women.
What can I say, except for this was an amazing read!
At first it took me some pages to get into it, the story is told from an external point of view.
It reminded me of “Forrest Gump” in the way it jumped from today’s situation to past ones.
Being a visual thinker, the author’s writing made it so clear in my mind as if I was watching a movie.
Some parts were hard to put down, which doesn’t happen to me a lot, I just needed to keep reading.
This tale had such a variety of emotional developments from heartbreaking goodbyes, to real romance, but most of all
human nature at its best. Both flawed, yet passionate and both female main characters were the best of life’s symbiose.
I wouldn’t say this is a feminist tale, because men did have their influence on them both positive as negative.
Still two strong women, who caught side by side, never disloyal to their true nature and visceral bond.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two of the most notorious female pirates of the 18th century, now await trial while locked in separate gaols in Jamaica. Throughout the 18th century, the readers become witnesses to the stories of Anne and Mary and how they came to be where they are now, also meeting a parade of secondary characters and historical figures that paint a perfect backdrop to their story.

I read this book without prior knowledge of the main characters and their true stories so I cannot attest to Rueckert's mastery at telling history. I can, however, affirm that, as a book, this fell a bit flat for me. I wasn't really enticed and it took me longer than usual to get through it. I expected a bit more of action and some more glimpses into the life of a pirate, but that's on me and my expectations.

I perhaps would have appreciated it more if I had done a bit of prior research about the main topic of the book. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the author's pen and I will definitely give her other books a try.

The Determined Honest ARC Review:

Please note that I received no compensation for this review. I read a LOT and found Rachel’s books to be some of the best I have read so far.

This is the second book I have read by Rachel Rueckert and it did not disappoint! Living on Cape Cod, I have always been fascinated by stories of pirates, our history and fantastical tales. Rachel’s story was well researched and interesting. I laughed, cried and fell in love with the characters.

The Determined pulled me in from the first chapter! With many historical fiction books, it seems that they take a while to really grab me. Rachel caught my interest from the first page. Independent Female Main Characters and Pirates at that! Loved it!! I look forward to purchasing the paperback copy so I can reread in the future!

I highly recommend for anyone interested in strong female characters, pirates or adventure.



Thank you so much Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for sharing this ARC with me.

In February 1721, Anne Bonny sits in a gaol in Spanish Town on the isle of Jamaica. She awaits the birth of her child, as well as the hangman’s noose, for her pregnancy is all that stays her execution. Since her capture, the days have passed in monotony, without companionship and without anything to mark one day from another. On this particular day, that changes – a gentleman wearing a tricorn with an ostrich feather comes to visit. He wishes to write her story to add to his forthcoming collection that he hopes will be a bestseller. His name is Captain Charles Johnson. Anne is reticent to share her story – what business is it to others – but she asks for two boons. One is paper and ink to write letters. The second is for word of Mary and a doctor to tend to her ailing friend.

Interwoven through the chapters set in 1721 are the stories of the two most notorious female pirates of the golden age of piracy. Anne’s begins in 1705 in Kinsale, Ireland, where she is the illegitimate daughter of a lawyer from a well-to-do family and a servant woman. Social mores and debts drive them from Ireland and eventually, they land in Charlestown, South Carolina. From there, Anne explains the circumstances of how she meets James Bonny and the unfortunate circumstances that surround her arrival in New Providence and her run-in with Calico Jack Rackham.

Mary, too, is pregnant, but her health is tenuous and the odds are about even as to whether the fever or the hangman will claim her. Her tale begins a decade before Anne’s in London, England, where Mary is known as Mark Read and she has no idea that she is a girl. The ruse is staged by her mother to keep them both alive, but the day soon comes when Mary learns the truth. Life isn’t fair to women, and for them to continue to survive, Mom must separate from her and Mark must continue to make “his” way, this time as an apprentice to a ship’s captain who once was acquainted with her father. World events eventually disrupt their lives, and if Mark wishes to advance and gain enough money to search for “his” mother, he needs a new vocation. He joins the cavalry, where a Flemish officer makes Mark’s acquaintance. What follows is a love story that eventually allows Mark to become Mary once again, until tragedy forces her to make new choices that lead her to the Caribbean where she eventually crosses paths with Anne Bonny.

Using Johnson’s account of the lives of these notorious women, Rueckert has crafted a compelling and totally believable tale that fills in all the blanks left by Johnson. I have always been drawn more to Mary Read than Anne Bonny, and Rueckert’s depiction of the two women helped me understand why this is. Her words paint visual imagery that is dynamic and three-dimensional, and they depict two very different women whose friendship and living in a male-dominated world bring them together to live and survive. Her research is spot-on and seamlessly woven into the story in ways that make it impossible to separate fact from fiction, although Rueckert does elaborate on this in her afterword.

Over the years, I’ve reviewed numerous books about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, but only a few have touched my heart and stayed with me long after I finish reading. The Determined is one of those tales. It is as much a treasure as James L. Nelson’s The Only Life That Mattered and N. C. Schell’s The Ballade of Mary Reede.


THIS REVIEW IS POSTED AT http://www.cindyvallar.com/Rueckert.html#determined

Fast paced, gritty, and emotional, To Cage a Wild Bird had me hooked from page one. Raven is a fierce, loyal FMC you can’t help but root for, and the raw, dangerous setting of Endlock pulls you right in. I loved the found family element, though the romance with Vale felt a bit too quick and could have used more build up. Still, this is a tense, engaging debut with high stakes and plenty of heart. I can't wait for the next book!