This was such a fun pirate fantasy adventure and a perfect summertime read when you want to escape into a magical kingdom of the sea. I listened to the audiobook while also reading along, which really helped immerse me in the world. The narrator was enjoyable overall, though her voices for some of the male characters were distracting. They often sounded too young, almost like characters from a middle grade story, which occasionally pulled me out of the experience.

The writing itself was lush and lyrical, filled with vivid descriptions and imaginative world-building. The seafaring setting came to life with its magic and enchantments, pirates, a magical ship, a mermaid, and even a sea monster. However, the story often felt confusing, especially when it came to the complex magic system. Even after finishing the book, I am still uncertain about some elements, and I do not think a YA fantasy should be quite that hard to follow. The pacing also dragged in places, and I think the story could have been tighter with a bit of trimming. Also to note, there is a fair amount of blood and violence. While it is not overly graphic, some scenes include gory details and a few intense, gruesome battles.

The cast of characters was entertaining, especially the crew that gathered around Amora, which had strong found-family vibes. Unfortunately, many of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and I struggled to fully connect with them. Amora and Bastian were likable leads, though their arrogance sometimes made them less relatable. The romance subplot between them felt unnecessary and lacked chemistry, though I appreciated that it stayed in the background rather than overtaking the story. I also liked that the book kept things clean, with no language or spice, just a few light kissing scenes. 

Despite my critiques, I really enjoyed this pirate adventure. It had all the elements I was hoping for in a pirate fantasy, and it left me eager to see what happens in the sequel. While it does not end on a cliffhanger, there are plenty of loose ends to be resolved, and I am excited to continue the journey with Amora and her crew. If you are craving a magical, high-seas adventure filled with pirates, enchantments, and danger, then definitely check out this book. Highly recommend!

**This book is part of a pirate fantasy real-time reaction episode, which you can listen to here.