#devil's ballast

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

If you liked The Mermaid, The Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, try the Devil’s Ballast duology by Meg Caddy

They both include:

seafaring adventures

a romance that overcomes all obstacles

transgender sailors 

[razreads]

Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy

Challenge #27 ~ “A work of historical fiction.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

If we're talking boats, Devil's Ballast is a grand, seaworthy ship, offering and delivering safe passage over some choppy waters - that is, it's a strong, well-researched book with an intriguing and varied plotline. Caddy complements this with some literary finesse in techniques that have tripped many a writer, such as time jumps and establishing a strong historic setting. However, without a significant connection to the protagonist (or even another of the recurring characters), it doesn't quite worm its way into the depths of the reader's heart, leaving it a good book rather than the new mass favourite.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Caddy navigates the tale as well as Calico navigates the seas. There are time jumps, alternate settings and perspectives, and obligatory world-building to establish the historical context, yet Caddy makes these literary devices seem like child's play, becoming a seamless addition to the book. Not once was I stumbling over a change in setting or left reeling by a two month transition from chapter to chapter. I felt reassured in Caddy's hands, however tempestuous the seas in the actual plotline.

A warning for the book:

Connecting with the main character isn't the easiest of feats. It took me a significant while to establish a relationship with Bonny - the female pirate we're supposed to be cheering on - and even when I did, it was quite superficial. It doesn't detract from the story, per say, as the drama and plot are largely unaffected, but it does leave it as just another story rather than a novel I feel a deep connection to.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller      - Iron Cast by Destiny Soria      - A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

N.B.: An e-ARC of this book was received from NetGalley in return for a reflective and honest review.

[the-bibliophiles-bookshelf]

I finished Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy this morning. Highly recommend picking this up, I had so much fun with it. My goodreads review is here, add me or comment with your goodreads and I’ll add you xxx

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

7 Days 7 Covers - Day 6 - Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy

Rules: no reviews, no explanations, just 7 days of covers from some of my favourite books.

tagging: @book-a-bilia

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

If you liked The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee, try Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy

They both include: 

a historical setting focusing on women

LGBT+ characters 

an excellent sense of humour

Goodreads: The Lady’s Guide | Devil’s Ballast #LoveOzYA

Devil’s Ballast releases in the US in 2020

More of my recommendations | Request a rec like this

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

Review: Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy Rating: 5/5     #LoveOzYA

“The world was no place for girls.”

Anne Bonny ran from her father and then she ran from her husband. But now somebody is running after her and she's running out of time. A biological clock is ticking and the notorious Captain Barnet is ticking off pirates in his quest to rid the Caribbean of sin. Anne flees to Havana with child and with turncoat, Martin Read, to wait out her pregnancy but determined to return to Calico Jack's side to rule the seven seas. But time and tide wait for no man and reuniting with Calico will not be as simple as Anne would hope.

Oh. My. Gosh. I am not one for historical fiction but I am one for pirates and this was perfect. Meg Caddy has brought Anne Bonny to brilliant, bracing life in a humorous, engaging adventure story that centres women and LGBT+ folk at a time they were far from celebrated. I was completely in love with this story and loved getting to learn a little more about one of the most famous pirates in history.

Annie is so funny and self-assured and I loved reading about her struggles as she tried to make it as a pirate. I wasn't particularly invested in her romance with Calico - it doesn't take up too much of the story, though - but her friendship with Read was awesome. I also loved her camaraderie with the other pirates in Calico's crew. And I'm happy to inform you that there's a trans character in this book! But their identity is a spoiler so I won't tell you who it is - you'll have to read it to find out.

Devil's Ballast was an excellent read and with it being published in the US in 2020, be sure to add it to your wishlists now so you don't miss out on the marvellous story of Anne Bonny.

Warnings: Period typical attitudes towards women and LGBT+ people, references to past abuse, violence and some bloody imagery.

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

trcc’s  wednesday edits - Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy       #LoveOZYA

“Annie. Do you love me?” “Ah, Calico. I came to sea with you, didn’t I?”

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

Quick Review: Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy Rating: 5/5 (reread)         #LoveOzYA

“A little I’m hurt, but yet not slain; I’ll just lie down and bleed a while, And then I’ll rise and fight again.”

I first read this in 2019 and was swept away by a tale of the high seas. This time around - rereading before I jump into the sequel, Slipping the Noose - I found myself focusing much more on the emotional journey of the characters, especially Anne and Calico. There's a heartbeat to this novel of Anne wondering what she's really willing to go through for her lover and it was captivating to read the story with that lens, examining how her emotions informed her choices. And I still just adore our dear Martin Read.

An excellent read for any fans of pirate stories or historical fiction that centres women.