“Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want”
Tricia Levenseller, (2017), Daughter of the Pirate King, Feiwel and Friends, p.199
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller is an action packed novel of humour, sarcasm and adventure. Alosa, the daughter of the Pirate King Kalligan is set a mission of the upmost importance – get caught by the enemy, on purpose! However, one thing stands in her way from achieving her goal of finding the missing piece of a map to the siren’s hoard of gold and treasure on Isla de Canta. That obstruction and distraction is first mate of the enemy ship, Riden Allemos. Can Alosa keep her romantic feelings in check and live up to her father’s expectations?
I enjoyed the characterisation of Alosa as a stubborn, intelligent and independent individual who doesn’t let her status as a female pirate surrounded by men intimidate her and she can be just as good – or better – than her male counterparts. Similarly, the plot twist of Alosa as a half-human-half-siren was predictable and there could have been subtle suggestions instead of outright describing her having these abilities in a direct way. Aside from this, Alosa uses her feminine qualities and hates that side of her suggesting being comfortable as a masculine figure and a desire to be seen as one. Many characters throughout the novel question her strengths and abilities as a pirate because she is female.
I thought the romance between Riden and Alosa was too fast without any tense build-up, there was some elements of flirting, but this was not enough to warrant Alosa falling in love so quickly with Riden. I’m still unsure if Alosa and Riden’s romantic actions were genuine or just as part of getting information respectively. The first person narrative from Alosa’s perspective doesn’t reveal anymore information to the audience. Potentially having some external perspectives from other characters as how these characters act towards each other and alone would deepen this relationship for the reader. I also thought the ending was abrupt and just as the reader gets to the exposition, the danger is softened and resolved quickly. The ending felt like the middle of book rather than a cliff-hanger denouement. The information to set up the sequel, Daughter of the Siren Queen, was vague and thin and could have easily not needed a sequel as this novel appears like a stand-alone.
This was an easy and action packed read and is definitely worthwhile for anyone who adores pirate themed novels or adventure seeking plots. The novel’s sequel Daughter of the Siren Queen is far more entertaining and thrilling. This novel sets the scene for deeper character development and romantic endeavours.
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