FIRST OFF. this story has female pirates. That's right. I was sold to when I heard that. This story is all about Lady Luck which is an all female crew ship. So yes, this story does involve a large load of female empowerment. Whatever pirate men can do (looting, slaughtering and navigate unexplored waters), pirate women can do. I found this book to be incredibly entertaining which leads into my con. I wish it was longer! I need more character development, I needed more plot and world building. It left me hungry for more! Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves pirates, strong females, and friendship.

Thanks to Netgalley and Weapenry Co-Op for giving me this book to review

Over Raging Tides is an enjoyable pirate fantasy book. It had adventure, potential romance and betrayal. However, it felt like hardly anything happened in the book, when I felt like it was in the middle part of the book it was almost the end, which meant that the story and characters were underdeveloped. Grace was an interesting character who is willing to discover the truth about what happened to her mother. I couldn’t connect with Leo as I felt his loyalty to Grace were unrealistic, especially when he chose her over his brother. While this wasn’t as good as I had hoped I am looking forward to reading more about Grace’s story and I would recommend it to those who like YA pirate adventures.

Not Bad, but not the best. I would have liked more world building (yes, I realize they are at sea, but I wanted more). I will probably read the sequel because it did pique my interest enough to have me invested in knowing what will happen to the main characters. Thank you, NetGalley, publisher, and author for providing the ebook in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was fun! It was exactly what I needed after The Oddling Prince. Quick, easy and engaging.

But let's start from the beginning. this book is about Grace Porter, the quartermaster of the Lady Luck, a pirate ship that is housing only females. They have many rules and one of the most important ones is: No men are allowed on board.
But that changes when Grace saves two boys from the Mordgris, the sea monsters who also stole her mother away. And they might just help her get her revenge, but for what price?

So, the first thing that drew me to this was obviously the all-female pirate ship. Yes, please!

As I already mentioned, this was a lot of fun. I flew through the pages, which was honestly such a relief after me struggling with my previous read. This was quite predictable though. The main character Grace was interesting enough, but the others fell a bit flat.
Celia was pretty two-dimensional and I wasn't at all surprised by what happened to her. Captain Ilene could become interesting, but she also wasn't that fleshed out in this book. I liked Leo or honestly, I liked Leo's and Grace's conversations. There wasn't a lot of info about him either. To be fair, the book is very short! Just shy of 240 pages.

The plot was nothing I haven't seen before and I could already tell you most of what would happen right from the start. BUT I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this.

This is the first book in a series (which I didn't know prior to reading) and I think this series is perfect for binge reading all the books. I would have immediately started the sequel if it was already published. Since it is not, I fear I'll lose my interest in continuing the series when it does come out. It wasn't, after all, anything mindblowing or something that'll stay in my head for a long while.

There is not much else to say about this. Don't read it expecting anything groundbreaking, but if you are in need of a quick and easy read to take your mind off of things, this book might be for you.

I really like the premise of this being a book about pirate women. We need more books about powerful woman that decide to take control of their own lifes when most of the options were taken by men.
The narrative recalled something like Sarah J. Maas, so I liked it a lot. The description of the places and the people around the main character were very well done and got me really into the argument.
I would have liked maybe, more action. They are pirates, and the only couple of piracy they do is kind of flat and little described, so it looks like is too easy to be real. I guess that the main plot of the book was to get the treasure after saving the guy, but that is shadowed for a lot of emotive thinking from Grace and when the moment comes, it´s just like... that. So I couldn't feel the triumph or the anxiety of the moment. As soon as things are raising in action, they are over. And also there were intrigues that were kind of obvious, so when they are revealed there was no shock.

Either way, there were things that I could enjoy, specially at the end and I would like to know what is going to happen in the next book.

There were numerous times that I started reading this book and put it down while reading something else. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t life-changing. Unfortunately, I have read some are really good lady pirate books this year and this one didn’t hold my attention or rank as highly as they did. I wanted the ladies to be squash buckling, hard-core, nitty-gritty, bad as can be lady pirates but I think what I got stead was a nod towards this concept and what it could have been.
The cast of characters was developed but not infinitely memorable. I can’t tell you half of their names, but I know their descriptions. I don’t think the “baddies” were on the level that they should’ve been either.
My favorite thing about the book was this exceptionally gorgeous cover that screams to be read! Too bad the plotline itself doesn’t lend to the refinement of its cover.
I don’t know if I would recommend the book over other lady pirate books, but I would never dissuade anyone from reading it because like I said it wasn’t horrible. I will read any other book that goes along with this series because of lady pirates…. Enough said.
Thank you, NetGalley and Jennifer Ellison for allowing me to read this book before publication. I wish the author well in the future and hope that she continues writing with higher elevated characters and world building.

***I was provided these ARCs in exchange for an honest review and all of the thoughts and expression are my own***

What brought me to this book was the unique adventure into this fantasy world. As most pirating books are set with male leads, it was nice to read one where a crew of females were the main perspectives. If you are looking for a diverse read in YA, this book is one you will want to hook onto!

But, the story itself did not have me hooked. I read through 75% of the book until I found myself flying through the pages. The storyline itself wasn't necessarily slow as I still found myself reading through only two sittings, but it felt like there was very little development between the world and the characters.

The world felt more secluded in the present instead of going into details on the past worlds and life outside of the sea. There is a plot-line between the main character and very of her relationships, but that was it. Maybe this will be something that will be expanded upon in the later installments, but for right now, this book left me with a ton of questions and wandering curiosities.

The ending does become exciting, and a cliffhanger does pop itself. But going through the story, it wasn't until the last few pages that I was on the edge of my seat. I also loved reading the mysterious, dark sea creatures in the book. They really stood out to me in this book.

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. I do see myself picking the sequel up when it releases, but it isn't one that will be high on my TBR-pile.

Overall, this was a very unique perspective into the YA realm, and I rather enjoyed reading the pirating world again. I did read this in two sittings, but it was just the lack of a strong world / character development that made me give this story a lower rating.

Over Raging Tides was a super fun and quick pirate story but nothing that blows you away.

I am a sucker for pirate stories. When it's pirate stories about all female crews, I get even more excited. So I really couldn't wait to pick up Over Raging Tides and overall I was not disappointed.

I loved that we had a crew of different kind of women. Some were kind and soft, while others were just as ruthless as we expect a pirate to be.
But I don't think that any of the characters stood out. There's no character in here, not even the main character, that is very memorable. And this could've thrived on being a character driven story as there's some interesting personalities but we only scratched the surface. There's not really anyone in here that I truly care for.

There's several queer side characters and it seems like, at least when it comes to the crew of the Lady Luck, there's no heteronormativity, which was incredibly joyful to read. It would be super cool to see some mention of a less binary spectrum as far as sexuality goes and/or a trans-character introduced. The world seems to really offer a perfect place for it.

The world building wasn't exactly bad but I simply don't know enough about it. I don't really understand the creatures that had a pretty big role in this story. The storyline was entertaining but overall my biggest gripe with this is that it was just too short.
And while this ends on an immense cliffhanger, I'm really not sure if I'm invested enough to continue. Knowing I have to wait for the sequel, I can't see myself still being interested in any of this by the time it comes out. This first book simply had an ending too open for my personal taste. I didn't yet get enough to know if I want more, if that makes any sense.

Overall, if you really like pirate stories and like me, you just constantly crave them, I think this is definitely something you could pick up. It's not a groundbreaking story, but a fun and entertaining read.
I definitely think it had much more potential and could've benefited a lot from 100 pages more.

I. Am. Here. For. These. Girl. Gangs. Of. Female. Pirates!!! I initially picked this book out on Netgalley because… I mean, LOOK AT THAT COVER?! Can you blame me? But then I stayed for the lady pirates, the realistically vulgar language, the kickass action, a treasure hunt, and killer mermaids!

Over Raging Tides was a fun and super fast read. At just under 300 pages, it was definitely a short book, which left a little to be desired in the plot and world building, HOWEVER, this will end up being the first book in a series. Getting a sequel will, I am sure, fill in any holes that I am still wondering about. I will absolutely be picking up the second book! And I definitely suggest looking into this first installment if pirate stories/ treasure hunts/ and bad-ass women appeal to you at all!

This book is a solid "Okay". There wasn't anything I hated about it, but at the same time there wasn't really anything that I loved about it.

The MC Gracie (I think, have I already forgotten her name?!) isn't anything too exciting. She's the second in charge on a pirate ship of all women (yay!), who are hunting down a magical map that can lead you to anything you ask it. The premise is pretty cool, but it unfortunately fell flat. The book is short and ends before the actual excitement begins.

Then there's Leo, who Grace saves from being killed by the Mordgris (scary sea monsters) and brings aboard their ship, even though one of their biggest rules is no boys allowed. The relationship between Grace and Leo is incredibly forced. The two barely interact, and there's just no organic relationship growth between them. I'm a huge shipper when it comes to - well, everything, and if I struggled with it, then there were obviously issues.

That all being said, this was an easy read and I would gladly pick up and read the next book. The story left off just as it was getting started and I would like to find out what happens next. There just needs to be a little more meat on the bones.

Over Raging Tides is the first book in the Lady Pirates series and this is my first read of a book by the author Jennifer Ellision. Her writing is clean and well structured; I really just wish the story had been. This story was very short and I think it is mostly because characters, the world, and event are not overly developed.
For me, I was hesitant from the start since I knew it was part a series. It will be interesting to see how many books will be in this series and how far it is stretched out to give answers to some intruding questions. I knew I was going to be left with questions I would want answers too and it would be frustrating. Oh, little did I know how frustrated I was going to be.
I did enjoy the main characters, I think Gracie is an interesting if not overly developed character. She is who I had the most questions about, since it is her story I am hoping answers will come eventually since none are really answered here. I also like the male lead Leo, he could be a good match for Gracie in the end but again suffers from the constant issue of lack of development. Even the other rival pirates and the Mordgris which the story focuses on quite a bit are all under developed and lacking detail.
I so wanted to enjoy this story, but the lack of development in almost all the aspects of the story made it hard to be invested in the world or characters more than the turn of the page. I will probably try the second book when it comes out to see if any questions are answered or if the writing improves, but overall it just fell flat.

This book was a quick read (just under 300 pages) and kept my attention well. I had a love/hate relationship with the ship’s rules prefacing each chapter because it kind of gave away that chapter’s conflict but, I liked them for that exact reason.

The author is a good writer, and holds the attention of the reader well. There is some vulgar language, but these women are pirates, and pirates are vulgar.

I just wish there was more! More about Grace’s past, her mother, more to the story! I’m on a cliffhanger here: does Grace somehow warn the crew aboard the Lady Luck that’s there’s a traitor in their mist? Do Grace, Sam, and Leo survive the island? I’m looking forward to the next part of Grace’s story!

This was definitely a bit underdeveloped, but I still really enjoyed it because LADY PIRATES! That's a surefire way to get me to pick up any book. It was a pretty fun story and I liked the addition of the killer-mermaid creatures and the hunt for the treasure map, I just wish it was a bit longer because there were definitely some holes that needed filling in. Also I wasn't really into the main guy character they rescued for most of the book, but he's definitely growing on me at this point. I'll definitely check out the sequel.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Jennifer Ellision for granting me access to a copy of this book. I am truly grateful.

Grace Porter is the quartermaster and first mate of the Lady Luck, their ship. Her mother was taken by hideous and dreadful monsters called the Mordgris when she was young. She still believes that her mother is alive but hidden where the Mordgris lives. One day, their ship encounters a shipwreck, only to find not treasure but men, the last thing their crew wants to see. On the brink of being devoured by the Mordgris, Grace finds herself saving a boy and his brother and taking them in, which is against their rules. After this, a chain of events start, not just for Grace but also for the Luck.

I like the concept of switching the stereotype of men being the usual pirates. This generation is about change, and being different and unique, standing out. This book just makes the right amount of different because it beats certain stereotypes. The fact that the origin of this concept was from watching a Pirates from the Carribean movie adds a drop of awesomeness to the mix.

Every chapter has something different and it relates to an article of the Lady Luck. I admired the writing style because it is comfortable and easy on the eyes, nothing too hard.

For me, I think that it lacks details or descriptions of the pirate world, just a little. I could imagine living the pirate life but something’s missing. As for the characters, most characters are molded great but the supporting could’ve had more “book time.” All of them are different in their own way and I want to be able to learn more about them because they all seem so interesting.


I felt bad about is the lack of pages. That ending left me wanting more. More action. More of the pirate-y life. It just screams a sequel. The book could’ve been much better if it was longer. Also, I need more moments of my ship.

This book would give you: (lady) pirates, sea monsters, betrayal, a strong-willed heroine, an adorable relationship of a captain and her first mate, crew of lighthearted and fierce lady pirates, a protective love between two brothers, a few moments of betrayal, a budding romance, and (perhaps) some treasure. If you’re up for all that and for a quick and fast-paced read, this book would be a good pick.

I'm really not much into YA genre, and if I'd known this was a YA novel I wouldn't bothered requesting it or reading it but Jennifer Ellision managed to write a young adult, dripping with fantasy and pirates WITHOUT all those features of young adult that generally piss me off make me cautious of the genre: dumb, immature heroines, lots of LIOOOOVE triangles or rectangles or other shapes, well, you get it. So I'm very happy to announce that this book is a kind of YA, which I can enjoy instead of barely tolerating it (or not tolerating it at all).
I liked the story and the characters very much. I just wish the book was a little longer so they both could develope better. I was missing a bit more explanation on the mythology of the world the story is set in (mostly about the Mordgris). Also I didn't get a clear picture in my head about any of the characters while reading. I guess I was missing a little more descriptions. The story kept my attention and it didn't drag. But for me, the real story, the real hook started right at the end of this book with a certain reveal (even though I've been suspecting it quite a while already). So much that I wished I could start book 2 right away to see what happens then. But all in all it was a delightful read, and perfect for the YA readers who are looking for something a little more adult but tinged with pirates and monsters.

Over Raging Tides is the first installment in author Jennifer Ellision's Lady Pirates series. Onboard the Lady Luck, Grace Porter is both Quartermaster and First Mate under Captain Ilene. Onboard the Lady Luck, there are no loyalties to Kings, or Queens. It is also a ship that is filled with women pirates. The twist? "No man shall board this ship." However, after stumbling upon a wrecked warship & searching for treasure, Grace makes the choice to save survivors Leo and his younger brother John from the horrible monsters known as Mordgris.

The reason? Leo claims to know the location of a magical map that is said to be omniscient. The Map of Omna is said to be able to find the precise location of every treasure, every legend, and people who have been lost. Leo believes it is a bargaining chip to keep him and his brother alive. Grace believes it is a way to find the home of the Mordgris. The same Mordgris who were responsible for taking Grace's mother away from her. Mordgris have been haunting and stalking her wearing her mother's face for years.

After spending nearly her entire life onboard, the Lady Luck, Grace may have to do some things she never thought she would do in order to discover whether or not her mother is dead or alive. She may have to break a lot of rules, betray her fellow shipmates, and break hearts to get the revenge she is hunting. She may also have to ignore warnings to stay away from the island where Mordgris call home if she wishes to live another day.

If you haven't already figured out that the author is a huge Pirates of the Caribbean fan, well she pretty much admits it in the credits. This is not a standalone series. You have a clear cliffhanger ending that will lead into the next installment. I shall definitely recommend this story to everyone. Grace is a great lead character, and there are plenty of twists and surprises that await the reader.

Grace is a pirate on an all women crew of the the Lady Luck. She's also the right-hand women to the Captain. When running Into a war ship that was attacked she goes against her Captains orders and saves a young man and his brother. When grace takes the aboard she break rule #1 of the ship, no men allowed . When the young man tells them about a magical map that was taken when they were attacked. They decide to break this rule just this one time to go after the map in hopes of endless treasure. Things gets a little tricky because although Grace would love to get her hands on the treasure she wants revenge for her mother's death even more and to go after the creatures who killed her. I really loved this book and loved Grace who was a pirate with a little bit of a heart. I loved seeing all these strong women in one place who showed everyday they deserved just as much respect as men on the open sea but didn't often get it. Some of the plots were a little predictable but it was still a great story and can't wait for the next book.

In the note at the end of this book, Ellision writes that it was inspired by watching Pirates of the Caribbean and wishing there were more female characters in it -- and then wondering what would happen if they were ALL women. Which, to be honest, is what it felt like -- in the best possible way. So if you're a fan of Elizabeth Swann but you wish she was the whole crew, this might be a book for you. Since I was absolutely obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean (and particularly Elizabeth) when I was younger, I found this extremely enjoyable.

One of the reasons it's got such a similar vibe to Pirates of the Caribbean is the combination of regular, non-magical piracy (there's nothing fantastical about the ship itself and it doesn't run on stardust or something) with fantasy aspects, such as the monsters known as the Mordgris, enchanted map that will allow Grace to track them down. It's set in a fantasy world, instead of in ours, which worked pretty well.

Grace is driven throughout the book by the fact that her mother was taken by the Mordgris. Her mother and her captain were lovers, and she's now first mate of this ship, but she's desperated to get revenge on these beings -- which will only be possible if she finds a way to their home. It may seem a little silly to pick out that this book full of female characters featured a female protagonist driven by the fate of a female relative rather than by a man, because you'd think it'd go without saying, but it's still always quite refreshing.

There is, however, A Man. Two men in fact. Well, a man and a boy, his younger brother, so watch out for sibling feels and everyone being protective of this Tiny Child who has somehow ended up on this ship. And there was a bit of romance, too, but thankfully it didn't take over too much.

It's hard to say more about the plot while avoiding spoilers, but I did get totally caught up in Grace's quest and desperate to know if she'd succeed... which is why I'm extremely irritated that it ended on such a cliffhanger. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? Obviously, this means I'll have to read the sequel when it eventually comes out, but I'm happy to do that, because I enjoyed this a lot. The writing style worked fairly well for me too, which was a pleasant surprise.

And of course, when the second book comes out I'll have to reread this one, because less than two weeks after reading it the details are already fading and making it hard for me to review. Sigh. I really need to stop reading late at night, and start reviewing as soon as I finish things.

Point is: this was great fun, and I liked almost everything about it except that the author decided to hurt me by leaving it on a massive cliffhanger.

This review appears on Goodreads; my book blog is currently on hiatus because my university finals are coming up and my dissertation is due in two weeks, but when it's up and running again, I'll try and cross-post this (or an expanded version)

This was such a fun and enjoyable read, As soon as I read the plot I was really interested and reading it did not disappoint the main characters very likeable and enjoyable and the plot gripping and well written. This book kept my attention until the very end and left me wanting more . I would highly recommend.

Wow this was a lot better than I thought it would be, it was a fun and adventurous read, I'm really into the whole lady pirates theme going on, it's a lot different than what I normally read and I really liked it, it wasn't perfect but still enjoyable. I found the main characters very likeable, the plot gripping and well written, it kept my attention whilst reading which is a plus. This has opened my mind to want to read more pirate books!

Thank you to the publisher for providing and arc for review.