**Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review**

Sadly, as much as I was liking Csilla's chapters I really couldn't get through Kane's and Lorlei's chapters. I get why the POVs were split but I would have much preferred to just read about Csilla and Rhoda and maybe Flynn. I couldn't make a connection with the other characters which made it hard for me to push through. I did have to DNF at around 45%. I'm hoping in the future I'll be able to complete the story since it's a stand-alone book but I just don't see myself doing that any time soon.

2 stars for Csilla and Rhoda.

I love books about pirates so I was excited to receive an ARC from netgalley for this ebook.

I always love the premise of trials and MCs working together to conquer them, I loved the way the characters interacted in this book. However, I feel like the overall plot was simple and the worldbuilding a little lacking.

It was an entertaining read but I wouldn't expect anything thought-provoking, just simple entertainment.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into Crossbones, but I really liked it! The pirate vibes are immaculate and Kimberly Vale did a fantastic job with the plot and character development.

Complete with witty banter, a touch of romance, and page-turning adventure... I cannot wait for everyone to experience Crossbones this fall!

Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad books for my copy!

The premise of this book was very intriguing and sounded like it would be a read that would keep me up for hours on end. However, I found the plot characters and worldbuilding leaving something to be desired. If I were to have read this on Wattpad, I most likely would have fawned over it for a day or two and then moved on, but as a published book I believe the plot should have been more fleshed out, the worldbuilding more complex, and the characters to have more substance.

It often felt as though the characters were being pushed to move on because there was not enough time to develop them, leading to many conversations that gave off a forced sense, almost as though the author was trying to fit a trilogy into a standalone, instead of making sure the standalone would function well. While I did enjoy the interactions between the characters, most times, they should have had more development.

The plot was simplistic and predictable. Which could be good for a character-based novel, but this book is trying to sell an adventure. So, it becomes disappointing when you can't fully immerse yourself in the world or the plot due to how worn out it is.

Many aspects of the book read like a typical YA Fantasy that we have seen throughout the past decade, so if you aren't tired of the old tropes, themes, and character types found in much of that era of YA, this may be a perfect read for you.

(Thank you Net Galley for the ARC)

This is one of my new favorite books! I loved reading it, and I loved the characters. The writing is clear and unique enough in a way that makes reading this book exciting. It was a great experience and I have already recommended it to so many of my friends. I always get attached to characters when I read new books and these characters are definitely ones that I will be thinking about for a long time. I can't wait until I can get a physical copy!

I first read this one on Wattpad, and enjoyed it. So I was glad I had the chance to read it again as an officially published book.

While I do love the overall story concept of pirate king dies, and now someone has to claim the throne...Who will it be? I did find the plot still a bit predictable, where I was hoping that more twists or turns could have been added to keep up the tension.

There was a lot of chance for more world-building considering it's a standalone, and I would've liked to see more, but the novel did have good elements that would possibly be great to build on if this was actually turned into a series.

I feel the characters were written well, but their own stories could've been better explored if it were a series.

Overall, for a short piece of fiction (i.e. how I first read it on Wattpad) this is definitely a great and easy read, however for a novel, it missed the mark for me.

Thank you to #netGalley for letting me read an Earc of this book! Ok so Pirates, Fire Gods, Sea Gods, magic this book has a bit of everything in it. Lorelai became a character you can really get behind and root for, I also loved Kane's character. Csilla and Rhoda where an interesting pair although I had a bit of a feeling about what was in store for them. I really really loved this book and am looking forward to hopefully another one.

Crossbones was enjoyable, I love pirate stories. Sometimes books like this tend to make the world seem very small, but it touched on a lot of different areas and people, expanding the world a lot.

The characters were probably my favorite part. A bit ridiculous and silly despite being dangerous pirates. While Csilla was definitely my favorite character and I can't read to follow her story in book two, I wish she would have been shown as being badass instead of mostly being described as such.

This book definitely had the feel of a younger YA read which I wasn't quite expecting based off the description but it was a fun fast paced read.

I will admit the ending wasn't as powerful as I was hoping for but it did set up an exciting hook for the next book which I definitely plan to read.

I think if you enjoy pirate stories and younger YA, this will be a good read for you!

I love a good pirate adventure on the high seas and this book hit the mark for sure. I personally really enjoyed it and found it to be a really compelling read, I mean theres definitely some room for improvement but as far as as plot, characters and premise are concerned it's a really good read.

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad Books for providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for a an honest review.

This book had everything I usually love in a book. It had action and pirates and adventure. But it fell somewhat flat. Im not sure but I think the narration style is what kept me from being able to fully enjoy and connect with each character. The overall plot was pretty simplistic and there wasn’t a lot of world building. It felt like it could have taken place in any area near the sea. It didn’t feel like a special unique world. I did really like the premise of the book and the trials. But the trials didn’t start until the middle. The book was described as high stakes trails but the overall trials didn’t push the limits or boundaries of the main characters. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Insta-love. Over all it was a decent book but felt like it could have been better. The ending was happy and it felt like it wrapped up nicely with each character. Overall a decent book but I wasn’t my hands down favorite read.

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure(Pirates)
Rating: 3/5
Trigger warnings: violence

Favorite Quote/Excerpt: “There are three kinds of people in this world. The ones scared to love, the ones who embrace it, and the ones who seek to destroy it.”

Summary:
The Blood Bell tolls, marking the death of the pirate king and the start of the Trials—a heart-stopping competition where the reward is the Bone Crown. Only one contender can claim the coveted island throne; each will gamble life and limb to win..(Goodreads)

Thoughts:
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book for review.
The beginning of this book starts off strong and promised to be quite the story. Pirates competing for a crown? I am here and ready for it! For me, it kind of fizzled out a bit after the first third of the book. The “bones” of this story are strong, I just feel the author fell short of the potential of this plot. The atmosphere was done well, it did give me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, but there was virtually no information on the world outside of the pirates.
We follow three different perspectives, which I enjoyed. It was enjoyable to live the story through different characters, although the women characters, seemed too similar and I sometimes forgot which perspective I was reading.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this was a fun read and not a “bad” book. If you are wanting a quick read and enjoy pirate adventures, or looking for a book that has a simple plot and writing, this may be the read for you. I’m still glad I read it.
(review posted on NetGalley, Edelweiss, B&N, Instagram)(links coming)

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really in the mood for a good pirate adventure but unfortunately while this one had some good bones, I feel it’s in need of some more editing.

I struggled the most with the dialogue. The characters were way to wordy and circled around explaining and qualifying things they said that would have better been left to stand on their own. Editing the dialogue down and removing some of the unnecessary details/wordiness would go along way to raising my rating of this book.

There was a decent story there but the beginning was way too long - we were given a lot of information but none of it felt like it really mattered to the overall story. I’d cut a lot of it out and get the main action going quicker.

Characters were alright but a little too cookie cutter for me, but I do read a lot of YA. I would have liked to see them step outside the tropes a little and have more depths.

Overall I felt like this book has potential but it could use more work before publication to really polish it.

Pirates. Gods. Goddesses. Men of molten lava. A crown to win, the world to save. The journey follows four main characters- Lorelei, Csilla, Kane, and Flynn.


Lorelei is the unassuming yet strong character.

Csilla is a pirate to the core with a ship of women to take care of and the need to prove their worth.

Kane, the brooding yet thoughtful pirate with childhood trauma.

Flynn the boyish cutie that makes jokes to keep the pain at bay.

There is love between some of them. Betrayal by those closest to them.

I enjoyed this book. Admittedly the first 60% felt slow for me but once it started moving it really went fast. I guess you could say it has killer word building. The way the world was laid out wasn’t overdone, it was just right. Sometimes signers can get carried away with too many details that it begins to take away. Not this author. I enjoyed the book. The characters, as well as their growth.

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read!

Plot seems pretty straightforward and it was very easy to follow the action. It really felt like a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Centered around 3 young pirate captains and the MC, who is also around their age. None of the characters is particularly deep, although backstory is provided to help explain why one is sarcastic and witty, one is brooding and self-doubting, and the female is overkill on the kick-ass. Of course, our MC is the chosen one, unbeknownst to her, and inexplicably transforms from sheltered farm girl to fearless pirate.

The plot in the second half of the book is heist-like, but doesn't involve too much masterminding. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read.

Really enjoyed reading this book!

An adventure-filled journey while reading this with a great set of characters! Jumped in excitement once I found out pirates were involved in this story and I am so glad I read this!

I am just not into YA anymore. I’m always hoping to get my hands on a YA book that doesn’t give me either an annoyed or bored feeling.
I am sure this book will get a lot of love from the book community. It was just not really for me after all.

This Wattpad book felt like a badly written fanfiction, the characters were all constantly inconsistent, the plot was written haphazardly, and the ending left open. I'll not be reading continuation if it ever comes out

You jump right in, and it takes a little bit to get a feel for what is going on but it's engaging.

I had some more specific thoughts after finishing, but traveling, work, and life in general have interfered with getting a review written in a punctual fashion. I don't recall the details of thoughts I had while reading, but what I DO have is an overall sensation of satisfaction after having finished it and I think that speaks pretty well for the quality of the story.

It definitely is a world I would be interested in revisiting in a sequel.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

Pirates reimagin! What a twist. There should definitely be more adult and young adult pirate books out there. This one definitely kept you on the edge of your seat.

Before I begin, I would like to thank the Wattpad and Netgalley team for allowing me to read an arc of this book.

Quick summary? This book the adventure I needed.

We follow three captivating characters as they struggle with something to prove. After the death of the Pirate King and no heir to take the Bone Crown, five fleet Captains must compete in the trials to declare the next Pirate King. We follow Csilla Abado, the captain of the Scarlet Maiden, who wishes to prove to her crew that she has what it takes to be their captain, not only her sister. Kane Blackwater, captain of the Iron Jewel, haunted by his wrong deeds and the shadow of his father, and Lolerai Penny, a farmer girl who wants to avenge her mother's death.

The author wrote this book beautifully. I loved every pirate reference and how everything she took and compared it to the ocean. I truly felt like I was part of a pirate crew! The narrations were stunning, and the book itself was of a nice pace. The tension, the family drama, the struggle; all were incredibly well balanced.

The world-building was off the charts! It was as if my screen swallowed me and spat me at Port Barlow. I was living it, along with the Maidens, the Jewels, and the rest!.

The characters were all wonderful! I loved how strong yet how vulnerable they are. They all have their struggles and something to prove to one another. But, honestly, if I had to pick a favorite character, it would be Lorelai. She completely took me by surprise and excelled my expectations. Though, I would officially love to start a Kane Blackwater fan club. And Csilla, she truly deserves everything she got.

If something slightly bothered me or a slight complaint about this story was that at parts, I felt that there was a bit of redundancy in their internal monologues, aside from that, golden.

But what's the best part? The best part is that there's a sequel! Yes, you know what that means! More of these beautiful yet complicated pirates!!!