I didn’t finish this book because I just couldn’t connect with it. The characters felt flat, and I didn’t care what happened to them. The plot moved at a snail’s pace, and I kept waiting for something to hook me, but it never did. Honestly, I found myself dreading picking it back up, which is never a good sign. The writing felt a little too forced, like it was trying too hard to be something it wasn’t. I wanted to like it, but it just wasn’t for me. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on to the next read.

I’m extremely grateful to HarperCollins and Quill Tree books for the e-arc! Below is my unbiased review.

As someone whose favorite movie is the Pirates of the Caribbean, I was SO excited for a pirate book!! However, this fell a little short for me. Maybe that’s on me. I don’t feel like my expectations were high, but I think I expected a different story. Ultimately, I don’t feel like this book was for me. It is great for a younger audience though!

I’m someone who reads YA, New Adult, and Adult books. I love the variety! It’s important to note that Capitana is YA and it feels that way. If you’re expecting a more adult pirate book, this is not it. There’s not much violence and what little is there, it’s not graphic. To me, it’s a good, safe book for teens.

With all the reading I’ve done, I knew who the romance would be between. It was clearly supposed to be enemies to lovers but I wasn’t exactly rooting for them. I personally just didn’t feel the spark. But it was obvious the male main character was into the female character from the start (even though he acted like he despised her). Throughout 96% of the book (literally), she took zero interest in him. Then, all of a sudden, she liked him?

For the first 80%, Marquesa baffled me! As an older sister, I would do anything for my siblings. I would take care of them any way I could, not cower in fear and expect them to do everything. But then….

***SPOILERS***

I’m sorry, but Gasparilla’s identity came out of nowhere!! I guess it kind of makes sense considering the history? But there wasn’t even a hint or breadcrumb that Marquesa was Gasparilla.

What shocked me the most was Ximena’s undying loyalty to the empire. Then all of a sudden, she turns against the empire. It can make for a good story but I didn’t quite buy it in such a quick turnaround.

Her parents turned against the empire they swore to protect and and 12 years old, she gave them up to be hanged for privacy and treason. Capitana by Cassandra James is the story of Ximena Reale, the fastest rising star of la academia who is determined to prove she is worthy of the title Cazadore- protector of the the law and the Queen and top pirate hunter.

The word around the empire of Luza is that Gasparillo, the long dead pirate who 200 years ago pillaged all the treasure in Luzan’s vaults, has been resurrected using el idioma prohibido - forbidden magic. He is back to clean out the coffers once again and Ximena knows that the only way to gain respect, title and fame is by capturing the legendary pirate.
Lots of fun and I look forward to more!

Overall, I don’t think this was my cup of tea. I couldn’t really vibe with the writing style, and there was something about the characters that prevented me from rooting for them. I looked up the author after finishing the book, and lo and behold, I found my answer. The author’s views and opinions on political matters reflect in the story, which I just don’t agree with.

I thought this book was so much fun! Full of adventures from beginning to end. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book.

Title:  Capitana  
Author:  Cassandra James       
Genre: YA        
Rating:  4 out of 5

Ximena Reale has spent most of her life training at La Academia to join the Cazadores, seafaring hunters who track down pirates. But her future is uncertain, thanks to her parents’ questionable reputation. They were traitorous pirates, and though they were executed when Ximena and her sister were young, they permanently damaged the Reale name in the eyes of the Luzan Empire.

Ability alone won’t make Ximena a Cazadoro—or earn her the coveted Cazadoro cloak. So, when the legendary pirate Gasparilla returns and captures the Empire’s queen, Ximena offers to bring back the queen and the notorious pirate in exchange for a cloak. But there’s a catch: Only one cloak is available, and Ximena’s competition is Dante, an infuriating yet handsome classmate with mysterious motives.

With their futures on the line, Ximena and Dante set out on a dangerous quest across the high seas. But no matter how far Ximena sails, her family’s legacy haunts her, and her exposure to a world outside of la academia leads her to question the very laws she’s always fought to uphold. Is it possible she’s been on the wrong side all along?

I have mixed feelings about Ximena. She is so single/narrow-minded about pirates, the Law, and the Empire that she refuses to see anything that doesn’t agree with her worldview—to an extent that’s a little ridiculous. I like her determination, but her willing blindness, not so much. Despite this being billed as historical fiction, women seem to have full rights and opportunities, and they hold positions of power, so that’s a positive. I’d like to know more about the Empire and its oppression of people, as the generalities given in the story were a bit vague, but on the whole, I enjoyed this read. I couldn’t buy the Dante/love angle, though, because that came out of absolutely nowhere.

Cassandra James lives in Florida. Capitana is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 2/4).

The world building was pretty good. The plot was decent. I was never bored but....I also didn't like either MCs. Ximena was too..... "I do as I'm told not questions asked" which is dangerous to be when in positions of power. Dante....was a hypocrite. He looked down on Ximena for following the rules and not seeing what was going on around her. Yet, he used his position to cheat and wiggle his was out of everything. He supposedly was against everything his mother did but didn't stop him for using his family to get away with things and hurting others.
By the time they went on their trip to find their villain, Ximena kept to her stubborn ways of thinking and just when Dante was starting to be likable....it got ruined again.
Was disappointed to realize i didn't really care about the MCs. Turning leaf during the last chapter didn't take away the distaste for their behaviors throughout the entire book and their willingness to sacrifice others who didn't view the world the same as they did 🤷‍♀️

This is a YA Fantasy at an Academy focused on pirates. I thought the concept was very unique and fun. The FMC was tough, stubborn and determined, sometimes to an aggravating fault. Overall it feels YA which is fine, and the book is entertaining. Thank you!

Unfortunately this is not for me. The writing is really poorly don’t and the plot is too predictable and boring to be enjoyable.

While I liked this story generally, when I went to mark it complete and rate it in my social platforms, I was disappointed to learn that Cassandra James has made some very public, strong political stances that are harmful and hurtful. It is not that authors' political views need to align with mine, but rather James' statements are hurtful to others. I don't know how many folks read about the authors of the books they choose, but this may influence Capitana readership. The book overall was enjoyable, but after reading from the author, I would not have purchased this book and would struggle to recommend it to others.

I was excited to support a book on piracy from a debut author. Unfortunately, Capitana’s writing style falls into the common pitfalls of early writing, chiefly overwrought prose and heavy-handed metaphors (and, in this case, especially nautical-themed similes, which heightened the cheesiness). I also became aware of the author’s alarmingly ultra-conservative politics after I received an ARC, which soured my reading experience because the story so clearly reflects her stances. It is exceedingly strange to read a pirate story that aligns with the imperial powers rather than the roguish romance of piracy. I couldn’t finish, enjoy, or endorse this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The story hooked me from page 1 and I enjoyed watching how Ximena's character and priorities change and evolve as the story progresses. She starts off so hard headed and righteous, but once the adventures really begin, she starts to see things from a different perspective. Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Capitana by Cassandra James is a fierce and empowering tale of resilience, ambition, and self-discovery. Set against a vivid backdrop of adventure and intrigue, James introduces a heroine who commands both the seas and readers’ hearts. With rich world-building and unforgettable characters, Capitana is a must-read for fans of strong female leads and epic storytelling.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I am a sucker for YA pirate books and this did not disappoint. The mix of dark academia was surprising (in a positive way).
I felt connected to the FMC and found my self rooting for her many times.
Overall it was a fun read that I highly recommend.

Capitana was an absolute blast—if you’re in the mood for nonstop adventure with Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, this is the book to grab. There’s never a dull moment, and the pacing is chef’s kiss. Between pirate attacks, daring escapades, and legendary figures returning from the dead, I was hooked from start to finish.

Ximena is a relatable underdog: smart, determined, and brave to a fault, but burdened by her family’s pirate legacy. Her time at La Academia is far from easy—she keeps people at arm’s length, her sister is struggling, and her rival, Dante, seems to have everything handed to him. Her grit shines through, even when her unwavering loyalty to the crown makes her almost insufferable—a flaw that’s intentional and essential to her growth.

Speaking of rivals… Dante is an intriguing counterpart. Their dynamic crackles with tension, snappy banter, and a slow-burn romance (currently one-sided, with Dante pining). He’s grumpy at first, and not immediately likeable, but I’m hoping the sequel will peel back more of his layers and redeem some of his earlier behaviors.

What sets Capitana apart from other pirate books is its perspective. Instead of romanticizing pirates outright, it begins with the Cazadores—law-abiding loyalists—highlighting the systemic injustices that spark rebellion. I love that the sequel will flip to the pirates’ POV, promising even more depth and nuance.

If I had one gripe, it’s that Ximena’s growth could’ve hit harder by the end. I wanted her realizations to dig deeper, though the conclusion left me eager for more—in the best way. It’s clear the next book will push Ximena further into the complexities of rebellion versus loyalty.

Capitana delivers exactly what it promises: pirates, rivals-to-lovers slow burns, and relentless high-stakes adventure. It’s a five-star ride, and I can’t wait to see where Ximena’s journey takes us next.

This romantic fantasy element was fantastic; it had the desired pirate vibe, and I loved the plot as a whole. This world and the way the characters interacted with the novel's plot captivated me. it was a fantastic beginning to this world and fulfilled every need I had since the first chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed Capitana. I rated 4.5 stars and rounded up to 5 stars. I thought this was a fun story about a girl, Ximena, that wants to escape her parents' scandalous history of turning pirate. She has no friends and few allies in the academy. Her goal is to become a cazador to show that she is loyal to the crown and the law. She and her biggest rival are in competition for a promotion when the legendary pirate Gasparilla attacks the academy and kidnaps the queen.

While I do not share the author's stance on politics, I also do not condone banning or review bombing books. I think that if you do not want to buy a book based on the author, that is your choice and your ethical obligation and support your decision.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was everything I wanted in a pirate book and more. The concepts of pirates as a whole is an act of rebellion and to build that realistically you need a suppressive government to rebel against but also they need to have loyal and brainwashed subjects. Ximena is the perfect candidate to show and explore how deep the loyalties to everything you’ve ever known goes and how it starts to break and crumble the more the truth is exposed. Plus this being inspired by Gasparilla (a pirate ever close to my hometown) I was so excited. I need book 2 ASAP.

I accepted the eARC before learning about who the author is and what their values are. Abortion is health care and bodily autonomy is a basic human right. I will not be reading a book written by someone who does not believe those facts to be true.