I received a copy of this book from the publisher. But all thoughts are my own. Capitana had a good strong main lead, interesting characters and a fun and exciting plot. The only place it fell flat was in the romance. I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters and while I appreciate a slow burn it didn't really feel like there was any real reason for the characters to like each other. There was also some plot holes that didn't really make a lot of sense to me especially a major one toward the end. I appreciated that there was no swearing or sex but there is violence including mentioning of hanging, necks breaking and being run through and shot. Although it ends with a bit of a cliff hanger I still feel like it has enough of a conclusion that I don't feel desperate for the sequel (although some people might feel differently) I still think I will read the second book when it comes out as long as it doesn't throw in any plot points that I'm not a fan of.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Capitana is a riveting, adventurous YA pirate fantasy with a propulsive plot and captivating characters that hooked me from the first page.

This was such a fun read. I loved the characters, especially Ximena and Dante. The tension and chemistry between them was *chef’s kiss, and I really enjoyed Ximena’s personality. The pacing was great, and the settings, world-building, and action were well-written. The writing was lovely, and I am so excited to see what’s in store in the sequel!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

A very interesting work that started off with a bang and a very badass protagonist, just what i like in a romantasy! the vibes were immaculate and the discussion of the nature of justice that was talked about throughout was very interestingly done. I loved our main protagonist set, and the mention of a whole bunch of historical figures somewhat distorted to fit into this world was really cool! tysm for the arc. 4.5 stars.

Swashbuckling fun!

Ximena Reale is the star student of La Academia, the elite school in which top students train to become cazadores, Pirate Hunters. There’s just one problem. Ximena’s parents were famous cazadores who turned pirates and betrayed the empire. As she struggles with escaping the shame of her parents executions and her notorious rivalry with the son of the High Minister Dante, Ximena discovers that the pirates have banded together under the possibly reincarnated Gasparilla, scourge of the Empire and perhaps the most famous pirate who ever lived. If she can survive necromancers, sea serpents, an army of pirates who want her dead, a magical hurricane, and being stuck on a ship with Dante, to capture Gasparilla she can prove her loyalty to the Empire and earn herself the Cazadora status she has always dreamed of!


Ximena is such a relatable character: the undersog with something to prove, especially when the odds are all stacked against her. Brave, intelligent, and unfailingly loyal to the law, she is perhaps the model student at La Academia. Except she has no friends, her sister is failing out of the school, and her rival has everything handed to him on a golden platter, despite not having to work for it.

The adventure starts off fast and the momentum never slows down. As soon as Ximena and Pia doscover a pattern among the pirate attacks it kicks off ala Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and keeps on rolling through one life-threatening scenario after another. Some of the challenges were things I never would’ve expected either, but lent a sense of fun and mystery to the adventure.

I wanted a bit more romance, even though it was meant to be a sub-plot. It was a little one sided. Dante definitely had been crushing a long, long time but sadly for him Ximena is oblivious to his pig-tail pulling for a good 80% of the book. I am guessing the romance will have a bigger part in book two (after that ended there will be a sequel for sure!).

I guessed the twist on Gasparilla’s identity pretty early on, although it would’ve been another cool magical element if Gasparilla had been a reincarnated pirate or even a reanimated corpse (too much like POTC maybe for copyright infringement?). Either way it was good to see Ximena open her eyes and become the person everyone always saw the potential for. I am excited to see more of her character growth in the sequel.

Overall a fast-paced and fun adventure with just the right amount of danger, pirates, friendship, and mystery to keep you enthralled throughout the journey!

Thank you Cassandra and NetGalley for this arc! This was a really fun read. Ximena is one of the most stubborn characters I’ve ever read about and I enjoyed getting to know her. At times I did want to shake her and yell at her to not just blindly follow the rules, but I loved watching her grow and finding out that rules aren’t everything. The smidgen of romance was really good and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the second book. Pia was so fun I love her and I just want her to be safe and happy forever and ever. She is such kind character and her friendship with Xiemena is so sweet. The scenery was really cool too I felt like I was there watching everything happen. I had a great time reading this and you should definitely pick it up!

A sparkling debut, Cassandra James’ Capitana may well be the next big thing in YA romantasy. The book distinguishes itself with an exciting plot, fantastic world-building, and an unforgettable heroine. The moral quandaries faced by a cast of interesting and complex characters sealed this as a five-star read for me. I’m not interested in magic (just briefly in the story) or the enemies-to-lovers trope, but I still really enjoyed this book, and I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC. This review contains my honest opinions. This review will be cross-posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram closer to publication.

This was good! I like female fantasy writers better than male writers. The writing is just so much more intricate. This was no exception

If you enjoy slow-burning YA fantasy and pirate books, “Capitana” may be for you. I happen to love nautical fantasies, so this pirate-hunter academy story is right up my alley.

Ximena, the FMC, is a stone-cold, kick-butt heroine. It’s rare to find heroines like her. She’s tough as nails, a hard worker, and not apologetic. I love her stubbornness and dedication.

I really like the book and its world, but it would have been even better with stronger execution. Weak points for me include the romance - I don’t really understand the MMC’s past actions, and I don’t feel any chemistry or believe love is there. The big reveal is also a head scratcher; I just do not get the logic of how it is possible.

i really enjoyed this! ximena was an interesting character for a YA— i think she’ll be very 50/50 with audiences, but she managed to worm her way into my heart. the weakest aspect of this was the romance for me; i much preferred the friendship between ximena and pía.

I really enjoyed this book!! The plot was so interesting and full of adventure that I was never bored. The author did a great job with character development because I was full invested in there stories. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.

*Capitana* by Cassandra James is a captivating pirate adventure that sweeps you into a world of treacherous seas, simmering romance, and fierce battles for honor. Ximena Reale is a strong protagonist who struggles to overcome the tarnished reputation of her pirate parents as she trains to become a Cazadoro. Her complex relationship with Dante, her rival and unlikely ally, adds a delicious layer of slow-burn chemistry to the high-stakes mission. The dynamic between them keeps the tension alive, while the vivid world-building and thrilling sea quests make this a truly engaging read.

While the book excels in character development and atmospheric writing, the pacing occasionally drags in the middle, slowing down the momentum of the story. However, the action-packed ending pulls everything together, setting the stage for an exciting second book. With morally gray characters, intense emotions, and evocative adventure, *Capitana* is a solid start to a duology that will leave readers eager to return to Ximena’s journey on the high seas.