Challenge #27 ~ “A work of historical fiction.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My opinion in three sentences:
If we’re talking boats, Devil’s Ballast is a grand, seaworthy ship, offering and delivering safe passage over some choppy waters – that is, it’s a strong, well-researched book with an intriguing and varied plotline. Caddy complements this with some literary finesse in techniques that have tripped many a writer, such as time jumps and establishing a strong historic setting. However, without a significant connection to the protagonist (or even another of the recurring characters), it doesn’t quite worm its way into the depths of the reader’s heart, leaving it a good book rather than the new mass favourite.
(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:
Caddy navigates the tale as well as Calico navigates the seas. There are time jumps, alternate settings and perspectives, and obligatory world-building to establish the historical context, yet Caddy makes these literary devices seem like child’s play, becoming a seamless addition to the book. Not once was I stumbling over a change in setting or left reeling by a two month transition from chapter to chapter. I felt reassured in Caddy’s hands, however tempestuous the seas in the actual plotline.
A warning for the book:
Connecting with the main character isn’t the easiest of feats. It took me a significant while to establish a relationship with Bonny – the female pirate we’re supposed to be cheering on – and even when I did, it was quite superficial. It doesn’t detract from the story, per say, as the drama and plot are largely unaffected, but it does leave it as just another story rather than a novel I feel a deep connection to.
Recommended for fans of:
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
- Iron Cast by Destiny Soria
- A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
N.B.: An e-ARC of this book was received from NetGalley in return for a reflective and honest review.
Dreaming With Your Eyes Wide Open 