Swept Up By the Sea: A Romantic Fairy Tale

by Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman

Determined to seek his fortune, Percival Taylor leaves behind his sleepy hometown and sets out to become a legendary pirate only no one at the roguish seaport of Blackshore will allow him anywhere near a ship! Percival must find other means to win the heart of the beautiful Tuppence Magrathia-Paddock, who has mistaken him for a pirate rogue out of one of her romantic tales. She is entirely willing to swoon into his arms if he can prove his buccaneer soul and she is willing to arrange her own kidnapping to prove it. Percival eventually finds himself captain of a broken-down ship, complete with a crew of pirates

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Pirates, Adventure, Young Adult, Fairy Tales

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2013

About the author

NYT Best-selling fantasy authors Tracy Hickman, with his wife Laura, began their journey across the 'Sea of Possibilities' as the creators of 'Dragonlance' and their voyage continues into new areas with the 'Drakis' trilogy, 'Wayne of Gotham', a Batman novel for DC Comics and his 'Dragon's Bard' collector's series . Tracy has over fifty books currently in print in most languages around the world. A record of both Tracy and Laura's DNA currently orbits on the international space station and he is the writer and editor of the first science-fiction movie actually filmed in space. Follow us on Facebook or, of course, right here!

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swept Up by the Sea is a tale full of different characters each trying to accomplish their own goals, coming together by happenstance and needing each other to see things through to the end.

It really took me awhile to get into this book. At first I didn't think I would make it. There was nothing compelling, pushing me to want more. I'm glad I stuck with it though because probably a little better than a third of the way through I finally became interested and wanted to read more. It just took awhile to get there.

I would call this a book for all ages. It is innocent enough to be read aloud to younger children and will certainly entertain the younger set in the YA age range. There is a lot of silly humor and Percival is about as naive as they come. The book description compares this story to Princess Bride. Having just watched that movie again recently, I would say not so much. That's sort of a big claim to live up to. But, this was a good story.

What I enjoyed more than anything were the stories within the story. The shipwright and the professor's back stories were my favorite parts of the book. It's what pulled me into the book, I think.

I enjoyed the end of the story- it had a satisfying ending for all. And, as I mentioned before, it is clean. I'm a girl that really appreciates a good, clean read. This is a book I will hand over to my daughter. She loves fantasy and romance.

My thanks to Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review for them. They are a great publisher turning out some fantastic books. I'm happy to be a part of promoting them.

[Hanna Snow Mueller · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt half-baked. More accurately, it felt like a bunch of different stories cobbled into one. Everything was too cartoonist for my taste and I could never really care about the characters because only 2 of them seemed remotely real. It would have been better as separate short stories or something similar but having them all together was just so rushed and unconvincing. There was just too much going on for me to care about any of it.

[Susan Phelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many POV's it took me a while to get into things, but enjoyable in the end.

[Jacinta Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun, random book. It takes all the adventure/fairytale aspects and exaggerates them until you can't help but laugh, and still somehow, the plot twists managed to surprise me.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting something a little more serious and was pleasantly surprised at how funny this story was! The humor was subtle in places and the overall tone was pure fun.

Percival Taylor is told he's pirate's long-lost son and must go on an adventure. He sees the beautiful governor's daughter, Tuppance, and decides to make her part of his fate, despite the fact that he's expected to marry a local girl. Vestia, the local girl, is sent by her mother to try to win him back, with the help of the Dragon's Bard. Total chaos, adventure, romance, unique and eccentric characters explode to life in the course of this adventure.

I loved how each new character was introduced. They were all so much fun and cleverly done. I loved how the fantasy parts of the story were not over the top, but blended into something that could be construed as real life. Why shouldn't I see a naiad the next time I'm at the beach?

It's hard to pick a favorite part--I think my two favorite parts where the hidden treasure and the kidnapping. Both had me laughing.

For a light-hearted, delightful adventure with all the fixings--pirates, comedy, fantasy creatures, adventure, and romance, be sure to check this one out!

**I received this from NetGalley for review and this in no way influenced my review.**

Katie's Clean Book Collection blog

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun to read. Whereas some of the "Magical" books that have come out really do not contain much in the way of actual magic, this one certainly does and it was also very original.

I did not realise this was part of a series when I began reading it, but now I am curious to read the rest of these books. I loved the setting and that each character had a valid point and place in the story. Each of the characters also have their own story going on in the novel but it all ties together really well in the end.

The way this novel is written is beautiful. The language the author used gave way to some wonderful quotes and the story progresses in such a way that you just keep telling yourself "only a few more pages and then I will go do such and such." Chances are, you won't. I read this book in mostly one sitting. It demanded my attention. I love that.

I like that there is romance, love and some excellent examples of magic and fantasy in this title.

I did think some of the dialogue felt a little stilted at times, but then some of it later in the story was truly magnificent, so it balanced out well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that is a bit different from the normal fantasy books out there and likes an author who is very good at storytelling.

This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher in cooperation with Netgalley.

[M R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A swashbuckling story chalk full of (mis)adventures and fun characters. The Hickmans create a charming tale about a town full of people who have a lot of unrealistic expectations for themselves and life. An adventure on the high seas seems the only way for everyone to get what they want. So, as a reluctant crew they set out to each find the treasures they seek. But when danger and love get in the way they all come to realize the greatest treasure can't be found on the sea and that real life can be better than pretend.

Percival wants Tuppence. Tuppence wants her Rodrigan. Vestia wants Percival. The Dragon Bard and Mistress Zoltana both have their own agendas. Add to the mix a shipwright whose heart set sail years before, a professor with a dangerous secret and a band of cheating pirates, and you get an adventure that will leave you Swept Up by the Sea.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I'm not a huge fantasy fan, but when I read the description for Swept Up by the Sea, I thought it sounded interesting. And, the comparison to The Princess Bride also helped me decide to give it a try.

It took me awhile to read Swept Up by the Sea, at least partially due to the story jumping around quite a bit as new characters were introduced. Once everything came together about half way through the story I found myself much more interested in it.

Overall the story is silly-I couldn't help but think of the recent Pirates of the Caribbean movies while I read it, although this isn't violent. I typically prefer stories that are a bit more serious, but I was intrigued by the shipwright's story and Vestia's situation.

[Ane · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to appreciate the humor & depth that come from any Tracy Hickman writing!! Although I was skeptical because it was touted as "A Romantic Fairy tale" I found it hardly the main storyline!! In fact, the story begins with a young man who believes his destiny is to become a pirate. He is laughable and hopeless but other story lines come into play and you are off on an adventure you never saw coming!! I really enjoyed this book!! I would even recommend for my preteens & teens to read!
It's like the Princess Bride meets Pirates of the Caribbean and Legally Blonde!! :) How can you go wrong? :)

[Monnie Biloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Blackshore, "Swept Up by the Sea: A Romantic Fairy Tale" is a joke name. Its the name of the book the bard wanted to write. This is a SEQUEL!!! THIS is also NOT a romantic Fantasy.

A great Sequel to Eventide! DO NOT READ THIS BOOK WITHOUT READING EVENTIDE. This book contains spoilers and many references to Eventide and takes place 3 months after the events of Eventide, Tales of the Dragon's Bard.

THIS is also NOT a romantic Fantasy (Thank God, I was actually a little scared to pick this up).
This is a comedy adventure first and foremost. Romance may be the motivation behind most of the characters actions, but it has nothing to do with the plot.

This is a story about a young man whose like 14 and wants to be a pirate, a bard who wants to get payed for matchmaking, a girl whoes pride is scorned after her fiance diches town, a con-woman trying to make a quick buck and mess around with their ex boyfriend, a man searching for his lover who is a djinni, a woodsman in a toxic relationship with a dryad, and a rich girl who wants a baby boy for a boyfriend.

Did I just list a bunch of characters? yes, yes I did. As the plot of this book is "what are these characters Doing!!?!?"

If you want something similar, I would recommend Durarara, (and Baccano to a lesser extent), a series about characters doing crazy things for love.

[Kimberly Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun fairytale for younger readers. The story was fun and had lots of fairytale elements like pirates, mermaids, genies, fairies and all those fun creatures. It was entertaining and sweet.

There were multiple story lines that converged at the end. I liked how it all came together and how the stories were all intertwined. However, listening to the audiobook, I had a hard time keeping track of all the different characters and storylines, especially when the main storyline was pushed to tell the story of a new character. It probably would’ve been less confusing if I read the book instead of listening to it.

There were also multiple romantic pairings and that was fun. It didn’t quite work out the way I thought it would but everyone got their happy ending which I enjoyed.

I liked the overall theme that love and a strong relationship are more precious than gold and treasure. Love is the true treasure. I really appreciated that the characters chose to give up worldly possessions for love. It’s a sweet theme.

Overall I think it’s a fun and sweet fairytale and is great for younger readers.

[Jesica · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But out here… you see farther. And, I think, you find beauty where you never would have found it on land."

Ok I have mixed feelings about this one… the beginning of this book is all over the place & I had the hardest time figuring out what was going on… it was very disjointed with lots of characters & way too many backstories. There were pirates, naiads, a genie in a bottle, mermen, other weird magical creatures & a bit of romance with no world building. Seriously it was just confusing. It was hard to get into and would have been a two star read except the ending was fun so I bumped it up to three stars. This was on my back back list challenge & has been sitting on my shelves for years. I’m glad I finally read it but I won’t be keeping this book… I’ll be passing it along. This has been described as having Princess Bride vibes & I can kinda see it but the storyline was so hard to follow & in the end it just wasn’t for me.

“How poetic," Vestia sighed. "Poetic?" Adrian asked. "Yes," Vestia answered with a wistful smile, "that one should be lost without knowing their way home."

[Elle Hartford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I was a little surprised by the 3.35 average rating--that seems a bit harsh. To me, this felt like a fun and funny twisted fairy tale, exactly the sort of thing I would have devoured growing up.

The main complaint in other reviews seems to be the lack of character development/that it took time to get into the book. I can definitely see that, but I think the narration and situational humor is more what drives this book. Like a lot of classic fairy tale type adventures, you kind of hang on for the ride and let the characters show who they are as they act.

And on that note, I did find some of the "side" characters more relatable and root-for-able than the main duo of Percival and Tuppence. I loved the way everyone's storyline intertwined and led to a satisfactory end. Overall, I thought this was a fun summer read!

[the.bookish.mama.lion · Rating 3 out of 5]

《Thoughts》
3 stars. Action-Adventure, (Innocent) Romance

I was once told by a film professor that the movie Romancing the Stone took all of the cliche tropes of action-adventure and romance stories and compiled - and heightend - them into one story for the sake of being humorous/making fun of them (but in a good way). If ever there was a book that achieved that same thing, it would be this one, though I have no idea if that was the intention or not.

While the summary makes it sound like Percival is the main character (and technically I guess he is) the story revolves around several characters who's stories eventually collide and weave together.

The story is light and fun and not to be taken seriously, and if you go into it with that mindset, it's possible you'll like it a lot better.

[Sydney ･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but I’ll round up cause I’m nice.

What I liked:
Narration/dialogue was funny
Use of tropes
Triton the dog
Whimsical adventure vibes. Very DND campaign-esque

What I didn’t like:
Disjointed interjections of 2 fairly-long flashbacks
First 1/2 had lots of irrelevant scenes that could have been cut
Whole thing could have been tied together better. Sometimes felt like stuff was happening just cause. Felt a bit meandery without a solid through-line.

Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I’d recommend it to those looking for something fun and lighthearted while still having some action-y stuff going on.

I also have to say I’m disappointed for the lack of mermaids. By the cover I thought they would play a role but alas…

[Thom Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hickman and Hickman's first book in this series, "Eventide" was delightful. This one continues in that tradition, though the connection is light. This is not a "serious" book; it is whimsical, winking at tropes and classical fantasy while embracing the whole affectionately. If you're looking for deep, dark, serious fantasy, this isn't it. It's fun, light reading that will keep you entertained, while not taking itself too seriously. I would be tempted to call it middle-grade or YA literature, but I think it's a bit more timeless than that. It's got more of a fairytale, "Princess Bride" sort of vibe, with a climax that would make Gilbert and Sullivan proud. I do hope the Hickmans write more of these.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book. I didn't get it. I mean I guess the storyline was ok but I just thought it was weird. The premise of the book was intriguing but I didn't really enjoy the way it was carried out. Just not my kind of book I guess. Here I think we're talking about humans then a random fairy, or giant centaur or whatever was thrown in and I don't know why it was necessary. It didn't seem like a romance either. It was just odd I thought.

[Amber Rencher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was light-hearted and entertaining. At first it jumped around a lot between other POV and backstories. But it eventually smoothed itself out. There was a very juvenile quality to it that made it entertaining, yet a bit shallow. That might have been what added to the charm of this book, especially certain characters. Lacking in general character or relationship development, but again, juvenile and fun.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book. I wanted to like it because it has mermaids in it, but it just fell so flat for me. The characters where simple and the plot was slow. I was hoping for more mythical creatures like mermaids and more adventure on the sea.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of some stories of minor characters in Eventide, this one didn't disappoint. I love how the Hickmans weave the stories together. The narrator for these two books is engaging and fun to listen to, partly because he's British, but mostly because his style is fun to listen to.

[Danae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected. It started off fairly cliche, but really more leaning into the cliches because it knew we were expecting them; but it developed into a decent little story, and I quite enjoyed it.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute whimsical story. Not overly deep but a nice blend of fairytale characters. If you’re worried about this being a raunchy romance novel it’s not. Very PG and cute. My only thing is the story wasn’t about mermaids at all despite there being a mermaid on the cover.

[Dallin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Quick paced, funny characters. I recommend this book.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventure and tongue-in-cheek humor really blend together well and go right along with the title of this tale. I enjoyed how all the sub-plots came together.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and entertaining read with a sense of humor and an unstereotypic romance line.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was very cleaver. I thought I was reading a play--now there's a thought!

[Katherina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit odd amd sometimes it jumped around so much it could be hard to follow, but overall I liked it. I enjoyed seeing the different sub-stories.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried really hard to like this book. But it never got interesting.

[Thomas C.Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book rather clever in the way that it intertwined many different stories into the one. Altogether an enjoyable read.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was all over the place. I didn’t care for it.