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The Calamities of Camden Callahan
Death consumes all, but even it spit out Camden Callahan.
In the years since his father's betrayal, 19-year-old pirate, Cam, has done the unimaginable to keep his true identity a secret. When a desperate gamble gets his crew slaughtered and his captain kidnapped, Cam wakes from the ashes of their ship, gifted with newfound powers and a fresh start in life.
But with the fate of his captain-the only one who knows Cam's past-uncertain, he must infiltrate an island run by an overzealous doctor, and his deadly followers, before the captain spills Cam's truth to the world, ripping away his last chance at freedom.
Even beneath the tropical sun, shadows thrive as dark deals are struck, forcing Cam to confront old foes-both within and without-as time runs out.
On this island, wearing his old name may be the only way Cam can keep himself, his captain, and his new allies alive. Doing so, though, would mean choosing to face death-and his father-a second time.
In the years since his father's betrayal, 19-year-old pirate, Cam, has done the unimaginable to keep his true identity a secret. When a desperate gamble gets his crew slaughtered and his captain kidnapped, Cam wakes from the ashes of their ship, gifted with newfound powers and a fresh start in life.
But with the fate of his captain-the only one who knows Cam's past-uncertain, he must infiltrate an island run by an overzealous doctor, and his deadly followers, before the captain spills Cam's truth to the world, ripping away his last chance at freedom.
Even beneath the tropical sun, shadows thrive as dark deals are struck, forcing Cam to confront old foes-both within and without-as time runs out.
On this island, wearing his old name may be the only way Cam can keep himself, his captain, and his new allies alive. Doing so, though, would mean choosing to face death-and his father-a second time.
378 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
6 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 20, 2023
4 .5 stars
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a book in the Revenant series. It is a dark fantasy tale that YA’s will enjoy.
The story flows easily in this magical action-adventure story. There are characters that you will like and some you will not. Brittany’s writing makes the story flow easily and the adventure fun.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is gripping and engaging short but enjoyable read. There is betrayal, lies, secrets, death, kidnappings, foes, magic and much more.
Brittany has once again woven an intriguing tale that will have readers not wanting the story to end. Her writing style is easy and makes the story that much more enjoyable.
Follow along on this dark adventure tale where murder and mayhem are in abundance. Expect the unexpected. This book is for dark fantasy lovers of all ages.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a book in the Revenant series. It is a dark fantasy tale that YA’s will enjoy.
The story flows easily in this magical action-adventure story. There are characters that you will like and some you will not. Brittany’s writing makes the story flow easily and the adventure fun.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is gripping and engaging short but enjoyable read. There is betrayal, lies, secrets, death, kidnappings, foes, magic and much more.
Brittany has once again woven an intriguing tale that will have readers not wanting the story to end. Her writing style is easy and makes the story that much more enjoyable.
Follow along on this dark adventure tale where murder and mayhem are in abundance. Expect the unexpected. This book is for dark fantasy lovers of all ages.
December 14, 2025
I enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. I went into this novel blind so I didn’t have any expectations. A pirate fantasy, this story centers on the MMC Camden Callahan and how he is saved by a pirate captain, who then becomes his surrogate father. Their ship that is transporting a significant amount of Pearl Dust is attacked, the crew is captured, and Camden murdered. But Camden does not die, instead he rises up again and becomes a Revenant. Yes, this novel has a unique magic system where some individuals are reincarnated as Revenants and upon reincarnation, each person gains a power. Camden becomes a Fire Brand and has the ability to control and manipulate fire. This is only the beginning. Camden will meet our FMC, Annie - who I love. She’s so controlled, so stoic, but is so full of love for her found siblings. She’s the morally gray one who is also very protective. Camden and Annie are enemies to allies to friends and to maybe more. I especially love what happens to Annie at the end because she reminds me of the power of the feminine – she embodies concepts related to the Hindu goddess Kali and the Greek goddess Demeter - the power of the feminine to create and to destroy, to hold both death and life in the same vessel. I am excited to read the next installment in this adventure in Book 2 of the Revenant series, The Dilemmas of a Dead Man’s Daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
When you have pirates, tragic back stories, backstabbing, plot, revenge, magic and slow burn you have the making for an extraordinary story.
This story had me locked in from page 1 with no desire to put it down. It’s fast paced and full of action, suspense, and torment. It’s all there for ripping you apart and piecing you back together again.
Grab this book and buckle up for the ride it is. And now for book 2!!!
This story had me locked in from page 1 with no desire to put it down. It’s fast paced and full of action, suspense, and torment. It’s all there for ripping you apart and piecing you back together again.
Grab this book and buckle up for the ride it is. And now for book 2!!!
November 25, 2025
Such a great read from start to finish. I literally could not put it down. Annie and Camden are such a magnetic duo and I loved their banter. I loved all of the lore throughout the entire book and the island vibes were vibing in this book. The death and magic tied together in the way they were was amazing as well.
This book definitely had some sinister aspects and when I read about the experiments for the first time, my jaw dropped. The last 100 pages were something to behold and I went through the seven stages of grief for Camden and Annie.
Needless to say, I’m very excited for book two!
This book definitely had some sinister aspects and when I read about the experiments for the first time, my jaw dropped. The last 100 pages were something to behold and I went through the seven stages of grief for Camden and Annie.
Needless to say, I’m very excited for book two!
December 5, 2025
This was such a good YA novel. If you are looking for a fun, pirates and villains , a little darkness, with a twist of unique magic then this would be a book you’ll enjoy!
Plot:
The story follows Camden as he grows ups as a pirate after escaping his royal, but deadly father and losing his mother in the process. Like all pirates, he takes a job that supposed to earn a lot of money for him and his crew. However, the plan doesn’t go as planned. Faced with difficult choices and new revelations, his plan becomes something else entirely as he works with some unlikely acquaintances.
Main Characters:
Camden had a pretty tough life growing up. He is spunky and cocky, but smart and loyal. He ends up meeting Annie who doesn’t like him in the beginning to say the least. The yearning that grows between them is so sweet.
You’ll also meet a few others along the way that add to the story as secondary characters. However, it’s written with Annie’s and Camdens POVs. There is a little character twist in the story with someone I won’t mention that I love and had me rooting for by the end.
I’ve been wanting a good pirate book and this checked the box for me. The magic she created in this story is very different in how it’s used than I’ve seen in other stories. The ones with the magic are portrayed as villains giving the story a unique twist!
Highly recommend!
Plot:
The story follows Camden as he grows ups as a pirate after escaping his royal, but deadly father and losing his mother in the process. Like all pirates, he takes a job that supposed to earn a lot of money for him and his crew. However, the plan doesn’t go as planned. Faced with difficult choices and new revelations, his plan becomes something else entirely as he works with some unlikely acquaintances.
Main Characters:
Camden had a pretty tough life growing up. He is spunky and cocky, but smart and loyal. He ends up meeting Annie who doesn’t like him in the beginning to say the least. The yearning that grows between them is so sweet.
You’ll also meet a few others along the way that add to the story as secondary characters. However, it’s written with Annie’s and Camdens POVs. There is a little character twist in the story with someone I won’t mention that I love and had me rooting for by the end.
I’ve been wanting a good pirate book and this checked the box for me. The magic she created in this story is very different in how it’s used than I’ve seen in other stories. The ones with the magic are portrayed as villains giving the story a unique twist!
Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
I loved it !! I love the mix of Victorian and pirates!!
June 27, 2024
4.5 stars.
I received a copy for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. Pirates, magic, unexpected alliances. I really enjoyed the world building and how just when I thought I figured someone out, boom they surprised me. It truly was a fun read and can't wait to read the next one.
I received a copy for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. Pirates, magic, unexpected alliances. I really enjoyed the world building and how just when I thought I figured someone out, boom they surprised me. It truly was a fun read and can't wait to read the next one.
August 25, 2024
I recieved this book as an ARC but life got in the way and didn't manage to read it initially.
Finally I've read it and I loved it! The characters I fell in live with, they each had a lot of development and quirks to them. The magical element was well thought out and especially with the pirate theme.
It was easy to read but the plot did keep me guessing to the end.
I look forward to the next time I meet Camden Callahan!
Finally I've read it and I loved it! The characters I fell in live with, they each had a lot of development and quirks to them. The magical element was well thought out and especially with the pirate theme.
It was easy to read but the plot did keep me guessing to the end.
I look forward to the next time I meet Camden Callahan!
December 31, 2024
Such a good read, had me on the edge of my seat. Cute romance and adventure!!
October 15, 2023
Camden Callaghan is a young man with whom fate has not been pleasant and it was when his mother fled their home and his father where this downhill trend began, they left with the clothes on their back and a couple of items of jewellery so that they could them and eat, just as they are about to board a ship and gain their much desired freedom, tragedy strikes and Camden’s mother is killed right in front of him. This is where a pirate becomes his world as his mother requests that he is taken as far away as possible and makes the pirate promise to keep him alive and safe and that is how he became just Camden and quartermaster on a pirate ship and this is where we meet Camden again.
The years have not been kind to Camden, but through it all, he has been as looked after as a young boy on a pirate ship could be and he is good at being the outlaw, one day when frequenting his usual tavern with his crewmates, an opportunity he could not afford to miss drops into his lap, but finding out even what it is could cost him. The people looking for a crew are not of the best reputation out there and most would be too scared to strike a deal with them, but that is exactly what Camden does, behind his captain’s back, all while hoping that this won’t put him too far on the captains bad side, but that was not to be when he explains just what they will be doing and a reluctant captain agrees.
As they near their destination, it has been smooth sailing, but that ends when an enemy ship attacks them, they desperately try to fight back, but they are not successful and those who aren’t badly wounded are kidnapped by the other crew, including the captain and those left are tied to the ship and set alight. This however, is not the end for Camden when he wakes from the ashes of his ship to find that he isn’t dead, but he does have some new abilities which he has no idea how to handle, however, when an opportunity arises for Camden to right the wrong done to his crew and rescue his crewmates, he agrees, although in order to do it he will have to use his true name and that is not the preferred way, but he agrees and sets off on his new mission.
As with the rest of his life, this is not the easiest mission, especially when the person he has been sent to spy on and infiltrate the household of turns out to be a doctor with less than pure intention, despite what his exterior says and the household feels off, but as Camden dives further and further into the depths of this deal he has made, complications arise, but will he be able to stay alive long enough to explore the changes within him, rescue his captain and crewmates, all while navigating a maze the likes of which he just wanted to leave behind? This is an adventure with some bright spots in a land of darkness and shadows where nothing is sure, lies and deceit are the currency and enemies both new and old are on the horizon in this action packed book which will leave you wanting to know what happens next and devour it in its entirety.
The years have not been kind to Camden, but through it all, he has been as looked after as a young boy on a pirate ship could be and he is good at being the outlaw, one day when frequenting his usual tavern with his crewmates, an opportunity he could not afford to miss drops into his lap, but finding out even what it is could cost him. The people looking for a crew are not of the best reputation out there and most would be too scared to strike a deal with them, but that is exactly what Camden does, behind his captain’s back, all while hoping that this won’t put him too far on the captains bad side, but that was not to be when he explains just what they will be doing and a reluctant captain agrees.
As they near their destination, it has been smooth sailing, but that ends when an enemy ship attacks them, they desperately try to fight back, but they are not successful and those who aren’t badly wounded are kidnapped by the other crew, including the captain and those left are tied to the ship and set alight. This however, is not the end for Camden when he wakes from the ashes of his ship to find that he isn’t dead, but he does have some new abilities which he has no idea how to handle, however, when an opportunity arises for Camden to right the wrong done to his crew and rescue his crewmates, he agrees, although in order to do it he will have to use his true name and that is not the preferred way, but he agrees and sets off on his new mission.
As with the rest of his life, this is not the easiest mission, especially when the person he has been sent to spy on and infiltrate the household of turns out to be a doctor with less than pure intention, despite what his exterior says and the household feels off, but as Camden dives further and further into the depths of this deal he has made, complications arise, but will he be able to stay alive long enough to explore the changes within him, rescue his captain and crewmates, all while navigating a maze the likes of which he just wanted to leave behind? This is an adventure with some bright spots in a land of darkness and shadows where nothing is sure, lies and deceit are the currency and enemies both new and old are on the horizon in this action packed book which will leave you wanting to know what happens next and devour it in its entirety.
November 28, 2025
"Flames swallowed him, but there was no pain. Only the euphoric bliss of being wrapped in a warm, loving blanket.
It had been a long day. Death called— a black and sorrowful song—and Cam closed his eyes, answering gratefully. This was not how he expected to die, but it was the only way he wanted to.
Safe and embraced, with no one left to hurt him."
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to the author for the copy of this novel to review!
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker is a fantasy novel first and a romance novel second. Even if the MMC, Camden/Cam quickly becomes enamored with the FMC, Annie, the storyline and fantasy elements come first, which means it's not a romantasy. I don't make the rules! I just try to figure them out. What I think I enjoyed the most about this book is that the magic at play in the novel-- magic that is born from death and only finds a select few-- is unique from a lot of systems that I've read in my forays into fantasy. Usually, magic finds the user upon birth or upon puberty, but Calamities decides to turn that on its head and look at what happens when you're reborn, after a life of being mundane, into a set of powers that can potentially destroy everything and everyone you love.
My one teeny tiny complaint with this book is actually kind of a serious one? But also, it's a "you learn to do better and then you do better" kind of moment. Early in the novel, the MMC's best friend, Nathan, is described as having "chocolate skin". Now, while I'm a writer myself and I've spent a inordinate amount of time researching the best way to write about BIPOC and marginalized characters, not everyone has. And this is hardly the most grievous of descriptors that I've read in my day. The only issue, for those not in the know, with describing a black character as having "chocolate skin" is that it fetishizes the character. It makes them figuratively into an object for consumption rather than a person. But, this is a "learn and do better" opportunity! And, from what I could see, it was the only instance of that particular kind of descriptor in the book.
Beyond this, however, the world building in Calamities is a lot of fun. Cam is an interesting and flawed character, which makes it feel worthwhile to follow along with his journey. As much as you want him to succeed, you also want to see Annie gain her freedom and find a world beyond the island of New Havana. Will it happen or will she be trapped under the thumb of her "family" for the resto f her life? I would recommend this book to anyone who particularly enjoyed the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo. Pirates, pyros, and pining-- oh my!
It had been a long day. Death called— a black and sorrowful song—and Cam closed his eyes, answering gratefully. This was not how he expected to die, but it was the only way he wanted to.
Safe and embraced, with no one left to hurt him."
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to the author for the copy of this novel to review!
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker is a fantasy novel first and a romance novel second. Even if the MMC, Camden/Cam quickly becomes enamored with the FMC, Annie, the storyline and fantasy elements come first, which means it's not a romantasy. I don't make the rules! I just try to figure them out. What I think I enjoyed the most about this book is that the magic at play in the novel-- magic that is born from death and only finds a select few-- is unique from a lot of systems that I've read in my forays into fantasy. Usually, magic finds the user upon birth or upon puberty, but Calamities decides to turn that on its head and look at what happens when you're reborn, after a life of being mundane, into a set of powers that can potentially destroy everything and everyone you love.
My one teeny tiny complaint with this book is actually kind of a serious one? But also, it's a "you learn to do better and then you do better" kind of moment. Early in the novel, the MMC's best friend, Nathan, is described as having "chocolate skin". Now, while I'm a writer myself and I've spent a inordinate amount of time researching the best way to write about BIPOC and marginalized characters, not everyone has. And this is hardly the most grievous of descriptors that I've read in my day. The only issue, for those not in the know, with describing a black character as having "chocolate skin" is that it fetishizes the character. It makes them figuratively into an object for consumption rather than a person. But, this is a "learn and do better" opportunity! And, from what I could see, it was the only instance of that particular kind of descriptor in the book.
Beyond this, however, the world building in Calamities is a lot of fun. Cam is an interesting and flawed character, which makes it feel worthwhile to follow along with his journey. As much as you want him to succeed, you also want to see Annie gain her freedom and find a world beyond the island of New Havana. Will it happen or will she be trapped under the thumb of her "family" for the resto f her life? I would recommend this book to anyone who particularly enjoyed the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo. Pirates, pyros, and pining-- oh my!
December 11, 2025
4.75 STARS OF PURE BEAUTY
NO SPOILERS
Wow. What an extraordinary, soul-aching story. And that ending!
This is one of those rare books where the characters feel so painfully real that you don’t just read about them—you carry them with you. You hurt when they hurt. You root for them with a kind of fierce protectiveness you didn’t expect.
Camden, with his reckless bravado and quiet, aching grief, reads like a boy who lost too much too young; someone who would trade anything, even pieces of his own humanity, for one more moment with his mother. And Annie… A girl carved by horrors, haunted by past shadows that refuse to loosen their grip. Both of them have done unspeakable things to survive, forcing them to become monsters in others' eyes.
Annie’s growth especially struck something deep in me. Here is a girl who has spent years not feeling an ounce of love, who has never truly known safety, and she still dares to hope that she has the ability to care for others. I just wanted to wrap her up and shield her from her cruel world.
The magic system feels fresh and beautifully strange, rooted in a world that is undeniably human—filled with human monsters, human greed, human brutality. The political standpoint, the way wealth turns to power and power turns to corruption, all mirrors our own world a little too sharply. Add in the religious undertones, especially from that twisted household, and the whole story hums with a dark, unsettling truth.
And the writing? Incredible. Dark and unconventional. Lush and devastating. Written in dual POV, third person with intimate bursts of internal dialogue, it paints a complete, haunting portrait of two souls teetering between life and death, trying to figure out who they are… and whether they might mean something to each other. This is a true slow burn... emotional, deliberate, achingly gradual, with tension that unfurls so slowly it’s almost maddening.
I was hesitant about the dual POV at first, but it’s one of the book’s greatest strengths. It doesn’t spoil anything; instead, it gives you a slow drip of vulnerability, fear, and tenderness. You see exactly who starts falling first (Camden, sweet disaster that he is), and you feel every moment of it, even when he doesn't quite understand it himself.
By the end, my heart was torn wide open for both of them. Neither of them is innocent but that’s what makes the story so powerful and dark. These are two broken, tragic people clawing their way through a world of monsters… all while trying not to become monsters themselves.
NO SPOILERS
Wow. What an extraordinary, soul-aching story. And that ending!
This is one of those rare books where the characters feel so painfully real that you don’t just read about them—you carry them with you. You hurt when they hurt. You root for them with a kind of fierce protectiveness you didn’t expect.
Camden, with his reckless bravado and quiet, aching grief, reads like a boy who lost too much too young; someone who would trade anything, even pieces of his own humanity, for one more moment with his mother. And Annie… A girl carved by horrors, haunted by past shadows that refuse to loosen their grip. Both of them have done unspeakable things to survive, forcing them to become monsters in others' eyes.
Annie’s growth especially struck something deep in me. Here is a girl who has spent years not feeling an ounce of love, who has never truly known safety, and she still dares to hope that she has the ability to care for others. I just wanted to wrap her up and shield her from her cruel world.
The magic system feels fresh and beautifully strange, rooted in a world that is undeniably human—filled with human monsters, human greed, human brutality. The political standpoint, the way wealth turns to power and power turns to corruption, all mirrors our own world a little too sharply. Add in the religious undertones, especially from that twisted household, and the whole story hums with a dark, unsettling truth.
And the writing? Incredible. Dark and unconventional. Lush and devastating. Written in dual POV, third person with intimate bursts of internal dialogue, it paints a complete, haunting portrait of two souls teetering between life and death, trying to figure out who they are… and whether they might mean something to each other. This is a true slow burn... emotional, deliberate, achingly gradual, with tension that unfurls so slowly it’s almost maddening.
I was hesitant about the dual POV at first, but it’s one of the book’s greatest strengths. It doesn’t spoil anything; instead, it gives you a slow drip of vulnerability, fear, and tenderness. You see exactly who starts falling first (Camden, sweet disaster that he is), and you feel every moment of it, even when he doesn't quite understand it himself.
By the end, my heart was torn wide open for both of them. Neither of them is innocent but that’s what makes the story so powerful and dark. These are two broken, tragic people clawing their way through a world of monsters… all while trying not to become monsters themselves.
September 20, 2023
Life. Death. Revenge. This is the first book I have read by Brittany Tucker and lord how mercy at the talent she has. I haven’t read many pirate books, but they have a lot to live up to when I come across one again. Told from the dual perspectives of Camden and Annie, this book takes you on a journey of rescuing, surviving, and thriving.
Camden was just nine years old when his mother was assassinated in front of him. When a random man saves Cam from the same fate his mother begs the man to take her son, raise him and keep him far from his father. Annie is from the North but after being sold by slavers to a Lord of the South she is raised as their daughter and “safe” if she doesn’t ask too many questions. Lockdown of a Port leaves Cam desperate to escape the “prison” he is trapped in leading to him making a risky move by accepting a red card job from a Stripe or Revenant. His reasoning is that he wants to buy his own ship, have Nathan, current ships navigator, as his quartermaster and allow Captain Resh to retire comfortably. Captain Resh was the man who saved him when he was younger. Annie isn’t like the others in New Havana, since the moment she arrived she has seen the ghosts of the island, they follow her and sometimes visit her in the night for help. Camden dies defending his job of transporting six barrels, only after he is spit back out and reborn as a Revenant himself does he learn the truth of the “job” he was on. It was a trap, a mission to prove the guilt of an once friend of the men who gave him the job. Now he has only one mission, to save his friends, and get revenge for his death on the man that caused it.
Will Camden succeed in his mission to save those he cares for? What does his newfound powers truly mean by living his true life? How will the truth of his identity affect himself and those around him? This world was beyond captivating. I often found myself lost in the visual and having to reread a sentence or two to remember what was happening. The characters are complex and never skin deep though they seem that way at times. Kept on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath this was an amazing read to start the week kept me engaged and guessing what would happen next. I hope the author makes more books in the Revenant world.
Camden was just nine years old when his mother was assassinated in front of him. When a random man saves Cam from the same fate his mother begs the man to take her son, raise him and keep him far from his father. Annie is from the North but after being sold by slavers to a Lord of the South she is raised as their daughter and “safe” if she doesn’t ask too many questions. Lockdown of a Port leaves Cam desperate to escape the “prison” he is trapped in leading to him making a risky move by accepting a red card job from a Stripe or Revenant. His reasoning is that he wants to buy his own ship, have Nathan, current ships navigator, as his quartermaster and allow Captain Resh to retire comfortably. Captain Resh was the man who saved him when he was younger. Annie isn’t like the others in New Havana, since the moment she arrived she has seen the ghosts of the island, they follow her and sometimes visit her in the night for help. Camden dies defending his job of transporting six barrels, only after he is spit back out and reborn as a Revenant himself does he learn the truth of the “job” he was on. It was a trap, a mission to prove the guilt of an once friend of the men who gave him the job. Now he has only one mission, to save his friends, and get revenge for his death on the man that caused it.
Will Camden succeed in his mission to save those he cares for? What does his newfound powers truly mean by living his true life? How will the truth of his identity affect himself and those around him? This world was beyond captivating. I often found myself lost in the visual and having to reread a sentence or two to remember what was happening. The characters are complex and never skin deep though they seem that way at times. Kept on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath this was an amazing read to start the week kept me engaged and guessing what would happen next. I hope the author makes more books in the Revenant world.
October 8, 2023
Camden’s mother died when he was young but before she succumbed to death, she made a pirate by the name of Resh promise her that he would keep Cam safe and away from his father who wanted him dead. Thus began the pirates life for Cam.
Years later, Cam accepts a dangerous job that ends up with the ship being burned along with most of his crew and with his captain Resh and his best friend Nathan being kidnapped. Cam went down with the ship. He comes back as a fire branded revenant. Camden is tasked by the same man who sent him on the first job to head to an island to get information on Lord Duskin and potentially find Resh and Nathan in the process. Plus revenge on the revenant that murdered him and his crew. After years of running away from his past, he once again takes on his original surname of Camden Callahan.
Annie, Lord Duskins adopted daughter, hates her job. She is tasked with researching patients with the rot and how the drug ‘pearl dust’ affects the people. She hates her life and her adopted family but obedience is better for survival. On top of that, she sees the ghosts of patients she has had a helping hand in sacrificing for research. When Annie meets Camden, she is quick to not trust him but when he offers her an out of this life, she accepts his partnership. The ghosts seem to become more corporeal as time goes on. Sometimes even helping her out. Is there something more to Annie than just being a mere mortal?
Camden is in over his head, there is much happening on this island and it’s hard to tell who is on which side. Who can he trust? Will his father catch wind of Cam resurfacing after all these years? Will they make it off the island?
This book was chalk full of adventure and had elements of magic, murder, ghosts,and pirates. It also delved into some darker themes like sacrifice, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts. This book is not for the faint of heart. The characters have a lot of depth but are very relatable. I found myself connecting with Annie. She seems quiet and dark but she has a sweet side and wants to help those around her. Camden appears arrogant and full of himself but is actually full of self doubt and regret. I enjoyed getting to know these two.
Years later, Cam accepts a dangerous job that ends up with the ship being burned along with most of his crew and with his captain Resh and his best friend Nathan being kidnapped. Cam went down with the ship. He comes back as a fire branded revenant. Camden is tasked by the same man who sent him on the first job to head to an island to get information on Lord Duskin and potentially find Resh and Nathan in the process. Plus revenge on the revenant that murdered him and his crew. After years of running away from his past, he once again takes on his original surname of Camden Callahan.
Annie, Lord Duskins adopted daughter, hates her job. She is tasked with researching patients with the rot and how the drug ‘pearl dust’ affects the people. She hates her life and her adopted family but obedience is better for survival. On top of that, she sees the ghosts of patients she has had a helping hand in sacrificing for research. When Annie meets Camden, she is quick to not trust him but when he offers her an out of this life, she accepts his partnership. The ghosts seem to become more corporeal as time goes on. Sometimes even helping her out. Is there something more to Annie than just being a mere mortal?
Camden is in over his head, there is much happening on this island and it’s hard to tell who is on which side. Who can he trust? Will his father catch wind of Cam resurfacing after all these years? Will they make it off the island?
This book was chalk full of adventure and had elements of magic, murder, ghosts,and pirates. It also delved into some darker themes like sacrifice, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts. This book is not for the faint of heart. The characters have a lot of depth but are very relatable. I found myself connecting with Annie. She seems quiet and dark but she has a sweet side and wants to help those around her. Camden appears arrogant and full of himself but is actually full of self doubt and regret. I enjoyed getting to know these two.
December 2, 2025
"Death consumes all... but even it spat out Camden Callahan".
Oh, Camden, you made my heart sing, and you made it weep. His story demands to be digested and understood. His life is so far from perfect that it makes you want to pull him into your arms and keep him safe. And yet, amidst all the gore and calamities, he still burns brighter than the sun (pun intended).
I was consumed by Brittany's Calamities of Camden Callahan from the very first sentence of the prologue. And the hunger wasn't satiated by the end of this book. No, it gnawed at me, wanting more, and I was all too happy to give in to it and dive straight into The Dilemmas of a Dead Man's Daughter, Book 2 of the Revenant series.
So, who is Camden Callahan? He is an estranged lord's son, a pirate with a mouth full of sharp, witty banter. He is also a wounded soul, always missing a piece of himself, always finding himself lacking, always striving, and always feeling like he is failing both himself and those around him.
And yet, he is anything but a failure in my eyes. He is a survivor. He's someone who carries his pain with him and copes with it the best way he knows how. He may fall over and over, but he always gets back up.
Annie is another survivor. Both she and Camden are tortured souls, each in their own way. Annie may always see herself as a failure, but she is anything but. She is strong and resilient. She is also fragile and bent, never broken. She may seem arrogant and cold, but that’s simply her way of handling the ghosts of her past, present, and future.
The title may be The Calamities of Camden Callahan, but as Camden's life intertwines with Annie's, the calamities become shared, the dangers greater, the stakes higher, and the story even more intriguing and engaging. And their story has only just begun.
Oh, Camden, you made my heart sing, and you made it weep. His story demands to be digested and understood. His life is so far from perfect that it makes you want to pull him into your arms and keep him safe. And yet, amidst all the gore and calamities, he still burns brighter than the sun (pun intended).
I was consumed by Brittany's Calamities of Camden Callahan from the very first sentence of the prologue. And the hunger wasn't satiated by the end of this book. No, it gnawed at me, wanting more, and I was all too happy to give in to it and dive straight into The Dilemmas of a Dead Man's Daughter, Book 2 of the Revenant series.
So, who is Camden Callahan? He is an estranged lord's son, a pirate with a mouth full of sharp, witty banter. He is also a wounded soul, always missing a piece of himself, always finding himself lacking, always striving, and always feeling like he is failing both himself and those around him.
And yet, he is anything but a failure in my eyes. He is a survivor. He's someone who carries his pain with him and copes with it the best way he knows how. He may fall over and over, but he always gets back up.
Annie is another survivor. Both she and Camden are tortured souls, each in their own way. Annie may always see herself as a failure, but she is anything but. She is strong and resilient. She is also fragile and bent, never broken. She may seem arrogant and cold, but that’s simply her way of handling the ghosts of her past, present, and future.
The title may be The Calamities of Camden Callahan, but as Camden's life intertwines with Annie's, the calamities become shared, the dangers greater, the stakes higher, and the story even more intriguing and engaging. And their story has only just begun.
August 27, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
But with that said! Wow! Right from the start I felt sucked in and captivated. The prologue had my emotions firing, and then immediately on from there the book starts out fast and furious!
This is a dark action fantasy adventure with complex characters. I felt the book hooked me in from the start with its fast pace, then really got into the plot and political intrigue through the middle while keeping me on my toes with new twists and discoveries.
My favorite aspect of the book was the two main characters. They present very different, one being outwardly charismatic, snarky, bold, while the other is quiet(outwardly), raw, and gave what I thought felt like a realistic portrayal of someone with deep trauma trying to make it to the next day.
The romance wasn’t the shining star of this book, as in it feels like a slow build of things to come. And I appreciated that! These two characters have chemistry, at their core they share a bond over having gone through hard things in their lives and surviving them. I like the way their different personalities complimented each other and it makes me feel excited to watch them developed over more books to come.
Another aspect I really enjoyed of this book was the magic system, it felt unique and original. I will say I didn’t feel like we got to fully experience this part of the story too much, more so in the end, but I feel like there will be more to come in future books based on how things were left.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was unique, original, and kept me excited to keep reading! I’d recommend it!
But with that said! Wow! Right from the start I felt sucked in and captivated. The prologue had my emotions firing, and then immediately on from there the book starts out fast and furious!
This is a dark action fantasy adventure with complex characters. I felt the book hooked me in from the start with its fast pace, then really got into the plot and political intrigue through the middle while keeping me on my toes with new twists and discoveries.
My favorite aspect of the book was the two main characters. They present very different, one being outwardly charismatic, snarky, bold, while the other is quiet(outwardly), raw, and gave what I thought felt like a realistic portrayal of someone with deep trauma trying to make it to the next day.
The romance wasn’t the shining star of this book, as in it feels like a slow build of things to come. And I appreciated that! These two characters have chemistry, at their core they share a bond over having gone through hard things in their lives and surviving them. I like the way their different personalities complimented each other and it makes me feel excited to watch them developed over more books to come.
Another aspect I really enjoyed of this book was the magic system, it felt unique and original. I will say I didn’t feel like we got to fully experience this part of the story too much, more so in the end, but I feel like there will be more to come in future books based on how things were left.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was unique, original, and kept me excited to keep reading! I’d recommend it!
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this story.i love fantasy adventures and I was gripped from the beginning and it didn't let me go. The author does an amazing job with our main characters of Camden and Annie. Both of them have troubled pasts and things they are running from but both of them are survivors and they will stop at nothing to protect and save the people they care about.
Camden has had it tough after losing his mum and hiding from his father. When a captain takes him in he changes his name all in an attempt to hide from his father. Why is his father so dangerous that his mother died trying to get him away?
When Camden's captain is kidnapped he knows he has to save him before its too late. What if the captian reveals Camdens true identity? Would his life be at risk?
How do you deal with things when the one person who should have protected and defended you is the person who betrays you?
This is an action packed story filled with drama, danger, secrets and lies, Suspense that keeps you turning the pages.
Camden is a strong character who fights against adversity despite the costs to himself.
Annie is the same, strong, independent and does stop asking questions but will she like the answers she finds?
This was a great read and I can't wait till the author produces more work and more adventures for me to lose myself in. This is a story about being strong enough to face your past head on and work through the problems instead of continuing to hide and run away from them and also learning to fight for the people you care about no matter the cost to yourself
Camden has had it tough after losing his mum and hiding from his father. When a captain takes him in he changes his name all in an attempt to hide from his father. Why is his father so dangerous that his mother died trying to get him away?
When Camden's captain is kidnapped he knows he has to save him before its too late. What if the captian reveals Camdens true identity? Would his life be at risk?
How do you deal with things when the one person who should have protected and defended you is the person who betrays you?
This is an action packed story filled with drama, danger, secrets and lies, Suspense that keeps you turning the pages.
Camden is a strong character who fights against adversity despite the costs to himself.
Annie is the same, strong, independent and does stop asking questions but will she like the answers she finds?
This was a great read and I can't wait till the author produces more work and more adventures for me to lose myself in. This is a story about being strong enough to face your past head on and work through the problems instead of continuing to hide and run away from them and also learning to fight for the people you care about no matter the cost to yourself
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October 18, 2023The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a YA Fantasy that centers around the character of Camden who lost his mother at a young age and was taken in by the captain of a pirate ship. The book starts off with a bang as young Camden and his mother are fleeing from Camden’s father who is determined to kill them. They are almost able to reach the safety of a ship when Camden’s mother is killed in front of him by an unknown assailant. Camden’s mother’s dying wish is for the captain of the nearby pirate ship who discovers her after her attack to care for her son and keep him safe from his father. Fast forward several years and Camden is now nineteen. He has been living the life of a pirate and closely guarding his identity. A dangerous job leads to the burning of the pirate ship which leads to the loss of numerous lives of his crew, including himself. Having risen from the ashes of the burned ship Camden sets off on a journey to find the members of his crew who were kidnapped and a mission to seek revenge on those that murdered other members of his crew. Along his journey he must place his life in farther danger by resuming his true identity which could lead to his father catching up with him after all these years. This book had action, suspense, mystery, murder, pirates, magic, and ghosts. The storyline will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with the highs and lows. I highly recommend this book!
September 25, 2023
Camden has been running from his true identity since he was a young boy. Before his mother dies, she entrusts him to a pirate to save him from a fate worse than death. However, death comes knocking in the form of a Revenant (a person who has died but comes back with elemental powers) attack on his boat. Even though he should have died, he finds himself awakened as none other than a Revenant with fire powers and his captain and friends missing. His search brings him into a partnership that needs him to claim his true identity. Can he find his captain and friends before his past catches up to him? Will he be able to turn an acquaintance into a partner before it's too late?
This was my first time reading this author and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved getting to know Camden and his mates, as well as his newfound friends. This wasn't at all what I was expecting as I got deeper into the book. I did like the justice that was served and the opening for more books in this series. The fact that there is room for character growth is what will bring me back to read the next book. I want to see the fallout continue for the people pulling the strings, per se. Overall, I felt that it was very well written and well thought out.
This was my first time reading this author and I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved getting to know Camden and his mates, as well as his newfound friends. This wasn't at all what I was expecting as I got deeper into the book. I did like the justice that was served and the opening for more books in this series. The fact that there is room for character growth is what will bring me back to read the next book. I want to see the fallout continue for the people pulling the strings, per se. Overall, I felt that it was very well written and well thought out.
September 19, 2023
The Calamities of Camden Callahan
By Brittany Tucker
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker is a thrilling adventure about a boy who has a tragedy happen to him as a child, but grows up a pirate by a man who saved him from the same fate.
Camden has been on many adventures and missions growing up after losing his mother at a young age and saved by a pirate captain. Captain Resh gave Camden a second chance at life, and in return once Camden was older made a life changing decision. This decision cost a lot of people their lives including his own, well kinda. Death spit him back out and he came back as something different. A stripe. He is then found by a man who puts him on another mission and things really start to get interesting from there.
If you get the chance to pick this book up, it’s definitely a wild journey. There is so much that happens in this book and I couldn’t put it down. Every page was sparked with details and events. Brittany did a marvelous job putting together this pirate fantasy, even in 3rd person you could feel the characters emotions and you felt like you were apart of the action.
By Brittany Tucker
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker is a thrilling adventure about a boy who has a tragedy happen to him as a child, but grows up a pirate by a man who saved him from the same fate.
Camden has been on many adventures and missions growing up after losing his mother at a young age and saved by a pirate captain. Captain Resh gave Camden a second chance at life, and in return once Camden was older made a life changing decision. This decision cost a lot of people their lives including his own, well kinda. Death spit him back out and he came back as something different. A stripe. He is then found by a man who puts him on another mission and things really start to get interesting from there.
If you get the chance to pick this book up, it’s definitely a wild journey. There is so much that happens in this book and I couldn’t put it down. Every page was sparked with details and events. Brittany did a marvelous job putting together this pirate fantasy, even in 3rd person you could feel the characters emotions and you felt like you were apart of the action.
December 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Wow.
I am.. at a bit of a loss for words. When Brittany Tucker promised a dark YA fantasy, I didn’t expect this book.
The story follows Camden, a pirate by trade who picks up a job from a Revenant – a mysterious, undead man with mystical abilities.
What follows is a tale of darkness, death, medical experimentation, and friendship forged out of the strangest circumstances.
Brittany Tucker’s worldbuilding is entrancing, and the twists and turns keep you guessing at characters’ alliances and motivations. The liveliness of the story reminds me of the Bloody Jack series (one of my all time YA favorites) but this story adds an element of darkness that is gripping and desperate.
For a story that will alternate between making you nauseous, plaguing you with giggles, and making your heart race in anticipation, look no further than The Calamities of Camden Callahan.
Sidebar: The sequel, The Dilemmas of a Dead Man’s Daughter, just came out TODAY (December 16th!) Check it out!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Brittany Tucker for the ARC copies ♥️
Wow.
I am.. at a bit of a loss for words. When Brittany Tucker promised a dark YA fantasy, I didn’t expect this book.
The story follows Camden, a pirate by trade who picks up a job from a Revenant – a mysterious, undead man with mystical abilities.
What follows is a tale of darkness, death, medical experimentation, and friendship forged out of the strangest circumstances.
Brittany Tucker’s worldbuilding is entrancing, and the twists and turns keep you guessing at characters’ alliances and motivations. The liveliness of the story reminds me of the Bloody Jack series (one of my all time YA favorites) but this story adds an element of darkness that is gripping and desperate.
For a story that will alternate between making you nauseous, plaguing you with giggles, and making your heart race in anticipation, look no further than The Calamities of Camden Callahan.
Sidebar: The sequel, The Dilemmas of a Dead Man’s Daughter, just came out TODAY (December 16th!) Check it out!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Brittany Tucker for the ARC copies ♥️
September 19, 2023
I was interested from the first scene in the mystery surrounding Camden and Annie, the two main characters in the book. Camden is ambitious and adventurous but also loyal to his friends. His loss of his mother and the mystery around his estranged father leads into why he values his captain and crewmates so much. Enough to risk death, trusting people whom you don't know, and his values to save. In the meantime, we get to meet Annie, who is a complicated character. I loved her for the fact that she is full of morally gray internal conversation, but when you consider her upbringing, you realize she is a survivor.
Calamities had the vibes of a gothic horror romance with fantasy elements. In particular, it reminded me of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It was well written and entertaining.
It can be read as a standalone, but it appears to leave open the option for a sequel without leaving you on a cliffhanger. I loved it.
Calamities had the vibes of a gothic horror romance with fantasy elements. In particular, it reminded me of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It was well written and entertaining.
It can be read as a standalone, but it appears to leave open the option for a sequel without leaving you on a cliffhanger. I loved it.
September 23, 2023
I didn’t love this book in the beginning. It was different overall and so different from the author’s other books. BUT, I’m so glad I stuck it out. It was so good in the latter half that I could hardly put it down. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen and how it was going to end. This book starts with the murder of Cam’s mother. This throws him onto a new path in life, a life with pirates. The pirates are struggling, so Cam takes a job for some unsavory people. He never dreamed this would end in his death though. The story doesn’t end there. Cam comes back to life as a Revenant with fire powers. He goes to do a job and meets Annie. Annie is a young woman who is being treated horribly and forced to do unspeakable things. Will Cam be able to help Annie and rescue her from the life she is stuck in? You definitely will want to read this book to find out if they can save each other!
October 16, 2023
Such an original story! Pirates and death and magic and revenge. It was funny and dark and suspenseful. Camden is the main character, pirate turned Revenant who gains an elemental magic. Annie is one of the adopted daughters of the doctor who has been experimenting with Pearl Dust and The Rot. She is used to carrying out many of the experiments and has seen way too much. Camden arrives on Little Havana as Lord Callahan and starts working undercover. Annie hates all Revenants but she can see that he may be different, but she wonders if she can trust him and his help to get out of the situation she is in. I was hooked from the beginning when we met Camden at 9 years old and he goes to live with the pirates. The twists kept me reading late into the night. The ideas in this book were so well thought out and the writing was so detailed, both were amazing! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 3, 2025
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker completely swept me away. The world building is rich and immersive, the characters feel achingly real, and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end. Camden is the kind of character who stays with you long after you close the book—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable.
Every layer of this story felt thoughtfully crafted. I loved how the setting wasn’t just a backdrop but a living, breathing part of the narrative, and the emotional depth in the character development made every twist hit harder. The pacing was spot-on, and I never felt tempted to put it down.
This was one of those rare reads that made me feel everything—hope, heartbreak, tension, and triumph. Brittany Tucker delivered something truly special here. If you’re looking for a story with heart, substance, and beautifully woven storytelling, do not miss this one. I’d give it even more than five stars if I could. 🌟
Every layer of this story felt thoughtfully crafted. I loved how the setting wasn’t just a backdrop but a living, breathing part of the narrative, and the emotional depth in the character development made every twist hit harder. The pacing was spot-on, and I never felt tempted to put it down.
This was one of those rare reads that made me feel everything—hope, heartbreak, tension, and triumph. Brittany Tucker delivered something truly special here. If you’re looking for a story with heart, substance, and beautifully woven storytelling, do not miss this one. I’d give it even more than five stars if I could. 🌟
October 3, 2023
I cannot describe how amazing this book is! The beginning was the perfect setup to meet the main character Cam (a man of many names). He has been working under a pirate crew since his mom was killed. After taking a dangerous mission he instead finds himself waking up with new powers of flame. He must now try to save his crew from the hands of an evil doctor.
I absolutely love both Cam and Annie! Cam is a kick ass pirate that is trying to the best he can in his life. Annie has been forced to endure horrible acts by her adoptive father. The plot continues to thicken and comes to life with many twists and turns as we discover more about the key players on the island and their true intentions. Get ready to trust no one!
This book is full of suspense, mystery, and great world building! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
I absolutely love both Cam and Annie! Cam is a kick ass pirate that is trying to the best he can in his life. Annie has been forced to endure horrible acts by her adoptive father. The plot continues to thicken and comes to life with many twists and turns as we discover more about the key players on the island and their true intentions. Get ready to trust no one!
This book is full of suspense, mystery, and great world building! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
October 12, 2023
5 Stars
The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a a YA Fantasy that is fast paced and hard to put down once you start reading. This is a fairly new author to me and her style of writing and attention to detail makes for a wonderful story. I truly enjoyed reading this book so much that it was easy to loose track of time and before I knew it I was half way in bore taking a break. The characters are developed, creative, relatable and real they bring the story to life. This one is about betrayal, secrets and facing those who should have never betrayed you in the first place. What will happen when a secret that is not meant to be found out about come out? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give to much away. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a a YA Fantasy that is fast paced and hard to put down once you start reading. This is a fairly new author to me and her style of writing and attention to detail makes for a wonderful story. I truly enjoyed reading this book so much that it was easy to loose track of time and before I knew it I was half way in bore taking a break. The characters are developed, creative, relatable and real they bring the story to life. This one is about betrayal, secrets and facing those who should have never betrayed you in the first place. What will happen when a secret that is not meant to be found out about come out? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give to much away. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
December 22, 2025
Honestly, I haven’t really read anything like this. I kinda got Pirates of the Caribbean vibes from it and I LOVE THAT. I haven’t been able to read a pirate fantasy novel quite yet and I don’t think anything will really top this duet.
I love all the little twists and turns. The layers of manipulation and power have no bounds in this universe. The concept of the Revenants are so cool and fascinating; I’m confident that this just barely touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the full depth of the Revenants themselves.
I adored the main characters, Camden and Annie, so much. I love how much we get to learn about their background without sidetracking super far away from the main story. The world building in their lives and around them is just *chef’s kiss*.
They aren’t perfect beings and they truly ride that balance of outright good and seriously evil deeds.
I love all the little twists and turns. The layers of manipulation and power have no bounds in this universe. The concept of the Revenants are so cool and fascinating; I’m confident that this just barely touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the full depth of the Revenants themselves.
I adored the main characters, Camden and Annie, so much. I love how much we get to learn about their background without sidetracking super far away from the main story. The world building in their lives and around them is just *chef’s kiss*.
They aren’t perfect beings and they truly ride that balance of outright good and seriously evil deeds.
December 31, 2025
So if you chose to read this series out of order it's not the end of the world. However, reading them in order makes the second book make way more sense!
If I was a young adult and not an adult this book would definitely be 5⭐. It's got everything a good young adult book needs: plot, heros/villains, captivating characters with enough background to make you question how they are still standing, and a cliff hanger ending to entice you to read the next book.
If this were an adult book I would really want the author to dive a little deeper into the relationship between Lord Duskin and Annie. I feel like we barely scratched the surface, but very understandable for the audience. Also, Charlotte’s Pearl Dust addiction…when did that start?
All in all a good series, I might give it a reread sometime next year.
If I was a young adult and not an adult this book would definitely be 5⭐. It's got everything a good young adult book needs: plot, heros/villains, captivating characters with enough background to make you question how they are still standing, and a cliff hanger ending to entice you to read the next book.
If this were an adult book I would really want the author to dive a little deeper into the relationship between Lord Duskin and Annie. I feel like we barely scratched the surface, but very understandable for the audience. Also, Charlotte’s Pearl Dust addiction…when did that start?
All in all a good series, I might give it a reread sometime next year.
September 19, 2023
This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for them in the future. This is a well written story about betrayal and facing the one person who should never have betrayed you. I found this book to be suspenseful in parts and engaging in others. A hard to put down story that is fast paced and easy to read. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. An entertaining story where the main character has a secret that he doesn’t need to come out but what will happen if it does? This is a story that also has some suspense to it as well. There is great growth of the plot and characters throughout the story. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
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