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A Sea of Wolves
Pirates are tearing Mersey's seaside city apart like wolves.
A fifty-year-old treaty lies in tatters, and Mersey wants nothing more than to live her life at sea, to make those pirates pay and keep her people safe, but a promise to her beloved grandmother ties Mersey to the forests and a future that doesn't feel like her own. Afraid she'll never get to be captain if she stays, Mersey sets out to free her city - and herself - from the hounds of the Heartless King.
When a reckless plan fails, Mersey finds herself caught up in the world's most notorious pirate crew, and the arms of its cold-blooded first mate. These pirates are determined to take Mersey's city for themselves, leaving her caught in the beginnings of a war; one she knows will have disastrous consequences for the people she loves, but just might be the thing to set her free.
Amid lies, betrayal, and a blossoming love for someone she is supposed to want dead, Mersey finds herself torn between two lives, each as steeped in red as the other.
A fifty-year-old treaty lies in tatters, and Mersey wants nothing more than to live her life at sea, to make those pirates pay and keep her people safe, but a promise to her beloved grandmother ties Mersey to the forests and a future that doesn't feel like her own. Afraid she'll never get to be captain if she stays, Mersey sets out to free her city - and herself - from the hounds of the Heartless King.
When a reckless plan fails, Mersey finds herself caught up in the world's most notorious pirate crew, and the arms of its cold-blooded first mate. These pirates are determined to take Mersey's city for themselves, leaving her caught in the beginnings of a war; one she knows will have disastrous consequences for the people she loves, but just might be the thing to set her free.
Amid lies, betrayal, and a blossoming love for someone she is supposed to want dead, Mersey finds herself torn between two lives, each as steeped in red as the other.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
19 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Street
2 books121 followersSarah Street is a YA fantasy author, born and raised on Gadigal land in Sydney, Australia. She has a BA in English and Criminology and spends her days amid a hoard of books, playing Hozier songs to her houseplants and deciding what great body of water to write about next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 16, 2025
Mersey, I don’t think I have ever felt less for a character in all my time. The end.
August 4, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, I really wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did but it really worked for me! I was immediately transported into this world; it's kind of a Little Red Riding Hood retelling but with pirates, which made for a really unique retelling that felt completely fresh and compelling. I loved Mersey and Golde - they both felt distinctive and fierce, and I loved their dynamic together, While the plot felt a tad predictable, particularly in terms of who the villain was, it was easy to read and I had a great time!
Wow, I really wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did but it really worked for me! I was immediately transported into this world; it's kind of a Little Red Riding Hood retelling but with pirates, which made for a really unique retelling that felt completely fresh and compelling. I loved Mersey and Golde - they both felt distinctive and fierce, and I loved their dynamic together, While the plot felt a tad predictable, particularly in terms of who the villain was, it was easy to read and I had a great time!
April 28, 2025
Thank god it’s finally over. This took me way longer than anticipated for a mid-short length book.
I understand what Sarah Street was going for when writing this book, a little bit of red riding hood crossed over with pirates. However, I felt it was poorly delivered. I hated the ‘red’ motif. There is only so many times one can read the word ‘red’ and ‘crimson’ before she starts actually seeing the colour. It pulled me from the world, so I never really got in it.
I wasn’t a fan of the writing, although there was some moments that were beautifully written. I felt nothing for the main characters, Mersey and Golde, they didn’t draw me in and I didn’t really like either of them. Their relationship happened too fast for how it was written. Personally a slow burn, enemies to lovers would’ve worked perfectly if written well. It felt forced.
The characters I did like had little page time sadly. Aron and Sebastian were greatly written for how little they were in the book. Their personalities shined, they were charismatic and easily loveable. I wanted to know more about Sebastian and his history and curse. He felt real and fleshed out, same with Aron, whom was charming and very kind despite his struggles.
The twist in the book didn’t feel like one even though I didn’t see it coming for a little while, it was not shocking at all to me and I didn’t care much for it as I felt nothing much for these characters. The whole book felt more like a teenage drama with a side story of adventure which didn’t really go anywhere.
I would be interested in reading the second book, as I would like to read more about Sebastian, however, this book turned me off at the possibility of reading it so we shall see if I get around to or not!
I understand what Sarah Street was going for when writing this book, a little bit of red riding hood crossed over with pirates. However, I felt it was poorly delivered. I hated the ‘red’ motif. There is only so many times one can read the word ‘red’ and ‘crimson’ before she starts actually seeing the colour. It pulled me from the world, so I never really got in it.
I wasn’t a fan of the writing, although there was some moments that were beautifully written. I felt nothing for the main characters, Mersey and Golde, they didn’t draw me in and I didn’t really like either of them. Their relationship happened too fast for how it was written. Personally a slow burn, enemies to lovers would’ve worked perfectly if written well. It felt forced.
The characters I did like had little page time sadly. Aron and Sebastian were greatly written for how little they were in the book. Their personalities shined, they were charismatic and easily loveable. I wanted to know more about Sebastian and his history and curse. He felt real and fleshed out, same with Aron, whom was charming and very kind despite his struggles.
The twist in the book didn’t feel like one even though I didn’t see it coming for a little while, it was not shocking at all to me and I didn’t care much for it as I felt nothing much for these characters. The whole book felt more like a teenage drama with a side story of adventure which didn’t really go anywhere.
I would be interested in reading the second book, as I would like to read more about Sebastian, however, this book turned me off at the possibility of reading it so we shall see if I get around to or not!
April 12, 2024
I first read an early version of this book back in 2022(!!) but I don't think I'll ever get over it. Sarah Street's A SEA OF WOLVES promises sapphic enemies-to-lovers pirates, and boy does it deliver! With beautiful, transportive writing that is so easy to get lost in, this book made a home in my heart and then twisted a knife inside it. Sarah is one cruel but talented human being, and I can't wait to reread this when it hits shelves soon!!
August 1, 2024
I liked the concept and the writing was nice and easy to follow, but the plot was a bit all over the place and I couldn't really find myself caring too much about the characters.
September 4, 2024
“Thank you Sarah Street”, we all say in unison 🫡
September 30, 2025
I love a good retelling!!
May 20, 2025
lesbian pirates zijn bijna altijd goed
August 18, 2024
Romance, classic fairytales, and pirates. While I liked the concept of this book, the plot was all over the place, and I didn't form deep connects with the characters. I could also see what was going to happen before finishing the book, which made reading it feel like a drag. I thought that some parts of the book could have been a bit more detailed. Plus, Mersey Drake really didn't hit the spot for me, as she was hard-headed and stupidly loyal to the point of nearly dying multiple times. Overall, it was an interesting take on Little Red Riding Hood and a quick read.
September 23, 2024
It seemed to be a promising story, a fairytale mixed with pirates, a curse, strong and brave women. A perfect read during a sailing journey, I thought. However, the story is more romantic drama, really loads of drama, less adventure. Also it seems clear how it is going to end and feels a bit tedious, filled with cliches.
June 19, 2024
The moment I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it one way or another. I love fairytale retellings. You barely can go wrong with a fairytale retelling. And I especially love the story of little red riding hood. Luckily Hachette's Children's Group granted my request for a review copy via Netgalley. I had actually planned to read the other book in this shared universe verse, but like so often a million other books begged to be read first. But, this week it was time to dive into this one.
I really can't explain why this book didn't work for me. I totally understand that it's a me issue and not a book issue. The book is very well written, the characters are layered, complicated and interesting. The romance is well done. The world building was exactly what the story needed, not too detailed and not too vague. There were a few nice plot twists, although naming a character Fern does make some things a little obvious. The writing also was nice and flowed perfectly well.
And yet, the book never really grabbed me. It was as if I could never really connect with the story, the world and the characters. I was reading their story and yet it never felt like I was part of their story. And although the author told me all about their emotions, feelings and inner monologues, I never really felt those emotions. It felt like there was a certain distance between me and this book. I know some people like that. I personally don't.
I also think it's a pity. Because the emotions, doubts and character growth are clearly the most important part of this story. Both point of view characters are clearly struggling with quite a lot of things and have a lot of choices to make. If I could have felt all those emotions, doubts and worries, maybe I would have shed a few tears by the end of the story. And I think that's my biggest issue with this book. It feels like I should have felt something while reading the ending and I actually didn't.
However, I will still give the other book in the universe a chance. I now know what to expect. Maybe that will help me to read it at the perfect time and moment!
I really can't explain why this book didn't work for me. I totally understand that it's a me issue and not a book issue. The book is very well written, the characters are layered, complicated and interesting. The romance is well done. The world building was exactly what the story needed, not too detailed and not too vague. There were a few nice plot twists, although naming a character Fern does make some things a little obvious. The writing also was nice and flowed perfectly well.
And yet, the book never really grabbed me. It was as if I could never really connect with the story, the world and the characters. I was reading their story and yet it never felt like I was part of their story. And although the author told me all about their emotions, feelings and inner monologues, I never really felt those emotions. It felt like there was a certain distance between me and this book. I know some people like that. I personally don't.
I also think it's a pity. Because the emotions, doubts and character growth are clearly the most important part of this story. Both point of view characters are clearly struggling with quite a lot of things and have a lot of choices to make. If I could have felt all those emotions, doubts and worries, maybe I would have shed a few tears by the end of the story. And I think that's my biggest issue with this book. It feels like I should have felt something while reading the ending and I actually didn't.
However, I will still give the other book in the universe a chance. I now know what to expect. Maybe that will help me to read it at the perfect time and moment!
November 29, 2025
l really enjoyed it! Loved to learn more about the curse and how it affected them. The lore! I was really excited to get to read Golde’s story, I really liked her character in both books. Gods I don’t really know what to say, it was great, a vibe for sure! Like who doesn’t love pirates? And Sarah Street does a great job bringing them to life. To set into words the longing for the sea. I really get clear images. Her sentences are very flowery but more often then not does not take away from the intriguing storyline. The book felt somewhat slow sometimes but then again I didn’t really mind. The love arc might have progressed a little bit too quickly for me, but when it was there, obsessed. Loved the tension, the looming heartbreak. The representation in this book is great (although I’m not more than an ally so listen to the ones who know better). Everything thing considered I might still love the first book in the, series? A bit more, at least from what I remember. Only because I really loved following Sebastien a bit more. Oh and HOLY fuck the plottwist!! I should have seen it coming but I really didn’t. I expected one part of it but definitely not in the way it came into play. Now when looking back there was clues so perfectly placed, *chefs kiss*
This book is filled with heartbreak, love, pirates, the sea, betrayal, tension, friendship, lore, action, banter, and so much more!
This book is filled with heartbreak, love, pirates, the sea, betrayal, tension, friendship, lore, action, banter, and so much more!
July 12, 2024
A Sea of Wolves features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ YA fantasy
○ Sapphic romance
○ Pirates and pirate hunters
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Bloody battles
○ Little Red Riding Hood re-telling
My overall rating for A Sea of Wolves is...
4 stars!
You say lesbian pirates, I say hell yes!
A slow start couldn't stop A Sea of Wolves as chapter after chapter raged a storm of havoc within me. I'm not sure if the slow start was more to do with my mood at the time of reading, or whether the information overload was a bit much, but it didn't take long for the story to take hold and stake me in the heart. I loved the dual point of views of Mersey and Golde, both powerful, fierce and angry young women. I loved their instant chemistry and their resistance to accept their attractions was intense. The miscommunication was a bit irksome, but otherwise the story was interesting and vivid. Overall, an epic sapphic tale of pirates, pirate hunters, an attraction of inconvenience, bloody battles with heart wrenching details and an intriguing Little Red Riding Hood retelling to boot.
○ YA fantasy
○ Sapphic romance
○ Pirates and pirate hunters
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Bloody battles
○ Little Red Riding Hood re-telling
My overall rating for A Sea of Wolves is...
4 stars!
You say lesbian pirates, I say hell yes!
A slow start couldn't stop A Sea of Wolves as chapter after chapter raged a storm of havoc within me. I'm not sure if the slow start was more to do with my mood at the time of reading, or whether the information overload was a bit much, but it didn't take long for the story to take hold and stake me in the heart. I loved the dual point of views of Mersey and Golde, both powerful, fierce and angry young women. I loved their instant chemistry and their resistance to accept their attractions was intense. The miscommunication was a bit irksome, but otherwise the story was interesting and vivid. Overall, an epic sapphic tale of pirates, pirate hunters, an attraction of inconvenience, bloody battles with heart wrenching details and an intriguing Little Red Riding Hood retelling to boot.
July 12, 2024
Yikes! I had on idea that this one was enemies to lovers and I had a difficult time trying to get through the read. In addition to that, Mersey Drake really was not easy to tolerate. She has got major blinkers on, absolutely hard headed, and loyal to the point of stupid. Oops, that sounded rather harsh and I'm not usually but truly, this character needs to improve a lot early on in the story. I think readers can see from a mile away what's really going on but then again, we got given a lot of hints from the author but yet, I just feel that I would enjoy this one a lot more if Mersey was not as annoying.
Overall, it was really a clever reimagining of Red Riding Hood (x pirates) and I do like the twist on the fairy tale. The novel was fairly easy to read and flowed rather well. I just wish that I like the protagonist and that there was actually a surprising twist at the end.
Overall, it was really a clever reimagining of Red Riding Hood (x pirates) and I do like the twist on the fairy tale. The novel was fairly easy to read and flowed rather well. I just wish that I like the protagonist and that there was actually a surprising twist at the end.
December 2, 2024
At first I couldn’t really get into the story. Felt like it was a bit slow and had to adjust to the writing and the dialog between characters. But once I got to know the characters a bit better and the action started, I was hooked. I did not see the plot twist coming at all. I feel so sorry for Mersey for experiencing that.. And I’m so in love with Golde and Mersey together. I just felt so much love between the pirates and it really moved me. I’m so glad I kept reading and I can’t wait to read A Curse Of Salt. Hope to see the story continue cause I would love a happy ending for the characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
3✨️
This was enjoyable and fun, I loved the pirate vibes. But the worldbuilding was very lacking. Apparently one of the MCs is under this curse, there's sunken cities but none of that is truly explained with a how or why. I know the author has another book set in the same world so maybe that explains it but this is supposed to standalone and it's quite flimsy in worldbuilding.
The romance was sweet, I didn't feel the chemistry always but in some moments I definitely did.
I didn't mind reading this, but it wasn't mind blowing my any means.
3✨️
This was enjoyable and fun, I loved the pirate vibes. But the worldbuilding was very lacking. Apparently one of the MCs is under this curse, there's sunken cities but none of that is truly explained with a how or why. I know the author has another book set in the same world so maybe that explains it but this is supposed to standalone and it's quite flimsy in worldbuilding.
The romance was sweet, I didn't feel the chemistry always but in some moments I definitely did.
I didn't mind reading this, but it wasn't mind blowing my any means.
September 15, 2024
Fairy tale retelling? Red Riding Hood vibes? Pirates? Sign me up!
However, I didn't love it a much as I wanted to. It was a bit long and repetitive. It was like three different stories in one. Had it been either pirates or red riding hood it could have developed more but it was a bit patchy. The romance felt forced. The twist was good, I was impressed. Can't work out if it was a sequel or prequel or just set in the same universe as A Curse of Salt? Will there be a third book? As someone in my book club said, "well, it was a book."
However, I didn't love it a much as I wanted to. It was a bit long and repetitive. It was like three different stories in one. Had it been either pirates or red riding hood it could have developed more but it was a bit patchy. The romance felt forced. The twist was good, I was impressed. Can't work out if it was a sequel or prequel or just set in the same universe as A Curse of Salt? Will there be a third book? As someone in my book club said, "well, it was a book."
April 15, 2024
legally I have to give this 5 stars but you should probably read it yourself just to make sure
*
Content warnings:
Ableist language, alcohol consumption, amputation, blood & gore depiction, death, knife & sword violence, loss of limb, murder, self harm ideation, sexual scenes (mild), violence
Please contact me through the form on my website if you have questions or need further clarification on potential triggers in the book!
*
Content warnings:
Ableist language, alcohol consumption, amputation, blood & gore depiction, death, knife & sword violence, loss of limb, murder, self harm ideation, sexual scenes (mild), violence
Please contact me through the form on my website if you have questions or need further clarification on potential triggers in the book!
October 2, 2024
I loved this book so much, the tension between Golde and Mersey in the beginning was amazing, although, I think I should have read a Curse of Salt beforehand, as I was honestly very confused as to what Sebastians curse was and how it came to be.
(also, as somebody who enjoys reading more graphic and or gruesome scenes, Mersey loosing her leg and Fen in the same breath was a really great plot twists)
(also, as somebody who enjoys reading more graphic and or gruesome scenes, Mersey loosing her leg and Fen in the same breath was a really great plot twists)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
A sea Of Wolves, just didn't hold my interest, there were some characters i would of loved to have more of, but they didn't get much page time. Mersey and Golde would have suited a more slower burn enemies to lovers type thing, it just felt... too quick?
I loved the theme and plot that Sarah had going for this book, but this one just wasn't for me. I put it down and picked it up too many times, but I ended up finishing it.
I loved the theme and plot that Sarah had going for this book, but this one just wasn't for me. I put it down and picked it up too many times, but I ended up finishing it.
December 30, 2025
No one speak to me, no one mention their names to me pls
Stressed is a mild term I’d use to describe how I felt whilst reading this
I absolutely loved A curse of salt but I dare say this one is even better, one thing has stayed the same though…my love for Aron…that man can do no wrong in my eyes 😏
The tension 😍 the enemies to lovers😍😩 the ending😩😭
I just can’t
Not a word
Let me mourn what could have been in peace pls xoxo
Stressed is a mild term I’d use to describe how I felt whilst reading this
I absolutely loved A curse of salt but I dare say this one is even better, one thing has stayed the same though…my love for Aron…that man can do no wrong in my eyes 😏
The tension 😍 the enemies to lovers😍😩 the ending😩😭
I just can’t
Not a word
Let me mourn what could have been in peace pls xoxo
September 15, 2024
Nothing against the author, but the writing didn't click with me at all. Having two different alternating povs made it really difficult to get absorbed in the story and attached to the characters (my fault for not checking beforehand). Yet, I'm curious about Sebastien and the fleet. Would love to read about their origin, if it's in a different format.
July 10, 2024
Romance, fairytales and pirates oh my! This was such a spin of a book and I loved the POVs between Mersey and Golde. The retelling on the sea with a major plot of pirates was a unique read and definitely one I would recommend to any YA/fantasy lover! Props to Sarah!
January 20, 2025
My favourite read of January so far. I loved this book. The characters felt real and I was rooting for them the whole way through. The setting was so well described. I'm just sad it's over, please say there will be a sequel for the HEA dreamers out here!
September 24, 2025
trust me i’m sad too - i wanted to enjoy the lesbian enemies to lover pirates red riding hood retelling too but it just fell so flat. this was just so anticlimactic and nothing in it made me care about the characters
October 7, 2025
Did I cry? Yes. So why am I not giving it 5 stars? The character development felt a little flat for me, Mersey was honestly just a little too stupid. Also the chemistry at the beginning of the book felt a bit off.
Still, I liked this plot and I also love a retelling.
Still, I liked this plot and I also love a retelling.
September 23, 2024
Sweet and salty. It took me a little while to sink into this read, but eventually, it hooked me. I'm not so sure I felt the story resolved itself enough, but then again, perhaps it's not the end?
December 31, 2024
Ending the year how I started it, sobbing over a book 😭🤪💔
January 1, 2025
Loved this book!
January 25, 2025
The ending 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews