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Son of a Sailor #2
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen
Join Captain Redbeard and his crew on a daring new adventure across the Sea of Tears.Quint Thatch has made a few enemies in his time as the notorious pirate Captain Redbeard. Causing trouble for the Imperial Navy is one of his favorite pastimes, after all.After pulling off a daring heist with his crew, Quint expected that the Imperial Navy fleet—and his former lover Commander Vanessa Delacort—would pursue him. However, he didn't expect that they would be captured by the infamous Pirate Queen.Can Quint save himself and his crew from the Pirate Queen's clutches?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
2 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Marshall J. Moore
34 books132 followersMarshall J. Moore is a writer, filmmaker, and martial artist who was born and raised on Kwajalein, a tiny Pacific island. He has trained a professional mercenary in unarmed combat, once sold a thousand dollars' worth of teapots to Jackie Chan, and on one occasion was tracked down by a bounty hunter for owing $300 in overdue fees to the Los Angeles Public Library.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 12, 2023
Absolutely enjoyed this story. I was also graciously selected as an ARC reader and was very excited to see what new adventure Captain Redbeard and his crew got into. The story was well paced and I thoroughly enjoy both books in this series. If you're looking for a fun, cozy and entertaining read (and you love pirate adventures) this comes highly recommended and both Son of a Sailor and Prisoners of a Pirate Queen are must reads for your TBR!!
December 18, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, and when I tell you I’ve never been more excited to talk about a book!!!! To start, Quint and his friend’s story is one full of such comfort, love, and joy that it is one I find myself imagining I’m apart of. The unit of friends and family all across different walks of life was my favorite aspect of this series, and watching them develop and deepen in this book was one I enjoyed so much. Reading Prisoner’s of The Pirate Queen feels like that dream state where you’re between awake and asleep. It is full of the greatest adventures you could possibly imagine, but it also so profound. This book is brilliant in its execution of politics, love, and loss. As someone who lost someone close to them recently, I felt like Marshall did such a beautiful job of writing about the grief process while pairing it with such an eccentric and truly fun cast of characters. I loved this book immensely and will forever return to it as a taste of home and comfort.
December 11, 2023
I was graciously given an ARC copy of this book and in return I would give a review of it. After finishing the first book, I was ready for the adventures of Quint and his crew. You will be on the edge of your seat reading this adventure and trying to figure out how Quint will get out of this messy situation. This series reminds me of Our Flag Means Death with a cozy, lighter, and softer storyline that will make your heart feel all warm.
November 21, 2023
ARC Review:
(I feel a little bad being the person to break this books 5 star rating)
If you liked the first book, dont worry, you'll like this one too.
This book was an easy 4 stars for me, but not quite up to the same level as the 5 stars I gave the first book.
The first book focused mainly on Quint and his coming to terms with losing his father. This book draws on some of that emotion, but it doesn't hit as hard. I wish there was a bit more build up with The Pirate Queen and her relationship to Quint's father. It was a bit obvious that she was going to have a past with them, so I felt like it could have been built up, or the author could've used the 3rd person narrative to help bring out the emotional connection a bit more.
That being said, I do think this book did some things better than the first. The side characters got so much more development in this book. Vanessa, Rusty, and Ophelia al shined in this book with some great development. I was a little let down by the ending with Vanessa, but based off the title of the next book and the foreshadowing at the very end of the book, I hope we get more of a focus on Vanessa in the next book. In my opinion, the moments that Vanessa had and Rusty had where they showed true growth were my favorite parts of this book.
I could say a lot more. I loved the first book, but *only* really liked this one.
That being said, I'm absolutely looking forward to Book 3.
(I feel a little bad being the person to break this books 5 star rating)
If you liked the first book, dont worry, you'll like this one too.
This book was an easy 4 stars for me, but not quite up to the same level as the 5 stars I gave the first book.
The first book focused mainly on Quint and his coming to terms with losing his father. This book draws on some of that emotion, but it doesn't hit as hard. I wish there was a bit more build up with The Pirate Queen and her relationship to Quint's father. It was a bit obvious that she was going to have a past with them, so I felt like it could have been built up, or the author could've used the 3rd person narrative to help bring out the emotional connection a bit more.
That being said, I do think this book did some things better than the first. The side characters got so much more development in this book. Vanessa, Rusty, and Ophelia al shined in this book with some great development. I was a little let down by the ending with Vanessa, but based off the title of the next book and the foreshadowing at the very end of the book, I hope we get more of a focus on Vanessa in the next book. In my opinion, the moments that Vanessa had and Rusty had where they showed true growth were my favorite parts of this book.
I could say a lot more. I loved the first book, but *only* really liked this one.
That being said, I'm absolutely looking forward to Book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
If you’re rebel scum and a Browncoat like me, you’ll love this book! Yo ho!
I thoroughly enjoyed being an ARC reader and can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book asap. This book is an excellent sequel to Son of a Sailor and took me on a grand adventure. The swashbuckling hijinks don’t stop, each chapter end teasing me to continue the story. I didn’t want to put it down but I didn’t want it to end! (Looking forward to book 3!)
I thoroughly enjoyed being an ARC reader and can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book asap. This book is an excellent sequel to Son of a Sailor and took me on a grand adventure. The swashbuckling hijinks don’t stop, each chapter end teasing me to continue the story. I didn’t want to put it down but I didn’t want it to end! (Looking forward to book 3!)
January 19, 2024
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen is a book that I couldn't put down, but I also didn't want it to end. It's such a fun, heartwarming swashbuckler, an escape to another world on the high seas with charming rogues who are very relatable.
One of my favorite parts about a sequel is getting to spend time with people we met the first time 'round, as well as being introduced to new characters. Quint Thatch/Captain Redbeard, his ever reliable first mate Ophelia, his old flame Vanessa, along with the rest of the Bloody Angel's crew cross paths with Captain Margherita, who is our titular character (what a great title!) and just plain cool. The dynamic between her and Quint is one of my favorite things about the book.
Speaking to the above mentioned dynamic, this book is not only a cozy pirate story; it is a very human story. By that, I mean that the characters' motivations, hopes, and fears are explored in unexpected ways. Marshall Moore consistently hones in on the relationships between people who seemingly have very little in common and throughout the story, they learn a lot about each other.
Another strength of Moore's is the world-building, evidenced not only in his cozy pirate novels, but in his Rites of Resurrection trilogy, as well. (If you haven't read those, read them!) In Prisoners of a Pirate Queen, he expands on the maritime world established in Son of a Sailor, with new ports and new waters to navigate. If I get to spend more time in a fictional universe and learn more about its people, cultures, and places, that's always a win, and that happens here.
Go read this book! I look forward to reading more about Captain Blackbeard and his crew!
One of my favorite parts about a sequel is getting to spend time with people we met the first time 'round, as well as being introduced to new characters. Quint Thatch/Captain Redbeard, his ever reliable first mate Ophelia, his old flame Vanessa, along with the rest of the Bloody Angel's crew cross paths with Captain Margherita, who is our titular character (what a great title!) and just plain cool. The dynamic between her and Quint is one of my favorite things about the book.
Speaking to the above mentioned dynamic, this book is not only a cozy pirate story; it is a very human story. By that, I mean that the characters' motivations, hopes, and fears are explored in unexpected ways. Marshall Moore consistently hones in on the relationships between people who seemingly have very little in common and throughout the story, they learn a lot about each other.
Another strength of Moore's is the world-building, evidenced not only in his cozy pirate novels, but in his Rites of Resurrection trilogy, as well. (If you haven't read those, read them!) In Prisoners of a Pirate Queen, he expands on the maritime world established in Son of a Sailor, with new ports and new waters to navigate. If I get to spend more time in a fictional universe and learn more about its people, cultures, and places, that's always a win, and that happens here.
Go read this book! I look forward to reading more about Captain Blackbeard and his crew!
December 17, 2023
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen Review:
4.5/5 ⭐️
The continuation of the tales of Captain Redbeard and the crew of the Bloody Angel is a fun, cozy adventure full of twists and turns.
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen builds on the first book in many refreshing ways. The major themes of family, grief, and legacy are still present, but they are explored in different ways. This book benefits from the great character development in Son of a Sailor, which allows for more nuance added to established characters, as well as ample time to explore new additions to the cast.
Moore creates a space that is cozy and heartwarming while not shying away from serious themes. The story never feels bogged down by these serious themes, but rather enriched because of their inclusion. The world is more vibrant and real as a result.
The only knock against the story is the pacing towards the middle of the story; however, I never lost steam or felt labored to read the book. Even the areas in which the pacing felt a little off functioned to enhance character growth.
Overall, Prisoners of a Pirate Queen is a fun and cozy continuation of a great story. In my review of Son of a Sailor, I said that if the book was a part of a series I would be reading the sequel right now. This still rings true. If there was a third book out, I would be reading it right now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of this book.
4.5/5 ⭐️
The continuation of the tales of Captain Redbeard and the crew of the Bloody Angel is a fun, cozy adventure full of twists and turns.
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen builds on the first book in many refreshing ways. The major themes of family, grief, and legacy are still present, but they are explored in different ways. This book benefits from the great character development in Son of a Sailor, which allows for more nuance added to established characters, as well as ample time to explore new additions to the cast.
Moore creates a space that is cozy and heartwarming while not shying away from serious themes. The story never feels bogged down by these serious themes, but rather enriched because of their inclusion. The world is more vibrant and real as a result.
The only knock against the story is the pacing towards the middle of the story; however, I never lost steam or felt labored to read the book. Even the areas in which the pacing felt a little off functioned to enhance character growth.
Overall, Prisoners of a Pirate Queen is a fun and cozy continuation of a great story. In my review of Son of a Sailor, I said that if the book was a part of a series I would be reading the sequel right now. This still rings true. If there was a third book out, I would be reading it right now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of this book.
November 20, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
4.25/5 stars
This was seriously so much fun! It had a more serious ton that the first (Son of a Sailor) in my opinion, but that wasn't a bad thing. More action, but still cozy and heart warming in all the right places. Moore strikes a great balance!
I think the only fault with this one was the pacing - it felt a little drawn out at parts, or perhaps more accurately like 'this thing, then this thing, then some fluff, then this thing...' and it didn't always feel as smooth or like all the parts were as necessary as others. That said, it was all super enjoyable to read! Moore's writing is great and it will leave you smiling and feeling like you've just gotten a warm hug from a scruffy but lovable pirate.
I really, really loved the characters in this book - especially the additional dynamics we see between Quint and Ophelia and Quint and Vanessa. Both relationships get explored more deeply and examined in a different light than the first book and I really love the development each individual character and relationship takes on. Oh and Lurk....my word I love Lurk. She's such a fun character and I just....I hope you all love her too.
Moore continues with the perfect cozy pirate story that everyone needs - I can't recommend this series highly enough and hope you all love it as much as I do!
4.25/5 stars
This was seriously so much fun! It had a more serious ton that the first (Son of a Sailor) in my opinion, but that wasn't a bad thing. More action, but still cozy and heart warming in all the right places. Moore strikes a great balance!
I think the only fault with this one was the pacing - it felt a little drawn out at parts, or perhaps more accurately like 'this thing, then this thing, then some fluff, then this thing...' and it didn't always feel as smooth or like all the parts were as necessary as others. That said, it was all super enjoyable to read! Moore's writing is great and it will leave you smiling and feeling like you've just gotten a warm hug from a scruffy but lovable pirate.
I really, really loved the characters in this book - especially the additional dynamics we see between Quint and Ophelia and Quint and Vanessa. Both relationships get explored more deeply and examined in a different light than the first book and I really love the development each individual character and relationship takes on. Oh and Lurk....my word I love Lurk. She's such a fun character and I just....I hope you all love her too.
Moore continues with the perfect cozy pirate story that everyone needs - I can't recommend this series highly enough and hope you all love it as much as I do!
December 21, 2023
I adore this misfit band of rogues with my whole heart!
This book was so funny and charming. Prisoners certainly has more adventure than the first book, but does not lose the cozy heart and beautiful prose that made Son of a Sailor so wonderful. I loved being able to see each character grow and see how their relationships changed from book 1, particularly Quint’s relationships with Lurk, Ophelia, and Vanessa. Reading these books, I’m starting to believe that the best kind of found family is a pirate found family.
If the first book is about coming home, family, and relying on community to navigate through grief, then this sequel is about legacy, second chances, and reconciling your beliefs with your actions. When you stick a carefree pirate captain, a mercurial pirate queen who wants to tear down an empire, and an ambitious naval officer on a deserted island together, you can expect it’ll take some effort to reconcile differences and change hearts.
Note that if you enjoyed the Quint/Vanessa storyline in book 1, you absolutely must read this sequel and then join me in demanding that the author write a prequel book about them. I need more of their story!
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading books that make you laugh out loud while also feeling like you’ve been wrapped in a big cozy blanket by a beach bonfire.
This book was so funny and charming. Prisoners certainly has more adventure than the first book, but does not lose the cozy heart and beautiful prose that made Son of a Sailor so wonderful. I loved being able to see each character grow and see how their relationships changed from book 1, particularly Quint’s relationships with Lurk, Ophelia, and Vanessa. Reading these books, I’m starting to believe that the best kind of found family is a pirate found family.
If the first book is about coming home, family, and relying on community to navigate through grief, then this sequel is about legacy, second chances, and reconciling your beliefs with your actions. When you stick a carefree pirate captain, a mercurial pirate queen who wants to tear down an empire, and an ambitious naval officer on a deserted island together, you can expect it’ll take some effort to reconcile differences and change hearts.
Note that if you enjoyed the Quint/Vanessa storyline in book 1, you absolutely must read this sequel and then join me in demanding that the author write a prequel book about them. I need more of their story!
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading books that make you laugh out loud while also feeling like you’ve been wrapped in a big cozy blanket by a beach bonfire.
December 22, 2023
4.5 stars
Thank you to the author for supplying an arc of this book for me to read and review
I loved this book!!! The story continued in the best way possible with us spending time with the crew, so lots more lurk. It also meant we got to see more of Ophelia which I was really pleased about and Vanessa too which was nice. I loved some of the new characters, Tarja especially she’s hilarious and has been added to my list of fictional characters I’d invite to my tea party :) I was sad that we didn’t get as much time on ember bay but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this adventure and there wasn’t enough space for both. Basically I love all the characters 😂 I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as son of a sailor but I think that was purely down to timing, I love pirate stories in the summer and wintery Christmas stories in December, otherwise this is top notch and I will be rereading in the future!!
Thank you to the author for supplying an arc of this book for me to read and review
I loved this book!!! The story continued in the best way possible with us spending time with the crew, so lots more lurk. It also meant we got to see more of Ophelia which I was really pleased about and Vanessa too which was nice. I loved some of the new characters, Tarja especially she’s hilarious and has been added to my list of fictional characters I’d invite to my tea party :) I was sad that we didn’t get as much time on ember bay but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this adventure and there wasn’t enough space for both. Basically I love all the characters 😂 I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as son of a sailor but I think that was purely down to timing, I love pirate stories in the summer and wintery Christmas stories in December, otherwise this is top notch and I will be rereading in the future!!
November 10, 2023
Such a fun read! I love how this book managed to fit so many different emotions in it, so many different discussions and storylines for separate characters. For such a fun book it really covered everything. And left the right strings hanging. The foreshadowing was great, but left still enough room to be surprised by the twist. But like, come on, who is going to expect an ancient megafauna turtle? No one. Exactly the point. The twist with Lurk was excellent. I love her. I love the task that is set forward with some of the characters at the end. The coming conflict was even touched upon in book one! Very nice. Oh, and I can’t even tell you how fun the opening scene was. Truly fantastic. Yes, my review is a mess, but trust me, this book is a must have, page turner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
"People, Quint reflected, opening his eyes to gaze at the star-studded sky, were multifaceted as any gemstone."
A perfect sequel to my favorite cozy read of all time.
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen takes you on a journey that is guaranteed to make you grin your cheesiest grin, laugh, cry and cheer.
This world is so amazingly built. It pulls you in like a warm hug and never lets you go. The characters are vibrant, and their relationships are deep, with history.
Found friends at it's finest. An interesting story with great pacing that keeps you turning to the next page. This one, along with Son of a Sailor will be books I reread time and time again.
5/5 stars, perfect in every way.
November 17, 2023
A brilliant continuation of a brilliant series. If you like pirates of the Caribbean or one piece you will LOVE this book! With brilliant comedy, hilarious situations, dramatic encounters and a whole new cast to fall in love with, this book is just as good, if not better than the first!
It made me laugh out loud, and I do mean literally, more than once, and it kept me on the edge of my seat eagerly anticipating what happens next. With interpersonal interactions that made me want to brew a cup of tea, if you catch my meaning. This is a book that left me absolutely thrilled, and also aching for more. I can’t wait to see where Marshal J. Moore takes this series.
It made me laugh out loud, and I do mean literally, more than once, and it kept me on the edge of my seat eagerly anticipating what happens next. With interpersonal interactions that made me want to brew a cup of tea, if you catch my meaning. This is a book that left me absolutely thrilled, and also aching for more. I can’t wait to see where Marshal J. Moore takes this series.
December 7, 2023
I thought I loved Son of a Sailor, I loved this even more. This book strikes the perfect balance of cozy fantasy and pirate action. Prisoners of a Pirate Queen takes a more serious tone throughout the first half of the book, finishing strong on heartwarming (tear jerking for me!) notes. The strong themes from Son of a Sailor of found family, finding oneself, and overcoming grief are ever present within this second book in fantastic ways. I continue to be so pleasantly surprised by how fun, heartwarming, and enjoyable Marshall J Moore’s writing is.
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC of this book, I cannot wait to read what comes next! ✨
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC of this book, I cannot wait to read what comes next! ✨
December 6, 2023
ARC review: 4.75/5
Uh I loved this so much! One of the books where it's hard to write a review without spoilering eerything, mostly because all these tiny plot twists were what made this books so good!
I really enjoyed the found family/ slow burn romance story line in this, and all in all, I'd go so far as to say that this book was even better than the first book in the series.
Speking of Son of a Sailor, I would highly recommend reading it first, so you get more of the inside jokes and have a slighlty more cozy read :)
But definitely do read this series!
Uh I loved this so much! One of the books where it's hard to write a review without spoilering eerything, mostly because all these tiny plot twists were what made this books so good!
I really enjoyed the found family/ slow burn romance story line in this, and all in all, I'd go so far as to say that this book was even better than the first book in the series.
Speking of Son of a Sailor, I would highly recommend reading it first, so you get more of the inside jokes and have a slighlty more cozy read :)
But definitely do read this series!
December 9, 2023
Prisoners of a Pirate Queen absolutely lives up to its predecessor - and then some. Opening up the world beyond Ember Bay, this book joins Quint and his crew as they pull of their next heist, landing - surprise! - in the brig of the pirate queen Margherita herself. This book strikes a lovely balance of cozy fantasy and high seas adventure, with a sprinkling of slow burn romance and a whole heaping of absolutely delightful found family. The pacing shifts at times, but it works because I was just happy to be along for the ride the whole time.
December 12, 2023
This was an amazing chaotic (in a good way), yet cozy middle chapter. 3/4 of the way through, I was still trying to figure out how everything was going to wrap up! Marshall does a wonderful job creating tension with these characters without relying on normal tropes. This world he has built as become an absolute favorite. If you're looking for fun pirates, intriguing island life, and an appropriate approach to some real-world experiences when it comes to patriotism, military duty, and reconciling moral codes, definitely pick this one up!
December 13, 2023
I love when a sequel takes you back to the world and characters you love but then goes beyond by adding new characters to love and having a totally different plot. I love Quint, Ophelia and Vanessa of course and it’s wonderful to get to know them better. But Lurk continues to be my favorite mermaid ever! If you liked Son of a Sailor, pick up Prisoners of a Pirate Queen for sure!!
August 22, 2025
Such a fun read! Pirates of the Caribbean meets Legends & Lattes, with charming characters, hilarious antics, and heartwarming themes. I won’t spoil it, but there was one joke that made me laugh so hard I launched my cat off my lap.
January 26, 2024
The stakes were raised and what at first was a nice cozy tale is now a full blown epic. Very much enjoyed our new cast and their interactions with our old friends.
What a great series
What a great series
January 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Todo mundo debería leer esta saga, completamente infravalorada 🙏
Todo mundo debería leer esta saga, completamente infravalorada 🙏
December 12, 2023
I love these cozy tales from Marshall J. Moore so stinking much. Thank you, Marshall, for allowing me to be one of your ARC readers again. It was such a pleasure. The first one in this series was a wonderful introduction to Captain Redbeard and his wily crew. This story breaks off a few crew along with the trusty ol' Captain for a new adventure on the high sea. Along the way, there will be storms, and hijinks, and maybe a pesky Pirate Queen, but who is the *real* villain? How will Ol' Redbeard get his friends out of trouble, and who will come to the rescue? There will be some surprises, but you will not be surprised at how much you smile as you go along (spoiler alert: your cheeks might hurt from grinning!)
(Also, if you love Our Flag Means Death, you will LOVE this book.)
(Also, if you love Our Flag Means Death, you will LOVE this book.)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews