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Tally of the Tides
Pirates. Sea serpents. Perilous waters. It doesn’t matter what she has to face, Inès knows one thing. She will never go back.
Inès fled her opulent life as French nobility for adventure on the high seas. But when Will Sands, a handsome young pirate captain, captures her ship and holds her for ransom, she fears she’ll lose the precious independence she’s fought so hard to gain. Inès hatches a plot to sabotage her captors’ ship, but after a few shared adventures with these pirates she begins to question what it is exactly that she’s searching for.
Tally of the Tides is a 17th century swashbuckling adventure and enemies to lovers romance with just a splash of magic. Beneath the Black Flag is a series of interconnected standalone adventure novels that can be read in any order.
Inès fled her opulent life as French nobility for adventure on the high seas. But when Will Sands, a handsome young pirate captain, captures her ship and holds her for ransom, she fears she’ll lose the precious independence she’s fought so hard to gain. Inès hatches a plot to sabotage her captors’ ship, but after a few shared adventures with these pirates she begins to question what it is exactly that she’s searching for.
Tally of the Tides is a 17th century swashbuckling adventure and enemies to lovers romance with just a splash of magic. Beneath the Black Flag is a series of interconnected standalone adventure novels that can be read in any order.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 30, 2024
Tally of the Tides is a standalone YA novel in the "Beneath the Black Flag" pirate series by Monica Boothe.
If you enjoy pirate adventures with a lovely grumpy-sunshine enemies-to-lovers romance and a strong FMC, then this is the book for you!
I had a lot of fun with this book. I wasn't entirely sure if I would like a pirate story, since they're not in my usual reading list, but it completely took me back to my Pirates of the Caribbean loving days. The story was very easy to read and I sped through it so quickly. If I know one thing by now, it's that I really enjoy Monica Boothe's writing style. Especially if I'm looking for a quick and exciting read.
Sometimes it was a tiny bit too quick for my taste. At points I wish the plot was fleshed out a tiny bit more, but that is my only critique of this book.
This story also deals with some heavier topics, so do keep that in mind when deciding to read this. It talks a lot about grief, depression, and reckless behaviour due to depressive thoughts.
In general it was a very enjoyable book and I had a lot of fun with it. I would love to see more adventures from Will and Inès in this series!
*This review was written in exchange for an ARC. All opinions remain my own. Thanks again to Monica Boothe for allowing me to read the book early!*
If you enjoy pirate adventures with a lovely grumpy-sunshine enemies-to-lovers romance and a strong FMC, then this is the book for you!
I had a lot of fun with this book. I wasn't entirely sure if I would like a pirate story, since they're not in my usual reading list, but it completely took me back to my Pirates of the Caribbean loving days. The story was very easy to read and I sped through it so quickly. If I know one thing by now, it's that I really enjoy Monica Boothe's writing style. Especially if I'm looking for a quick and exciting read.
Sometimes it was a tiny bit too quick for my taste. At points I wish the plot was fleshed out a tiny bit more, but that is my only critique of this book.
This story also deals with some heavier topics, so do keep that in mind when deciding to read this. It talks a lot about grief, depression, and reckless behaviour due to depressive thoughts.
In general it was a very enjoyable book and I had a lot of fun with it. I would love to see more adventures from Will and Inès in this series!
*This review was written in exchange for an ARC. All opinions remain my own. Thanks again to Monica Boothe for allowing me to read the book early!*
February 19, 2024
More a story about depression than an adventure
Although there are great action scenes mixed in between the introspective chunks of text, the story leans more toward a journey out of depression than a pirate romance adventure. The ending pretty much confirms this in that the protagonist mostly discovers her reason to keep living, which is supposedly her feelings for her sweetie. Unfortunately, the author spends so much time describing the protagonist’s self-analysis, it smothers the romantic build-up. While the romance isn’t a surprise, it lacks heat, anticipation, and spice.
There is treasure seeking, which relies on the main characters believing in mythical stories, and this requires the reader to believe that they would believe in these stories and put everything on the line. I’m not buying it. The captain too readily changes course.
I guess if I’m going to read a story with Peter Pan elements crossed with Moby Dick and mythology, I want less focus on mental health, grief and loss, and suicidality. If this book were advertised as a story about a woman who goes on a sailing journey to overcome grief and finds love along the way, I’d be very pleased. As it is, it’s just a weird mix with a rather unsatisfying ending due to the expectation that this would be about a spunky pirate gal crossing blades with her enemy-turned-into-lover (which it’s not).
There are lovely setting details and some fun plot reversals. BUT, overall, it is disturbing as young adult book because of so many dark thoughts, suicide-like choices, betrayals, and self-centeredness of the protagonist. There are references to cutting, alcohol consumption, murder, and many passages focusing on the main character’s lack of will to live, stupidly dangerous choices, lack of self-regard, and fascination with weapons. There is some healing, but it’s a quick blip at the end that sums up everything, mostly skipping over the HEA finale.
Although there are great action scenes mixed in between the introspective chunks of text, the story leans more toward a journey out of depression than a pirate romance adventure. The ending pretty much confirms this in that the protagonist mostly discovers her reason to keep living, which is supposedly her feelings for her sweetie. Unfortunately, the author spends so much time describing the protagonist’s self-analysis, it smothers the romantic build-up. While the romance isn’t a surprise, it lacks heat, anticipation, and spice.
There is treasure seeking, which relies on the main characters believing in mythical stories, and this requires the reader to believe that they would believe in these stories and put everything on the line. I’m not buying it. The captain too readily changes course.
I guess if I’m going to read a story with Peter Pan elements crossed with Moby Dick and mythology, I want less focus on mental health, grief and loss, and suicidality. If this book were advertised as a story about a woman who goes on a sailing journey to overcome grief and finds love along the way, I’d be very pleased. As it is, it’s just a weird mix with a rather unsatisfying ending due to the expectation that this would be about a spunky pirate gal crossing blades with her enemy-turned-into-lover (which it’s not).
There are lovely setting details and some fun plot reversals. BUT, overall, it is disturbing as young adult book because of so many dark thoughts, suicide-like choices, betrayals, and self-centeredness of the protagonist. There are references to cutting, alcohol consumption, murder, and many passages focusing on the main character’s lack of will to live, stupidly dangerous choices, lack of self-regard, and fascination with weapons. There is some healing, but it’s a quick blip at the end that sums up everything, mostly skipping over the HEA finale.
February 4, 2024
Who does not like a story about pirates? Monica Boothe’s Ines is done with her luxury life, she wants adventure, she also wants to escape her life and find some meaning for living. So she buys herself a ship and sets off for adventures and that she finds. Although maybe in an other way than she imagined, because she gets captured and held for ransom for money from her family she escaped in the first place. And therefore she tries to find a way out of it all.
From the first I really enjoyed this story. Ines is a lovely character and as a reader you can totally relate to her. She does not know what to do with her life. The writing style of Tally of the Tides is great, flowing and fast paced. There is a lot action, so I kept turning the pages. Ines tries everthing to sabotage the pirate captain’s plan, but during her stay she finds he is not so bad.
This is a wonderful cozy and easy to read YA adventure/pirates novel, with a great female main character, a story I enjoyed very much and a book that I can definitely recommend.
From the first I really enjoyed this story. Ines is a lovely character and as a reader you can totally relate to her. She does not know what to do with her life. The writing style of Tally of the Tides is great, flowing and fast paced. There is a lot action, so I kept turning the pages. Ines tries everthing to sabotage the pirate captain’s plan, but during her stay she finds he is not so bad.
This is a wonderful cozy and easy to read YA adventure/pirates novel, with a great female main character, a story I enjoyed very much and a book that I can definitely recommend.
April 18, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of diving into The Tally of the Tides, and I must say, it swept me away much like the high tides themselves. The main character Inès, reminded me of the adventurous spirit of Elizabeth Swann from Pirates of the Caribbean, this novel captured my imagination from the very first chapter.
One of the book's standout qualities is its seamless immersion into a vividly crafted world. The author's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a realm where the salty air and crashing waves practically come to life on the page. This, coupled with its gripping narrative, makes for an incredibly enjoyable and easy read.
For anyone craving an escape into a realm of high seas, swashbuckling adventures, and captivating characters, The Tally of the Tides is an absolute must-read. It's a journey worth embarking on, one that will leave you yearning for more long after you've turned the final page.
One of the book's standout qualities is its seamless immersion into a vividly crafted world. The author's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a realm where the salty air and crashing waves practically come to life on the page. This, coupled with its gripping narrative, makes for an incredibly enjoyable and easy read.
For anyone craving an escape into a realm of high seas, swashbuckling adventures, and captivating characters, The Tally of the Tides is an absolute must-read. It's a journey worth embarking on, one that will leave you yearning for more long after you've turned the final page.
January 15, 2024
I must admit, this is not my usual genre. I normally read mysteries.
But there's no mystery here in this book. However, there IS adventure!
A young French woman is desperate to leave her life of luxury behind, to find a reason to want to exist. So she buys a ship of her own and escapes her life to set out and find.... Something. Adventure.
And boy, does she find it. Her ship is overtaken by a larger ship and her belongings are stolen.
And as fate would have it, she ends up on another ship, to be held for ransom to get money from.... Her father. Exactly what she DOESN'T want.
But things have a way of turning around, and turn around they did.
Can Inés find what she longs for? And maybe, just maybe, even love? I highly recommend this book. It's fantastic.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
But there's no mystery here in this book. However, there IS adventure!
A young French woman is desperate to leave her life of luxury behind, to find a reason to want to exist. So she buys a ship of her own and escapes her life to set out and find.... Something. Adventure.
And boy, does she find it. Her ship is overtaken by a larger ship and her belongings are stolen.
And as fate would have it, she ends up on another ship, to be held for ransom to get money from.... Her father. Exactly what she DOESN'T want.
But things have a way of turning around, and turn around they did.
Can Inés find what she longs for? And maybe, just maybe, even love? I highly recommend this book. It's fantastic.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
February 2, 2024
3.5/5
Thanks to the author for the copy. All opinions are my own.
"Tally of the Tides" by Monica Boothe offers readers a cozy pirate fantasy. The story follows Inès, a former French noblewoman who traded her opulent life for adventure on the high seas in effort to seek something other than malaise. When captured by the handsome pirate captain, Will Sands, and held for ransom, Inès plots to sabotage their ship but finds herself questioning her desires after shared adventures with the pirates. This enemies-to-lovers romance with a splash of magic is part of the "Beneath the Black Flag" series, featuring interconnected standalone novels in a shared world.
The novel provides a delightful and swashbuckling escape for readers. However, the cozy atmosphere limits the depth of character exploration, in my opinion. The romance is sweet, and the battles add excitement, making it an enjoyable read for those seeking a lighthearted pirate adventure.
Thanks to the author for the copy. All opinions are my own.
"Tally of the Tides" by Monica Boothe offers readers a cozy pirate fantasy. The story follows Inès, a former French noblewoman who traded her opulent life for adventure on the high seas in effort to seek something other than malaise. When captured by the handsome pirate captain, Will Sands, and held for ransom, Inès plots to sabotage their ship but finds herself questioning her desires after shared adventures with the pirates. This enemies-to-lovers romance with a splash of magic is part of the "Beneath the Black Flag" series, featuring interconnected standalone novels in a shared world.
The novel provides a delightful and swashbuckling escape for readers. However, the cozy atmosphere limits the depth of character exploration, in my opinion. The romance is sweet, and the battles add excitement, making it an enjoyable read for those seeking a lighthearted pirate adventure.
February 3, 2024
I read an Advance Reading Copy of this book. Please note that this review may contain spoilers.
Complete with sabotage, deception, some romance, and a bit of piracy, this is a good addition to the Beneath the Black Flag series. Ines de Bordeaux searches for something that will make her feel some type of emotion, give her some reason to keep living, for she is a woman who sees life as empty and meaningless. Captain William Sands feels much and enjoys life to the fullest, similar to Ines's beloved, and now departed, Grandpere. The lure of the promise of eternal life causes them to risk the respect and love of others in its pursuit. Note that there is a bit of language sprinkled throughout and there are also some phrases in French which are translated within the context of the story; neither detract from the story. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is not a disappointing ending.
Complete with sabotage, deception, some romance, and a bit of piracy, this is a good addition to the Beneath the Black Flag series. Ines de Bordeaux searches for something that will make her feel some type of emotion, give her some reason to keep living, for she is a woman who sees life as empty and meaningless. Captain William Sands feels much and enjoys life to the fullest, similar to Ines's beloved, and now departed, Grandpere. The lure of the promise of eternal life causes them to risk the respect and love of others in its pursuit. Note that there is a bit of language sprinkled throughout and there are also some phrases in French which are translated within the context of the story; neither detract from the story. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is not a disappointing ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2024
Ines, a young French noblewoman, seeks something more meaningful and more exciting in her life so she buys her own ship and sets out on an adventure. Unfortunately, she's boarded by pirates, taken hostage, and loses her freedom. Not willing to give up, she strives to turn the tables on her captor. This is an interesting adventure tale from beginning to end.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
February 2, 2024
Fun/action adventure with non-stop action. I loved this book- it was an absolute page-turner with non-stop adventure! The characters were wonderful & I felt like I was living the story right there with them! This is one of those books that when you turn the last page, you sigh & want to sit and enjoy the feeling of great satisfaction & joy in a wondeeful, fulfilling adventure!!
February 17, 2024
This story follows Ines, a young French girl who decides to go on an adventure following her grandfather's death. She runs away from home and goes out to sea only to be captured by a young pirate. The story is nicely done with lot of action and adventure. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 29, 2024
A great YA story of a girl embarking on a journey of self discovery and the need to fill a void left behind by her grandfathers adventures.
There are a few heavy topics that are discussed such as our FMC feels a bit hopeless and lost in her own life so she isn’t too concerned about her well being. Also the loss of a loved one and how it impacted her.
Overall an easy fast paced read.
There are a few heavy topics that are discussed such as our FMC feels a bit hopeless and lost in her own life so she isn’t too concerned about her well being. Also the loss of a loved one and how it impacted her.
Overall an easy fast paced read.
February 5, 2024
Pirates are always interesting. Strong FMC, classic enemies-to-lovers romance. Quick exciting read
Series of stand-alones, understood this one without having to read the others
Series of stand-alones, understood this one without having to read the others
February 4, 2024
I received this book as an ARC book.
I enjoyed the story immensely.
You follow the story of 17 year old girl that ran away to change her path in life. She left her "comfy" lifestyle and traded it in for life on the open waters. I enjoyed watching her grow.
A downside was I don't speak French, so that was difficult and slowed me a little but didn't take away from the story enough preventing me from enjoying it.
I enjoyed the story immensely.
You follow the story of 17 year old girl that ran away to change her path in life. She left her "comfy" lifestyle and traded it in for life on the open waters. I enjoyed watching her grow.
A downside was I don't speak French, so that was difficult and slowed me a little but didn't take away from the story enough preventing me from enjoying it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews