The First Mate of Nemain's Revenge: Prequel Novella

by McKenzie A Hatton

The fast-paced prequel to The Captain of Nemain's Revenge. Find out what the man was like before the pirate captain emerged through the eyes of his first mate.

Joseph Earhart knew only the swing of his hammer and the heat of the forge, forced to take on his father's occupation after the death of his family. He made the best swords on the island of Samsara, but he hated it. Smithing was in his blood, but not his heart, yet he couldn't leave the forge behind. That is, until a pirate took off with his most prized possession. He would do anything to get it back, even join the Minister's Navy.

Angelica relished in her new prize, that smithing shop had a beautiful sword on display that she couldn't keep her hands off. Though, even a prize like that could not lessen the blow of her father's disappointment. Captain Pike wanted many things, her marriage to the first mate on Macha's Demise, and most recently, the island of Kheli. Her fate was sealing before her and she needed to escape it before it was too late.

The naval officers on the island might just be the answer she'd been waiting for.

Genres: Pirates

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Taylor McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun and fast pace read that it felt easy to get through. It did have its slow times, but the characters made up for that. I loved the pirates theme throughout! This book had some holes in the story and I am left with lots of questions which must be answered in the other books. If you like a fast pirate story with hints of magic give this a try!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review: 3.5

I enjoyed this one but I feel like I needed more from it. I understand it’s a novella but I needed more background on the characters. The writing was done well I just had too many questions that were unanswered.

I wasn’t convinced that the two characters were in love (I mean they knew each other for like a week- I also don’t think the author was trying to convince me they had anything other than an attraction to each other and that they saw that it could lead somewhere later), but I am very curious to read more into the series to see how that changes. I also wonder how much of the things that were lacking for me are answered in the series and hope to read the rest this year! I might have had a different experience if I had read the other books first.

Overall I enjoyed it and it was a nice break from some of the other books I have been reading. I just wanted it to take me captive more! 🏴‍☠️

[Alexsis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review!!

I found this book to be 3.5 stars. It was a great read and I honestly loved how magic and pirates are being intertwined with each other. It is an interesting combination and great for fantasy.

I do feel that the book lacked action. There weren’t any times that I felt super drawn into the book or as if I was in the middle of what was going on. It may have been because of the POV this book is written in, but I’m not sure.

I did not feel a connection to any of the characters. There is romance in this book, but nothing extreme. No spice and very closed door. Typically I am shipping the characters to be together, but with these two I wasn’t. It came too easily, so maybe there will be a twist in the other books?? That would be interesting!

Overall, it’s a great read. It is on the shorter side, so it is a quick read. It may be slow to get into, but I’d still recommend it to others.

[Ashley Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The storyline was so good and I just overall enjoyed it so much.

[Raven Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read! This was pretty original for a fantasy with elements I haven’t seen before used! Very well done! The characters were likable and there was a little friendly banter to make it funny when needed with a good enemy to lovers!

[Sponkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc review* I love this story! Quick read and the story flows well. The characters and interactions are great! Definitely left me wanting to know what's next. I can't wait to read the other books!!

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was soo excited to get into this one!

I was so intrigued by the premise of pirates, gods, and magic! I love love love James and Joseph and I'm excited to learn more about them in the next few books in the series! I'm also looking forward to seeing how Angelica & Joseph's relationship plays out. This was a fun, exciting, and quick read!

I def recommend picking this one up on March 26th!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one! It was an easy read, with adventure, fighting, magic, and a small love story. Great prequel novella!

✔️enemies to lovers
✔️magic grimoire
✔️pirates

[Marissa Fanter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 eARC review
I liked this book a lot. It was a strong start, then was dull for two chapters, then got right back into the action. I do feel like the dull chapters were nessasary to learn about the characters, though. The book had very cute love in it, and I loved how the main characters' priorities changed.
The ending was a Clift hanger, but I'm still satisfied with the ending.
If you like pirates, magic, or a cute, slow romance, you'd like this book.
Overall, it was an easy read, and it makes me want to read the rest of the series. Would recommend.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Mate of Nemains Revenge

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun ARC read and a bit a change of pace. It’s been a while since I read a good pirate story. I think I was in a unique spot since I started with the prequel (and now have two more books on my tbr because of it 😂😅). It did what it intended to do, give background context and I think I will have a far better understanding of the first two books because of it. The ending even had a surprise I wasn’t expecting but sets up for exciting things for my reading experience I’m sure.

Go check it out! 🏴‍☠️ 🗡️
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#pirates #arcread

[Crystal Sutphin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great adventure read, especially for those of us who never left their pirate era thanks to an obsession with Pirates of the Caribbean and Cutthroat Island 🏴‍☠️

Things that you’ll love:
- Forced Proximity
- Lovable monkey sidekick with a knack for hijinks
- Eff it, we’re doomed anyways
- Found/Forced Family
- Dual POV
- Enemies to something more 😉
- Pirates
- Magic
- Adventure
- Fight Scenes

This is my first book of McKenzie's and I am now an automatic fan. I could keep pace with each scene without being too bogged down with unnecessary details as her world-building was precise & vivid. The three officers gave me Three Musketeer vibes with their camaraderie and friendship, with Joseph being such a dashing hero. Angelica was a scrappy and strong female character I instantly felt for when learning of her past and the pain her father had caused. There seems to be a share of foreboding hints for some of the characters' future so I can not wait to read the other books in the series.

This is technically considered a standalone novella but also could be a prequel for her series, Neiman’s Revenge.

[julia 🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an eARC, and this book was a JOURNEY. Easily finished this in a day since it was a novella, and will definitely be picking up the rest of this series in the future.

This world in this book is quite interesting; mixing magic, pirates and gods. Definitely has a mix of fantasy elements which I enjoyed. The plot was also easy to follow along with and didn't feel like it was being rushed. Super excited to see what these characters will get up to in the series!

While the ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, it definitely felt like a complete ending. We are given just enough information to have a resolution to the main plot of this book, but it also leaves you with some unanswered questions that sets the groundwork for the rest of the series.

This may be marked as a standalone, but I can tell that you are definitely going to want to read the series afterwards! Though this novella was on the shorter side, it was full of action and every page felt exciting to read. Highly recommend this book as a short, fun read.

[TabbyBrooke Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review so here it is!

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5
No spice

This was a good read—it wasn’t for me but anyone who enjoys pirates and a little bit of romance this is definitely for you!

It was slow in the beginning and took me a while to get into, but I did find my mind wandering while reading. The action was there and the anticipation as well.

Joseph kind of got on my nerves but the ending was well worth reading his POV. He was obsessed with getting his father’s sword back when there were much more important things going on. I get it but it got old after a while.

Angelica was my favorite part of this story, she deserved so much better and her father took her life from her and intended to marry her off to his sleezy first mate so that she might give him a grandson.

This story can be read as a standalone or it can be read as the third book in the series (novella) but you do not have to read the first two to know what is happening in this story.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Mate of Nemain’s Revenge is a thrilling journey into the world of pirates, brimming with action, camaraderie, and a monkey that steals the show. The pacing of the story is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they sail through each twist and turn.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own quirks and motivations, making them feel like old friends by the end of the tale. The interactions between them are a delight to behold, full of wit, charm, and the occasional sword fight.

What truly sets this book apart is the sense of adventure that permeates every page. From daring escapes to epic battles, the author captures the essence of a pirate’s life. And of course, the addition of the monkey adds an extra layer of fun and mischief to the proceedings.

While I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, this prequel works great as a standalone as well.

[TC Rittenhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Literary Media Tours for the e-review copy as part of the book tour.

I wanted to like this book, but it really wasn't all that for me. I found it kind of forgettable, but it may also have been my head, space, and timing when I was reading this, so take that into consideration. This is a novella prequel for a book that I haven't read, so maybe that would have changed my perspective?

The pacing is described as fast, but it definitely dragged in areas and the entire story took place over the course of a couple of days which sometimes hits, but this one didn't. I needed more background, information on who was who, and a reason to be invested in the story. The characters were okay, there was a fun monkey character that I enjoyed.

[Rachel Maheu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review and thank you, McKenzie Hatton for the opportunity.

This book was a 3.5 star for me.

I can usually crush a novella in less than a day but it took me a few to get through this one. I felt like it started off a little slow and was harder to get invested in.

There's minimal romance, and what there is is sweet. No spice. I didn't really feel a connection for any of the characters or for the "love interests" as a couple.

The mixture of magic, gods, and pirates was interesting. I left this novella with a lot of questions and will be picking up the rest of the series to see where it goes.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like being welcomed home, but with new adventures and seeing our favorite characters' beginning stories. Joseph and Angelica are true enemies to lovers. The sass and banter between these two are perfect, and Joseph is a big ol teddy bear I want to hug. I loved seeing all of the characters and how they started becoming who they are in the first and second books. If you've read books 1 and 2, you see so many easter eggs. The world building and story line in the books continue to capture readers from beginning to finish. I miss this world and characters as soon as I have to leave at the end of each book.

[Marissa Keller · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this as an ARC for my honest review*

I really enjoyed this book! It was very fast paced, the world building was pretty easy to follow, and the cliffhanger!!! Loved that. I enjoyed the pirate theming throughout and the characters were pretty great too.

My biggest knocks were that because it was so fast paced, it left a lot of holes. Knowing this is a novella, I assume a lot of gaps will be answered in the rest of the series. Additionally, I felt like everything was much too quick. The romance was so speedy and all closed door. However, I really think this is a fun read and I am curious to make my way through the rest of the series!

[Saltygalreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a fun, swash-buckling fantasy adventure featuring a blacksmith who had never planned on becoming a pirate, a dastardly pirate captain who has sold his soul, and his courageous and unpredictable daughter who will not tamely accept the fate that her father has planned for her. There are scurvy pirate villains aplenty, treacherous plots and an idyllic tropical island full of innocent villagers that need saving. This was such a fun and fast-paced read which transported me to pirate ships on Caribbean seas and dripping caves on a tropical island. What an escape on a cold and rainy spring day! Highly recommended if you want to escape and have fun.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelica and Joseph have my heart!!

A pirate's daughter, raised for the sole purpose of providing him with grandchildren and trapped on a ship with men who truly want the worst for her. A blacksmith whose prized possession is stolen by a pirate's daughter, after whom he must chase. A grimoire of untold power.

This one really opened my appetite for the full series, which I will hopefully pick up soon. Very fast paced and gritty with loads of action sequences and characters you will come to genuinely adore.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily

[Pari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a perfect standalone novella and prequel!
It's a great starting place if you haven't read The Captain of Nemain's Revenge or are looking for a fun and charming adventure.
I think one of the challenges most novellas face is trying to world build without taking too much space for the story. McKenzie A Hatton has done a fantastic job in the main series flushing out the world while still leaving crazy intriguing mysteries for us to unfold in the future and this book is no exception! Even if I had not read the other two first, I know that I would not feel left in the dark or too confused to enjoy the story.
Fan girl rantings ahead:
Having read the other two... AH I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! Young brilliant and oh so cocky James was a blast and a hoot. That future Captain Phantom is so much smarter and scarier than I think I originally realized. The foreshadowing for the next two books and beyond was so juicy. And my favorite thing about it was that it never felt like she was spoon feeding us the story. She trusted us to figure it out instead of hitting us over the head with information. To me that makes a perfect prequel.

[Haley Shina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really got Pirates of the Caribbean vibes from this.
If you love that story, I think this series may be for you!
It has good bones and the world building is easy to understand - of course as a novella, you shouldn't be expecting in depth plot but I do believe the rest of the series may give that.
The romance portion (no spice) of this story started really fun but kind of felt like it ended abruptly - I think the sword moment was cute though.
Overall, I think it was a fun, easy read.
*I did receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

[Samie Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to McKenzie Hatton for the opportunity to get this ARC!

I enjoyed this so much that I devoured it in one day! Pirates, magic, romance, and unyielding courage. This book has it all down pat! This is such an interesting world. This prequel can be read as a standalone or after reading book one in the series. I did read book one before starting this, and it made me enjoy the world even more. The only critique is that a smidgen of the ending needed clarification! But otherwise, my heart was SO soft for these characters.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE THOUGHTS:

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one since it’s labeled a prequel and I haven’t read the other books, however it was pretty good. It was fast-paced, action-packed, and only a hundred or so pages making it a quick read. I enjoyed getting to know James, Joseph, and Angelica. Captain Pike was also an intriguing character. I wasn’t sure where the story would go but it’s clear that this sets the reader up for reading the main series. I wasn’t sure if I would read the next ones until those last few pages! I’m interested to see where the story continues from here.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to McKenzie A Hatton and BookFunnel for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Following Joseph on his quest to recover his father’s stolen sword, the First Mate of Nemain’s Revenge was an interesting prequel. I enjoyed the conflict within the novella over the ownership of the island Kheli. I also enjoyed the enemies to lovers relationship, though I wish had been a slower progression. The book had some major Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, which I loved!

Personally, the writing was not my style. I thought for being the third novel published in the series, it was a little underdeveloped. I’m unsure if I’ll continue the series.

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was received as an ARC from the author.
It was a super interesting read that swallows you up into the world of pirates and magic. I really enjoyed reading and learning about the characters, Robin being one of my favorites lol Looking forward to reading more of these characters adventures because I’m currently feeling unfulfilled because I want to see how the story and adventure of these characters really ends!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast-paced novella and I really enjoyed it.
It gave a great taste of what the main series will be like and I can't wait to dive back into this world when I read the rest!

I loved the tension and build-up between Joseph and Angelica. A great example of what enemies to lovers is! 😍

Hawkins and Ashby killed me. I absolutely died of laughter whenever they were presented on the page 🤣

This is a great world and I'm excited to dive back into it!

[Rainelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story. The writer did a wonderful job with keeping the reader (me) entertained and engaged with issues that transpired in the story. I found the characters compelling and challenging for the plot. The story moves at a medium pace and it has great potential for more series to come. I would have like to see add the heroine to be older than eighteen. Perhaps if she was twenty-four or older. A more mature age, for her character and certain romantic scenes that she’s involved in.

[Literary Dystopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Angelica is a beautiful feisty pirate daughter and Joseph is a blacksmith’s son hell bent on getting his sword back from a pirate thief so he joins the Navy. The adventure was amazing and everything I expected and more! I read this novella as a standalone but you can read the first book first as well! I can’t wait to read more!

[kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick easy read. It had a good story line but I would have liked more action. All of the conflicts seemed to be solved too easily.

overall cute and enjoyable as an in-between for intense books read.