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The Determined
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Expected 24 Feb 26A groundbreaking novel of historical fiction based on the real experiences of two of the Golden Age of Pirates’ most infamous women, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who dared to subvert the rules and gender roles of their time.
1721, Spanish Town, Jamaica. Captured, convicted, and pregnant, 23-year-old Anne Bonny faces the gallows. When writer Captain Charles Johnson enters the garrison, she strikes a she’ll tell this opportunistic fool her story if he sends a doctor to her friend, Mary Read, who’s battling prison fever.
Prior to their arrest, life at sea had offered Anne and Mary freedom that few women knew. Anne, born into scandal in Ireland, seeks home and elusive safety in South Carolina. Discovering the opposite, she makes a bitter bargain for emergency passage to the Bahamas.
Across the Atlantic in England, Mary confronts her own limitations as an illegitimate daughter. She sneaks into a merchant crew, disguised as a cabin boy. But when war sends Mary into the cavalry, she meets a challenge even she might not rival.
When their paths collide in Nassau, a notorious “pirate den,” Anne and Mary find kinship aboard the Revenge—the fastest ship in the Caribbean. With the governor out for blood, every raid brings more risk. From the high seas to the depths of a Jamaican prison, Anne and Mary must navigate impossible choices, each determined to taste freedom again.
1721, Spanish Town, Jamaica. Captured, convicted, and pregnant, 23-year-old Anne Bonny faces the gallows. When writer Captain Charles Johnson enters the garrison, she strikes a she’ll tell this opportunistic fool her story if he sends a doctor to her friend, Mary Read, who’s battling prison fever.
Prior to their arrest, life at sea had offered Anne and Mary freedom that few women knew. Anne, born into scandal in Ireland, seeks home and elusive safety in South Carolina. Discovering the opposite, she makes a bitter bargain for emergency passage to the Bahamas.
Across the Atlantic in England, Mary confronts her own limitations as an illegitimate daughter. She sneaks into a merchant crew, disguised as a cabin boy. But when war sends Mary into the cavalry, she meets a challenge even she might not rival.
When their paths collide in Nassau, a notorious “pirate den,” Anne and Mary find kinship aboard the Revenge—the fastest ship in the Caribbean. With the governor out for blood, every raid brings more risk. From the high seas to the depths of a Jamaican prison, Anne and Mary must navigate impossible choices, each determined to taste freedom again.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
27 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rueckert
4 books250 followersRachel Rueckert has been pirate-obsessed since she was a young girl. She wore a plastic sword through her belt loops, drew ships on tests when she didn’t know the answers, and dressed as a pirate every year for Halloween—including in her high school senior picture. She is now an award-winning writer, editor, and teacher who holds an MFA from Columbia University and an M.Ed from Boston University. She is fascinated by unconventional journeys and enjoys excavating real-life people—such as Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and Sam Bellamy—from the sands of history.
Find her books and newsletter: Website
Find her books and newsletter: Website
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January 4, 20261720s. Based on real experiences of two most infamous female pirates—one pregnant, the other sick with prison fever—from kinship, raids and bitter bargains, The Determined is supposed to be a story about impossible choices, the chase towards freedom and subversion of rules and gender roles of that time.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the author, Rachel Rueckert for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: February 24, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the author, Rachel Rueckert for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: February 24, 2026
April 18, 2025
A gritty game of consequences…
The Determined follows two women, whose personal circumstances mean they hid their gender and passed as men, existing on the fringes of society, doing what they need to survive. Both are morally strong and good people, but the choices they are forced to make go against the rules of law, which eventually catches up with them.
The story is in part a retelling, a recollection of events as Anne and Mary moulder in prison cells as convicted pirates awaiting execution, which is postponed as they are both pregnant. Anne has a plan to escape which depends on access to pen and paper. When a mysterious captain agrees to provide what she needs, in return for a true account of events, Anne agrees – and hence the story unwinds. I especially like how the author had a story within a story, in that the book the captain intends to write actually exists, and does give an account of the lives of Anne and Mary.
This is an engrossing read, a fictionalised account of two real women. The skill of the author was in making it entirely plausible that they, Mary especially, were able to pull off the subterfuge of hiding her gender. It took me a little while to orientate to the story going backwards and forwards in time, between the prison cell and the earlier lives of two characters, but once I got into the swing of it I was hooked.
There are a couple of sensitive love stories in there, which again made complete sense, but this is in no way a romance. I loved how The Determined could be read as an adventure story of sorts, or interpreted at a deeper level about how women are judged and cut down to size, purely because of their gender.
The Determined follows two women, whose personal circumstances mean they hid their gender and passed as men, existing on the fringes of society, doing what they need to survive. Both are morally strong and good people, but the choices they are forced to make go against the rules of law, which eventually catches up with them.
The story is in part a retelling, a recollection of events as Anne and Mary moulder in prison cells as convicted pirates awaiting execution, which is postponed as they are both pregnant. Anne has a plan to escape which depends on access to pen and paper. When a mysterious captain agrees to provide what she needs, in return for a true account of events, Anne agrees – and hence the story unwinds. I especially like how the author had a story within a story, in that the book the captain intends to write actually exists, and does give an account of the lives of Anne and Mary.
This is an engrossing read, a fictionalised account of two real women. The skill of the author was in making it entirely plausible that they, Mary especially, were able to pull off the subterfuge of hiding her gender. It took me a little while to orientate to the story going backwards and forwards in time, between the prison cell and the earlier lives of two characters, but once I got into the swing of it I was hooked.
There are a couple of sensitive love stories in there, which again made complete sense, but this is in no way a romance. I loved how The Determined could be read as an adventure story of sorts, or interpreted at a deeper level about how women are judged and cut down to size, purely because of their gender.
January 15, 2025
I already knew a lot of the history in this book thanks to a general fascination of pirates but specifically female pirates. Down to my favorite book as a little girl being ‘The Pirate Queen’ by Emily Arnold McCully
So reading a more dramatized version of the history I already know was fun!
I think this book will appeal to the lovers of historical fiction and non-fiction alike!
So reading a more dramatized version of the history I already know was fun!
I think this book will appeal to the lovers of historical fiction and non-fiction alike!
September 26, 2025
in my pirate historical fiction era and loving it
a little slow at the beginning but overall I really enjoyed it, the writing was very captivating and I couldn't out it down past the 50% mark!
a little slow at the beginning but overall I really enjoyed it, the writing was very captivating and I couldn't out it down past the 50% mark!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"If a soldier could be a female, could a siren be male?"
I will read any book whether it is fatasy or retelling or reimagining featuring the life of Mary Read and Anne Bonny, the two notorious pirates.
Though most stories I have read focus on their lives as female pirates, this one began with their backstory - their childhood, their adulthood, their lives before piracy, how they became pirates.
as much as I enjoyed how these two completely different women came to be, I thought their rushed lives as pirates was sidelined.
Surprisingly, The Author's Note was very very exciting
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing the ARC for this book.
I will read any book whether it is fatasy or retelling or reimagining featuring the life of Mary Read and Anne Bonny, the two notorious pirates.
Though most stories I have read focus on their lives as female pirates, this one began with their backstory - their childhood, their adulthood, their lives before piracy, how they became pirates.
as much as I enjoyed how these two completely different women came to be, I thought their rushed lives as pirates was sidelined.
Surprisingly, The Author's Note was very very exciting
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing the ARC for this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well written story about two remarkable women who escape difficult lives and eventually join a pirate ship, one disguised as a man. I loved reading about a time and region in history that I know little about. I appreciate the author including an explanation at the end of the book about what is fact and what is filled in for purposes of story continuity. The character development was well done. I loved reading dual timelines and trying to figure out how the storylines would merge. I especially loved reading about Mary's back story. This was an engaging read that paced well. Even more remarkable that the story is based on factual people and events. Highly recommend!
November 15, 2025
From the swells of the high seas to the decrepit and squalor conditions of the jail, historical fiction author Rachel Rueckert crafts an enjoyable tale set amidst the Golden Age of Piracy in her 2026 release The Determined.
The novel tells the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who were two female pirates swashbuckling their way in a piracy world that was male dominated. Combining a mixture of truth, fiction & myths, Rachel Rueckert delivers an entertaining tale.
Thank you to author & Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for this opportunity to read this in advance via an eARC.
Expected release date is February 24, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
The novel tells the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, who were two female pirates swashbuckling their way in a piracy world that was male dominated. Combining a mixture of truth, fiction & myths, Rachel Rueckert delivers an entertaining tale.
Thank you to author & Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for this opportunity to read this in advance via an eARC.
Expected release date is February 24, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2025
Really enjoyed the advanced copy of this pirate novel about Mary Read and Anne Bonney. Told to a captain whilst the ladies are in jail, we learn of how they ended up to be pirates and the loves along the way. Having watched the tv show Black Sails, I was familiar with Anne’s relationship with Jack Rackham but this book also fleshed out her early years too. Really enjoyed this book and found the afterword really informative.
January 19, 2025
The Determined by Rachel Rueckert is a great historical fiction that takes us deep into what it might have been like being a female pirate in the 18th century.
This is a fascinating HF that take sus into the lives of two females during the height piracy in the 1700s.
I have listened to a few podcasts on some of the real life female pirates, but I have never read anything like this before.
The author does a great job blending fact and fiction when presenting this story of female friendship, societal expectations, the risks, rewards, and what it must have been like risking, and hoping, for more out of life. Seizing the moment…taking a chance…to find happiness and a better life than what is handed to you at birth.
Loved it.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/29/25.
This is a fascinating HF that take sus into the lives of two females during the height piracy in the 1700s.
I have listened to a few podcasts on some of the real life female pirates, but I have never read anything like this before.
The author does a great job blending fact and fiction when presenting this story of female friendship, societal expectations, the risks, rewards, and what it must have been like risking, and hoping, for more out of life. Seizing the moment…taking a chance…to find happiness and a better life than what is handed to you at birth.
Loved it.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/29/25.
November 23, 2025
Mary knit her brow. “You’re suggesting that it isn’t a women’s competency that prevents them from joining crews, but rather men’s fear of them?”
“Yes. Some rubbish like that. It threatens a man’s strength. His way of being in the world. The natural order of things.” - Anne, The Determined
The Determined is a historical fiction novel exploring the stories of the two most famous female pirates - Mary Read and Anne Bonny - who lived and fought in the Caribbean during the fading Golden Age of Piracy. It draws from one of the only known authentic historical source on the history of piracy - A General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson.
The Determined alternates between the background stories of each of these women. Mary Read was born in England to a father who was hung for being a pirate. In order to survive, Mary’s mother had her dress as a boy, a practice she kept up for much of her life. Anne Bonny was born in Ireland and grew up there, England and South Carolina before escaping to a life at sea. When the two women meet, Mary uncharacteristically offers help thus beginning the brief but intense friendship between the two women. Each experienced making difficult choices, grieving losses, and struggling to find safety. Further bonding them is being the only two female pirates in the
man’s world of piracy.
I never wanted to be approved to read a book so badly as this one and it did not disappoint. This novel was highly engaging and informative. I love when I learn history that I didn’t know before starting to read the book. Both women are strong and independent people who exhibit resilience, intelligence and courage especially when the pirate leading them, Calico Jack, falters in his leadership role. The author incorporates the real event of Captain Charles Johnson visiting the two pirates when they are captured and imprisoned separately to write down their story as a tool to reveal the women’s respective backgrounds within the novel. (And the history of Captain Johnson is just as fascinating - make sure you read the author’s note at the end!) The Determined also provides a window into what it meant to being a woman in the 1700’s - restricted roles, lack of respect, don’t push back against men, and don’t dare to be different or want more because you will be ostracized.
Anne sighed. “Being a burden - not a son…To be a woman is to be a liability. Dependent. Vulnerable. Trapped. Blamed. Hunted.” Then she sighed. “No, that’s not right - not the better part, anyway. But to give it language somehow feels…small. Limiting. And whoever I am - whatever it means that I was born a female and go about the world as such - I resist being caged, confined and cornered, fixed into a time and place, stuck in a certain way or position. Determined. I’m as much in flux as the shifting tides, as a ship aching to make way.”
The Determined is a powerful and moving story that highlights women who are bold and risk much to secure their rightful place in the volatile world of piracy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“Yes. Some rubbish like that. It threatens a man’s strength. His way of being in the world. The natural order of things.” - Anne, The Determined
The Determined is a historical fiction novel exploring the stories of the two most famous female pirates - Mary Read and Anne Bonny - who lived and fought in the Caribbean during the fading Golden Age of Piracy. It draws from one of the only known authentic historical source on the history of piracy - A General History of the Pirates by Captain Charles Johnson.
The Determined alternates between the background stories of each of these women. Mary Read was born in England to a father who was hung for being a pirate. In order to survive, Mary’s mother had her dress as a boy, a practice she kept up for much of her life. Anne Bonny was born in Ireland and grew up there, England and South Carolina before escaping to a life at sea. When the two women meet, Mary uncharacteristically offers help thus beginning the brief but intense friendship between the two women. Each experienced making difficult choices, grieving losses, and struggling to find safety. Further bonding them is being the only two female pirates in the
man’s world of piracy.
I never wanted to be approved to read a book so badly as this one and it did not disappoint. This novel was highly engaging and informative. I love when I learn history that I didn’t know before starting to read the book. Both women are strong and independent people who exhibit resilience, intelligence and courage especially when the pirate leading them, Calico Jack, falters in his leadership role. The author incorporates the real event of Captain Charles Johnson visiting the two pirates when they are captured and imprisoned separately to write down their story as a tool to reveal the women’s respective backgrounds within the novel. (And the history of Captain Johnson is just as fascinating - make sure you read the author’s note at the end!) The Determined also provides a window into what it meant to being a woman in the 1700’s - restricted roles, lack of respect, don’t push back against men, and don’t dare to be different or want more because you will be ostracized.
Anne sighed. “Being a burden - not a son…To be a woman is to be a liability. Dependent. Vulnerable. Trapped. Blamed. Hunted.” Then she sighed. “No, that’s not right - not the better part, anyway. But to give it language somehow feels…small. Limiting. And whoever I am - whatever it means that I was born a female and go about the world as such - I resist being caged, confined and cornered, fixed into a time and place, stuck in a certain way or position. Determined. I’m as much in flux as the shifting tides, as a ship aching to make way.”
The Determined is a powerful and moving story that highlights women who are bold and risk much to secure their rightful place in the volatile world of piracy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 18, 2025
This was a good historical fiction novel focused on Anne Bonny and Mary Read, as well as Captain Charles Johnson. I chose this book having thoroughly enjoyed Saltblood by Francesca de Tores, and I don’t want to compare them too much but this did influence my experience of reading The Determined. I liked how Rueckert stayed quite true to many of the historical points for which we have evidence, while also adding various fictional flairs where necessary and/or desirable. The afterword provided good detail on the fact vs fiction of the story.
I did find the jumping timelines slightly jarring at times, but this did enable more context to be provided. Additionally, the author talks in the afterword about wanting to portray both Anne Bonny and Mary Read, since most historians and other fictional portrayals focus on just Anne Bonny or characters like her, but I felt like after the backstory for Mary early on in the book, the rest of it really focused on Anne. Saltblood focused a lot more on Mary and less on Anne, so I guess reading both gives you more insight into both of them, but the two books have fairly different characterisations of them. Rueckert also chooses a different fate for Mary to the one de Tores used in Saltblood, but this seems to be one of the points where there is little to no historical evidence, so the two authors have made different decisions on how to tie that up.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction, retellings focused on women who have been somewhat overlooked, and/or have an interest in pirates!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
I did find the jumping timelines slightly jarring at times, but this did enable more context to be provided. Additionally, the author talks in the afterword about wanting to portray both Anne Bonny and Mary Read, since most historians and other fictional portrayals focus on just Anne Bonny or characters like her, but I felt like after the backstory for Mary early on in the book, the rest of it really focused on Anne. Saltblood focused a lot more on Mary and less on Anne, so I guess reading both gives you more insight into both of them, but the two books have fairly different characterisations of them. Rueckert also chooses a different fate for Mary to the one de Tores used in Saltblood, but this seems to be one of the points where there is little to no historical evidence, so the two authors have made different decisions on how to tie that up.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction, retellings focused on women who have been somewhat overlooked, and/or have an interest in pirates!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
November 18, 2025
The Determined reimagines the lives of two of piracy's most compelling figures, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Women whose real stories sit somewhere between fact and legend. The story begins with both women imprisoned in Jamaica in 1721, pregnant and awaiting execution after being convicted of piracy.
Their lives appear to have come to a halt, but the arrival of Captain Charles Johnson, who plans to record their stories for a book, opens the door to a fantastical recounting of their pasts.
As Anne bargains for ink, paper, and news of her ailing friend, the story shifts between her present confinement and the years that shaped her: her upbringing in Ireland as the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man, her family’s move to the Carolinas, and her eventual entanglement with James Bonny and the notorious pirate Calico Jack. Her chapters trace how a girl boxed in by social expectations transforms into a fiercely independent woman forced to carve out a place for herself in a world not meant for her.
Mary’s journey moves along its own striking trajectory. Raised as “Mark Read” in London to preserve her and her mother’s survival, Mary grows up believing herself a boy until circumstances force the truth into the open. Her story spans naval service, the cavalry, and a brief but deeply meaningful love that reshapes her sense of self. When tragedy pushes her toward the sea once more, she finds herself in the Caribbean, where her path finally intersects with Anne’s aboard Rackham’s ship.
Their intertwined narratives are told through alternating flashbacks alongside their tense, uncomfortable days in prison. Creating a portrait of two women who didn’t set out to be rebels, but refused to accept the limits placed on them and women of the time. Rueckert mixes documented history with imaginative reconstruction, filling in the gaps left in between. Both women’s backstories feel believable and rawly emotional, and the imagined details fit seamlessly into the known historical framework.
Rueckert tells an amazing story, she brings Anne and Mary to life as full, complex people rather than the caricatures history often reduces them to. Their motivations feel fully set in the realities of the early 1700s, especially the stark curtailments placed on women. The book balances adventure, hardship, and introspection, and while it has moments of violence and darkness true to the era, it also highlights female resilience and friendship in a genuinely moving way.
The Determined is an engrossing historical novel that is rich with research and anchored by two unforgettable protagonists. There is both adventure and insight into what it meant to survive as a woman in a harsh, unforgiving world. Fans of historical fiction, maritime stories, or women’s history will find this a compelling and worthwhile read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.
"A scene of two women, pregnant, fighting for their lives while their drunken crewmates and ship leadership cowered in the hold. It is almost like these women had something more to fight for."
Their lives appear to have come to a halt, but the arrival of Captain Charles Johnson, who plans to record their stories for a book, opens the door to a fantastical recounting of their pasts.
As Anne bargains for ink, paper, and news of her ailing friend, the story shifts between her present confinement and the years that shaped her: her upbringing in Ireland as the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man, her family’s move to the Carolinas, and her eventual entanglement with James Bonny and the notorious pirate Calico Jack. Her chapters trace how a girl boxed in by social expectations transforms into a fiercely independent woman forced to carve out a place for herself in a world not meant for her.
Mary’s journey moves along its own striking trajectory. Raised as “Mark Read” in London to preserve her and her mother’s survival, Mary grows up believing herself a boy until circumstances force the truth into the open. Her story spans naval service, the cavalry, and a brief but deeply meaningful love that reshapes her sense of self. When tragedy pushes her toward the sea once more, she finds herself in the Caribbean, where her path finally intersects with Anne’s aboard Rackham’s ship.
Their intertwined narratives are told through alternating flashbacks alongside their tense, uncomfortable days in prison. Creating a portrait of two women who didn’t set out to be rebels, but refused to accept the limits placed on them and women of the time. Rueckert mixes documented history with imaginative reconstruction, filling in the gaps left in between. Both women’s backstories feel believable and rawly emotional, and the imagined details fit seamlessly into the known historical framework.
Rueckert tells an amazing story, she brings Anne and Mary to life as full, complex people rather than the caricatures history often reduces them to. Their motivations feel fully set in the realities of the early 1700s, especially the stark curtailments placed on women. The book balances adventure, hardship, and introspection, and while it has moments of violence and darkness true to the era, it also highlights female resilience and friendship in a genuinely moving way.
The Determined is an engrossing historical novel that is rich with research and anchored by two unforgettable protagonists. There is both adventure and insight into what it meant to survive as a woman in a harsh, unforgiving world. Fans of historical fiction, maritime stories, or women’s history will find this a compelling and worthwhile read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.
"A scene of two women, pregnant, fighting for their lives while their drunken crewmates and ship leadership cowered in the hold. It is almost like these women had something more to fight for."
October 27, 2025
W🏴☠️W- what a story! I didn’t want to put this ARC down, and I learned so much about the 1700’s, piracy, and social constructs surrounding identity. To be a woman served very little advantage, so we see the family dynamics that lead both Anne and Mary to the sea and piracy. Based on truth, legend, and myths, this historical fiction read unveils how the sea is personified as females as well as the sirens who lure men away from home, but no ships allowed females on them for superstition, except one.
Told through flashback, we learn both Mary and Anne’s backstories and gain a love for Bjorn, Jack, the captain, and other characters along the way, who all transform the journey of piracy. Definitely an action-packed book that reminds us all heroes didn’t wear pants, or if they did, they might have been disguising their femininity to succeed along with the men.
“Can memories be a home?”
“You’re suggesting that it isn’t women’s competency that prevents them from joining a crew, but men’s fear of them?”
Told through flashback, we learn both Mary and Anne’s backstories and gain a love for Bjorn, Jack, the captain, and other characters along the way, who all transform the journey of piracy. Definitely an action-packed book that reminds us all heroes didn’t wear pants, or if they did, they might have been disguising their femininity to succeed along with the men.
“Can memories be a home?”
“You’re suggesting that it isn’t women’s competency that prevents them from joining a crew, but men’s fear of them?”
August 1, 2025
Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Coming from the town where Blackbeard was born I was really interested to read this book . I had heard of Ann Bonney though the TV show Black Sails but did not know much about Mary Read.
This book only took me 48 hours to complete and I was really engaged throughout . Found their lives really interesting how they came to piracy and what happened to them. Really enjoyed it . Highly recommend
Coming from the town where Blackbeard was born I was really interested to read this book . I had heard of Ann Bonney though the TV show Black Sails but did not know much about Mary Read.
This book only took me 48 hours to complete and I was really engaged throughout . Found their lives really interesting how they came to piracy and what happened to them. Really enjoyed it . Highly recommend
December 14, 2025
rough unedited review from notes
Received ARC from netgalley.
I had a lot of expectations going in, and was eager to love a book that could return me to my childhood pirates obsession. And it did wonderfully, up until ~50-60% mark where the format changed significantly and almost made me want to rate the book 2*. I will briefly explain below why, but I first want to acknowledge that reading the afterword changed my opinion to a certain degree and resulted in a higher rating.
While finishing the second half of the book, I was ranting how the author completely disregarded her own plans for the book. It started rather factually, presenting itself as a more serious historical fiction, wanting to portray the two famous female pirates in a way they deserved, and not as adjacent to male pirate captains and crews. I loved that the narrative included two separate perspectives, from each character, where we could hear their distinct voices — honest and to the point Mary who has nothing left to lose or gain vs an unreliable narrator Anne, spinning an entertaining tale of her woes for Captain Johnson, who goes from one cell to another. This format was abandoned the moment two women meet and, therefore, it is no longer obvious who's telling the story, or whether it is recollections by Captain Johnson (which would be silly & defeat the purpose of having a standalone book that claims to be its own version of A History of Pyrates).
Similarly, the addition of romance and the way it felt out of place and as an afterthought in Anne's sections left me with a bad aftertaste. I thoroughly enjoyed the development of Mary's romance, discovering the characters for who they were. Anne and Rackham read as cardboards from a smutty YA, relying on tropes and "told not shown" handsomeness. While I get author's desire to focus more on Mary as a more forgotten person from this duo, it felt like disrespecting her own craft.
Finally, one last point that I personally find utterly distasteful in modern historical fiction, is proselytising about XXI century morals in a past century setting. Nothing undermines suspension of disbelief more than being preached on how this thing that's long been banned in our reality is bad. WE KNOW, THANK YOU FOR TELLING. The "tell vs show" balance is skewed very much towards the former.
Now, the afterword did affect my judgement, because the prose was reminiscent of the early chapters and sounded more sophisticated than the YA-type structure and expressions at the 50-75% mark. I genuinely wish the entire book read this way and hope maybe final editing will adjust it before it's published in February 2026. I appreciate author's transparency in including references as well as an account of facts/myths that were used as they were recorded vs those that were adjusted or invented for narrative purposes.
While the book itself would've likely put me off this author for good, the afterword gives me hope in author's writing skill, so I'd happily give another try in the future.
Received ARC from netgalley.
I had a lot of expectations going in, and was eager to love a book that could return me to my childhood pirates obsession. And it did wonderfully, up until ~50-60% mark where the format changed significantly and almost made me want to rate the book 2*. I will briefly explain below why, but I first want to acknowledge that reading the afterword changed my opinion to a certain degree and resulted in a higher rating.
While finishing the second half of the book, I was ranting how the author completely disregarded her own plans for the book. It started rather factually, presenting itself as a more serious historical fiction, wanting to portray the two famous female pirates in a way they deserved, and not as adjacent to male pirate captains and crews. I loved that the narrative included two separate perspectives, from each character, where we could hear their distinct voices — honest and to the point Mary who has nothing left to lose or gain vs an unreliable narrator Anne, spinning an entertaining tale of her woes for Captain Johnson, who goes from one cell to another. This format was abandoned the moment two women meet and, therefore, it is no longer obvious who's telling the story, or whether it is recollections by Captain Johnson (which would be silly & defeat the purpose of having a standalone book that claims to be its own version of A History of Pyrates).
Similarly, the addition of romance and the way it felt out of place and as an afterthought in Anne's sections left me with a bad aftertaste. I thoroughly enjoyed the development of Mary's romance, discovering the characters for who they were. Anne and Rackham read as cardboards from a smutty YA, relying on tropes and "told not shown" handsomeness. While I get author's desire to focus more on Mary as a more forgotten person from this duo, it felt like disrespecting her own craft.
Finally, one last point that I personally find utterly distasteful in modern historical fiction, is proselytising about XXI century morals in a past century setting. Nothing undermines suspension of disbelief more than being preached on how this thing that's long been banned in our reality is bad. WE KNOW, THANK YOU FOR TELLING. The "tell vs show" balance is skewed very much towards the former.
Now, the afterword did affect my judgement, because the prose was reminiscent of the early chapters and sounded more sophisticated than the YA-type structure and expressions at the 50-75% mark. I genuinely wish the entire book read this way and hope maybe final editing will adjust it before it's published in February 2026. I appreciate author's transparency in including references as well as an account of facts/myths that were used as they were recorded vs those that were adjusted or invented for narrative purposes.
While the book itself would've likely put me off this author for good, the afterword gives me hope in author's writing skill, so I'd happily give another try in the future.
December 16, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
I genuinely enjoyed this story, especially the focus on Mary and Anne, but I couldn’t help wishing they had been given more time together on the page. Their relationship was the core of the book, yet the ending felt rushed, with several plot threads and character arcs wrapped up far too quickly.
What truly worked for me was the portrayal of their friendship. The story details that the most enduring and meaningful love in a person’s life doesn’t have to be romantic—or male—but can exist in the form of a powerful, loyal friendship. Mary and Anne complemented each other perfectly, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Their dynamic was the heart of the narrative, and it’s what stayed with me after I finished reading.
However, nearly every male character in the book was annoying. They were portrayed as cowardly, self-serving, and obnoxious, often acting as obstacles rather than fully realized characters.
I genuinely enjoyed this story, especially the focus on Mary and Anne, but I couldn’t help wishing they had been given more time together on the page. Their relationship was the core of the book, yet the ending felt rushed, with several plot threads and character arcs wrapped up far too quickly.
What truly worked for me was the portrayal of their friendship. The story details that the most enduring and meaningful love in a person’s life doesn’t have to be romantic—or male—but can exist in the form of a powerful, loyal friendship. Mary and Anne complemented each other perfectly, balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Their dynamic was the heart of the narrative, and it’s what stayed with me after I finished reading.
However, nearly every male character in the book was annoying. They were portrayed as cowardly, self-serving, and obnoxious, often acting as obstacles rather than fully realized characters.
January 11, 2026
A roller coaster of emotions with perfect comedic timing! Despite understanding the general direction of the story, I was still delightfully surprised with the intricacies and life the author brought to the characters, I could not put it down. One I would definitely read again to catch more of the nuance. You feel like Mary and Anne are two women you know and love personally by the end and their sorrows are your own, this book did leave me in tears.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC. I couldn't put this book down! The story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read is beautifully told through a perspective that focuses on the experience of being a woman, not only in the unique and male-dominated world of piracy but in the wider context of 18th-century life in England, Ireland, the colonial U.S., and Jamaica. Dramatic, descriptive, thought-provoking, and a thoroughly immersing read. I'm now eager to read Rachel Rueckert's other novels as well.
April 26, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but wow—I ended up loving it! 5/5 stars, no question.
Historical fiction isn’t always my go-to (I kinda have to be in the right mood), and I’ve definitely never read anything about pirates before… but this story completely pulled me in.
It’s inspired by real people and true events, which made it even cooler. The Determined follows Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two women who hid their gender and lived as men so they could survive—and chase the kind of freedom they wouldn’t have had otherwise. There’s danger, action, and a lot of heart packed into their story.
What I loved most, though, was the focus on female strength and friendship. It made everything feel even more powerful and real.
Honestly, it was just one of those books that left me feeling proud for the characters by the end.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC!
Historical fiction isn’t always my go-to (I kinda have to be in the right mood), and I’ve definitely never read anything about pirates before… but this story completely pulled me in.
It’s inspired by real people and true events, which made it even cooler. The Determined follows Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two women who hid their gender and lived as men so they could survive—and chase the kind of freedom they wouldn’t have had otherwise. There’s danger, action, and a lot of heart packed into their story.
What I loved most, though, was the focus on female strength and friendship. It made everything feel even more powerful and real.
Honestly, it was just one of those books that left me feeling proud for the characters by the end.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC!
August 14, 2025
Told as a last accounting by Anne Bonny and Mary Read of their lives as infamous Pirates to the supposedly definitive author of “Pyrate” lives, Captain Charles Johnson, ‘The Determined’ means to show these historical figures separate from male gaze, sexual propaganda, and stereotype.
***
In wanting to “shed new light” on certain aspects of history that were glazed over or romanticized, we must also be careful not to, in turn, cast others into shadow.
On a topic so little known (of what is truth, that is) yet so often cited, it’s not at all unusual for another telling or take to emerge, often proclaiming itself as the new this or that to set the story in a unique way. I don’t believe that Rachel Rueckert’s ‘The Determined’ has quite managed to stand out amongst them. The writing style was, personally, not engaging so that I began to speed up in reading to not risk losing interest and putting it aside. And it’s a topic and time period quite near and dear to me! Actions are glazed over in favor of the POV-character merely expounding on them and the narration was void of a lot of detail, which made it read as a book for a much younger audience than I first pictured.
To Rueckert’s credit and disservice, Mary Read’s portion was infinitely more interesting than Anne’s. Perhaps by merit of Mary’s portrayal often falling to the wayside in other publications. But also, certainly, in the compelling way that Rueckert depicted her; the completely complex person shown from the page. There was a fair range of human characteristics on display, and crafting in showing that, men and women, can be many traits and of many morals — even day to day. However, there is one particular stand-out, where the one ‘really good’ man is depicted flatly as ‘very really untouchably good’ and a bit of people revealing their flaws seemingly in order to hold Read up on a pedestal a little higher—so it stabs its own point in the foot a touch. And does to Anne what the author says history has done to Mary. If you want to delve into these folk tales as people, then let them be fully people. (In this way, I was extremely glad that the relationship between Mary and Anne did not fall into the cliche—Lordy, sexual interest is not the pinnacle of all human relationships, but you wouldn’t know it, reading most novels—but also… it didn’t fall into much, after all? Is this not one of the central themes?)
In that vein, I think this would have served better if it had leaned even heavier on the idea of Bonny, Read, and especially Charles Johnson, as unreliable narrators. It was a wonderful framing device, to have Johnson recording their tales for posterity and also his own benefit. There are a few comments, here and there, by Anne and Johnson, of adding or omitting details, but there felt like a lot more attitude and intrigue that could’ve been pulled from that to have the work stand out. It would’ve been much more of a commentary on how history is recorded, and how little can be factually backed up, which the author’s notes strongly suggest was an interest of theirs.
Admittedly, the author also fully notes it as a work of ‘fiction’ and, therefore, how they filled in details as they wanted. I find it does the work a disservice, which will diminish it into the well of other okay-ish historical fiction that tries to do a ‘new thing’, others will greatly appreciate the making of a full-ish tale. I think that was the final feeling: it was story-ish, and will not stand out.
It was a little bothersome that the Afterword wanted to tout real historical record vs sensationalism, when leaning on its own brand of it; as well as having used equally unproven information to make their story lean more into their themes. They write that they “did not want to repeat the mistake of Johnson”, while admittedly doing so, and for reason, which put me a little offsides right at the end.
Lastly, I wished the conclusion was far more ambiguous. Far, far. The last two chapters and especially the epilogue felt unneeded and a little detrimental. These are not the kinds of tales that we mine in order to find them wrapped up in pretty little bows.
***
⭐ ⭐ A somewhat muted 2 stars -- one for Read, and one for subject matter.
This is an honest review in trade for a download of the book provided by NetGalley. Thank you for this opportunity!
***
In wanting to “shed new light” on certain aspects of history that were glazed over or romanticized, we must also be careful not to, in turn, cast others into shadow.
On a topic so little known (of what is truth, that is) yet so often cited, it’s not at all unusual for another telling or take to emerge, often proclaiming itself as the new this or that to set the story in a unique way. I don’t believe that Rachel Rueckert’s ‘The Determined’ has quite managed to stand out amongst them. The writing style was, personally, not engaging so that I began to speed up in reading to not risk losing interest and putting it aside. And it’s a topic and time period quite near and dear to me! Actions are glazed over in favor of the POV-character merely expounding on them and the narration was void of a lot of detail, which made it read as a book for a much younger audience than I first pictured.
To Rueckert’s credit and disservice, Mary Read’s portion was infinitely more interesting than Anne’s. Perhaps by merit of Mary’s portrayal often falling to the wayside in other publications. But also, certainly, in the compelling way that Rueckert depicted her; the completely complex person shown from the page. There was a fair range of human characteristics on display, and crafting in showing that, men and women, can be many traits and of many morals — even day to day. However, there is one particular stand-out, where the one ‘really good’ man is depicted flatly as ‘very really untouchably good’ and a bit of people revealing their flaws seemingly in order to hold Read up on a pedestal a little higher—so it stabs its own point in the foot a touch. And does to Anne what the author says history has done to Mary. If you want to delve into these folk tales as people, then let them be fully people. (In this way, I was extremely glad that the relationship between Mary and Anne did not fall into the cliche—Lordy, sexual interest is not the pinnacle of all human relationships, but you wouldn’t know it, reading most novels—but also… it didn’t fall into much, after all? Is this not one of the central themes?)
In that vein, I think this would have served better if it had leaned even heavier on the idea of Bonny, Read, and especially Charles Johnson, as unreliable narrators. It was a wonderful framing device, to have Johnson recording their tales for posterity and also his own benefit. There are a few comments, here and there, by Anne and Johnson, of adding or omitting details, but there felt like a lot more attitude and intrigue that could’ve been pulled from that to have the work stand out. It would’ve been much more of a commentary on how history is recorded, and how little can be factually backed up, which the author’s notes strongly suggest was an interest of theirs.
Admittedly, the author also fully notes it as a work of ‘fiction’ and, therefore, how they filled in details as they wanted. I find it does the work a disservice, which will diminish it into the well of other okay-ish historical fiction that tries to do a ‘new thing’, others will greatly appreciate the making of a full-ish tale. I think that was the final feeling: it was story-ish, and will not stand out.
It was a little bothersome that the Afterword wanted to tout real historical record vs sensationalism, when leaning on its own brand of it; as well as having used equally unproven information to make their story lean more into their themes. They write that they “did not want to repeat the mistake of Johnson”, while admittedly doing so, and for reason, which put me a little offsides right at the end.
Lastly, I wished the conclusion was far more ambiguous. Far, far. The last two chapters and especially the epilogue felt unneeded and a little detrimental. These are not the kinds of tales that we mine in order to find them wrapped up in pretty little bows.
***
⭐ ⭐ A somewhat muted 2 stars -- one for Read, and one for subject matter.
This is an honest review in trade for a download of the book provided by NetGalley. Thank you for this opportunity!
August 20, 2025
In February 1721, Anne Bonny sits in a gaol in Spanish Town on the isle of Jamaica. She awaits the birth of her child, as well as the hangman’s noose, for her pregnancy is all that stays her execution. Since her capture, the days have passed in monotony, without companionship and without anything to mark one day from another. On this particular day, that changes – a gentleman wearing a tricorn with an ostrich feather comes to visit. He wishes to write her story to add to his forthcoming collection that he hopes will be a bestseller. His name is Captain Charles Johnson. Anne is reticent to share her story – what business is it to others – but she asks for two boons. One is paper and ink to write letters. The second is for word of Mary and a doctor to tend to her ailing friend.
Interwoven through the chapters set in 1721 are the stories of the two most notorious female pirates of the golden age of piracy. Anne’s begins in 1705 in Kinsale, Ireland, where she is the illegitimate daughter of a lawyer from a well-to-do family and a servant woman. Social mores and debts drive them from Ireland and eventually, they land in Charlestown, South Carolina. From there, Anne explains the circumstances of how she meets James Bonny and the unfortunate circumstances that surround her arrival in New Providence and her run-in with Calico Jack Rackham.
Mary, too, is pregnant, but her health is tenuous and the odds are about even as to whether the fever or the hangman will claim her. Her tale begins a decade before Anne’s in London, England, where Mary is known as Mark Read and she has no idea that she is a girl. The ruse is staged by her mother to keep them both alive, but the day soon comes when Mary learns the truth. Life isn’t fair to women, and for them to continue to survive, Mom must separate from her and Mark must continue to make “his” way, this time as an apprentice to a ship’s captain who once was acquainted with her father. World events eventually disrupt their lives, and if Mark wishes to advance and gain enough money to search for “his” mother, he needs a new vocation. He joins the cavalry, where a Flemish officer makes Mark’s acquaintance. What follows is a love story that eventually allows Mark to become Mary once again, until tragedy forces her to make new choices that lead her to the Caribbean where she eventually crosses paths with Anne Bonny.
Using Johnson’s account of the lives of these notorious women, Rueckert has crafted a compelling and totally believable tale that fills in all the blanks left by Johnson. I have always been drawn more to Mary Read than Anne Bonny, and Rueckert’s depiction of the two women helped me understand why this is. Her words paint visual imagery that is dynamic and three-dimensional, and they depict two very different women whose friendship and living in a male-dominated world bring them together to live and survive. Her research is spot-on and seamlessly woven into the story in ways that make it impossible to separate fact from fiction, although Rueckert does elaborate on this in her afterword.
Over the years, I’ve reviewed numerous books about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, but only a few have touched my heart and stayed with me long after I finish reading. The Determined is one of those tales. It is as much a treasure as James L. Nelson’s The Only Life That Mattered and N. C. Schell’s The Ballade of Mary Reede.
This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Rueckert.h...
Interwoven through the chapters set in 1721 are the stories of the two most notorious female pirates of the golden age of piracy. Anne’s begins in 1705 in Kinsale, Ireland, where she is the illegitimate daughter of a lawyer from a well-to-do family and a servant woman. Social mores and debts drive them from Ireland and eventually, they land in Charlestown, South Carolina. From there, Anne explains the circumstances of how she meets James Bonny and the unfortunate circumstances that surround her arrival in New Providence and her run-in with Calico Jack Rackham.
Mary, too, is pregnant, but her health is tenuous and the odds are about even as to whether the fever or the hangman will claim her. Her tale begins a decade before Anne’s in London, England, where Mary is known as Mark Read and she has no idea that she is a girl. The ruse is staged by her mother to keep them both alive, but the day soon comes when Mary learns the truth. Life isn’t fair to women, and for them to continue to survive, Mom must separate from her and Mark must continue to make “his” way, this time as an apprentice to a ship’s captain who once was acquainted with her father. World events eventually disrupt their lives, and if Mark wishes to advance and gain enough money to search for “his” mother, he needs a new vocation. He joins the cavalry, where a Flemish officer makes Mark’s acquaintance. What follows is a love story that eventually allows Mark to become Mary once again, until tragedy forces her to make new choices that lead her to the Caribbean where she eventually crosses paths with Anne Bonny.
Using Johnson’s account of the lives of these notorious women, Rueckert has crafted a compelling and totally believable tale that fills in all the blanks left by Johnson. I have always been drawn more to Mary Read than Anne Bonny, and Rueckert’s depiction of the two women helped me understand why this is. Her words paint visual imagery that is dynamic and three-dimensional, and they depict two very different women whose friendship and living in a male-dominated world bring them together to live and survive. Her research is spot-on and seamlessly woven into the story in ways that make it impossible to separate fact from fiction, although Rueckert does elaborate on this in her afterword.
Over the years, I’ve reviewed numerous books about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, but only a few have touched my heart and stayed with me long after I finish reading. The Determined is one of those tales. It is as much a treasure as James L. Nelson’s The Only Life That Mattered and N. C. Schell’s The Ballade of Mary Reede.
This review was originally published at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/Rueckert.h...
July 27, 2025
1.5 stars. Unfortunately this book violated my number one law: "Don't waste my time" .
Ever since I played Pirate101 as a kid I have always held a deep affection for the fictional scoundrel and is what drew me to request this book on NetGalley in the first place. I have my own personal fascination with the legendary pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny so I was excited to actually read about it in a fictional capacity!
This book fell short of my expectations. The setting, the 17th Century Golden Age of Piracy, just feels like set-dressing for a story that otherwise has characters with the mannerisms, motivations, and values of people living in the 21st century. The world doesn't feel lived in, and the characters are one-dimensional. I didn't feel particularly attached to either protagonists, and every single side character had less personality than a smooth potato.
To me, this book also felt historical to a fault. Real people's lives aren't that interesting. We don't really experience a Hero's Journeys that allow for easy serialization of our lives. While I understand why Rueckert stuck so closely with (what little real) history we have about these two female pirates, I think I would have enjoyed a book that leaned more on the fiction side of historical fiction. Could we have leaned into the potential romantic love between our two protagonists? Maybe the love triangle with Calico Jack? Real life is just never that interesting, and it makes this book's pacing exceptionally slow.
Also, for a book centered around the relationship between Anne and Mary, they don't even meet for a significant chunk of the book. Their "close bff girl friendship bond" is mainly delivered through show rather than tell (which is another big gripe I have with the protagonists and their relationships with the side characters. Don't just tell me how they feel, I want to actually see them properly interact with the world around them!!! Ackkk the setting is SO COOL let me see them LIVE IN IT!).
Overall, I was pretty disappointed. The prose was not strong and I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time a character espoused 21st century viewpoints on problematic societal issues. I'm not sure how this book will end up being marketed once it releases but it certainly feels like a YA book attempting to mask as adult historical fiction.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC!
Ever since I played Pirate101 as a kid I have always held a deep affection for the fictional scoundrel and is what drew me to request this book on NetGalley in the first place. I have my own personal fascination with the legendary pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny so I was excited to actually read about it in a fictional capacity!
This book fell short of my expectations. The setting, the 17th Century Golden Age of Piracy, just feels like set-dressing for a story that otherwise has characters with the mannerisms, motivations, and values of people living in the 21st century. The world doesn't feel lived in, and the characters are one-dimensional. I didn't feel particularly attached to either protagonists, and every single side character had less personality than a smooth potato.
To me, this book also felt historical to a fault. Real people's lives aren't that interesting. We don't really experience a Hero's Journeys that allow for easy serialization of our lives. While I understand why Rueckert stuck so closely with (what little real) history we have about these two female pirates, I think I would have enjoyed a book that leaned more on the fiction side of historical fiction. Could we have leaned into the potential romantic love between our two protagonists? Maybe the love triangle with Calico Jack? Real life is just never that interesting, and it makes this book's pacing exceptionally slow.
Also, for a book centered around the relationship between Anne and Mary, they don't even meet for a significant chunk of the book. Their "close bff girl friendship bond" is mainly delivered through show rather than tell (which is another big gripe I have with the protagonists and their relationships with the side characters. Don't just tell me how they feel, I want to actually see them properly interact with the world around them!!! Ackkk the setting is SO COOL let me see them LIVE IN IT!).
Overall, I was pretty disappointed. The prose was not strong and I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time a character espoused 21st century viewpoints on problematic societal issues. I'm not sure how this book will end up being marketed once it releases but it certainly feels like a YA book attempting to mask as adult historical fiction.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 16, 2025transgression, identity, freedom, resistance
a few weeks ago, i was approved on netgalley for an arc of the determined by Rachel Rueckert, and ive just finished it and honestly, it was incredible!!!
this historical fiction tells the story of anne bonny and mary read, two of the most famous women pirates in history during the golden age of pirates. the novel highlights just how brave and determined they were in their fight to claim a future of their own in a society that denied women any real possibility of choice, freedom, or self-definition.
i have always been drawn to stories centered around women who exist in worlds that reject them. women who break social codes to assert themselves, to survive, to be free, or simply because they have no other choice. figures like witches, pirates, outcasts. women who refuse to disappear quietly. this book is a perfect illustration of that struggle.
through anne and mary, the story shows how women, in trying to free themselves from social norms created by men and for men, begin to rediscover a strength that has long been suppressed, denied, or feared. their journey is not only about rebellion, but about revelation. by stepping outside the roles imposed on them, they uncover how much of the world’s functioning, survival, and progress has always depended on women, even while society tried to erase them.
the novel subtly but powerfully suggests that the systems built to exclude women are far more fragile than they appear. once women reclaim their autonomy, men who believed themselves dominant are revealed to be neither self-sufficient nor superior. without women’s labor, resilience, intelligence, and courage, those systems collapse. the determined is not just a story about piracy, but about autonomy, resistance, and the quiet truth that women have always been far more powerful than history allowed them to be. as anne said to calico jack, ‘if you had fought like a man, you need not hang like a dog’.
about the book itself, it is very well written. i really enjoyed the shifts in point of view, and you can clearly tell that rachel rueckert did extensive research to make the story as coherent and historically accurate as possible. there are very few slow moments, only slightly toward the end and perhaps at the beginning as well, but those parts are necessary for the story to fully settle and for its meaning to truly unfold!
for this book, i give it a 4.5 ⭐️
a few weeks ago, i was approved on netgalley for an arc of the determined by Rachel Rueckert, and ive just finished it and honestly, it was incredible!!!
this historical fiction tells the story of anne bonny and mary read, two of the most famous women pirates in history during the golden age of pirates. the novel highlights just how brave and determined they were in their fight to claim a future of their own in a society that denied women any real possibility of choice, freedom, or self-definition.
i have always been drawn to stories centered around women who exist in worlds that reject them. women who break social codes to assert themselves, to survive, to be free, or simply because they have no other choice. figures like witches, pirates, outcasts. women who refuse to disappear quietly. this book is a perfect illustration of that struggle.
through anne and mary, the story shows how women, in trying to free themselves from social norms created by men and for men, begin to rediscover a strength that has long been suppressed, denied, or feared. their journey is not only about rebellion, but about revelation. by stepping outside the roles imposed on them, they uncover how much of the world’s functioning, survival, and progress has always depended on women, even while society tried to erase them.
the novel subtly but powerfully suggests that the systems built to exclude women are far more fragile than they appear. once women reclaim their autonomy, men who believed themselves dominant are revealed to be neither self-sufficient nor superior. without women’s labor, resilience, intelligence, and courage, those systems collapse. the determined is not just a story about piracy, but about autonomy, resistance, and the quiet truth that women have always been far more powerful than history allowed them to be. as anne said to calico jack, ‘if you had fought like a man, you need not hang like a dog’.
about the book itself, it is very well written. i really enjoyed the shifts in point of view, and you can clearly tell that rachel rueckert did extensive research to make the story as coherent and historically accurate as possible. there are very few slow moments, only slightly toward the end and perhaps at the beginning as well, but those parts are necessary for the story to fully settle and for its meaning to truly unfold!
for this book, i give it a 4.5 ⭐️
December 3, 2025
Last November & December I binge-watched Black Sails and got awfully swept in the story of Anne Bonny. I happily fell down many a rabbit hole of research, trying to learn the little bit that is known about one of the few, and the most well-known, women to openly sail on a pirate ship during the Golden Age of Piracy. Anne, to me, was easily one of the most interesting characters on the show and the portrayal of her - considering that she was a real person - was done with respect and decency, if creative license.
So it was easy to request the chance to read an early copy of Rachel Rueckert's The Determined once I saw that it was a story of Anne Bonny, along with Mary Read - one woman who sailed as a pirate.
Having been lucky enough to receive a copy, it was hard to wait until closer to publication date (and as I'm writing this, I'm still almost two months early) but it seemed fitting to jump back into the Golden Age of Piracy a year later.
And it was worth the wait and the rush.
Rueckert spins off what historical record there is about Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackham to create a novel that is rich, complex, and easily readable even as she tackles heavy issues like neglect, physical and mental abuse, sexual assault, etc.
But it is not a trauma-based novel.
It is a novel about real women who existed in what was very much a man's world.
Mary Read's part of the story is almost entirely unique from Anne Bonny's story. That they should have ended up in the same part of the world, sailing under the same captain, seems almost impossible but it is evidence of how life takes us to places we don't expect and we must make of them what we can.
Some endings are tragic, as evidenced in this novel, and some seem closer to simple hope than to happily evers. Rueckert does a fantastic job of making this clear even as she deals with the complexities of piracy, colonial rule in the Caribbean, slavery in America, and class differences in England.
If you like Black Sails, if you like historical fiction, if you like stories about women... this book should absolutely be on your radar in February 2026.
I received an early copy of this novel through NetGalley & Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own, and based on the copy I received.
So it was easy to request the chance to read an early copy of Rachel Rueckert's The Determined once I saw that it was a story of Anne Bonny, along with Mary Read - one woman who sailed as a pirate.
Having been lucky enough to receive a copy, it was hard to wait until closer to publication date (and as I'm writing this, I'm still almost two months early) but it seemed fitting to jump back into the Golden Age of Piracy a year later.
And it was worth the wait and the rush.
Rueckert spins off what historical record there is about Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackham to create a novel that is rich, complex, and easily readable even as she tackles heavy issues like neglect, physical and mental abuse, sexual assault, etc.
But it is not a trauma-based novel.
It is a novel about real women who existed in what was very much a man's world.
Mary Read's part of the story is almost entirely unique from Anne Bonny's story. That they should have ended up in the same part of the world, sailing under the same captain, seems almost impossible but it is evidence of how life takes us to places we don't expect and we must make of them what we can.
Some endings are tragic, as evidenced in this novel, and some seem closer to simple hope than to happily evers. Rueckert does a fantastic job of making this clear even as she deals with the complexities of piracy, colonial rule in the Caribbean, slavery in America, and class differences in England.
If you like Black Sails, if you like historical fiction, if you like stories about women... this book should absolutely be on your radar in February 2026.
I received an early copy of this novel through NetGalley & Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own, and based on the copy I received.
October 5, 2025
I’ve been obsessed with pirate history since I was a kid — the legends, the sea adventures, the blurred lines between fact and myth. So when I saw The Determined was about Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two of the most fascinating real-life pirates in history, I was immediately sold. I’ve always loved how their stories mix rebellion, courage, and tragedy, and Rachel Rueckert really brought them to life in a way that felt both vivid and deeply human.
What I appreciated most is how the book balances historical accuracy with imagination. You can tell Rueckert did her research — the details about life at sea, the atmosphere of the Caribbean, the sense of danger and freedom — all of it feels grounded in real history. But at the same time, she’s not afraid to fill in the gaps where history goes silent, and that’s where the story really shines. I especially liked how she focused on both Anne and Mary, not just one or the other. Most books or movies tend to centre on Anne Bonny, but here we get a sense of their connection — two women who refused to live within the limits that society set for them. Their friendship, loyalty, and hunger for freedom are at the heart of the story. The writing has this rhythm that makes you feel the ocean breeze and the tension of each choice they make. There’s adventure, violence, love, and loss — but it’s never over-the-top. It feels raw and real, like these women could still be out there somewhere, sailing under a different name.
As someone who’s always been fascinated by pirates — from the old history books I devoured as a kid to the more literary takes I love now — this novel hit that perfect spot between realism and legend. It reminded me why pirate tales have always drawn me in: they’re not just about gold and ships, but about people daring to live life on their own terms. In short, The Determined is gripping, emotional, and full of heart — a story that captures the wild spirit of the sea and the women who defied everything to claim their place in it.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC — this one’s going to stay with me for a long time.
What I appreciated most is how the book balances historical accuracy with imagination. You can tell Rueckert did her research — the details about life at sea, the atmosphere of the Caribbean, the sense of danger and freedom — all of it feels grounded in real history. But at the same time, she’s not afraid to fill in the gaps where history goes silent, and that’s where the story really shines. I especially liked how she focused on both Anne and Mary, not just one or the other. Most books or movies tend to centre on Anne Bonny, but here we get a sense of their connection — two women who refused to live within the limits that society set for them. Their friendship, loyalty, and hunger for freedom are at the heart of the story. The writing has this rhythm that makes you feel the ocean breeze and the tension of each choice they make. There’s adventure, violence, love, and loss — but it’s never over-the-top. It feels raw and real, like these women could still be out there somewhere, sailing under a different name.
As someone who’s always been fascinated by pirates — from the old history books I devoured as a kid to the more literary takes I love now — this novel hit that perfect spot between realism and legend. It reminded me why pirate tales have always drawn me in: they’re not just about gold and ships, but about people daring to live life on their own terms. In short, The Determined is gripping, emotional, and full of heart — a story that captures the wild spirit of the sea and the women who defied everything to claim their place in it.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC — this one’s going to stay with me for a long time.
September 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Determined, especially the first half, which grabbed me straight away and made me want to find out more about Anne Bonny and Mary Read’s lives. The story, set in the Golden Age of Pirates, follows these two real historical figures and upends stereotypes by bringing their stories out from under the male gaze. It is a tale of fierce friendships, passion, moral complexity, and women confronting what seems impossible.
I was drawn to the two female leads. Anne’s journey from County Cork to the turbulent seas, and Mary’s fight to carve her identity despite societal limitations, felt vivid and compelling. I pictured these characters so clearly, and Rueckert’s writing was clearly infused with passion. She does not tie everything up neatly; some questions are left open, and that ambiguity is powerful because it let me think of, imagine, and engage with their history in a more personal way.
The afterword stood out to me as much as the novel itself. It's clear a lot of research was done, and it was written with heart. I adore history combined with interpretation, the way real facts and myth, legend and personal voice are woven together.
There was only one thing that pulled me out of the story. Some of the Americanisms, like using “fall” instead of “autumn” or “color” instead of “colour,” felt slightly out of place, especially when mixed with moments of beautiful Irish Gaelic. It created a small jolt in voice that I noticed, but it did not lessen my overall enjoyment.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)
This is a strong, deeply engaging read. I recommend it especially if you appreciate historical fiction that honours its characters as human, flawed, and complex, and leaves some space for mystery and interpretation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, the publisher, and Rachel Rueckert for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy.
I was drawn to the two female leads. Anne’s journey from County Cork to the turbulent seas, and Mary’s fight to carve her identity despite societal limitations, felt vivid and compelling. I pictured these characters so clearly, and Rueckert’s writing was clearly infused with passion. She does not tie everything up neatly; some questions are left open, and that ambiguity is powerful because it let me think of, imagine, and engage with their history in a more personal way.
The afterword stood out to me as much as the novel itself. It's clear a lot of research was done, and it was written with heart. I adore history combined with interpretation, the way real facts and myth, legend and personal voice are woven together.
There was only one thing that pulled me out of the story. Some of the Americanisms, like using “fall” instead of “autumn” or “color” instead of “colour,” felt slightly out of place, especially when mixed with moments of beautiful Irish Gaelic. It created a small jolt in voice that I noticed, but it did not lessen my overall enjoyment.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)
This is a strong, deeply engaging read. I recommend it especially if you appreciate historical fiction that honours its characters as human, flawed, and complex, and leaves some space for mystery and interpretation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, the publisher, and Rachel Rueckert for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy.
December 31, 2024
Rachel Rueckert's "The Determined" is a captivating historical novel that reinterprets the stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two remarkable women from the Golden Age of Pirates.
The narrative unfolds in 1721 Spanish Town, Jamaica, beginning with a pregnant Anne facing execution. In a desperate bid for survival, she negotiates with Captain Charles Johnson, seeking medical assistance for her imprisoned friend Mary in exchange for sharing her life story. This intriguing setup paves the way for a rich examination of freedom, friendship, and resilience against societal limitations.
The plot intricately interlaces the lives of Anne and Mary, highlighting their struggles and victories. Anne's journey starts in County Cork, Ireland, where she escapes familial biases to seek a new life in South Carolina. At the same time, Mary disguises herself as a boy in England to join a merchant crew, showcasing her determination in a male-dominated environment. Their paths converge in Nassau, leading them to life aboard the infamous ship "Revenge", where they confront threats from an ambitious governor and navigate complex issues of loyalty and autonomy.
Themes of female empowerment and friendship are central to the narrative. Rueckert presents Anne and Mary as complex characters who defy traditional pirate stereotypes by challenging gender roles and societal expectations. The Caribbean backdrop adds an element of tension and adventure, representing both freedom and danger. The emotional depth of the characters draws readers into their experiences of bravery, despair, and their unbreakable bond.
Rueckert's vivid writing style immerses readers in the turbulent waters of the Caribbean. She effectively combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, making the characters' extraordinary experiences relatable.
Rachel Rueckert's unique viewpoint enriches the story. By blending historical facts with imaginative narrative, Rueckert creates a story that resonates with modern themes of self-determination and identity.
Ultimately, "The Determined" transcends being merely a pirate story; it celebrates resilience and sisterhood while encouraging readers to reconsider how history has portrayed women like Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
The novel stands as a powerful reminder of friendship's strength and the relentless quest for freedom amidst adversity.
The narrative unfolds in 1721 Spanish Town, Jamaica, beginning with a pregnant Anne facing execution. In a desperate bid for survival, she negotiates with Captain Charles Johnson, seeking medical assistance for her imprisoned friend Mary in exchange for sharing her life story. This intriguing setup paves the way for a rich examination of freedom, friendship, and resilience against societal limitations.
The plot intricately interlaces the lives of Anne and Mary, highlighting their struggles and victories. Anne's journey starts in County Cork, Ireland, where she escapes familial biases to seek a new life in South Carolina. At the same time, Mary disguises herself as a boy in England to join a merchant crew, showcasing her determination in a male-dominated environment. Their paths converge in Nassau, leading them to life aboard the infamous ship "Revenge", where they confront threats from an ambitious governor and navigate complex issues of loyalty and autonomy.
Themes of female empowerment and friendship are central to the narrative. Rueckert presents Anne and Mary as complex characters who defy traditional pirate stereotypes by challenging gender roles and societal expectations. The Caribbean backdrop adds an element of tension and adventure, representing both freedom and danger. The emotional depth of the characters draws readers into their experiences of bravery, despair, and their unbreakable bond.
Rueckert's vivid writing style immerses readers in the turbulent waters of the Caribbean. She effectively combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, making the characters' extraordinary experiences relatable.
Rachel Rueckert's unique viewpoint enriches the story. By blending historical facts with imaginative narrative, Rueckert creates a story that resonates with modern themes of self-determination and identity.
Ultimately, "The Determined" transcends being merely a pirate story; it celebrates resilience and sisterhood while encouraging readers to reconsider how history has portrayed women like Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
The novel stands as a powerful reminder of friendship's strength and the relentless quest for freedom amidst adversity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jamaican jail cells are the last place Anne Bonny and Mary Read should be, especially as both are expecting babies and Mary is dramatically ill. But as famed pirates, their fate is left in the hands of the law, which does not look kindly on women of ill repute in a world dominated by men. Against all odds, a man named Captain Johnson is determined to capture the stories of these two women who defied gender roles to live life on their own terms, for it is this narrative that may inspire others to support the women’s quest for freedom rather than sentence them to a darker fate. This historical fiction novel connects readers with the humanity and circumstances that led Mary Read and Anne Bonny to tread into the world of piracy. Built as a narrative told from multiple perspectives, the novel alternates between the story’s past and present in the early 1700s. As a result, readers see immediately where the characters have ended up, but the narrative otherwise has to unfold in order to reveal the events that led to their imprisonment. The threat of an unreliable narrator makes the recounted histories more intriguing, and the narrative invites readers to consider the tales through the lens of Captain Johnson who is also working to determine their veracity. Elevated language and an antiquated setting effectively transport readers back in time, and the carefully researched historical details are woven beautifully into a narrative that flows like fiction. Readers with an interest in piracy, feminism, and history will enjoy this book, which is equally well suited to being read on one’s own or in a book club setting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Determined is a work of historical fiction set in 1720 and is about the two most famous female pirates in history. I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The author states that official records from the time either didn't survive or were never kept in the first place. So while these ladies lived and breathed, much of what occurs in this book is invented by the author. In saying that I think she has done a wonderful job in bringing to life two incredible women in Mary Read and Anne Bonny. These women survived and more than held their own in the tough and cut throat life of piracy. For much of the time they concealed their gender by dressing as men. Much of the factual information in this book was obtained from a book written at the time by a Captain Johnson. The story flicked from the background of the two women and how they came to be on the same pirate ship, to when they were both in prison awaiting execution. While they were in prison Captain Johnson spent time with both of them gathering information and research for his book. Previously I only knew these women by name. I found it fascinating to learn more about them and their backstories. They were both very strong women. They were guilty of piracy as well as other crimes so in some ways they got what they had coming. But to learn about their early family life and the struggles they had, it was easy to sympathise for them. The author has done an amazing job of retelling the stories of these women to the modern day reader. Once I got into this book I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Netgalley.
December 8, 2025
The Determined is a captivating blend of historical fiction and dual-timeline storytelling that brings to life two of the most fascinating and often overlooked women of the 1700s: pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Rachel Rueckert delivers a richly imagined narrative that moves seamlessly between past and present, offering readers a vivid look at what may have driven these women to a life on the high seas.
I found this story incredibly engaging and well-paced. The transitions between present-day investigation and the women’s harsh yet compelling past were smooth and equally immersive. Rueckert excels at crafting a dual narrative that keeps both timelines gripping—something I always appreciate but don’t often see executed this well.
The ending surprised me, but in the best way. Given the historical uncertainty surrounding Anne Bonny’s fate, Rueckert’s interpretation felt thoughtful and satisfying. It honored the mystery while giving readers a strong emotional payoff.
What truly sets this book apart is how refreshingly original it feels. Stories about women pirates are rare, and Rueckert breathes life into a corner of history that deserves more attention. I also loved the epilogue, where the author shares her inspiration and writing process, it deepened my appreciation for the story as a whole.
With its compelling characters, immersive settings, and a fantastic reading group guide, The Determined would make an excellent choice for book clubs looking for something fresh and discussion-worthy.
#Netgalley #TheDetermined # RachelRueckert
I found this story incredibly engaging and well-paced. The transitions between present-day investigation and the women’s harsh yet compelling past were smooth and equally immersive. Rueckert excels at crafting a dual narrative that keeps both timelines gripping—something I always appreciate but don’t often see executed this well.
The ending surprised me, but in the best way. Given the historical uncertainty surrounding Anne Bonny’s fate, Rueckert’s interpretation felt thoughtful and satisfying. It honored the mystery while giving readers a strong emotional payoff.
What truly sets this book apart is how refreshingly original it feels. Stories about women pirates are rare, and Rueckert breathes life into a corner of history that deserves more attention. I also loved the epilogue, where the author shares her inspiration and writing process, it deepened my appreciation for the story as a whole.
With its compelling characters, immersive settings, and a fantastic reading group guide, The Determined would make an excellent choice for book clubs looking for something fresh and discussion-worthy.
#Netgalley #TheDetermined # RachelRueckert
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