Curse of the Claimed: Freewaves Saga-Book 1

by Slater Hamilton

The ocean has no master. No matter how many times this age-old idiom is proven, there will always be those trying to tame the uncontrollable.
The worldsea of Thalassa is rife with conflict. The hand of Grand Island Navy expands in a ceaseless wave, the pirate lords plunder everything in reach from the rims to the interior isles, criminal organizations scheme unseen, and the ostracized magic users, those with various abilities of ‘control’ over the sea, the oceanclaimed, look to the day where they can freely exert their own power…
None of that matters to Takeen. Washed up years ago on the shores of Kaluna, so long as he and his merry band of rogues, the Freewaves, can keep their own spit of paradise content amidst the crashing currents of the world, all’s well. But when he unknowingly crosses the shadowy criminals known as The Undertow, to save the island Takeen and crew are forced to play a part in the world altering events occurring around them. Between a combat-crazed underboss, a man who controls sharks, a woman attempting to rebel against the Grand Island Navy, and an immense underwater prison controlled by those military sailors, the Freewaves take their jet-propelled surfboards, each a personal flagship, up against the strongest powers on the ocean. Armed only with his natural skills, wits, and luck, Takeen must save his people while his own lost history comes to light amidst the crashing waves of naval might and the cursed oceanclaimed alike. The ocean has no master, but Takeen will do his drownedest to coax the pull of the tides his way.

Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had such an interesting concept, and it had a lot of elements in it.

It has a slow start but soon it speeds up taking you on an unforgettable adventure, I think this is because as it’s the first in a new series the author needs to set the scene and introduce the characters to the reader. But it's also a new author so as readers we need to get to know this author  and his writing style as well. There was so much descriptive writing all though the book and the characters were well developed.

My favorite thing about this story is at the beginning of each chapter there are history excerpts, death lists, tales,that give you  an extra look into this new world - I absolutely love that. I haven’t seen that in many books.

There are also new magical concepts in this book which is another great thing, sometimes you think you have read all the magic effects then something new comes along.

This book did seem very realistic.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Many thanks to the author and book sirens for a epub copy.

[Booknerd_nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

CURSE OF THE CLAIMED
*ARC Review
3.75 - 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MY THOUGHTS...

What an interesting concept for a book...pirate surfers, heists, and people with powers known as Oceanclaimed. I enjoyed this read, and it continued to grow on me the deeper I got. The storyline was hard to follow at first, which made it a slow read in the beginning. I think it's because it's a new world for me, and it takes time to adjust depending on the authors writing style and vocabulary. I didn't think solarpunk surf pirates would ever be a thing I read about. But here I am. It took some getting used to, and that's okay.

The friendships and found family formed in this book are great. I liked learning more about the abilities Oceanclaimed people possess. And can I also say that enjoyed the fact that the MMC want "amazing" at everything from the start. We typically see MMCs be these amazing fighters (or whatever the heck they are) from the start and this isn't the case. Yes Takeen is really good at being a pirate, but he's not this fighter that can take down anybody at anytime. This was actually pretty realistic (if that's what you want 😅).

One of my favorite things about this story is at the beginning of each chapter there are history excerpts, death lists, tales, myths or fables that give you insight about the world, and I loved this! There are a few of the tales that were some of my favorites, and I thought they were unique. The way they were written and laid out was done very well. They had a poetic nature to them. I'm definitely interested in reading the sequel to find out what happens next. I need to know what's gonna happen with Takeens "situation", is Elani going to be involved more, and how is the crew gonna deal with all the after effects of their journey and possible new changes that will take place?

I will say that I wish the writing was more descriptive in certain areas. However, this is a debut novel and the first work in this particular series. I would love to see more from this author, so I will be continuing on with the series when the rest is published.

Read if you like:

◽️Solarpunk Surf Pirates
◽️Outlaws to Heroes
◽️Sea Powers/Abilities
◽️Comical MMC
◽️Heists
◽️Found Family
◽️Plot Twist

BOOK INFO 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Genre - YA Fantasy (16+)
POV - Third Person
📚Page Count - 347
✍️Author - Slater Hamilton
⚠️ Content - Violence
🌶 Spice - None
LGBTQ - Light 👉🏼 A tale of a same sex relationship & a death list with two of the people being non-binary.

*Thank you to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.

[Seth Madaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes everything you love from pirates, mixes in a heavy dose of surfing culture, fantastical magic systems, fantasy and a little sci-fi and gives you a rip roaring adventure that feels like all of the things one would love from an epic pirate saga like One Piece or Pirates of the Caribbean by way of Point Break! We are immediately introduced to our pirate crew and we are drawn to them instantly. Their carefree way of life mixed with a little piracy is fascinating to see unfold. When the real conflict begins and the stakes begin to rise, we start to see a huge world unfold with various magical powers, rebellions, vicious villains and non stop action. Hamilton's eye for action is really on display as this book delivers in spades. It moves from one huge action set piece to another, keeping the tension high and the visuals true to the world of piracy and surfing, something one wouldn't have thought would blend, but think Jim Hawkins in Treasure Planet and you are right there. I particularly loved the quieter moments, when they are surfing and engaging with the wild life, and that is where you feel like you are being barreled right next to our MC or swimming in the water with a massive manta ray. Each chapter also has an introduction that gives us mythology, sea shanties, information about the massive military presence, background for those that have magic and more. It was really impressive how Hamilton made those intro's really blend in with the story and flesh out the world. Plenty of twists and plenty of moments of sheer action involving sharks, ships, speed boats, surf boards, massive storms, really intriguing ship designs and determined characters. There are times when the action almost moves too fast and some slower, quieter moments later in the book would have been welcome like they are in the beginning, but then it wouldn't have quite the gnarly swashbuckling feel! I truly enjoyed this unique tale and cannot wait for more!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse of the Claimed is a phenomenal opener to the Freewaves saga. From the first pages, it throws you into a wild, high-energy world that feels fresh and fearless.

Takin, the leader of the Freewaves, is the beating heart of the story. The crew themselves are best described as oceanpunk pirates. Jet-propelled surfboards, outlaw vibes, and a strong Robin Hood streak. They steal from the powerful, protect the vulnerable, and somehow manage to do it all with big hearts beneath the salt and swagger.

The worldbuilding really shines with the concept of the Claimed. These are people with powers who are feared, hunted, exploited, or erased entirely. Those who remain are forced into hiding, masking who they are just to survive. It adds real emotional weight and tension to every encounter.

There are content warnings to be aware of, including profanity, violence, and death, but none of it feels gratuitous. It fits the rough, dangerous world the story inhabits.

This is a strong, confident series opener, and if this first book is any indication, the rest of the saga is going to be something special. I am absolutely on board for whatever comes next.

You should pick this up.

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is different than my normal read, so a little of a slow start for me. But it didn’t take long for me to get drawn in, immersed within the story and glued! It was captivating and hard to put down.

The world building and magic system was astonishing as was the character building. The writing style was incredible, I would have never guessed it to be a debut novel. I loved the well thought out blurbs and notes at the beginning of each chapter, cleverly done. The pirates, heists, adventures, conflicts, combat and fantasy elements kept me intrigued and at the edge of my seat unable to flip pages fast enough. Then to be surprisingly hit with a plot twist. Well done! Okay Slater, how long you making us wait for book 2???
If you like YA series with adventures, looming danger and fantasy elements … this is definitely one to read!

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention all bookworms! Have I got a literary gem for you! Imagine a whirlwind of adventure on islands, with pirates and heists, mixed with political conflicts and water based powers. "Curse of the Claimed" delivers a fresh, original story that will have you hooked from start to jaw dropping finish. The worldbuilding? A masterpiece! And the way the story blends the pirate life with fantasy elements is simply genius. So, grab your solar powered boards and dive into Thalassa for a thrilling ride like no other. Trust me, this book is worth every page turn!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing and full of drama, intrigue, great characters and a story that had me glued to the end. I loved learning more of each character as they go from simple pirates for their island to ending up in world turning events. Loved the idea that it all takes place in and around water and the magic involved was cool. And the surprises along the way were fun and the ending surprise was cool. Loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next.

[James McGettigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on Pirates of the Caribbean, Hook, Princess Bride, Sinbad and Treasure Planet. And this book definitely stands in its own category of pirate stories, in that it includes fanciful aspects like magic and technology almost in a Golden Compass type of context. The world does intrigue me and the main character and the villain feel well rounded. The story intrigues me and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds!

[Ashton Treadaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun ride! The world building was extremely well done, and I loved the mix of fantasy elements with the pirate theme. The magic system is intriguing, and I liked how the magic became more important and prevalent as the book went on. The crew and villains were memorable, and the book does a great job of setting up a larger series. I’m looking forward to what comes next. P.S. the artwork and design of this book are beautiful!

[Matt Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down, Hamilton's world-building was excellent and left me wanting to hear more about the Ocean-Claimed. The antagonists in the story are particularly exciting; I found myself wanting to see more conflict so I could hear more from Dafal.
Overall the world was easy to learn thanks to some handy backstories at the beginning of each chapter and the plot kept me hooked the entire time.
I look forward to the next book in this series and anything else Hamilton writes!

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great adventure! It was not what I was expecting. I love the originality of the story & Magic system. There are islands, pirates, heists, rescues, honorable pirates, & a controlling government. There is great world building & character backgrounds. Everything feels organic & fresh, no rushing or awkwardness. I loved everything about this book & would willing read it again! Then ending sneaks up on you a bit in that slater wraps up the loose ends while dropping some info that leaves you jaw dropped.

[Bren M Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep dive into the fantasy world of the Freewaves

Original and well written. Slater Hamilton builds a fantastic world with no stone left unturned. If you are looking for a great Y/A adventure on the high seas, hold on tight to your solar board!

[Erika Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic adventure with found family that make you want to join piracy. An amazingly fresh story with lovable and complex characters. Love it!