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Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel
"In her latest, Riley provides a fresh take on high seas adventure through the eyes of the courageous, swashbuckling, based-on-a-real-life female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. The research Riley has done on this 1600s saga is truly remarkable, second only to her depictions of the lush Caribbean setting and the diverse, multi-faceted cast of characters. This is one to be savored." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
The real Pirates of the Caribbean were Black, and women! From Vanessa Riley, acclaimed author of Queen of Exiles, comes a sweeping, immersive saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye.
The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. She falls in love with a pirate, but when he returns to the sea, Jacquotte decides to make her own way. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender.
Jacquotte discovers that secret identities are fairly common in the chaotic world of seafaring, which is full of outsiders and misfits. She forms a deep bond with Bahati, an African-born woman who has escaped slavery and also disguises herself as a man to navigate the world. They join forces with Dirkje De Wulf, a fearless adventurer who also lives as a man at sea. As Jacques, Jacquotte falls in love with Lizzôa d'Erville, a beautiful courtesan who deals in secrets and sex. While others see their work clothes as a disguise, Lizzôa’s true self is as a woman.
For the next twenty years, Jacquotte raids the Caribbean, making enemies and amassing a fortune in stolen gold. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte turns away from piracy and the pursuit of riches. Risking her life in one deadly skirmish after another, she instead begins to plot a war of liberation.
The real Pirates of the Caribbean were Black, and women! From Vanessa Riley, acclaimed author of Queen of Exiles, comes a sweeping, immersive saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye.
The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. She falls in love with a pirate, but when he returns to the sea, Jacquotte decides to make her own way. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender.
Jacquotte discovers that secret identities are fairly common in the chaotic world of seafaring, which is full of outsiders and misfits. She forms a deep bond with Bahati, an African-born woman who has escaped slavery and also disguises herself as a man to navigate the world. They join forces with Dirkje De Wulf, a fearless adventurer who also lives as a man at sea. As Jacques, Jacquotte falls in love with Lizzôa d'Erville, a beautiful courtesan who deals in secrets and sex. While others see their work clothes as a disguise, Lizzôa’s true self is as a woman.
For the next twenty years, Jacquotte raids the Caribbean, making enemies and amassing a fortune in stolen gold. When her fellow pirates decide to increase their profits by entering the slave trade, Jacquotte turns away from piracy and the pursuit of riches. Risking her life in one deadly skirmish after another, she instead begins to plot a war of liberation.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
50 people are currently reading
7057 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Riley
43 books1,660 followersI'm Vanessa Riley, and I write Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities of the 1750s to 1830s, The Revolutionary Years. I write for readers who treasure and share with friends books that showcase women, power, strong sisterhoods, and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
they-told-me-to-read-it
August 9, 2025
January 17, 2026
3.5⭐️
Thank you @williammorrowbooks + @librofm for the free finished copy & ALC ♡
link to my review on bookstagram
⚓️ Pirates are often romanticized for their morally grey ruthlessness, brazen risk taking, and general badassery.
🏴☠️ imagine all that and the pirate is a mixed race black woman, a true historical figure.
❤️🔥 Things I loved about this:
♡ the richness of the historical context. the reality of 1600s Caribbean islands, on the verge of slave trading and European pillaging. For crown and country.
♡ the presence of many mixed races characters, those who were passing and those who were viewed as half breeds, and all the complexities therein.
♡ the acknowledgement and normalization of queer relationships and gender identities
♡ sailing by the constellations 🌌 freedom of the open seas, going where the winds blow. the raw beauty and destruction of nature.
It took me a bit to warm up to Jacquotte Delahaye, many of her choices were so hard to fathom. However, in the end I see her wayfaring pirating spirit 🗡️🏴☠️
The first half of the book is a slow build. We learn how Jacquotte became a buccaneer, hiding in plain sight amongst so many men.
And women, as it turns out. There were many climactic moments along the way to a cathartic final showdown.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 I struggled with this one on audio due to the narrator’s accent. I had to switch to the written word. However the songs 🎶 in the audio were quite beautiful.
Thank you @williammorrowbooks + @librofm for the free finished copy & ALC ♡
link to my review on bookstagram
⚓️ Pirates are often romanticized for their morally grey ruthlessness, brazen risk taking, and general badassery.
🏴☠️ imagine all that and the pirate is a mixed race black woman, a true historical figure.
❤️🔥 Things I loved about this:
♡ the richness of the historical context. the reality of 1600s Caribbean islands, on the verge of slave trading and European pillaging. For crown and country.
♡ the presence of many mixed races characters, those who were passing and those who were viewed as half breeds, and all the complexities therein.
♡ the acknowledgement and normalization of queer relationships and gender identities
♡ sailing by the constellations 🌌 freedom of the open seas, going where the winds blow. the raw beauty and destruction of nature.
It took me a bit to warm up to Jacquotte Delahaye, many of her choices were so hard to fathom. However, in the end I see her wayfaring pirating spirit 🗡️🏴☠️
The first half of the book is a slow build. We learn how Jacquotte became a buccaneer, hiding in plain sight amongst so many men.
And women, as it turns out. There were many climactic moments along the way to a cathartic final showdown.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 I struggled with this one on audio due to the narrator’s accent. I had to switch to the written word. However the songs 🎶 in the audio were quite beautiful.
January 18, 2026
I think we're due for a lady pirate trend and this book should usher us into it! We get an epic journey, beautiful relationships (both platonic and romantic), and incredible insight into life in the Caribbean in the late 1600s. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll learn a lot along the way!
Jacquotte Delahaye is our main character and she's cooking in her father's tavern on Tortuga when we meet her. She aspires for more for herself and her brother and pounces on opportunity when it arises. There are few phases to the story. First, she's cooking for her father and marries a pirate. After being abandoned, she moves and pretends to be a man while doing dock work (and being paid less because she's black). We get a phase during which she's generally safe, living with a new love, a trans woman who gathers intelligence while working as a prostitute. Eventually, life at seas calls and she becomes a pirate and works her way up to captain.
Each phase of this story is fantastic and fast-paced. Pirate crews of the day were diverse and we see that reflected on Jacquotte's boats. Her crew doesn't remain intact and it's a testament to Riley's writing that I was heartbroken when members died in battle.
I was prepared for a sad ending because of the risks Jacquotte took, but was relieved that we got a beautiful, satisfying conclusion.
Jacquotte Delahaye is our main character and she's cooking in her father's tavern on Tortuga when we meet her. She aspires for more for herself and her brother and pounces on opportunity when it arises. There are few phases to the story. First, she's cooking for her father and marries a pirate. After being abandoned, she moves and pretends to be a man while doing dock work (and being paid less because she's black). We get a phase during which she's generally safe, living with a new love, a trans woman who gathers intelligence while working as a prostitute. Eventually, life at seas calls and she becomes a pirate and works her way up to captain.
Each phase of this story is fantastic and fast-paced. Pirate crews of the day were diverse and we see that reflected on Jacquotte's boats. Her crew doesn't remain intact and it's a testament to Riley's writing that I was heartbroken when members died in battle.
I was prepared for a sad ending because of the risks Jacquotte took, but was relieved that we got a beautiful, satisfying conclusion.
October 6, 2025
Fire Sword and Sea is a sweeping tale about a legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye.
From the first page I was engaged in the story and adventure. The plot was fast paced and had lots of twist and turns. i will recommend this book
l
From the first page I was engaged in the story and adventure. The plot was fast paced and had lots of twist and turns. i will recommend this book
l
December 23, 2025
I had very mixed feelings about this book and I couldn't decide what I didn't like about it for the longest time. I think it's the writing style. It's written in first person present tense, but there was a lot of passive voice, and for a fast-paced, action-packed narrative, it dragged quite a bit for me. I also tend to struggle with biopics because sometimes they have a distance to them that I find hard to engage with.
I am in love with the idea of lady pirates though and hope this will be the new lady knights trend of 2026. I will gladly scoop up any lady pirate books I can find.
This book is based on a real-life historical figure, Jacquotte Delahaye, who was a pirate from Tortuga, and I think the book did do a good job at portraying her as a complicated, flawed character. I frequently didn't like her and didn't understand her decisions, but as she was inspired by a real person, I can't fault the narrative for that.
She was not a sparkly pirate. I often found her to be selfish. She treated her crew like family but sacrificed her personal life for adventure, even abandoning her mute brother to a monastery, making her wife work alongside her when she wanted to retire to her garden, or not reuniting with her ex husband because he needed extra care after becoming disabled on his adventures.
I loved that she was fierce, brash and bold, and she was bisexual; her two loves were a pirate captain who abandoned her after a week of marriage to chase adventure and riches, and a trans woman courtesan who joined her on her adventures. I enjoyed the love stories the most in this narrative. I also loved that she hated slavery so much, which drove her to become a pirate; and she wouldn't become a wench or a wife, but wanted to forge her own path. This really showed how hard it was for women at the time.
Wanted to love this more than I did, but it just didn't work for me. More lady pirates though!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am in love with the idea of lady pirates though and hope this will be the new lady knights trend of 2026. I will gladly scoop up any lady pirate books I can find.
This book is based on a real-life historical figure, Jacquotte Delahaye, who was a pirate from Tortuga, and I think the book did do a good job at portraying her as a complicated, flawed character. I frequently didn't like her and didn't understand her decisions, but as she was inspired by a real person, I can't fault the narrative for that.
She was not a sparkly pirate. I often found her to be selfish. She treated her crew like family but sacrificed her personal life for adventure, even abandoning her mute brother to a monastery, making her wife work alongside her when she wanted to retire to her garden, or not reuniting with her ex husband because he needed extra care after becoming disabled on his adventures.
I loved that she was fierce, brash and bold, and she was bisexual; her two loves were a pirate captain who abandoned her after a week of marriage to chase adventure and riches, and a trans woman courtesan who joined her on her adventures. I enjoyed the love stories the most in this narrative. I also loved that she hated slavery so much, which drove her to become a pirate; and she wouldn't become a wench or a wife, but wanted to forge her own path. This really showed how hard it was for women at the time.
Wanted to love this more than I did, but it just didn't work for me. More lady pirates though!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC and Librofm for the ALC!!!
In "Fire Sword, and Sea," Vanessa Riley takes us back to the rugged Caribbean of the late 17th century. The story begins in 1674, following the legendary Jacquotte Delahaye. As a mixed-race woman in Tortuga, Jacquotte rejects the limited life laid out for her and instead carves a path through the dangerous world of seafaring and piracy.
Riley’s writing is incredibly immersive, capturing the grit of the docks and the freedom of the open water. Jacquotte is a fierce and complex lead, and seeing her navigate a world of smugglers and empires is truly captivating.
I'm in love with Black women who are pirates! I hope this becomes a trend in historical fiction because Jacquotte’s story is exactly the kind of representation and adventure I want to see more of.
The plot includes history so rich that I wish I had a physical copy or an ARC so I could have taken notes as I read. I kept wanting to mark down my favorite moments and clues. Needless to say, I still enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good seas saga.
🎧The Audiobook Review🎧
The audiobook is a high energy production, but it does come with a learning curve for the listener. The narrator uses very authentic 17th century Caribbean accents to bring the diverse cast of pirates and sailors to life.
Because the accents are so thick and realistic, I must admit I had to immerse read (following along with the text while listening) to make sure I didn't miss any important details. It required a bit more focus, but it made the world feel much more real.
In "Fire Sword, and Sea," Vanessa Riley takes us back to the rugged Caribbean of the late 17th century. The story begins in 1674, following the legendary Jacquotte Delahaye. As a mixed-race woman in Tortuga, Jacquotte rejects the limited life laid out for her and instead carves a path through the dangerous world of seafaring and piracy.
Riley’s writing is incredibly immersive, capturing the grit of the docks and the freedom of the open water. Jacquotte is a fierce and complex lead, and seeing her navigate a world of smugglers and empires is truly captivating.
I'm in love with Black women who are pirates! I hope this becomes a trend in historical fiction because Jacquotte’s story is exactly the kind of representation and adventure I want to see more of.
The plot includes history so rich that I wish I had a physical copy or an ARC so I could have taken notes as I read. I kept wanting to mark down my favorite moments and clues. Needless to say, I still enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good seas saga.
🎧The Audiobook Review🎧
The audiobook is a high energy production, but it does come with a learning curve for the listener. The narrator uses very authentic 17th century Caribbean accents to bring the diverse cast of pirates and sailors to life.
Because the accents are so thick and realistic, I must admit I had to immerse read (following along with the text while listening) to make sure I didn't miss any important details. It required a bit more focus, but it made the world feel much more real.
January 14, 2026
Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
This is the story of notorious female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. It's actually the story of a woman from the Caribbean finding a way to survive, thrive and own her own destiny. Only the last third or so is swashbuckling pirate action. The first third is her childhood and the realities of life on a small island at the center of slave trade and piracy. The middle really focuses on her first brush with a pirate, losing it all and then deciding hiding her gender and becoming a pirate was the life she wanted. I enjoyed every second of it. It's great historical fiction which evolves into an action packed story.
This is the story of notorious female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. It's actually the story of a woman from the Caribbean finding a way to survive, thrive and own her own destiny. Only the last third or so is swashbuckling pirate action. The first third is her childhood and the realities of life on a small island at the center of slave trade and piracy. The middle really focuses on her first brush with a pirate, losing it all and then deciding hiding her gender and becoming a pirate was the life she wanted. I enjoyed every second of it. It's great historical fiction which evolves into an action packed story.
December 22, 2025
This book was a truly adventurous read. I’ve never read a story about pirates—especially not one centered on a Black female pirate—so it immediately stood out. The main character, Jacquotte Delahaye, was born to an enslaved mother and a French father under French colonial rule. Her mixed identity placed her in a complicated position, shaping how she navigated the world from an early age.
From beginning to end, Jacquotte was brave, determined, and fierce. She knew what she wanted early on. At first, she was willing to compromise her dreams for love, particularly with Captain LeBasque. But once he left, she fully chose herself and pursued her true calling—becoming a filibuster, a pirate, and eventually a captain. She achieved all of that and even found love again.
I really appreciated how research-driven Vanessa Miller is. Because so little information exists about figures like Jacquotte, this historical fiction is carefully built around real facts, with thoughtful storytelling filling in the gaps. Miller did a great job portraying Jacquotte’s strength alongside her regrets, fears, and emotional struggles.
Although Jacquotte was proud of her accomplishments, she was also incredibly hard on herself. She carried guilt over what she lost by choosing her dreams—especially her relationship with her brother, whom she left in the care of monks. Still, she remained deeply committed to her crew, who became her chosen family.
The book also offered strong representation. Women couldn’t own property or command ships during this time, yet Jacquotte defied every expectation. She was a skilled sailor and fighter, quick to identify her enemies’ weaknesses and navigate danger. The story also explored gender and identity through Madame Erville, showing how people in the 1600s often had to disguise themselves to live freely and love who they chose.
While the story dragged a bit in the middle, the character development and reflection made it worth the read. Overall, it was a compelling story about ambition, sacrifice, identity, and the cost of choosing yourself.
From beginning to end, Jacquotte was brave, determined, and fierce. She knew what she wanted early on. At first, she was willing to compromise her dreams for love, particularly with Captain LeBasque. But once he left, she fully chose herself and pursued her true calling—becoming a filibuster, a pirate, and eventually a captain. She achieved all of that and even found love again.
I really appreciated how research-driven Vanessa Miller is. Because so little information exists about figures like Jacquotte, this historical fiction is carefully built around real facts, with thoughtful storytelling filling in the gaps. Miller did a great job portraying Jacquotte’s strength alongside her regrets, fears, and emotional struggles.
Although Jacquotte was proud of her accomplishments, she was also incredibly hard on herself. She carried guilt over what she lost by choosing her dreams—especially her relationship with her brother, whom she left in the care of monks. Still, she remained deeply committed to her crew, who became her chosen family.
The book also offered strong representation. Women couldn’t own property or command ships during this time, yet Jacquotte defied every expectation. She was a skilled sailor and fighter, quick to identify her enemies’ weaknesses and navigate danger. The story also explored gender and identity through Madame Erville, showing how people in the 1600s often had to disguise themselves to live freely and love who they chose.
While the story dragged a bit in the middle, the character development and reflection made it worth the read. Overall, it was a compelling story about ambition, sacrifice, identity, and the cost of choosing yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A historical fiction taken in the Caribbean was all I needed to see in order to get my eyes on this ARC anticipated novel. This book was a whirlwind but Vanessa Riley did an amazing job keeping the reader fully engaged in the world she built. It was easy to follow as she took us from land to sea and back. I love when I read a book and the author can transport me to a time period and place without it feeling muddled or overdone. You could visualize and taste the saltwater spray, hear the crackle of fire spreading, and see the various faces of diverse characters we were introduced to throughout the story.
At first when I went through the cast of characters and their alternative names in the introductory pages, I found myself feeling overwhelmed. I mentally started to prepare myself to be confused which hindered me from picking up this read sooner. However, while reading I felt Riley did an excellent job making the characters names and presence easy to follow and remember. Because of this, I feel like there was no need for the list we are first introduced to.
While I wouldn’t necessarily have picked up a book surrounding the theme of piracy, I’m glad I took the risk and engaged with a text outside of my comfort zone. I found myself invested and surprised by Jacquotte Delahaye’s ambitious nature. At the same time, I was angry with Jacquotte a lot. While we saw her grow into herself more through each page, we also saw how she lost herself in other ways. I think that “selfishness” she displayed was truly a double edged sword. If she chose a different path would she really have been better? Or would the embers of her longing be too strong to cool?
I recommend this book to anyone who’s even a little bit curious. The historical aspect of this book makes it even more fascinating knowing it draws on some researched truths.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of #FireSwordandSea
Oh, and #JusticeForJosiah !
At first when I went through the cast of characters and their alternative names in the introductory pages, I found myself feeling overwhelmed. I mentally started to prepare myself to be confused which hindered me from picking up this read sooner. However, while reading I felt Riley did an excellent job making the characters names and presence easy to follow and remember. Because of this, I feel like there was no need for the list we are first introduced to.
While I wouldn’t necessarily have picked up a book surrounding the theme of piracy, I’m glad I took the risk and engaged with a text outside of my comfort zone. I found myself invested and surprised by Jacquotte Delahaye’s ambitious nature. At the same time, I was angry with Jacquotte a lot. While we saw her grow into herself more through each page, we also saw how she lost herself in other ways. I think that “selfishness” she displayed was truly a double edged sword. If she chose a different path would she really have been better? Or would the embers of her longing be too strong to cool?
I recommend this book to anyone who’s even a little bit curious. The historical aspect of this book makes it even more fascinating knowing it draws on some researched truths.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of #FireSwordandSea
Oh, and #JusticeForJosiah !
Read
January 5, 2026Fire Sword and Sea is a powerful and engaging historical novel that blends courage, love, and resilience. The individuals worked to live of their truths, and become who they one themselves to be. They were fearless in times where being black, as well as a woman counted against you.
Vanessa Riley brings her characters to life with strong emotions and rich detail, making the story both inspiring and immersive. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and sacrifice while keeping the pace exciting and the stakes high.
Overall, it’s a compelling read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and meaningful depth. Thank you Netgalley and Vanessa Riley for this ARC copy.
Vanessa Riley brings her characters to life with strong emotions and rich detail, making the story both inspiring and immersive. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and sacrifice while keeping the pace exciting and the stakes high.
Overall, it’s a compelling read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and meaningful depth. Thank you Netgalley and Vanessa Riley for this ARC copy.
January 17, 2026
Loved this.
Also, reading this alongside Eduardo Galeano’s OPEN VEINS OF LATIN AMERICA (particularly the chapter on sugar) deepens my understanding.
Also, reading this alongside Eduardo Galeano’s OPEN VEINS OF LATIN AMERICA (particularly the chapter on sugar) deepens my understanding.
November 30, 2025
I received a free copy from William Morrow by entering a Goodreads Giveaway.
I really wanted to like this book but didn't. Fast paced, but in an unexciting way. It felt like I was being told about a loose set events revolving around one person. I wasn't living/feeling the story. A lot happens and I was completely detached. It started strong but after the first couple of chapters I lost interest.
I really wanted to like this book but didn't. Fast paced, but in an unexciting way. It felt like I was being told about a loose set events revolving around one person. I wasn't living/feeling the story. A lot happens and I was completely detached. It started strong but after the first couple of chapters I lost interest.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I'd like to thank William Morrow Books for providing me with an ARC of "Fire Sword and Sea." I've always been a fan of pirates; then, adding lady pirates to the mix, you've got me hooked! This one is for any of us who enjoyed "The Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Black Sails" over the years.
Vanessa Riley's "Fire Sword and Sea" is a sweeping biographical fiction/historical fiction novel covering approximately 20 years in the life of the famed pirate, Jacquotte Delahaye. I'd heard of Delahaye before, through various documentaries over the years, but I was curious to see how Riley would marry the myth with the bare bones facts of Delahaye's story - facts that are few and many questioning whether she ever existed. But that question notwithstanding, I think Riley succeeded in constructing a poignant picture of this woman who fought to survive in an era that was often dangerous for women, especially mixed-race women.
This tale is told through the eyes of Jacquotte herself, and although I am not always a fan of first-person pov, I think this perspective allows the readers to really understand her inner motivations - her "why" for fighting to exist in that world. Riley does a wonderful job of painting a very real picture of what it was like to be a buccaneer on the high-seas. You can tell the depth of her research with the way she weaved together fact and fiction to set the scenes of Jacquotte's journey in the vibrant tension of life in the 17th-century Caribbean. Riley didn't shy away from the chaotic state of politics, the fluid nature of intimate relationships, and the boldness it took to stay free at the height of the Transatlantic slave trade.
As much as I enjoyed the worldbuilding, I also struggled with the overall flow of the book. The structure of telling the story over 20 years made sense, but I felt, at times, that we were jumping from moment to moment. This happened less so when events happened within the same year, but when there was a time jump, the story often felt disjointed.
I also struggled with the lack of emotional depth given to Jacquotte. I didn't feel that we truly understood her emotions as well as we understood her motivations. I understood that she was determined, ambitious, selfish even, but I didn't understand how she felt about events. Things would happen, and I would find myself wondering how that made her feel. The writing told me she felt something, but it didn't show me - didn't make me feel it. I know from the author's note at the end that the anachronistic language was a choice to make this an easier read, but I wonder if focusing on readability put emotional depth on the back burner.
All in all, I enjoyed this reimagining of the legendary life of Jacquotte Delahaye. And I think fans of historical fiction and pirate tales will enjoy this one, too!
Vanessa Riley's "Fire Sword and Sea" is a sweeping biographical fiction/historical fiction novel covering approximately 20 years in the life of the famed pirate, Jacquotte Delahaye. I'd heard of Delahaye before, through various documentaries over the years, but I was curious to see how Riley would marry the myth with the bare bones facts of Delahaye's story - facts that are few and many questioning whether she ever existed. But that question notwithstanding, I think Riley succeeded in constructing a poignant picture of this woman who fought to survive in an era that was often dangerous for women, especially mixed-race women.
This tale is told through the eyes of Jacquotte herself, and although I am not always a fan of first-person pov, I think this perspective allows the readers to really understand her inner motivations - her "why" for fighting to exist in that world. Riley does a wonderful job of painting a very real picture of what it was like to be a buccaneer on the high-seas. You can tell the depth of her research with the way she weaved together fact and fiction to set the scenes of Jacquotte's journey in the vibrant tension of life in the 17th-century Caribbean. Riley didn't shy away from the chaotic state of politics, the fluid nature of intimate relationships, and the boldness it took to stay free at the height of the Transatlantic slave trade.
As much as I enjoyed the worldbuilding, I also struggled with the overall flow of the book. The structure of telling the story over 20 years made sense, but I felt, at times, that we were jumping from moment to moment. This happened less so when events happened within the same year, but when there was a time jump, the story often felt disjointed.
I also struggled with the lack of emotional depth given to Jacquotte. I didn't feel that we truly understood her emotions as well as we understood her motivations. I understood that she was determined, ambitious, selfish even, but I didn't understand how she felt about events. Things would happen, and I would find myself wondering how that made her feel. The writing told me she felt something, but it didn't show me - didn't make me feel it. I know from the author's note at the end that the anachronistic language was a choice to make this an easier read, but I wonder if focusing on readability put emotional depth on the back burner.
All in all, I enjoyed this reimagining of the legendary life of Jacquotte Delahaye. And I think fans of historical fiction and pirate tales will enjoy this one, too!
October 30, 2025
A big thank you to the author, Netgalley, and William Morrow for providing an ARC in exchange for a review!
This was such a good read!!
I've never read anything by Vanessa Riley but I want to check out more after reading this. The novel is about the late 1600s and the pirate life at the time; it follows the life of Jacquotte Delahaye, a woman of French and Haitian descent. After losing her father in the hostile takeover of his tavern in Tortuga, Jacquotte Delahaye escapes to Haiti with her brother, where she works as a dockhand under the male identity of Jacques.
It's a deeply fascinating delve into the world of Caribbean piracy and how not every pirate was a Jack Sparrow-like figure. Some were escaped slaves from colonized nations, others were puppets of imperial powers like Britain or Spain. It corroborates the notion that many countries sponsored pirates and let them attack their rivals' ships. This was to build their own countries' wealth, as seen in the novel. It also acknowledges the way the slave trade impacted many nations' fortunes, and how even other pirates took part in it for a quick buck.
It's clear that Vanessa Riley is a masterful historian, and I appreciated how much thought went into how she wrote about Jacquotte. She writes about Jacquotte's identity and sexuality with tact and care while adhering to the time period, and while she wrote a disclaimer that the dialogue isn't historically accurate, what she wrote fit naturally with the world. I've noticed that some historical fiction writers struggle with writing about marginalized groups in a way that meshes cohesively with the time period, and I'm glad to see that Riley does not have that issue when writing about LGBT+ folks in this book.
One thing that is wild about the story of Jacquotte Delahaye that I found out after reading this book is that her existence is disputed. I saw some sources say that she did exist and collaborated with many of her fellow pirates, while other sources suggest that Jacquotte was a character created by a French writer in the 1940s. A sobering fact is that the lack of concrete documentation is very common when it comes to the lives of disenfranchised folks from the late 1600s, (systemic discrimination in action via inaction) and so I appreciate Riley for researching as much as possible to stitch a complete narrative of Delahaye's life.
This was such a good read!!
I've never read anything by Vanessa Riley but I want to check out more after reading this. The novel is about the late 1600s and the pirate life at the time; it follows the life of Jacquotte Delahaye, a woman of French and Haitian descent. After losing her father in the hostile takeover of his tavern in Tortuga, Jacquotte Delahaye escapes to Haiti with her brother, where she works as a dockhand under the male identity of Jacques.
It's a deeply fascinating delve into the world of Caribbean piracy and how not every pirate was a Jack Sparrow-like figure. Some were escaped slaves from colonized nations, others were puppets of imperial powers like Britain or Spain. It corroborates the notion that many countries sponsored pirates and let them attack their rivals' ships. This was to build their own countries' wealth, as seen in the novel. It also acknowledges the way the slave trade impacted many nations' fortunes, and how even other pirates took part in it for a quick buck.
It's clear that Vanessa Riley is a masterful historian, and I appreciated how much thought went into how she wrote about Jacquotte. She writes about Jacquotte's identity and sexuality with tact and care while adhering to the time period, and while she wrote a disclaimer that the dialogue isn't historically accurate, what she wrote fit naturally with the world. I've noticed that some historical fiction writers struggle with writing about marginalized groups in a way that meshes cohesively with the time period, and I'm glad to see that Riley does not have that issue when writing about LGBT+ folks in this book.
One thing that is wild about the story of Jacquotte Delahaye that I found out after reading this book is that her existence is disputed. I saw some sources say that she did exist and collaborated with many of her fellow pirates, while other sources suggest that Jacquotte was a character created by a French writer in the 1940s. A sobering fact is that the lack of concrete documentation is very common when it comes to the lives of disenfranchised folks from the late 1600s, (systemic discrimination in action via inaction) and so I appreciate Riley for researching as much as possible to stitch a complete narrative of Delahaye's life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Fire Sword and Sea is the latest historical fiction effort from Vanessa Riley, and while it’s my least favorite craft wise, it still has a lot to offer. I was quite excited to see what she would bring to the story of Jacquotte Delahaye, and I having read another author’s take on her story a year or two ago, I’m so happy that we’ve now reached a point where more than one book about a Black historical figure (aside from the obvious ones) can exist and further broaden the landscape of Black historical fiction.
Jacquotte herself is a compelling figure, and I really enjoyed following Riley’s take on her. I was a bit curious as to how the aspects around her sexuality and gender would be handled, given that Riley has a background in Christian fiction, only pivoting away in recent years. However, she has a lot of compassion for Jacquotte’s identity, so it’s very obvious that she does not align with the mainstream view of many in the Christian fiction community in that regard (with racism also being something that likely alienated her further). She strikes a solid balance of writing about these topics in a way that works for the modern reader, without being too jarring from a historical perspective. As for the pirate element, I love how Riley builds the landscape around Jacquotte, showing how diverse crews often were, something that a lot of popular media often glosses over, despite often being centered around the Caribbean.
Prose wise, the narration does feel a bit distant, despite being in first person present tense. And while I was used to Riley’s epic style that she brings to her historical fiction, I found the pacing a bit slow, especially at first as the story skipped ahead in time every handful of chapters. However, as the story went on, the pirate-related swashbuckling came into play, the story picked up more, and the pacing was tinged with high-action moments.
This was a solid read, and I would recommend it to readers interested in Black historical fiction, especially if you like stories about queer pirates!
Fire Sword and Sea is the latest historical fiction effort from Vanessa Riley, and while it’s my least favorite craft wise, it still has a lot to offer. I was quite excited to see what she would bring to the story of Jacquotte Delahaye, and I having read another author’s take on her story a year or two ago, I’m so happy that we’ve now reached a point where more than one book about a Black historical figure (aside from the obvious ones) can exist and further broaden the landscape of Black historical fiction.
Jacquotte herself is a compelling figure, and I really enjoyed following Riley’s take on her. I was a bit curious as to how the aspects around her sexuality and gender would be handled, given that Riley has a background in Christian fiction, only pivoting away in recent years. However, she has a lot of compassion for Jacquotte’s identity, so it’s very obvious that she does not align with the mainstream view of many in the Christian fiction community in that regard (with racism also being something that likely alienated her further). She strikes a solid balance of writing about these topics in a way that works for the modern reader, without being too jarring from a historical perspective. As for the pirate element, I love how Riley builds the landscape around Jacquotte, showing how diverse crews often were, something that a lot of popular media often glosses over, despite often being centered around the Caribbean.
Prose wise, the narration does feel a bit distant, despite being in first person present tense. And while I was used to Riley’s epic style that she brings to her historical fiction, I found the pacing a bit slow, especially at first as the story skipped ahead in time every handful of chapters. However, as the story went on, the pirate-related swashbuckling came into play, the story picked up more, and the pacing was tinged with high-action moments.
This was a solid read, and I would recommend it to readers interested in Black historical fiction, especially if you like stories about queer pirates!
January 10, 2026
Fire Sword and Sea
Fire Sword and Sea is a sweeping tale that spans over 20 years around the Caribbean. We meet Jacquotte Delahaye as the young daughter of a tavern owner who has a thirst for adventure but like the women in her time, she knows her fate lies with either becoming a wife or a wench.
A series of unfortunate and gruesome events leads to her getting a chance for adventure but at a great cost. She’s forced to leave behind something precious including her family, friends, and even her identity. Over the next 20 something years, she sails and fights with a crew of pirates. She participates in much of what we know about piracy today, but the complexity comes from the relationships she forms along the way as well as the political nature of the dealings of that time. There’s battles and treachery, political maneuvering and risky situations, displays of bravery and even a little heat. If had to describe this book in one word, I would choose resilience. Jacquotte is literally taken through it 😩 Loss after loss, she has so many ups and downs over the years. She experiences both love and loss. She also experiences betrayal and a special kind of kinship. She does all of this while growing stronger and becoming more cunning and resilient. I was truly transported while reading this book. The language took some getting used to but once I did, I was locked in. This is a story that I didn’t know I needed, about people I didn’t know existed. It’s a part of history that isn’t discussed nearly enough. I was super fascinated and I think you will be too. Certain phases of her life are a little more interesting than others but I felt that the story flowed really well and kept me intrigued. I did an immersive read with both the physical/ebook and audio. This made for a truly engaging reading experience. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced reading copy.
Fire Sword and Sea is a sweeping tale that spans over 20 years around the Caribbean. We meet Jacquotte Delahaye as the young daughter of a tavern owner who has a thirst for adventure but like the women in her time, she knows her fate lies with either becoming a wife or a wench.
A series of unfortunate and gruesome events leads to her getting a chance for adventure but at a great cost. She’s forced to leave behind something precious including her family, friends, and even her identity. Over the next 20 something years, she sails and fights with a crew of pirates. She participates in much of what we know about piracy today, but the complexity comes from the relationships she forms along the way as well as the political nature of the dealings of that time. There’s battles and treachery, political maneuvering and risky situations, displays of bravery and even a little heat. If had to describe this book in one word, I would choose resilience. Jacquotte is literally taken through it 😩 Loss after loss, she has so many ups and downs over the years. She experiences both love and loss. She also experiences betrayal and a special kind of kinship. She does all of this while growing stronger and becoming more cunning and resilient. I was truly transported while reading this book. The language took some getting used to but once I did, I was locked in. This is a story that I didn’t know I needed, about people I didn’t know existed. It’s a part of history that isn’t discussed nearly enough. I was super fascinated and I think you will be too. Certain phases of her life are a little more interesting than others but I felt that the story flowed really well and kept me intrigued. I did an immersive read with both the physical/ebook and audio. This made for a truly engaging reading experience. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced reading copy.
January 18, 2026
I love historical fiction, especially when it introduces me to fascinating subjects like female filibusters, buccaneers, and pirates.
This captivating fictional account delves into the life of Jacquotte Delahaye, a real-life pirate from the Caribbean. Jacquotte, the mixed-race daughter of a formerly enslaved woman and a Frenchman, embarked on a journey from cooking in her father’s tavern to seeking a greater purpose. Her love for a pirate named Michel led her to marry him, only for him to abandon her. Believing him dead, she moved to Haiti after her father’s passing and adopted the identity of Jacques, a dockworker. There, she crossed paths with a courtesan named Lizzoa. She eventually found herself becoming a pirate herself, captaining her own ship and crew.
The book sheds light on the historical context of the prevalence of African slaves, driven by the wealth generated from sugar production. It explores the role of the church in purchasing and utilizing slaves to expand its influence. The narrative also delves into the complexities of love between gay and transgender characters, highlighting the challenges faced by women in a society where they were not permitted on ships and faced severe consequences for their presence.
While the book may have a slower pace in the middle, it compensates by allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the lives of its diverse characters. Overall, I enjoyed it.
This captivating fictional account delves into the life of Jacquotte Delahaye, a real-life pirate from the Caribbean. Jacquotte, the mixed-race daughter of a formerly enslaved woman and a Frenchman, embarked on a journey from cooking in her father’s tavern to seeking a greater purpose. Her love for a pirate named Michel led her to marry him, only for him to abandon her. Believing him dead, she moved to Haiti after her father’s passing and adopted the identity of Jacques, a dockworker. There, she crossed paths with a courtesan named Lizzoa. She eventually found herself becoming a pirate herself, captaining her own ship and crew.
The book sheds light on the historical context of the prevalence of African slaves, driven by the wealth generated from sugar production. It explores the role of the church in purchasing and utilizing slaves to expand its influence. The narrative also delves into the complexities of love between gay and transgender characters, highlighting the challenges faced by women in a society where they were not permitted on ships and faced severe consequences for their presence.
While the book may have a slower pace in the middle, it compensates by allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the lives of its diverse characters. Overall, I enjoyed it.
January 22, 2026
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the free book! #EpicTastemakers #williammorrowbooks #williammorrow #FireSwordAndSea
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 & 𝐒𝐞𝐚
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎���𝟔
3.5★
This was the second historical fiction novel I’ve read that was based on the real life of Jacquotte Delehaye, a seventeenth-century Black female pirate. It’s a book about secret identities, as Jacquotte decides she must make her own way and becomes Jacques, and soon earns the respect of those around her while concealing her gender. Soon, she learns that secret identities are common in the world of seafaring. This book is so much more than just a pirate out at sea. It looks at identity and resilience. While there are some action scenes at times, there is a lot of character growth between the pages. I appreciated how gender identity was normalized in the book.
It was hard to like Jacquotte at times. I did not always agree with her choices and it made it a little difficult to get through the book at times. With that said, I loved the historical context and pushed that aside because of how well-researched this book was and really appreciated how everything wrapped up in the end.
🗡️Based on the Life of Jacquotte Delehaye
🗡️17th Century
🗡️Forbidden Love
🗡️Sisterhood
🗡️Secret Identities
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 & 𝐒𝐞𝐚
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎���𝟔
3.5★
This was the second historical fiction novel I’ve read that was based on the real life of Jacquotte Delehaye, a seventeenth-century Black female pirate. It’s a book about secret identities, as Jacquotte decides she must make her own way and becomes Jacques, and soon earns the respect of those around her while concealing her gender. Soon, she learns that secret identities are common in the world of seafaring. This book is so much more than just a pirate out at sea. It looks at identity and resilience. While there are some action scenes at times, there is a lot of character growth between the pages. I appreciated how gender identity was normalized in the book.
It was hard to like Jacquotte at times. I did not always agree with her choices and it made it a little difficult to get through the book at times. With that said, I loved the historical context and pushed that aside because of how well-researched this book was and really appreciated how everything wrapped up in the end.
🗡️Based on the Life of Jacquotte Delehaye
🗡️17th Century
🗡️Forbidden Love
🗡️Sisterhood
🗡️Secret Identities
January 25, 2026
“Every day offers two chances to succeed, two opportunities to get things right. If you keep striving, you’re bound to win—or at least find peace within yourself.”
Fire Sword and Sea is a fast-paced, first-person historical biopic of pirate Jacquotte Delahaye, following her from childhood through her life on Caribbean waters. Riley’s research is clear (and her author’s note is excellent), and the way disability, sexuality, and gender are woven into the story felt genuinely refreshing.
Jacquotte is a fascinating character because she refuses to abandon her convictions, even when doing so costs her dearly. She wants a life of her own making—and she’s willing to fight for it, not just for herself but for those who come after her. The women in this book are especially well drawn; Lizzôa and Bahati were standouts for me.
There’s love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, action, and reflection here. It’s entertaining without being shallow, emotional without being overwrought, and ultimately inspiring. In a world that constantly asks us to justify what we believe in, this book is a reminder to hold fast to your values and keep going.
Highly recommended if you love historical fiction, care about justice and equality, and want to read about women who take life by the reins.
Fire Sword and Sea is a fast-paced, first-person historical biopic of pirate Jacquotte Delahaye, following her from childhood through her life on Caribbean waters. Riley’s research is clear (and her author’s note is excellent), and the way disability, sexuality, and gender are woven into the story felt genuinely refreshing.
Jacquotte is a fascinating character because she refuses to abandon her convictions, even when doing so costs her dearly. She wants a life of her own making—and she’s willing to fight for it, not just for herself but for those who come after her. The women in this book are especially well drawn; Lizzôa and Bahati were standouts for me.
There’s love, loss, betrayal, sacrifice, action, and reflection here. It’s entertaining without being shallow, emotional without being overwrought, and ultimately inspiring. In a world that constantly asks us to justify what we believe in, this book is a reminder to hold fast to your values and keep going.
Highly recommended if you love historical fiction, care about justice and equality, and want to read about women who take life by the reins.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jacquotte Delahaye is a legendary, and some say completely fictional, Caribbean pirate in the 17th century. Here, Vanessa Riley brings us a fascinating blend of strength and resilience as she tells Jacquotte's story.
On the island of Tortuga, young Jacquotte dreams of adventure at sea, not marriage. She begins her adventures by posing as a man, Jacques, and meets others who must do the same in order to survive in this dangerous and often violent, world.
There is action aplenty, with Jacquotte proving herself to be equal, if not better, than many of the famed (male) pirates that are spoken of with awe. There is love, and sex, not always together, and she knows that there is more to her calling than merely ruling the waves and amassing wealth.
Fictional or not, I found Jacquotte a strong protagonist, her motivations always true to herself - it is rare we get to see a lead like her, when so much of the image of the pirate is based on white men. I also enjoyed seeing her look ahead to what she wants her life to mean. I do think your mama would be proud, Jacquotte.
On the island of Tortuga, young Jacquotte dreams of adventure at sea, not marriage. She begins her adventures by posing as a man, Jacques, and meets others who must do the same in order to survive in this dangerous and often violent, world.
There is action aplenty, with Jacquotte proving herself to be equal, if not better, than many of the famed (male) pirates that are spoken of with awe. There is love, and sex, not always together, and she knows that there is more to her calling than merely ruling the waves and amassing wealth.
Fictional or not, I found Jacquotte a strong protagonist, her motivations always true to herself - it is rare we get to see a lead like her, when so much of the image of the pirate is based on white men. I also enjoyed seeing her look ahead to what she wants her life to mean. I do think your mama would be proud, Jacquotte.
January 26, 2026
Thank you to William Morrow and LibroFM for the free audiobook. These opinions are my own.
Vanessa Riley writes some of the best historical fiction now. In this, she tells the story of Jacquotte Delahaye, a mixed race woman in the 1600s in the Caribbean. Jacquotte fights against slavery and strives for more freedom for women. Ultimately, she joins a pirate crew and ends up helming a sloop.
I don't want to spoil the book by telling too many of the elements that I enjoyed. But I will say that I loved the gender fluidity and queer and trans characters. And I greatly appreciated that Riley was clear in her author's note about the extent of her knowledge of how the characters identified and presented themselves.
The author's note also provided great insight into other aspects of the story and how well researched this was. The story is an incredible adventure with danger and swashbuckling and a quest for treasure. It is by turns, moving and heartbreaking.
Vanessa Riley writes some of the best historical fiction now. In this, she tells the story of Jacquotte Delahaye, a mixed race woman in the 1600s in the Caribbean. Jacquotte fights against slavery and strives for more freedom for women. Ultimately, she joins a pirate crew and ends up helming a sloop.
I don't want to spoil the book by telling too many of the elements that I enjoyed. But I will say that I loved the gender fluidity and queer and trans characters. And I greatly appreciated that Riley was clear in her author's note about the extent of her knowledge of how the characters identified and presented themselves.
The author's note also provided great insight into other aspects of the story and how well researched this was. The story is an incredible adventure with danger and swashbuckling and a quest for treasure. It is by turns, moving and heartbreaking.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book would make a great limited series.
I know little of the history of the Caribbean. It's the one of the reasons I enjoy Vanessa Riley's work. The author does her homework and writes a convincing portrayal, even with the limited information available on the late 17th century and female pirates and the main character Jacquotte Delahaye. The language is sometimes hard to understand as communication in the time period was through multiple locations and the author admittedly modernizes speech slightly to help with communication while trying to maintain an accurate portrayal of the gritty lifestyle of the time.
The thing that makes this worthy of a series is how often the book's heroine faces decisions that could deprive her of life, and how she manages to overcome those obstacles, making this an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.
I know little of the history of the Caribbean. It's the one of the reasons I enjoy Vanessa Riley's work. The author does her homework and writes a convincing portrayal, even with the limited information available on the late 17th century and female pirates and the main character Jacquotte Delahaye. The language is sometimes hard to understand as communication in the time period was through multiple locations and the author admittedly modernizes speech slightly to help with communication while trying to maintain an accurate portrayal of the gritty lifestyle of the time.
The thing that makes this worthy of a series is how often the book's heroine faces decisions that could deprive her of life, and how she manages to overcome those obstacles, making this an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.
January 13, 2026
This was an action packed biopic bookof the life of pirate Jacquotte Delehaye. Written from the first person POV, the book follows the adventures of Jacquotte as a strong willed young child, her adolescence and her foray as a pirate on Caribbean waters.
The plot was very immersive and beautifully described. It was surreal reading about black female pirates and the dangers they faced.
The protagonist is not the best of humans and the author was very consistent as to how she portrayed her. She is flawed but realistic and true to herself.
I enjoyed reading this as it was filled with adventures, relationships, friendships and random information. This is a slice of history that needs to be told.
The book explores serious issues, such as the slave trade, racism, misogyny and patriarchy. It is one I highly recommend.
The plot was very immersive and beautifully described. It was surreal reading about black female pirates and the dangers they faced.
The protagonist is not the best of humans and the author was very consistent as to how she portrayed her. She is flawed but realistic and true to herself.
I enjoyed reading this as it was filled with adventures, relationships, friendships and random information. This is a slice of history that needs to be told.
The book explores serious issues, such as the slave trade, racism, misogyny and patriarchy. It is one I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Review
“Every day offers two chances to succeed, two opportunities to get things right. If you keep striving, you’re bound to win—or at least find peace within yourself”
Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean… but Black pirates with a Black woman leading the charge. This story is full of high seas adventure, legacy, and straight up rebellion. We’re talking freeing captives from slavery, challenging gender roles, honoring family history, and facing your fears head-on all while standing ten toes down on what’s right. The action does not let up, but what really pulled me in was the heart behind it. This wasn’t just sailing and sword fights; it was about purpose, courage, and choosing justice even when it’s dangerous.
“Every day offers two chances to succeed, two opportunities to get things right. If you keep striving, you’re bound to win—or at least find peace within yourself”
Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean… but Black pirates with a Black woman leading the charge. This story is full of high seas adventure, legacy, and straight up rebellion. We’re talking freeing captives from slavery, challenging gender roles, honoring family history, and facing your fears head-on all while standing ten toes down on what’s right. The action does not let up, but what really pulled me in was the heart behind it. This wasn’t just sailing and sword fights; it was about purpose, courage, and choosing justice even when it’s dangerous.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An epic story of Women who are: Pirates, Black/people of color, Yes, Please! This is the story that I did not know I needed, but extremely glad that I got to experience!
This book follows an epic saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye., a black pirate on the Caribbean seas. Jacquotte wants more in life than to be married off! She wants adventure, to live the life of a seafaring buccaneer. To live her dream, she must become Jacque. As she lives her dream, she finds a crew that shares her same desires and pursuits. Follow her and her crew through a twenty-year journey that will have you glued to each chapter!
It is clear that the author did a lot of research, and it shows in the details, from how the ship functions to what the pirates wore and ate. I felt totally immersed in this story and felt like a member of the crew.
I hope to follow up with the audiobook, since I enjoyed this book so much!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Add this book to your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
This book follows an epic saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye., a black pirate on the Caribbean seas. Jacquotte wants more in life than to be married off! She wants adventure, to live the life of a seafaring buccaneer. To live her dream, she must become Jacque. As she lives her dream, she finds a crew that shares her same desires and pursuits. Follow her and her crew through a twenty-year journey that will have you glued to each chapter!
It is clear that the author did a lot of research, and it shows in the details, from how the ship functions to what the pirates wore and ate. I felt totally immersed in this story and felt like a member of the crew.
I hope to follow up with the audiobook, since I enjoyed this book so much!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Add this book to your TBR, you will not be disappointed!
January 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
Fire Sword & Sea is a gripping, powerful historical novel.
I had a blast with this one! The characters were well-developed and vivid. The character relationships were well-written and compelling, and I especially loved the romance. The plot was engaging, and the pacing fit the story nicely. I hoped for a longer story to get to explore Jacquotte’s character even more. The world-building was wonderful, and I loved the historical details. It took me a few chapters to fully immerse myself in the story, but once I did, I had a delightful time. Vanessa Riley’s prose was lyrical, beautiful, and fierce. I absolutely recommend this one!
Robin Miles was a fantastic narrator. Her voice captured the characters, energy, and atmosphere beautifully. I recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC and finished copy!
Fire Sword & Sea is a gripping, powerful historical novel.
I had a blast with this one! The characters were well-developed and vivid. The character relationships were well-written and compelling, and I especially loved the romance. The plot was engaging, and the pacing fit the story nicely. I hoped for a longer story to get to explore Jacquotte’s character even more. The world-building was wonderful, and I loved the historical details. It took me a few chapters to fully immerse myself in the story, but once I did, I had a delightful time. Vanessa Riley’s prose was lyrical, beautiful, and fierce. I absolutely recommend this one!
Robin Miles was a fantastic narrator. Her voice captured the characters, energy, and atmosphere beautifully. I recommend the audiobook!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC and finished copy!
Want to read
January 24, 2026Yes: A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Stunning cover & love deckle edge w soft paper. Yum
1600s “real pirates of the Caribbean were women & black” it says. Cool!
An immersive saga that has female black pirates who hide their identity and sail off into the sea. Great story line!!!
I started reading it. This is beautiful wonderful writing!! Love the first person pov! Kate Quinn loves it so of course I do!
Amazon $27.94 not much of a sale but it’s ok.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Stunning cover & love deckle edge w soft paper. Yum
1600s “real pirates of the Caribbean were women & black” it says. Cool!
An immersive saga that has female black pirates who hide their identity and sail off into the sea. Great story line!!!
I started reading it. This is beautiful wonderful writing!! Love the first person pov! Kate Quinn loves it so of course I do!
Amazon $27.94 not much of a sale but it’s ok.
October 24, 2025
This was a very interesting read, not at all what I expected. In this historical fiction, we follow the life of Jacquotte Delahaye and her journey from being the daughter of a slave and a tavern owner to becoming a pirate in the Caribbean. The author takes us on a journey through the life of a woman buccaneer in the seventeenth century. We get to experience women pirates and have a closer glimpse of the challenges and oppression women faced in these times. This story was a rollercoaster and is my first women pirate book, but definitely not the last.
November 16, 2025
A fascinating, fascinating fictionalised story of a real seventeenth-century female pirate Jacquotte Delehaye.
It's set in the Caribbean in a world of corrupt colonisers, slavery and where women were very much second class citizens.
The story is gripping. Full of action and adventure, this is an epic, covering a period of more than 20 years.
Vanessa Riley has woven a great story through real historical events and people.
Highly recommended.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
It's set in the Caribbean in a world of corrupt colonisers, slavery and where women were very much second class citizens.
The story is gripping. Full of action and adventure, this is an epic, covering a period of more than 20 years.
Vanessa Riley has woven a great story through real historical events and people.
Highly recommended.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This coming of age story follows Jacquotte, a mixed race child as she survives in the 1600's.This was not the best time in history to be born a woman and black. The author does a good job of showing the disparities that existed through this time. Not just in the main characters life but in those around her. Although the main character had many adventures she became almost unlikeable in the heartbreaking decisions that she makes. Jacquotte is based on a real person. So it is through no fault of the author's that the main character provided little depth.
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