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My Time in Amar #2
A Time of Trepidation, Pirates, and Lost Princesses
Four teenagers.
Two worlds.
One quest.
Since when did survival get so hard?
All Chelsea and her friends have are each other… and magical abilities that they inherited from their fathers. But other than that, they’re on their own. It’s been a week since they were bound to Amar, and they are still no closer to accomplishing their fathers’ quest and getting home.
To make matters worse, the only lead they have is an ominous book of poetry that was written over seven hundred years ago. Inside this book are several mysterious, almost prophetic poems that tell of four heroes who are the only ones who can save Amar from a dark fate. The poems also warn that one of the four will betray the other three, one will be left behind, and one will die.
Full of trepidation over what these poems could mean for them all, Chelsea and her friends journey to the Bextian Sea, the lawless home of pirates and monsters, following a rumor about a golden amulet that has the potential to finally reveal what this quest is. Alas, nothing goes according to plan and soon Chelsea finds herself trying to survive a savage mermaid attack, a vengeful pirate king, and a sudden declaration of love from her childhood friend. All added to the stress of being trapped in a magical world, and the worry that these foreboding poems might actually be prophecies foretelling the future of her and her friends.
This portal fantasy is perfect for YA readers who want a clean adventure, slow-burn romance, and coming of age story set in a dangerous but extremely magical fantasy realm.
Two worlds.
One quest.
Since when did survival get so hard?
All Chelsea and her friends have are each other… and magical abilities that they inherited from their fathers. But other than that, they’re on their own. It’s been a week since they were bound to Amar, and they are still no closer to accomplishing their fathers’ quest and getting home.
To make matters worse, the only lead they have is an ominous book of poetry that was written over seven hundred years ago. Inside this book are several mysterious, almost prophetic poems that tell of four heroes who are the only ones who can save Amar from a dark fate. The poems also warn that one of the four will betray the other three, one will be left behind, and one will die.
Full of trepidation over what these poems could mean for them all, Chelsea and her friends journey to the Bextian Sea, the lawless home of pirates and monsters, following a rumor about a golden amulet that has the potential to finally reveal what this quest is. Alas, nothing goes according to plan and soon Chelsea finds herself trying to survive a savage mermaid attack, a vengeful pirate king, and a sudden declaration of love from her childhood friend. All added to the stress of being trapped in a magical world, and the worry that these foreboding poems might actually be prophecies foretelling the future of her and her friends.
This portal fantasy is perfect for YA readers who want a clean adventure, slow-burn romance, and coming of age story set in a dangerous but extremely magical fantasy realm.
440 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2016
5 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Chapelway
37 books329 followersNicki is a twenty-something author of swoony romantic fantasy. She has been writing since she was eleven and has since published several works. She enjoys creating stories with twisty-stabby faerie romances, retellings that take a darker turn, and epic fantasies in worlds full of monsters and magic.
Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.
Subscribe to her newsletter and receive a free book!
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Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.
Subscribe to her newsletter and receive a free book!
https://mailchi.mp/b6ec5f4a74a5/subsc...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 21, 2021
Number of years it took me to write this book: Six
Number of rewrites: Six hundred million and one... and a half.
Number of times I cried: I flooded Lake Erie
Times Easton was stupid: 225
Times Easton needed to be protected: 450
The number of secrets revealed: That's a secret
The writing process for this book summed up in one sentence: Everything was on fire and I couldn't stop crying.
Cinnamon roll of the book award goes to Easton.
Pessimist of the book award goes to Bobby.
Most sarcastic of the book award goes to Clint.
Sharp cookie of the book award goes to Chelsea.
Idiot of the book award goes to Easton... wait, Marius, GIVE THAT BACK TO EASTON RIGHT NOW.
Most hated of the book award goes to Hagarth. You know what you did now you stay in that corner.
Favorite Line: They say heavy is the head that wears the crown, but I never thought that being a king would be such a deadly business.
I am the author of this book, all opinions are entirely my own.
Number of rewrites: Six hundred million and one... and a half.
Number of times I cried: I flooded Lake Erie
Times Easton was stupid: 225
Times Easton needed to be protected: 450
The number of secrets revealed: That's a secret
The writing process for this book summed up in one sentence: Everything was on fire and I couldn't stop crying.
Cinnamon roll of the book award goes to Easton.
Pessimist of the book award goes to Bobby.
Most sarcastic of the book award goes to Clint.
Sharp cookie of the book award goes to Chelsea.
Idiot of the book award goes to Easton... wait, Marius, GIVE THAT BACK TO EASTON RIGHT NOW.
Most hated of the book award goes to Hagarth. You know what you did now you stay in that corner.
Favorite Line: They say heavy is the head that wears the crown, but I never thought that being a king would be such a deadly business.
I am the author of this book, all opinions are entirely my own.
September 9, 2019
This book seamlessly transitions from the first with a fast-paced plot, spectacular characters, and sparse setting. Perfect for YA Fantasy fans.
Chapelway writes fast-moving stories. From the very beginning of each book, she uses pithy sentences and sarcastic dialogue to bring in the readers. This book doesn't pause for breath, having emotional stakes in every scene, even slow ones. The characters go from one danger to another with hardly any rest, causing me to feel sympathy for them by the end of the book. With such a quick-pace, I thought I would be able to finish these books in a day. Because of their length (over 350 pages each book), I was unable to, and I read pretty quickly! It was hard to put this book down so that I could sleep, the plot was so awesome.
If the plot wasn't enough to convince me these books deserve a high rating, the characters do. Chelsea, the main character, is equally frustrating as she is interesting. She's the worrier, often thinking of ten ways their quest could go wrong rather than living in it. Her brother, Clint, is more like a sarcastic side-kick than a major character (even though he does play a part), and his vulnerabilities are seen in a sisterly context. Easton, the other main character, is the noble one, who acts both foolishly and selflessly so that you love to be frustrated with him. Bobby, the last character from Earth, is an every-man character type. She is the only one without an apparent ability and power, plus a terrible fear of blood.
There are other characts that join their quest, but I feel that naming them might give away too much of the plots. I will say this: I absolutely detest one of them, and it's not the bad guy. It's the "I'm in love with Easton" just because character. Other people may like this character, but I do not. That's all I'm going to say about that.
Interestingly enough, this is where the book is atypical of most fantasy novels. There is world-building in the story, but it is enough to set a scene, not relish in. There is little explanation of the social structure, but the structure is medieval enough that I don't think it would be necessary to describe. However, the politics of the story, which seem like they may be integral to the plot in the future, are not explained. I am assuming that is what A Season of Subterfuge, Courtiers, and War Councils (My Time in Amar #3) is going to be about, so I am happy to let that go. Anyway, overall, the setting is explained enough for most people to understand without going into extensive detail.
Overall, this is an amazing book, and I can't wait until the next one!
Chapelway writes fast-moving stories. From the very beginning of each book, she uses pithy sentences and sarcastic dialogue to bring in the readers. This book doesn't pause for breath, having emotional stakes in every scene, even slow ones. The characters go from one danger to another with hardly any rest, causing me to feel sympathy for them by the end of the book. With such a quick-pace, I thought I would be able to finish these books in a day. Because of their length (over 350 pages each book), I was unable to, and I read pretty quickly! It was hard to put this book down so that I could sleep, the plot was so awesome.
If the plot wasn't enough to convince me these books deserve a high rating, the characters do. Chelsea, the main character, is equally frustrating as she is interesting. She's the worrier, often thinking of ten ways their quest could go wrong rather than living in it. Her brother, Clint, is more like a sarcastic side-kick than a major character (even though he does play a part), and his vulnerabilities are seen in a sisterly context. Easton, the other main character, is the noble one, who acts both foolishly and selflessly so that you love to be frustrated with him. Bobby, the last character from Earth, is an every-man character type. She is the only one without an apparent ability and power, plus a terrible fear of blood.
There are other characts that join their quest, but I feel that naming them might give away too much of the plots. I will say this: I absolutely detest one of them, and it's not the bad guy. It's the "I'm in love with Easton" just because character. Other people may like this character, but I do not. That's all I'm going to say about that.
Interestingly enough, this is where the book is atypical of most fantasy novels. There is world-building in the story, but it is enough to set a scene, not relish in. There is little explanation of the social structure, but the structure is medieval enough that I don't think it would be necessary to describe. However, the politics of the story, which seem like they may be integral to the plot in the future, are not explained. I am assuming that is what A Season of Subterfuge, Courtiers, and War Councils (My Time in Amar #3) is going to be about, so I am happy to let that go. Anyway, overall, the setting is explained enough for most people to understand without going into extensive detail.
Overall, this is an amazing book, and I can't wait until the next one!
December 10, 2019
Revised Review 12/10/2019!
4.5 Stars
Okay, so I have been waiting to read this book for like FOREVER!!!! And when I got back online from my overextended moving trip; I saw that this book was finally released to the public! NICKI, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!! And it was one of the happiest days of my life!
AND THE COVER!!! IT HAS BLUEEEEE!!!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Things I LOVED:
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PIRATES!!! THEY ARE BRUTAL AND VIOLENT AND PIRATES!!! PLUS SIRENS!!! KILLER THINGS!!! YES!!!
Marius. He has something up his sleeves. I mean, nobody acts like that. And somehow I think Clint hit it right on the head with what Marius is really up too.
Alexis! JUST YES!!! He acted like how I would vision anyone to act like in his situation, and I just loved him, okay?
Margareta. I didn't like her in the first book very much, but man; I am really beginning to like her now. I love the scenes of her and Alexis.
Perseus! I love how we had more time with this precious wolf! I love how Wilhelm trained her and how much this wolf loves Chelsea and many of the other travelers in the story. Actually the wolf and Alexis!
Easton. Care to explain your actions to me!?! How dare you cause Chelsea so much worry! Still, he is a wonderful cinnamon roll, and I love him. And EASTON!!! (Plus, stop getting hurt! I mean, I'm beginning to worry about you.)
Odyesseus! He is the best, sassiest dragon ever! I love the bond he has with Easton!
Chelsea. I like her planning. All the stuff she tries to do for Easton. I like her.
I don't even know how I'm supposed to feel about Fiona. I mean, from one point of view I get where she's coming from, but yet from another point of view I just wanted her to stop always thinking that everyone is bad. Because not everyone is bad. Right?
Philip. There were times he kinda annoyed me a little. However, he did help a lot in this journey and he does care a lot about the others to risk his life for them. Plus, he might have a little crush on someone. =)
Bobby is so much of the pessimist, but I loved every moment with her, okay? And the way she fought those pirates! YES!!!
Clint. Sarcastic and complaining, but he might also be super smart. I mean, just think about what he said about Marius.
Hagarth. Man, I like how the back story tied in here, but man, he's brutal.
And that ending! Marius, you forgot so many people there!
Other Things I Liked:
I really liked how the pirate scenes were done in the story. The book really described how brutal pirates really are and showed us a little bit about the mythological sea creatures and that they're not the cute things under the sea like some movies would like us to believe. LIKE THEY WILL EAT YOU!!!
I like that they finally now have a direction in the plot to move towards too. In book one, they didn't know what the quest is supposed to be and while they still don't know many parts of this quest they do have more of an obtainable goal which I thought was very important for this novel.
I like how each of the characters had their own little goal that they're trying to reach and that none of them are just in the novel because. We get to see many different points of views and how they perceive each of the situations they're in and everyone perceives things in a different matter. Some are very optimistic and others are more pessimistic about certain situations. Some may get angry or start crying. So when half of the group gets separated from each other I really like how this book goes between points of views of each group. And how group A is trying to find group B, while group B is just trying to survive.
Things I Wanted More Of:
Bobby and Clint are two favorites of mine, but unfortunately they weren't in this book as much as I would've liked them to be. These two have a tendency to put a smile on my face from their continuous bickering and the bet they have on Easton and Chelsea, and their sarcasm of course. =) So I was slightly disappointed when they didn't have a huge role. I still ship them though, like I totally ship them. =)
Also I like how Bobby is the more normal one of the four, but I question at how she is going to pay tribute to the hero thing in Amar. I mean, it's not like she isn't doing anything, she is. But like the others have some sort of power, Clint and Chelsea have mage powers and Easton has a dragon. I just slightly wonder if maybe she's going to have a power later on. It's a really big question that I really have about her. (I also had a few theories of what power she would have if she did have a power. But I'm not sure if I'm going to be proven right yet or not).
The same can be said about Odyssesus. He is the sassiest dragon I know, but unfortunately he was also not in the story very much. I still love his relationship he has with Easton though.
There was a kiss that I felt was a little sudden. I just thought that there could've been a little more to discuss before the kiss. But still, I LOVE THESE TWO TOGETHER!!!
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (With swords. With magic. With daggers. Hand-to-hand combat. Hitting glass bottles over heads. Violent monsters. Killing people. Eating people. Poison. Blood. Gore. Etc.)
2. Mythical creatures.
3. Werewolves.
4. Pirates. Pirating. Thievery. Other things that pirates do.
5. Taking people as a prisoner and forcing them to do things they don't want to do in order to survive. Also branding them.
6. Injuries.
7. Drinking alcoholic beverages.
8. Magic.
9. Violent monsters who try to kill people.
10. Raiding villages.
Will I read the Next Book in the Series?
YES!!! NICKI GET THE NEXT ONE OUT SOON!!!! PLEASE!!!!
Who Will I Recommend this Book Too:
Those who want to read a semi-clean fantasy. Those who like adventure, magic, dragons, monsters, pirates, mixed up with people who have lived in the real world. Yes, that's this book, you'll love it. ;)
PLEASE NOTE:
The review below is for a older version of the book that is no longer available, and is not accurate for the content of the new version.
OLD REVIEW FOR OLD VERSION 9/22/2019:
4 Stars
Things I LOVED!!!
Bobby and Clint kinda annoyed me a little bit in the first book. Though in this book, I LOVED THEM SO MUCH!!! I really wanted more time with them. The way they fought with each other. The sarcasm. JUST EVERYTHING!!! This is one ship I'm sailing!
THE PIRATES!!! WATER!!! KILLER THINGS!!! YES!!! MERMAIDS!!!
I loved everything there is to love about Odysseus and Easton's relationship. BUT DON'T EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN ODYSSEUS!!!
The scenes with Alexis I didn't know what to think. He did what I would think most people would do in a situation. But the stuff Chelsea said to him was wonderfully done!
Fiona, was okay. She is beginning to grow on me until she did something way out of character.
Philip, I liked him.
I love the scenes with the Creature of Lake Dextor. It was a dangerous and great and realistic!!!
I love that one scene with Chelsea and Easton. Another ship has sailed, even if they did irritate me every once in a while. ;)
Things I Didn't Like:
Do you know how many times Chelsea and Easton were unconscious!?!?! Like a lot, about 40% of this novel (no I didn't really count, but all I remember is that it was a lot). And somehow, even when Easton is worse off than Chelsea he wakes up first so he can tell Chelsea the news. Is this even possible?!?!
I realized that Easton came up with a few crazy plans. But like all the characters do that in this book. And Chelsea always blames everything on Easton all the time. Just got a little annoying sometimes.
When I picked up this book, I thought I was going to get pirates. I mean, there is water on the cover and pirates is in the title. And the ending of the first book talked about them going to the sea. Don't get me wrong. They did go to the sea and there were pirates at about 50% through the book. But I guess I wanted more time on the sea or something. The characters spent a long time traveling on land to get to this point, so I wanted them to be on the sea for a while longer.
Also there was a certain kiss that did not make sense to the story at all. (Except to cause some more drama). Sorry, but I'm going to stand my ground on this one. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
Plus, there were a few times I didn't believe that Easton could do (strength wise) due to him still being a small teenager. I mean those people are adults, and he hasn't been training to fight for very long.
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (With swords, biting, hand-to-hand, punching, hitting glass bottles over heads, with arrows, daggers, monsters, scratching, with magic, threats, trying to kill people, actually killing people, etc.)
2. Violent monsters who try to kill people.
3. Poison.
4. Magic.
5. Injuries. (Blood, torn up shoulders, bruises, etc.)
6. Pirates, and what pirates do.
7. Taking people as a prisoner and forcing them to do things they don't want to do in order to survive. Also branding them.
8. Raiding villages.
9. Drinking alcoholic beverages.
10. A woman hitting off on a teenage boy.
11. Some kissing scenes.
12. Werewolves.
4.5 Stars
Okay, so I have been waiting to read this book for like FOREVER!!!! And when I got back online from my overextended moving trip; I saw that this book was finally released to the public! NICKI, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!! And it was one of the happiest days of my life!
AND THE COVER!!! IT HAS BLUEEEEE!!!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Things I LOVED:
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PIRATES!!! THEY ARE BRUTAL AND VIOLENT AND PIRATES!!! PLUS SIRENS!!! KILLER THINGS!!! YES!!!
Marius. He has something up his sleeves. I mean, nobody acts like that. And somehow I think Clint hit it right on the head with what Marius is really up too.
Alexis! JUST YES!!! He acted like how I would vision anyone to act like in his situation, and I just loved him, okay?
Margareta. I didn't like her in the first book very much, but man; I am really beginning to like her now. I love the scenes of her and Alexis.
Perseus! I love how we had more time with this precious wolf! I love how Wilhelm trained her and how much this wolf loves Chelsea and many of the other travelers in the story. Actually the wolf and Alexis!
Easton. Care to explain your actions to me!?! How dare you cause Chelsea so much worry! Still, he is a wonderful cinnamon roll, and I love him. And EASTON!!! (Plus, stop getting hurt! I mean, I'm beginning to worry about you.)
Odyesseus! He is the best, sassiest dragon ever! I love the bond he has with Easton!
Chelsea. I like her planning. All the stuff she tries to do for Easton. I like her.
I don't even know how I'm supposed to feel about Fiona. I mean, from one point of view I get where she's coming from, but yet from another point of view I just wanted her to stop always thinking that everyone is bad. Because not everyone is bad. Right?
Philip. There were times he kinda annoyed me a little. However, he did help a lot in this journey and he does care a lot about the others to risk his life for them. Plus, he might have a little crush on someone. =)
Bobby is so much of the pessimist, but I loved every moment with her, okay? And the way she fought those pirates! YES!!!
Clint. Sarcastic and complaining, but he might also be super smart. I mean, just think about what he said about Marius.
Hagarth. Man, I like how the back story tied in here, but man, he's brutal.
And that ending! Marius, you forgot so many people there!
Other Things I Liked:
I really liked how the pirate scenes were done in the story. The book really described how brutal pirates really are and showed us a little bit about the mythological sea creatures and that they're not the cute things under the sea like some movies would like us to believe. LIKE THEY WILL EAT YOU!!!
I like that they finally now have a direction in the plot to move towards too. In book one, they didn't know what the quest is supposed to be and while they still don't know many parts of this quest they do have more of an obtainable goal which I thought was very important for this novel.
I like how each of the characters had their own little goal that they're trying to reach and that none of them are just in the novel because. We get to see many different points of views and how they perceive each of the situations they're in and everyone perceives things in a different matter. Some are very optimistic and others are more pessimistic about certain situations. Some may get angry or start crying. So when half of the group gets separated from each other I really like how this book goes between points of views of each group. And how group A is trying to find group B, while group B is just trying to survive.
Things I Wanted More Of:
Bobby and Clint are two favorites of mine, but unfortunately they weren't in this book as much as I would've liked them to be. These two have a tendency to put a smile on my face from their continuous bickering and the bet they have on Easton and Chelsea, and their sarcasm of course. =) So I was slightly disappointed when they didn't have a huge role. I still ship them though, like I totally ship them. =)
Also I like how Bobby is the more normal one of the four, but I question at how she is going to pay tribute to the hero thing in Amar. I mean, it's not like she isn't doing anything, she is. But like the others have some sort of power, Clint and Chelsea have mage powers and Easton has a dragon. I just slightly wonder if maybe she's going to have a power later on. It's a really big question that I really have about her. (I also had a few theories of what power she would have if she did have a power. But I'm not sure if I'm going to be proven right yet or not).
The same can be said about Odyssesus. He is the sassiest dragon I know, but unfortunately he was also not in the story very much. I still love his relationship he has with Easton though.
There was a kiss that I felt was a little sudden. I just thought that there could've been a little more to discuss before the kiss. But still, I LOVE THESE TWO TOGETHER!!!
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (With swords. With magic. With daggers. Hand-to-hand combat. Hitting glass bottles over heads. Violent monsters. Killing people. Eating people. Poison. Blood. Gore. Etc.)
2. Mythical creatures.
3. Werewolves.
4. Pirates. Pirating. Thievery. Other things that pirates do.
5. Taking people as a prisoner and forcing them to do things they don't want to do in order to survive. Also branding them.
6. Injuries.
7. Drinking alcoholic beverages.
8. Magic.
9. Violent monsters who try to kill people.
10. Raiding villages.
Will I read the Next Book in the Series?
YES!!! NICKI GET THE NEXT ONE OUT SOON!!!! PLEASE!!!!
Who Will I Recommend this Book Too:
Those who want to read a semi-clean fantasy. Those who like adventure, magic, dragons, monsters, pirates, mixed up with people who have lived in the real world. Yes, that's this book, you'll love it. ;)
PLEASE NOTE:
The review below is for a older version of the book that is no longer available, and is not accurate for the content of the new version.
OLD REVIEW FOR OLD VERSION 9/22/2019:
4 Stars
THE PIRATES!!! WATER!!! KILLER THINGS!!! YES!!! MERMAIDS!!!
I loved everything there is to love about Odysseus and Easton's relationship. BUT DON'T EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN ODYSSEUS!!!
The scenes with Alexis I didn't know what to think. He did what I would think most people would do in a situation. But the stuff Chelsea said to him was wonderfully done!
Fiona, was okay. She is beginning to grow on me until she did something way out of character.
Philip, I liked him.
I love the scenes with the Creature of Lake Dextor. It was a dangerous and great and realistic!!!
I love that one scene with Chelsea and Easton. Another ship has sailed, even if they did irritate me every once in a while. ;)
Things I Didn't Like:
Do you know how many times Chelsea and Easton were unconscious!?!?! Like a lot, about 40% of this novel (no I didn't really count, but all I remember is that it was a lot). And somehow, even when Easton is worse off than Chelsea he wakes up first so he can tell Chelsea the news. Is this even possible?!?!
I realized that Easton came up with a few crazy plans. But like all the characters do that in this book. And Chelsea always blames everything on Easton all the time. Just got a little annoying sometimes.
When I picked up this book, I thought I was going to get pirates. I mean, there is water on the cover and pirates is in the title. And the ending of the first book talked about them going to the sea. Don't get me wrong. They did go to the sea and there were pirates at about 50% through the book. But I guess I wanted more time on the sea or something. The characters spent a long time traveling on land to get to this point, so I wanted them to be on the sea for a while longer.
Also there was a certain kiss that did not make sense to the story at all. (Except to cause some more drama). Sorry, but I'm going to stand my ground on this one. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
Plus, there were a few times I didn't believe that Easton could do (strength wise) due to him still being a small teenager. I mean those people are adults, and he hasn't been training to fight for very long.
Content in Book:
1. Violence. (With swords, biting, hand-to-hand, punching, hitting glass bottles over heads, with arrows, daggers, monsters, scratching, with magic, threats, trying to kill people, actually killing people, etc.)
2. Violent monsters who try to kill people.
3. Poison.
4. Magic.
5. Injuries. (Blood, torn up shoulders, bruises, etc.)
6. Pirates, and what pirates do.
7. Taking people as a prisoner and forcing them to do things they don't want to do in order to survive. Also branding them.
8. Raiding villages.
9. Drinking alcoholic beverages.
10. A woman hitting off on a teenage boy.
11. Some kissing scenes.
12. Werewolves.
September 4, 2019
I had the privilege of critiquing this book for the author before its publication, and lemme just say... no second-book syndrome to be found here! If you thought the first book was intense, brace yourself. If you thought the characters made reckless decisions in the first book, you haven't seen nothin' yet. And if you thought Chelston was the perfect ship, boy are you in for a treat. XD (Aaaaand more frustration because THESE KIDS OH MY WORD)
This book has...
- trepidation
- pirates
- lost princesses
- sirens (they're savage)
- betrayal (grrrr)
- bad decisions (naturally)
- everyone's favorite dragon (*sobs*)
- Easton being simultaneously the biggest idiot and the most perfect angel (😒😍)
- Bobby being pessimistic (and the only sensible soul in all of Amar, I'm pretty sure)
- an intense duel or two (be prepared to scream)
- soooo many POVs (soooo well-done!)
If you love swashbuckling pirate fantasy, you will LOVE this. It has all your favorite pirate-y elements and so much more. <3 This author knows how to craft a fun and funny yet high-stakes and highly emotional adventure.
She is also very good at cliffhangers. O_O
This book has...
- trepidation
- pirates
- lost princesses
- sirens (they're savage)
- betrayal (grrrr)
- bad decisions (naturally)
- everyone's favorite dragon (*sobs*)
- Easton being simultaneously the biggest idiot and the most perfect angel (😒😍)
- Bobby being pessimistic (and the only sensible soul in all of Amar, I'm pretty sure)
- an intense duel or two (be prepared to scream)
- soooo many POVs (soooo well-done!)
If you love swashbuckling pirate fantasy, you will LOVE this. It has all your favorite pirate-y elements and so much more. <3 This author knows how to craft a fun and funny yet high-stakes and highly emotional adventure.
She is also very good at cliffhangers. O_O
August 3, 2019
I FINALLY FINISHED IT!!!
I'm very uncertain about my rating . . . . mainly because my feels are different towards this book then the last one.
So here's a broken review that allows me to be quick and precise. xD
PROS ~
- The characters didn't change drastically . . . it was a slower process.
- There was a splattering of description in certain areas.
- The adventure.
- The thrill of death creeping closer.
- The new characters.
- Alexis.
- The plot was very straightforward . . . filled with danger, but not super twisty. It was refreshing.
CONS ~
- Certain times throughout the book I felt it was cliche. . .and it bothered me.
- Fiona is a . . . . a . . . . a . . .--she needs to go die in a hole, except she can't and I'm mad.
- A specific aspect that I CAN'T mention because of spoilers . . . .
- Easton was absolutely ridiculous . . . Often.
- That Kiss. (Sorry but I had to bring it up) It just wasn't the right time . . . and for Pete sakes they're my age!!
- Marius. . . is a thorn in their pillows.
- But what troubles me the most is the fact that their always so afraid of the creatures, the future, people, or untrustworthy beings . . . BUT NOTHING EVER HAPPENS TO FUEL THAT FEAR. They get attacked and abducted . . . . but the thing is THEY'RE ALL FINE. They shouldn't all be fine, something inside one of them should crack, a character should die, someone loses their sight, ear, hand, nose . . . SOMETHING!! Because I'm no longer afraid of the future. . .
So there's my opinion in a giant mess. It's a good book . . . . it just wasn't all THERE for me. *shrugs*
**NOTE** Thank you, Nicki, for allowing me to Alpha read this. It was an adventure.
I'm very uncertain about my rating . . . . mainly because my feels are different towards this book then the last one.
So here's a broken review that allows me to be quick and precise. xD
PROS ~
- The characters didn't change drastically . . . it was a slower process.
- There was a splattering of description in certain areas.
- The adventure.
- The thrill of death creeping closer.
- The new characters.
- Alexis.
- The plot was very straightforward . . . filled with danger, but not super twisty. It was refreshing.
CONS ~
- Certain times throughout the book I felt it was cliche. . .and it bothered me.
- Fiona is a . . . . a . . . . a . . .--she needs to go die in a hole, except she can't and I'm mad.
- A specific aspect that I CAN'T mention because of spoilers . . . .
- Easton was absolutely ridiculous . . . Often.
- That Kiss. (Sorry but I had to bring it up) It just wasn't the right time . . . and for Pete sakes they're my age!!
- Marius. . . is a thorn in their pillows.
- But what troubles me the most is the fact that their always so afraid of the creatures, the future, people, or untrustworthy beings . . . BUT NOTHING EVER HAPPENS TO FUEL THAT FEAR. They get attacked and abducted . . . . but the thing is THEY'RE ALL FINE. They shouldn't all be fine, something inside one of them should crack, a character should die, someone loses their sight, ear, hand, nose . . . SOMETHING!! Because I'm no longer afraid of the future. . .
So there's my opinion in a giant mess. It's a good book . . . . it just wasn't all THERE for me. *shrugs*
**NOTE** Thank you, Nicki, for allowing me to Alpha read this. It was an adventure.
October 7, 2017
This is an excellent sequel to the author's quirky debut, following our four unlikely heroes in the strange world of Amar. They're still not sure what it is they have to do to get home, but at least now they have allies. But having friends also makes things more... complicated. As if all that the monster and natural disasters they have to face to finish their father's mysterious quest isn't enough, now burgeoning relationships flower and flounder in the drama that unfolds. And the ominous prophecy still hangs over their heads...
Also, I love Wilhelm. It has to be said. And Philip's my boy. So there.
Also, I love Wilhelm. It has to be said. And Philip's my boy. So there.
September 24, 2025
Just as fun and enthralling as the first book! (Never mind it took me forever to finish though, cough, cough…)
We go deeper into Amar with this wacky cast of misfits, who I started to dub as “Wilhelm and his kids” (until of course they all got separated, whoops), and boy do things get WILD. I don’t want to spoil even the tiniest thing, but suffice it to say our reluctant heroes run across pirates and I’m pleased that while the majority of them are typical evil pirates there also are a few who are just decent men and I appreciated that. And the romance while just starting is THERE and I am HERE FOR IT, they are so cute together! 🥰
I love how Nicki writes these teens as confused, scared kids trying their best to survive and do right by themselves, their friends, and other people in this strange world but who also mess up, sometimes most ROYALLY (I’m looking at you, Easton, who I still love but gosh dude, REALLY?! 🫨 You and Chelsea are made for each other, lol) to the point where you want to shake some sense into them while simultaneously loving and understanding them and where they’re coming from and what they’re trying to do.
Except Fiona. I do NOT like that girl, she’s the worst, selfish pain in the world, and the way she talks about Easton as if she owns all rights to him makes my blood boil because HE IS HIS OWN PERSON, LEAVE HIM AND CHELSEA ALONE!!!!! 🔥😡 Ugh, her chapters made me so mad, I hate being in her head. And she better stay away from the Chelsea and Easton ship, don’t you dare ruin anything, Fiona, or else! ⚔️⚔️ Philip also annoys me (but not as much as Fiona) but out of all the new cast I actually really like Margareta, which is surprising as I normally don’t like characters like her, but she’s actually really forthright while being a bit ditzy but in a fun way. I hope we get to see more of her in the upcoming books; everyone else who got left behind too, though please lose Fiona, except they can’t due to the plot, ugh…
While I’m a tiny bit bummed the next book focuses on entirely new characters I’m still eagerly looking forward to it and to the continued adventures of Chelsea, Easton, and Co.!
‼️Content‼️
Language: oh my gosh; holy crud; darn; what the heck; freaking; heck; screwed up; screw; what the; crud
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons, magic, and hand to hand (not detailed); a dagger is held to a character’s throat; a vision in which a character lies in a pool of blood with another grieving over them (not detailed); a character throws a dagger at a dragon; sirens lure men to their deaths (not detailed); a shipwreck; a man falls on a sword and dies (not detailed); a dragon is cut which affects his rider (not detailed); characters are almost drowned and eaten by a creature (not detailed); a vision of a character attacking another
Sexual: kissing (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: characters are poisoned; a poisoned blade
Other: portals to another world; magic; magical abilities/creatures/places; mages; characters have visions; characters are kidnapped and imprisoned; pirates; death; a dragon is captured; a vision of a man wearing a character’s face
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
We go deeper into Amar with this wacky cast of misfits, who I started to dub as “Wilhelm and his kids” (until of course they all got separated, whoops), and boy do things get WILD. I don’t want to spoil even the tiniest thing, but suffice it to say our reluctant heroes run across pirates and I’m pleased that while the majority of them are typical evil pirates there also are a few who are just decent men and I appreciated that. And the romance while just starting is THERE and I am HERE FOR IT, they are so cute together! 🥰
I love how Nicki writes these teens as confused, scared kids trying their best to survive and do right by themselves, their friends, and other people in this strange world but who also mess up, sometimes most ROYALLY (I’m looking at you, Easton, who I still love but gosh dude, REALLY?! 🫨 You and Chelsea are made for each other, lol) to the point where you want to shake some sense into them while simultaneously loving and understanding them and where they’re coming from and what they’re trying to do.
Except Fiona. I do NOT like that girl, she’s the worst, selfish pain in the world, and the way she talks about Easton as if she owns all rights to him makes my blood boil because HE IS HIS OWN PERSON, LEAVE HIM AND CHELSEA ALONE!!!!! 🔥😡 Ugh, her chapters made me so mad, I hate being in her head. And she better stay away from the Chelsea and Easton ship, don’t you dare ruin anything, Fiona, or else! ⚔️⚔️ Philip also annoys me (but not as much as Fiona) but out of all the new cast I actually really like Margareta, which is surprising as I normally don’t like characters like her, but she’s actually really forthright while being a bit ditzy but in a fun way. I hope we get to see more of her in the upcoming books; everyone else who got left behind too, though please lose Fiona, except they can’t due to the plot, ugh…
While I’m a tiny bit bummed the next book focuses on entirely new characters I’m still eagerly looking forward to it and to the continued adventures of Chelsea, Easton, and Co.!
‼️Content‼️
Language: oh my gosh; holy crud; darn; what the heck; freaking; heck; screwed up; screw; what the; crud
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons, magic, and hand to hand (not detailed); a dagger is held to a character’s throat; a vision in which a character lies in a pool of blood with another grieving over them (not detailed); a character throws a dagger at a dragon; sirens lure men to their deaths (not detailed); a shipwreck; a man falls on a sword and dies (not detailed); a dragon is cut which affects his rider (not detailed); characters are almost drowned and eaten by a creature (not detailed); a vision of a character attacking another
Sexual: kissing (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: characters are poisoned; a poisoned blade
Other: portals to another world; magic; magical abilities/creatures/places; mages; characters have visions; characters are kidnapped and imprisoned; pirates; death; a dragon is captured; a vision of a man wearing a character’s face
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
September 3, 2019
My heart is thoroughly ripped to pieces. Even though this book seemed a lot simpler than the first book, I still enjoyed it just as much. The characters were more daring and the setting seemed more dangerous. I would say though that I felt tremendously sorry for Easton. Poor guy, he gets the blunt of the action in this story.
Pirates of the Caribbean just got taken to a whole new level with this one. On more than one occasion I was waiting with anticipation on the edge of my seat. The pirates and sirens added a whole new twist to the story from the previous book with the werewolf.
There were a lot of fangirl squeals over here and now I can’t wait to see what happens next, because really, that cliffhanger just makes the wait seem that much longer. Still, the wait ends up being worth it. Nicki delivers every time!
Pirates of the Caribbean just got taken to a whole new level with this one. On more than one occasion I was waiting with anticipation on the edge of my seat. The pirates and sirens added a whole new twist to the story from the previous book with the werewolf.
There were a lot of fangirl squeals over here and now I can’t wait to see what happens next, because really, that cliffhanger just makes the wait seem that much longer. Still, the wait ends up being worth it. Nicki delivers every time!
October 12, 2019
Book: A Time of Trepidation, Pirates, and Lost Princesses
Author: Nikki Chapelway
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the author, Nikki Chapelway, for sending me a copy of the book.
This is the second book in the My Time in Amar series. I read the first book awhile ago and really enjoyed this. This one was just as enjoyable as the first. No, before you even ask, you cannot read the second book without reading the first one first. This one picks right off where book one left off.
This series features a huge cast of characters and it seems to be growing with each book. I really like having a lot characters and they all do really get their chance in the spotlight. They are all well rounded and flawed-which is something that I really enjoy in my books. Even though this is fantasy, there is still that human element to each one and you will just simply will become so attached to them. I also like that even though they are put in dangerous situations, it is still clear that they are teenagers. A lot of young adult books feature characters who may be in their teens, but really don’t act like it. I like that Nikki still has that strong element present.
The plot was fast moving and well put together. Now, there is a cliffhanger, but it fits. I don’t know how else this book could have ended other than with a cliffhanger. I also like how we got to go to different places in the world. That is one of my favourite things in fantasy. I love getting to explore these vast worlds that authors have created. It just makes for a wonderful setting.
So, now, let’s to go why I put this at a four star. I’m just going to be honest here. Even though I did give it the same rating as the first book, I honestly felt like this second book was missing something. There was a lot of middle book here-I’m not even sure if this is the middle book or not. Yes, it was a solid read, but it just felt like something was missing. I can’t figure out what. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there was never this feeling of something going terribly wrong. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hinted, but it’s not written as urgent as it should be. Do you get what I’m getting at?
Anyway, overall not a bad read. It’s not perfect, but it’s still pretty enjoyable.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/uBG4VH-T1-A
Author: Nikki Chapelway
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the author, Nikki Chapelway, for sending me a copy of the book.
This is the second book in the My Time in Amar series. I read the first book awhile ago and really enjoyed this. This one was just as enjoyable as the first. No, before you even ask, you cannot read the second book without reading the first one first. This one picks right off where book one left off.
This series features a huge cast of characters and it seems to be growing with each book. I really like having a lot characters and they all do really get their chance in the spotlight. They are all well rounded and flawed-which is something that I really enjoy in my books. Even though this is fantasy, there is still that human element to each one and you will just simply will become so attached to them. I also like that even though they are put in dangerous situations, it is still clear that they are teenagers. A lot of young adult books feature characters who may be in their teens, but really don’t act like it. I like that Nikki still has that strong element present.
The plot was fast moving and well put together. Now, there is a cliffhanger, but it fits. I don’t know how else this book could have ended other than with a cliffhanger. I also like how we got to go to different places in the world. That is one of my favourite things in fantasy. I love getting to explore these vast worlds that authors have created. It just makes for a wonderful setting.
So, now, let’s to go why I put this at a four star. I’m just going to be honest here. Even though I did give it the same rating as the first book, I honestly felt like this second book was missing something. There was a lot of middle book here-I’m not even sure if this is the middle book or not. Yes, it was a solid read, but it just felt like something was missing. I can’t figure out what. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there was never this feeling of something going terribly wrong. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hinted, but it’s not written as urgent as it should be. Do you get what I’m getting at?
Anyway, overall not a bad read. It’s not perfect, but it’s still pretty enjoyable.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/uBG4VH-T1-A
September 3, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
Now, it is no secret that I love anything that is a swashbuckler. That usually includes pirates. This book was no exception! The story is still unfolding and it is so exciting to read! I have my favorite characters: Clint, Fiona, Easton, and Jim (though, I didn't see nearly enough Philip!). They are so precious and I keep hoping that they don't hurt themselves. They are also hilarious! I couldn't put this book down because I wanted to see whatstupid/beautiful/selfless things Easton was going to do next was going to happen.
The only thing is that the romance isn't my favorite, partly because it isn't my ship, and partly because certain people won't make up their minds. *glares* But it is super clean, so don't worry about that!
[Read my full review HERE: https://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/... ]
Now, it is no secret that I love anything that is a swashbuckler. That usually includes pirates. This book was no exception! The story is still unfolding and it is so exciting to read! I have my favorite characters: Clint, Fiona, Easton, and Jim (though, I didn't see nearly enough Philip!). They are so precious and I keep hoping that they don't hurt themselves. They are also hilarious! I couldn't put this book down because I wanted to see what
The only thing is that the romance isn't my favorite, partly because it isn't my ship, and partly because certain people won't make up their minds. *glares* But it is super clean, so don't worry about that!
[Read my full review HERE: https://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/... ]
September 29, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Pirate books are either a hit or a miss for me. This one, though? I LOVE, LOVE it! This one is very “Pirates of the Caribbean”-esque. With a cursed necklace. And the scene with the man-eating sirens was my favorite scene in this story. Ahh! It was sooo good! I loved it so much!
The actual pirate stuff doesn’t happen until almost halfway through the novel; there’s a lot of setup and some knots to tie before the pirates could actually happen. I didn’t really mind, though. Everything that happened was super necessary for the overall plot.
One of the best things in this installment was how much depth the side characters got. Oh, my goodness! I was expecting arcs with the main four, but all nine of them? I was pleasantly surprised and so happy! And I’m so glad that most of them even got their own POV chapter or two, because I don’t think I would have connected with them as well otherwise.
Speaking of character development, can we just talk about how awesome Odysseus is in this one? He was just a little, tiny baby dragon in the first book, who quickly grew up so they could ride him. But in this one? He gets a voice! Eek! While it was implied that he could communicate with Easton in the first book, I really like how we got to see his dialogue. He was so funny and made me laugh more than once. I love how Easton made an impression on him, so the way he spoke was inspired by Easton himself. It was so perfect, and he just had so much character. I loved this quirky little dragon so much!
And the romance between two certain characters was so stinking cute! I love how this series is a slow burn, as that is one of my favorite kinds of romance, and how both of them were fumbling around, unsure where they stood with each other. And their KISS! I was rooting for both of them. I did get annoyed with them keeping information away from each other, which often put them in more danger or in situations where they would get separated from the rest of the group. And they only have themselves to blame for some of that.
This installment did a good job of showing what the quest was exactly about, giving the characters a slightly clearer goal. While I liked the goal of getting home, I was super curious why they were chosen to save Amar and how that was to take place. Now, they have more of a step-by-step process of how to finish the quest so they can get home, and I’m very invested!
Also, the cover is BLUE! <3 I have a thing for blue covers, okay?
Content in Book:
1. Kidnapping. Human trafficking. (Pirates kidnapping people to force them to join the life of piracy. A slightly insane character brings four teenagers into a fantasy world with no way for them to get home, so they can do a quest for him.)
2. Violence. (Pirates. Some characters were trying to kill another character for becoming different. Sirens/mermaids eating people. Another monster tries to eat multiple characters. Werewolves. A dragon talks about wanting to eat people (doesn’t happen) and is used as protection. One character is known to punch people and/or scratch and kick them. Multiple people get punched or kicked, sword/dagger/arrow violence. Fighting to the death. Magical violence, including fire, water, portals, and a couple of enchanted weapons. Empty threats of talking about killing people. Actual threats of talking about killing people. Talk about the guilt of killing someone. Etc.)
3. Injuries. (Characters (including teenagers) get branded with a hot metal iron. A character gets sliced with a sword more than once. Head injuries. Almost drowning. Getting bitten by a monster. Blood and gore, not too focused, but there.)
4. Poison. Drugs. (A character gets poisoned and dies. Another character gets drugged.)
5. Mythical creatures. (Dragons, werewolves, faeries, giants, mermaids/sirens, monsters, etc.)
6. Magic. (Elemental, charms, persuasion, portals, healing, enchantments, prophecies, invisibility, etc.)
7. Alcoholic drinks. (A character goes to a tavern and drinks. Mentions of pirates drinking. One time, one of our main characters passes up on a drink).
8. Romance. (A couple of sweet kisses, nothing else happens).
9. Creeps. (An older man tries to get a teenager to marry him, nothing else happens).
Who I Would Recommend This Book To:
This series is best read in order due to cliffhangers in each book. So I would recommend this book to anyone who has first read “A Twist in Reality”.
Those who want an epic portal fantasy YA series with a portrayal of realistic teens from the modern age. Those who want a swashbuckling pirate book. Those who love witty banter. Those who love slow-burn romance. Those who love normal characters getting magical powers. Those who love vicious mermaids. Those who love epic quests. This is one of my favorite pirate books I have read so far, would recommend!
Pirate books are either a hit or a miss for me. This one, though? I LOVE, LOVE it! This one is very “Pirates of the Caribbean”-esque. With a cursed necklace. And the scene with the man-eating sirens was my favorite scene in this story. Ahh! It was sooo good! I loved it so much!
The actual pirate stuff doesn’t happen until almost halfway through the novel; there’s a lot of setup and some knots to tie before the pirates could actually happen. I didn’t really mind, though. Everything that happened was super necessary for the overall plot.
One of the best things in this installment was how much depth the side characters got. Oh, my goodness! I was expecting arcs with the main four, but all nine of them? I was pleasantly surprised and so happy! And I’m so glad that most of them even got their own POV chapter or two, because I don’t think I would have connected with them as well otherwise.
Speaking of character development, can we just talk about how awesome Odysseus is in this one? He was just a little, tiny baby dragon in the first book, who quickly grew up so they could ride him. But in this one? He gets a voice! Eek! While it was implied that he could communicate with Easton in the first book, I really like how we got to see his dialogue. He was so funny and made me laugh more than once. I love how Easton made an impression on him, so the way he spoke was inspired by Easton himself. It was so perfect, and he just had so much character. I loved this quirky little dragon so much!
And the romance between two certain characters was so stinking cute! I love how this series is a slow burn, as that is one of my favorite kinds of romance, and how both of them were fumbling around, unsure where they stood with each other. And their KISS! I was rooting for both of them. I did get annoyed with them keeping information away from each other, which often put them in more danger or in situations where they would get separated from the rest of the group. And they only have themselves to blame for some of that.
This installment did a good job of showing what the quest was exactly about, giving the characters a slightly clearer goal. While I liked the goal of getting home, I was super curious why they were chosen to save Amar and how that was to take place. Now, they have more of a step-by-step process of how to finish the quest so they can get home, and I’m very invested!
Also, the cover is BLUE! <3 I have a thing for blue covers, okay?
Content in Book:
1. Kidnapping. Human trafficking. (Pirates kidnapping people to force them to join the life of piracy. A slightly insane character brings four teenagers into a fantasy world with no way for them to get home, so they can do a quest for him.)
2. Violence. (Pirates. Some characters were trying to kill another character for becoming different. Sirens/mermaids eating people. Another monster tries to eat multiple characters. Werewolves. A dragon talks about wanting to eat people (doesn’t happen) and is used as protection. One character is known to punch people and/or scratch and kick them. Multiple people get punched or kicked, sword/dagger/arrow violence. Fighting to the death. Magical violence, including fire, water, portals, and a couple of enchanted weapons. Empty threats of talking about killing people. Actual threats of talking about killing people. Talk about the guilt of killing someone. Etc.)
3. Injuries. (Characters (including teenagers) get branded with a hot metal iron. A character gets sliced with a sword more than once. Head injuries. Almost drowning. Getting bitten by a monster. Blood and gore, not too focused, but there.)
4. Poison. Drugs. (A character gets poisoned and dies. Another character gets drugged.)
5. Mythical creatures. (Dragons, werewolves, faeries, giants, mermaids/sirens, monsters, etc.)
6. Magic. (Elemental, charms, persuasion, portals, healing, enchantments, prophecies, invisibility, etc.)
7. Alcoholic drinks. (A character goes to a tavern and drinks. Mentions of pirates drinking. One time, one of our main characters passes up on a drink).
8. Romance. (A couple of sweet kisses, nothing else happens).
9. Creeps. (An older man tries to get a teenager to marry him, nothing else happens).
Who I Would Recommend This Book To:
This series is best read in order due to cliffhangers in each book. So I would recommend this book to anyone who has first read “A Twist in Reality”.
Those who want an epic portal fantasy YA series with a portrayal of realistic teens from the modern age. Those who want a swashbuckling pirate book. Those who love witty banter. Those who love slow-burn romance. Those who love normal characters getting magical powers. Those who love vicious mermaids. Those who love epic quests. This is one of my favorite pirate books I have read so far, would recommend!
September 26, 2025
Let’s just say a lot happened in this book. A lot of humor and kind of bumbling along their journey making mistakes, taking risks, being adventurous, learning about themselves and what their goal is.
I did enjoy this installment more than the first. There are a lot of characters and more POVs, but I enjoyed that. I felt like I connected more with the characters this time around and got to learn more about each of them, even the newer ones.
I always love a book set at sea and with pirates. It was fun having pirates introduced to the adventure, and boy was that an interesting adventure for these protagonists! A lot of things happened, not to mention secrets were revealed, revelations were found out, and even betrayals occurred.
There are quite a few potential romances. I will say that there’s a random love triangle that just suddenly popped out of no where. It didn’t make sense to me, it’s like the author wanted more drama and created something that feels unnecessary. So some of the relationship developments confused me. However, I do find all the potential romances rather entertaining and curious to know if any will play out 😆
There’s still a lot of telling and less showing, and no, the main protagonists have not grown at all, they’re all just as immature as they were before, although Easton did surprise me at times. He seems to be the most mature(and I’m using that term loosely) out of them all, but he did make some dumb decisions still.
I enjoyed seeing a different part of this world and the humorous adventure along the way. I’m looking forward to how it continues. 3.5 out of 4 stars.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did enjoy this installment more than the first. There are a lot of characters and more POVs, but I enjoyed that. I felt like I connected more with the characters this time around and got to learn more about each of them, even the newer ones.
I always love a book set at sea and with pirates. It was fun having pirates introduced to the adventure, and boy was that an interesting adventure for these protagonists! A lot of things happened, not to mention secrets were revealed, revelations were found out, and even betrayals occurred.
There are quite a few potential romances. I will say that there’s a random love triangle that just suddenly popped out of no where. It didn’t make sense to me, it’s like the author wanted more drama and created something that feels unnecessary. So some of the relationship developments confused me. However, I do find all the potential romances rather entertaining and curious to know if any will play out 😆
There’s still a lot of telling and less showing, and no, the main protagonists have not grown at all, they’re all just as immature as they were before, although Easton did surprise me at times. He seems to be the most mature(and I’m using that term loosely) out of them all, but he did make some dumb decisions still.
I enjoyed seeing a different part of this world and the humorous adventure along the way. I’m looking forward to how it continues. 3.5 out of 4 stars.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
Thanks you to Nicki Chapelway for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5 Ending 3.5/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I still don’t get what their quest is. It’s been two books of four characters, now more, doing random things in this magical world and we still don’t know what exactly they’re there for. I wish we knew more because it kind of just feels like they’re all there and everything that’s happening to them is for nothing.
-I feel like there are now too many main characters. It started off at four which is already quite a big group of main characters but now add everyone they have met on their adventure. Don’t get me wrong, I like them well enough but I wish that we didn’t get a POV from all of the and their backstory romance…
-From what I understood, the next book follows different main characters, so imagine my confusion when the story didn’t conclude at all. I was expecting a sort of conclusion but didn’t get one. So now I need to read a full book following a different storyline and characters but in the same world before coming to the ones I’d followed for two books.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5 Ending 3.5/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I still don’t get what their quest is. It’s been two books of four characters, now more, doing random things in this magical world and we still don’t know what exactly they’re there for. I wish we knew more because it kind of just feels like they’re all there and everything that’s happening to them is for nothing.
-I feel like there are now too many main characters. It started off at four which is already quite a big group of main characters but now add everyone they have met on their adventure. Don’t get me wrong, I like them well enough but I wish that we didn’t get a POV from all of the and their backstory romance…
-From what I understood, the next book follows different main characters, so imagine my confusion when the story didn’t conclude at all. I was expecting a sort of conclusion but didn’t get one. So now I need to read a full book following a different storyline and characters but in the same world before coming to the ones I’d followed for two books.
September 25, 2025
This book picks up right where the previous book left off with Chelsea trying to save Easton from the wolf bite. Once they have everything under control, they must set out on the next part of their quest - the Bextian Sea. And now instead of a group of 4 they have increased their numbers to include Fiona, Alexis, Philip and Margareta. They get some unexpected help to arrive near their destination and now they must manage to not only make it to the Bextian Sea, but survive a trip over it as well. And with pirates terrorizing the cursed sea, it's definitely questionable what will happen to the chosen four.
Chelsea is finally starting to realize that she needs to tell Easton the secret she has been keeping from, but she just can’t find the right moment. It leads to more miscommunication between them and Chelsea worries he will be mad when he does actually find. Fiona is kind of a wild card right now and I’m not sure what way her story line will go. I was definitely surprised with her big reveal though! We get to meet a lot of new side characters as well. We meet Mira, who is definitely suspicious and then we get to meet all the pirates, some of them even friendly. They are gathering quite the group of people to help them along the way.
There is a lot of dangerous moments and daring escapes. And some of those escapes are by the skin of their teeth and sometimes they just fumble through it. The amount of trouble they can get into, even when they are not all together is crazy! It’s nice to have a chosen one(s) story where the characters actually have no clue and aren’t immediately amazing. They don't communicate and since they are not from this world they often times have no idea what is going on. It makes it more relatable and easier to really connect with the characters. I binged this book in a couple days and can’t wait for the next one!
Chelsea is finally starting to realize that she needs to tell Easton the secret she has been keeping from, but she just can’t find the right moment. It leads to more miscommunication between them and Chelsea worries he will be mad when he does actually find. Fiona is kind of a wild card right now and I’m not sure what way her story line will go. I was definitely surprised with her big reveal though! We get to meet a lot of new side characters as well. We meet Mira, who is definitely suspicious and then we get to meet all the pirates, some of them even friendly. They are gathering quite the group of people to help them along the way.
There is a lot of dangerous moments and daring escapes. And some of those escapes are by the skin of their teeth and sometimes they just fumble through it. The amount of trouble they can get into, even when they are not all together is crazy! It’s nice to have a chosen one(s) story where the characters actually have no clue and aren’t immediately amazing. They don't communicate and since they are not from this world they often times have no idea what is going on. It makes it more relatable and easier to really connect with the characters. I binged this book in a couple days and can’t wait for the next one!
September 30, 2025
An elemental mage, Chelsea is thrust into a perilous quest across a cursed sea, where she must stow away on a pirate ship, battle bloodthirsty mermaids, and decipher cryptic prophecies to find a lost princess and a powerful amulet. Haunted by a poem that foretells betrayal and death, Chelsea grapples with her faltering magic, a surprise love confession from her childhood friend, and the looming threat of a destiny she never asked for. As she navigates treacherous waters and tangled emotions, Chelsea must decide whether to embrace her fate or fight to forge her own path.
September 26, 2025
This was quite the ride! I found danger and harrowing escapes at every turn, there was some clean teen romance (at the awkward stage, where they are not sure what they feel), a brewing love triangle, an extremely naive hero who couldn’t stay out of trouble, siblings who loved each other but sometimes didn’t get along, and a doozy of a cliff hanger! Even when these teens acted stupid and didn’t seem to have any sense, I loved their camaraderie, the amazing world they found themselves in, and I’ve found myself on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they would get themselves out of their latest scrape… especially with everything some incompetent grownups do in this story! I’m excited to find out what happens next!
September 17, 2025
What a comedy of errors! This has the elements of a epic fantasy - chosen heroes, world-changing quest, interference from bandits, paranormal beings, etc. but what really sticks with me is just how real the 'chosen' are. The author gives us 4 American teenagers dropped without warning, training or equipment into a fantastical medieval world who are told they have to save the world. What do they do? They flail their way through the second part of the quest with lots of mistakes, expecting the people around them to behave to contemporary Americans with predictable culture conflicts (and bruises). The only neat thing about this is how they manage to reach the end of this part of the quest more or less intact. Now to read book 3 and to see if their grasp of how this world works improves!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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