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The Blood Pirate #1
Unanchored
Cecily Hastings fails to escape her captor when he gambles her away in a game of dice. Now, instead of getting her first taste of freedom, she’s rotting in a cell on the Hellbound, a pirate ship under the command of Captain Finnigan Worley. Cecily, however, has no plans of sticking around with a captain known for his heartless deeds.
As soon as they make port, Cecily attempts to alert the Royal Navy. While trying to get away, she stumbles upon Captain Worley liberating people from a life of abuse and servitude, which makes her question everything she thought she knew about the infamous buccaneer.
Soon she’s recaptured and taken back to the ship, and Cecily vows to figure out the captain’s humanitarian angle. The more she learns, the more she believes in his benevolent mission. With the Royal Navy closing in, she must decide if she’s willing to fight beside Captain Worley or turn him over to the gallows for a chance at her own freedom.
As soon as they make port, Cecily attempts to alert the Royal Navy. While trying to get away, she stumbles upon Captain Worley liberating people from a life of abuse and servitude, which makes her question everything she thought she knew about the infamous buccaneer.
Soon she’s recaptured and taken back to the ship, and Cecily vows to figure out the captain’s humanitarian angle. The more she learns, the more she believes in his benevolent mission. With the Royal Navy closing in, she must decide if she’s willing to fight beside Captain Worley or turn him over to the gallows for a chance at her own freedom.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were very relatable with the perfect touch of learning about who they were as well as a little mystery left to keep you engaged. The story was quite detailed, the author definitely did her research on the topic of piracy and history to make it feel authentic. The tale had nonstop action and adventure as well as comical moments and romance. I look forward to more works from this author.
March 27, 2018
Why I picked up this book:
When I saw Ms. Stephanie put out the call for ARC reviews on her debut, I jumped at the chance to get a first read. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure what to expect as I had to wait a few extra days before the blurbs went up. All I can say is I’m so very happy I jumped at the chance.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
The story as a whole is fantastic. What really jumped off the page right away is the voice of this tale and how easy it was to immerse completely into Cecily’s story. While the heroine wasn’t any sort of a special snowflake, she was real and had a simple complexity that made her stand out as unique among a horde of brutish men.
I adored Captain Whorley’s character. Probably because I have an unnatural love of roguish protectors. His character was fun and spirited, wrapped inside a darker, enigmatic persona trying to keep himself and the people he cared about alive.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
Trying to keep away from spoiling too much, the end didn’t really feel like the ending. There’s still something left to accomplish, and yet the small band of heroes go in the other direction. It sort of left me scratching my head as to why they wouldn’t go toward danger one more time.
During the second dinner the pacing was a bit off. The scene seemed stilted, so I wasn’t really sure what was happening. Fighting foreplay? It was the only scene that didn’t feel fully fleshed out though, and not enough to deter me.
The deity talk felt out of place in this story. I know it was part of the time period, and there was very little said, but the few lines it came up felt out of left field. Purely subjective, but I’d have been happier without it.
Overall:
This was a super fun adventure story, and I do hope the author will take us back into the next chapter of this tale in the future. The story was fun, the characters were engaging, and there’s still parts of the tale we didn’t get to explore. Hint hint… I can’t wait for the next installment!
When I saw Ms. Stephanie put out the call for ARC reviews on her debut, I jumped at the chance to get a first read. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure what to expect as I had to wait a few extra days before the blurbs went up. All I can say is I’m so very happy I jumped at the chance.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
The story as a whole is fantastic. What really jumped off the page right away is the voice of this tale and how easy it was to immerse completely into Cecily’s story. While the heroine wasn’t any sort of a special snowflake, she was real and had a simple complexity that made her stand out as unique among a horde of brutish men.
I adored Captain Whorley’s character. Probably because I have an unnatural love of roguish protectors. His character was fun and spirited, wrapped inside a darker, enigmatic persona trying to keep himself and the people he cared about alive.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
Trying to keep away from spoiling too much, the end didn’t really feel like the ending. There’s still something left to accomplish, and yet the small band of heroes go in the other direction. It sort of left me scratching my head as to why they wouldn’t go toward danger one more time.
During the second dinner the pacing was a bit off. The scene seemed stilted, so I wasn’t really sure what was happening. Fighting foreplay? It was the only scene that didn’t feel fully fleshed out though, and not enough to deter me.
The deity talk felt out of place in this story. I know it was part of the time period, and there was very little said, but the few lines it came up felt out of left field. Purely subjective, but I’d have been happier without it.
Overall:
This was a super fun adventure story, and I do hope the author will take us back into the next chapter of this tale in the future. The story was fun, the characters were engaging, and there’s still parts of the tale we didn’t get to explore. Hint hint… I can’t wait for the next installment!
May 16, 2018
Unanchored is dark and alluring. Full of roguish pirates and danger, this one is sure to get your heart pounding! It has passion and plundering, so prepare to have your heart stolen!
I loved Stephanie's writing style in this adventurous story! It was vivid and captivating. She was able to build the plot with steady intensity by starting off with a slow, detailed pace. The book got better and better as I turned the pages, and I finished it in one sitting! And, those characters really made the story!
I adored how both Cecily and Finn's characters were peeled back layer by layer. They both added depth and passion to the story. Cecily started off weak and naive and grew with strength and perceptiveness. Finn kept his mystery and allure, but his personality and motives became clearer and more touching with each development. Also, Nikolaus really stole my heart and added an extra layer of adoration to the story.
There was definitely a lot of predictability to the plot. But, there were several moments of pure shock that drove the story home. It was enjoyable and engaging and kept me glued to my chair the entire time! I thoroughly enjoyed how colorful it was, and of course, who doesn't love pirates? I would definitely read more from the author, and from the world if a sequel were written, and I'd rate it 4.5 stars (or 5 mermaids since even a pirate wouldn't slice a mermaid in half).
I loved Stephanie's writing style in this adventurous story! It was vivid and captivating. She was able to build the plot with steady intensity by starting off with a slow, detailed pace. The book got better and better as I turned the pages, and I finished it in one sitting! And, those characters really made the story!
I adored how both Cecily and Finn's characters were peeled back layer by layer. They both added depth and passion to the story. Cecily started off weak and naive and grew with strength and perceptiveness. Finn kept his mystery and allure, but his personality and motives became clearer and more touching with each development. Also, Nikolaus really stole my heart and added an extra layer of adoration to the story.
There was definitely a lot of predictability to the plot. But, there were several moments of pure shock that drove the story home. It was enjoyable and engaging and kept me glued to my chair the entire time! I thoroughly enjoyed how colorful it was, and of course, who doesn't love pirates? I would definitely read more from the author, and from the world if a sequel were written, and I'd rate it 4.5 stars (or 5 mermaids since even a pirate wouldn't slice a mermaid in half).
Thank you to the author for sending me this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 2, 2018
Disclaimer: I CPed this book and am friends with the author.
If you enjoy pirate tales on the YA side, you'll love this book! Cecily is headstrong and knows what she wants, and Finn is more than a worthy opponent. Also you'll fall in love with Niko. Like, seriously, such an amazing sidekick.
If you enjoy pirate tales on the YA side, you'll love this book! Cecily is headstrong and knows what she wants, and Finn is more than a worthy opponent. Also you'll fall in love with Niko. Like, seriously, such an amazing sidekick.
April 26, 2018
Ahoy, matey, get on board for an adventure on the high seas! But for Cecily Hastings, in Stephanie Eding's Unanchored, it's not an adventure. It's just more slavery when she was on the brink of escaping that life. What's more, she gets gambled away to the most feared and infamous buccaneer on the high seas, Captain Finnegan Worley. At their first port, she runs with every intention of alerting the Royal Navy and escaping to freedom. Then she witnesses the last thing she ever expected: Captain Worley's liberating slaves! Impossible. Or is it? Recaptured and taken back aboard, Cecily determines to solve the enigma of his apparent humanitarianism and learns things about the man behind the pirate she'd never believed possible. When the Navy picks up their trail, she must decide: will she fight by Captain Worley's side or turn him over for the chance at her own freedom?
Anton Chekhov said, “Don't tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass” (Google). This, Stephanie does masterfully, so you get sucked into Cecily's head and character from the first line. She goes onto weave a fantastic tale of danger and discovery, surprise and sacrifice. The prose had me salivating, it was written so well, and I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out if Cecily would get away. I was nearly as surprised as she was when Captain Worley liberated those slaves. The characters are so real and alive, and the adventure is nonstop.
The only complaint is the abrupt end, though maybe it's a sign of more to come in this world. Only Stephanie knows!
Unanchored is a tale told with passion and guts and rawness that teens can appreciate, and parents will appreciate the cleanliness and moral elements. Really, though technically a young adult novel, it's a great read for all ages, adults included. If you love pirates and a high-stakes, driven plot, Unanchored is a marvelous book to read!
Anton Chekhov said, “Don't tell me the moon is shining, show me the glint of light on broken glass” (Google). This, Stephanie does masterfully, so you get sucked into Cecily's head and character from the first line. She goes onto weave a fantastic tale of danger and discovery, surprise and sacrifice. The prose had me salivating, it was written so well, and I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out if Cecily would get away. I was nearly as surprised as she was when Captain Worley liberated those slaves. The characters are so real and alive, and the adventure is nonstop.
The only complaint is the abrupt end, though maybe it's a sign of more to come in this world. Only Stephanie knows!
Unanchored is a tale told with passion and guts and rawness that teens can appreciate, and parents will appreciate the cleanliness and moral elements. Really, though technically a young adult novel, it's a great read for all ages, adults included. If you love pirates and a high-stakes, driven plot, Unanchored is a marvelous book to read!
April 18, 2018
I have the honor and privilege to be CPs with Stephanie, so I've been with this book for a long time. Cecily's fire is undeniably appealing, and Finn steals every scene he graces. I love the banter and dialogue whenever he's on the page. Stephanie's voice is one I think many readers are going to enjoy.
The story clips along, making this a quick and exciting read. Plus, you know, PIRATES. ARRRR.
The story clips along, making this a quick and exciting read. Plus, you know, PIRATES. ARRRR.
April 18, 2018
Fun and adventure
This is a really fun story with charming characters, an exciting pirate ship setting, and tons of page-turning adventure. I had such a great time following Cess, Finn, and Nik around in this story!
This is a really fun story with charming characters, an exciting pirate ship setting, and tons of page-turning adventure. I had such a great time following Cess, Finn, and Nik around in this story!
July 31, 2018
Such a fun book! I love Cecily, the spunky main character who won't let a rough bunch of pirates push her around. This book has a surprise ending that you wouldn't expect. I can't wait for the next one!
April 21, 2018
I beta read this book and thought it was so swoony. Definitely looking forward to the final product!
Update: I couldn't put it down the second time either!
Update: I couldn't put it down the second time either!
May 28, 2018
I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next. Loved the story.
April 18, 2018
Wonderful book multiple times I caught myself smiling while reading. The details make the book come to life I’m ready to set sail on the open ocean!
April 24, 2018
a fantastic read, filled with descriptive characters, fun and witty banter, and a clumsy heroine! definitely recommend
November 2, 2020
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Highly recommend!!
June 5, 2019
Wow! "Unanchored" is a really fun read, with well developed characters and a storyline that rivals "The Pirates of the Carribean." I haven't read any of Stephanie Eding's work before, but I will look for her work in the future after reading this book.
Cecily Hastings is a captive who finds herself liberated from her master after the loss of a game, and she's immediately thrust into the life of a servant on a pirate ship. And not just any pirate's ship, The Blood Pirate's ship. So much for escape!
However, this new master is not what he seems. Giving her clothing, food and protection from the other wily pirates aboard the ship, Cecily is confused at the conundrum of Captain Worley. When she is entrusted with the care and feeding of the 'prisoners' aboard his ship, she begins to think differently about the elusive pirate Captain. He seems familiar, but she can't figure out why.
Laced with swashbuckling adventures, danger in unlikely places, unique ways to save those who are weakest among us, the knowledge that even in dire circumstances, God can move in our lives...."Unanchored" was a pleasant surprise.
I would say there is a bit of coarse slang that some CF readers may find objectionable, but, we are speaking of pirates, so...if you can overlook that, please do. The book's main themes are ones of redemption, doing what you can with what you have, changing stereotypes and wanting more from the one life God gives us. It is worth your time to escape into this book. It would be a great summer read! I was an early reader, thanks to Anaiah Press. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
Cecily Hastings is a captive who finds herself liberated from her master after the loss of a game, and she's immediately thrust into the life of a servant on a pirate ship. And not just any pirate's ship, The Blood Pirate's ship. So much for escape!
However, this new master is not what he seems. Giving her clothing, food and protection from the other wily pirates aboard the ship, Cecily is confused at the conundrum of Captain Worley. When she is entrusted with the care and feeding of the 'prisoners' aboard his ship, she begins to think differently about the elusive pirate Captain. He seems familiar, but she can't figure out why.
Laced with swashbuckling adventures, danger in unlikely places, unique ways to save those who are weakest among us, the knowledge that even in dire circumstances, God can move in our lives...."Unanchored" was a pleasant surprise.
I would say there is a bit of coarse slang that some CF readers may find objectionable, but, we are speaking of pirates, so...if you can overlook that, please do. The book's main themes are ones of redemption, doing what you can with what you have, changing stereotypes and wanting more from the one life God gives us. It is worth your time to escape into this book. It would be a great summer read! I was an early reader, thanks to Anaiah Press. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
June 4, 2023
I absolutely LOVE this series! They are my go-to comfort books whenever I’m going on a trip or just need something I know I can read a million times over and still love! I absolutely love the characters, the banter, the plot, the build up, and the ending! To sum it up, I will never stop recommending these books!
July 30, 2019
Great young adult book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews