Jiddy Vardy

Jiddy Vardy #1

by Ruth Estevez

1779
On tumultuous waters a girl is born as pirates board the ship . . .
A thrilling tale of one girl’s search for identity and love, set against a backdrop of wild seas, smuggling and violence.

‘Captivating, gritty and completely unputdownable.’
Zoe Collins, No Safer Place

‘Muscular, adventurous storytelling with the darkly evocative scent of historical fiction.’ Paul Morris, author or Danny Meets the Codebreaker on Jiddy Vardy

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2018

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a semi finalist in the BBNYA, of which this year I am a panelist.

I was sent this book after reading an excerpt and really enjoying it.

Unfortunately this book ended up not being for me. This is a YA historical fiction following our main character Jiddy Vardy, who was stolen from her mother as a baby and is raised in Robin Hood's Bay with no recollection of where she's from.

Robin Hood's Bay is an epicenter of smuggling and Jiddy joins the endeavor at a young age.

While this book isn't the worst thing I've ever read, I was left pretty disappointed. I was expecting a swashbuckling pirate story with Jiddy being a well renowned Thief. However, although there are pirates in this book, they play such a small role in this book. We mostly follow Jiddy as she falls in love and helps smuggle items.

This was a very much character driven story which normally I love, but for some reason the characters in this book felt very stilted and one dimensional. The strongest character in this book was Jiddy herself but she was very wishy washy for at times. One minute she's headstrong and fiery, the next minute she's having childlike tantrums over the smallest things and couldn't seem to make up her mind on what she wanted.

I also wasn't a fan of how there was this love triangle in the latter half of the book. It didn't make sense and didn't add anything to the story.

As I said, the book isn't the worst, but a lot of it did feel surface level. I wanted more fleshed out characters and a bit more action and pirates.

I will say the author does a good job of giving Jiddy a voice and making the relationship between her and another character grow organically. The dialect for the characters in Robin Hood's Bay was also very well done and made me feel like I was really there.

Overall, I do feel there might be an audience for this book, but unfortunately it missed the mark for me.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ - I really dislike giving poor ratings to books because I feel like even though this wasn’t my cup of tea it could definitely be someone else’s.

This is the story of 16 year old Jiddy Vardy set in 1779 in Robin Hood’s Bay, England. Jiddy grows up in a tight knit community but feels like an outsider. This was definitely a fast-paced YA book, with perhaps a heavier focus on characters rather than plot. Jiddy is trying to discover who she is.

For me, I went into this book thinking it was about pirates and so I was sadly disappointed. I think in my head I had Jiddy as a Mary Read type character and it just wasn’t the case. This is more about smuggling on land than piracy on the seas although the coast provides an picturesque backdrop for the story itself.

Putting my own expectations aside, I just felt the story was...lacking. It didn’t feel fully fleshed out and because of that I felt as though I was always missing some piece of the puzzle. It didn’t make for a great reading experience. The characters seemed to flip-flop with their thoughts and feelings the whole time, sometimes doing complete u-turns in a few paragraphs. I think I ultimately just wanted more. More plot, more story, more of the characters and the setting just...more. A classic example I can give here is the death of Nellie which Jiddy shows zero reaction to. The author just skims over it and to me that was pretty much the way it was all the way through. Surface level stuff.

I persevered because there were elements to the story I enjoyed. I felt Jiddy and Jonas’ friendship turning into romance was well done. But I also liked Jiddy and Samuel. Jiddy was a headstrong, determined character which I also liked.

If you want something historical, fast paced and coming of age then this is probably the perfect read. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it took me quite a long time to finish this one, I'm not sure why as I enjoyed it, it just wasn't quite what I expected. The synopsis of this book really drew me in. Pirates are one of my favorite things to read about so I was really keen to dive in however, even though pirates are part of the story, they are not the focus.

To me this was quite a character focused story, as opposed to plot heavy and this is why I think I read it slower than I would normally do. That being said, the author did a fantastic job at developing these characters. I particularly enjoyed the characters Jiddy and Jonas. I though they were quite complex and I loved their relationship. The author did a great job at writing their emotions and you could really feel what they were feeling during their scenes. The one thing I wasn't so keen on however was the love triangle written into the latter part of the book. I'm not a massive fan of love triangles anyway, unless they are done very well, and I didn't feel this one added much too the story. I would of also liked a bit more development of the relationship between Jiddy and her mother. I don't feel we say enough of this part of the story.

Along with the great character development the descriptions within the writing were also really good. The author did a great job of bringing scenes to life, making aspects of the story vivid and easy to imagine without causing the writing to be overly flowery. There was several times when I really felt I could insert myself into the story.

Overall I enjoyed this book but as I said before it wasn't quite what I expected. I'm not usually a massive fan of character driven stories, often preferring more plot focused books. However, the well developed characters and immersive writing definitely made up for this and I really felt I was able to enjoy this story. I would recommend this one, especially if you enjoy character driven stories but I would also urge you to give it a go if this isn't usually your thing as you may be surprised.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!

Swept away like the salt in the sea, I am transported to a new land, docking in Robin Hood's Bay, to enter the world of Jiddy Vardy. An adventurous, wild and untamed life, embracing her true spirit. Empowering and inspiring the strong and independent woman within us all.

The richly detailed and developed characters unravel this trilling mystery of human nature. It teaches us, we do what we must. There isn't always simply good and bad, but the grey and thoughtful eyes of Jonas that pierces deep below the surface of each individuals story, intelligently explored by Ruth Estevez in this gripping YA novel. Yet, as a soon to be 27 year old woman, I too fell in love with it.

Bewitched by the power of Jiddy's passionate and courageous nature, this tough, strong-willed female protagonist leads us into a historic and dangerous realm of secrets and murder as she discovers her roots and where her heart truly belongs.

Captivated by the back alleys and hidden tunnels within the layering pathways of her story; unexpected side roads that lead her astray and explore the unknown; I travel with Jiddy.

Jiddy stays true to her self and ceases to let anyone extinguish the fire behind her eyes and fiercely wild love to breathe in life fully. A careless, foolishness for following her core beliefs drives her to where she longs to be. A fighter, a warrior, a survivor.

There is strength beneath this tale you couldn't possible imagine until you enter the world of pirates, smuggling and Jiddy Vardy for yourself.

If only there was as sequel!

Wonderfully written and seductively unraveled. Visually epic. A transformational tale. The most enticing novel I have read in years. I couldn't recommend this book enough.

I could start at the beginning and read it all again...

[Gemma McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]


I went though several different stages with this book, there were times that I was gripped with the story and other times I wasn't. I was more gripped in the last third of the book, where I couldn't put it down.
There is a lot of world building, which make it easier to understand Jiddy's choices in the end. As the book is set in England in 1779 I had to remember the treatment of people (women) at the time, so I didn't sidetracked by my feelings on that subject.
Jiddy is such an interesting character to read, she has this great balance of good and bad, although she may break the law she does is for nobel reasons. I loved her relationship between her a Jonas, especially the evolution of the relationship. There is a love triangle between Jonas, Jiddy and another character, I do think she ended up with the right person, but I wouldn't have been disappointed if she has end up with either of them to be honest.
Robin Hood Bay is a real location in England (before I read the book I had never heard about it), which did dealing with french pirates. It's an interesting place to google.
This book is a character driven story, and if you love these type of book sent in history with a splash of romance, than I would advise you to pick this book up.
I give this book 3.8 out of 5.

Thank you to Zuntold for sending my a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.



[Debbie McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this story well and truly sucked me in, and now, here I sit, washed up in some sandy cove with the bitter North Sea battering, and I'm lost. OK, I'm not because I snagged the honour of publishing Jiddy Vardy - High Tide (that's book 2). Yuss!

Honestly, this is a brilliant, engaging story from page 1 to 400 and whatever it is. Historical, young adult, female protagonist, pirates, smuggling...what is there not to love about that combination? Jiddy is a fantastic character, whom we properly meet as a child but leave as a young woman, and her development is realistic and unlaboured, by which I mean the author portrays an authentic young adult coming of age, although of course, in this period in history, like most young people, Jiddy works hard. She's self-assured with a well-calibrated moral compass, and she's mostly in control of her own destiny, which makes for some emotional moments in reading when that control is snatched away from her.

I loved the world through Jiddy's eyes. Coming from t'other side o' Pennines, I don't have the most positive view of the NorthEast coast of England, but Jiddy (and Ruth Estevez) convinced me it's a beautiful, albeit cold and wild enchanting place, and that wind's not so biting in a book.

Jiddy Vardy is a book for young adults, whatever their age.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

**RATING 3.5**

Instantly thrown into the action, JIDDY VARDY by Ruth Estevez is a compelling story set during the Eighteenth Century that will set your heart racing with danger and adventure.

From the day she was born, Jiddy Vardy, has been a survivor, growing a tough skin in order to survive amongst the others in Robin Hood's Bay, but she has never really belonged with them. She has never really belonged anywhere. But as young love begins to heal the hurts of the past, Jiddy will find herself the focus of danger as secrets come bubbling up to the surface ...

I really enjoyed this historical, young adult tale of love, strength, and the quest to discover who you really are. Jiddy is a very likeable character who shows real grit and determination in her life and I wanted her to find the right person and path to follow in her life. The middle part of the story is a little slower in pace than the beginning and end, but as this is to build an image of the world that Jiddy inhabits, it makes sense.

JIDDY VARDY by Ruth Estevez is perfect for historical fiction fans, YA fans, and for anyone who just enjoys an adventure story with a little romance, and is definitely worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH an enjoyable read, that just got better and better as it went on!

From the opening chapter you’re thrown straight into the action, and the pace did not let up until the very end. It was so immersive and atmospheric, and this is a setting I love too, so there was no way I wasn’t going to be obsessed!

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We follow Jiddy from birth to her late teens, as she finds out more about her past, about her hometown, and about the people she called family. I found the last few chapters particularly compelling, as more about Jiddy’s origins were uncovered.

While this was a brilliant self-contained story, it also teased at excitement to come in future instalments. As much as the sea was a central figure in this first book, I’m excited to see it feature more in the next two.

This was an absorbing, escapist read, perfect for historical fiction fans and lovers of the sea!

I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Gill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read three books by Ruth Estevez recently and enjoyed them all but this, her latest, is fabulous.
Jiddy Vardy is an extraordinary young woman, living in a world that is dangerous and exciting. She is later introduced to another world, a world that is her birth right, and she finds herself conflicted.
Is it a young adult book or one written for adults? Certainly Jiddy is a young person who encounters many of the dilemmas facing young people even today. She experiences her first kiss. She is kissed by another man but this second lover doesn’t come up to expectations. The ending is upbeat but open, so typical of a young adult text. Yet the novel would also be very appealing to adults.
This is arguably also an historical novel. Estevez creates a convincing setting and makes good use of the senses to pull us right into the story.
Estevez’s prose style is very evocative, making the novel an excellent read.

[PagesAndInk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jiddy Vardy is cozy historical fiction set in 18th century England against the backdrop of pirates, smugglers and the crown’s soldiers. It was a semi finalist in the 2023 Book Bloggers Novel the Year Award (BBNYA).

Our main character Jiddy is a tough and uncompromising young lady trying to carve out a life for herself in a harsh world dominated by men. Smuggling and piracy abound and Jiddy is no stranger to either. The book is full of vivid description and some nice prose, though it perhaps is of varying quality, it is by in large good.

The relationship between Jiddy and Jonas leaves you wanting more and though it is possibly a bit slow-paced its just in general a good enjoyable read. Perfect for a beach get away.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining historical fiction/romance. The author has a good way with words and a nice writing style.

Pirates, smugglers and romance in 18th century England, its got it all! Its set in a coastal town in England called Robin Hood’s Bay (I think it is a real place?) And Jiddy herself is a wilful, independent and perhaps even headstrong young woman, in a world where this is not really the way to be if you want to bag a husband. Nonetheless romance soon finds her.

I think it deserves a four star rating. It doesn’t ever really hit you with anything amazing but something about it keeps you turning the page. I’d be interested to see how the series develops.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s pretty good book. It’s well written and I really like the setting. Jiddy herself is an interesting character, though not necessarily a likeable one. I loved the smuggling aspects of it and would have liked if there was more of that. I also would have liked if there was more about pirates and a bit less on the romantic side of things, but these are all pretty personal gripes. The book itself is, as I said, well written, the author clearly knows her business and I’d be interested in seeing where Jiddy’s story goes from here. (reading this back I realise it sounds a bit harsh, but no, I did like the book)

Its 3.5 stars from me (rounding up for Goodreads!)

[Anna Underground Broke The Camel's Back · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are plenty of surprises and twists in this book for young adults set at Robin Hood's Bay. Particularly the second half of the book rattles along at roller coaster pace, and it all builds to a denouement that, while satisfying in its own right, sets us up nicely for a sequel.

Jiddy Vardy is a worthy addition to the illustrious canon of Yorkshire children’s literature. And I can’t wait to find out what she does next.

Full review here: https://murderundergroundbrokethecame...

[Coffee & books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

The story was not good enough. The characters didn't evolve at all. In the end nothing changed, she was still the same, in the same place, with the same people, with most of the same beliefs she had when the book started.

I didn't like how her mother was shown and their meeting was just strange. The love triangle is not great and the last description of one of them was, well, not well made. I loved reading the book and the first ~200 pages were interesting, but then in flopped.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written and compelling story that explores the conflict of identity and belonging. I love how this book captures a sense of the wild, fierce and captivating nature of the North and the sea. Such an easy read I couldn't stop turning the pages. What a gem. Can't wait for the next one!

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic adventure set in Robin Hood's Bay, one of my favourite places on the beautiful North Yorkshire Coast. The first half seems to move more slowly as the scene and period detail is set but then we have a rattling good tale. I hadn't heard of the author before I picked this up but I recommend it!

[Marie Basting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written tale of the outsider. Jiddy is a strong and compelling lead, and I enjoyed watching her journey from capricious child to brave and loyal young woman. What I loved most about the book though was the setting and how the landscape almost becomes a character in its own right, Robin Hood's Bay a perfect location for this turbulent romance.

[Sarah Kershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this brilliant book by Ruth Estevez. I loved the characters, especially Jiddy, all beautifully written and so vivid. An adventure, love story, historical, smugglers, tragedy and strong female lead all rolled into one. Gripped from the first page and didn’t want it to end!

[Melanie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jiddy Vardy is a character driven YA story that will whisk you into the world of smuggling and pirates set in Robin Hood's Bay. I was drawn to Jiddy who was headstrong but also compassionate. It's a page turning adventure story full of suspense, strong characters and discovering first love.

[el ✯ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) a promising pitch with a less than satisfactory execution. While not only being painstakingly slow, character development is negligible, and the dialogue was also strange at times. It was, however, easy-to-read, though perhaps a bit stilted towards the end.

[Becca ♡ PrettyLittleMemoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming 21/06!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

[ReadItRichard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly fun read for what I feared would be another run of the mill historical romance. It jumps straight into the action with a pretty graphic scene and the pace never really lets up from there. From mysterious origins the main character, Jiddy, strives to carve a life for herself in Robin Hood’s Bay, a coastal town in 18th century England, rife with smugglers and pirates.

There’s some particularly nice and evocative language about the sea and I think some elements that will particularly appeal to the female reader. I think 4 stars is fair.

[Janet Whitaker]

hard to start but harder to put down.