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Devil's Ballast
Anne Bonny was eighteen when she ran away from her violent husband, James, into the arms of pirate captain Calico Jack Rackham. Now she’s ensconced aboard Jack’s ship Ranger, passing as a cabin boy and playing her ruthless part in a crew that is raining down mayhem and murder on the ships of the Caribbean. But James Bonny is willing to pay to get his ‘property’ back. And pirate-hunter Captain Barnet is happy to take his money.
The Ranger’s a fast ship: Anne might just be able to outrun Barnet. But can she outrun the consequences of her relationship with Calico Jack?
Devil's Ballast is action-packed yet nuanced, culturally relevant and sharp as a cutlass. Based on the true story of Anne Bonny, this new novel by the remarkable Meg Caddy brings to life one of history’s most fascinating anti-heroines.
The Ranger’s a fast ship: Anne might just be able to outrun Barnet. But can she outrun the consequences of her relationship with Calico Jack?
Devil's Ballast is action-packed yet nuanced, culturally relevant and sharp as a cutlass. Based on the true story of Anne Bonny, this new novel by the remarkable Meg Caddy brings to life one of history’s most fascinating anti-heroines.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
7 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Meg Caddy
4 books60 followersMeg Caddy is a part-time bookseller and a full-time nerd. Their fantasy novel Waer was shortlisted for the 2013 Text Prize and the 2017 CBCA Book of the Year Award, and their historical fiction Devil’s Ballast was shortlisted for the 2020 Readings YA Book Prize. They are currently undertaking a PhD in queer fiction.
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May 24, 2020
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Thank you NetGalley and Text Publishing for this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
And while all pirates were, of course, an affront to God,
a female pirate was a particular abomination.
Anne Bonny is considered “one of the most famous female pirates of all time”, which in and of itself, would have been scandalous even in that group. While I've heard her name mentioned a couple of times, and seen her featured in TV shows like Black Sails, I didn't know a lot about her life. Readers may take historical fiction in different ways, but for me it opens a door through which I want to learn more about a time, place, or people once I've finished the novel.
Though taken with a grain of salt—because as Meg Caddy states in the Author's Note at the end of the book, “when it comes to Anne Bonny and her lads there is some difficulty sorting the historical from the fiction.”—Devil's Ballast was a pleasure to read. Not only is it an adventure ride from the moment that you start to read with Bonny on the deck of her Calico Jack's the Ranger about to take over the Kingston, but you can't help yourself from liking Bonny. She's sassy, she's whip-smart, she's got a mouth that won't shut up and gets her into more trouble than she knows what to do with sometimes. But she's also a woman who has suffered a lot of physical and mental affront in her past and is trying to build a new life for herself.
She's impossible to root against; the woman had tenacious strength, and I doubt that she would've been much different in reality considering that she managed to survive eighty-five years on this Earth. I imagine that that wasn't an easy feat for a person who partook in the lifestyle of a pirate.
Is the story of Devil's Ballast a romanticized version of piracy? I would say so. You're on the side of these hooligans from start to finish. At least I now I was! I'm well aware that they committed terrible acts of violence in their time, and there was a valid reason why those against them worked so hard to get rid of their kind. But as this novel stands, the characters are a delight. Bonny aside, I was so glad to see “Martin” Read featured and play such a strong—and crucial—role in the plot. His scene with Bonny below-decks on the schooner en route to Nassau, letting the vulnerability slip free on himself, was one of the best. In the midst of all the fast-paced action, the moments of strong emotion were all the more appreciated.
Despite knowing a thing or two on how history truly wrote itself, the ending to the novel was incredibly satisfying. I've never been one to root for the “good guys” all the time. It depends on the story, and it depends on the roles being played out. And in times like these, with a story such as the one written on these pages, that pays off. If there's one complaint that I have is that the book ended too quickly. For all the struggle that Bonny went through, for all the times that she had to fight tooth and nail through sweat and blood and tears, she made it worth the read. This woman was a badass in her time, and this here novel is a little treasure for fans of one such as her.
Thank you NetGalley and Text Publishing for this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
And while all pirates were, of course, an affront to God,
a female pirate was a particular abomination.
Anne Bonny is considered “one of the most famous female pirates of all time”, which in and of itself, would have been scandalous even in that group. While I've heard her name mentioned a couple of times, and seen her featured in TV shows like Black Sails, I didn't know a lot about her life. Readers may take historical fiction in different ways, but for me it opens a door through which I want to learn more about a time, place, or people once I've finished the novel.
Though taken with a grain of salt—because as Meg Caddy states in the Author's Note at the end of the book, “when it comes to Anne Bonny and her lads there is some difficulty sorting the historical from the fiction.”—Devil's Ballast was a pleasure to read. Not only is it an adventure ride from the moment that you start to read with Bonny on the deck of her Calico Jack's the Ranger about to take over the Kingston, but you can't help yourself from liking Bonny. She's sassy, she's whip-smart, she's got a mouth that won't shut up and gets her into more trouble than she knows what to do with sometimes. But she's also a woman who has suffered a lot of physical and mental affront in her past and is trying to build a new life for herself.
She's impossible to root against; the woman had tenacious strength, and I doubt that she would've been much different in reality considering that she managed to survive eighty-five years on this Earth. I imagine that that wasn't an easy feat for a person who partook in the lifestyle of a pirate.
Is the story of Devil's Ballast a romanticized version of piracy? I would say so. You're on the side of these hooligans from start to finish. At least I now I was! I'm well aware that they committed terrible acts of violence in their time, and there was a valid reason why those against them worked so hard to get rid of their kind. But as this novel stands, the characters are a delight. Bonny aside, I was so glad to see “Martin” Read featured and play such a strong—and crucial—role in the plot. His scene with Bonny below-decks on the schooner en route to Nassau, letting the vulnerability slip free on himself, was one of the best. In the midst of all the fast-paced action, the moments of strong emotion were all the more appreciated.
Despite knowing a thing or two on how history truly wrote itself, the ending to the novel was incredibly satisfying. I've never been one to root for the “good guys” all the time. It depends on the story, and it depends on the roles being played out. And in times like these, with a story such as the one written on these pages, that pays off. If there's one complaint that I have is that the book ended too quickly. For all the struggle that Bonny went through, for all the times that she had to fight tooth and nail through sweat and blood and tears, she made it worth the read. This woman was a badass in her time, and this here novel is a little treasure for fans of one such as her.
July 21, 2020
I mean, look, it's pretty good.
September 14, 2019
"I wanted the whole ocean to be afraid."
Anne Bonny is the most kick-ass lady pirate I've ever met. So glad Meg Caddy introduced us.
September 12, 2019
As the dawn rises, Anne Bonny binds her breasts with bandages, pulls on her britches and prepares for another journey on board the Ranger, a pirate ship bound for the Carribbean. The crew believes Anne is a young man, small, intelligent and arrogant. The ocean doesn't welcome young women and women on board are abused, disgraced and often degraded. After escaping her violent husband, Anne is labelled an adulterer by the lawmakers of Nassau, a bounty offered for her capture by her volatile husband, furious that Anne was stolen away by infamous pirate Calico Jack, Jack Rackham.
Anne Bonny is remarkable. As a young woman, defying her father and marrying James Bonny, living in a small, ramshackle hut on the Nassau coast. Her husband begun to abuse her, stumbling home in a drunken, violent rage until Anne was presented with a lifeline, the handsome Calico Jack and despite the crew of the Ranger believing Anne was a slight boy of no more than fourteen, Anne and Jack became lovers on the open seas, pillaging merchant vessels and gaining notoriety.
Although her life can only be speculated upon, Anne Bonny is an incredible historical figure. Anne is portrayed as a young woman of incredible strength and conviction, exchanging an oppressive marriage for life as a marauder throughout the Caribbean. She's accused of adultery, a suspected sex worker and if she escapes execution, then she'll be returned to her violent husband who has employed a pirate hunter to capture his wife.
It was highly suspected that Anne Bonny was bisexual, involved in a romantic relationship with Mary Read, also known as Mark Read. Women were often abused during the Golden Age of Piracy, only valued as wives and caregivers by honourable men. Anne bound her breasts in bandages to conceal her gender with only Calico Jack enlightened that Andrew Bonny is female. When Anne is captured and kept prisoner, she befriends a passive, unassuming pirate, Read. Read suspects Anne is female and under the cover of darkness, they both escape. Read is a transgender man, binding his chest and in Devil's Ballast, identifies as male. Their friendship was beautiful, the two pirates are kindred spirits and sought solace in each others company. Although Anne is in a relationship with Calico Jack, she has infinitely greater chemistry and compatibility with Read.
A fictional account of the journey of Anne Bonny, Devil's Ballast is superbly entertaining and swashbuckling fun. Meg Caddy has captured the romantic essence of a ferocious and passionate heroine that will be remembered as a famed and sensationalised young woman. Remarkable reading.
Anne Bonny is remarkable. As a young woman, defying her father and marrying James Bonny, living in a small, ramshackle hut on the Nassau coast. Her husband begun to abuse her, stumbling home in a drunken, violent rage until Anne was presented with a lifeline, the handsome Calico Jack and despite the crew of the Ranger believing Anne was a slight boy of no more than fourteen, Anne and Jack became lovers on the open seas, pillaging merchant vessels and gaining notoriety.
Although her life can only be speculated upon, Anne Bonny is an incredible historical figure. Anne is portrayed as a young woman of incredible strength and conviction, exchanging an oppressive marriage for life as a marauder throughout the Caribbean. She's accused of adultery, a suspected sex worker and if she escapes execution, then she'll be returned to her violent husband who has employed a pirate hunter to capture his wife.
It was highly suspected that Anne Bonny was bisexual, involved in a romantic relationship with Mary Read, also known as Mark Read. Women were often abused during the Golden Age of Piracy, only valued as wives and caregivers by honourable men. Anne bound her breasts in bandages to conceal her gender with only Calico Jack enlightened that Andrew Bonny is female. When Anne is captured and kept prisoner, she befriends a passive, unassuming pirate, Read. Read suspects Anne is female and under the cover of darkness, they both escape. Read is a transgender man, binding his chest and in Devil's Ballast, identifies as male. Their friendship was beautiful, the two pirates are kindred spirits and sought solace in each others company. Although Anne is in a relationship with Calico Jack, she has infinitely greater chemistry and compatibility with Read.
A fictional account of the journey of Anne Bonny, Devil's Ballast is superbly entertaining and swashbuckling fun. Meg Caddy has captured the romantic essence of a ferocious and passionate heroine that will be remembered as a famed and sensationalised young woman. Remarkable reading.
June 5, 2019
“I counted fifteen dead men working the deck of the Kingston well, they weren’t dead yet, but the day was young and I had a full belt of shot.”
And so starts Meg Caddy’s second book, ‘Devil’s Ballast’ released by Text Publishing in May, 2019.
‘Devil’s Ballast’ is Caddy’s take on the real-life pirate, Anne Bonny. Bonny, an Irish pirate who wreaked havoc in the Caribbean in the 18th Century, has become something of a legend.
Caddy has woven her magic with what is known of Bonny’s life to provide readers with a compelling and entertaining tale.
The story opens with a fierce battle at sea and the stage is set. Caddy has gone to considerable effort to research weaponry of the time. And throughout the adventures and battles, Bonny’s relationship with pirate captain, Calico Jack winds a turbulent and passionate thread balancing the storyline.
Caddy has given readers a rip-roaring pirate tale of murder, mayhem and questionable morals with both style and sophistication. Her careful handling of historical detail is appreciated and it soon becomes apparent that she has undertaken an extraordinary amount of research.
‘Devil’s Ballast’ is highly recommended for readers of high-school age and older, and all those who enjoy reading about a thrill-seeking, strong female protagonist. Caddy’s Anne Bonny is the perfect anti-heroine for our age.
My thanks to Text Publishing for an advance review copy.
And so starts Meg Caddy’s second book, ‘Devil’s Ballast’ released by Text Publishing in May, 2019.
‘Devil’s Ballast’ is Caddy’s take on the real-life pirate, Anne Bonny. Bonny, an Irish pirate who wreaked havoc in the Caribbean in the 18th Century, has become something of a legend.
Caddy has woven her magic with what is known of Bonny’s life to provide readers with a compelling and entertaining tale.
The story opens with a fierce battle at sea and the stage is set. Caddy has gone to considerable effort to research weaponry of the time. And throughout the adventures and battles, Bonny’s relationship with pirate captain, Calico Jack winds a turbulent and passionate thread balancing the storyline.
Caddy has given readers a rip-roaring pirate tale of murder, mayhem and questionable morals with both style and sophistication. Her careful handling of historical detail is appreciated and it soon becomes apparent that she has undertaken an extraordinary amount of research.
‘Devil’s Ballast’ is highly recommended for readers of high-school age and older, and all those who enjoy reading about a thrill-seeking, strong female protagonist. Caddy’s Anne Bonny is the perfect anti-heroine for our age.
My thanks to Text Publishing for an advance review copy.
Read
July 28, 2020‘You spend most of the book cheering them on, furiously turning the pages…great for readers of action-filled historical fiction.'
Books + Publishing
‘[A] strong, brine-soaked adventure.’
Wall Street Journal
Books + Publishing
‘[A] strong, brine-soaked adventure.’
Wall Street Journal
May 14, 2019
An excellent and approachable insight into piracy and the exploits of a woman living the pirate life. Bonny is the impulsive, determined, and gritty lead who undergoes adventure, pain, and retribution on a quest for freedom in a world that doesn't seem to want her.
April 16, 2020
I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review, as part o the Ideally Inspired Review team. Review can also be found on *Ideally Inspired Reviews*
November 18, 2021
Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. It's a YA pirate story. I was really excited but didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy
December 6, 2020
This review first appeared on my Instagram, @booktineus.
The Good Things
+ I loved Caddy's debut, Waer (it's such a unique YA werewolf fantasy) so was excited to see how she took on pirates!
+ P.S. Aussie author!
+ Did I mention it's an excellent standalone NA historical about pirates? Specifically Anne Bonny and Jack Rackham, with many more name drops.
+ I thought I knew where the story would go because I know a little bit about Bonny's story. I was wrong. It surprised me!
+ Told in alternating POVs: first person present tense from Anne and third person from the villain Barnet.
+ Anne is super sassy and unapologeitcally and anti-hero.
+ A trans character has a fairly big role in the plot, especially in the second half.
+ Super addictive right from the beginning and easy to read. I read two thirds in one sitting and then finished it at 1AM. Easily one of my top reads of 2020!
The Not-So-Good Things
- Considering how important Anne and Jack's relationship was to driving the plot, they barely had any scenes together. We never really got to see how they got together either, since the story begins a few months after Anne joins the Ranger. Their lack of scenes together meant I didn't really care about their relationship all that much.
- I would have loved to see more of Martin Read, especially earlier on in the novel. He was a quiet character but probably my favourite and we barely got to know him.
TLDR
This cracking pirate standalone is one of my favourite reads of 2020. It went in a different direction I expected and kept me reading late into the night. My only real complaint is that I wanted more scenes between Jack and Anne to sell me on their relationship. Otherwise another fantastic book from Meg Caddy.
The Good Things
+ I loved Caddy's debut, Waer (it's such a unique YA werewolf fantasy) so was excited to see how she took on pirates!
+ P.S. Aussie author!
+ Did I mention it's an excellent standalone NA historical about pirates? Specifically Anne Bonny and Jack Rackham, with many more name drops.
+ I thought I knew where the story would go because I know a little bit about Bonny's story. I was wrong. It surprised me!
+ Told in alternating POVs: first person present tense from Anne and third person from the villain Barnet.
+ Anne is super sassy and unapologeitcally and anti-hero.
+ A trans character has a fairly big role in the plot, especially in the second half.
+ Super addictive right from the beginning and easy to read. I read two thirds in one sitting and then finished it at 1AM. Easily one of my top reads of 2020!
The Not-So-Good Things
- Considering how important Anne and Jack's relationship was to driving the plot, they barely had any scenes together. We never really got to see how they got together either, since the story begins a few months after Anne joins the Ranger. Their lack of scenes together meant I didn't really care about their relationship all that much.
- I would have loved to see more of Martin Read, especially earlier on in the novel. He was a quiet character but probably my favourite and we barely got to know him.
TLDR
This cracking pirate standalone is one of my favourite reads of 2020. It went in a different direction I expected and kept me reading late into the night. My only real complaint is that I wanted more scenes between Jack and Anne to sell me on their relationship. Otherwise another fantastic book from Meg Caddy.
April 4, 2019
There are a lot of reasons to like Meg Caddyʼs latest book – Devilʼs Ballast. The adventure, the banter, the page-turning tempo; take your pick. But my own personal number #1 reason can be summed up in three words: Ann Freakinʼ Bonny. This version of the notorious pirate is everything I like in a character, and she couldnʼt be further from a cliché. Sheʼs not the stoic warrior woman or the reluctant hero or the girl next door. She doesnʼt follow the standard arc. Sheʼs uncompromising, flawed, sometimes selfish, often wrong, and completely relatable. And boy, is she resilient. Bonny reminds me of a bouncy ball – you know the ones from when you were a kid? Throw them at the ground, and back up they come. Down and up, down and up. Itʼs fun. But if you get rough and chuck that thing too hard, look out, because itʼs coming back and youʼre about to lose an eye. Woe to the foes of Ann Bonny. So itʼs 5 stars from me, for a great character and a fun journey. Canʼt wait for the next one.
July 31, 2019
Overall the book was fantastic, but I do wish we could have seen Cornelius the dead shark make a cameo appearance.
March 14, 2020
Devil's Ballast was a highly enjoyable read. It was nicely paced, with plenty of action, as well as some good drama and emotion. Anne was an absorbing character and I loved reading of her adventures and her interactions with those around her. The LGBT content was presented in a natural manner, without sensationalising it, and overall this was a delightful read that kept me well entertained over two nights. I recommend Devil's Ballast to YA historical fiction fans and those who enjoy YA stories with feisty heroines and plenty of action.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2021
I was so excited for a pirate book with a main character that is +18 and not an over romantic story.
But I was so disappointed. It’s written in first person, but somehow it feels like I’m looking down at the characters doing stuff, and not feeling anything.
I don’t know how it’s possible, people died, got beaten, her husband abused her and she expressed no feelings.
But I was so disappointed. It’s written in first person, but somehow it feels like I’m looking down at the characters doing stuff, and not feeling anything.
I don’t know how it’s possible, people died, got beaten, her husband abused her and she expressed no feelings.
April 24, 2020
A gripping, fast-paced, high-stakes historical fiction following the true story of Anne Bonny (the most notorious female pirate in history) and her adventures at sea.
In short, I fell in love with this novel.
Lets start with Anne Bonny; bold, quick-witted, resilient, shameless, but never a two-dimensional caricature. She was more than just a badass female protagonist. Meg Caddy dealt subtly, and powerfully, with Bonny's vulnerability - at the hands of her abusive husband, and of the legal and social mores of the early 18th Century, forcing her to hide her female identity when pursuing ambition, love and revenge at sea. The trials Bonny faces puts that vulnerability to the test, and sees her both be defeated and grow immensely over the course of the novel. It is amazing to think that her tales are not just works of fiction.
On this note, Caddy weaves historical truth seamlessly into her storytelling. The novel read beautifully, was perfectly paced and never dense. A part of the reason why I love pirate stories is that, set on a ship run by a crew of murderers and thieves against a backdrop of the sea, they're inherently lent to being dynamic - both action-packed and atmospheric. That is exactly what Devil's Ballast was. I felt completely transported.
Caddy writes relationships, both romantic and platonic, that are wonderful to read. The love Bonny had for both her beau Captain Calico and her unexpected friend Martin Read drastically heightened the stakes of her journey, but also, through an honest and emotive depiction of comradery, offered an ongoing glimmer of hope when all seemed dreary.
This book deserves much more attention that it is getting. If you're in the mood for one epic pirate story, I urge you to pick this up! 4.75/5 stars! One of the best books I've read this year - I will definitely be on the look out for Meg Caddy's future publications.
In short, I fell in love with this novel.
Lets start with Anne Bonny; bold, quick-witted, resilient, shameless, but never a two-dimensional caricature. She was more than just a badass female protagonist. Meg Caddy dealt subtly, and powerfully, with Bonny's vulnerability - at the hands of her abusive husband, and of the legal and social mores of the early 18th Century, forcing her to hide her female identity when pursuing ambition, love and revenge at sea. The trials Bonny faces puts that vulnerability to the test, and sees her both be defeated and grow immensely over the course of the novel. It is amazing to think that her tales are not just works of fiction.
On this note, Caddy weaves historical truth seamlessly into her storytelling. The novel read beautifully, was perfectly paced and never dense. A part of the reason why I love pirate stories is that, set on a ship run by a crew of murderers and thieves against a backdrop of the sea, they're inherently lent to being dynamic - both action-packed and atmospheric. That is exactly what Devil's Ballast was. I felt completely transported.
Caddy writes relationships, both romantic and platonic, that are wonderful to read. The love Bonny had for both her beau Captain Calico and her unexpected friend Martin Read drastically heightened the stakes of her journey, but also, through an honest and emotive depiction of comradery, offered an ongoing glimmer of hope when all seemed dreary.
This book deserves much more attention that it is getting. If you're in the mood for one epic pirate story, I urge you to pick this up! 4.75/5 stars! One of the best books I've read this year - I will definitely be on the look out for Meg Caddy's future publications.
April 22, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"I secured our own flag. A black field; a skull above two crossed cutlasses. It snapped out in the wind. Beneath the sound of the waves and the wind, I heard a ragged cheer from our own crew. I grinned, breathless, and leaned against the mast. From where I perched I could see crow's nests and sails jutting out over the ridge of land. Then we rounded the point and Port Royal came into view. Everyone there would see our flag and know who we were. Calico would be furious. Didn't matter. I wanted everyone to know. We were the crew of the Ranger. We were Calico Jack's people.
I wanted the whole damned ocean to be afraid."
Sometimes when you miss Black Sails and all its characters, the only thing to do is to find a book that will make you forget that you've been living without them for four years.
Devil's Ballast by Meg Caddy was one of the most perfect historical fictions about pirates I ever read. It is evident from the very beginning that she heavily researched the material to write such a fast-paced and an excellent read. The story follows Anne Bonny, a historical figure, a pirate who lived during the Golden Age of Piracy. There are still so many things we don't know about her life, but Caddy fills these gaps with a story that is believable and entertaining. LGBTQ+ themes are handled incredibly well, and the entire cast is as diverse as possible, and that's why the world-building makes complete sense to me.
Caddy's Anne Bonny is unbreakable, uncompromising, resilient, and a true icon. I loved every single page, and while all her characters are worthy of my love, her Anne will always a special place in my heart. Good God, what an incredible woman!
"I secured our own flag. A black field; a skull above two crossed cutlasses. It snapped out in the wind. Beneath the sound of the waves and the wind, I heard a ragged cheer from our own crew. I grinned, breathless, and leaned against the mast. From where I perched I could see crow's nests and sails jutting out over the ridge of land. Then we rounded the point and Port Royal came into view. Everyone there would see our flag and know who we were. Calico would be furious. Didn't matter. I wanted everyone to know. We were the crew of the Ranger. We were Calico Jack's people.
I wanted the whole damned ocean to be afraid."
Sometimes when you miss Black Sails and all its characters, the only thing to do is to find a book that will make you forget that you've been living without them for four years.
Devil's Ballast by Meg Caddy was one of the most perfect historical fictions about pirates I ever read. It is evident from the very beginning that she heavily researched the material to write such a fast-paced and an excellent read. The story follows Anne Bonny, a historical figure, a pirate who lived during the Golden Age of Piracy. There are still so many things we don't know about her life, but Caddy fills these gaps with a story that is believable and entertaining. LGBTQ+ themes are handled incredibly well, and the entire cast is as diverse as possible, and that's why the world-building makes complete sense to me.
Caddy's Anne Bonny is unbreakable, uncompromising, resilient, and a true icon. I loved every single page, and while all her characters are worthy of my love, her Anne will always a special place in my heart. Good God, what an incredible woman!
May 22, 2022
I started reading author's new release, Slipping the Noose, but I felt that I jumped straight into the middle of a story. So, I checked Goodreads and it's noted at the bottom (!) of the book description that it's the sequel of Devil's Ballast which I then realised I've yet to read! Felt totally terrible and hurriedly read through this novel.
Enjoyable as most of the read was, I didn't quite love it. I guess I just expected something different so I was a little bit disappointed. It's probably my own fault though as I'm notorious when it comes to not paying enough attention to the book description and only decided on a glance that it might be something I like. For this book, it was on the basis of pirate, girl dressed as boy, adventure and romance. However, it was a little bit more sad and less adventure & romance so I'm not real keen on this story... probably not the right timing either.
My thanks to Text Publishing for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
Enjoyable as most of the read was, I didn't quite love it. I guess I just expected something different so I was a little bit disappointed. It's probably my own fault though as I'm notorious when it comes to not paying enough attention to the book description and only decided on a glance that it might be something I like. For this book, it was on the basis of pirate, girl dressed as boy, adventure and romance. However, it was a little bit more sad and less adventure & romance so I'm not real keen on this story... probably not the right timing either.
My thanks to Text Publishing for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
July 6, 2019
A perfect book for a rainy, bed-ridden-with-a-head-cold kind of day. While it's hard to separate the sensationalism and romanticism of piracy from the fact that they were murderers and plunderers, it's no use denying that a female badass pirate, who fought for love as much as revenge and stolen ships, makes for an exciting tale. Meg Caddy's version of Anne Bonny's adventures is mainly told from Bonny's POV, with some chapters from the pirate hunter Barnet, who is on the trail of Calico Jack, Bonny's lover. What I loved was that her character was mouthy and tough, yet vulnerable to the restrictions and violence women of the time suffered, and her piracy ambition grew out of this. Caddy's historical research seems impeccable, never dense, deftly woven into the action.
May 25, 2020
I loved this, it captivated me from the beginning, or rather I should say Anne did. I didn’t know much about Anne Bonny before I read this, I knew bits but that’s it, and obviously being historical fiction it’s not a true account, but as the author says, withered accounts are sketchy and hard to pinpoint what is fact or fiction. Anne is a fabulous character strong, sarcastic, independent and has her history of abuse both physically and mentally. She is such an inspiring woman, ruthless, smart mouthed and equal to the men. A real thought provoking read, but still action packed and entertaining. Thoroughly recommended to lovers of history, strong women and of course pirates.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Read
November 23, 2020Arrr, this be a rollicking good read! Move aside boys, Anne Bonny is here.
This book hooked me in (see what I did there?) and I fell in love with Bonny's spirit and her toughness and her vulnerability. What a tale! There is such authenticity in the world-building that makes complete sense when you realise Caddy researched the locations and literature painstakingly in order to write this book. The characters are brilliant and diverse, and the plot kept me avidly reading even when I probably shouldn't have been :). A recommended YA read.
This book hooked me in (see what I did there?) and I fell in love with Bonny's spirit and her toughness and her vulnerability. What a tale! There is such authenticity in the world-building that makes complete sense when you realise Caddy researched the locations and literature painstakingly in order to write this book. The characters are brilliant and diverse, and the plot kept me avidly reading even when I probably shouldn't have been :). A recommended YA read.
May 16, 2023
4.5. Such a fun and well researched story oh my goodness
February 9, 2023
A little run-of-the-mill, but what a fun ride it was. Bonus points for Anne Bonny being a historical icon and the queer representation, which was done with equal amounts care and badassery.
April 20, 2020
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3🌟 — Devil’s Ballast follows Anne Bonny, a real life female pirate who left her abusive husband to sail the high seas with her pirate lover Calico Jack. The book opens up with the pirates ready to capture a ship, straight into the action.
Anne Bonny is a fierce and flawed character who fights for what she wants and very much does not care about what you think of her. Faced with her husband trying to catch her and pirate hunter Captain Barnet, who is all too happy to take his money to help — Anne Bonny will have to run fast if she wants to stay out of their hands.
This was a very fast and fun read! I do wish that it was longer, as I feel that would have given more room to flesh out the characters and their relationships a bit more, but overall, I enjoyed this.
3🌟 — Devil’s Ballast follows Anne Bonny, a real life female pirate who left her abusive husband to sail the high seas with her pirate lover Calico Jack. The book opens up with the pirates ready to capture a ship, straight into the action.
“I counted fifteen dead men working the deck of the Kingston. Well, they weren’t dead yet, but the day was young and I had a full belt of shot.”
Anne Bonny is a fierce and flawed character who fights for what she wants and very much does not care about what you think of her. Faced with her husband trying to catch her and pirate hunter Captain Barnet, who is all too happy to take his money to help — Anne Bonny will have to run fast if she wants to stay out of their hands.
This was a very fast and fun read! I do wish that it was longer, as I feel that would have given more room to flesh out the characters and their relationships a bit more, but overall, I enjoyed this.
May 22, 2019
Meg Caddy sure knows how to write an adventure. Devil’s Ballast is a rollicking, heartfelt and fun novel based on the true life of Anne Bonny. This is the perfect read for anyone who has ever wanted to up and quit their life and become a pirate!
If you’ve never heard of Anne Bonny… well it’s the perfect reason to pick up a copy of this book! Anne Bonny was a married woman until she met a pirate named Calico Jack. They fell in love, Anne disguised herself as a man, and then ran away with him to live a pirate’s life!
There’s a lot of speculation around what happened to Anne Bonny and I have to say I really love what Meg Caddy did with her story. Anne is presented just as I imagined her – powerful, cocky, bold, brave, and passionate. She is a woman born into the wrong life and she risks it all when she finds the life meant for her.
Devil’s Ballast is a fast-paced story told from the POV of Anne, Calico and Captain Barnet, the pirate-hunter. Anne is more of an anti-hero, as some of her choices are definitely questionable, but author Meg Caddy captures the time and place so brilliantly. This is the 1700s, after all. This is life on a pirate ship. This is fighting for one’s survival! Anne’s choices were not easy and Caddy shows us this.
Devil’s Ballast is a must for anyone looking for a story with a sharp-tongued, cutlass-wielding, savvy female pirate!
If you’ve never heard of Anne Bonny… well it’s the perfect reason to pick up a copy of this book! Anne Bonny was a married woman until she met a pirate named Calico Jack. They fell in love, Anne disguised herself as a man, and then ran away with him to live a pirate’s life!
There’s a lot of speculation around what happened to Anne Bonny and I have to say I really love what Meg Caddy did with her story. Anne is presented just as I imagined her – powerful, cocky, bold, brave, and passionate. She is a woman born into the wrong life and she risks it all when she finds the life meant for her.
Devil’s Ballast is a fast-paced story told from the POV of Anne, Calico and Captain Barnet, the pirate-hunter. Anne is more of an anti-hero, as some of her choices are definitely questionable, but author Meg Caddy captures the time and place so brilliantly. This is the 1700s, after all. This is life on a pirate ship. This is fighting for one’s survival! Anne’s choices were not easy and Caddy shows us this.
Devil’s Ballast is a must for anyone looking for a story with a sharp-tongued, cutlass-wielding, savvy female pirate!
Read
August 18, 2019Strong female character + pirates + historical fiction = a great read.
Devil's Ballast charts new waters.
Devil's Ballast charts new waters.
November 12, 2020
Plot:
This is a YA historical novel taking place in the Caribbean and following the story of female pirate, Anne Bonny, based on the true story of Anne Bonny. Bonny has run from her abusive husband and found herself on the pirate ship, The Ranger, which is captained by her lover, Calico. Bonny has to disguise herself as the cabin boy but lives a content life causing mayhem on the ship and in the Caribbean. However, the pirate-hunter Captain Barnet has set his sights on The Ranger, with the added incentive of Bonny's husband's money in exchange for him getting his 'property' back.
My thoughts:
Reading this book has made me really curious about pirates and, in particular, female pirates like Anne Bonny. Knowing that this novel is based on a true story just made it better and the amount of research the author did really shines through and enhances the story.
I liked so much about this book: the characters (particularly Read); the plot; the action; and, most importantly, the handling of LGBTQ+ themes. This book features a trans man as one of the main characters as well as the implication that he and another male character are attracted to men. These reveals were handled very well and without drama. The point of view given from the antagonist was also effective in both conveying motivations and creating anticipation as so much of the novel took the form of a chase / race against time.
Where the book fell down for me was that it struggled to grasp my attention, particularly in the beginning. But even by the end I wasn't feeling a connection to any of the characters. My other criticism is the underdeveloped romance between Bonny and Calico. I felt that more development would have made understanding and sympathising with Bonny's actions in the second half of the book a lot easier. However, as there had been little development or even background it was difficult to care.
I always feel that I need to write a little reminder that I did enjoy the book after writing anything critical, so here's that disclaimer: I did enjoy this! It was a fun, historical adventure full of piracy, action and general badassery.
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*eARC received in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley*
This is a YA historical novel taking place in the Caribbean and following the story of female pirate, Anne Bonny, based on the true story of Anne Bonny. Bonny has run from her abusive husband and found herself on the pirate ship, The Ranger, which is captained by her lover, Calico. Bonny has to disguise herself as the cabin boy but lives a content life causing mayhem on the ship and in the Caribbean. However, the pirate-hunter Captain Barnet has set his sights on The Ranger, with the added incentive of Bonny's husband's money in exchange for him getting his 'property' back.
My thoughts:
Reading this book has made me really curious about pirates and, in particular, female pirates like Anne Bonny. Knowing that this novel is based on a true story just made it better and the amount of research the author did really shines through and enhances the story.
I liked so much about this book: the characters (particularly Read); the plot; the action; and, most importantly, the handling of LGBTQ+ themes. This book features a trans man as one of the main characters as well as the implication that he and another male character are attracted to men. These reveals were handled very well and without drama. The point of view given from the antagonist was also effective in both conveying motivations and creating anticipation as so much of the novel took the form of a chase / race against time.
Where the book fell down for me was that it struggled to grasp my attention, particularly in the beginning. But even by the end I wasn't feeling a connection to any of the characters. My other criticism is the underdeveloped romance between Bonny and Calico. I felt that more development would have made understanding and sympathising with Bonny's actions in the second half of the book a lot easier. However, as there had been little development or even background it was difficult to care.
I always feel that I need to write a little reminder that I did enjoy the book after writing anything critical, so here's that disclaimer: I did enjoy this! It was a fun, historical adventure full of piracy, action and general badassery.
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*eARC received in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley*
May 2, 2019
I received this book to review from Text Publishing and loved every bit of it! I love historical fiction and this book did not let me down. There was betrayal, murder, love, lies and revenge. Don’t let me forget the badass female herself, Anne Bonny. I’d definitely recommend this book to fans of Pirates of the Caribbean. Well done Meg Caddy!!
July 27, 2022
2022 - 5 stars, Favourited
2019 - 5 stars
Anne Bonny ran from her father and then she ran from her husband. But now somebody is running after her and she's running out of time. A biological clock is ticking and the notorious Captain Barnet is ticking off pirates in his quest to rid the Caribbean of sin. Anne flees to Havana with child and with turncoat, Martin Read, to wait out her pregnancy but determined to return to Calico Jack's side to rule the seven seas. But time and tide wait for no man and reuniting with Calico will not be as simple as Anne would hope.
Oh. My. Gosh. I am not one for historical fiction but I am one for pirates and this was perfect. Meg Caddy has brought Anne Bonny to brilliant, bracing life in a humorous, engaging adventure story that centres women and LGBT+ folk at a time they were far from celebrated. I was completely in love with this story and loved getting to learn a little more about one of the most famous pirates in history.
Annie is so funny and self-assured and I loved reading about her struggles as she tried to make it as a pirate. I wasn't particularly invested in her romance with Calico - it doesn't take up too much of the story, though - but her friendship with Read was awesome. I also loved her camaraderie with the other pirates in Calico's crew. And I'm happy to inform you that there's a trans character in this book! But their identity is a spoiler so I won't tell you who it is - you'll have to read it to find out.
Devil's Ballast was an excellent read and with it being published in the US in 2020, be sure to add it to your wishlists now so you don't miss out on the marvellous story of Anne Bonny.
Warnings: Period typical attitudes towards women and LGBT+ people, references to past abuse, violence and some bloody imagery.
2019 - 5 stars
“The world was no place for girls.”
Anne Bonny ran from her father and then she ran from her husband. But now somebody is running after her and she's running out of time. A biological clock is ticking and the notorious Captain Barnet is ticking off pirates in his quest to rid the Caribbean of sin. Anne flees to Havana with child and with turncoat, Martin Read, to wait out her pregnancy but determined to return to Calico Jack's side to rule the seven seas. But time and tide wait for no man and reuniting with Calico will not be as simple as Anne would hope.
Oh. My. Gosh. I am not one for historical fiction but I am one for pirates and this was perfect. Meg Caddy has brought Anne Bonny to brilliant, bracing life in a humorous, engaging adventure story that centres women and LGBT+ folk at a time they were far from celebrated. I was completely in love with this story and loved getting to learn a little more about one of the most famous pirates in history.
Annie is so funny and self-assured and I loved reading about her struggles as she tried to make it as a pirate. I wasn't particularly invested in her romance with Calico - it doesn't take up too much of the story, though - but her friendship with Read was awesome. I also loved her camaraderie with the other pirates in Calico's crew. And I'm happy to inform you that there's a trans character in this book! But their identity is a spoiler so I won't tell you who it is - you'll have to read it to find out.
Devil's Ballast was an excellent read and with it being published in the US in 2020, be sure to add it to your wishlists now so you don't miss out on the marvellous story of Anne Bonny.
Warnings: Period typical attitudes towards women and LGBT+ people, references to past abuse, violence and some bloody imagery.
July 5, 2023
I absolutely love this book, it ya easily made to my favorite book of all time. The characters are gorgeous and so well done. My favorite character was definitely Martin Read, it was amazing to see well done representation of a trans character done in a realistic way and as it was simply a truth for him and there was a clear difference between him and Bonny. Also I love how Read was the definition (at least to me) “not a perfect soldier, but a good man”. I also loved how before I read this book I had the opportunity to meet Meg Caddy at a young writers workshop and they are such a lovely person and I wish them the best in future projects. I will be reading as many future books as possible. Overall a fantastic read and I will be recommending this book along with their other novel Wear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 24, 2020What a ride!
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