Sea of Kings

by Melissa Hope

"An inherently engaging, impressively original, and splendidly entertaining read from first page to last."—Midwest Book Review

"A fun adventure with solid characterization, this is recommended for middle-grade collections."―Booklist

"Fast-paced and exciting, with well-drawn characters, humor, and a cinematic setting."—School Library Journal

Thirteen-year-old Prince Noa has hated the ocean since the day it caused his mother's death. But staying away from the sea isn't easy on his tropical island home where he's stuck trying to keep up with his dim-witted and overconfident younger brother Dagan--the brawn to Noa's brains. When a vengeful pirate lays siege to their home, Noa and Dagan narrowly escape with their lives. Armed with a stolen ship, a haphazardly assembled crew, and a magical map that makes as much sense as slugs in a salt bath, the brothers set sail for the realm's other kingdoms in search of help. But navigating the sea proves deadlier than Noa's worst fears. To free his home, Noa must solve the map's confusing charts and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before an evil force spreads across the realm and destroys the very people Noa means to protect.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult, Pirates, Childrens

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Melissa Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea of Kings has changed my life, and I may be a little biased, but it's one of my favorite books of all time. I hope you'll love it too!

[Kadi P · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

This was so fantastic! Action-packed, thrilling and exciting every step of the way!

The character dynamics were fantastic and the character development was so excellently done. Even secondary characters grew so much from the start of the book to the end. Noa was a fabulous protagonist, he contrasted so well with his brother that it brought out the best in both of them. I was also very impressed with how well-structured the interactions between the crew were considering there were more than 10 of them in any one scene.

One of the many strengths of this book was the complexity of the plot. The many many surprising revelations were perfectly hinted at before being sprung on the reader. And the secrets only helped to make the adventure even more thrilling.

What I loved a lot was that so much of this fantasy world was explored and yet there’s still much more left to see. The ending hinted at a sequel and I, for one, would absolutely love to read a sequel to this amazing book! This was a fantastic read and I know a sequel would be just as good, if not even better!

[Angela Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea of Kings was the first ever middle grade book I’ve read. Safe to say, I was a bit nervous to read it.

But it delivered!

This is a fun, upbeat middle grade adventure with lovable characters, plot twists you won’t seem coming, and a rich adventure world.

If you’re a fan of pirates, adventure stories, and fun, light-hearted middle grade, you need to read Sea of Kings!

Watch my full reading experience on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IspGoPVGgTg

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Disclaimer : I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to publisher and NetGalley. ***

The Sea of Kings was fun adventurous middle grade fantasy that revolved around 13 yr. old Prince Noa and his journey to save his kingdom and his people.

↪It was about secrets, friendship, family, teamwork, loyalty, trust, betrayal, and forgiveness.
↪Writing was easy to follow, engaging, and entertaining.
↪written in third person narrative from Noa’s perspective.
↪Plot was fast to steady paced filled with lots of adventure on sea, magic, mythical creature, interesting islands of the world.
↪Plot, characters and the world were well balanced.
↪ I enjoyed reading about many secondary characters specially the crew of Evangeline, the ship they stole. They were all preteen.
↪Dagan was my most favourite of all. He was fun mischievous, adventurous, brave, and fearless.
↪Noa was great throughout the book. His development was amazing.
↪That cover perfectly shows the nature of both brothers in their expression.
↪The world was amazing - theories and history, dangerous mythical creatures, death king and his legend, electric octopus, magical shell, glowing jellyfish, many other interesting things and species.

Overall, it was entreating, adventurous and enjoyable middle grade fantasy with captivating world, quirky characters, and intricate plot. I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers who love adventure and books set on seas.

Read full review by following link - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...

[Emma Pak · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, Sea of Kings was incredible! As a middle school teacher for the last five years, I can say with confidence that this is a story that boys and girls will love.

Here are some of my favourite parts of this book:

- The story: I absolutely loved the gripping story. The concept and execution was incredibly engaging. This is the type of epic adventure I always looked for as a child and I cannot wait to share it with my own children.
- The characters: the banter between the characters is laugh out loud hilarious. Noa and Dagan's relationship, in particular, is so relatable and is a perfect representation of brothers.
- The writing style: the writing in this novel is so accessible. It really draws you in and keeps you wanting to read more. I longed to pick it back up whenever I had to stop reading.

I highly recommend Sea of Kings and cannot wait to see what Melissa Hope comes up with next!

[Jolie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an epic adventure, you have found the right book! I loved reading Sea of Kings. I had the chance to beta read it in the earlier stages, and it was so much fun.
Noa and Dagan’s brotherly interactions are relatable, funny, and endearing.
The brothers team up with a group of kids and take on the high seas to follow a magical map, after a pirate takes over their kingdom. On their journey they discover magical creatures, danger, and the adventure of a lifetime.
I loved reading this book, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a final copy. I’m so excited it is coming out this year. Hooray!

[Andrea Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's never a dull moment in SEA OF KINGS, starting from when heir-to-the-throne Noa finds a skull in the first chapter to the thrilling teaser in the epilogue. I seriously could hear the "dun-dun-DUNNN!" sound effect in my head! This fast-paced, action-packed, humor-filled MG quest story has everything a kid could want--a magical map, a dim-witted brother (LOL), fantastical creatures, and plenty of secrets and intrigue. Although there are few girls among the cast, they are fierce and that's all that matters!

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was phenomenal! So full of action & adventure! Noa & his younger brother Dagan are Prince’s on the island where they live. Their mother died years before, & the King is the only parent they have. When a vengeful pirate lays siege to their home, Noa & Dagan narrowly escape w/their lives. They, & a few other kids on the island not captured, steal a ship, & w/a magical map set sail for the realm's other kingdoms in search of help. But navigating the sea proves deadlier than Noa's worst fears. To free his home, Noa must solve the map's confusing charts & confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before an evil force spreads across the realm & destroys the very people Noa means to protect. I found the whole backstory so intriguing! As well as the current storyline. This whole world was amazing. The world, story, & character building were superb! Even the side characters! All brilliantly done! Each side character were so different & identifiable. I loved them all, even Vim! Lol Dagan & Ravie have my heart though. Noa is also such a brilliant MC. I loved watching his character develop. The dynamic b/n the characters is sooo good too! This has adventure, ships, pirates, sea sprites, blue men, friendship, danger, suspense, family, bravery, & so much more! The storyline unravels itself at the perfect speed..you get hints at the perfect times, & the structure of this story just amazed me at how beautifully it was done. Amazing writing. I fell in love w/the writing, the story, & the characters. Such an epic ending too. Loved! There’s a hint of maybe a sequel at the end, & I desperately hope so b/c I would LOVE more w/these characters & story. Highly recommend! Gorgeous cover by Juan Manuel Moreno of course too! This comes out April 27th! Launch event & purchase link info below!💜


Release date: April 27, 2021
A free launch event hosted by Tombolo books will be held virtually on April 27, 2021 at 6:30 EST featuring Melissa Hope and Megan Freeman. Signed copies of Sea of Kings can also be pre-ordered through their site.
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/17817...
Event registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Signed copies from Tombolo Books: https://tombolobooks.com/?searchtype=...


Purchase Links
Jolly Fish Press Website:
Current Promos:
• 30% off all pre-orders using code SPRING21
• Free shipping when you spend over $30
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/books/sea-of-kin...
Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/97816...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sea-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/163...
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Sea-of...
goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

[Jessie Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Prince Noa’s home is attacked by pirates, he must rely on a magical map, his sharp wits, and a ragtag crew of boys to save his kingdom. Packed to the brim with adventure, diverse settings, and Hope’s signature quirky humor, Sea of Kings is a swashbuckling middle grade adventure perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and The False Prince.

Sea of Kings maintains a fast pace throughout. One thing I loved was that, even in the quieter moments, something is always brewing beneath the surface. Readers will connect the dots along with Prince Noa as he leverages his brains and books to protect his people from a mysterious one-eyed pirate. They’ll laugh with his lovable crew, cheer for them to succeed, and bite their nails as Noa orchestrates narrow escapes.

After teaching middle school for seven years, I firmly believe that everyone likes to read if they find the right book. My middle school boys (girls too!) would love this one, and fry me a flounder, they might just find a new expression or two.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who can resist an adventure about pirates, magical sea creatures, and a mysterious map? This was a fun read and great for middle grade readers looking for an action packed story with a happy ending.

Noa and his brother Dagan are princes of their island country. They aren't allowed to leave until they're adults, due to their overprotective father's rules. When their home is attacked, the boys are sent on a mission to follow a map to an unknown location. They gather their friends and set sail, trying to outrun pirates that want the map for themselves.

I really enjoyed Noa and Dagan's relationship. They argue and don't agree often, but they're best friends and truly do love each other. They stick together and end up realizing how important having a brother is.

I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and could have been longer. The rest of the story took it's time, but I wonder if the author thought it was getting too long and wanted it wrapped up? It just felt too easy and a bit out of character for one person.

I don't read enough pirate books and this was a good one. I recommend it for a fun, Treasure Island type read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Jolly Fish Press and NetGalley for the copy

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 25%

I am so sorry for dnf-ing this book. Based on the cover and the blurb, I was looking forward to reading this book. I was so excited when I received an arc from NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press. But I came to realise that I'm an indeed not the target demographic for this book. I can imagine pre-teens adoring it, but for me the characters and the way they behaved felt unnatural and honestly a bit forced. Even only at 25%, the storyline felt too trope-y and I just couldn't find myself enjoying it.

So while I personally didn't like this book, I honestly think it could be a great choice if you have a kid around 12.

[Abigail Mohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4.5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
General Enjoyment: 4/5
Average: 4.2 stars

Just because you haven't read about something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

This was such a fun, quick read! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun sea-faring MG adventure!

PLOT:
The worldbuilding and the setting were all really great, and the plot effectively utilized these elements to create a gripping, fun adventure. There were a couple of times when plot twists felt a bit sudden, but it always ended up making sense, so overall, the plot was well put-together and full of exciting revelations and great action scenes.

PACING:
The pacing was honestly fantastic in this book- I was never bored, and read it incredibly quickly. There was not a dull moment in the whole adventure, and the plot just kept moving.

WRITING:
The writing was pretty simplistic at times, but did the job, so... not too much to say here.

CHARACTERS: I thought that Noa was a great main character- he was complex and interesting, and certainly not perfect. I also really liked his relationship with his brother, Dagan-- it definitely felt like a realistic relationship between two brothers of that age. As for the other characters, I really loved Alya (and I was a bit sad that she wasn't in that much of the book) and Ravie was adorable. Some of the rest of the crew blended together a bit, but they created a good dynamic altogether.

FINAL COMMENTS:
I read this in one day, so it's a super short read, but it was a whole lot of fun! Would definitely recommend to MG fans or anyone wanting a Treasure Island-esque adventure. The epilogue seemed to hint at a sequel... which I would definitely read!

[Book Fantasy Utopia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this book surprised me a great deal. I don’t read middle grade as much as I’d like anymore and that dampened my excitement for this book. I began reading it though and I was swept off of my feet. I found myself falling in love witch characters I thought I wouldn’t. Noa was an amazing lead and you can see amazing character growth with him throughout the book.
This book really stood out to me with its island and pirate atmosphere. It gave me some vibes that reminded me of The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann. What really made this book unique was the history that was so strongly infused about these islands and the battles. It’s something I’m not used to seeing so well executed. It didn’t interrupt the plot. It wasn’t just a giant info dump. It was strewn in throughout the story at perfectly placed times. The plot was very fast paced as there was always something going on, some obstacle in their way which I really liked. On top of that we were given an amazing cast of characters. Although it was a mostly male cast our few female characters were amazing and set themselves apart in such big ways. Overall I ended up giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was thrilling to read and I cannot wait for others to get to read this amazing book.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Noa might be next in line to rule his Island kingdom, but he'd rather spend his days in the library reading. When the Island comes under attack, Noa has no choice but to set out on the sea with his brother and a band of other kids (some friends, and some foes) to get help from neighboring Island kingdoms. With a magical map to guide them, it should be a straightforward task.
If only the map made any sense, and if their nemesis wasn't a diabolic one-eyed pirate!
Now Noa must confront his fears and embrace his real strenghts to help save his home. Oh, and figure out how to read this crazy map!

An action-packed adventure complete with magic, evil pirates and a wry sense of humor, SEA OF KINGS is an exciting ride from start to finish! Perfect for readers who love epic adventures with a side of humor, hope and a good dose of magic!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-Arc

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited for this book. I mean, pirates! seafaring adventure! what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, this. For a book that promises such excitement it was.... boring. Noa is supposed to be 13, but he reads much younger. The writing style is just clipped enough to bleed all the tension out and it feels like the reader is being talked down to. I couldn't bring myself to read more than a third. I just don't care. At all.

Actually no I skimmed a few more chapters and the action scenes are abrupt and sometimes strange and I still don't care.

The King's mysterious decree not to leave the island, then his insistence that Noa take the map and follow it to its end was an abrupt about-face.

Also. That the pirates and rival king just *happened* to have the equivalent to 'seafaring for dummies' on the cabin shelf -- conveniently, as none of the boys knew how to sail -- pushed suspension of belief rather too far.

Also there are way too many boys and way too few girls in this story. Are we expected to believe that the children of the island are almost entirely boys? Because that's just weird.

Thanks to NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press for providing an e-arc for review.

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really gripping adventure story. I appreciated that it was fast paced but also gave a good amount of exposition and history as the mystery unfolded. You got a good overall sense of the history of the islands and enough more specific details to satisfy your curiosity without disrupting the narrative flow. I also really enjoyed the characters. The princes’ relationship was well done and I enjoyed that their group of friends kind of had a lost boys dynamic and brought a great balance of comic relief and serious concerns for their adventure. The one area that I think may be an issue for some readers is that the book does rely on a lot of adventure tropes which may bother some readers. That said I think they were done well and are a great example of why authors continue to use those elements. I particularly loved the way the magic map worked and overall appreciated how the magic was used throughout the book. I think this would be a great book for any middle grade reader looking for adventure.

[Jackie Gommess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I love the changes that have been made since the last time I read her manuscript, and I loved it way back then, too. Definitely has me wanting to go watch "Pirates of the Caribbean" now, hehe.

The beginning is slow, but once the boys leave their home island, it picks up and doesn't stop. When the king of Martesia didn't believe them, that mad me so mad, but it also had me rooting for the boys even more. And it was quite entertaining watching Noa come up with these crazy plans when at the beginning it was Dagan who did them. Some of them were hard to believe they would actually happen that way, but it's a children's book, so it didn't bother me much.

The glowing map and the pirates and the upside-down castle were SO cool! Very creative. Overall, a fantastic adventure story, and I hope the next one will come along soon. I want to know what happens next!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Hope’s SEA OF KINGS is a high-seas adventure with heart and humor. When his island home is attacked, Noa must leave the comfort of his beloved books and head seaward to save his family’s kingdom. There’s a map to be deciphered, a brother to rescue, and ultimately a Death King to battle. The magic of the sea is on every page – a conch shell that allows you to listen in on faraway conversations, and glowing jellyfish as undersea lanterns, to name a few. Throughout, there is a message of forgiveness, not just for those you love, but for yourself. Young readers will adore this swashbuckling tale and will ask for more! Thanks to Jolly Fish Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Chad Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea of Kings is a swashbuckling adventure with an ocean of depth and heart. Readers will be drawn in by the swift-moving plot and well-crafted world, but what really hits home is the relatable family drama at the heart of the story. Noa and Dagan’s sibling rivalry feels authentic and sweet, and Noa’s complicated feelings toward his father, his grief, and his role in the family dynasty add an emotional punch to the action. Sea of Kings will appeal to readers of Peter and the Starcatchers and other high-seas adventures.

[~Evy's OBSESSED~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forgiveness gives us the power to rise above those who look down on us, because we no longer feel beneath them."


This book was nothing like I anticipated and I loved it for that. Filled with monsters, stormy seas and devoted friends this book was everything I wanted. Although a little slow to start I LOVED the sibling relationship between Noa and Dagan. It was sooo cute! Also the plot twist was executed to perfection! 👌

This book should seriously be better known!

**

OVERVIEW
"Thirteen-year-old Prince Noa has hated the ocean since the day it caused his mother's death. But staying away from the sea isn't easy on his tropical island home where he's stuck trying to keep up with his dim-witted and overconfident younger brother Dagan--the brawn to Noa's brains. When a vengeful pirate lays siege to their home, Noa and Dagan narrowly escape with their lives. Armed with a stolen ship, a haphazardly assembled crew, and a magical map that makes as much sense as slugs in a salt bath, the brothers set sail for the realm's other kingdoms in search of help. But navigating the sea proves deadlier than Noa's worst fears. To free his home, Noa must solve the map's confusing charts and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before an evil force spreads across the realm and destroys the very people Noa means to protect."

POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Noa has honorable intentions and wants to save his island. All the boys help each other.

SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Magic.

VIOLENCE
Battles and injuries. Cannons fired. Several people are injured. Descriptions of pain and blood. Explosions. The boys pull pranks on each other. Sword fighting.

SEXUAL CONTENT
Noa has a crush. Mentions of how many girls like Dagan.

LANGUAGE
Clean. Some name calling.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL
The boys are shot with sleeping darts. Mentions of beer and ale.

OTHER NOTES
A thrilling story I'd suggest to anyone, but especially tween boys.

**

~Happy Reading~

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jolly Fish Press for sending me an ARC via netgalley to read for an honest review.
4/5 stars
This was a really fun read! I think the author did a great job of crafting the world and the characters, and the adventures felt intense and action-packed while also providing lessons for the characters. The pacing was good, and I thought the author balanced the action with the other scenes well.
The book follows Noa, the heir to the throne of Ondule, and his younger brother Dagan. It starts off with introductions to the characters and the world they live in, and there are questions popping up right away when the brothers find a mysterious pendant in the ocean. Soon, things take a turn for the worse, and Noa is given a map by his father and told to flee his home and follow the map. This is a huge moment because children aren’t allowed to leave Ondule.
With the help of his classmates and his brother, Noa steals a ship and sets off to try and save his kingdom. Once they’ve started their journey, the boys all bring something different to the crew. I liked how the skills that they’d learned at home were important for sailing and surviving. I also really liked the introduction of magic, and the magical creatures that they begin to discover.
I think my favourite part of this book was the way that the author told this adventure story of a young prince trying to save his kingdom, and she infused it with magic and growth. Noa had excellent character growth, and I think young readers will be able to connect with him.
Overall, I’d recommend this one to younger readers who are looking for an exciting adventure story with magic and parents, or to older readers looking for the same thing!

[Amita · Rating 3 out of 5]

how are you a book about pirates but still boring. how are you a middle grade book but still relegating characters to being love interests. how are you a woman writing girls but there are barely any female characters and all but one are written badly. this is why I don't buy books without reading them at least once (but usually twice) anymore

[Sam Subity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading Sea of Kings! With pirates, a magical map, and richly imagined underwater worlds, 12-year-old me was seriously digging this high-seas adventure. The interplay between the polar opposite brothers was spot on, and I really hope someone starts a league for the underwater version of capture the flag they play in the book because I'm definitely in!

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley for the earc to read and review.

When Noa’s kingdom is under attack by another king it’s all up to him to use the magical map his father gave him and rescue his kingdom. With his brother and a team full of kids from his school they set sail together in the treacherous magical seas.

I have to be honest I didn’t know if I was going to enjoy this book at all, but it was such a thrill and adventure, so many unique beings mentioned and mysterious characters and a deep rooted mystery to solve that honestly I failed at solving miserably.

I had one small issue with the story and that was that Alya didn’t board the ship, I wanted her to be on it so badly and see how her and Noa would have dealt with being together in close quarters and together constantly. Plus we needed a few females on the ship seriously it’s important to show that girls can steer a ship just as any boy can. I was happy when we did eventually get females aboard but would have been nice to have had that included from the start.

This story was one that seriously threw me through a loop, what a bumpy journey they ended up being part of and all the lost history that Noa was having to solve during the trip. As I was reading I found myself making theories as to who the Death King was, what was really going on with the kingdoms, who was the bad guy really and what was going to happen. I couldn’t have guessed further from what actually happened and that made this story incredible to me, a complete shocker and twist and it was so thrilling to be wrong and learning the truth.

I loved exploring the mythology of the story, getting introduced to the kingdoms, meeting with the pirates and the uniquely created mythical beings of the seas. I liked that as the story progresses Noa starts to mature enough and starts acting as though he’s next in line to be a king.

It’s such an action packed story, such a fun read, I found it had elements from so many classic children’s stories all mixed up into the one book with its very own unique take on each one. I would recommend this book to any child that likes an adventure and escape, they’ll love being sunken into this book.

[Jenny (ofproseandspells) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Jolly Fish Press for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope is an action-packed, middle grade fantasy adventure story that follows a thirteen-year-old prince who goes on a quest to save his kingdom and his people.

I really enjoyed this novel. There was never a dull moment while reading it. The writing style was straightforward and very easy to follow. Even when the pacing was fast, it did not feel rushed at all. I liked how the plot also kept me make my own theories revolving around the mysteries. I just couldn’t stop myself form turning the pages. Morever, the world-building was well-thought out. The legends, history, and mythical creatures were detailed. There were also lots of twists and turns that were completely unexpected.

My favorite thing about this novel was probably the brothers’ dynamics. Even when they were completely opposite: Noa was a bookworm and reserved, while Dagan was out-going and athletic, they had a great relatioship and always looked out for each other. I also really enjoyed their rivalries and banters, which always made me laugh. Aside from the characters being fleshed out, their development was also well-written. A diversity of characters was also present in this novel.

Lastly, this book had great lessons and messages at its core. It discussed forgiveness, hope, bravery, and loyalty. I am sure younger readers will learn a lot of things from this amazing novel.

Overall, Sea of Kings is an epic high-sea adventure filled with humor, pirates, fantastic creatures, and a dash of magic. I cannot wait to read the second book.

5/5 stars!

[Andrea Pulido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to a few encouraging voices, I decided to start adding some middle grade books to my reading days. My first selection was Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope, and my fellow booklovers this story did not disappoint. While I admit that it was a bit slow in the beginning, it soon took off at lightning speed and I could not put it down.

This is a coming of age story and it follows royal brothers Noa and Dagan as they brave the sea, pirates, and plenty of magical creatures in order to save their beloved island and their people. I truly loved this novel because it had strong male and female characters, the characters were well-developed for their age group, and the story challenged the reader to understand important life lessons that might at times be unpleasant but necessary. The story is action packed and there is never a dull moment...Plus the characters are hilarious and often reminded me of my own relationship with my siblings growing up.

Sea of Kings is the kind of story I can picture Wendy reading to her brothers and the lost boys…In essence it is the perfect novel to instill a perfect sense of adventure in otherwise timid souls.

I can't wait for the sequel, since we were left with a great cliffhanger!!

*I would like to thank Books Forward, author Melissa Hope, and Jolly Fish Press for providing me with an ARC of Sea of Kings, which I received for free in return for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story - it took me on an epic sea adventure from cover to cover! Not only was it an engaging read including pirates, sea monsters, betrayal, fear, and bravery, it also includes a great cast that grows together throughout their journey.

I especially enjoyed the banter between Noa and Dagan throughout their journey. Noa is the smart, grounded one, while Dagan is overconfident and rash. Despite their great differences, it was evident that Noa loves his brother so much and would stop at nothing to protect him and his friends.

Having worked with elementary and middle school-aged students, I know they’ll love this and really relate with the mindsets these characters have. (Especially the very cute mispronounced words that we see once in a while!)

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am confident that whoever picks up this book will as well. Not only is it a magical adventure across the sea, it also packs in a great message of perseverance, bravery, and loyalty!

A big thanks to Netgalley and Jolly Fish Press for providing me with this eARC in return for an honest and fair review.

[Rebecca Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took too long to fit into my schedule, but once I sat down, I plowed through this exciting seafaring novel! Ever since Pirates of the Caribbean, swashbuckling adventurers have been a staple of my must-reads, but Sea of Kings conquered the oceans! Noa, the hesitant, bookish main character, is yanked off his dynamic island-kingdom when a family friend turns traitor. He partners with his younger brother, the bold yet impulsive Dagan and a few other kids from the island on a seafaring journey following a mysterious map--the only thing that can save their kingdom.

Every destination is more intricate and engaging than the last, and it makes for a fast, enjoyable read. Hope's writing brims with fun dialogue, fantastic worldbuilding, and amazing characters. There's something for every kid to enjoy in this wonderful story of friendship and forgiveness.

[Jennifer Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced adventure story full of twists and turns that will delight young readers. The relationship between Noa and his brother Dagan is so believable - they tussle and tease, but their loyalty to each other is heartwarming. Their crew of fellow youngsters is charmingly chaotic but brave in the ways that matter. I thoroughly enjoyed the quick action and intriguing sense of mystery, and I found the sly humor a perfect balance to the lurking threat of danger. The vivid descriptions of the islands and the sea made me long for sunny summer days on the beach! If you're looking for a quick pirate adventure complete with a magical map, a mysterious king, strange sea creatures, a girl who trains dolphins (I wish we could have seen more of her!!), and a young prince with the power to save his island kingdom, this is the book for you.

[Emily Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! I seriously could not put the book down!