Song of the Sea

American Dreams

by Jean Ferris

Raider is almost killed boarding the LIGHTNING to save Rosie from the cruel Captain Lawrence, who has kidnapped, tormented and imprisoned her. Rosie nurses his wounds and tries to forget his surprising kiss, while she prays for his life and for her own strength to resist him. For she knows there's no room in his life for love. Too soon this brash and charming privateer must return to the danger and excitement of the war at sea, taking with him Rosie's heart and his own silent passion for her, and all is complicated by the appearance of the notorious prate Jean Laffite.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Historical, Historical Romance, Romantic, Teen

194 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

About the author

This author is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects: living with a deaf parent (Of Sound Mind), facing the consequences of a criminal act (Bad), or questioning one's sexuality (Eight Seconds). But Jean Ferris is also adept at writing comedy, historical fiction, and romance. What's most interesting is that she didn't publish her first novel until she was in her mid-40s. Yet she's never forgotten the intense feelings and changes of her own teenage years. Critics as well as teen readers have seen the evidence of that in her writing and have honored her novels with a number of awards, from Best Books for Young Adults to various state and National Book Award nominations.

Reviews

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series when I was young, and am still enjoying them now! I love all the characters!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than I did Into The Wind. I really enjoyed following Rosie on her journey and seeing her character development.

I think the biggest reason I struggled with book 1 was because it took so much time to set the scene and introduce the characters. I enjoyed being able to jump into this book already knowing the characters and follow their expeditions.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complete nonsense in the 'good escape' sort of way. A classic romantic adventure with the heroine holding onto her morals in the end, but with enough temptation to make me embarrassed to say that I liked reading it.

[Bethany D. Chappetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Another re-read...I've read it like 30 times since 1996, but it's good to re-visit Rosie and Raider every few years.

[KM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this series in my middle school library and fell in love with these characters. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read these books. Over twenty years later, I still think of them and occasionally reread them every few years — I have no doubt I’ll carry them with me forever.

I’m not sure why they were divided into three short books, when I think they really make sense to be one average-length book.

BUT, how does she never mention Rip’s name to ANYONE in this book?! And no one mentions Rip’s name? They just refer to him as “Raider’s brother” in MULTIPLE conversations. It is unfathomably unbelievable.

[Steph N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as a teen and loved it. Now I re-read it ever few years. I can't explain it.....

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart capturing sequel

[Smut Report]

We read all books in the trilogy and reviewed them together. This review is also available at Into the Wind and Weather the Storm, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: Entry Level Hotness.

Character Chemistry: Immediate and dreamy.

Plot: Epic adventure of self-discovery… and romance… on the high seas.

Overall: True love lasts a lifetime.



This was the romance series that hooked Erin and Ingrid on the genre, back in 1999. Holly had never read it. Time for a buddy read—and a wide-ranging discussion about pirates, young adult romance, and what gives us butterflies. Our podcast and show notes can be found at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: A teensy bit of closed door hanky panky after they get married in Book 3

Character Chemistry: Butterflies in my stomach

Plot: Rosie gets kidnapped, like, 7 times, but on the way she finds a community who cares for her

Overall: It might not be as good without the nostalgia factor, but it’s still a solid YA romance

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[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it") I'm a hopeless romantic

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT Light teen romance read!

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seriously read this in like 2 days. I just love the sappy teen fiction romance. Who doesn't want to fall in love with a sea captain? Couldn't find book 3 at the library. I'm so bummed!

[Sara Larson]

Again, loved this series as a teen. :)

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this sequel! I can't wait to finish the third and final one!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 8/12