Into the Wind

American Dreams

by Jean Ferris

Mexico, 1814, sixteen-year-old Rosie's world changes when her father's saloon is burned and her father killed. Alone, without family, home or livelihood, Rosie has no chose but to go with Raider Lyons, the young sea captain who rescued her from the fire. As American privateers and the British Navy battle one another on the high seas, Raider chases the brutal British captain who kidnapped his brother. Rosie, swept up in Raider's obsession is caught in a dangerous and merciless war at sea and in a relentless battle against the growing passions within her heart.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Pirates

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 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

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series when I was young and fell in love with them (and Raider.) Its a wonderful story full of adventure and romance. When I would read them I completely got sucked into the books, time would fly by and I would be so sad when it was over. Ferris' descriptions are captivating. I still have my copy of the series I keep in my hope chest so my kids won't damage them, and every once in a while I pull them out to read. For a middle school/junior high aged girl, they are wonderful!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this series in jr. high and it has been one of my favorites ever since. Every few years I pull it out and read it again. I won't claim that it's a classic or that it even is particularly well written, I just love the story and the characters. Each book is only about 200 pages so you could read all three in a day or two, another reason why I like them. :) My favorite is the second book, just in case you were wondering.

[Smut Report]

We read all books in the trilogy and reviewed them together. This review is also available at Song of the Sea 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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[Sara Larson]

Going down memory lane here... I read these as a teen and adored them. These books inspired an attempt for me to write historical fiction that went horribly wrong when I was 15 or 16. I'll stick to reading other's historical fiction I think. ;)

[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.

Upon rereading as an adult, I’m in disbelief that Rosie spent as much time as she did in the brig with Rip and neither of them ever mentioned Raider, Octavia, Tuti, etc., by name during their long conversations… oh well, I suspend disbelief.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe this is by the same author as the Marigold books. Wow! I loved this, but am sad it's part of a 3 part set because I got it through inter-library loan and am not sure I'm ambitious enough to get the other two. It was a fun pirate-y, coming of age-y, adventure-y, romance-y kind of book.

[Noh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and reread the trilogy when I was younger. Came across a copy the other day and had my doubts. Should I reread it? What if it wasn’t as great as I remembered? Thankfully, I enjoyed it—probably not as much as I once did—but compared to a lot of what’s being published today, it’s still an easy four-star read.

[C.L. Stockton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this series growing up and since this quarantine has closed my library, I’m rereading all my favorites. Rosie and Raider were the first couple I really admired and I still find their story interesting and romantic. It’s highly readable and I read the entire series in a single afternoon.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, nostalgia!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Extremely my shit. I didn't know it was part of a series and I need to find the sequel so I can know what happens. (I mean, I know what's gonna happen, but I still want to read it.)

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book...My only concern right now is about the kitten. Did Middy survive?!? Will he be reunited with Rosie?!?

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and the rest of the trilogy were some of my favorite books from middle school. I really think this built my love of historical fiction.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful for people who love action and adventure and romance! It also adds in the spice of a pirates life!

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

Loved it in 1996. Loved it every time I re-read it (like 40 times). Loved it again.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok, but not good. It had some potential (the time period and setting are especially fascinating to me). The characters weren't allowed enough time to develop (except maybe the main character), but that's probably because the author was given strict limits. I will go ahead and try the second book out of curiosity.

A huge complaint is the paperback cover. Who were those people? The woman on the cover didn't look at all like the main character was described. I will chalk it up to limited budget and stock paintings. That doesn't mean it didn't effect my enjoyment of the book.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I discovered it at the library when I was pretty young (probably pre-middle school) and have been reading it almost yearly since then. I love the time period, the characters, the swashbuckling adventure...

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun young adult series, my kind of love story. No junk just cute story.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided the romance my young, naive pre-teen self desired. And, finally!, a heroine who isn't a tomboy. (Maybe because it's a romance? So what.)

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, though I was really disappointed that the main character, Rosie, has black hair not red. I like the girl on the cover and imagine Rosie that way.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good start to the series. Glad it is back in print! Yes it is a YA romance, but it doesn't FEEL like a 'teen' book.

[Jolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good story, I enjoyed reading it.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 8/12

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that it's anything amazing, but I still loved this book. And now I am hooked and will have to read the series to find out what happens.

[Mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing series I have ever read. Once I start reading, I read all three books in the same day. I can't put them down!

[Shannon Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book (and series) in the world! I think it's out of print. If you love pirates, a great romance, a clean read with great characters and intrigue, this is for you. It is FANTASTIC!

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series as a teenager. I still like it, though I must admit that I find it much more melodramatic now.

[Steph N · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the first book in a series I read as a teen. I loved them.... I own them still...