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Tides of Fate #1

This Savage Sea

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An archaeologist with a secret.
Three years have trickled by since Anna accomplished the impossible. Three years of avoiding Briland high society, toiling away in ancient ruins. But when her brother is detained by marshals, Anna jumps at the chance for another fast-paced adventure.

A pirate longing for home.
Trevor has tasted nothing but frustration and disappointment in his search for a stolen map and the lass who took it. Unable to return without it, an opportunity finally presents itself in the form of a naval captain’s arrest.

A captain caught in the middle.
If Markus had known possession of the Pirate King’s map would be this much trouble, he would have told Anna to burn the thing all those years ago. Despite being the key to clearing his name, he considers the map the least of his concerns. Not with Anna and her mysterious companion dancing around their mutual attraction.

With their rescue attempt behind them, Anna learns the only way to truly save Markus involves the map she stole from the Pirate King. Forging their way through the desert and straight to the Briland capital, Anna finds herself fighting more than feelings of distrust for their new companion. Success hinges on their ability to work together, and with Markus’s life hanging in the balance, failure isn’t an option.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

22 people are currently reading
969 people want to read

About the author

A.P. Walston

4 books55 followers
A.P. Walston is the author of the Tides of Fate Trilogy. She enjoys telling stories and telling them well. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found binge watching culinary competitions. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two Saint Bernards on the West Coast. To find out more, follow @author.apwalston on Instagram

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Koisty.
454 reviews1,129 followers
April 2, 2023
3 Pirate Map Stars ⭐️

This book was sold as The Mummy meets Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean. And already you've got three very, very unique and very powerful ideas for inspiration; but that was also the damning point of why this book didn't hit the mark. It was trying to do too much and then ended up doing too little of what I particularly enjoy in a book.

This is a Three POV story that follows Anna, Markus and Trevor. Anna, who is this badass, super smart, "Archaeologist" who is actually a treasure hunter. She's closer to the archaeologist from Indiana Jones, than the Evie from the Mummy type... She finds out that her brother (Markus) has been arrested and detained because of a map that she stole from the Pirate King a couple of years earlier. Obviously, she takes it upon herself and makes it her mission to rescue him. On this rescue attempt, she encounters "The Pirate" whom he is referred to as in her POV FOR LITERALLY THE ENTIRE NOVEL And enlists his help through nefarious means (read poisoning him) to save her brother. Trevor however has his own plans, to get his map back.

The main issue that I have with this book...and it is very much a personal preference (so if you like this type of thing, you might actually love this book) is that it is too action-packed . It took me a long time to get to grips with the writing style because there was so much going on, just so much action. It almost seems messy because of all the chaos that is happening. It's almost like watching an action movie where there are explosions, gunfire, people are running for their lives, temples collapsing....you get the gist.

The book is very much action descriptions to the detriment of character development. The character of Anna doesn't really change much for me from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. The problem is then I didn't really connect with her as I didn't fully know who or what she is. Throughout the book, she appears to be this smart, super calculating, risk-taking archaeologist, who just loves solving puzzles. She is no-nonsense, quirky and sarcastic, but then

Then we have Markus, who is basically an annoying, petulant child who literally acts like a nine-year-old kid, that has had "his best friend has made a new friend" and he is jealous of all of his snotty little remarks about how the pirate "won't have his sister" and "how it's not going to happen between the two of them." I understand the protective brother but when he acts like a child being protective I just tap out.

Trevor...His motivations felt like "she was a good fuck beforehand, so I'm going to flirt with her now"... and that's almost his entire personality.

The times of the journey when there could have been, you know, character development between these three characters would FADE TO BLACK just so that we could get to another action moment.

So if you want a very action-packed book, this is the book for you!
It has some really cool dynamics in it that I hadn't seen before with some enticing hooks, but because I didn't connect with the characters, I had a hard time reading it, and have moved the second book further down my TBR.
Profile Image for Micheline Ryckman.
Author 8 books409 followers
June 12, 2023
This was like Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean with a sizeable side of romance.

If that doesn’t peak your interest, then maybe a hot pirate, a spicy kiss scene, and banter enough to make more than one character blush might convince you. 😁

Definitely a fun and lively read! I look forward to the sequel. 🙌
Profile Image for lookmairead.
832 reviews
August 23, 2022
I’m not 100% sure how to rate smirk-worthy fantasy romance, but I think Walston could be a TV writer.

Self-Published/Indie Writers have been a surprising win in my 2022 TBR pile.

Looking forward to book 2.

3.75/5 (Rounded up bc it’s a pretty fun/easy read with witty dialogue.)
Profile Image for Claudia Cain.
Author 7 books71 followers
August 27, 2022
With all the chaotic goodness of The Mummy or Indiana Jones, This Savage Sea is a solid adventure tale featuring tattooed men, a fiery heroine, and the hunt for a pirate map. This was fun and original, with likeable characters, and I was left with plenty of questions that I hope will be answered in the next book!
Profile Image for Abigail.
127 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2022
A brilliant heist of a book.

When I was recommended This Savage Sea and saw it was on KU, I immediately downloaded it and proceeded to devour it! The characters, this world, the adventure, all so so amazing.

I was really at the edge of my seat the entire book. Anna is such a great MC and when you have two other POV’s thrown into the mix, it made the story even better. Anna has always been adventurous and probably a bit reckless, but when she gets thrown into this new adventure, she starts to see the world and her friends slightly different. She angers her father, becomes a fugitive, and steals a few things, all in a day’s work of course. There is constant action and never a moments rest for these characters.

I did think the pacing was a little off in some parts and I expected it to end in a slightly different place, but I still really did like how the story was laid out. It kept me on my toes and in suspense of what would happen next.

I can’t wait to read more of Anna, Trevor, and Marcus’s story in the next book. If you’re looking for an adventurous fantasy tale full of intrigue, angst, and a firey MC, look no further!
Profile Image for T.M. Ghent.
Author 3 books46 followers
February 10, 2022
I told ye, luv, I'm the bloody king.

Where do I find the words for this story?
Where to begin?

Anna is feisty and lovable character begging for us to be friends.
Markus is a adorable (and annoying) brother.
Their banter is perfection.
But it doesn't stop there.
And Trevor?

Nope. Done.
Done, done, and done.

Witty banter. Tension. Adventure. Allure. Adult fantasy!
Did I mention banter?

They said it would be like Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones.
They didn't lie.
Profile Image for Danielle (cozycoffeebook_).
120 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2023
This book was fantastic!! It is full of adventure, banter, swoon worthy characters and lots of fun things!

I am just so in love with this story. The characters were phenomenal. It was definitely a wild ride! Full of action and close calls. Twists and turns. Things I didn’t see coming. It was incredibly fun to read! Highly recommend!

(Reread)
A.P. Walston is a master of dialogue & adventure. I love the writing style. Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover how much I love this book. Anna, Trevor & Markus are all incredible characters in their own way. This is definitely a comfort read for me.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
Author 2 books68 followers
February 16, 2022
My friends. This book. This. Dang. Book. I don’t even know where to start. I have so many questions and so many feelings and I’m going to need the sequel right about now.

Anna Savage is a demon. Not literally, of course. But she may as well be, with how much trouble she gets herself into. Specifically when it comes to a certain little piece of leather: the Pirate King’s map.

She needs it, you see. But so does her brother. And so does the rakish Scottish pirate she meets on the train in what can only be described as a fortunate twist of fate.

Anna will do anything to get what she wants, and that is one of the most exciting things about her. I loved her give-em-hell attitude and her intelligence. I loved her strength and her confidence.

I loved her brother, Markus. Protective? Yes. Overbearing? Definitely. But he was hilarious and beautiful and got into plenty of trouble of his own. I want to be his best friend.

And then there’s Trevor. Please excuse me while I positively SWOON. A pirate with wine-red hair, a delicious brogue, and a chivalrous streak? Please. He is the book boyfriend I’ve been waiting for.

Please. Everyone. Read this book. It is an absolutely STUNNING debut that had me screaming and crying and grinning like an idiot while on the treadmill at the gym. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Erin Larson-Burnett.
Author 3 books75 followers
March 26, 2022
This book is EVERYTHING. A classic adventure brimming with pirates, secrets, politics, and snark galore — not a want, but a need!

One of my all-time favorite movies is The Mummy, and ever since watching it for the first time I’ve craved the ✨vibes✨ and TSS is IMMACULATE VIBES. I was absolutely plagued with excited tummy flutters from the very first line.

The pacing is perfection, the characters are swoonworthy, and I would sell my soul to live in the pages of this book… honestly, the writing makes me feel dumb, but in the best way?? The vocabulary and turns of phrase were just *chef’s kiss* masterful.

An absolute gem of a debut from an amazingly talented human!!
Profile Image for book.nerd.goddess.
52 reviews
January 11, 2022
If you love sassy, spicy pirates, great banter between MC and Love Interest, great action scenes, and amazing adventure, then This Savage Sea is for you!
Profile Image for Chloe Hey.
300 reviews42 followers
Read
July 30, 2022
It was enjoyable! The group in the book are each annoying and funny at the same time. Nice bit of secretive narrative, I will be happy to continue to the next book!
Profile Image for Samantha Glass.
1,137 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2022
Loved it! So much happening here. All the sass, the heat, the mystery…much to enjoy. Cannot wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Valerie | Vanelena.Reads.
286 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2023
Archaeology, pirates, mistaken identities, and a fascinating world of mysteries and intrigue - sign me up! I loved this story - it has elements of Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a little bit of the Princess Bride. The story is told through multiple perspectives, with each character knowing a little bit but not the whole story, which left me trying to go deeper and figure it all out. Meanwhile the romantic, flirty banter and sibling back and forth is excellent, and left me wanting more from these characters.
Profile Image for Brittany.
72 reviews15 followers
June 13, 2022
This book. I’m just processing right now. So much. To all the reviewers that says it’s Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean, yes 1000 times yes. Anna is absolutely one of my favorite adventurous creatures. She definitely has the spirit that I want to embrace.

Guys, the freaking banter. So much goodness. Every interaction between the three had me chuckling. That’s everything to me. Also, the male POV, both Trevor and Markus - in love!

Extremely excited for book 2 to come out.
Profile Image for Caroline | caro.library.
700 reviews87 followers
June 10, 2022
I probably wouldn’t have discovered this book if my book club hadn’t decided to choose an independently published book one month. This is a fun fantasy book filled with pirates, archaeology, action, and adventure, perfect for fans of movies like The Mummy, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

I really liked the characters, especially the romantic tension between Anna and Trevor. However, I think the world building could’ve been a bit more fleshed out, and I noticed quite a few plot holes. I was also very annoyed with a lot of the reveals! There were a many secrets that were revealed to the reader that I thought characters had figured out…only to realize they hadn’t. Again and again. It was frustrating and confusing as a reader, and Anna was too smart to never figure it out!

The story is a quick read, if a little choppy, setting up nicely for a sequel. I have a lot of predictions based on seemingly dropped plot points that I think will come back into play.

Blog | Instagram
Profile Image for SarahinWanderland.
557 reviews68 followers
May 20, 2022
top tier read

🖤 Genre/Tropes: Pirate Romance, Historical-ish, Enemies to Lovers. Cishet romance.
📖 Summary: Grown up Goonies meets Female Indiana Jones with pirates.
✍🏻 Review: I don’t even know where to start. This was a debut novel and it was one of the best books that I’ve read this year. For someone who does not have a mind’s eye, meaning I can’t visualize things in my head, it didn’t matter. The attention to detail in descriptions Waldron writes made up for this. Also the small details that she includes made me laugh out loud at how related Anna and Marcus (the FMC and her twin brother) were. I loved that no matter the situation, Markus was able to provide a sarcastic remark. Anna is a smart-mouthed, witty, realist with a dash of too much optimism. But her sass and sarcasm, the banter, the jabs, everything about this book makes it a top tier read for me. If only it had smut, but I won’t hold that against Waldron, because not every book needs smut.

🔥 Spice: 0.5 but the tension and build up were excellent.
Profile Image for Erin Marquand.
Author 3 books24 followers
June 21, 2022
"Cursed is not a word I fear but a prerequisite for my research."

4.5 out of 5.

One of my Booksta besties described this as Jungle Cruise meets The Mummy meets Pirates of the Caribbean, and if that doesn't convince you to read this, then I don't know what will.

This book was action-packed from start to finish, with exotic and dangerous adventures, witty banter and loveable characters.

The relationship between Anna and her brother is so wholesome. I haven't read many books with strong sibling relationships, so this was refreshing.

I love how the author has written the MMC's chapters - I can imagine his accent so clearly and it really adds to his rugged yet cheeky demeanor.

We've got:
Hidden/secret identity
Pirates!
Archaeological adventures
"Bastard to everyone but her"
"Touch her and you die"
Strong sibling relationship
Banter
Badass FMC who can save herself, loves her body and takes shit from no-one

Well done A.P. Waltson! This was such a fun read. This "wee beastie" can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for J. L. Linn.
187 reviews27 followers
June 1, 2022
Ok y’all…where do I even begin? When I say you need to read this book, I mean read it right now.

Like most of you, I read A LOT. So you get pretty good at figuring out stories, where it’s headed, etc. It takes a lot to surprise me and this debut novel did just that! It’s available on KU.

Think Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean. This story opens with archeologist Anna in an ancient tomb searching for artifacts, but one wrong move could activate the old booby traps. The action doesn’t stop in this book, and I devoured it! Anna stumbles upon a mysterious pirate who she coerces to help her rescue her wrongfully accused brother by slipping him a wee bit o’ poison. Death can be a great motivator!

Anna soon realizes to clear her brother’s name she’ll need the infamous Pirate King’s map - the one she stole three years ago. The next adventure ensues as she plots to recover the map.

I absolutely cannot wait for book two! This book is amazing!
Profile Image for KayTheBookLover.
646 reviews126 followers
June 7, 2022
This Savage Sea by @author.apwalston

So honestly this started a little slow for me. Not because it was bad writing but because I was trying to figure out the writing style! As a major mood reader, this is a thing for me.

Once I got it though, I really enjoyed the story! I quickly got caught up in the adventure and I am so excited to see where it goes in the next book.

Who doesn't love a strong Heroine, a tatted up morally Grey character and a brother you want to hit with a stick but love! I love all the above so this was a very fun read for me! I can't wait for book 2.

Overall ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5
Spice 🌶/ 5
Profile Image for J.S. Alexandria.
Author 2 books34 followers
April 8, 2022
4.7 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.7

POV: Third Person limited, multi-character
Genre: Pirate romance? Very loose fantasy. “Low” fantasy, if you will. Alternative world, no magic.
Romance: Moderate—seems like a slow burn between Trevor and Anna.
Smut: None. Only one hot kiss scene.
Language: High. Lots of swearing.
Violence: Moderate. Lots of fighting and death, but the detail isn’t described in disturbing depth.

If you like: Bridge Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, or even One Piece, this might be right up your alley!
——————

Brief, spoiler-free synopsis:

Anna is a charming, sassy, smart archeologist with a thirst for adventure that differs greatly from the high society she was raised in. She loves nothing more than skulking through old ruins, hunting for treasure and unearthing a good secret and a better story.

When Markus gets arrested for supposed possession of cursed pirate map, Anna plans to do everything and anything to get her brother back. Even if that means teaming up with the strange, nameless name she meets in the train compartment, who seems as dangerous as he is beautiful.

Trevor Lovelace is known more by name than by sight around the world, and most people call him by his title: Pirate King. When Trevor learns that Markus Savage—the man who stole his map, has been arrested for possession of said map, Trevor makes undercover plans to ‘rescue’ Markus and get his bloody map back. Only he wasn’t counting on one thing—Markus’s beautiful and savvy twin sister Anna.
——————

All I can say is WOW.

I picked up This Savage Sea (TSS) on a whim because my small Bookstagram community was raving about it. And I thought—pirates sound fun!

This book was action-packed from start to finish. At first, I was a little hesitant. The first few chapters read a little rushed to me, I wasn’t sure how the pacing was going, and I wasn’t even sure what the plot was (other than rescuing Markus) until about a third of the way through. But I was curious how the book was going to pan out, so I continued. And honestly, once I got to the part where Trevor and Anna ‘meet’, I was hooked. Their banter was hilarious, and I just had to keep going.

The characters really had me going. I love Trevor—his shyness mixed with a brazen mask he wears, the shameless, vulgar flirting with Anna just to piss off her brother. He’s somehow both the stoic quiet type and also the hulking, swaggering, confident pirate we want. And his devotion and attention to Anna is honestly swoon-worthy. And the brogue really is an old trick to woo the lasses.

And Anna herself is fabulous. She is confident, sassy, bold, and blazingly honest. She takes no shit from anyone—least of all her twin and Trevor—but manages to come across as compassionate as well. She’s smart and beautiful and she knows it. She’s got a plan for everything.

Markus is… Markus. Overprotective brother energy. Jury’s still out on whether or not I like him, but he is pretty to look at.

The intrigue kept me going. How was it that Trevor recognized Anna, but Anna didn’t know Trevor? What was going on with Trevor’s youthful appearance? What’s the purpose of that damn map, and who sold out Markus? I had to know.

But what I thought at first was maybe pacing issues turned out to be Walston weaving a story together where all these ‘extra’ scenes revealed a little piece of the plot or a little piece of the characters. I was enraptured and I finished this book with more questions than I had answers. I now have a suitable pile of plot breadcrumbs in my hands, but no bread yet. It makes me anxious and chomping at the bit for the next book.

There were a couple of scenes that I’m still sitting here questioning the amount of page-time they got, such as labyrinth and the Heylik Tower market. But as I still have many questions and no answers, I’m wondering if the author will bring these places back in future books, if they don’t all weave together.

Overall, this was a fabulous debut novel from Walston. 4.7 stars—pacing felt a little clunky at first, and I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going until about a third of the way through. There were a few grammar and spelling errors, but it didn’t detract from the story nor distract my reading, and those tiny things could be fixed with a reprint. Story was fresh. Dialogue was smooth and hilarious, and the world-building was clean and easy. Loved the slow-burn between Trevor and Anna.

If you are looking for something fresh and fun, look no further than This Savage Sea. It’s available for free on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for M'Kenzee | mkenzees_bookshelf.
310 reviews22 followers
April 4, 2022
My first fantasy book since my middle school Twilight days and it is safe to say it did NOT disappoint. Major shout out to my friend Amanda for giving me a list of light fantasies to get my fantasy feet wet before I completely dive off the deep end and become a true fantasy gurl.

Okay, y’all. A badass FMC, who would do anything to help her brother and ends up getting the help of a hot pirate along the way? Sign me TF up!

Anna was everything you want in a FMC - fearless, brave, loyal, and can hold her own in a fight. Can I be her when I grow up?

Trevor has now officially made the book boyfriend list. The bad boy pirate (covered in tattoos) with a heart of gold - need I say more?! That wall scene will now live in my head rent free, IYKYK.

Marcus - the said brother in trouble - provided some much needed comic relief, but now you can exit stage right. I need more wall scenes 👀

Finally, excuse me Alex, you cannot just leave me hanging like that at the end?! How do I get my hands on an early copy of These Hollow Shores?! I need to know how the story ends ASAP!!

But seriously this book will have your adrenaline spiking during the action scenes and your heart fluttering during all the little Anna and Trevor moments. If you like Pirates of the Caribbean or Indiana Jones you will be sure to love this one. TSS is more focused on the main plot, while the foundation for the romance between Anna and Trevor is laid. Definitely a slow burn when it comes to the romance subplot, but it just felt right.

It was a great intro to the fantasy world! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Profile Image for C.A. Farran.
Author 5 books126 followers
July 3, 2022
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘦𝘣𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳.

I loved this book! An action packed, heart racing, swashbuckling, story with heart! I'd describe this as Indiana Jones meets The Mummy meets Pirates of the Carribbean.

This historical details in this story were incredible. I love when I'm fully immersed and the care Walston took in both accuracy and description created a stunning landscape for this book.

Anna is our cunning protagonist. Brilliantly clever, strong-willed, and seriously badass. I love her cheeky demeanor and her unswerving loyalty.

Markus is lovably protective of his twin, Anna, and a hilarious addition to the cast.

Trevor is a swoonworthy male lead. A tatted up pirate with a heart of gold. I love seeing a tough guy with an absolute soft spot for the woman he cares for. THIS IS HOW YOU CRAFT THE PERFECT BOOK BOYFRIEND!

These three have incredible on page chemistry with hilarious banter!

I devoured this book and upon finishing found myself missing our fearless trio and all their adventures. I can't wait for book two because OH MY WORD, THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!!
Profile Image for Christina.
172 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this story, especially the romance subplot and banter. If you like The Mummy, Outlander and Indiana Jones (and some would say Pirates of the Caribbean, but IMO that seems to be more applicable to the second book, as this story takes place more on land) this book is the perfect intersection.

It’s an action-packed, fantasy story (with maybe some more fantastical elements hinted for the sequel) that follows our main character, Anna, as she sets out to rescue her brother from imprisonment for the possession of a treasure map that both the Senate and the Coalition of Pirates is after. On the way, she runs into a handsome, Scottish rogue who’s interests intersect with her own. Together, the three of them seek to outrun the Senate’s clutches while uncovering truths about each other along the way.

What I loved:
-action-packed
-funny, flirty banter
-pirates and archeologists
-gay/bi rep
-the fact that I could picture Sam Heughan from Outlander as the love interest

What I disliked:
-the occasional repetitive-ness
-some plot holes
-I thought that some reveals happened but apparently didn’t catch up to the characters, who seemed to be smarter than that/it wasn’t all that secret or downplayed too much by our Scottish rogue
-borderline flirty description between the Anna and her brother, especially at the beginning. Some description was uncomfortable when the chapter focused on describing the pair
Profile Image for Kylie Doyle.
Author 6 books14 followers
August 4, 2022
Hot Pirate Summer Continues!

I am on the edge of my damn seat and the book is over. Ends on a cliffhanger but not to fear the sequel is already out! @author.apwalston hooked me and she hooked me good. This may be a SLOW burn, but it's the most delicious slow burn I have ever read. This whole adventure has me giddy as fuck. I love it. Anna is an intelligent driven young woman who gives me Indiana Jones vibes, she is such a lovable FMC. Trevor is the cutest thing, I can not get over his POV chapters and the way he speaks of our Anna and his grumpy demeanor towards everyone else. Markus is firecracker, and one of my favorite characters. He plays the protective brother role to an annoying height but I could not adore his drive and love for his sister more. I can not wait for the character growth of the sequel, and to see this trio really expand into their wild adventure. I didn't step one foot on a boat yet, but I can not WAIT until we do. This book is so well written, and the storyline is the perfect amount of string you along and heart wrenching action ohh, and I didn't even mind the action scenes. I held my breath waiting to read of our characters fate, and that kiss? Oh that kiss will live in my memory forever. If its not like that, who even wants it. This series is one you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Evita.
683 reviews
January 27, 2023
3.5⭐️

“I want a life and a love loud enough to rattle the stars.”

It took me forever to get into this book and to come to grips with the writing style. It may be that the fluctuation between really short chapters for the male MCs and really long chapters for the female MC kind of threw me off. It took about 40% of the book before I started caring and 70% before I was hooked.

The main characters were so much fun. Anna was such a wild adventurer and her relationship with her brother, Markus, was so chaotic. Trevor was such a sap and I loved him for it. All the banter and jokes throughout the story were what really kept me turning the pages.

I think one of my main issues was that I went in in the mood for a pirate story, and although there are pirates, most of the action takes place on land and far away from the sea. I do however think that the sequel will be more nautical so I’m definitely looking forward to that.

All in all, this book really is a great adventure full of secret passages, deadly traps, and sizzling romance. Think of it as a mix between The Mummy and Pirates of the Caribbean (without the undead skeletons). If that sounds interesting, you should definitely give this book a go!
Profile Image for Flynne.
58 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2022
I need more!

Agh. It isn't often I stumble upon a book so enjoyable.

I love Trevor, and I LOVE how his point of view is so clearly his, down to the Scottish words and everything. It might seem like a small thing, but it really stood out to me. Anna is probably one of my favorite female MCs from the books I've read lately (there are a lot). She's fun, smart, and strong, but she has (literal) scars, too. I will say, she was given a gazillion hints as to her pirate's identity and she is too smart not to have put two and two together. Honestly, it should've happened the moment Markus mentioned Tate (which is right after she learns the pirate has a brother named Tate) and she even admits he has the right hair color and everything to be him. Please! Markus is a little bit more of an enigma because most of the time he's too busy being an overprotective brother to reveal his secrets.

What world building there is is great, but there isn't a ton because it isn't needed. The focus is on the story and the characters, and it's all the better for it.

Happily looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Kristen Moore.
Author 4 books80 followers
July 22, 2022
“But I am expected to be who they are and to want what they have. And I don’t. I want none of it. Not unless it is authentic and fought for and lived in. I want a life and a love loud enough to rattle the stars.”

This book was absolutely action packed. Every chapter was another adventure that had me on the edge of my seat. The banter between Anna and Markus was absolutely everything in a sibling relationship you could hope for. Loving, joking, understanding.

And then there’s the tension and connection between Anna and Trevor. Obsessed. I want Trevor to have the happiest ending in the world so I’m nervous for book two 😅 A brute of a pirate with a soft side for his lady, what more could you want really.. Their growing relationship is so sweet, I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.

Anna is such an icon. She’s incredibly smart, tough, funny, bold, adventurous. I love her spirit and how quick she is to problem solve in any situation.

This book was unlike anything I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s a perfect mixture of “The Mummy” meets “Jungle Cruise” with a small dash of “Pirates of the Caribbean” thrown in. If you like any of the above, you’ll love this.
Profile Image for Meredith Wallis.
124 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2022
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Man, I’d love to read a book that gives off strong Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, with a kickass heroine who teams up with her snarky twin brother and a red headed tattooed pirate with a delicious accent…” then I absolutely have the book for you. (And if you haven’t ever thought that, you should. 👏🏼) AP Walston’s debut novel This Savage Sea has all of those things and more!!!

Annaleigh Rae Savage (and let’s just appreciate the last name here because it’s accurate) is a world renowned archaeologist who is always on the hunt, and always in trouble. Markus, her twin brother, is a captain in the Briland Navy, and not to be outdone by his twin is always causing some kind of mischief. Anna and Markus find themselves in a spot of trouble and they unwittingly team up with an infamous pirate, captain of the Pale Queen, Trevor Lovelace.

This book was wild from start to finish and I cannot wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Hannah.
281 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2022
This Savage Sea was gifted to me by the author.

Anna is a stunning queen who is adventurous, cunning, smart, brave, and everything you want to see in a strong female.

Markus is adorable and so cute, but still strong in his own way. I love how such a big man is all banter.

Trevor will be the death of me and is now another book boyfriend. I love him and his pirate-ness and his honor and loyalty. He’s also not bad on the eyes. 👀

This book had everything from romance, sibling growth, adventure, pirates, and so much more. I would loved to have learned more about the class system and who the powerful meme era like the Ice Queen and Pirate King were a bit more, but there are two other books coming out!

My only negative was the amount of foul language. It was a lot- it’s also pirate themed. I still love this book and it’s author. She is so talented and I will forever read what she writes!
Profile Image for Megan J.
168 reviews15 followers
June 13, 2022
This was such a fun read! I haven’t read a book like this in a long time - the action and adventure felt like a movie! From the very first chapter I was hooked & enjoyed the writing style and how the story flowed. There were parts that I felt like I was on the edge of my seat. I really cannot wait to see where the rest of this story goes because I feel like book one just scratches the surface!

Things I loved:
The banter was great, so many laugh out loud moments
Sibling connection (love how much Anna and Markus care for each other)
Trevor Lovelace - what is better than a tatted up red hair cinnamon roll of a pirate? Absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.
Action scenes were so well written
The world building - again I think this is just the surface scratched - I cannot wait to see where else this story goes!

I also am vvvv much looking forward to meeting Juliana the Man Eater badass pirate and Tate Lovelace!
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