I can’t resist a good historical fantasy, and this book was no exception. Daughter of the Pirate King is a swashbuckling story about Alosa, a kickass pirate captain capable of taking care of herself, even when taken prisoner. She also has a secret: she’s part siren, giving her more tricks than your average lady pirate. I give this one four stars.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

I enjoyed the writing style and plot. Being taken captive on purpose was a fun twist on the prisoner of pirates shtick. There’s even a little bit of romance, even though Alosa isn’t ready to give up her heart. This book hooked me enough to want to read the squeal coming out this year, Daughter of the Siren Queen. I appreciated how the ending left a few plot lines open for resolution in the next book, while also making me feel like I got a satisfying ending since the prisoner plot was finished and tied up. Some books leave me with an unsatisfying ending that forces me to read the next book if I want to find out how anything ends, and I hate when I walk away from a book feeling like there was no ending or resolution.

However there were a few weaknesses in my opinion. Alosa felt a little too capable and good at what she does. Her siren powers came out of nowhere and were too strong. I found it hard to believe how no one seemed able to best her and yet the men kept underestimating her. The romance also fell a little flat to me. With how Alosa and Riden kept betraying each other I didn’t understand how they could still fall for each other. At times he even seems to pick her over his brother, even asking him to spare his brother’s life instead of trying to stop her. That didn’t sit right with me after Riden spoke about how he refused to leave his brother and he was the only family he had left.

I’m also a little worn out on how many characters have abusive or awful parents in young adult fantasy these days. With how her father treated her, it made me wonder why she wasn’t willing to betray him and it was a plot I expect to be touched on more next book. There didn’t seem to be any love between them and I expect her to rebel against him and maybe even kill him or something similar next book. I’ll have to wait and see if I’m right. I am eager to learn more about Alosa’s siren side and mother in the sequel. I also can’t wait to see if the island full of treasure is real or not.

Despite the weaknesses, this is a great read for pirate fans.