Book Type: YA/Middle Grade
Author: Liz Kessler
Pages: 288
Emily Windsnap ends up surrounded by pirates — and on a life-changing adventure — in the eighth installment of the New York Times best-selling series.
Traveling home by cruise ship should be a relaxing break after Emily’s latest adventure, but things take a turn when the ship is overtaken by a pirate king and his crew. After the pirates collect everyone’s riches, they steal something even more valuable: Aaron. The pirate king’s eldest son takes Aaron captive, forcing him to help guide the pirates to the mythical Trident’s Treasure. So Emily dives into action and joins the younger son’s crew in hopes of saving Aaron. But while experiencing life on the waves, Emily is surprised to find herself not only enjoying the pirate life, but actually bonding with the crew — especially Sam, the pirate king’s son. Between helping Sam unravel riddles to beat his brother to the treasure and making sure that her friends are safe, Emily realizes that she needs to be true to herself. Will she cast aside her mermaid life to join her new friends, or will she find a way to follow her own path?
My Review:
When I first heard Kessler was releasing a new Emily Windsnap novel, I admit that I was a bit hesitant. The last two books in the series didn't feel up to par with the rest of the series.
With this installment, the magic of Emily is back!
What I loved about this novel is how engaging it was; there is constant action and creative adventure within every chapter. I kept constantly wanting to know what would happen next. Maybe that's why I read it so fast! I wish I could give more away, but there are several surprises I don't want to spoil!
The setting details were also phenomenal and easy to imagine. Within Kessler's work, there were gorgeous descriptions of the pirate ship and life at sea!
The only negative critique I have is the pirates' dialogue was a bit stilted and unrealistic. They used no slang nor jargon, and they were strangely formal. Kessler didn't use any contractions or colloquialisms in their dialogue sequences.
Final Notes:
The ending is a bittersweet opening to more Emily Windsnap adventures! By the end of the novel, she has reached a pivotal moment in her life, and I look forward to reading Kessler's next adventure. Fans of mermaids, pirates, and treasure hunts will find this story amusing and a thrill to read.
I give this novel (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie