Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is solid YA romantasy that does what it promises: delivers a fun pirate adventure with a capable heroine and a swoony love interest. Alosa is the kind of protagonist teen readers want—smart, skilled, and confident without being insufferable about it.

The 'deliberately gets captured' premise is clever enough to keep things interesting, and the pacing moves fast enough that most readers report burning through it quickly. The romance has heat but stays firmly in YA territory (think tension and kissing, not explicit scenes).

It's not going to win literary awards or offer profound life lessons, but that's not the point. This is escapist entertainment done well—pirates, treasure, magic, and a romance that develops alongside the adventure rather than replacing it. For teens who've aged out of Percy Jackson but aren't ready for full adult fantasy romance, this hits the mark.

The violence and romantic content mean it's genuinely for 13+, not a 'mature 11-year-old' situation. But for actual teens who want a fun adventure read? This delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17 who are ready for YA romantasy with some violence and romantic tension. The Common Sense Media 13+ rating is spot-on—this hits that sweet spot of adventure and romance without crossing into adult content, though it's definitely too mature for middle grade readers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Features a confident, capable female protagonist who uses her intelligence and skills to achieve her goals. The romantic subplot is relatively tame for YA, though it does have some steamy tension. Violence is present but not gratuitously described. Models resourcefulness and determination, though the pirate setting means morality is more gray than black-and-white. Pacing is fast and engaging without being chaotic.

Imaginative

72

Solid fantasy-pirate adventure with magical elements, hidden maps, and treasure hunts. The premise of a pirate captain deliberately getting captured to infiltrate an enemy ship is clever. World-building includes siren mythology and pirate culture. While not groundbreaking in the YA fantasy space, it blends familiar elements in an entertaining way that invites readers into an adventurous world.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, citing violence (death, torture) that's present but not graphically described, and some romantic tension that's 'a bit steamy' but still age-appropriate for teens. No explicit sexual content, though there's chemistry and kissing. Some language typical of pirate settings. The content is predictable for the genre—no shocking surprises that would blindside a teen reader picking up a YA pirate romance.

Enriching

64

Entertaining page-turner with a strong female lead who uses strategy over brute force. Explores themes of identity (Alosa hiding her siren heritage), loyalty, and trust. The romance develops alongside the adventure rather than overwhelming it. However, this is primarily escapist entertainment—it's fun and engaging but doesn't offer particularly deep philosophical insights or challenging ethical dilemmas. Solid for what it is: an enjoyable YA adventure.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Alosa is a genuinely capable protagonist who uses her brain, not just luck or romance, to navigate dangerous situations
Fast-paced adventure that keeps pages turning—multiple readers note they couldn't put it down
Romance is present but doesn't overtake the plot; the adventure and treasure hunt stay central
Features a female lead who's unapologetically confident and skilled in a male-dominated pirate world
Siren mythology adds a fantasy twist to the traditional pirate tale

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence includes death and torture, though not described in gory detail—this is a pirate book, so expect pirate-level brutality
Romantic scenes get 'a bit steamy' with tension and chemistry, though no explicit content—some reviewers note it pushes the upper end of the 13+ rating
Morality is gray area pirate ethics—protagonist is literally a pirate, so theft and violence are part of the job description
Language is rougher than middle grade but appropriate for teens

Conversation Starters

"Alosa deliberately gets captured as part of her plan. When is it smart to look weak or vulnerable as a strategy?"
"The book explores Alosa hiding part of her identity (her siren heritage). Have you ever felt like you had to hide something about yourself to fit in or stay safe?"
"Pirates operate outside normal laws and rules. What do you think makes someone 'good' or 'bad' when they're already breaking society's rules?"
"Alosa has to decide whether to trust Riden even though they're on opposite sides. How do you figure out when someone deserves your trust?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Daughter of the Pirate King Tricia Levenseller? Put this WISE score on your site