This is one of those YA books that actually delivers on the hype. It's funny, romantic, adventurous, and manages to tackle serious themes about identity and self-acceptance without feeling preachy. The 18th-century setting is a clever backdrop rather than a barrier—Mackenzi Lee writes with a modern voice that makes the whole thing feel immediate and engaging.
The queer representation is genuinely good here. It's not a tragedy, not a 'very special episode,' just a romance that happens to be between two guys, set against an adventure plot with actual stakes. For teens who need to see themselves in historical fiction, or who just want a fun romp with real heart, this hits the mark.
That said, it's definitely for older teens. The sexual content isn't gratuitous, but it's there and described in enough detail that you wouldn't want your 12-year-old stumbling into it unprepared. The drinking and reckless behavior are portrayed as character flaws, but they're still part of the story. If your teen is 14+ and ready for mature YA, this is a solid pick that's both entertaining and meaningful.






