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Blackhearts Kindle Edition
When Edward “Teach” Drummond, son of one of Bristol’s richest merchants, returns home from a year at sea, he finds his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, all Teach wants is to return to the vast ocean he calls home. There’s just one problem: he must convince his father to let him leave and never come back.
Following the death of her parents, Anne Barrett is left penniless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne takes a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks and Anne longs to escape the confines of her now mundane life. How will she ever achieve her dream of sailing to Curaçao—her mother’s birthplace—when she’s trapped in England?
From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn together by a shared desire for freedom, but kept apart by Teach’s father, their love is as passionate as it is forbidden. Faced with an impossible choice, Teach and Anne must decide whether to chase their dreams and leave England forever—or follow their hearts and stay together.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSimon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication dateFebruary 9, 2016
- Reading age14 years and up
- Grade level9 - 12
- File size1226 KB
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Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 1
Anne
Bristol, England 1697
After Anne’s father died, her mother often said that sorrow was the only sun that rose for them. Her mother had since followed him into the darkness of death, leaving Anne to face the dawn alone.
That morning was no different, the thick clouds overhead were determined once again to release their pent-up frustration on her. In the crowded marketplace and its stalls, the air smelled of sweet water on damp stone and wood, accompanied by the tang of blood.
Other maids and cooks from the large homes in the city bartered and bought, their weary voices calling for pheasant, venison, and veal. Anne stood in line with her pail of fruits and vegetables, hoping she wasn’t too late to get the better cuts of meat. At last she stepped up to the butcher, the many coins in her pocket reminding her of her errand’s importance.
The butcher winked, his brown eyes almost black. “Good to see you, Anne. What’ll it be today?”
“Master Drummond wants venison tonight,” she said, inspecting the haunches and shoulders hanging from the stall’s center beam. The butcher’s eyes followed her with the same consideration. With his fair hair, some might have called him handsome, but she only saw his yellowed teeth and smelled his rank breath. If Master Drummond hadn’t insisted she buy from this particular butcher, she would have found a different one long ago. He was at least twice her sixteen years, and though his apron was clean, the look on his face was not.
“Aye, his son is coming home, isn’t he?” he said, leaning forward across the table. “Been gone a year at sea.”
Anne took a step back, pulling her shawl more firmly around her, and finally met his gaze. “Yes, which means there’s no time to waste. I must return to the house as quickly as possible. I’ll take that one,” she said, pointing to a fleshy red hindquarter.
The name Drummond was always on someone’s lips, for Richard Drummond was one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. In four weeks’ time one of the largest ships ever built, the Deliverance, would set sail from Bristol. It was Master Drummond’s showpiece.
“Oi, you can’t have that one. This one’ll have to do,” the butcher said, poking a knife into a thin portion of meat in front of him. It was old, the flesh tough and hard, the fat contracted.
Anne’s face flushed with anger, and she wished for the hundredth time that she could purchase elsewhere. “And why would I want that piece?” she asked sharply. “Do you know what the master would do if I served that for dinner tonight?”
The butcher grinned. “I know what I’d do,” he said.
Gritting her teeth, she gave him what she hoped was a haughty look. “What else do you have?”
Unexpectedly, he grabbed her arm, pulling her close so that her pail hit the table, spilling the produce onto the cobblestones beneath their feet.
“Don’t act so high and mighty with me. I’ve already told you. I’ll give you the best cuts, but this time it’ll cost you a little extra,” he sneered. “I’ve been a patient man. If you want to please your master, you’re going to have to please me first.”
Like a dragonfly caught under glass, her heart fluttered. She’d become accustomed to his lewd suggestions, but the grip of his grimy fingers on her arm filled her with a new sense of panic.
“You can please yourself,” she hissed, wrenching her arm out of his grasp. With shaking hands she quickly picked up the fruits and vegetables, not bothering to wipe the dirt from their skins. The butcher laughed, an ugly sound that made her stomach churn. She glared at him, turned on her heel, and barreled through the crowd in an attempt to put as much distance between herself and his stall as possible.
The devil hang him. If Master Drummond wants venison for his son’s return, he should come down here and buy it himself. If the butcher tries to touch me again, I’ll stick him like the pig he is.
Only after she was several rows away did Anne stop and lean against a brick wall to catch her breath, aware of the suspicious glances thrown her way.
Despite the fact that it was a major seaport, most of the inhabitants of Bristol were still unused to Anne’s appearance. She was the illegitimate daughter of a prosperous English merchant and a West Indies slave, and people didn’t know how to react to the mix of her mother’s coppery skin and her father’s blue eyes. It was obvious Anne didn’t fully belong to either race, and others often viewed her with either distaste or distrust.
Wearily she straightened, her fingers reaching for her mother’s small, gold watch hidden in her pocket, a habit whenever she was upset or distressed. She needed to find something else to cook for dinner, and quickly. With rows and rows of stalls, it would not be too difficult to find a new butcher, but she doubted she’d be able to find the same quality.
The church bell chimed the top of the hour, which meant Anne needed to head back to the manor, but there was no decent venison to be found. Desperate, Anne settled instead upon a clean stall near the edge of the market and bought two pheasants from a small, elderly woman with a hunched back and frail shoulders.
The woman took the coins Anne handed her and slipped them into her pocket, watching Anne intently the entire time. Anne ignored it, used to the scrutiny by now, after years of prying glances. “Do you ever have venison?” Anne asked, the poultry safely tucked beneath her arm.
The old woman nodded. “Aye, but we sold out first thing this morning.”
Just my luck.
“I’ll be back in the future,” Anne assured her, before heading into the busy horde. From now on she would buy from the old woman’s stall. Anne was the only one that Master Drummond sent to the market. There was no need for him to discover where Anne acquired his meals—she did not understand why he took such an active interest in his purchases anyway.
Part of her hair escaped her thick braid and cap, and she impatiently stuffed the stubborn black strands underneath, thinking of all the work that had yet to be done. A party of six would be eating dinner that afternoon, and she needed to get the pheasants home as quickly as possible.
Her feet turned in the direction of the harbor. Shrimp was a favorite treat of Master Drummond’s, and she had enough money left over. Although it wouldn’t be a lot, it might be enough to dampen his ire. If she could not secure the shrimp, she feared he might send her back to the workhouse, where she’d have to labor alongside the rest of the city’s penniless inhabitants in exchange for handouts. The thought sent a shiver running down her back.
As Anne approached the docks, the sound of seagulls intensified and the bells on distant boats could be heard more clearly. Her father had sometimes brought her here very early in the morning or late at night, when not many people were about. He’d said that the presence of the sea gave the very skies a special quality, one that could not be duplicated.
There was freedom here. It flowed through the air and lifted the sails of the vessels as they left. How often in the last five months had she been tempted to stow away, sail off, and leave this life behind? Her mother had filled her head with stories of the West Indies, and her father had always promised to take her to her mother’s island one day.
The familiar sights and sounds of the waterfront drew Anne in. It was hard to take a breath without inhaling the scent of salt and fish, and no one could speak without having to raise their voice over the cries of the gulls. Anne managed a smile, her first one all week.
The fishmonger she usually bought from saw her coming and straightened, returning her smile. “Good morning, Anne. You’re a bit late this morning, aren’t you?”
She nodded regretfully. “Yes, indeed. I don’t have much time, but I need some shrimp,” she said, referring to the small barrel behind him, full of the plump, gray crustaceans. “Two pounds should do.”
He flinched. “I’m truly sorry, but those have been purchased.”
Fear sharpened Anne’s voice. “What? The whole barrel?”
“Aye. Someone came in and bought the lot.”
“But I must have two pounds. Surely you can spare some,” she said.
“They’re not mine to spare. Though, you can ask him yourself, if you like,” the fishmonger said, pointing at someone over Anne’s shoulder.
She turned in time to see a large figure approaching. He was at least a head taller than she, with a broad chest, and muscular legs clearly visible in the brown breeches he wore. A cutlass hung from his waist, beneath his short jacket. He was tanned, and the hair on his head and the beard on his face were as black as the thatched roofs surrounding the dock.
She took an involuntary step backward as he stopped beside her. He gave her a cursory glance, his green eyes bright, before turning his attention to the fishmonger. His voice was smooth and low when he spoke. “Instead of taking them myself, I’d like you to deliver—”
Desperation drove Anne to interrupt him. “Please, sir. Might I have a word with you?”
Once again those green eyes turned in her direction. This time he afforded her a more complete perusal, and she swallowed the distaste in her mouth. He was no gentleman. His appearance suggested a simple sailor, someone who could not possibly afford the entire barrel.
“Yes?” he asked.
“It’s about the shrimp. I was wondering if I could take two pounds from the top and pay you for them.”
A woman came from behind and called to the fishmonger. He turned to help her, leaving the shabby sailor and Anne to their conversation.
When he had first approached, she’d thought him much older, for he was taller than most men. On closer inspection, she realized he couldn’t have been more than nineteen. His expression warmed as he considered her. He was interested, clearly, but Anne wasn’t sure if it was her proposal or her appearance.
“There is more than one stall that sells shrimp,” he said.
She was not to be deterred. She’d already lost one battle this morning and could not afford to lose another. The last cook who hadn’t provided the master’s favorite meal for a special occasion had been fired and kicked out onto the streets.
As much as Anne disliked living in the Drummond household, it was preferable to the gutter. And if she went to another household, there was no guarantee she could secure enough funds to begin a new life. “Yes, but this man has the most honest scales and the freshest fish. Since I am unable to buy from him, I have no choice but to ask you. Surely you would not miss two pounds,” she pressed.
The corners of his mouth lifted, and his green eyes twinkled. “Ah, but I would. Have you considered oysters as a substitute?”
Anne pursed her lips. Master Drummond hated oysters. “No, it must be shrimp. Please, I have a very important meal—”
It was his turn to interrupt. “I, too, have an important meal, for which I need the entire barrel.”
No doubt trying to impress some girl and her family. “I have enough coin. How much would it take?” she asked briskly.
He paused for a moment, still considering her. She shifted uncomfortably beneath his gaze but refused to back down. The crowd surrounding them thinned, evidence that time was wasting. Her eyes begged him to comply.
“Perhaps I’ve been too hasty. We could discuss the price,” he said, reaching boldly for her arm.
An image of the butcher flashed before her eyes, but this time there was no table to separate her from her attacker. Jerking free of his hold, Anne brought the pail forward, hitting the sailor soundly between the legs. He dropped to his knees, the breath escaping his lungs with a pained “Ooof,” his eyes no longer twinkling.
“Keep your hands to yourself, you filthy sea rat! Even if you were to offer me the full barrel, I wouldn’t go anywhere with the likes of you!”
For the second time that morning, Anne rushed away from an unwelcome advance, cursing softly beneath her breath. She felt the sailor’s eyes following her, burning a hole into the back of her head, but she didn’t turn around. He was in no condition to give chase, at least not now.
Hurrying from the docks, she reached once again for her mother’s pocket watch. A shiver ran down her spine and she sent up a silent prayer, asking that Master Drummond’s heart would be softened and that she wouldn’t find herself on the receiving end of his fury.
Anne also prayed that her path would not cross again with that of the sailor’s, for if it did, she knew with certainty that she would not leave the encounter unscathed.
Product details
- ASIN : B00Z7C1HGC
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (February 9, 2016)
- Publication date : February 9, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 1226 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Not Enabled
- Print length : 385 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,612,323 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Nicole was lucky enough to come with her very own best friend...she has a twin sister who can read her mind and finish her sentences for her.
At the age of 13, she went to Europe for the first time and it changed her life. She loves learning about different people, languages and cultures and speaks fluent German. She knows enough Spanish to get herself into trouble and can still read the Cyrillic alphabet from when she studied Russian.
She received her B.A. from Brigham Young University and has lived in Germany, Austria and two different places called Georgia. One is located on the Black Sea. The other is the state of Georgia where she now lives with her handsome husband and two beautiful children who continue to amaze her.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They praise the well-developed characters and the historical setting. The writing style is described as well-crafted and captivating. Overall, readers praise the fast-paced storyline and find it a delightful read for any age.
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Customers enjoyed the book. They found it a clean, engaging read for any age. The characters were well-developed and the writing style was smooth. Overall, readers described it as a fantastic debut that left them wanting more.
"A fantastic debut that will leave you wanting more! This book is brilliant!..." Read more
"...This one was good, but the story itself was a little lacking for me. But again I will say the characters more than make up for it!..." Read more
"Loved it!..." Read more
"...The romance is also one of my ALL TIME favorites. It was perfect in every way...." Read more
Customers enjoy the engaging storyline with its history, romance, and intrigue. They find it a sweet, suspenseful read that explores the journey instead of the destination. The book has interesting insights into the 1700s in England and offers surprises.
"...This book has a subtle charm that explores the journey instead of the destination (swashbuckling pirates), so if you're a reader who prefers..." Read more
"...Blackhearts is not one of those, either. I LOVED the slow, sweet way these two fell in love and I couldn't wait to read more...." Read more
"...well-researched, gorgeous must-must-must read that weaves together fact with fiction to bring to life many of the missing pieces from one of history..." Read more
"Blackhearts is an unstoppable story full of history, romance, and intrigue...." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the story engaging and appreciate the compassionate characters. The book is described as a historical fantasy novel based on a historical figure.
"...the fact that he may have a temper, Teach is the kind of compassionate character who sweeps you off his feet, not with what he says, but what he..." Read more
"...a "slow burn." It's a wonderful journey with some of the best characters I've read in a while." Read more
"...I don't like swoony romances - this is not one. Anne is such a smart character; I loved that she didn't fall head-over-heels in love and act like a..." Read more
"...The plot may move slow, but the character development is truly spot on...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the book well-written with surprises and a captivating story. The plot is well-thought-out and the author's storytelling is clever and inventive. The characters are lively and the writing is engaging.
"...I loved this girl! She is the perfect match for Teach. She's witty, educated, has a hard time not speaking her mind..." Read more
"4.5 stars Plot: Blackhearts is a beautiful novel that explores two characters desperate to escape their societal limitations...." Read more
"...It is a beautifully written, remarkably well-researched, gorgeous must-must-must read that weaves together fact with fiction to bring to life many..." Read more
"...This is Nicole Castroman’s debut novel and her writing style is genius. The story is told from the 3rd person limited POV...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced, with well-developed characters and plot.
"...Blackhearts is not one of those, either. I LOVED the slow, sweet way these two fell in love and I couldn't wait to read more...." Read more
"...It wasn’t a direct hate to love, it was a nice slower paced kind. And I think that’s what makes it more heartwarming...." Read more
"This was a quick and sweet story. Definitely not the pirate adventure I half expected, but still filled with its own style of twists and turns...." Read more
"Fast paced, wells developed characters, plot. I can't wait for the next book." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2016A fantastic debut that will leave you wanting more! This book is brilliant! I absolutely love what Castroman did with the story of one of the most dreaded, if not the most dreaded pirate in history, Blackbeard. I never would have thought I could have fallen in the love with this pirate, but what Castroman does with his story is amazing. Very little is known about him, and I love that not only do we get a back story on him, we get a character to know, and love, and see the beginning of what made him turn into the feared pirate he became.
I might have a thing for pirates, and Castroman just upped that to a whole new level with Teach's story. Teach is a character whom I couldn't help but falling for. Despite the fact that he may have a temper, Teach is the kind of compassionate character who sweeps you off his feet, not with what he says, but what he does for those he cares about. Trust me, there's nothing he wouldn't do for those who cares for. Not to mention he doesn't stand for innocent people getting hurt, which I found fascinating, and greatly admired about him. He's a character who naturally commands attention when he's in a scene. To be honest, there's no way you could pretend he wasn't there, and trust me, he uses this to advantage a time or two. He's also someone who's easy to sympathize with. He comes from high society through his family's name, yet he wants nothing to do with the title he was born into and the money his father has. He's a character who feels trapped by the responsibilities that come from that. I greatly admired his wanting to be free to do what he wanted to do, and that was sailing the seas.
To equally match him is the book's main character, Anne. I loved this girl! She is the perfect match for Teach. She's witty, educated, has a hard time not speaking her mind (something frowned upon in high society), and can take care of herself. She grew up having a good life, but after something happens (which I won't spoil here), she now finds herself a servant/staff member in Teach's father's home. I admired Anne's strength. She has nothing left to lose, and yet this girl continues to keep going, and won't give up on her dream to sail away from England. At the moment, she's doing all she can to make the dream a possibility. One of the things she and Teach have in common, is the need for escape from the life they're both stuck in. Like Teach, she's something who's trapped by the standards of society because of her birthright.
The chemistry between Teach and Anne is awesome! I knew from the moment these two met that I was in for one heck of a battle of wills, and I couldn't wait to see which one would cave first. With these two stubborn characters, I knew the sparks were going to fly. Did they ever! These two couldn't have been more perfect for each other. It was highly entertaining watching these two fall for each other. It was definitely not a love at first site, though there was something there. Their first meeting was definitely unforgettable *snickers* What transpired shortly after that first encounter was simply awesome, and slowly grew into something so much more. I love that they had a lot of similarities and understood each other, and their need to follow their passion. It's one of the things that drew them closer together. I love that they confided in each other, and learned to trust one another. My one of my favorite scenes between these two revolved around a book! *sigh*
This debut swept me off my feet! I loved this book! I seriously hope there is a sequel, because with the way this book ended, I need to read it now. haha. Seriously though, that ending is begging for a sequel, and I REALLY hope that happens, because I am not ready to be done with Teach and Anne's story. There's so much more to be told, and I can not wait to read it. I highly recommend picking up this book! I am looking forward to reading many more of Nicole's books.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 20174.5 stars
Plot: Blackhearts is a beautiful novel that explores two characters desperate to escape their societal limitations. I've seen complaint that this book doesn't feature any pirates despite being about Blackbeard and that it was a slower paced read, but that's what made this book so endearing to me. This book has a subtle charm that explores the journey instead of the destination (swashbuckling pirates), so if you're a reader who prefers character growth and exploration over high-speed action - this one is for you. I'm so happy to hear that the publisher green-lighted a sequel because while it is an origin story, I do think there is much much more to this story than what Blackhearts has given us.
Characters: Blackhearts' soul is within the characters that Castroman introduces. I immediately fell in love with the fiery Anne - the daughter of an English merchant and West Indes slave - who is forced to accept her lower status based solely on her skin tone. I connected with her because she was a young woman trying to survive in an environment that made it obvious that she didn't belong. I read Castroman's author note about Anne and I loved how she used her family's experience to help craft Anne's turmoil of finding a place that felt like her own. If you couldn't tell, I really loved Anne, this is why representation matters people! Our dashing Blackbeard, or Teach, took some time for me to warm up to because he was just so forward. While this is Teach's story, I found this to be Anne's story more than anything, but I'm excited to see more of Teach's transformation into Blackbeard in Blacksouls.
Worldbuilding: In the author's note, Castroman remarked that she enjoys history and it truly showed in how she sculpted this world. I felt right at home in the posh setting of Teach's home and I could vividly picture the crowded markets and unsavory docks. Not only that, but she made a point to highlight race relations in England and how these mixed-race offspring were treated. I really respect Nicole Castroman for the amount of detail she put into not only her world but in the interactions between characters and their thought process. Everything felt respectful and deliberate.
Short N Sweet: Blackhearts can only be described as a "slow burn." It's a wonderful journey with some of the best characters I've read in a while.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2016Could. Not. Put. This. Down.
I started BLACKHEARTS yesterday, but I had to work (gah! - but I'm a LIBRARIAN! Can't I read while I work? Pretty please?) I snuck it in my purse and read a few chapters whenever I thought I could get away with it. Which is why I'm not "sharing" this on Facebook. Too many work acquaintances. ;)
Now, I'm not a huge fan of romance. My boss teases me every day that I should write historical romances and I hiss at her. But Anne and Teach had me HOOKED. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't watch Mission Impossible with the rest of the fam. I don't like swoony romances - this is not one. Anne is such a smart character; I loved that she didn't fall head-over-heels in love and act like a love-sick ninny. I also don't like quicky romances, you know - met you today, in bed an hour later = true love. Blackhearts is not one of those, either. I LOVED the slow, sweet way these two fell in love and I couldn't wait to read more.
I really, really, REALLY hope there is a sequel!
Top reviews from other countries
- SofieReviewed in Canada on July 10, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars
I was very surprised but how much I enjoyed this book! I thought I'd find it to be average but it's actually a great story. This isn't a pirate tale YET, but it sure seems like the sequel will be!
This is historical fiction and revolves around Blackbeard back when he was a young man, and the girl he grows to love, Anne. Blackbeard's name (nickname) is "Teach" which I still think is stupid but perhaps that truly was his nickname in real life? Not sure. Weird name aside, Teach and Anne are wonderfully flawed, brave, passionate characters. This is a much heavier book than I excepted: poverty, the risks of pre-marital sex, and the dangers of rape are not glossed over in this book. I think isn't appropriate for a younger audience.
This book does move slowly at times but when it gets going, it's simply unputdownable. Teach lives for life on the seas, his father lives for money and reputation, and Anne lives for freedom and opportunity. This isn't an easygoing love story and I can't wait to see what happens to Teach and Anne next! I will definitely be buying the next book!
- Gwendolyn S. SargeantReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favourite books of all time!
I absolutely love this book and look forward to the 2nd part of this book. I hated to see this end and yesterday and today I tried to make it last but I couldn't I had to finish it. I loved the two characters Edward (Teach) and Anne. Both extremely strong characters and strong minded. They know what they want in life. Unfortunately Anne had such a hard life and Edward in a loveless relationship. Both Anne and Edward are thrown together rather comically at the start and that's where their relationship starts to build. It is the perfect love story in my book and I find myself imagining myself as Anne and having such feelings for Teach. I can't wait to see what Ms Castroman has in store for Anne and Edward and it has peaked my interest in the historical Blackbeard.
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Amazon KundeReviewed in Germany on March 4, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Toller Jugendroman!
Ich hab BLACKHEARTS durch und fand's wirklich toll!
Es ist cool, wie immer zwischen den Charakteren hin und her geschwenkt wird. Die Heimatsgefühle und Heimatssehnsüchte sind authentisch dargestellt und konnte ich gut nachempfinden!
Zu den wenigen Infos, die es über Blackbeards Leben vor seiner Zeit als Pirat gibt, ist es gut recherchiert.
Mini-Kritik: der Anfang ist eher klassisch aufgebaut und kennt man von anderen (Jugend-)Romanen - etwas zu absehbar nach meinem Geschmack. Ab Mitte des Buches sorgen aber immer wieder unerwartete Handlungen und Geschehnisse für Spannung und machen die Geschichte einzigartig.
Vor allem das Ende hat mir gut gefallen - kein typisches romantisches Happy End und lädt ein sich die Geschichte selbst weiterzudenken.
Im Englischen super lesbar - auch für Leute, die nicht regelmäßig englische Litertur lesen.
Also: I LIKE, I LIKE, I LIKE!!!!
- a. lloyd spantonReviewed in Canada on May 31, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Pre-Pirate Read, Can't Wait for More
I’ve been obsessed with the show Black Sails for some time now. As the third season ended I felt a giant pirate void, so it was perfect timing when I picked up Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman. A little bit of pirate, a little bit of love, and a whole lot of adventure. That’s exactly what I needed to satisfy my sea legs.
This didn’t turn out to be quite what I was expecting; there was definitely far more romance than swashbuckling adventures. That isn’t to say it was bad, I actually quite liked the romance here – it was done in such a way that it didn’t define everything, even though that’s ultimately the only progression, and it certainly wasn’t instalove, which would have really discredited the characters and the story. It was actually quite a dreamy and romantic tale when you weave in notions of pirates and the difference in status among the two characters Anne and Edward Teach Drummond.
Of course I loved Anne. She was high spirited and always forgetting her place, never able to hold her tongue, which was the perfect match for Teach. The two of them had such an electric spark from the very start, but the trust and respect and admiration for each other definitely took its time to grow and mature. I enjoyed watching it blossom.
The backstory about Anne’s father and her proper place in society added another level of interest and another layer of character to her. And how this briefly saved and then derailed her plans was a nice little twist to things. All these smaller points came together to build this interesting story.
There were also some subtle moments that really focused on slavery and how people reacted to how different Anne was, even when she was in a lady’s position. It was an important addition for the time and for the story and spoke wildly to Teach’s character, who wasn’t at all phased by this, and to the character of others in their lives.
Like most first books in a series, a lot of this set things up for exciting adventure to come. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t even set to the seas at all in this book, but I can’t wait to see how these two fair on the high seas and will happily pick up the next book as soon as I possibly can
Originally posted on citygirlscapes.com