Heather Cullum

I will admit that I'm basing my rating entirely on nostalgia. My mom used to read this story to me as a little girl, so I just remember listening to the stories (she had a few of them that she'd pick from) and envisioning their adventures. I believe that there were illustrations within the book as well, because I remember it looking like an old-timey style.

Regardless, they're memories I cherish.

I read this a couple of years ago now, but I distinctly remember reading this book, really enjoying it, and then it just...cuts off. Whole subplots (or, really, one in particular) are completely dropped. It was so jarring that I ended up mad at the entire book. Mad at the parents, mad at Piper, mad at the band. I really needed a conclusion here.

Am I just remembering wrong? I may need to pick this one up again.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book as a child.

I LOVED this book! I dare say it was even better than the first one!

I want this to be brief, however, so let's just get right into it:

What I loved
- the adventure! So many cool and interesting things happened in this book. It truly felt like a swashbuckling adventure, and I've been longing for that.
- Alosa's inner-search. I love how this book focuses more on her inner monologue, where she doubts herself and grows. I loved the growth that she had, and the bonds that she has with her crew. We definitely see a softer side to her in this novel and I loved that.
- Riden. He is such a good character. I wish we'd had just a tad bit more of him, but he was so interesting. I loved seeing him interact with others onboard the ship. I loved seeing him as a pirate and not this conniving rogue.

Umm, okay, that doesn't seem like much, but let me tell you that those elements encompass the majority of the book.

I mean, just the swashbuckling! We've got mysterious islands, angry pirates, a truly fearsome villain, sirens! There was a LOT of adventure to be had.

I would definitely recommend this book for those who want a fast, light read about adventure.

I thought the language in this book was absolutely beautiful. Reminded me a lot of The Giver, but I liked the main characters, and I liked the main girl's growth.

It's also been a long time since I've read this book, but I would definitely pick it up again.