Dark Shores Book Review

 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the world needs more pirate books. 

I’ve heard about Dark Shores a lot on bookstagram, and ended up buying a copy from a library sale, but ended up listening to the audiobook instead. (I really liked the narrators) 

The Blurb

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A SAILOR WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences. 

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world. 

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

My Thoughts 

The worldbuilding was really fun with this one. Roman Empire meets fantasy, with a magic system that worked well but wasn’t overbearing. 

The characters were great. Marcus now has a seat on my book boyfriend list. You know I can’t resist an antihero. He spends the book doing good things for bad reasons and bad things for good reasons, and I LOVE the inner turmoil. 

Teriana is actually pretty likeable for a YA heroine. I appreciated that she’s actually the weak link in her crew, and not unbelievably strong and capable, but not annoyingly so. She’s determined, sassy, and cares deeply about her crew and friends. 

The legion soldiers were great too. You gotta love the dry sense of humor and banter that comes from nineteen year old warriors who have never lost a fight. The ego is strong. 

Content wise I’d give it a PG-13 rating. There’s one fade to black scene and some mild innuendo, but quite a bit of strong language throughout.