Monday, February 15, 2016

Review: Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21936937-blackhearts
Blackhearts
by Nicole Castroman
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: February 9th 2016
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9781481432696
Genre: Young Adult | Retelling | Historical Fiction
Source: Edelweiss

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything.

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to CuraƧao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?

From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they’re trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...

When I first discovered Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman, I knew I would absolutely HAVE to read the book. I am completely fascinated by anything that has to do with pirates, and even though this was the story about before Blackbeard actually became a pirate, I enjoyed so much! It definitely left me wanting more.

The story is told from alternate points-of-view between the two main characters, Anne and Edward (Blackbeard).  I really liked both of these characters, and I especially enjoyed watching the relationship grow between the two. Anne was very much a strong young lady, and I loved her stubbornness. Edward was not at all what I expected, but the more the story went along, the more I loved him. And I could totally see him growing into Blackbeard as well.

Blackhearts is actually the first retelling that I've read about Blackbeard, and I have to admit, I was definitely intrigued by his story. I even had to visit Wikipedia a few times throughout the novel just to read up on him, and his history was really interesting! Now that we've read the story about before he became a pirate, I'd love to see a story about his pirating adventures.

I loved the setting for the novel. It's definitely one of my favorite time periods to read about. (Pirates!) The details were very well described, and I could see everything perfectly in my mind. I was happy with the ending of this book, but it also left me wanting more. As of the moment, this is a standalone novel, but the ending leaves off in a way where there could definitely be a sequel in the future. I'm hoping to the powers that be that there will be a sequel in the future, but if not, I'm content with the way this ended.

Overall; I really enjoyed Blackhearts! I will definitely be checking out more of Blackbeards retellings in the future! Also I will most definitely be checking out more books by Nicole Castroman in the future. This book was great, and not at all what I expected. Consider adding this to your TBR today!!



4 comments:

  1. I reviewed this book today as well! I enjoyed the time period and I definitely pulled up wikipedia a few times to learn more about Blackbeard...he's a fascinating guy. I would have liked a bit more pirates in this book, but maybe there will be a book two b/c things seem to pick up at the end!?!? *fingers crossed* Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm glad to see you liked this one! I really want to check out a book with pirates, so I'll have to pick this one up.
    Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blackhearts is definitely on my list of books to check out. I haven't really read any re-tellings on pirates yet but i'll add it on my wishlist to buy.

    Great review :)
    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

    ReplyDelete
  4. OOoh nice! Hearing amazing things about this one and I so cannot wait to read it! It's in the TBR mountain, so that's a step in the right direction! Glad to hear you enjoyed it so! Great review!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! :)