“Magic and sea battles set in a world that gives more than a nod to the Napoleonic wars—entertaining and fun!” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs
Chloe Neill brings her trademark wit and wild sense of adventure to a stunning seafaring fantasy starring a dauntless heroine in a world of magic and treachery.
Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles’ Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte’s fleet. Her ship is small, but she’s fast—in part because of Kit’s magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for.
Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn’t know him or his motives—and she’s dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who’s been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia.
Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall….
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Read an excerpt of The Bright and Breaking Sea HERE → PROLOGUE & CHAPTER 1
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of Chloe Neill. PERIOD. But even I was a little nervous about this book. I loved her Chicagoland Vampires and Heirs of Chicagoland series. I just didn't want to have high expectations and be disappointed if it didn't deliver. But, y'know. I had nothing to worry about. I was a little skeptical, but also intrigued by the premise of the book. An orphan girl works her way up the ranks to be a captain in Queen Charlotte's naval fleet. Kit Brightling is a scrappy, go-getter with a magical affinity for the sea. Yup, there's magic involved. Kit is someone I would love to be friends with. She's smart, a little sarcastic, loves to read, and down for a fistfight. Despite her age, she's a well-rounded character who knows who she is, what she's good at, and just living her best life. Kit gets a job that she can not refuse. Enter Rian Grant, a nobleman with naval experience who underestimates Kit and her abilities from the moment they met. Gradually, he and Kit come to develop an understanding and a partnership. I really appreciate the groundwork it takes for relationships to build. I especially liked the camaraderie and trust that Kit and her crew have for each other.
This book reminded me of this book I once read in middle school. The book was called The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. The two share certain elements that sparked my memory. While TTCoCD was about a young lady from the peerage traveling by ship and becoming part of the crew under a cruel captain, it was the ending that I remembered. After reuniting with her family, Charlotte runs away from home and goes back to live on the ship, minus the cruel captain. Charlotte felt more at home with the crew than with her own family. Anyway, the crews' relationship with one another reminded me of that. And of course, there's plenty of swashbuckling to be had. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how invested I became in the story, but seriously, why was I surprised? It's Chloe Neill, she's the best. Like any good author, her worldbuilding is top-notch and not too over the top. I know nothing of nautical terminology and sailing, but Chloe enough to give us a sense of the ship, but not too much to be technical. Overall, Chloe Neill hit this out of the park. I can't wait to see what the next book will be. Kudos Chloe!
4.5 Stars
About the Author
Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Devil’s Isle, Chicagoland Vampires, and Dark Elite series. She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When not writing, she bakes, knits, pins, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys–her favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)
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