It’s dangerous to be a pirate.

The seas have become more threatening than ever, with enemies closing in on all sides. War isn’t just brewing—it’s here, knocking on their doorsteps, threatening to devour them all. And just as she was warned, Emme might have been the one to create the chaos.

In her desperate attempt to keep the fight away, Emme hatches a plan that involves trapping the only one who can put an end to the battles. But as plans go awry, she discovers she’s not the only one scheming. Eventually she’ll have to accept that she’s no longer playing a role: She’s a pirate now. A pirate who will do what it takes to save her crew, even if it means oathbinding herself one final time.

Book 3 of The Royal Rose Chronicles series.

Emme has learned to love the sea, but has she lost the love that matters?¹ Betrayal is never far on a ship full of pirates. In Savage Bred, the titular ship of Victoria McCombs’s Royal Rose Chronicles begins its final crossing as villains with their own goals converge and scatter the heroes. While taking time for calm waters, McCombs masterfully navigates themes of reconciliation, redemption, selfishness, and self-sacrifice that sweep characters to their destinations. Savage Bred brings this trilogy to a satisfying close and leaves readers hoping the ship’s remaining crew will find new journeys in the future.

Best for: Young adults and older fans of pirate tales and fantasy.

Discern: Death and violence common to the high seas, mentions of magic and prophecy.