The landlubber Emme has become a good sailor.¹ Oathbound to deliver the King to his death, she battles conflicting emotions. Does she save herself or sacrifice herself to save another? Can she survive a pirate’s dangerous life? Current themes of freedom, sacrifice, and revenge flow through the briny depths of Silver Bounty by Victoria McCombs. Book 2 of The Royal Rose Chronicles expands this fantasy pirate world, whose already solid characters grow more complex on new voyages. Old relationships are strained and new mates come aboard, bringing secrets and betrayal onto slippery decks.

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

Discern: Pirate-typical violence, death, some dealings with magic.