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sumayyaha's review against another edition
2.0
Rating - 2 Stars
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I did not like anything about this book! The only reason I gave it two stars was because it satisfied my need to know what happened next. The characters were extremely unlikable in this book! The main girl was naive and brattish, the author really failed to make her a strong character like she seemed to be trying to. Her second love interest was too greedy when it felt like he should be regretful of his past actions. The main boy was only slightly annoying. I just couldn't stand most parts of this book.
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I did not like anything about this book! The only reason I gave it two stars was because it satisfied my need to know what happened next. The characters were extremely unlikable in this book! The main girl was naive and brattish, the author really failed to make her a strong character like she seemed to be trying to. Her second love interest was too greedy when it felt like he should be regretful of his past actions. The main boy was only slightly annoying. I just couldn't stand most parts of this book.
bookph1le's review against another edition
3.0
In general, I like this series. I like that Cleo and Alex don't always get along. I like that Cleo is frustrated and feels her ambitions are being thwarted because she's a girl. I like that she's feisty and has a mind of her own and won't sit down and be meek and gentle.
But I really, really don't like the whole subplot with Luther. Across the two books, their relationship is extremely problematic. He's grossly possessive of her, and since she's a character who exemplifies so much agency, it bothers me that there's a romantic thread between her and one of the very characters who wants to deny her agency. Their relationship plays too much into the "misunderstood bad boy" trope, and it's a trope that needs to die because it's horrifically unhealthy for girls. Yes, Luther expresses a wish to change and says he's remorseful, but I don't feel there's enough evidence of that. When Cleo isn't sure if she wants to kiss him, he basically throws a fit and is petulant toward her. Not to mention the fact that Cleo is a twelve-year-old girl.
That doesn't mean I don't think kids should be given this book. If anything, this makes for a valuable springboard for discussions about healthy relationships. However, the big caveat is that those discussions do need to happen, because if kids read books like this without context, they're getting the implicit message that it's okay for people who supposedly love one another to treat each other this way, and that's definitely NOT okay.
But I really, really don't like the whole subplot with Luther. Across the two books, their relationship is extremely problematic. He's grossly possessive of her, and since she's a character who exemplifies so much agency, it bothers me that there's a romantic thread between her and one of the very characters who wants to deny her agency. Their relationship plays too much into the "misunderstood bad boy" trope, and it's a trope that needs to die because it's horrifically unhealthy for girls. Yes, Luther expresses a wish to change and says he's remorseful, but I don't feel there's enough evidence of that. When Cleo isn't sure if she wants to kiss him, he basically throws a fit and is petulant toward her. Not to mention the fact that Cleo is a twelve-year-old girl.
That doesn't mean I don't think kids should be given this book. If anything, this makes for a valuable springboard for discussions about healthy relationships. However, the big caveat is that those discussions do need to happen, because if kids read books like this without context, they're getting the implicit message that it's okay for people who supposedly love one another to treat each other this way, and that's definitely NOT okay.
hobbitfreddie's review against another edition
5.0
A very enjoyable book, pretty on par with the prequel, however with a flew flaws. These flaws do not undermine the enjoyment too much though. I do wish it was longer.
Art: I liked the art a little more in this one. Theres some really brililant panel composition. There's some panels that I really liked. All in all a great use of the medium imo.
Character: Some of the characters I didn't care for, actually grew on me, albeit they should have gotten a little more time for their arcs but it ended up working. There's some conflict between the mcs, showing no family is perfect. I do wish Cleo/Pat's gender stuff was expanded on. The prequel and a bit of this book seemed to set up their character as being genderqueer. However this was largely ignored, sadly for me, the trans boy dying for representation lol.
Story: This book was easily more enjoyable than the prequel. I already loved the setting and cast. It's a large improvement, characters have arcs, theres some redemption. Albeit rushed for the one in question. There's some drama, albeit a little rushed. I think the gender was handled pretty well, but again I wish it was more Pat expressing their genderqueer identity. However there are some more flaws. The romance is a little forced and could have used some more dev. A little extra time for the story would also be nice, as it feels a tad bit rushed but it never affected by overall enjoyment.
All in all I loved this series and it makes me want to check out more historical fiction comics.
Art: I liked the art a little more in this one. Theres some really brililant panel composition. There's some panels that I really liked. All in all a great use of the medium imo.
Character: Some of the characters I didn't care for, actually grew on me, albeit they should have gotten a little more time for their arcs but it ended up working. There's some conflict between the mcs, showing no family is perfect. I do wish Cleo/Pat's gender stuff was expanded on. The prequel and a bit of this book seemed to set up their character as being genderqueer. However this was largely ignored, sadly for me, the trans boy dying for representation lol.
Story: This book was easily more enjoyable than the prequel. I already loved the setting and cast. It's a large improvement, characters have arcs, theres some redemption. Albeit rushed for the one in question. There's some drama, albeit a little rushed. I think the gender was handled pretty well, but again I wish it was more Pat expressing their genderqueer identity. However there are some more flaws. The romance is a little forced and could have used some more dev. A little extra time for the story would also be nice, as it feels a tad bit rushed but it never affected by overall enjoyment.
All in all I loved this series and it makes me want to check out more historical fiction comics.
lbarsk's review against another edition
4.0
That was also a really fun read! Though frustrating that Cleo’s storyline had to have romantic elements. If the whole point is that we shouldn’t be boxing her into 1800’s stereotypical lady roles... shouldn’t that extend into her relationships? OR, if you’re that keen on giving a 13 year old girl some kind of romance, give her twin brother one too? Idk. That just felt unnecessary.
ohnoohkei's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bluestjuice's review against another edition
3.0
Once again, we've found the place where I heard a juvenile fiction book was good, suggested it to Nell, then she read it and liked it well enough she suggested it back to me. I realized belatedly that this is a sequel (yikes!) and I read it out of order anyway (double-yikes!) but despite missing the first installment of the series I was able to quickly make sense out of the characters and their dynamics and dive into the rollicking pirate adventure tale on the high seas. The protagonists are a pair of not-quite-thirteen-year-old twins who apparently are used to the rough company, although not piracy as such, and their relationship takes a prominent stage with strong support from other adult and teenage characters of importance to them. Naturally there is a bit of a mystery, something of a quest, and some peril, but suitably to the age range none of it is utterly dire and mostly serves as an opportunity for the kids to use their quick thinking and skills to solve problems and overcome obstacles. The twins get to explore some of their gender constraints, there is a pleasantly representative assortment of races portrayed in both major and minor, good and bad roles. Solid stuff all around, a pleasure to read.
(Yes I've requested the first installation.)
(Yes I've requested the first installation.)
maryehavens's review against another edition
4.0
Another seafaring adventure has in this series and I hope there are many more (although, like Juliette said, they found the treasure so....). I was surprised that Cleo went with Worley - why trust him at all? The kids also seem much older than 12.
Great series!
Great series!
basilbasil's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the new tensions and the new direction that this book took, and even though things were resolved at the end I still felt like there was room for it to continue.