“An eye for an eye doesn’t make your vision any better”

What a ride. Growing up on movies like Treasure Planet, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Sinbad, this book felt like a perfect blend of all those adventurous, magical, and daring tales I loved. It transported me entirely—there were so many moments where I could feel the rocking of the ship, smell the salt in the air, and see the endless, mysterious horizon.

At its core, this is Adra’s story. A determined captain shaped by a lifetime of expectations, she’s driven by revenge against her adopted brother Cameron, who stole her father’s prized map to the largest treasure of the seas. Adra has spent the past year on his trail, building a loyal crew and hunting him down. But things take a dark turn when she stumbles upon a string of abandoned ships and discovers something far more sinister than just her brother’s betrayal. With the help of a lone survivor, Adra embarks on a dangerous journey filled with magical curses, lurking sea creatures, and the enigmatic Devourer—a force as alluring as it is terrifying.

I loved how this story didn’t shy away from exploring the burdens of leadership and the complexities of revenge. Adra’s crew—her found family—brings warmth and loyalty, while the Devourer serves as a haunting reminder of what vengeance can cost. There’s something so captivating about the layers of paranormal and magical elements woven into this book, from cursed women to creatures of the deep. It made the story feel textured and alive, much like the sea itself.

The Devourer, in particular, stood out to me. A Calypso-like figure scorned by a pirate lover, she’s a physical embodiment of the destructive path Adra could find herself on. Her presence heightened the stakes and deepened the story’s emotional core, showing that revenge isn’t always as fulfilling as it seems.

This book also has its share of humor, warmth, and even romance, balanced perfectly with the danger and magic. The ending, while not what some might expect, felt absolutely right to me. It better aligns with Adra’s journey and focuses around the larger questions at hand in regards to loyalty, vengeance, sacrifice, and forgiven.

While there are aspects of this book that could be better explored, darker, or given more backstory, like her crew, I was happily along for the ride. If you’re looking for an adventurous, paranormal young adult read that dives deep into the unknown, I highly recommend The Devourer. It’s a thrilling journey from the bottom of the ocean floor to pirate coves and distant lands—and one you won’t forget.

Thank you to @PageStreetYA, @alisonames, and @coloredpagesbt for my copy.